Just to debunk the expert a little bit:
1) V2 as a fact of life:
Really...? When has e.g. HT made exactly the same figure a second time? Do you consider the different Sparrows, Batmans, Terminators, Jokers, from different movies, to be the same figure? Do you think that the MMS/DX Terminators from 2010-2012 are just "tweaked versions" of the first ones from 2005-2008? And even if you find any example of pure repetition, how many instances are there in HT's back catalogue? Is that "the norm", then?
Because here with Asmus' Frodo and Sam we are talking about the 2 damn same figures being re-released again. From the same movies, with same looks. Not long enough apart from the first release for any significant technological breakthroughs to have happened that justify the re-release. Essentially the same figures again, just tweaking some details to make them better because THEY KNOW they didn't deliver to the market's standards in the first place, and apologizing via a nicely priced expansion pack. That has nothing to do with what HT has been doing, mate, and your presumptuous expertise is put to shame when you suggest that it has.
2) I get the impression...:
I detect disguised animosity against me the moment I see my adversaries clumsily put non-sense in my mouth that they dream I'd say, so that they might easily get to win the argument.
Read again the part of my text that gave you that impression, then read 1) again, and try to stay in touch with reality as far as you can.
3) Something that should be receiving accolades:
What kind of accolades deserve HT et alt. for releasing fully finished figures that don't need expansion packs merely some months after release? No, buddy, Asmus perform below standard, and do all they can to compensate us for it. Nice, but still substandard, in spite of all your accolade-giving.
4) To neck or not to neck:
Considering the amount of hair that can be used to hide the rear of the "ugly joint line", plus the fact that for the most part these guys appear on screen with their full attire (cloak hanging from neck and all), plus the fact that you can sculpt and paint the separate neck as if it was part of the head sculpt (HT does not, and it is a shame), I reckoned that the "ugly etc." could be hidden for the most part, the pros would outweigh the cons, and hence I made the fact-based proposal (not just an opinion, but a reasoned, fact-based proposal). And all this without even considering the fact that if you position the head properly, a nice part of the "ugly etc." won't be seen, or even considering the nice trick Asmus pulled with Sam: using his "dewlap" to cover the front of the "ugly etc."! The results are the wonderful pictures in Asmus' site: many, very nice, and the "ugly etc" is hardly to be seen.
And Asmus saw eye to eye with me, not because I said it (hey... maybe!), but because it was logical.
There you go, expert. Because based on your posts, it is understandable that you said you are an expert.
m.
asgardianboy, "v2s" are a fact of life in the 1/6th scaled figure world. Your reasoning of waiting for a better version instead of buying is unfortunately our lot in life in this hobby, especially with Hot Toys. So one has to decide if they will be an early adopter or wait for the eventual new and (hopefully) improved version.
I get the impression that you would have Asmus release a character and never visit that iteration again. I don't agree, if that is the case.
The fact that ASMUS offers a less expensive "update set" is something that should be receiving accolades, allowing a previous buyer to update without having to spend for a complete figure.
As for the head sculpts themselves, I've seen an improvement with each subsequent release; both in sculpt and paint applications. My only gripe is with the Slim version of Aragorn, whose sculpt paint apps were a definite step backwards.
Deciding between necked or unnecked head sculpts is really dependent on the character itself. Necked sculpts look better, all around. Unnecked sculpts provide added articulation at the cost of an ugly joint line. Choosing one over the over is not a "fix" but an option selected. You stating that you pointed out YOUR preference to unnecked sculpts and then Asmus "Fixed" them in subsequent releases is ridiculous.
If the character has an open neck line, then an unnecked sculpt is preferred. If the neck line is covered, then perhaps a necked sculpt is more beneficial.
Based on your posts, it appears that you fairly new to the hobby, which then makes your comments understandable.
