It hard not to smile at this charming series ‘Plastic Head’ by UK-based photographer Ryan O’Donoghue.

The simple close-ups of favorite action heroes from the 70s, 80s, and 90s reveal the hand painted details, and the plastic imperfections that make these toys lovable. Complementary color backgrounds make the plastic characters pop even more.

For some of us, we might even feel a jolt of nostalgia when we see a familiar face, albeit in plastic form.

Can you name all of the characters?

See more of O’Donoghue’s work on his website.

Images © Copyright Ryan O’Donoghue. Used with permission.

Close-up of a blue Batman figure against a yellow background.
Close-up of a red alien figurine with a yellow eye, set against an orange background.
Close-up of a muscular action figure with long hair and sunglasses, set against an orange background.
Close-up of a robot action figure with a shiny silver helmet and detailed armor, set against a purple background.
Close-up of a colorful action figure with orange hair and face paint, featuring a blue costume and red details against an orange background.
A detailed action figure of a male police officer with a partially damaged face, showcasing intricate features and textures, set against a blue background.

The simple close-ups of favorite action heroes from the 70s, 80s, and 90s reveal the hand painted details, and the plastic imperfections that make these toys lovable.

Close-up of a red action figure resembling a ranger, featuring a metallic visor and a black-and-gold dinosaur logo on its chest, set against a bright red background.
Close-up of a vintage action figure with blond hair and a muscular appearance, wearing a metallic armor-like outfit against an orange background.
Close-up of a teal-colored alien action figure with large blue eyes and textured skin against a green background.
Close-up of a colorful action figure with a green head, wearing green sunglasses and a vibrant outfit featuring pink and blue colors, adorned with leaf motifs.
A green dinosaur toy with a friendly expression, wearing a red vest and white sleeves, set against a solid green background.
Close-up of a toy figure wearing a red hat with a logo, featuring blue eyes and a serious expression.
Close-up of a green-faced character wearing a large purple hat and a striped suit, showing a wide grin.


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Author

Ben VanderVeen is the founder and editor of Moss & Fog, one of the web’s longest-running visual culture destinations. Since 2009, he’s been finding and framing the most beautiful, surprising, and thought-provoking work in art, architecture, design, and nature — reaching over 325,000 readers each month. He lives in Portland, Oregon.

1 Comment

  1. JEANNIE TERRY

    I don’t recognize some of these cause I guess I’m too old and raised a daughter, not a son. But I loved looking at these Superheroes.

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