Here's your new business plan, Sideshow
After seeing the awful interpretation of Ripley, I am kind of disappointed that HT is the first brand mentioned.
What happened to all the really good sculptors from the bygone age of resin??
Yulli would probably be doing the sculpts now. I think Ripley was prior to Yulli's start at Hot Toys. Ripley also came out prior to JC Hong's taking over the paint apps at Hot Toys, and you can see in the repainted Ripley that comes with the Power Loader what a difference he's made. Yulli hasn't missed a likeness yet, IMO.
Have a look at her Brandon Routh compared to the first one, or her Marlon Brando as Jor-El, or Appleseed Deunan, which melds anime with the elegance of Hiroki Hayashi.
Hiring Yulli, JC Hong, and the clothing team at Ha-Rue has elevated Hot Toys to the front ranks of figure makers. Everything they're coming out with now is stunning.
If Sideshow could find a true master paint designer/controller over in China, they could do the same thing. They've got their young sculpting
wunderkind right here in Trevolver, and they're working with Hot Toys to develop a new body. Turn Greg Mowry loose to work his PF magic on the 1:6 clothing line. Hire Les Walker to go over to China and teach his painting techniques. After all, a couple of years ago, JC was doing exactly what Les is doing now.
That'll leave only one thing: go public so I can buy stock in Sideshow.