Toy Soldiers
Army of Toy Soldiers
"We are the Army of Toy Soldiers — and we fight for fun!"
History
The Army of Toy Soldiers was founded by fans and followers of Dr. Phineas Waldolf Steel (aka Dr. Steel) in the early 2000s. Initially, they served as the promotional and creative arm of Dr. Steel’s vision of a Utopian Playland, a world where creativity, imagination, and individuality reign supreme.
Even after Dr. Steel’s retirement in 2011, the Toy Soldiers continued independently, evolving into a fully autonomous organization dedicated to the original ideals: spreading joy, imagination, and playful rebellion.
Today, the Toy Soldiers are an international group of artists, dreamers, gamers, makers, and thinkers, united by a simple mission — make the world a more whimsical, fun, and creative place.
Identity and Structure
The Army of Toy Soldiers is a decentralized, open community. Anyone with a love for creativity and a commitment to fun can join.
Members often dress in pseudo-military regalia with bright yellow-and-black themes — not to wage war, but to wage creative propaganda and spread positive messages.
The structure is playful but includes "divisions" based on interests such as:
- Art Division (painters, designers, illustrators)
- Tech Division (builders, coders, inventors)
- Media Division (writers, filmmakers, content creators)
- Gaming Division (gamers, RPG fans, game designers)
Ranks, titles, and operations are meant to foster camaraderie and engagement — not rigid authority.
Philosophy and Core Values
The Army of Toy Soldiers stands for:
- **Creativity:** Express yourself through art, writing, invention, and imagination.
- **Fun as Revolution:** A joyful life is a revolutionary act against conformity and cynicism.
- **Community:** Build strong, inclusive communities based on mutual respect and play.
- **Nonviolence:** All missions are peaceful; the "battle" is for minds and hearts through positivity.
Their unofficial motto: > "Building a Utopian Playland, one mind at a time."
Common Activities
- Organizing public "Missions" — acts of guerrilla art, charity drives, flash mobs, and creative gatherings.
- Participating in conventions, art shows, and gaming events.
- Publishing propaganda (posters, videos, zines, etc.) promoting creativity and individuality.
- Supporting other Toy Soldiers in creative endeavors and community projects.
Uniform and Symbolism
Toy Soldiers often wear:
- Yellow-and-black uniforms (customized creatively)
- Toy Soldier armbands and patches
- Goggles, military caps, lab coats, or cyberpunk accessories
The gear symbolizes both individuality and belonging — a reminder that even in uniformity, creativity thrives.
The symbol of the Army is typically a stylized gear or toy soldier figure, representing industry, imagination, and playful rebellion.
Legacy
While the original Dr. Steel figure has stepped back, the Army of Toy Soldiers continues to thrive, adapting to the modern age with online communities, multimedia art projects, and real-world meetups. It remains a shining example of how fandom can evolve into a self-sustaining culture of creativity and positivity.
"Arm yourself... with imagination!"