Sculptor of paper dreams

Meet Allan Vincent Cruz, an artist who brings anime characters to life through papercraft

- JOHN ROLAND LEGASPI

For kids growing up in the ’90s, days were spent outside, playing with neighborhood friends, and, if lucky, exploring nature. One of the highlights of a fun day was spending time in front of the TV, watching their favorite cartoons or anime.

That’s what Allan Vincent Cruz’s childhood was all about—witnessing heroes fight villains, discovering fantasy worlds, and following underdogs on a quest. Soon enough, these characters emerged from the screens in the form of toys and collectibles. While Allan and his family didn’t have the means to buy such items, it didn’t hinder him from dreaming of owning a collection of cartoon and anime figures. Little did he know that he would one day be crafting them with his own hands and eventually be recognized for it.