Indie Spotlight at NYCC...

[Magic 8 Ball]

(If there's already a thread about this, my apologies. I did a search and didn't find anything commenting on Shocker's NYCC gallery.)

 

Anyone who pays attention to my posts knows that I'm not much of a complainer- indeed, I complain about complaining much more than I do about companies and products.

 

I've been trying to keep my hopes up about Indie Spotlight. Shocker has grabbed a lot of licenses that I'd love to see in plastic... but based on the NYCC pictures (http://i.toynewsi.com/g/index.php?mode=alb..._NYCC%2FShocker), I officially don't care anymore.

 

The females (Kabuki and Katchoo, notably) have terrible, huge hip joints and 'Frazetta-thighs' that don't match any source material I've ever seen... and frankly just look plain awful. Actually, that means the thighs match the rest of Katchoo. If it weren't for the name tag in front of her, I'd have no clue who that figure is supposed to be, and I own every last issue of SiP.

 

Who's doing the painting on these things? More importantly, why are they being paid for it? Painted prototypes are supposed to impress and interest customers, and these are just awful. Presumably, these are being painted by a professional, and they are in my caliber of work- by my own admission, I'm only moderately talented. Someone who is getting paid for it should be BETTER than me, not comparable. If they aren't being painted by a professional... actually, there's really nothing more to that. They should be- period. Good-looking prototypes sell toys. Professionals make good prototypes. There is no excuse for a company trying to interest customers using bad, unprofessional-looking prototypes.

 

And then there's series two... I suppose there's still hope for Dick Tracy, but I doubt it.

 

Of course, this is all moot. This line has been 'coming soon' for over a year now, and it's still in prototypes. In that time LCBH has come and gone, making even the best figure in this line look like mere droppings. It's hard enough to care about something you don't honestly think will ever exist... and impossible when it looks this bad.

 

Sorry to bash them up and down and make it sound like I have no confidence in the ability of Shocker Toys, but... well, I don't.

[GPM in ICT]

(Of course, this is all moot. This line has been 'coming soon' for over a year now, and it's still in prototypes.

 

 

Actually the line was first announced in May of 2006, so almost two years.

[Magic 8 Ball]

(Of course, this is all moot. This line has been 'coming soon' for over a year now, and it's still in prototypes.

 

 

Actually the line was first announced in May of 2006, so almost two years.

So my disappointment is long-overdue then. Awesome. @hmmm@

[Shocker Toys]

(Of course, this is all moot. This line has been 'coming soon' for over a year now, and it's still in prototypes.

 

 

Actually the line was first announced in May of 2006, so almost two years.

So my disappointment is long-overdue then. Awesome. @hmmm@

Hey thats great that you don't care for series1 because of what you saw at NYCC, because it actually was the same series1 that everyone has seen. The new series1 in tooling has the series2 articualtion and paints for series1 will be done from the atrists color guides not what you have seen at toy fair or nycc. Just thought I'd get that info out there for you all. So breakdown is Kabuki, Katchoo and ShadowHawk are all getting the Series 2 joint treatment from head to toe and a new paint job which was like the SCUD Exclusive at NYCC even though that was a bit rushed so better then that. Things take time when you think of a new idea and it gets taken along with your properties then you have to go back and rethink it all then you get not so great sculpts and a crappy factory then have to get a new design team and factory and start allover again. But point is we did and we are moving up if you don't want to give us a chance that is fine but we are going to put the line out no matter what!

[Magic 8 Ball]

(Of course, this is all moot. This line has been 'coming soon' for over a year now, and it's still in prototypes.

 

 

Actually the line was first announced in May of 2006, so almost two years.

So my disappointment is long-overdue then. Awesome. @hmmm@

Hey thats great that you don't care for series1 because of what you saw at NYCC, because it actually was the same series1 that everyone has seen. The new series1 in tooling has the series2 articualtion and paints for series1 will be done from the atrists color guides not what you have seen at toy fair or nycc. Just thought I'd get that info out there for you all. So breakdown is Kabuki, Katchoo and ShadowHawk are all getting the Series 2 joint treatment from head to toe and a new paint job which was like the SCUD Exclusive at NYCC even though that was a bit rushed so better then that. Things take time when you think of a new idea and it gets taken along with your properties then you have to go back and rethink it all then you get not so great sculpts and a crappy factory then have to get a new design team and factory and start allover again. But point is we did and we are moving up if you don't want to give us a chance that is fine but we are going to put the line out no matter what!

Translation: You're busy adding more stuff you've seen work for others who are doing similar figures. Not that I'm actually trying to berate you for it- it's actually quite the intelligent move. However, this marks how many times you guys are redoing the same lineup? At this point, wouldn't the smart money be to just reverse them and put series 2 out first? After two years, I'd think you'd like to have something to show for it, and it seems like series 2 is actually farther along.

 

And why you would show off figures that you fully admit are inferior to your intentions and are nowhere near the finished product is bewildering. A cardboard mock-up would have shown that you have the license and 'intend' to make the figures... and frankly, it would have looked better than what you actually had.

 

It was bad enough thinking that you'd polished a turd and still had a turd. Turns out you were just showing the turd and promising to polish it. Let me know when you actually have something that A: can be bought, and B: is worth buying... I do hope I'm not asking for the impossible.

 

Two years. And that's just since you announced it; it seems likely that it was in the works long before that. I think it's time to fish or cut bait.

[Shocker Toys]

(Of course, this is all moot. This line has been 'coming soon' for over a year now, and it's still in prototypes.

 

 

Actually the line was first announced in May of 2006, so almost two years.

So my disappointment is long-overdue then. Awesome. @hmmm@

Hey thats great that you don't care for series1 because of what you saw at NYCC, because it actually was the same series1 that everyone has seen. The new series1 in tooling has the series2 articualtion and paints for series1 will be done from the atrists color guides not what you have seen at toy fair or nycc. Just thought I'd get that info out there for you all. So breakdown is Kabuki, Katchoo and ShadowHawk are all getting the Series 2 joint treatment from head to toe and a new paint job which was like the SCUD Exclusive at NYCC even though that was a bit rushed so better then that. Things take time when you think of a new idea and it gets taken along with your properties then you have to go back and rethink it all then you get not so great sculpts and a crappy factory then have to get a new design team and factory and start allover again. But point is we did and we are moving up if you don't want to give us a chance that is fine but we are going to put the line out no matter what!

Translation: You're busy adding more stuff you've seen work for others who are doing similar figures. Not that I'm actually trying to berate you for it- it's actually quite the intelligent move. However, this marks how many times you guys are redoing the same lineup? At this point, wouldn't the smart money be to just reverse them and put series 2 out first? After two years, I'd think you'd like to have something to show for it, and it seems like series 2 is actually farther along.

 

And why you would show off figures that you fully admit are inferior to your intentions and are nowhere near the finished product is bewildering. A cardboard mock-up would have shown that you have the license and 'intend' to make the figures... and frankly, it would have looked better than what you actually had.

 

It was bad enough thinking that you'd polished a turd and still had a turd. Turns out you were just showing the turd and promising to polish it. Let me know when you actually have something that A: can be bought, and B: is worth buying... I do hope I'm not asking for the impossible.

 

Two years. And that's just since you announced it; it seems likely that it was in the works long before that. I think it's time to fish or cut bait.

Actually the articulation is beinbg designed from scratch not from anyone elses figures. I am not going into a shouting match with you since it seems that is what you want. We are making the figures if you don't want them it is your choice. Np on is twisting your arms. When you see them in TRU pass em by if you can.

[hellion]

ive been on this forum for a couple of months and ive seen a lot of bashing to shokker toys, but yet not once i've seen them bad mouth anybody or snap at someones post. you guys got a hell of a lot of patience. hey, even though you guys taking long with these figures, ill give it a try and buy a wave when they come out. keep us posted.

 

 

also, magic 8 ball, dont get me wrong brotha, your one of my favorite posters.

[Magic 8 Ball]

Actually the articulation is beinbg designed from scratch not from anyone elses figures.

Right... Let's be blunt- double-joints in the limbs weren't new when Toy Biz did it. Originality in articulation isn't that easy to come by these days. It's painfully obvious looking at the first protos and the wave 2 protos that you originally intended to compete with DC Direct-style, but then decided that you could give a shot to competing with Marvel Legends (I'm sure LCBH had an effect on that decision).

 

Again, I'm not even trying to knock you for that. By all indications, you'd like IS (or is it ISL?) to stick around for a while, so going with what is proven to work is pretty much a given. I'm not accusing the design team of sitting there with the latest ML figures and saying "how do we pass this off as our own?"... I'm saying that you've changed your competitive focus. If that offends, it's not meant to. The only negative I see in the concept is that this change in focus seems to be a learning process for the company that isn't over yet... and it's preventing the toys from getting out.

I am not going into a shouting match with you since it seems that is what you want.

Not at all. I want you to make some flippin' toys already. Stop running around explaining why you don't have them and get busy having them. Stop showing off toys that you're not actually making- make the toys, then show them off.

 

You're not generating hype anymore. You're generating frustration and pessimism, and I know for a fact I'm not the only one.

We are making the figures

WHEN?!?!?

if you don't want them it is your choice. Np on is twisting your arms. When you see them in TRU pass em by if you can.

Hey, if you guys actually hit the shelves, I'll take a look. My ire is directed at disappointment in your NYCC offerings and the length of time it's taking you to put out a handful of figures.

ive been on this forum for a couple of months and ive seen a lot of bashing to shokker toys, but yet not once i've seen them bad mouth anybody or snap at someones post. you guys got a hell of a lot of patience.

I agree. The problem seems to be that they have more patience then the people who want their product. Sure, some of them will let it go when the toys come out and buy them up... but toy collectors are a fickle bunch. To mix a metaphor, you can only dangle the carrot for so long before they get distracted by something shiny.

also, magic 8 ball, dont get me wrong brotha, your one of my favorite posters.

I appreciate the vote of confidence. I'm not trying to be a jerk here. I'm just tired of hearing about toys I can't have, and seeing prototypes toys that don't live up to expectations (of myself or the company). I'm trying to impress on Shocker Toys that it looks like they're only talking about making toys, not actually making them. I'm trying to express that I'd like them to light a fire under their butts.

 

I'll admit there are probably nicer ways to do so. I'm being blunt because, well, I'm a harsh motivator. There's a reason I refuse to be in charge of others at work- I want them to continue to like me.

[Magic 8 Ball]

I brought this over here so I'd stop hijacking the Valiant thread...

 

Their loss but I guess you will find out after series1 drops.

When it drops, I'll be sure to pick them up for my grandchildren.

I think they will like series 32 or 33!

All kidding and sarcasm aside, is there an actual 'drop date' on series 1 yet? If the protos are still being tweaked right now, do we even stand a chance of seeing them before Christmas?

 

I realize that asking for a date is also setting you up for more rude words if you don't meet it, so I can understand if you're not keen on tossing one out there. It's just that you admitted that they are still in protos, but you're talking like you expect them to be out in six months.

[ARES-god_of_war]

(Of course, this is all moot. This line has been 'coming soon' for over a year now, and it's still in prototypes.

 

 

Actually the line was first announced in May of 2006, so almost two years.

So my disappointment is long-overdue then. Awesome. @hmmm@

Hey thats great that you don't care for series1 because of what you saw at NYCC, because it actually was the same series1 that everyone has seen. The new series1 in tooling has the series2 articualtion and paints for series1 will be done from the atrists color guides not what you have seen at toy fair or nycc. Just thought I'd get that info out there for you all. So breakdown is Kabuki, Katchoo and ShadowHawk are all getting the Series 2 joint treatment from head to toe and a new paint job which was like the SCUD Exclusive at NYCC even though that was a bit rushed so better then that. Things take time when you think of a new idea and it gets taken along with your properties then you have to go back and rethink it all then you get not so great sculpts and a crappy factory then have to get a new design team and factory and start allover again. But point is we did and we are moving up if you don't want to give us a chance that is fine but we are going to put the line out no matter what!

 

"Vaporware?!?!" All you guys need is the license for The Phantom and our plan will be revealed...

[EvilHayato]

im glad that shocker toys at least shows interest and is active with the toy collecting community. Its nice to actually have some kind of input and feedback from a toy company. I know they have taken a long time to bust out some toys, but its not like they are Hasbro or Mattel and just throw out all sorts of stuff right away. I look at shocker toys as a small toy manufacturer with a small budget. I dont expect alot out of them, however with the licenses they hold, i do eagerly anticipate their final products. I have alot more patience, however, then most that are looking forward to seeing this line in its final form. I think the fact that there has been a severe gap of good toys within the past few months is making people alittle on edge. Everyone is turning into toy collecting zombies and they need food badly (me too!) and i guess shocker toys is the one they are attacking over the hunger since they are here to respond.

 

on a side note, where the F is the new street fighter series? shocker isnt the only one taking their sweet ass time bringing their stuff out... and hasbro has a lovely gap til real legends lines come out too..

[Kenny28]

ive been on this forum for a couple of months and ive seen a lot of bashing to shokker toys, but yet not once i've seen them bad mouth anybody or snap at someones post. you guys got a hell of a lot of patience. hey, even though you guys taking long with these figures, ill give it a try and buy a wave when they come out. keep us posted.

 

They have a shitty enough reputation....I don't think they'd want to make it worse by actually bitching out the *ahem* people they're trying to sell their stuff to.