1/6th Scale Quality

[user 1190]

Why won't this tread die.:emperor :emperor :emperor

 

[Zakk Attakk]

See, right there Chad... Maybe you can see where I come from a bit then.


A broad statement to everyone:


We're seeing an action figure revolution here. What's happened in the last couple of years for 1/6 scale collecting is on par with what happened in the late Seventies with 3 3/4 inch figures. For all the toys I've collected over the years, none have interested me more than 1/6 scale. Even before Star Wars. When I was little I was all about Megos and Pulsar. To date, SSC is the only company that has surpassed Mego for likeness (based on available technology, the Mego 12" figures were light years ahead in regards to likeness). These days we are being treated like kings and queens. That is what I think some people might be missing here is that historically speaking collectors have never ever had better products available to them as they do today.

Sideshow, Medicom, and Takara are doing things that were one time considered foolish dreams.

On that topic, I bunch of people have it in their head that I dislike Medicom, and I must say that's the silliest thing I've ever heard. Out of everything I've seen produced from Medicom in the last three years, the only things I don't care for are the ROTS Vader and the Marvel comic heroes. While i appreciate and respect the fact that a lot of collectors like those figures, I just don't think they're that good. At the same time I'm amazed by the rocketeer, Captain jack Sparrow, and X3 Wolvie. For that matter the Spider-Man movie figure is one of the best 1/6 scale figures I've ever seen. For someone to say that Medicom's sculpts suck you have to wonder on what they are basing their opinion. Sure Jedi Luke doesn't look like Mark Hammil, but it does look like Luke Skywalker. Until SSC's Luke came out, it was the best 1/6 scale Luke likeness since Kenner's 1978 (79?) 12" Large Sized Luke figure. So what if they create figures with an artist flair. That's what sells in the market they are designed for. I honestly think that 99% of the negative comments about Medicom are baseless hyperbole.

Bottom line is, comparing Medicom to Sideshow is pointless. Comparing either to Hasbro is equally as pointless. For that matter, comparing any brand to another brand is silly. Certainly all brands could see some improvement, but one is no better than the other. They are all different and cool in their own right. Drawing lines in the sand is elitist and childish.

Buy whatever you like and don't buy what you don't like, but most importantly, respect the fact that everyone likes different things and stop with the bickering. Do whatever, but always keep in perspective that it has never been this good before. We have so many top quality choices. We're seeing figures made we never thought we would see made. Nothing is beyond a 1/6 scale line. The hobby has expanded enough that there is a market for virtually any license. While you might not want toy X, hundreds, if not thousands, of you fellow collectors will want it. And for fault anyone for that is beyond stupid.

I dunno how many books or movies all y'all read/watch, but there is a quote that is as profound here as anywhere: "In the sunset of dissolution, everything is illuminated by the aura of nostalgia, even the guillotine."

In a nutshell, to me, that means that we can only fully appreciate something by knowing it's history. Toy collectors really should understand where things come from, but more importantly they should remember why they started collecting in the first place. If it was because you loved what a toy represents, how it is a welcoming key to a world of adventure and imagination, chances are you truly can appreciate your collection. if that isn't the reason, even on a subconscious level, you really should ask yourself what you're spending you time and money on.

This statement should be carved on the head of the Abe Lincoln Monument.

 

[JustinLuck]

Why won't this tread die.:emperor :emperor :emperor

Why won't you ignore this thread if it bothers you so much.

 

[Duckgoo]

For my money, Hot Toys is the BEST 1/6 company out there. They have some of the best licenses and their figures RULE!!!

A few examples:

(1) The Predators
(2) Robocop and ED-209
(3) Alien warrior
(4) Superman Returns
(5) Batman Begins

I love Hot Toys to pieces!!!:chew

 

[EVILFACE]

Hot Toys rules. Don't forget their T800 and the upcoming T800 Endo as well. Their new body is the best out right now.

 

[nash]

I agree Hot Toys is definitely top notch, with very good paint apps and no bait and switch from proto to production.

Not to mention the accessories are just mind blowing. The detail on the aliens marines and predators for example is just crazy! The body allows for more fluid natural poses and posture too. two thumbs up.

 

[Bonehead15]

IMO the quality of SS's figures is great. They aren't perfect but show me a figure that is. For the price they're asking they are a steal.

Hot Toys and Medicom both make great 1/6 figures also but remember you have to pay a lot more for them.

There's an old saying that goes "you get what you pay for." It's very true.

For $65, a rough estimate, SS figures are perfect. I'm sure SS could do more to make the figures better like some of the stuff Medicom and Hot Toys does but then they'd have to raise the price. SS raises the price by $5 and the only thing you hear here on the boards is how SS is "screwing" their customers over. It happens every time. Then we have all new threads about SS raising their prices. SS can't really win here.

I agree Hot Toys is definitely top notch, with very good paint apps and no bait and switch from proto to production.

Not to mention the accessories are just mind blowing. The detail on the aliens marines and predators for example is just crazy! The body allows for more fluid natural poses and posture too. two thumbs up.

I agree. The Preds are awesome but remember those were $130 figures not $65 like the SS figures so it isn't fair comparing them, not that you did.

Bottom line: You can't compare apples to oranges.

 

[Seth Gecko]

HT is great!

 

[thamesvalidude]

I've said it before and I'll say it again. For the price point we pay, Sideshow figures are phenomenal. To compare them with Hot Toys is unfair as they are often twice the price of a Sideshow figure. I would happily pay more to ensure that we consistently get prototype quality, but Sideshow are moving into a much more "mass" market area, with Star Wars and LOTR, compared to the old Monster, Bond and Buffy days, so the pricing has to reflect much greater demand.
The Cordelia is a good case in point, the proto looked fabulous but the figure (if the relevant thread is to be believed) falls short of that idyll. Yet where else would you get a Cordelia Chase figure that looks half as good. I have the same episode DST version and it most certainly does not look anything like Cordelia.
I now have hundreds of S/S figures, several PFs and a number of statues. I think 4 of them have really disappointed me: Willow, Wai linn, Xenia Onatopp and the rooted hair Buffy. (funny they're all females and females are hard to capture whether by sculpt or in art......I know, I'm an artist, part time, when I'm not scribbling my novels)
I think that's a bloody good average for roughly $45 each. I can certainly tell you that my Hasblows are slowly disappearing into my garage!
I LOVE SIDESHOW ...................so make me a Wesley and an illyria, plllleeaaassseee.

 

[JustinLuck]

It would be interesting to know how much Hot Toys products would cost if Hot Toys was located in the US. We know there is a price hike for importing their products over here. Otherwise, Sideshow wouldn't sell them at a lower price when they have distributing rights.

 

[creecher]

Probably more than what Sideshow sell them for. All this stuff is made in China. Sideshow can offer a reduced rate, just like retailers can, because they get them wholesale. Sideshow import their own product from China to the U.S.A.

 

[JustinLuck]

But Sideshow offers them for a price that is cheaper than any retailer that buys direct from Hot Toys.

 

[creecher]

Crikey Justin. Use ya noggin for once will ya. Why do you think that would be? Maybe because Sideshow are distributors rather than retailers.

I knew I shouldn't have replied. Why why why? I'll apologise now. Sorry Justin. The fault is mine. I myself have asked, what can be considered obvious questions, and have been answered cordially. I could have deleted these comments, but it's something I have to go through. It's nothing to do with you. I'll never get used to this accursed planet. Okay, bring it on.

 

[JustinLuck]

Dude, chill out, I'm sorry for the typo. I was not trying to imply that Sideshow is simply a retailer carrying Hot Toys products.

 

[creecher]

What typo? .........and don't call me dude.

As I said, it's my error. I'm going to take your advice and have a beer. I'm glad I got up meself, now. Thanks. Mmmmm delicious beer.

 

[The Josh]

I agree Hot Toys is definitely top notch, with very good paint apps and no bait and switch from proto to production.

So SS practices bait and switch? And you still collect stuff from a company you feel does this?

These are the types of comments I know Dave from RS said really irk him as well. They are nothing more than accusatory posts that stir up hate and discontent. There is no proof there is any bait and switch but normal difference between a hand painted for hours and hours proto and a mass produced figure. We've been over this countless times especially since the SW line started.

 

[nash]

So SS practices bait and switch? And you still collect stuff from a company you feel does this?

These are the types of comments I know Dave from RS said really irk him as well. They are nothing more than accusatory posts that stir up hate and discontent. There is no proof there is any bait and switch but normal difference between a hand painted for hours and hours proto and a mass produced figure. We've been over this countless times especially since the SW line started.

Are you seriously that paranoid? Or is it more like an inadequacy that you feel you need to fill?

At no point did I point a finger at SS, that statment applies to all companies when the production figure is less than stellar. So I suggest you get your head out of your ass Josh, do you need some help with that?

By the way, let's not forget you still collect Medicom.

 

[Customikey]

It's hard to be angry when Jessica Alba is "presenting" at the bottom of every one of Nash's posts....

 

[The Josh]

Are you seriously that paranoid? Or is it more like an inadequacy that you feel you need to fill?

At no point did I point a finger at SS, that statment applies to all companies when the production figure is less than stellar. So I suggest you get your head out of your ass Josh, do you need some help with that?

By the way, let's not forget you still collect Medicom.

Paranoid? Nah. Inadequacy? Over what exactly?

All companies? You pretty much took Hot Toys out of the equation with saying how their stuff was great and they never did that type of thing. Yes, you didn't specifically say SS did but I've seen you say it before. So I will admit I assumed that you meant SS but still any company be it SS or not that's BS. Pull my head out of my ass? Man, you should go on tour with these jokes.

What exactly does me collecting a few Medicom figures have to do with anything? I like their stuff and haven't said anything bad about them. I like them but just don't feel their stuff is as good as SS.

 

[DCFett]

Just an observation:
It seems that there are TONS of pages that praise these figures and examine them scientifically when they arrive at the first person's door step. Then there are TONS of pics and customizing threads that also give praise to the might of SS. I R A R E L Y see any of this type of bickering on those pages and I think it's b/c most guys that dont particularly care for what they've bought or see in the pics, keep quiet and let the Freaks freak. BUT, when one guy post a "let's aesthetically review what's wrong with SS figures" all the Freaks get up in arms and there's a flamin going on.
Why cant there be two types of Freaks: Those who are completely smitten with SS, and those who love SS so much, that they want to see SS completly obliterate the market?
I, for one, dont think it's wrong to discuss the things we DONT like about the SS figures, b/c through that, we also see what we really LIKE about the figures. And if we dont, their are plenty of FREAKS who'll let you know what's good about them!
I think one of the best things SS could do right now is add some musculature to the bodies and some aesthetic engineering to the joints. If any of you guys are artist and have studied figure drawing/sculpting, you know that some of the best pieces come from designing from skeletal to muscle to outer clothing. I think SS's awesome fabric clothing would be that much more amazing if it were supported by a more realistic armature.