InArt: The Lord of the Rings - Legolas 1:6

[Sassafras]

Please don't take this as a personal attack because I have no problem with you, but before InArt came along, you were constantly pointing out every little thing Asmus did wrong, criticizing everything you didn't like, pointing out every flaw, blasting every poor head sculpt and highlighting every QC issue.

I have plenty of issues with the way Asmus did things and certainly was burned on a few figures that had terrible QC, but I never went on and on about it. That said, every time someone praised Asmus for something, myself included, you were very quick to point out their shortcomings.

I think after the experience Sassafras has had with the hair on the Aragorn figure that was received, they have every right to be critical of InArt, the same way you were critical of Asmus. I don't think InArt should be let off the hook for things that we criticized Asmus heavily on. There's been a TON of variety in the hair in the figures people are receiving on both Aragorn and Gandalf, which is a legitimate complaint and something people should be legitimately mad about when spending $500 on these figures. For Asmus, the eyes and hair were the biggest problems with Crown Gandalf the Grey, and that figure was $150 less yet there were way more complaints about it.

InArt is great, but they have a ton of problems early on. There's a ton of inconsistency and a ton of QC issues. So many QC issues I didn't even pre-order Legolas because I'm terrified my Hermione is going to show up looking terrible. At a $500 price point I don't want to spend more than five minutes addressing the hair on a figure, which is why I went sculpted for Harry, Ron, Aragorn and the Joker. I spent too much time on my Gandalf the Grey as it was.

I don't think Sassafras is being unfair nor do I think Sassafras is whining. If it's whining, then you were certainly whining about Asmus for years and you of all people should understand where the complaints are coming from.

Again, not a personal attack, just playing devil's advocate here. A lot of your Asmus complaints were entirely valid. But that doesn't mean InArt should be let off the hook solely because they're the alternative.

Thank you. True enough - and as you rightly pointed out *sigh* with your experience - InArt has in fact, as it turns out, bitten off quite a lot in getting rooted hair consistent.

I, and probably many of us, wouldn't have believed you; but there it is. It's surprisingly upsetting to have to deal with issues, and I'm good with my hands. But I was a believer.

It's not at this point I wouldn't buy another InArt; it's just I'm more wary about it.

 

[HyperDrive]

Well, I COULD talk about my problems with the base, which looks nice, but it can stay in the box until I can drill/mod it, since the magnet system isn't all that either.

Personally, I don’t use the stupid bases nor care about the boxes, but you don’t see me b****ing.

I think the real problem is InArt fans don't wanna hear it, because they are giddy over having what they perceive as a "grail". And in the face of hype - which there is a lot of, depending, folks might feel they are the only one with issues. Or, they are weighing an expensive purchase - and not everyone is on Facebook looking at THOSE pictures.

Please don’t make it seem like the “INART fans” are saying there aren’t QC issues. That’s just not true. An “expensive purchase” huh? All these things are luxury goods, you don’t need them and they’re all expensive for what they are.

Yeah, well, I planned to order Legolas, because. Who doesn't like Legolas. I wouldn't mind having another one. Again, maybe I'll regret skipping the purchase, but right now I can't trust InArt to handle the hair, for one thing; or to improve the materials they use/finishing. And yes, I've moved on from InArt *probably* unless they actually produce Thorin. Or if Legolas is so outstanding - well, never mind. Being in the U.S. with threats of tariffs. But, good luck.

You love INART, you’re just holding on to your narrative for dear life to support your image you have in this community. Just face the facts, and admit you like this company, but oh, you can’t show you like it because then you’d be labeled a “shill” or whatnot, right?

I personally hope they don’t make Thorin, (waste of a slot) but if they do, you’re bound to come crawling back. And this needless cycle will continue on your behalf.

 

[Sassafras]

You love INART, you’re just holding on to your narrative for dear life to support your image you have in this community. Just face the facts, and admit you like this company, but oh, you can’t show you like it because then you’d be labeled a “shill” or whatnot, right?

I personally hope they don’t make Thorin, (waste of a slot) but if they do, you’re bound to come crawling back. And this needless cycle will continue on your behalf.

Er, no. It's probably not going to make any difference, but outside of initial cynical impressions, I don't have much of an opinion one way or the other, about InArt.

Because, they are just too new. They wouldn't be the first company to come along with big ideas, and have some growing pains, as did HT, ASMUS, JND, third party etc.

If I had to guess, InArt is already running smack into an issue, like, Legolas' boots. Those nice soft elvish COMPLICATED boots. Impossible to replicate at 1/6 and make a profit, so they've gone to plastic. Another issue is gonna be Legolas' hair - those tiny, to-scale braids but his hair is supposed to be elvish straight and flowy, not all plastered with product. Big ideas. Hard to replicate in quantity tho.

Dunno that I'd be "crawling back" InArt could care less, as long as my credit card clears.

 

[HyperDrive]

Er, no. It's probably not going to make any difference, but outside of initial cynical impressions, I don't have much of an opinion one way or the other, about InArt.

What? You expel tonnes of energy talking about INART in one way or another.

Because, they are just too new. They wouldn't be the first company to come along with big ideas, and have some growing pains, as did HT, ASMUS, JND, third party etc.

Now you’re being rational?

If I had to guess, InArt is already running smack into an issue, like, Legolas' boots. Those nice soft elvish COMPLICATED boots. Impossible to replicate at 1/6 and make a profit, so they've gone to plastic. Another issue is gonna be Legolas' hair - those tiny, to-scale braids but his hair is supposed to be elvish straight and flowy, not all plastered with product. Big ideas. Hard to replicate in quantity tho.

Yes, not everything can be perfectly replicated in 1:6. It is known.

Good thing they have more of a “made to order” approach.

Dunno that I'd be "crawling back" InArt could care less, as long as my credit card clears.

Oh, you’ll be back. You won’t be able to resist. But if that’s how you wanna see it, continue being a sucker to INART lol… that’s really what we all are. Suckers. For blowing away money on luxury goods we don’t need, and yet here we are. And that’s fine and all, but damn, why take it this seriously? I understand all the criticisms (I’m critical and literally point out inaccuracies to INART on their Facebook pages for every figure I’m invested in) but at some point, it’s too much, don’t you think?

 

[Rzeznikk]

What is it people are expecting as far as drop from proto to final? Because there's always a drop. No matter what. Even in customs. Obviously the goal is to get as close to the proto as possible. But 1:1 replication is just not realistic at this scale.

Every InArt piece has blown me away as far as what I'm expecting to receive in hand. Gandalf being the high bar. I teared up when opening that. No other company has managed to do that. Only others that had be choking up was custom pieces.

Joker. Gandalf. Pennywise. Aragorn. Harry. All some of the best 1:6 pieces in my collection. I can't say that for every figure from any other company. I can't even say that about Hot Toys. Which is the "king" 1:6 developer in town...

So I really have to shake/scratch my head and chuckle at the unrealistic expectations some collectors have in this hobby.

I'm sure everyone's experience differs and getting QC issues will absolutely lessen ones enjoyment. But some complaints are down right laughable and ridiculous. Absolutely whining.

People are also forgetting the hairing process takes time hence the uptick in cost for these pieces. So I see the word "premium" being tossed around. These really aren't any more "premium" than HT pieces. Both just luxury items. And the extra cost going into quality hair rooting you wouldn't normally get from anywhere outside of a custom artist which will charge you the cost of the whole damned figure just to get the head haired.

Inart isn't free of flaws or fault, but right now I'm giving them the benefit of the doubt for being an up and coming company. Still very new and even still, what they have already accomplished in the market and community is commendable. No other company has pushed HT to do better and InArt has done just this in a matter of a couple years.

And just with every other up and coming company you will find growing pains. Which I believe 100% will get ironed out over time.

It's absolutely justifiable to bring up QC issues. Things that obviously weren't supposed to be part of the experience like magnets missing or paint app issues or accessories missing etc. Those things need to be brought up and address so InArt can tighten things up. These things are legit issues that people should address.

And hopefully InArt does eventually get the worldwide license so they can start having resellers like BBTS or Sideshow handle these issues in the future. Much like HT.

We as collectors WANT InArt to succeed so the competition will continue. So companies dont get complacent and lazy like HT was doing prior to InArt on the scene. So like them or not you can thank them for pushing HT to start caring about their products again at least.

 

[HyperDrive]

What is it people are expecting as far as drop from proto to final? Because there's always a drop. No matter what. Even in customs. Obviously the goal is to get as close to the proto as possible. But 1:1 replication is just not realistic at this scale.

Every InArt piece has blown me away as far as what I'm expecting to receive in hand. Gandalf being the high bar. I teared up when opening that. No other company has managed to do that. Only others that had be choking up was custom pieces.

Joker. Gandalf. Pennywise. Aragorn. Harry. All some of the best 1:6 pieces in my collection. I can't say that for every figure from any other company. I can't even say that about Hot Toys. Which is the "king" 1:6 developer in town...

So I really have to shake/scratch my head and chuckle at the unrealistic expectations some collectors have in this hobby.

I'm sure everyone's experience differs and getting QC issues will absolutely lessen ones enjoyment. But some complaints are down right laughable and ridiculous. Absolutely whining.

People are also forgetting the hairing process takes time hence the uptick in cost for these pieces. So I see the word "premium" being tossed around. These really aren't any more "premium" than HT pieces. Both just luxury items. And the extra cost going into quality hair rooting you wouldn't normally get from anywhere outside of a custom artist which will charge you the cost of the whole damned figure just to get the head haired.

Inart isn't free of flaws or fault, but right now I'm giving them the benefit of the doubt for being an up and coming company. Still very new and even still, what they have already accomplished in the market and community is commendable. No other company has pushed HT to do better and InArt has done just this in a matter of a couple years.

And just with every other up and coming company you will find growing pains. Which I believe 100% will get ironed out over time.

It's absolutely justifiable to bring up QC issues. Things that obviously weren't supposed to be part of the experience like magnets missing or paint app issues or accessories missing etc. Those things need to be brought up and address so InArt can tighten things up. These things are legit issues that people should address.

And hopefully InArt does eventually get the worldwide license so they can start having resellers like BBTS or Sideshow handle these issues in the future. Much like HT.

We as collectors WANT InArt to succeed so the competition will continue. So companies dont get complacent and lazy like HT was doing prior to InArt on the scene. So like them or not you can thank them for pushing HT to start caring about their products again at least.

I basically agree with everything you said 100% except for hoping INART gets a middleman like Hot Toys has with Sideshow. Imo, no need for that as that will only raise costs.

INART can take care of distribution as well globally (just like they have been handling it on a regional scale), they just need to tighten up and standardize their QC processes across all factories they employ.

I’d say let’s give them the benefit of the doubt until we see how customer service will be handled on a global scale until their first worldwide licensed release in Dune Paul Atreides.

 

[Darth-Flan]

Gosh, darn it! I broke down and pre-ordered him anyway, because I already have Gandalf and Aragorn. It’s an illness, I swear it’s worse than drugs or alcohol at this point.

 

[batsheva]

Please don't take this as a personal attack because I have no problem with you, but before InArt came along, you were constantly pointing out every little thing Asmus did wrong, criticizing everything you didn't like, pointing out every flaw, blasting every poor head sculpt and highlighting every QC issue.

I have plenty of issues with the way Asmus did things and certainly was burned on a few figures that had terrible QC, but I never went on and on about it. That said, every time someone praised Asmus for something, myself included, you were very quick to point out their shortcomings.

I think after the experience Sassafras has had with the hair on the Aragorn figure that was received, they have every right to be critical of InArt, the same way you were critical of Asmus. I don't think InArt should be let off the hook for things that we criticized Asmus heavily on. There's been a TON of variety in the hair in the figures people are receiving on both Aragorn and Gandalf, which is a legitimate complaint and something people should be legitimately mad about when spending $500 on these figures. For Asmus, the eyes and hair were the biggest problems with Crown Gandalf the Grey, and that figure was $150 less yet there were way more complaints about it.

InArt is great, but they have a ton of problems early on. There's a ton of inconsistency and a ton of QC issues. So many QC issues I didn't even pre-order Legolas because I'm terrified my Hermione is going to show up looking terrible. At a $500 price point I don't want to spend more than five minutes addressing the hair on a figure, which is why I went sculpted for Harry, Ron, Aragorn and the Joker. I spent too much time on my Gandalf the Grey as it was.

I don't think Sassafras is being unfair nor do I think Sassafras is whining. If it's whining, then you were certainly whining about Asmus for years and you of all people should understand where the complaints are coming from.

Again, not a personal attack, just playing devil's advocate here. A lot of your Asmus complaints were entirely valid. But that doesn't mean InArt should be let off the hook solely because they're the alternative.

Nothing personal is taken.

I did realize that, and so I have stopped doing so.
In asmus case, I know that now, I don't have to do such thing, as the company already got hit by their own action.
It changed how they do their PO and halted their LOTR for a while.
They also had to experience huge losses, by having to replace all the QC errors.
So.. no need to whine anymore as asmus will get what they deserve if they keep doing bad things.

Yes, I do understand that InArt has QC problems. And it's good that we are voicing it.
I am not paid or loyal to any brand, as I said..

And yes, Sassafras' complaints/criticism is also valid, but when repeated over and over again, it is no longer constructive.
It's whining.. and annoying.

 

[batsheva]

What is it people are expecting as far as drop from proto to final? Because there's always a drop. No matter what. Even in customs. Obviously the goal is to get as close to the proto as possible. But 1:1 replication is just not realistic at this scale.

Every InArt piece has blown me away as far as what I'm expecting to receive in hand. Gandalf being the high bar. I teared up when opening that. No other company has managed to do that. Only others that had be choking up was custom pieces.

Joker. Gandalf. Pennywise. Aragorn. Harry. All some of the best 1:6 pieces in my collection. I can't say that for every figure from any other company. I can't even say that about Hot Toys. Which is the "king" 1:6 developer in town...

So I really have to shake/scratch my head and chuckle at the unrealistic expectations some collectors have in this hobby.

I'm sure everyone's experience differs and getting QC issues will absolutely lessen ones enjoyment. But some complaints are down right laughable and ridiculous. Absolutely whining.

People are also forgetting the hairing process takes time hence the uptick in cost for these pieces. So I see the word "premium" being tossed around. These really aren't any more "premium" than HT pieces. Both just luxury items. And the extra cost going into quality hair rooting you wouldn't normally get from anywhere outside of a custom artist which will charge you the cost of the whole damned figure just to get the head haired.

Inart isn't free of flaws or fault, but right now I'm giving them the benefit of the doubt for being an up and coming company. Still very new and even still, what they have already accomplished in the market and community is commendable. No other company has pushed HT to do better and InArt has done just this in a matter of a couple years.

And just with every other up and coming company you will find growing pains. Which I believe 100% will get ironed out over time.

It's absolutely justifiable to bring up QC issues. Things that obviously weren't supposed to be part of the experience like magnets missing or paint app issues or accessories missing etc. Those things need to be brought up and address so InArt can tighten things up. These things are legit issues that people should address.

And hopefully InArt does eventually get the worldwide license so they can start having resellers like BBTS or Sideshow handle these issues in the future. Much like HT.

We as collectors WANT InArt to succeed so the competition will continue. So companies dont get complacent and lazy like HT was doing prior to InArt on the scene. So like them or not you can thank them for pushing HT to start caring about their products again at least.

Very well said.

What? You expel tonnes of energy talking about INART in one way or another.

Now you’re being rational?

Yes, not everything can be perfectly replicated in 1:6. It is known.

Good thing they have more of a “made to order” approach.

Oh, you’ll be back. You won’t be able to resist. But if that’s how you wanna see it, continue being a sucker to INART lol… that’s really what we all are. Suckers. For blowing away money on luxury goods we don’t need, and yet here we are. And that’s fine and all, but damn, why take it this seriously? I understand all the criticisms (I’m critical and literally point out inaccuracies to INART on their Facebook pages for every figure I’m invested in) but at some point, it’s too much, don’t you think?

Also very well said.

 

[Sassafras]

What is it people are expecting as far as drop from proto to final? Because there's always a drop. No matter what. Even in customs. Obviously the goal is to get as close to the proto as possible. But 1:1 replication is just not realistic at this scale.

Every InArt piece has blown me away as far as what I'm expecting to receive in hand. Gandalf being the high bar. I teared up when opening that. No other company has managed to do that. Only others that had be choking up was custom pieces.

Joker. Gandalf. Pennywise. Aragorn. Harry. All some of the best 1:6 pieces in my collection. I can't say that for every figure from any other company. I can't even say that about Hot Toys. Which is the "king" 1:6 developer in town...

So I really have to shake/scratch my head and chuckle at the unrealistic expectations some collectors have in this hobby.
'''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''
People are also forgetting the hairing process takes time hence the uptick in cost for these pieces. So I see the word "premium" being tossed around. These really aren't any more "premium" than HT pieces. Both just luxury items. And the extra cost going into quality hair rooting you wouldn't normally get from anywhere outside of a custom artist which will charge you the cost of the whole damned figure just to get the head haired.

We as collectors WANT InArt to succeed so the competition will continue. So companies dont get complacent and lazy like HT was doing prior to InArt on the scene. So like them or not you can thank them for pushing HT to start caring about their products again at least.

I'll disagree because I absolutely have figs, and statues, where I'd say the piece was prototype quality. And InArt touted themselves as "premium". I figure InArt owes me about 100$ for labor and materials, at this point.

But I'll leave it at that, before the mods point out that going around and around about the company
isn't really discussing the figure and the thread is locked or myself or others get booted - not that there's much to discuss and won't be for a while. Maybe then I'll "come crawling back to InArt" which will give HyperDrive a laugh.

Could be, if they actually release Thorin. THAT was a heck of a prototype.

 

[HyperDrive]

I'll disagree because I absolutely have figs, and statues, where I'd say the piece was prototype quality. And InArt touted themselves as "premium".

Hot Toys and INART products degrade. Accept it.

Can you show me where they “touted” themselves as premium? You go around repeating that and I’d like to know what you’re basing that off of. Surely, you’re not letting their marketing team get the best of you. On a sidenote, It’s not INART’s fault that people would go around praising their name, exalting them as the best, the “kings of 1/6”, the “HT killers” etc circa Fall 2022 before even their first figure was released for Final mass production (INART Joker - Dec 2022). I remember that really set the tone for why INART received a lot of flak and why the rest of the 1/6 community had a problem with them, which to this day, has significantly lessened, but imo, we still have a minority of naysayers (like yourself) who don’t tire of unreasonable criticism. Again, I’m all for criticism, but there comes a point where perhaps it’s oneself who should take a look at the mirror and realize one may have unreasonable expectations and standards, which leads me to say INART is simply not other’s (your) cup of tea.

I figure InArt owes me about 100$ for labor and materials, at this point.

If you can’t deal, don’t buy them.

But I'll leave it at that, before the mods point out that going around and around about the company
isn't really discussing the figure and the thread is locked or myself or others get booted - not that there's much to discuss and won't be for a while. Maybe then I'll "come crawling back to InArt" which will give HyperDrive a laugh.

I’m sorry Sassafras, but what you say gives me a laugh. I just can’t imagine doing what you do day in, day out about something I don’t like.

Could be, if they actually release Thorin. THAT was a heck of a prototype.

I’ll tell you upfront here, but if they proceed with Thorin, it will degrade by the time it releases, so don’t get your hopes up. Imo, save yourself the stress, money and time, and don’t get it. Stick to good ‘ol and reliable Asmus. It’s what you know and are comfortable with. Just my two cents.

 

[Rzeznikk]

I'll disagree because I absolutely have figs, and statues, where I'd say the piece was prototype quality. And InArt touted themselves as "premium". I figure InArt owes me about 100$ for labor and materials, at this point.

But I'll leave it at that, before the mods point out that going around and around about the company
isn't really discussing the figure and the thread is locked or myself or others get booted - not that there's much to discuss and won't be for a while. Maybe then I'll "come crawling back to InArt" which will give HyperDrive a laugh.

Could be, if they actually release Thorin. THAT was a heck of a prototype.

You can disagree all you want but that's an absolute fact. Final product always has a drop. Whether it be a softer sculpt or paint not as precise to tailoring not as tight there is always some bit of a drop. Veteran collectors know and accept this. I'm sure there have been releases that have exceeded your expectations (as there have been several for me as well) but that doesn't negate the drop. Unless you are getting a one off 1 of 1 "OOAK" custom piece made to order there is ALWAYS going to be variations and dips in quality of the copy from the original Proto.

As for what InArt owes you...taking that logic every company including Hot Toys and Prime 1 owes me thousands for the countless hours and materials for modding and customizing every single figure and statue I own

 

[HyperDrive]

You can disagree all you want but that's an absolute fact. Final product always has a drop. Whether it be a softer sculpt or paint not as precise to tailoring not as tight there is always some bit of a drop. Veteran collectors know and accept this. I'm sure there have been releases that have exceeded your expectations (as there have been several for me as well) but that doesn't negate the drop. Unless you are getting a one off 1 of 1 "OOAK" custom piece made to order there is ALWAYS going to be variations and dips in quality of the copy from the original Proto.

As for what InArt owes you...taking that logic every company including Hot Toys and Prime 1 owes me thousands for the countless hours and materials for modding and customizing every single figure and statue I own

Well put and rational take, ofc @Rzeznikk.

It’s like the community needs to constantly go over the same old, same old.

 

[Wor-Gar]

With so many reduced Aragorns selling, I'm assuming Legolas will be a smaller edition size more like Gandalf. You think?

 

[Rzeznikk]

With so many reduced Aragorns selling, I'm assuming Legolas will be a smaller edition size more like Gandalf. You think?

I'd agree with that. Plus with Legolas being more of a second tier member of the Fellowship (First Tier = Gandalf, Aragorn and Frodo IMO) and the jump in cost will be two huge factors that will likely contribute to a smaller run. I'm just hoping he sells well enough to warrant them continuing and finishing the Fellowship.

Like, if I was the license holder that would be a requirement. Have to complete the Fellowship.

 

[RandomHero]

With so many reduced Aragorns selling, I'm assuming Legolas will be a smaller edition size more like Gandalf. You think?

Didn't Kit (or somebody here?) say that Legolas was on pace to sell just as many figures as Aragorn? I remember being disappointed seeing it because it just justifies the price hike.

 

[Wor-Gar]

Didn't Kit (or somebody here?) say that Legolas was on pace to sell just as many figures as Aragorn? I remember being disappointed seeing it because it just justifies the price hike.

For his sales, maybe it was. In the beginning. Completists came out in droves. But that doesn't mean the bulk amount is the same as Aragorn. Maybe it is. FOMO is powerful. I have no idea.

I merely noticed that there seems to be a lot of Aragorns still for sale and at reduced prices (something I didn't notice with Gandalf)... so it would seem InArt made too many. Meaning, they made more than the POs (and returns) would require. I would think they would cut that number back for Legolas -- 'that' being the extra number beyond the POs.


All that is to say: if you think you'll be able to get Legolas after delivery for a reduced price, I wouldn't count on it. I am one of those who has not ordered yet so it is of interest to me.

 

[Bo Shrek]

Aragorn is my first and only Inart figure. The magnetic hands is enough for me to be turned off about future releases. I still don't know if I have attached them correctly. Is a hair dryer needed? Why do I feel like there are not 100% attached? I do miss the confirmation of the click sound of pegs.

 

[Rzeznikk]

Aragorn is my first and only Inart figure. The magnetic hands is enough for me to be turned off about future releases. I still don't know if I have attached them correctly. Is a hair dryer needed? Why do I feel like there are not 100% attached? I do miss the confirmation of the click sound of pegs.

You do need to push them in to get them fully inserted. I felt the same way when I was swapping the hands. Had this feeling they weren't all the way snug in and sure enough they werent.

 

[RandomHero]

I am one of those who has not ordered yet so it is of interest to me.

I also haven’t ordered. If I can get Legolas for about $425-450, new, I’d be interested. I’ve said a few times I don’t trust their rooting after all the different ways the Aragorns came out. I’m a sculpted guy through and through but even those seemed to have problems with the paint and whatever else.

I think the right leg on my Aragorn is longer than the left leg because he doesn’t seem to stand unless the right leg is bent. Probably why mine took a dive off its base already. That said, it’s why I didn’t want jump on Legolas at over $500.

I do hope it’s a smaller production run on whatever figures moving forward. Smaller runs means hopefully the workers aren’t getting burned out as fast and therefore should be making less mistakes, or mailing it in less.