Three major concerns if Sideshow uses a Hot Toys co-developed body

[JustinLuck]

I own two Generation Life Hot Toy bodies and as much as I like the body design, there are 2-3 disadvantages that I hope Sideshow considers with their re-design.

1) Hot Toys uses a generic neck. This might seem fine at first glance. I love the additional range of motion. But one thing I absolutely prefer about Sideshow heads is the sculpted detail on their necks like Anakin's adams apple and QuiGon's beard hair. These trademark features contribute more than you might think to the realism. Medicom Luke neck anyone?

2) Another problem I have found with both Generation Life figs is that their heads tend to split at the seam near the rim where the head meets the neck.

3) Hot Toys uses a cheaper plastic material for their heads. Yes, Sideshow heads are heavy, but that is because they are made of quality material. The cheap, light plastic of a Hot Toys head may be a contributing factor why they split at the seams.

Now, don't get me wrong. I am as excited as anyone that Sideshow might start using higher quality bodies. I am just voicing my concerns with hope that Sideshow takes note of when figuring out the head and neck conversion.

 

[Darren Carnall]

interesting points. I don't have any Hot Toys generic bodies, so I can't comment about the other points.... but I'm torn about the use of their necks.

I agree 100% about the sculpted detail on Sideshow necks.... adams apples and the like, and I love that. And you're right... it DOES add to the realism of a piece.

However the extra range of motion in having two joints on the neck can be great too. *that's how they do it, right? one at the base and one under the head

I guess it would depend what figure it was for.... if they changed it depending on how much neck was seen that might work.

interesting points though

 

[metaphorge]

A lot of Hot Toys figures use heads that are very similar to Sideshow heads, with the neck and head being a single piece (attached to the piece that plugs into the body, much like a BBI g3.5). It will be interesting to see what Sideshow does if this comes to pass, but they could easily stick to their current design. It's still early but it looks like this is what they've done with Frodo and Sam.

Personally I prefer the New Gen Life design, and haven't had a problem yet with any splitting, though I grant that I've only owned any Hot Toys figures with this design for a little over a month now.

 

[MiskatonicNick]

However, the new Hot Toys True Type figures...
https://www.hottoys.com.hk/product.php?cat=21&pid=246
... come with a choice of swappable neck joints; one for 'neckless' heads and the other for Sideshow style necked heads so I'm a guessing Sideshow will continue to produce their usual style of noggins and use that latter neckpost.

Nick

 

[Ironman1188]

As Nick said, Hot Toys have "interchangeable" neck adapters to accomodate different type heads. Either should work well. Hot Toys body is more poseable than SSc's and I have several Hot Toys figures and have never had a head splitting problem.

 

[captain sack]

Three major concerns if Sideshow uses a Hot Toys co-developed body

these are major concerns?

i'm guessing you own very few hot toys products? they have a couple different neck styles. some are exactly like sideshow necks. and sideshow has, on occasion, used a "generic" neck on their figures, like general custard and others.

i've owned many hot toys products and have never had a head split at the seams. and do you have proof the plastic is inferior to the stuff sideshow uses? the NGL heads seem heavy duty to me. sure, hot toys has roto-casted some heads, but so has sideshow.

https://cgi.ebay.com/1-6-HT-U-S-NAV...6817384QQihZ016QQcategoryZ27294QQcmdZViewItem

 

[JustinLuck]

Ideally, Sideshow artists could sculpt over a neck template to compliment the head sculpt. Trust me, I am not a fan of Sideshow neck articulation!! I will take pictures of the seam splitting I'm talking about. But maybe actual Hot Toys figures are more robust. I own the Generation Life nude bodies. And yes, I use the alternate neck adapter for Sideshow heads on the GL bodies.

 

[bwayne]

2) Another problem I have found with both Generation Life figs is that their heads tend to split at the seam near the rim where the head meets the neck.

I have a few of these figures and have seen the splitting, but it was when I was swapping out one head for another. I haven't seen the split otherwise.

 

[bluesparrow]

The cup is half full, Justin. Just drink already.

 

[EVILFACE]

None of mine have split either.

 

[captain sack]

The cup is half full, Justin. Just drink already.

if i were going to be concerned about anything, it would be over sized heads and bad paintjobs, a problem sideshow has had since the company was created.

if sideshow is going to partner with hot toys, the best thing would be for sideshow to use the same factories hot toys uses.

 

[zeiss]

I may be missing something but did Sideshow say that they may be considering utilizing a Hot Toys developed body?

 

[screamingmetal]

I may be missing something but did Sideshow say that they may be considering utilizing a Hot Toys developed body?

Watch the video Sideshow put up on their website:
https://www.sideshowtoy.com/cgi-bin/category.cgi?category=comiccon07_products-panel
They hint that the development of the small body will spill over to improving the 12" bodies.

 

[Darren Carnall]

However, the new Hot Toys True Type figures...
https://www.hottoys.com.hk/product.php?cat=21&pid=246
... come with a choice of swappable neck joints; one for 'neckless' heads and the other for Sideshow style necked heads so I'm a guessing Sideshow will continue to produce their usual style of noggins and use that latter neckpost.

Nick

well then.... that answers that. thanks!

 

[JustinLuck]

The Generation Life bodies that I purchased last year are identical to the True Type bodies. They have the same neck adapters. Only their headsculpts and skin color are different. The Sideshow heads fit loose on the 'Sideshow/Dragon' neck adapter. You would have to glue them on if you want them secure.

The new Sideshow child-like bodies use the traditional Hot Toys neck adapter, attaching underneath the jawline. The female Sideshow heads have always attached at this point. That is why, if they release new adult male bodies, we might see the last of neck sculpture.

 

[wookster]

Well I have to say, this is the most exciting news to come out of SDCC for me. I believe Sideshow have lost a lot of respect over the last few years, and most of that is down to the poorly articulated but more importantly often floppy, loose jointed base figures.
I've always said that for their price point SS figures have great accessories, pretty good sculpts, paint and clothes. I think this announcement will force the bar to be lifted higher in all these catagories. And as long as prices don't sky-rocket we might see SST at the top of their game again. And I'm guessing some co-developed armoured figures might be in the mix.
It's win win for us collectors.
Oh, and I've personaly never had any problems with my HT bods, and I'd rather have a generic neck with a great range of movement, a simple tilt or quirky movement in the neck can bring a figure to life more than just about any joint on the body.
If SS can bring something approaching the quality of HT, POTC figs to Star Wars there will be a lot of very happy bunnies hopping about!

 

[bluesparrow]

The Generation Life bodies that I purchased last year are identical to the True Type bodies. They have the same neck adapters. Only their headsculpts and skin color are different. The Sideshow heads fit loose on the 'Sideshow/Dragon' neck adapter. You would have to glue them on if you want them secure.

The new Sideshow child-like bodies use the traditional Hot Toys neck adapter, attaching underneath the jawline. The female Sideshow heads have always attached at this point. That is why, if they release new adult male bodies, we might see the last of neck sculpture.

Most actual Hot Toys boxed figures(as opposed to the blister packed nudes) I've purchased have Sideshow style sculpted necks. So "traditional" is a major stretch. They seem to decide it on a case by case basis. The Hot Toys military figures(the bulk of what Hot Toys produces) by and large have sculpted necks. Superman and Clark Kent did not, nor does Jack Sparrow.