For anime enthusiasts, few things compare to the joy of seeing beloved characters transcend screens and materialize as exquisitely crafted collectible figures. However, this cherished experience recently faced disruption when Myethos, a prominent Chinese figure manufacturer, became the victim of a shocking arson attack—an incident that has sent ripples through the thriving anime merchandise industry.
The Rise of "Merch Economy" and Figure Manufacturing Boom
In recent years, the concept of "merch economy" has gained significant traction, with the formidable purchasing power of anime fans and the economic stimulus provided by anime intellectual properties (IPs) receiving widespread recognition. An increasing number of game developers are collaborating with physical goods brands and expanding merchandise sales to maximize IP value.
The industry standard involves partnering with established figure manufacturers for official merchandise production. China has seen the emergence of several large-scale figure producers, with game companies typically contracting multiple manufacturers simultaneously to ensure supply chain stability.
APEX-TOYS, a Shanghai-based figure manufacturer invested in by miHoYo, has grown into an industry leader over years of development, even earning recognition from state media. The rise of such companies has significantly contributed to the anime merchandise sector's expansion.
Deliberate Arson Strikes Myethos Factory
On January 27, Myethos announced through official channels that its manufacturing facility had been deliberately set ablaze on January 23 by a temporary worker dispatched through a labor contracting company. While no casualties occurred, the fire destroyed portions of inventory scheduled for February shipments.
Surveillance footage confirmed the arson was premeditated. Authorities have taken over the investigation, though motives remain unclear.
Impacted Products and Myethos' Market Position
The incident has delayed several highly anticipated figures, including "Honkai: Star Rail's" Ruan Mei - Mirror Reflection Version, "Arknights'" W CanNot Wait Version and Texas the Omertosa - Legacy Version, along with "Azur Lane's" Helena - Dazzling Ripples.
Founded in 2013, Myethos has established itself as a premium manufacturer specializing in character-accurate figures. The company's portfolio includes collaborations with major titles like "Onmyoji," "Naraka: Bladepoint," "Honor of Kings," and "League of Legends," earning industry respect for its craftsmanship and IP fidelity.
Industry Reckoning Over Security and Labor Practices
The malicious nature of the attack has prompted industry-wide reflection about production facility security and temporary worker management. While physical damages were contained, the operational disruption presents significant challenges for Myethos' recovery timeline.
The incident highlights potential vulnerabilities in labor contractor vetting processes and worker screening procedures—issues requiring immediate attention across manufacturing partners. Industry observers emphasize that as anime merchandise gains mainstream economic importance, robust security protocols and responsible labor practices must evolve correspondingly.
As authorities pursue legal action against the perpetrator, the anime community watches closely, hoping for Myethos' swift recovery and the continued safe production of collectibles that bridge fictional worlds with physical reality.