Agreed... I think there is no question the Artisan will look better than the DX/CE on another level even at a standing back distance... Especially without the hat given the cloth bandana vs. plasticky one on the other versions. Much criticism from peeps on the price diffs but yes it is more premium and labor intensive to make and many if not most of us hit the queue the instant it went live intent on getting it because we know its value. The DX/CE are very good too and much better than previous DX15/06 releases from years past because they are new with the benefit of many years HT crafting improvement.
While you're correct to point out the intricacy of adding the actual strings to the Artisan dreads as well as the actual braiding of some of the hair, saying the deluxe's equivalents are "just painted on" really does not do justice to the skill, time and labor involved in that process. On the deluxe it's not just the weaved strings but the faux dreads and braids themselves that need painting, whereas the wool Artisan versions do not. While the Artisan will no doubt look more life-like and should be at a higher price point for that reason, I don't think the substantial price differential can be attributed to the labor involved (especially considering that the deluxe will also have some significant wool hair implantation). In the end I believe HT is charging $160-$200 more simply because they can. I haven't gone back and checked - how does that compare to what InArt charges to upgrade to implanted hair? Weren't they more like $125-$150?
This is exactly the proper use and view of the character.
Well, there's the 'bay. Not being sarcastic - if you can find a reputable seller and are willing to pay the markup.
That's actually possible, it would help the cloth keep the shape. If not, can hear folks already complaining about "poofy hair" and the bandana falling off. Tho maybe it will be stitched in place.Wondering if under the cloth bandana is the sculpted one
Right. I didn't mean to take away from that. Here's a thought though, the title "Artisan" might suggest HT are involving the craftmanship of someone outside their inhouse stable of talent for the implantation and extra craftmanship. This could certainly be basis for that extra cost. I have bought hundreds of HT and TP figs over the years but only two customs from similar "artisans" and those two cost dearly in exchange for what can be truly remarkable difference like this timeless Boseman expression. Whether it be paint or mixed media, doing it using outside talent means those people need to be paid. While economies of scale keep per unit prices on HT figures much lower than cost I experience on something like this, it probably involves the same type of people and could easily be basis for the diff.
Will proberly setlle on the Deluxe becouse i have a $25 discount code that will expire soon. Unless my waitlist will convert, but i doubt. Anyway the deluxe looks fantastic and pretty close to the artisan version. I wonder if i really will notice the difference between rooted or sculpted dreads, and a cloath bandana or sculpted. Minor differences comes to mind. Or i am just trying to talk it good for missing out
You're right that it isn't necessarily a one off, but in 50+ releases over past eight months since the artisan line was announced, only four figures are Artisan so that could indicate an outside craftsman relationship at least at this point while they establish, test the market and prove the line.
Funny I posted this and then just watched the link to Justin's preview and he said the same thing.
