Axolotl (MatMire_Makes)

Review and images by Fembrogon; edited by bmathison1972

With the onset of commercial 3D printing and a growing number of online shops and artist-friendly websites, a new world of hidden treasures and surprises has opened up for collectors and hobbyists. One such surprise I recently encountered was featured on a table at a reptile expo, where the handlers were not only selling the typical real (and rather cute) reptiles, but also a selection of equally cute articulated toys. Three different variants of the shiny multi-jointed herps were on display, and I found myself so taken by these figures I simply had to buy one of each.

The originator of these charming figures is Matt Meyer, a well-experienced character animator whose resume includes prominent feature films such as Zootopia and Hotel Transylvania. In 2022, Meyer started up an independent line of 3D-printed designs through Patreon under the brand name of MatMire_Makes, where supporters can pledge for downloads of the prints or for the license to sell the figures outright. Meyer has created over a dozen creature characters to date, in multiple variations, which come in and out of availability for subscribers.

For this review I’m looking at the first character released under the MatMire_Makes series: the articulated axolotl (Ambystoma mexicanum). Axolotls are quite the remarkable amphibian, and are popular within the pet trade for their charming appearance and relatively easy care. The articulated axolotl measures 17 cm (6.75 in) long, which is in line with the lower end of the size range for sexually mature axolotl specimens; however, I have seen some sellers advertising even larger versions of the design. Personally, I think mine is about the ideal size for handling and playing. Playing should be done carefully, mind you – this figure is obviously even easier to care for than a living specimen, but as a 3D-printed figure the plastic it’s built from may be fragile. Be sure to handle with care and to treat as an adult collectible rather than a child’s plaything.

With 20 years of animator experience under his belt, Matt Meyer knows a thing or two about character appeal and model articulation (physical or digital); his axolotl brings both in spades. The figure isn’t intended to be rigorously life-accurate, but it follows the body plan of the real animal pretty closely overall. The head is large, round, and slightly flattened; three external gills extend from each side. The body is a bit compact, but appropriately smooth and plump. The feet bear the correct number of toes – 4 in front, 5 in back – and the tail makes up about half of the total length, with a substantial caudal fin for swimming. The primary aspect adjusted for aesthetic purposes is the face, which bears a sweet dimpled smile and (slightly) enlarged round eyes. I’ve been told by handlers that axolotls can become quite friendly with their owners, and this figure certainly emphasizes that cute nature! Overall the sculpt feels natural with just enough stylization to enhance the cuteness. An alternate head sculpt also exists, with an open-mouthed smile that risks stretching the cuteness to criminal levels.

There are about 23 points of articulation featured in the figure; although none of the joints can hold their pose, simply fiddling with the figure in hand is a delight with so many joints. Each limb bears three joints, the torso bears two, and the (attachable) head has a large ball-and-socket joint, with most of the rest being in the tail. The figure can actually be pretty noisy to handle, as the plastic and the looseness of the joints makes the figure prone to rattling; nevertheless, the articulation is so smooth that I find the figure incredibly fun to handle when I need to fidget. It’s also not entirely impossible to get the figure to hold a pose, as my photos hopefully illustrate. A little patience and a couple assisting stands can produce some entertaining results.

Being a 3D-printed model, coloration can be very flexible for the figure. My particular copy was printed in silky pink and green plastic filaments (so glossy it’s a pain to photograph), but any number of colors, silky or matte, are possible depending on one’s supplies. One can also choose to paint these figures in more realistic color schemes; Meyer recently published an Amazon page where he lists his recommended supplies for printing and painting. Personally, I like the silky dual colors attractive enough, but the possibilities are wide open for those of differing preferences.

I think it’s great to see how many artists are able to put out their work for the view of the wider world today – the internet does still have its perks! Matt Meyer’s articulated axolotl makes for a very cute collector’s item and shelf decoration, and I look forward to watching more of his creations enter the world. You can follow the MattMire_Makes line through Meyer’s Patreon page, as well as associated links through his main website. Even if you don’t have 3D printing capabilities, you can buy different versions of the figure through a variety of licensed sellers on Etsy and eBay.