1/6 Mal for Nathan Fillion Project

[Maglor]

Gorgeous. I can't wait to see the finished product.

 

[ShadowX81]

If we all pitch in a few bucks maybe we could get one of these for the figure.

https://sideshowcollectors.com/forums/showthread.php?t=91325

 

[ProgMatinee]

lol. thats a crazy price for something. not sure to be jealous of those able to pay that much or think they're crazy. Also, thats a lot of money to filter through a 3rd party. I'm confused why exactly they can't market and handle their own sales. Adding a middle man just adds that much more confusion and chance of something bad happening. Really wish Dave would outlaw that here.

 

[Reinhardt]

I'd be willing to put in $20 or so. If we can get 10 people to pitch in, we're golden.

 

[ProgMatinee]

isn't part of the fun of this project that its a group project created by and donated by fans of the show, not just buying pieces from hired guns? sorry i'm a wet blanket tonight.

 

[BuffyGirl]

isn't part of the fun of this project that its a group project created by and donated by fans of the show, not just buying pieces from hired guns? sorry i'm a wet blanket tonight.

I am with you!

 

[ShadowX81]

lol. thats a crazy price for something. not sure to be jealous of those able to pay that much or think they're crazy. Also, thats a lot of money to filter through a 3rd party. I'm confused why exactly they can't market and handle their own sales. Adding a middle man just adds that much more confusion and chance of something bad happening. Really wish Dave would outlaw that here.

The short answer is that Kato doesn't want to nor does he have the time. He makes products if there are enough fans that want something, but he doesn't have the time to put in all of the work of running everything. He is just a tailor. So the rule is if something gets made, he needs a "project manager" to do all the accounting work for him. Think of it as us hiring him to manufacture these things. The same way that you go to the store and not the factory to buy stuff.

isn't part of the fun of this project that its a group project created by and donated by fans of the show, not just buying pieces from hired guns? sorry i'm a wet blanket tonight.

Uh, not really. Not at all.
Half of the stuff comes from preexisting figures and the rig is made by Stevos' Toys who also doesnt seem to be a fan. Should we ditch all of that in favor of worse looking clothes who are handmade by fans?
Nathan is only going to see the finished product here, and really wont care all that much how much effort went into the piece by fans if it looks like crap. Ive always seen the idea here is to create something that he would want to display in his house. If we give him something that isnt pleasing for him to look at, this thing is going to go into storage or the trash.

Its a labor of love sure, but one that must produce a quality result. In the end, its about getting the best possible looking figure.

 

[Anzik]

I have to disagree here. Kato's coat may look more accurate, but Chad's looks as good as any 1/6 figure costume. I'm not sure if you meant it this way but it comes off a bit, at least to my pre-caffeinated brain, that without this coat it won't be good enough, and a lot of us have put in a lot for this project. The fact is, the base cost about $40 in material, $60 in electronics, $35 for a head, $25 for the boots, $25 for the gun and rig, while Nathan donated his time painting it still has a dollar figure attached, and the cost of the clothes and the coat is going to cost more than the rest of the figure combined.
In my opinion the coat would be spectacular but I think it looks excellent as is.

 

[darthviper107]

Plus, we're about to have everything done, I'm not sure we should wait for when Kato can do his coats. Really, the coat from Chad does just fine, and as we've seen with other customs, things can look really fantastic with what people have been able to work with.

 

[ProgMatinee]

I understand that giving a personalized item isn't all of a sudden going to cause Nathan to pick up the phone and call everyone involved, but at least those people involved in the project will feel good that they contributed to a project that Nathan might enjoy.

As an outsider to this (because I have no creative gene) I do take enjoyment in knowing that a friend or 2 is contributing to this gift. To have their work replaced by one that held no emotional attachment to the process just seems messed up to me.

 

[Reinhardt]

Looks like I started a storm of opposing opinions, so I am sorry for that. All I was thinking is how to make this figure even better than it already is (which is a hard task). Sure it looks great as is, but knowing that it could look even better, I had to try. Heck, I'm a perfectionist, so I can't help it.

I totally understand that it is a lot of money, and I guess in the end it is all relative. I won't knock someone who spends $700 on a custom figure just because I can't afford it. To them, $700 could be $100 to me. I'm sure there are tons of people who think we are crazy for paying upwards of even $100 on an action figure.

It was just something I was throwing out there, but if the overall consensus is not to do it, I'm great with it. In the end it's all about having fun, if we aren't having fun because we are arguing back and forth about something, it's not worth it.

Having said all of that, I am DYING to see what the final product is going to look like now! If all goes according to plan, we should be seeing some pics from Nathan this weekend.

 

[ShadowX81]

No, what I was saying is that we need to make this thing look as great as possible. Especially with all of the great work gone into this by people here, would all of you really want to know that it could have been better. Obviously in the past we have not been ok with "looks good enough" as that was the whole justification for Trevor sculpting the boots. The Newline boots looked pretty good and certainly passsable, but they were not as great as they could have been, so he created new and better ones. Im not sure how things are any different here.

Im with Reinhardt. Id be down to put $20 in as well. All we need is 10 people to do this.

 

[beeshaw]

My biggest 'gripe' in using the Kato duster is the added wait time as mentioned.

 

[Trevolver]

This project has already become something much better than I ever expected, and that's all thanks to everyone feeling comfortable with pitching ideas.

While Kato's work is no doubt incredible, I do feel that Chad has done everyone a great service with his awesome duster, and to my eye...it looks great every time I see it!

I won't discourage improving the piece if there's enough interest in doing it. Without you guys, I wouldn't have made the more accurate boots, and we certainly wouldn't have such an amazing base/environment.

My own opinion is...the Chad coat is great...and Chad has been a part of the Firefly stuff for a long while now. I would personally use his work.

Thanks for reading!
Trev

 

[sithlordmacgyver]

Well... I am kind of perplexed on which way my brain should approach this.

I have thoroughly enjoyed making these items for everyone and no matter if it is a member of the forum or Nathan himself..I put all that I have into it. I am proud to have one of my dusters be a part of this wonderful project. Its even more satisfying to see what upgrades have been done to it since it has left my hands.(weathering and clasps). Great job with it everyone....
Now I know Shadow isnt trying to start waves and I kind of see where he is coming from but lets keep one thing perfectly clear...this project has always been about offering Mal from the fans to Nathan himself. It has always been about contribution from the bare bones level with the recruitment of talents from every part of this hobby.

KUDOS TO EVERYONE WHO HAS SUPPLIED PARTS TO THE MAL FOR NATHAN PROJECT.

Don't think for one minute that just because you dont have a direct hand in this Mal that your opinions havent been heard. That too is equally as important and I appreciate everyone's critiques and opinions.

KUDOS TO THOSE OF YOU......

Now the Kato issue...
Kato does some fantastic work and they are all pieces of art in their own way. I am a big fan!!! My opinon and its my opinion...the Mal for Nathan has NEVER been about chipping in financially to put together Mal. It is about the creativity from everyone chipping in to give Nathan just a little something as a "thanks".

Sure..we could have commissioned Kato to make the entire outfit and it would be something wonderful.(cant deny that)but thats NOT what this has been about.

The whole firefly threads would never have reached this stage of Trevor expanding the crew with his headsclupts and boots or Stevo's rigs...for example. I may have never gone further than Mal' duster or Zoe's vest if it wasnt for the pure enjoyment everyone has received from these items. We have seen dioramas being built, custom sculpted revolvers, bashing tips, hints and ideas from every angle imaginable.

THAT MY FELLOW SSF MEMBERS IS WHAT THE MAL FOR NATHAN AND THE WHOLE FIREFLY FOLLOWING HAS BEEN ABOUT.

RAMBLE...RAMBLE...RAMBLE......I know

I think I have said my share....I dont say much usually but when I do...I do let loose.


Chad
SMCG

 

[Old Grandpa]

Well... I am kind of perplexed on which way my brain should approach this.

I have thoroughly enjoyed making these items for everyone and no matter if it is a member of the forum or Nathan himself..I put all that I have into it. I am proud to have one of my dusters be a part of this wonderful project. Its even more satisfying to see what upgrades have been done to it since it has left my hands.(weathering and clasps). Great job with it everyone....
Now I know Shadow isnt trying to start waves and I kind of see where he is coming from but lets keep one thing perfectly clear...this project has always been about offering Mal from the fans to Nathan himself. It has always been about contribution from the bare bones level with the recruitment of talents from every part of this hobby.

KUDOS TO EVERYONE WHO HAS SUPPLIED PARTS TO THE MAL FOR NATHAN PROJECT.

Don't think for one minute that just because you dont have a direct hand in this Mal that your opinions havent been heard. That too is equally as important and I appreciate everyone's critiques and opinions.

KUDOS TO THOSE OF YOU......

Now the Kato issue...
Kato does some fantastic work and they are all pieces of art in their own way. I am a big fan!!! My opinon and its my opinion...the Mal for Nathan has NEVER been about chipping in financially to put together Mal. It is about the creativity from everyone chipping in to give Nathan just a little something as a "thanks".

Sure..we could have commissioned Kato to make the entire outfit and it would be something wonderful.(cant deny that)but thats NOT what this has been about.

The whole firefly threads would never have reached this stage of Trevor expanding the crew with his headsclupts and boots or Stevo's rigs...for example. I may have never gone further than Mal' duster or Zoe's vest if it wasnt for the pure enjoyment everyone has received from these items. We have seen dioramas being built, custom sculpted revolvers, bashing tips, hints and ideas from every angle imaginable.

THAT MY FELLOW SSF MEMBERS IS WHAT THE MAL FOR NATHAN AND THE WHOLE FIREFLY FOLLOWING HAS BEEN ABOUT.

RAMBLE...RAMBLE...RAMBLE......I know

I think I have said my share....I dont say much usually but when I do...I do let loose.


Chad
SMCG

I couldn't have said it nearly as well as you just did.

Old Grandpa

 

[Trevolver]

There you have it. I concur.
Trev

 

[Reinhardt]

Despite my love for Kato's piece and desire for full perfection on this figure, I can't deny the truth from Chad's post. That post should almost be a sticky for the Whedonville section.

 

[ShadowX81]

Ok, in that case there are also fan-made alternatives to the shirt and pants. Why aren't we using those instead of the hot toys and sideshow pieces?

 

[Bum]

From the fans to Nathan...
Fan made...

That's what the project is, and fans can benefit from the potential 'mass' production. Trev's sculpt was made of love. Silent's painting, from love.
Chad's clothes, from love. Our comments, recommendations, from love.

I can't say the comments to get Kato are 'bad', but we then go from a 'unit' to getting mercenaries.

I've seen Chad's work. I've bought Chad's work. He puts time and effort and does not do something only if enough people want it.
Even if I could afford Kato's work, I'd go with Chad. Even if the people from HT that everyone jocks made a headsculpt, I would hope and wish Trev would sell me one of his.

Why? That's custom and I know what they put into the effort.
From fans to Nathan.