When Italian artist Simone Legno and his partners launched Tokidoki in 2005, they created a distinctive pop-culture brand shaped by Legno’s fascination with Japanese culture, kawaii aesthetics, fashion, and imaginative character design. Across Tokidoki’s expanding universe—from Cactus Friends to Donutella—Mermicorno stands out as one of the brand’s most distinctive collectable lines, combining the signature Unicorno aesthetic with an elaborate underwater fantasy theme.
If you are curating a sophisticated shelf of designer toys, Mermicorno deserves a closer look. Its intricate character designs, aquatic motifs, and wide range of finishes give the collection a distinctive presence that goes well beyond the typical impulse-buy appeal of a blind box.
The origin story: Legendary lore meets technical sculpture
According to Tokidoki lore, Mermicornos began when a group of Unicornos followed falling stars toward a sparkling sea. The magical encounter transformed them into enchanting half-Unicorno, half-fish creatures. After following migrating dolphins to the surface, they became the mysterious Mermicornos, said to reappear during lunar eclipses.
That imaginative origin story is reflected directly in the physical designs. Rather than simply adding a mermaid tail to the familiar Unicorno silhouette, Mermicorno releases incorporate aquatic motifs such as fins, shells, sea creatures, transparent elements, metallic details, and iridescent finishes. The result is a character line with a distinctly underwater visual identity.
What makes the designs particularly appealing to collectors is the variety of finishes used across different releases. Depending on the series, Mermicornos can feature transparent or semi-transparent components, metallic accents, glitter, and iridescent surfaces. These details create additional depth and visual interest at a relatively small scale.
Mermicorno vs. Other Tokidoki Lines: Which collection is worth your money?
Navigating the vast ocean of Tokidoki releases can be overwhelming. Here is a direct, opinionated breakdown from a design and display perspective: here is how Mermicorno compares with other Tokidoki lines.
Mermicorno Series: One of Tokidoki’s most distinctive character lines
For many collectors, Mermicorno is one of the most visually distinctive lines in the Tokidoki universe.
- Strengths: Strong visual variety and intricate aquatic detailing. The combination of sea-inspired motifs, glitter details, transparent components, and varied finishes.
- Weaknesses: Higher secondary market prices for early series (Series 1 & 2 chasers) and, as with any older collectable, second-hand Mermicornos should be inspected for loose parts, paint wear and other condition issues.
Collector recommendation: For collectors who favour elaborate fantasy designs and aquatic themes, it can be one of the most eye-catching conversation pieces in a Tokidoki display.
Standard Unicorno Series: the familiar, versatile choice
Because the Unicorno format is so recognisable, some collectors may find certain releases less visually adventurous than the more heavily themed Mermicorno designs.
- Strengths: Massive variety with dozens of waves available. Easy to trade within the community due to high demand.
- Weaknesses: Because the classic Unicorno silhouette is so recognisable, some collectors may find certain releases less visually adventurous than the more heavily themed Mermicorno designs.
Collector recommendation: Pick up a few iconic designs if you like a specific colourway, but skip buying full display cases. Some collectors may find the more heavily themed Mermicorno designs more visually elaborate than certain standard Unicorno releases.
Cactus Friends & Donutella: Best for Bold, Playful Displays
- Strengths: Bold colours, highly recognisable streetwear aesthetic, nostalgic early-2000s energy.
- Weaknesses: Chunky shapes and bright neon palettes. Their bold colours and playful silhouettes may work better in colourful, pop-art-inspired displays than in minimalist interiors.
Collector recommendation: These lines are better suited to collectors who enjoy bold colours, playful silhouettes, and tokidoki’s more whimsical side. For a minimalist or fantasy-focused display, Mermicorno may provide a more cohesive visual theme.
Collector’s field guide: Four essential rules before spending
- Bypass Random Blind Boxes for Specific Chasers: Chaser odds vary from one Tokidoki release to another, so there is no single probability that applies across the entire brand. If you have your heart set on a specific rare character, buying an opened and authenticated figure can be more predictable than repeatedly purchasing sealed boxes and hoping for the right pull.
- Inspect Seams and Fin Junctions: When buying second-hand Mermicornos, closely inspect seams, fin and tail connections, painted details, and transparent components. Ask for clear close-up photos of any areas that may show wear or damage.
- Beware of Counterfeits on Unverified Marketplaces: When buying on the secondary market, compare the figure with official product photography and inspect paint quality, logos, sculpt details, packaging and seller reputation. Unusually low prices are another reason to be cautious.
Frequently asked questions
- How tall is a standard Tokidoki Mermicorno figure? Most standard Mermicorno blind-box figures are approximately 2.75 inches (70 mm) tall, although special editions and non-blind-box formats can vary.
- Where can I buy authentic Tokidoki Mermicorno figures? The safest option is to buy directly from Tokidoki’s official store or from established retailers and marketplaces with clear seller histories and return policies.
- How should I clean and maintain vinyl figures? Clear away dust using a soft, dry microfiber cloth or a soft cosmetics brush. For routine dusting, use a soft microfiber cloth or a very soft brush.
- Are older Mermicorno series still available? Earlier Mermicorno series may be harder to find through official retail channels and are often sourced through the secondary market. However, Mermicorno remains an active tokidoki character line, with newer releases such as Mermicorno Series 9 and Magical Tides continuing to appear in the brand’s catalogue.
The final suggestion for your Tokidoki Mermicorno collection
Instead of burning your budget on random blind-box draws in the hope of finding a rare pull, consider collecting with a specific theme or character in mind. Target Mermicorno releases that fit your personal taste—whether you prefer pastel colours, translucent details, metallic finishes, or more elaborate aquatic designs. For collectors building a display rather than simply completing every series, choosing figures based on design and personal appeal can be more rewarding than chasing quantity alone.
Which Tokidoki Mermicorno figure currently holds the centre spot on your display shelf?
