2026

Co-Play 聯萌

brothersfree

Brothersfree 25th ann collectible figures

Back to 25th ann...

ABOUT Brothersfree

繁體中文

Founders
&
Background

William Tsang:

Former concept artist and art director, later focused on sculpture and 3D creation; he was a student of sculptor Chu Tat Shing (Chinese:朱達成). [5][6]

Winson Ma:

Graduated of First Institute of Art and Design, known for combining simian motifs with industrial aesthetics in his creations. [4]

Kenny Wong:

Graduated in commercial art and advertising design; founder of kennyswork and creator of the designer toy "Molly". [3]

Brothersfree (Chinese: 鐵人兄弟) was a pioneering art toy design collective based in Hong Kong. Founded in 2000 and disbanded in 2005, the group's works remain highly regarded and sought after by collectors and toy enthusiasts today. The three founders worked together like the "three musketeers"—Kenny Wong, Winson Ma, and William Tsang—who left careers in commercial art and advertising to create original articulated figures and transform toys into a medium for artistic and cultural expression. [1][2]

Major Works and Design Features

In 2001, the world shattered. Inspired by 9/11 rescue workers, Brothersfree created Brothersworker, a series honoring the firefighters and unsung heroes who united to rebuild amidst the ruins. The story began with eight original characters, including Smart, Tank, and Seven, before growing into a full 12-member lineup with the addition of Bomb, Storm, and Baby. With distinct personalities but no superpowers, these everyday figures use their bare hands and unwavering faith to prop up a broken world. [7][8]

After 2002, other notable series include "Brothersjoker", "Brothersrobber", "Brothersanger", "Ah Gum & Ah Aun", "Minibrothers", and "Minijoker".

The figures are known for their high-quality articulation and robust designs. Early works employed exaggerated African facial features, combining rugged form with intricate detailing and signature weathered paint finishes, which became influential in the Hong Kong art toy scene.

Collaborations and Media

Brothersfree engaged in numerous cross-industry collaborations, working with brands including Levi’s, Nikon, Lipton, and Heineken to produce limited edition toys and art installations. [9][10][11]

Exhibitions and Publications

In 2004, Brothersfree was invited to the Malaysia Comic Carnival and Singapore IdN Conference, publishing the comic anthology "Brothersfree & US".

In 2005, they released the "Brotherslife" 5th anniversary artbook and a documentary DVD. [12]

In 2011, they held a 10th anniversary exhibition at LCX Tsim Sha Tsui, displaying over 50 figures and sculptures, including special tributes to 9/11. [13]

In 2011, the trio held exhibition of Hong Kong Art Toy Story 2024@Jakarta [16]

In 2026, To celebrate Brothersfree's 25th anniversary, they collaborated with zerothree to release the Robberman (brobersrobber 2.0) figure and with Hot Toys to release the Space Worker Baby figure. [17][18]

2011_Brothersfree 10th anniversary exhibition.jpg

Disbandment and Legacy

After disbanding in 2005, each member continued independent artistic pursuits. Brothersfree's iconic works and original spirit have maintained a lasting influence on Hong Kong and Asian designer toy circles. The group reunited for anniversary projects in 2010 and 2020 with special limited editions. [14] In 2018, all three original members reunited for a public panel at the Shanghai International Toy Show, discussing their careers and the evolution of art toys. [15]