Bad Action Figures

Why should only Superheroes and stars of box-office blockbusters reap the benefits of having mini-likenesses of themselves? After years of being obsessed with miniatures, I purchased some Sculpey clay and started sculpting action figures, albeit badly, and telling the stories of some of my favorite people.

All photos in this section by Eric Hauser

Caitlan

CAITLAN Superpowers: Talking to anyone (anyone!); Ability to be zen or zany Nemesis: Boring situations Favorite cloaking shield: Rotating...

Kate & Bill

KATE Superpowers: Extraordinary Haircuts and Colors Weakness: Vintage Knick-knacks Crowning glory: Blonde curls Secret weapon: Hairspray...

Susan

SUSAN Superpowers: Gift wrapping; Antique store bargaining Arch nemesis: Driving in snow Signature stories: Tales of nursing Cloaking...

Valerie & Dugan

VALERIE Superpower: Story-telling Arch nemesis: Gluten Cloaking Ability: She can seemingly grow her hair multiple inches overnight...

Mike & Corrine

MIKE Superpowers: Talking to anyone; Being a dog whisperer Weaknesses: Music documentaries; Texting Superfuel: An artisan beverage...

Alicia & Adrian

ALICIA Superpower: The Kavorka Arch nemesis: Car trouble Cloaking shield: She doesn't need one, she fits in wherever she goes Superfuel:...

Courtney

COURTNEY Superpowers: A killer "mom" glare; Talking people off the ledge Definitive Authority: Manners and Etiquette Weakness: Starbucks;...

Greg & Michael

GREG Superpowers: Film making; Recalling obscure bands from the 1980s Weaknesses: Cake; Dips Superhero/supernatural sidekicks: Lynda...

Jen

Jen & Astro (Self portrait of the artist) Jen Superpowers: Bobbing and weaving through crowds; Klutziness; Naming that song from the 80s...

John

JOHN Superpowers: Making tiki drinks; Helping the blind to see Arch nemeses: Bad drivers; Dehydration Superhero Pal: Gold Dust Woman...