Super7 Layoffs: What's Next for the Cult Toy Brand?

Super7 in Crisis: What Layoffs Mean for TMNT, Thundercats & More

If you're a collector or toy fan, you've probably already heard the rumblings: Super7 just laid off a bunch of their artists. While news like this is always concerning, this particular development has bigger implications than just one round of downsizing. This might be the moment we look back on as the beginning of the end—or at least a major transformation—for Super7 as a toy maker.

Let’s break it down: what happened, why it matters, and what this could mean for the future of fan-favorite lines like TMNT, Thundercats, Silverhawks, and more.

So What Actually Happened?

In recent weeks, reports have emerged that Super7 has laid off a significant portion of its creative team—including both in-house designers and long-time freelance collaborators. While there’s no official press release (which frankly fits Super7’s historically opaque communication style), the info has been confirmed by industry insiders and people close to the company.

One of the most notable names affected is Kyle W., who was a pivotal figure behind the much-anticipated 2003 Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles line. According to several accounts, this line wasn’t just another job for him—it was a passion project, something he helped shape from concept through execution. Losing someone that embedded in the line raises serious questions about whether subsequent waves will ever materialize.

But it’s not just TMNT. Other Super7 designers reportedly affected had worked on lines like Thundercats, Sergeant Bananas, Silverhawks, and more. These weren’t one-off hires; these were the artists behind the render magic, the box art, the character sculpts. Whether full-time staff or steady freelancers, their exit marks a major creative brain drain from the company.

It’s not just about losing employees—it’s about losing the people who built the style and identity that collectors associated with Super7. These are the artists who helped elevate niche IPs and gave fans the deep-cut figures they’d been dreaming of for years. Their absence will absolutely be felt in future releases—if there are future releases.

What Caused the Layoffs?

Blame is being tossed in several directions, but one of the clearest culprits appears to be rising tariffs on imported goods, particularly those coming from China, where many Super7 products are manufactured. With new tariff hikes in place and more on the horizon, production costs have ballooned. For a mid-tier collectibles company already working on thin margins, a 20% to 30% increase per unit isn’t just inconvenient—it’s catastrophic.

But here’s the thing: it’s not just tariffs.

Super7 has been skating on thin ice for a while now. Fans and collectors have voiced growing frustration over the years about the company’s high prices, inconsistent product quality, long production timelines, and frequent delays. Combine that with a lack of direct communication about shipping issues, preorders, or even what’s going on behind the scenes, and you have a recipe for diminishing trust.

For many collectors, the shine started to wear off. Faith in the brand took hits with each overpriced figure that didn’t match the promo shots, each wave that arrived six months too late, and each time customer service fell short. If this round of layoffs is any indication, the company was already under serious financial strain—and the tariff spike may have simply been the final push over the edge.

Ultimately, this feels less like a strategic “cut to scale” and more like a fire sa

Is Brian Flynn Still Running the Show?

Rumors are flying that Brian Flynn, Super7’s founder and public face, might not be in charge anymore—or at least not calling the shots like he used to. We haven’t seen any official confirmation, but whispers of a new internal leadership structure are growing louder.

If true, it could explain some of the silence. If there’s a shift in power happening behind the scenes, that might be why the company hasn't said a word publicly about the layoffs. But it also raises a critical question:

Who’s steering the ship? And where are they going?

What Does This Mean for TMNT, Thundercats, and Other Lines?

Let’s be honest—this is what most fans care about. Are we going to see 2003 TMNT Wave 2 with Casey Jones and Shredder? Is the Silverhawks line done? Will those Lunataks from Thundercats ever release?

If the key creative people behind these figures are gone, what’s the likelihood they move forward?

Slim. Or if they do release, the quality and consistency fans expect may take a hit. Collectors are already wondering if they should even bother preordering anymore. Nobody wants another unfinished collection sitting half-complete on their shelf. We’ve all been burned before—Premium DNA flashbacks, anyone?

Why Silence Hurts More Than Anything

The biggest problem right now isn’t even the layoffs. It’s the lack of communication. Super7 has a history of keeping fans in the dark, and that silence only fuels speculation, fear, and consumer hesitation.

If they’re planning to continue operations, the smart move would be to issue a transparent update. Let collectors know what’s going on. Reassure them that preorders will be honored, or explain that certain lines are ending. Anything would be better than nothing.

Because without confidence from fans, it doesn’t matter how many renders are in the pipeline—no one’s buying if they think the company won’t finish the job.

The Real Tragedy: Losing Talent

Beyond business, let’s not forget: actual artists lost their jobs. Talented people who’ve poured years into crafting characters we grew up loving. And action figure design isn’t something you just “pick up.” It’s a rare and complex art form. Losing that kind of expertise doesn’t just affect one company—it weakens the whole creative pipeline of the toy industry.

Let’s hope that folks like Kyle and others land somewhere better. Hasbro, NECA, Mezco, McFarlane—if you’re watching, hire these people.

Can Super7 Survive?

It's hard to say. Best case scenario? They restructure, refocus, and communicate. Maybe they scale back lines and stabilize. Worst case? They quietly fade away, leaving collectors with half-finished teams and unreleased figures locked in digital render purgatory.

Right now, it feels like Super7 is at a crossroads. The next few months will tell us everything. But if we don’t hear from them soon, it might already be too late.

Want more deep dives on the future of toy companies, collectibles, and geek culture? Keep it locked here at Land of Geek Magazine. We don’t just report—we collect, too.

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