What if Hot Toys Did a 1:4 TT Body System?

[nexus]

With both Hot Toys and Enterbay announcing 1:4 figure lines, I wonder if a new category might be on the horizon.

Whether it was HT or some other manufacturer, Would having a 1:4 scale body system spur customization like in the 1:6 scale world? I for one would be interested in something along these lines provided the body construction was solid, there was some flexibility in lengthening and shortening heights by a 3-4 scale inches, and the figure could be locked into a pose.

I could see them doing perhaps 3 male types (superhero muscular, normal and narrow) and 2 female types (curvy normal and thin)--in Caucasian, Tan, African American and Asian.

PROS
•Could open the door to some great PF-style figures from both major manufacturers and small run/niche producers
•Could open the door to getting fill-in characters that otherwise wouldn't get made
•Larger headsculpts could have more detail.
•I think finding 1:4 scale seamstresses might be easier than 1:6
•Easier to create lines like Star Trek, Matrix, Pulp Fiction, etc. Where headsculpts and costumes are the only major variables.
•Customizations galore

CONS
•Still a "doll"
•Bodies would be constructed of plastic as opposed to resin
•1:4 scale takes up more room than 1:6 scale
•Not sure if 1:4 props are as readily available as 1:6
•More expensive
•Ball joints would still be an issue especially on female characters with bare arms and legs unless some optional system was created
For my part this is something I'd likely be all over.

 

[Jackhepburn]

I'd guess they'd come to this eventually seeing as they have a few 1/4's planned and they have to make the bodies for them anyway. I do think more companies need to do 1/4 accessory packs and clothing packs before anyone can make a good kitbash or custom.

 

[Lejuan]

Personally I think there are only a handful of figures that would look great in 1:4, but maybe there are enough collectors out there with the money and the space to support a kit bashing market. Economies of scale would likely mitigate against 1:4 TTs.

 

[fosing]

by the time the ipad 7 is released you'd be saying 1:1 is the new 1:4. lolz

 

[Niceman]

I think 1:6 is the right size. I'm not interested in going into 1:4 because of space, $, and the fact that they wouldn't fit with what I already have.

 

[galactiboy]

The issue with customizing in 1/4 scale is there is just not the history of collectible to draw from. Not to mention the price per figure (guessing $400 is the base price) would make it pretty cost prohibitive to kit bash.

Now I guess we could see some custom artists offering complete figures if there is enough demand, but w/o a readily available source of bodies that could prove tricky.

 

[nexus]

Admittedly I only recently got into the 1:6 figure category, so only have about 20 pieces thus far. I have a lot of PFs, maybe 40-50 I don't really count. So I'm looking at it more along the lines of small runs, supplemental characters and customs, especially given how long it takes Sideshow to release one figure, never mind a line. This was mostly sparked by the fact that I was starting to go after the HT 1:6 Rocky line, which are currently in the $300-$400 range and only have so-so likenesses. Then I saw that Enterbay was going to be making 1:4 Rocky, which could be pretty spectacular if done right. I have the ETD Bruce Lee and it is fantastic. I agree a $400 price tag is pretty outrageous, but if high quality 1:4 figs could get to market at the $250-$300 range that might be the sweet spot.

Both EB and HT have announced a slew of 1:4 lines including Terminator, Rambo, Robocop, Dark Knight, etc. Who knows if these will actually see the light of day because it could have just been a matter of both trying to trump the other.

That said, if the lines do take off it only makes sense that there could be 1:4 base bodies. At least for me this could be a great opportunity for a small run producer/customizer to supplement PF lines like Star Wars (ex. Lando, Qui Gon, Queen Amidala, etc.); LotR (ex. Boromir, Arwen, Sarumon); Predator (ex. Dillon, Blaine, Mac); Marvel and DC (too many characters to list). Or to do new lines like Star Trek, Matrix, Blade Runner.

While certainly not as large as the 1:6 market, there are a lot of 1:4 scale collectors out there and seeing some cool customs that could fit right in with PFs would probably spur the market.

Of course it will really come down to economics, availability and seeing some results. I'm going to be waiting to see if anything develops.

 

[The Skull]

Interesting idea, I have no hate towards 1:4 scale and would not care if it is a sucess or failure, However all this talk about 1:4 is the new 1:6 is kinda silly. No matter if 1:4 becomes popular 1:6 will not likely never get topped due to the fact that it has a history of success for over 50 years.

 

[nexus]

I don't think 1:4 are anywhere near the new 1:6. You have much more flexibility with 1:6 scale when it comes to space and display, as well as many more resources for clothing, accessories, props, sets/environments many of which would be impractical for 1:4. Not to mention overall affordability.

I really see 1:4 as another potential bridge for PF owners. If it catches fire great. If not, that's why I'm building a 1:6 collection. Given how many license announcements and teases Enterbay and Hot Toys have been making I'll believe it when I start to see it.

 

[Eterniandreams]

I would love to see some 1:4 bodies, but more to use as customs next to 1:6 figures.
To use for a Atom Smasher, a Prometheus pilot, Apache Chief, Grundy, a frost giant, etc.
So basicly more to be use within the 1:6 line as giants/ tall characters.