Statue Aragorn Maquette - Link in 1st post.

[woodsy]

Re: Aragorn Maquette Teaser

I take anything coming out of SS with not a grain, but a truck load of salt. Your above example is why I think the dio line is also ... SS just haven't given us the unfortunate news yet to avoid more poor PR around their LOTR license.

Happy to be proven wrong SS

Your comments tie in perfectly with a couple of questions I fired off to SS about an hour ago, though something tells me neither one will ever see the light of day on an "Ask Sideshow" segment

Question:
Sideshow, with the recent news that a second LOTR line [firstly the 12" figure, and now the LSB line] is "under review" [aka dead in the water] how will you restore the trust and confidence of LOTR collectors who not only question Sideshow's commitment to the LOTR licence, but also you're ability to keep your word? And I only mention this because it was your CEO, Greg Anzalone, who specifically told LSB collectors three month's ago the LSB line was "still viable".

How will you convince those who have now turned to Weta for their LOTR collectibles, or those who refuse to get involved in the new 1/6 scale maquette line to do so, when we believe [and rightfully so based on past experience] it only a matter of time before you pull the plug on this one as well.

Question:
I think it safe to say with three of your last five LOTR dio's still available a significant amount of time after they first went up for pre-order [between 8 and 22 month's] Sideshow must be somewhat disappointed in the overall sales of this specific line. Is it going to be the third LOTR line to "bite the dust"? If so, how long before that axing occurs?

 

[Agent23]

Re: Aragorn Maquette Teaser

woodsy, your last few posts have very valid points.

It's obvious you're a true blue LOTR collector, and I appreciate your input.

It's just frustrating, I have been looking for a LOTR line of collectibles to collect from the start (I got into the SS/W line a touch late, and missed the early grails, besides it was unheard of to spend $200+ on a collectible back then, my, how the times have changed. Up to that point the most I spent on a collectible was $75 on a Toybiz Twilight Frodo )....and this was the line I was really looking forward to. I hope the full product reveal is better.

 

[Darklord Dave]

Re: Aragorn Maquette Teaser

Lots of shadow in the pic. I'm pretty sure this is a Trevor sculpt and he's knocked Aragorn out of the park in smaller scale than this. I think you should wait for the full reveal before making any decisions.

 

[The Josh]

Re: Aragorn Maquette Teaser

I take anything coming out of SS with not a grain, but a truck load of salt. Your above example is why I think the dio line is also ... SS just haven't given us the unfortunate news yet to avoid more poor PR around their LOTR license.

Happy to be proven wrong SS

You know they tell us and can only give us so much. There are rules and regulations as to what they can say and what they can't say. Also the licensor has a big say I would imagine in what gets produced and what not.

Lots of shadow in the pic. I'm pretty sure this is a Trevor sculpt and he's knocked Aragorn out of the park in smaller scale than this. I think you should wait for the full reveal before making any decisions.

I agree Dave. I think we need to wait before casting it into the fire. Whoever sculpted it I just have faith it will be just fine.

 

[xerxes]

Re: Aragorn Maquette Teaser

Your comments tie in perfectly with a couple of questions I fired off to SS about an hour ago, though something tells me neither one will ever see the light of day on an "Ask Sideshow" segment

I sent questions to SS regarding the viability of the dio line some time ago... not a peep. I this is good thing.

 

[Valarauko]

Re: Aragorn Maquette Teaser

I just submitted a comment on the preview page, stating that the right eye looks like a man who's had a stroke and could they please fix this - it would really help it to look more like Strider. I'm interested to see if the moderator will post it.

 

[LV702Eldar]

Re: Aragorn Maquette Teaser

I just submitted a comment on the preview page, stating that the right eye looks like a man who's had a stroke and could they please fix this - it would really help it to look more like Strider. I'm interested to see if the moderator will post it.

I doubt it. I submitted 2 comments about the Aragorn looks and the moderator didn't post either. I told them they need to check out these posts to see what the fans/collectors are saying. Maybe they don't care, but they will when this new Aragorn/Strider doesn't sale. I'll keep my money on the PF's as long as they keep making them. Hopefully Tuesday will change how I feel.

 

[Trustey]

Re: Aragorn Maquette Teaser

Question:
Sideshow, with the recent news that a second LOTR line [firstly the 12" figure, and now the LSB line] is "under review" [aka dead in the water] how will you restore the trust and confidence of LOTR collectors who not only question Sideshow's commitment to the LOTR licence, but also you're ability to keep your word? And I only mention this because it was your CEO, Greg Anzalone, who specifically told LSB collectors three month's ago the LSB line was "still viable".

I can't think of a single good or humanoid character that would pump up the LSB line. They've all been very weak and unpopular. And I think they've done the most interesting monsters/baddies already (and a stellar job on all of them). If they had strong likenesses on Aragorn and Gandalf they would have had a decent anchor to continue. The likenesses aren't horrible, but all of them are just a tiny bit "off" and in some cases a little more animated looking than RL. It just didn't offer anything that Weta didn't already satisfy in the form of busts.

Except the big baddies once again...which I love

I'm looking forward to more PF's though, with a passion! GTG, Morgul Lord, if people can't get behind this line SS should just give up and say theres no pleasing you.

 

[Valarauko]

Re: Aragorn Maquette Teaser

I submitted 2 comments about the Aragorn looks and the moderator didn't post either. I told them they need to check out these posts to see what the fans/collectors are saying. Maybe they don't care, but they will when this new Aragorn/Strider doesn't sale.

I'm afraid that if it actually didn't sell, SS would say, "Guess the LOTR license just isn't popular anymore - maybe we should pull the plug."

I have only 1 of the guy's statues but I like the way Bowen seems to take collector/buyer opinion into account when he gives a preview of a new statue/bust. Just recently he previewed an upcoming bust; the majority of those who saw it didn't like it and were specific about what they didn't like. Within a few days, an announcement was made that progress on the bust was being halted and it would be changed to reflect what the fans wanted.

I'm sure that SS and Bowen are not apples/apples; there may be great differences in the ability to make those kinds of changes at SS. I just really appreciate Bowen's attitude about it.

 

[Darklord Dave]

Re: Aragorn Maquette Teaser

Just for relative newbies who may jump on the hate bandwagon just because everyone else is doing it - I'd like to call your attention to the "chicken little" effect.

It works like this - people hate on a piece from a single artsy shot that doesn't reveal much of finished item.

The piece is fully revealed and sells out.

The piece ships and in hand pics show that all the early panic was unjustified.

 

[theguru1]

Re: Aragorn Maquette Teaser

It would be pointless, unless as suspected, the hoodless version is an excl. We'll find out on Tues.

But the only way to have a hoodless version, would be to have a completely extra statue. Either the hood is sitting on his back or on his head, you can't have an add on head with a hood that removes it from the back or a head that has the hood sit down over the back and expect it to look anything other then crap.

So if it is two statues, which do you get, who's to say which one is the exclusive and what edition size do you set.

At this stage, I expect just a single statue, with hood on and either some silly exclusive, like a hand or none at all.


As for the line in general and LOTR in total, I hate to say I told you all so, but I pretty much did. There was just so many ways this could have all gone wrong and so far, it seems to have gone wrong every way.
If full pics of Aragorn don't show that the preview is just a bad camera angle or lighting or something, then this could be a very fast crash and burn.
I hate to say it, but right now, I think LOTR's day has come, with the movies now becoming more distant, no sign of the Hobbit any time soon, the amount of general interest has just disappeared. Mostly what's left are the long term collectors, but they already have a fair bit of stuff, so what they buy, better not only be very well made, but it better be what's wanted. Weta's lastest environment release proves that and I'm sure, overall, Bag End has been doing OK up to this point.
But if your going to make another Aragorn, it better be perfect, otherwise, who's going to buy it?

 

[Blu Falcon]

Re: Aragorn Maquette Teaser

Lots of shadow in the pic. I'm pretty sure this is a Trevor sculpt and he's knocked Aragorn out of the park in smaller scale than this. I think you should wait for the full reveal before making any decisions.

You know they tell us and can only give us so much. There are rules and regulations as to what they can say and what they can't say. Also the licensor has a big say I would imagine in what gets produced and what not.



I agree Dave. I think we need to wait before casting it into the fire. Whoever sculpted it I just have faith it will be just fine.

Just for relative newbies who may jump on the hate bandwagon just because everyone else is doing it - I'd like to call your attention to the "chicken little" effect.

It works like this - people hate on a piece from a single artsy shot that doesn't reveal much of finished item.

The piece is fully revealed and sells out.

The piece ships and in hand pics show that all the early panic was unjustified.

This discussion has gone way beyond the issue of likeness in this particular piece. It's about Sideshow's commitment to any LOTR line they've started, mishandled and ultimately abandon. This is now about our confidence in Sideshow's ability to deliver on their word. One word can adequately describe Sideshow's handling of the LOTR license.

 

[The Josh]

Re: Aragorn Maquette Teaser

This discussion has gone way beyond the issue of likeness in this particular piece. It's about Sideshow's commitment to any LOTR line they've started, mishandled and ultimately abandon. This is now about our confidence in Sideshow's ability to deliver on their word. One word can adequately describe Sideshow's handling of the LOTR license.

Well, as I said over at S&F. I do think things could have been handled better on SS part. Now, I don't think we as collectors get off either. There are many who no matter what LOTR type of product is done by SS it gets ah its not gonna be good by those who believe only Weta can do LOTR. They've done a great job but as a whole I think SS with what they've put out has done fine. Maybe they haven't hit the right type of product with LOTR folks? This might be it.

 

[Darklord Dave]

Re: Aragorn Maquette Teaser

This discussion has gone way beyond the issue of likeness in this particular piece. It's about Sideshow's commitment to any LOTR line they've started, mishandled and ultimately abandon. This is now about our confidence in Sideshow's ability to deliver on their word. One word can adequately describe Sideshow's handling of the LOTR license.

Actually if you go by the title of the thread - it's about the Aragorn maquette.

You can't expect a company to "commit" to a line that isn't selling. Whether it's LSB or 1/6 figures, if people don't buy them, then you can't expect SSC to keep making them. Blaming Sideshow for not going into bankruptcy making things that no one wants isn't productive.

 

[Blu Falcon]

Re: Aragorn Maquette Teaser

Actually if you go by the title of the thread - it's about the Aragorn maquette.

You can't expect a company to "commit" to a line that isn't selling. Whether it's LSB or 1/6 figures, if people don't buy them, then you can't expect SSC to keep making them. Blaming Sideshow for not going into bankruptcy making things that no one wants isn't productive.

I know good and well what this thread is about. I clicked to read it. But the discussion has obviously evolved into a debate on Sideshow's handling of this particular license as well.

I know this will not make it to Ask Sideshow, so I'll just post my thoughts here.

"The LOTR LSB line is under review – it seemed to us to be losing steam, as sales on the last few releases were significantly slower than the early LSB releases. For the moment, we’re investing our attention into the PF and statue lines." It's losing steam because of likeness issues and the snails pace at which they are being produced. Plain and simple. Give the fans what they want and perhaps the end result may differ. It's not complex math. How many incarnations of Aragorn, Gandalf, Legolas do we need? Finish a line that includes all the Fellowship for once. Give us Gimli, Saruman, Faramir, Eomer, merry, pippin and all other great characters you choose to ignore. Don't make excuses. Make it happen.

Sorry, but I'm tired of Sideshow blaming the lack of sales on everyone else but themselves. If they put as much energy into this license as they do with Marvel or Star Wars then I don't think we'd be having this discussion at all.

 

[Red]

Re: Aragorn Maquette Teaser

Actually if you go by the title of the thread - it's about the Aragorn maquette.

You can't expect a company to "commit" to a line that isn't selling. Whether it's LSB or 1/6 figures, if people don't buy them, then you can't expect SSC to keep making them. Blaming Sideshow for not going into bankruptcy making things that no one wants isn't productive.

Thats the whole point i guess that they are too often making pieces that LOTR fans don't want. Whilst you are never going to keep everybody happy surely they have the common sense that posting an early pic of Aragorn of that quality is not going to go down too well.

 

[theguru1]

Re: Aragorn Maquette Teaser

Sorry, but I'm tired of Sideshow blaming the lack of sales on everyone else but themselves. If they put as much energy into this license as they do with Marvel or Star Wars then I don't think we'd be having this discussion at all.

No, we'd be complaining about how piss-ant the light-up feature is


* sorry, couldn't help myself.

 

[woodsy]

Re: Aragorn Maquette Teaser

I know good and well what this thread is about. I clicked to read it. But the discussion has obviously evolved into a debate on Sideshow's handling of this particular license as well.

I know this will not make it to Ask Sideshow, so I'll just post my thoughts here.

"The LOTR LSB line is under review – it seemed to us to be losing steam, as sales on the last few releases were significantly slower than the early LSB releases. For the moment, we’re investing our attention into the PF and statue lines." It's losing steam because of likeness issues and the snails pace at which they are being produced. Plain and simple. Give the fans what they want and perhaps the end result may differ. It's not complex math. How many incarnations of Aragorn, Gandalf, Legolas do we need? Finish a line that includes all the Fellowship for once. Give us Gimli, Saruman, Faramir, Eomer, merry, pippin and all other great characters you choose to ignore. Don't make excuses. Make it happen.

Sorry, but I'm tired of Sideshow blaming the lack of sales on everyone else but themselves. If they put as much energy into this license as they do with Marvel or Star Wars then I don't think we'd be having this discussion at all.

BF, if you think it humanly possible to have an honest, objective conversation regarding the pro's and con's of SS with the one person around here who has benefited the most from his affiliation with them, you are :
A]. sadly mistaken
B]. wasting your time

As I said before SS is a company and as such I understand their need to make money. I don't think anyone around here really expects SS to continue producing lines in which the profits they make do not justify the time, effort, and prod. costs required to produce them. Was SS losing money, or headed into bankruptcy court as a result of this line?.....not a chance. But obviously they felt they could make a higher percentage of profit focusing their energy elsewhere.

Now, based on some of the recent comments I've read it appears some people around here seem to have conveniently limited memories, but is SS's abrupt axing of lines really any different than what Weta did with their weapons sets, medallions, and I believe, 1/4 helms? And all this before they completely walked away from the entire LOTR licence altogether? Some of you guys might want to consider that before considering Weta for sainthood, while throwing SS to the wolves at the same time.

I cannot blame SS completely for this mess as the poor economic conditions worldwide, and the ever fading popularity of LOTR on the whole no doubt have had a negative effect. Where I do blame them however is in the mismanagement of this line and I absolutely question the passion and committment of those involved, not only where this line is concerned, but the entire LOTR licence.

To SS and any apologists who would prefer taking the easy [not to mention laziest] way out by placing the blame on the shoulders of collectors :

Was it the collectors who decided to cheapen the look of these busts with those lousy generic bases starting with GTG? Or was that SS taking the easy way out and trying to save a buck all at the same time?

Was it the collectors who decided the perfect time to release an Aragorn LSB with a so-so likeness was a month after shipping the PF, which just so happens to feature the best likeness ever sculpted? What a shocker....that LSB is still available!

Was it the collectors who decided they didn't want a light-up Balrog bust? Or was that SS once again trying to save a buck at the expense of collectors? Oh look, another bust that's still available!

Was it the collectors that asked for light-up features in the first place? Or was that a promise made by SS from the very beginning , one they failed to deliver on? You decide.......

https://www.sideshowtoy.com/?p=1668&source=wp_news

Was it the fault of the collectors that the momentum of this line was completed drained from it, due to poor choices and a complete lack of anything remotely resembling new offerings in a timely fashion?

Is it the fault of collectors that SS never tapped into the passion and knowledge of forum memebers here who apparently have a better feel for the LOTR pulse than those running the show? The same collectors who time and time again approached SS concerning product suggestions [such as a MOS with mithril shirt, Saruman with light-up palantir, fell beast, etc.....] only to be ignored How'd going it alone work out for you SS?

Is it the fault of collectors that SS for some reason failed to take a page from the Weta handbook, where they actually ask the fans what they most want to see produced and allow them to participate in the process? What a great, great idea! What possible excuse does SS have for not following suit?

And is it the fault of collectors who now feel betrayed, not to mention ticked off, after being deliberately lied to by SS concerning the status of this line?

Here's bottom line. The LSB line got off to an amazing start, but slowing and surely with cost cutting measures, poor execution [on some of the likenesses], poor character choices, and a general lack of passion or real concern for the fate of the line [no doubt working on so some many licences all at the same time has relegated LOTR to nothing more than just another number at SS] by those overseeing the line. Unfortunately, because of all the things I've listed above I don't have the slightest doubt the dio. line will be next. And unlike some of the apologists around here, I'm going to put the blame exactly where it belongs....directly at the feet of Sideshow.

 

[LV702Eldar]

Re: Aragorn Maquette Teaser

BF, if you think it humanly possible to have an honest, objective conversation regarding the pro's and con's of SS with the one person around here who has benefited the most from his affiliation with them, you are :
A]. sadly mistaken
B]. wasting your time

As I said before SS is a company and as such I understand their need to make money. I don't think anyone around here really expects SS to continue producing lines in which the profits they make do not justify the time, effort, and prod. costs required to produce them. Was SS losing money, or headed into bankruptcy court as a result of this line?.....not a chance. But obviously they felt they could make a higher percentage of profit focusing their energy elsewhere.

Now, based on some of the recent comments I've read it appears some people around here seem to have conveniently limited memories, but is SS's abrupt axing of lines really any different than what Weta did with their weapons sets, medallions, and I believe, 1/4 helms? And all this before they completely walked away from the entire LOTR licence altogether? Some of you guys might want to consider that before considering Weta for sainthood, while throwing SS to the wolves at the same time.

I cannot blame SS completely for this mess as the poor economic conditions worldwide, and the ever fading popularity of LOTR on the whole no doubt have had a negative effect. Where I do blame them however is in the mismanagement of this line and I absolutely question the passion and committment of those involved, not only where this line is concerned, but the entire LOTR licence.

To SS and any apologists who would prefer taking the easy [not to mention laziest] way out by placing the blame on the shoulders of collectors :

Was it the collectors who decided to cheapen the look of these busts with those lousy generic bases starting with GTG? Or was that SS taking the easy way out and trying to save a buck all at the same time?

Was it the collectors who decided the perfect time to release an Aragorn LSB with a so-so likeness was a month after shipping the PF, which just so happens to feature the best likeness ever sculpted? What a shocker....that LSB is still available!

Was it the collectors who decided they didn't want a light-up Balrog bust? Or was that SS once again trying to save a buck at the expense of collectors? Oh look, another bust that's still available!

Was it the collectors that asked for light-up features in the first place? Or was that a promise made by SS from the very beginning , one they failed to deliver on? You decide.......

https://www.sideshowtoy.com/?p=1668&source=wp_news

Was it the fault of the collectors that the momentum of this line was completed drained from it, due to poor choices and a complete lack of anything remotely resembling new offerings in a timely fashion?

Is it the fault of collectors that SS never tapped into the passion and knowledge of forum memebers here who apparently have a better feel for the LOTR pulse than those running the show? The same collectors who time and time again approached SS concerning product suggestions [such as a MOS with mithril shirt, Saruman with light-up palantir, fell beast, etc.....] only to be ignored How'd going it alone work out for you SS?

Is it the fault of collectors that SS for some reason failed to take a page from the Weta handbook, where they actually ask the fans what they most want to see produced and allow them to participate in the process? What a great, great idea! What possible excuse does SS have for not following suit?

And is it the fault of collectors who now feel betrayed, not to mention ticked off, after being deliberately lied to by SS concerning the status of this line?

Here's bottom line. The LSB line got off to an amazing start, but slowing and surely with cost cutting measures, poor execution [on some of the likenesses], poor character choices, and a general lack of passion or real concern for the fate of the line [no doubt working on so some many licences all at the same time has relegated LOTR to nothing more than just another number at SS] by those overseeing the line. Unfortunately, because of all the things I've listed above I don't have the slightest doubt the dio. line will be next. And unlike some of the apologists around here, I'm going to put the blame exactly where it belongs....directly at the feet of Sideshow.

Yes, yes & yes! Great Points made, now is SS listening? I myself started collecting LOTR late and paid a heavy price to get the collection I have now. And after years since the movies I would have figured SS would have improved on their likenesses of charaters, sadly mistaken. And as Aragorn is one of the most known characters of the line the likeness should by now be dead on, but I just don't see it. I agree that the blame lies within SS, and that producing any LOTR items will keep us quiet & happy. Money talks & if SS wants mine I hope their listening to the people who really care about LOTR.

 

[WrathofSauron]

Re: Aragorn Maquette Teaser

Collin for president!!!