Annex 2179 x The Worst
CONCEPT: How independent creative worlds can intersect authentically, preserving the integrity of each while creating something new.
Annex2179 is an original action figure universe created by artist Kit Lau, highly regarded within niche collector communities for his meticulously detailed and articulate figures. I initiated a direct collaboration with Kit to develop a concept that respected his world while meaningfully integrating Super7’s original IP, The Worst.
Together, we conceptualized an updated Cortex Commander and his army. These figures were designed as narrative extensions of the Annex2179 and The Worst universes rather than simple reinterpretations. The packaging became a key storytelling device that built on Kit’s already existing system: each figure was housed in a custom case and sleeve that, when placed side by side, revealed a complete illustration.
Beyond the figures, the concept extended into a proposed capsule collection, allowing the collaboration to live across product categories while maintaining a cohesive narrative identity.
CONCLUSION: This project reflects how I approach concept-driven collabs: identifying like-minded creators, initiating partnerships, and building systems that prioritize narrative and fan engagement. Even within a niche collectible space, the goal was to create figures that felt authored, intentional, and rooted in mutual respect while sparking joy in those who collect either world.
Entering the Annex World
This illustration by Kit Lau depicts Cortex Commander and his army of cybernetic cerebral soldiers as they arrive through an inter-dimensional portal. A wide composition was intentionally used to complement the packaging.
Intergalactic Domination
When displayed side by side, the packaging creates the full scene.
Mechanized Suits
Shown here are the three figures from the release: Infantry, Cortex Commander, and Flame Infantry. The release used existing figure tooling to reduce costs and production time, but leaned on small updated sculpts (brain apparatus, and chest plate) and paint variations to keep things unique.
Details such as the varying rank symbols on the shoulders, the medals and integrated armor-tie on Cortex Commander, and even the extra black paint on the Flame Infantry to denote use of its weapon were all intentional.
Repurposed Weaponry
These weapons also use the same design thinking: updating existing pieces to better match The Worst characters. This was done by updating the colors and paint details of most of these accessories.
Mind Obliterates Matter
Marketing photos created by Kit Lau and his photography team.
Cortex Infantry Tee
T-shirt designed as part of an unreleased capsule collection for the collaboration.
Cortex Infantry Patch
This unreleased patch and packaging were also designed for the capsule and featured an in-depth lore write-up on the back.
With the entire world in peril, will anything be able to defeat Cortex Commander and his bloodthirsty brain brigade?