Our Head of Global Business Development and avid toy enthusiast, Rodney Ramlochan, continues his ongoing series on the action figure community, highlighting key manufacturers, retailers, and YouTube podcasters. Ramlochan had the opportunity to meet Patrick Wang, the creator of Zoo Jitsu Fighters, at NY Comicon 2024.
Patrick Wang: The Man Behind the Zoo Jitsu Fighters
A Journey from Toys to the Mat
Patrick Wang, a name synonymous with the toy and collectible industry, has carved a unique niche for himself with his latest venture: Zoo Jitsu Fighters. This innovative line of action figures features anthropomorphic animals engaged in the martial art of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu. But Wang’s journey to this point has been marked by passion, perseverance, and a love for both pop culture and the martial arts.
From Retail to Manufacturing
Wang’s involvement in the toy industry began in 1999 as a retailer. His passion for pop culture and his keen business sense led him to establish Icon Heroes, LLC, in 2008. This manufacturing company has since secured a wide range of licenses, including iconic franchises like ThunderCats, Masters of the Universe, DC Comics, and Harry Potter.
A Martial Artist’s Vision
While Wang’s professional life has been centered around pop culture, his personal passion lies in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu. A 2nd degree black belt under the renowned Mendes Brothers, Wang has dedicated countless hours to training and competing in the martial art. This passion, coupled with his love for pop culture, led him to envision a unique concept: animals practicing Jiu Jitsu.
The Birth of Zoo Jitsu Fighters
The idea of anthropomorphic animals engaging in martial arts was a novel one. Wang enlisted the talented team at Four Horsemen Studios, longtime friends and collaborators, to bring his vision to life. With their expertise, the Zoo Jitsu Fighters were born, featuring meticulously sculpted animals in authentic Jiu Jitsu gis, ready to grapple and submit.
Expanding the Universe
The response to Zoo Jitsu Fighters has been overwhelming. To further immerse fans in this captivating world, Wang launched a Kickstarter campaign to create a comic book series. The campaign was a resounding success, and early copies of the comic sold out within 1.5 days at New York Comic Con. The accompanying action figures also met with similar demand, selling out in just 2.5 days.
With the initial success of the line, Wang has exciting plans for the future. Additional comic books, action figures, and even a plush line are in the works, expanding the Zoo Jitsu Fighters universe.
Patrick Wang’s journey from toy retailer to the creator of Zoo Jitsu Fighters is a testament to his passion, creativity, and entrepreneurial spirit. His ability to combine his love for martial arts with his industry expertise has resulted in a truly unique and captivating line of collectibles that has resonated with fans around the world.
