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01-18-2023, 01:06 AM | #12571 |
Soldier of Misfortune
Join Date: Apr 2016
Location: Out of direct sunlight
Posts: 4,031
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Quote:
To me, though, that's not a limitation of the format, but Hasbro's approach. If Hasbro wanted, they could find some way to course correct and get good quality 1:18 figures at an affordable price point, even if a few corners need to be cut. Jazwares does it. Mattel does it. Spin Master does it. The fact that Hasbro doesn't even try (and in fact seems to actively spite us by charging $10 for a "basic" 5POA Marvel or Star Wars Retro fig, and lets ReAction charge $18 - $20 for Joe) tells me they just don't want to, and sort of illustrates why a lot of folks think the move to 1:12 was largely a matter of favoritism as much as anything else. More back to topic, when do we expect the next geared-up figure drop? Anything for this weekend? I have a cart in progress and want to know if I should drop the hammer now or wait a few more days. Also, as a side note, the M16 and XM177 are showing up in "NEW Releases and Restocks" now. Apparently they need to be added to that category manually and don't automatically show up there. They also got the Shadow-Ops male bodies back in; they were sold out last night when I checked. The Jungle-Ops also got a stock increase.
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"Wazard" with an "A" Currently trying to sell off a ton of my Joe collection, across all eras, and some other odds and ends. Please take a look! B/S/T B/S/T Feedback My 3D-printed battlefield props and dio accessories thread (mostly on hiatus) Photo albums on Flickr: Battlefield/Diorama/Scenery Accessories Weapons Restoration & mod parts "WHY is HissTank?" Last edited by MagicWazard; 01-18-2023 at 02:35 AM.. |
01-18-2023, 09:13 AM | #12572 |
Crimson Guard
Join Date: Feb 2013
Location: Arkansas
Posts: 3,030
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Quote:
Just take for example the Flint DOTD torso that HHFF used for his Duke custom. The sculpting on that torso IMHO is much better than any of the new Classified figures. Maybe it's a personal preference thing, but I just do not like that block-looking chest joint piece on the Classified figures. I'm also not a fan of the more futuristic armor panel look of some of the figures, which is why I was a late customer for Marauder action figures. I never purchased any of there original figures because I do not like the armored legs and forearms. The current Star Wars TVC figures are proof enough that Hasbro has the ability to produce super-articulate, well-sculpted 4" figures. With certain characters (e.g. Boba Fett), they have done an excellent job of hiding some of the articulation with the sculpts. So, I am really looking forward to Marauder's Ultra figures once they are able to get around to them. In the meantime, bring on the Vietnam KS updates! Jason |
01-18-2023, 11:44 AM | #12573 |
Toastmaster Joe
Join Date: Oct 2011
Location: In the fertile Eurotas valley of Laconia
Posts: 2,026
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Quote:
I agree with the common belief that Hasbro's 1:18 lines basically priced out of the general market due to repeated price increases over the years fueled by increased sophistication and quality, and licensing costs when applicable.
To me, though, that's not a limitation of the format, but Hasbro's approach. If Hasbro wanted, they could find some way to course correct and get good quality 1:18 figures at an affordable price point, even if a few corners need to be cut. Jazwares does it. Mattel does it. Spin Master does it. The fact that Hasbro doesn't even try (and in fact seems to actively spite us by charging $10 for a "basic" 5POA Marvel or Star Wars Retro fig, and lets ReAction charge $18 - $20 for Joe) tells me they just don't want to, and sort of illustrates why a lot of folks think the move to 1:12 was largely a matter of favoritism as much as anything else. More back to topic, when do we expect the next geared-up figure drop? Anything for this weekend? I have a cart in progress and want to know if I should drop the hammer now or wait a few more days. Also, as a side note, the M16 and XM177 are showing up in "NEW Releases and Restocks" now. Apparently they need to be added to that category manually and don't automatically show up there. They also got the Shadow-Ops male bodies back in; they were sold out last night when I checked. The Jungle-Ops also got a stock increase. Going back to MGR geared-up figures, I recall Mr H posting a Facebook announcement where MJ points out they decided to go through the Marauder Vietnam project first which is expected to suck up all resources at the moment, then move to all the other programs. I'm guessing that'll impact geared-up figures too but that's just me. Hope not. Quote:
I am going to disagree with you here. HHFF is a mastermind at parts swaps and paint apps. I think what his customs show is that with the right factory parts and paint apps, Hasbro could produce "ultimate" 4" versions of characters.
Just take for example the Flint DOTD torso that HHFF used for his Duke custom. The sculpting on that torso IMHO is much better than any of the new Classified figures. Maybe it's a personal preference thing, but I just do not like that block-looking chest joint piece on the Classified figures. I'm also not a fan of the more futuristic armor panel look of some of the figures, which is why I was a late customer for Marauder action figures. I never purchased any of there original figures because I do not like the armored legs and forearms. The current Star Wars TVC figures are proof enough that Hasbro has the ability to produce super-articulate, well-sculpted 4" figures. With certain characters (e.g. Boba Fett), they have done an excellent job of hiding some of the articulation with the sculpts. So, I am really looking forward to Marauder's Ultra figures once they are able to get around to them. In the meantime, bring on the Vietnam KS updates! Jason
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01-18-2023, 12:17 PM | #12574 |
Crimson Guard
Join Date: Jan 2008
Location: Hope, ME
Posts: 4,736
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Quote:
I am going to disagree with you here. HHFF is a mastermind at parts swaps and paint apps. I think what his customs show is that with the right factory parts and paint apps, Hasbro could produce "ultimate" 4" versions of characters.
Just take for example the Flint DOTD torso that HHFF used for his Duke custom. The sculpting on that torso IMHO is much better than any of the new Classified figures. As a customizer, one of the things that always makes me shake my head and laugh is the "This is what Hasbro should be doing!" comment on well-done customs. It means well but it's not something that's typically feasible. Hasbro will never be able to get a customizer-level product out of mass production at a reasonable price. The term "aesthetics" used in the original post was vague enough that it's prompted all of these remarks. If the point is that 4" figures have as good or better sculpting and articulation straight from the factory as 6" figures, just show that direct comparison. Otherwise it's misleading. paokole has even acknowledged that.
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01-18-2023, 12:21 PM | #12575 |
Just a fan
Join Date: Feb 2021
Location: NY
Posts: 8,587
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Further back, I was stating my opinion that highly-detailed sculpts are wasted on physically smaller figures. Granted, this is coming from a 40-something will waning vision...
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01-18-2023, 01:28 PM | #12576 |
Toastmaster Joe
Join Date: Oct 2011
Location: In the fertile Eurotas valley of Laconia
Posts: 2,026
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Quote:
HHFF also does extensive modding to get many of those part swaps to work, in a way that a factory isn't going to be able to duplicate easily (or cheaply). And spends a lot more time painting than is practical for a factory figure.
As a customizer, one of the things that always makes me shake my head and laugh is the "This is what Hasbro should be doing!" comment on well-done customs. It means well but it's not something that's typically feasible. Hasbro will never be able to get a customizer-level product out of mass production at a reasonable price. The term "aesthetics" used in the original post was vague enough that it's prompted all of these remarks. If the point is that 4" figures have as good or better sculpting and articulation straight from the factory as 6" figures, just show that direct comparison. Otherwise it's misleading. paokole has even acknowledged that. It sounds like you're familiar with his (HHFF) work so you must know that he sometimes posts customs and factory figures together. This is an example of him posting retail/factory versions of Storm Shadow & Firefly. Hope this is not misleading in any way. credit goes to HissHissFangFan These are the Classified versions of the same characters. Pics from GeneralJoes website What's your assessment when it comes to aesthetics/sculpt? Hard to decide which ones have better articulation from the pictures; that said and not knowing how many points of articulation classified GI Joe figures have, last time I handled one I found its poses somewhat rigid. Exactly, same here I was just expressing an opinion and that what makes this forum fun!
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Last edited by paokole; 01-18-2023 at 01:40 PM.. |
01-18-2023, 01:40 PM | #12577 |
Crimson Guard
Join Date: Jan 2008
Location: Hope, ME
Posts: 4,736
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Quote:
Point taken, "aesthetics" is quite broad when used without context which is why I posted a picture that also included customs I shouldn't have but also stated that it's IMHO that Hasbro 4" ME GI Joe look nicer (aesthetics) with better articulation. Beauty lies in the eye of the beholder they say.
It sounds like you're familiar with his (HHFF) work so you must know that he sometimes posts customs and factory figures together. This is an example of him posting retail/factory versions of Storm Shadow & Firefly. Hope this is not misleading in any way. Depends on the 6" figure - I only have a few, and there are definitely some poses they can get into that I can't replicate with 4" figures. I'll always be a 4" guy at heart, though.
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01-18-2023, 01:52 PM | #12578 |
Toastmaster Joe
Join Date: Oct 2011
Location: In the fertile Eurotas valley of Laconia
Posts: 2,026
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Quote:
But like you I've always been a 4" guys and I don't see that changing anytime soon.
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01-18-2023, 02:26 PM | #12579 |
Bill Cosplay
Join Date: Feb 2014
Location: Staying clear of knee-jerk nerds.
Posts: 5,914
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When discussing why a company like Hasbro focuses on one product type over another, it's important to remember the reality of their business. Hasbro has two groups of customers: consumers (us) and retailers. Technically the retailers who buy their product are their main customers, but consumers are the retailer's customers and identify as Hasbro's customers. Plus, Hasbro does sell direct to us (more or less) through Pulse. Anyway, so if Hasbro is choosing one scale of action figure over another to focus on, it's because that's what their retailer customers want to order, and by extension, what sells. Maybe we think 1:18 is just as in demand as 1:12, but if their retailer customers think otherwise, and more importantly, order otherwise, it's all moot. If Hasbro can't sell 1:18 GI Joe, but can sell 1:12 to them, why would they focus on 1:18?
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01-18-2023, 03:28 PM | #12580 |
Crimson Guard
Join Date: Jun 2020
Location: America
Posts: 1,414
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Quote:
Point taken, "aesthetics" is quite broad when used without context which is why I posted a picture that also included customs I shouldn't have but also stated that it's IMHO that Hasbro 4" ME GI Joe look nicer (aesthetics) with better articulation. Beauty lies in the eye of the beholder they say.
I chalk that up to better designs - the ME figures look more "true" to the characters. The Classified stuff all looks the same and just not as good to me. |
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