XM Studios 1/4 Classic Wolverine

[-jay-]

Ithe only opinion that realy matters is that of those that have purchased it and have it in their own collection. For them, as long as they are happy with it/enjoy it then that is all that matters.

That's very true.

I was watching videos from some convention and Erick Sosa was saying these guys hope to match the proto paints and even beat them. The XM guys all agreed with him. Well the lips and teeth on this one don't match proto. It's the first statue i've seen from them that doesn't. The new Hawkeye looks stunning and every bit as good as the proto. So yeah they've dropped the ball on this one a little bit.

 

[wanderlai]

XM isn't getting a pass on the issues. They have actually acknowledged the problems.

 

[-jay-]

XM isn't getting a pass on the issues. They have actually acknowledged the problems.

I just saw that. Are they going to do anything about it on the next batches or is it too late now?

 

[Tbolt]

XM isn't getting a pass on the issues. They have actually acknowledged the problems.

I think they are from a majority of collectors. Very few people will even mention it.

For me, the worst aspect is the lipstick look. Shows up prominent in every photo I have seen posted. Maybe they will send out replacement heads or something? Of course, if most of the people ordering don't say anything, such a measure is likely not to be undertaken.

 

[dan350zr]

Honestly, I think some of the big XM fans are really giving them a pass on this, which is the opposite of what they should be doing if they expect XM to keep the lofty standards they attribute to them. I think the heads are pretty bad, and the masked head (best one), has that lipstick/monotooth, wavy paint. If it were an SS piece, it would be getting DESTROYED online right now. Also, that arm hair is just bad. Really poorly executed. The base/costume rock, but, again, zero consistency on how these pieces are treated by the online community. Makes me think if the recent Iron Patriot were an XM piece it would be the new darling of the collecting world.

If you take the time to read the posts on SF especially in the ask XM forum you will see people asking for fixes, the difference is you can ask XM to fix something without bashing them and they will read peoples posts and reply one way or the other (IE: creating new hair for phoenix portrait), with SS they just completely ignore their customer base even the posts with constructive criticism, IP paint application is horrible all over the statue.

The whole mono tooth thing is a joke IMO, but the dark lips and their attempt at painting hair on the back arms are issues, hopefully something XM will address.

 

[-jay-]

If you take the time to read the posts on SF especially in the ask XM forum you will see people asking for fixes, the difference is you can ask XM to fix something without bashing them and they will read peoples posts and reply one way or the other (IE: creating new hair for phoenix portrait), with SS they just completely ignore their customer base even the posts with constructive criticism, IP paint application is horrible all over the statue.

The whole mono tooth thing is a joke IMO, but the dark lips and their attempt at painting hair on the back arms are issues, hopefully something XM will address.

That's the thing i love about XM they really do listen and try their best to make people happy.

 

[Tbolt]

If you take the time to read the posts on SF especially in the ask XM forum you will see people asking for fixes, the difference is you can ask XM to fix something without bashing them and they will read peoples posts and reply one way or the other (IE: creating new hair for phoenix portrait), with SS they just completely ignore their customer base even the posts with constructive criticism, IP paint application is horrible all over the statue.

The whole mono tooth thing is a joke IMO, but the dark lips and their attempt at painting hair on the back arms are issues, hopefully something XM will address.

Well, since Statueforum gave me the boot, I seem to have missed that. Mostly going by what I have seen here and on FB. The one guy that commented on FB that XM then said they pooched it a bit and learned alot from this release then got jumped on by the next 5 people, so I don't think I am that far off base, but I agree that it is refreshing to see a company interested in the feedback of their customers. SS could take a page out of that book, then maybe a blind DD woudnt be tripping over lady justice or holding hot dogs instead of clubs.

 

[-jay-]

SS could take a page out of that book, then maybe a blind DD woudnt be tripping over lady justice or holding hot dogs instead of clubs.

Made me laugh.

 

[Spidey976]

Honestly, I think some of the big XM fans are really giving them a pass on this, which is the opposite of what they should be doing if they expect XM to keep the lofty standards they attribute to them. I think the heads are pretty bad, and the masked head (best one), has that lipstick/monotooth, wavy paint. If it were an SS piece, it would be getting DESTROYED online right now. Also, that arm hair is just bad. Really poorly executed. The base/costume rock, but, again, zero consistency on how these pieces are treated by the online community. Makes me think if the recent Iron Patriot were an XM piece it would be the new darling of the collecting world.

That is a Photoshop job, and it just ain't working IMHO. Now I couldn't do any better with that pic.. I would have to sculpt it myself to get the idea across.... as for the free pass thing... well...

Yeah i've seen a lot of people giving the lips and tooth a big pass. I've also posted on Facebook saying that type of attitude sucks. It sends the wrong message. They've set the bar really high now and if you want them to keep that level, then giving things like this a pass, is the wrong way of going about it.

They ship in batches right? So how hard would it be to put the paint line in the tooth and paint the lips like the proto? I know getting rid of the arm hair would be a big job. It's the lip colour that really bugs me. I can't say i'll buy this and then have those parts repainted since i've been giving people hassle over doing that with SSC statues.

Over at SF XM is taking a bit of a hit with a LOT of request for things being put in. Like the removal of the arm hair, and the fixing of the teeth and gums. Now, XM hasn't responded to the request, and I have to admit I can see issues for them anyway you cut it. 1)If they change what they are shipping out in later batches and get rid of the arm hair/fix the teeth a crap load of guys in batch 1 are going to lose it because they want the new versions, and unless XM ships them to those guys (and we are talking a brand new body here) the guys from batch 1 will have a legitimate gripe. 2) If XM doesn't make the changes then people are going to be saying "but you always said you would listen to us... what a load of ********... we asked", and again it is a complete catch 22. I think at this point XM has a bit of a monster of our creation chasing it around. I hope that they can make it all work.

 

[sarakawa]

I can see them just shipping as is. Obviously it's too late for batch 1. For once, I think they have to look at what makes sense. Recalling bodies on batch 1 or just shipping them all the way they are. This is STILL sold out and will remain SOLD OUT. Very few, if any, will want to cancel their Wolverine...even now. The after market price will still be crazy and well above retail. The arm hair is the ONLY thing I have an issue with and it doesn't bother me nearly enough to want to cancel or sell my wolverine once i get him. This bad boy is a keeper and will find a permanent home in my collection!

 

[Bmutha]

This is a bit of a different situation, Spidey. It's one thing to listen during the working stage and tweak at that time. It's an entirely different animal once the statue is finished and shipping...as you describe, it's really no win at this stage.
There is really nothing "wrong" with the statue. The mono-tooth was present on the prototype, and the arm hair was a design choice that just didn't turn out as good as they had hoped.

Personally, I am not counting on any changes being made by XM at this stage.

There is also a big difference between "giving XM a pass" and not losing your mind over these issues. Most people, including XM, are acknowledging there are flaws.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[-jay-]

That is a Photoshop job, and it just ain't working IMHO. Now I couldn't do any better with that pic.. I would have to sculpt it myself to get the idea across.... as for the free pass thing... well...


Over at SF XM is taking a bit of a hit with a LOT of request for things being put in. Like the removal of the arm hair, and the fixing of the teeth and gums. Now, XM hasn't responded to the request, and I have to admit I can see issues for them anyway you cut it. 1)If they change what they are shipping out in later batches and get rid of the arm hair/fix the teeth a crap load of guys in batch 1 are going to lose it because they want the new versions, and unless XM ships them to those guys (and we are talking a brand new body here) the guys from batch 1 will have a legitimate gripe. 2) If XM doesn't make the changes then people are going to be saying "but you always said you would listen to us... what a load of ********... we asked", and again it is a complete catch 22. I think at this point XM has a bit of a monster of our creation chasing it around. I hope that they can make it all work.

I think they're just going to have to take the hit on this one and accept that not everyone loves it. They just have to try and make sure this doesn't happen again, which is easier said than done. I mean it's not like it looks crap or anything.

 

[Bmutha]

I think they're just going to have to take the hit on this one and accept that not everyone loves it. They just have to try and make sure this doesn't happen again, which is easier said than done. I mean it's not like it looks crap or anything.

I think it's safe to say that if the brown Wolverine ever gets green lit, it'll have sculpted hair and proper teeth. XM will learn from this, no doubt.


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[-jay-]

I think it's safe to say that if the brown Wolverine ever gets green lit, it'll have sculpted hair and proper teeth. XM will learn from this, no doubt.

Yeah i hope we see a brown wolverine. I'll be all over that.

 

[Spidey976]

This is a bit of a different situation, Spidey. It's one thing to listen during the working stage and tweak at that time. It's an entirely different animal once the statue is finished and shipping...as you describe, it's really no win at this stage.
There is really nothing "wrong" with the statue. The mono-tooth was present on the prototype, and the arm hair was a design choice that just didn't turn out as good as they had hoped.

Personally, I am not counting on any changes being made by XM at this stage.

There is also a big difference between "giving XM a pass" and not losing your mind over these issues. Most people, including XM, are acknowledging there are flaws.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

I think they're just going to have to take the hit on this one and accept that not everyone loves it. They just have to try and make sure this doesn't happen again, which is easier said than done. I mean it's not like it looks crap or anything.

I actually don't think they have a choice really, and I think it is unfair to ask them to change something after production has started that isn't a QC issue persay (i.e. leaning, breakage) just because of personal preference. If they let that Genie out of the bottle they will NEVER get it back in, and they might as well turn their business into made to order customs because they will never hear the end of it. I still think this one and Phoenix are going to cause some blowback with the customer complaints that can't be answered.

 

[Y4NK33 PL4N3T]

Makes me think if the recent Iron Patriot were an XM piece it would be the new darling of the collecting world.

Is there any way to seriously state these 2 are on the same level?

Anyway, DHL just delivered my Wolvie so I'll leave it at that.

 

[-jay-]

Is there any way to seriously state these 2 are on the same level?

Nope

Anyway, DHL just delivered my Wolvie so I'll leave it at that.

Congrats bud. Pics and mini review when you have time.

 

[dan350zr]

I still think this one and Phoenix are going to cause some blowback with the customer complaints that can't be answered.

They're redoing the hair portrait on Phoenix so that should make the majority of customers very happy.... and it's looking pretty good so far (see phoenix thread).. The only saving grace on the painted hair is unless you have a mirrored background or displayed in the open your probably never going to see it...

 

[El Mule]

Even with a mirror in the back panel of your shelf, you'd need to turn Wolvie and get very close (one inch or so) to see the stenciled hair. From a few inches it looks like hair shading, which is not great honestly, but definitely far from an issue even if you see it in the mirror.
I see that for the price point people expect these flaws to be absent, but I also see people costantly dropping 2K on LSFs and be fine with the third grade paint app Sideshow delivers on those, so I think there's a lot of hair splitting (pun, hell yeah) going on here.
As Spidey said, it's not much a matter of flaws, but of expectations surrounding XM, imho.

In all of this... are the arms deatachable? Anybody knows?

 

[Y4NK33 PL4N3T]

Pics uploading, this statue is stunning in hand.

El Mule, the gauntlets can be swapped but the arms are part of the solid cast: