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07-16-2014, 06:28 PM | #1 |
Cobra Soldier
Join Date: Mar 2009
Location: Texas
Posts: 37
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Hey, all. I'm developing an IP with multiple endgames in mind, one being an action figure line. The characters are generally fantasy-human, with base-scale humans and 1.5x-base-scale giant. A la Dino-Riders, one important aspect of the line will be animals, well-articulated, both mounts and pets/accessories/human-sized. This being the case: while I'd ideally want to include a line of 3.75" base figures with 5.5"-6" giant figures, I'm afraid the cost would severely limit the scope and breadth of what I want. So, my intention is to start with 2.5" base figures (MASK, Dino-Riders), with 3.75" "giant" scale figures. To give an idea:
I've already released a book, first in a planned trilogy, and I'm meeting in August with people who want to give it a mass-market push, with potential support from (among others) folks involved with the ridiculous success of the Left Behind series. I'm also talking with a gaming company I've done concept art for about a miniature game - we've progressed from designs to sculpts to prelim miniatures, link below. The point is: at some near point, a toy line can happen. I want it to be ideal. Questions: -Articulation scheme, especially for the 2.5" figures? -Accessories - in sprues? I want a ton of them. -Gear? Helmets, breastplates, etc? I don't know why MegaBlok figures - far more stylized "action figure" than Lego minifigure - could have widely-interchangeable gear, but a non-building toy figure couldn't. -Packaging? My desire is to have 3.75" figures with accessories, 2.5" figures with accessories and smaller animals (think lion/wolf and smaller), and larger mountable animals with gear (saddles, weapons, etc) and pack-in figures. -Start-up costs? Crowd sourcing? Anyone have any pro industry contacts? That's (more than) enough for now. Really, I'd appreciate everyone's feedback. This is the place to hear informed opinions. Book link: Antediluvian:Amazon:Kindle Store Miniature designs and 3-D sculpts: Miniatures what? | ANTEDILUVIAN |
07-18-2014, 01:25 AM | #2 |
Iron Grenadier
Join Date: Apr 2009
Location: Great north
Posts: 991
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As someone who has been down this path (and is still pursuing multiple ventures) i wish you the absolute best of fortune and success. I look forward to your end product. While i have a wealth of suggestions the most important suggestion i will make , IMO, is to not short change the figures with regard to articulation. Many adult collectors who might take interest will view your product as Dino Riders 2.0 which means you'll need to update the figures to modern levels of pose ability. At the very least you need Mega Bloks Call Of Duty level articulation. I'd even suggest reducing the articulation by 2 points and making the necks swivel instead of ball jointed & the wrist non swivel if these will be marketed towards young children. Or if you prefer...ARAH GI Joe level articulation
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07-20-2014, 09:23 AM | #3 |
Cobra Soldier
Join Date: Mar 2009
Location: Texas
Posts: 37
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Much appreciated, Plasticfan! Yeah, for the articulation for the little guys I'm looking at MegaBloks figures and Transformers: Human Alliance figures, which are smaller than I want these to be, but still managed to fit some pretty good articulation in. Articulation is key. I also want to include some part-swapping potential - heads, gear at least - and I don't know whether a scheme that includes ball-and-socket joints, a la WoW MegaBlocks, would fly for a non-building-toy figure. So many options...
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07-21-2014, 02:36 AM | #4 |
Iron Grenadier
Join Date: Apr 2009
Location: Great north
Posts: 991
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Quote:
Much appreciated, Plasticfan! Yeah, for the articulation for the little guys I'm looking at MegaBloks figures and Transformers: Human Alliance figures, which are smaller than I want these to be, but still managed to fit some pretty good articulation in. Articulation is key. I also want to include some part-swapping potential - heads, gear at least - and I don't know whether a scheme that includes ball-and-socket joints, a la WoW MegaBlocks, would fly for a non-building-toy figure. So many options...
If you must include customizing features then i'd assume interchangeable heads along with armor should suffice. I can name a number of toy lines that were in the 2 to 2.5 inch range that, if brought back with adequate articulation , would be successful. Toy history is littered with past mistakes. |
07-21-2014, 05:47 AM | #5 |
Crimson lady of the Guard
Join Date: Sep 2008
Location: Somewhere out there
Posts: 13,754
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I like the concept. I will be watching your progress and awaiting a chance to buy your toy line.
__________________
My feedback Thread http://www.hisstank.com/forum/g-i-jo...tml#post642922 (PLEASE READ MY WANTS LIST, any help finding these items would be wonderful) My wants list http://www.hisstank.com/forum/showthread.php?t=36991 |
07-22-2014, 03:19 PM | #6 |
Cobra Soldier
Join Date: Mar 2009
Location: Texas
Posts: 37
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Picked up some MB Call of Duty guys, PlasticFan. You're right. They're about an inch shorter than what I'd want, but that just means they'd be able to accommodate even more articulation. I was also impressed by all the interchangeable gear. The possibilities boggle the mind...
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07-25-2014, 02:58 AM | #7 |
Iron Grenadier
Join Date: Apr 2009
Location: Great north
Posts: 991
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I'm personally not opposed to 2.5'' figures if they are truly 2.5' from the bottom of their feet to the top of their head. That is the limit i'm willing to tolerate with regard to "mini " or " micro" figures. As soon as you exceed that limit you stray into the "tweener zone".
ARAH = 3.75 '' Modern Joes = 4 to 4.5'' Marvel Universe = 4 to 4.5'' Star Wars = 3.75 - 4'' If your micro figure is 3''..you really have a "short 1/18th" figure. Most 1/18th fans don't have much use for that size. However a 2 to 2.5'' figure body, at worst, can be used as a child or a true dwarf meaning some 1/18th fans might buy the set for custom fodder as well as true fans of your IP. If you're committed to micro scale figures go all of the way. If you're committed to 1/18th figures but view the scale as being cost prohibitive...i'd suggest a smaller line with maybe 2 dino/figure packs maximum (to start) and build from those sales. I prefer the micro scale but i recognize that it's a different market with a totally different type of customer when compared to 1/18th collectors. |
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