Is it even worth releasing this? Why don't they just can this and release TASM2 instead?
Sure it is!
The problem is Hot Toys production plan. They've cleared bit off more than they can chew and have been suffering with it the past few years.
Granted, it can also be because they want to release figures at spaced intervals so their customer base can afford them. Could you imagine FIVE figures you want between $200-$300 all hitting the market at the same time? That's a bill I'm sure a lot don't want to see.
In terms of their production capabilities, Hot Toys certainly employs some of the best factories that are consistent with quality. This is the "behind-the-scenes" that their customers and fans don't see or realize.
For example, and I'm using small numbers here...and keep in mind this is PAST the point where Hot Toys started showing and posting more items for sale than they were putting out. Let's say Hot Toys relies on FIVE separate factories. One factory does the heads, another does the clothes, one does the paints, one does the boxes and another puts the figures all together. If those factories have a LIMITED amount of machines or only CERTAIN TYPE of machine that does a figure's HAND for example. You are going to see a slow production flow going through even if the machines are running 10 hours a day.
Keep in mind that machines break down, talented employees come and go and Hot Toys is constantly doing research and development on figures and that involves making production models which can take up valuable machine time. What's the sense in releasing Avengers Hulk to the public if we're not sure how to make his rubber arms AND rubber arms that don't break down like the others?
I agree Hot Toys' timing with these releases could be better but I think the average consumer doesn't understand what goes into developing these collectibles. There's a lot going on behind the scenes that we don't see and appreciate. Hot Toys HAS made mistakes and I think are actively looking to rectify them...the rubber breakdown, the "oil" on the TDK Batman, etc. These guys are not only making figures, they're trying to invent NEW WAYS in making figures as well as solving problems along the way and that does take time.
I used to work in a production environment and trust me, you just WISH the customer could see all that goes into the work. But the customer just sees and wants the end product...and most of the time scheduling and other elements don't work in your favor. S*** Happens!
