Where All the Toys At?

I can't wait to get my hands on the 2012 Vintage Collection Luke Skywalker in Hoth Gear.  Rebelscum had some nice pics of Luke and his two legged sleeping bag.  Impressed,  forever ago I got the Target Exclusive Taun Taun and I've been waiting to plop Luke into its saddle ever since.  I'm still waiting...and waiting...and waiting.  So, where the heck is Wave 3?  Wave 4 figures arrived at our warehouse doorstep not too long ago and about two weeks ago we got wave 5. What gives?!  Why hasn't wave 3 arrived in my local stores yet?  Before you tell me I'm not visiting my stores often enough, I'm telling you I go nearly EVERY DAY, and I go to more than just one store.  Here, I'll take you for a little drive.

Monday through Friday I take my lunch break and do my "rounds".  Usually I leave somewhere between 12 and 1 o'clock.  My first stop is Target.  With 3 stores to visit, I always enter with a little spring in my step.  Cutting a diagonal through the men's casual, under, and athletic wear, I speed walk over to the toy department.  Like a Terminator I set my eyes to "action figure" and scan the shelves for my top 3 figure lines.  I look over the Marvel Universe toys:  Nothing on shelves recently to get my collector's blood flowing.  That is, nothing until Wave 18's new Hulk, Spider-man, and Beast are released.  Next, I process the pegs holding the Joes:  Hey, look!  It's Arctic Destro!  I'm still hoping against hope that I'll come across a Renegades Stormshadow.  I know, I'm not holding my breath.  Finally, I check out the Star Wars Figures:  I'm going over Clone Wars figures as well as the Vintage Black and Silver Collection.  Since the New Clone figures are practically neutered of their articulation, I'm pretty much only looking forward to the re-pack of Aayla Secura.  I DO still want a Phase II Captain Rex, though.  I want to pop off his head/helmet, take a drill, and hollow out his mask.  I'm getting into customizing figures and "improving" on them.  The new Clone Wars Rex doesn't come with a removable helmet, so I'm going to make him one. This customizing started as simply switching Clone Trooper heads with ARF trooper heads to expand on leg posablity, but it's escalated into Doctor Frankenstein territory.  (Check out Matchstick1984 on YouTube and see if you can resist throwing your figures in the microwave and pulling them apart.  He makes it look so easy!  But, that's a blog for another day.)  Target's new figure average has dropped significantly.  Just last year my local Target was the lunchtime goldmine.  Hopefully, these new figures will start to trickle in and the drought will end.

Next, it's off to Toys R Us.  Similar to Target Toys aRen't Us has been a recent disappointment.  I'd swear there is dust on the shelves and tumble weeds in their aisles.  Nothing has changed in my local store for about 2 months.  I should be angry but I'm almost glad.  When there are new figures on the shelf a have to CHOOSE which figures I'm going to buy.  Up, up and away seems to be Geoffrey Giraffe's pricing mantra so I have to ask myself, what are my "must haves" and what toys can I wait out.  Which figures will be gobbled up to only be seen again as an Internet picture, and which figures will be the new peg warmers of the future.  I want to know so I can buy the later for a lower price at Target or Walmart. 

Speaking of Walmart, that spark at the end of their name should be a 4 leafed clover since I've had the most luck within their walls.  Granted, most of the time the figures are smashed. But, if I'm planning on purchasing another, I'll bite the bullet and lay my money down.  I don't know about your Walmart, but I've noticed if I park near the Garden Center entrance, I can be in and out of the toy section in just under 2 minutes.  If I just so happen to find something ripe for the picking, I harvest my crop and make a bee line for the fastest register.  Lunch is an hour, so there's no time to waste.  Sometimes I can hurry right through the Garden Center check out lanes. Other times, those lanes are clogged with 30 customers convinced that these two cashiers move faster than the 12 plus registers near the main entrance, I take my chances at the other side of the store.  Plus, I'm right next to the RedBox rentals. 

On the weekends, I sometimes visit another Walmart, Target, and Toys R Us, but these trips are killing my wallet.  It isn't cheap to drive to these places day in and day out.  Furthermore, it seems that new figures are here and gone in an increasingly shortening cycle.  I use to enjoy the "hunt", now I just hope to stumble across something I want.  Maybe I've jumped a hurdle of maturity.  Maybe I'm actually growing up.  Or, maybe it's just math.  I drive about, let's say, 5 miles round trip.  Gas is $3.60-ish and my vehicle gets 17 city miles to the gallon.  So my weekday rounds add up to an extra $5.29 per week.  Haven't seen anything new in about 2 months so that makes it $42.32.  Seriously, I wonder if the amount of action figures released on shelves has decreased in the last 5 years.  I know Hasbro was loosing money and had to let go of some workers.  Doesn't it make sense that they would also cut back on their figures?  Heck, maybe Star Wars is loosing its shelf space clout.  Those weak sauce Clone Wars episodes aren't helping matters any.

I work for Past Generation Toys.  Now, I'm going to start buying from Past Generation Toys.  With all the gas, time, and disappointment, it seems like the logical choice.  I'm not going to miss out on the Galen Marek (Starkiller) figure, or pay 40 plus dollars for him once the hype arrives with his release along with all the sunk costs of looking for him. (Darth Malgus anyone?)  I'm going to take the stress out of my purchase and go the PGT route and pick up my "must haves".   I'll still drive my rounds, but maybe not as often.  If I see a second figure to the one I already have, I'll consider that a bonus and bring down my spending average.  The worst of the two will be either become my display piece or my guinea pig for a custom makeover.  (Insert evil laugh here.)

See you in the toy aisles,

Steve R. Ticulation (yea, I'm the guy who usually answers the phone when you call PGT!)

Young Justice is Served

Have you been watching the Young Justice cartoon on Cartoon Network?  No?  Hello, Megan!  In a nutshell, all the sidekicks -- but don't call them sidekicks -- are off on their own weekly adventures with minimal adult supervision.  Their ranks keep growing and the main team consists of Robin, Kid Flash, Aqualad, Superboy, Miss Martian, and Artemis.  Some satellite characters are Red Arrow (or Speedy), Zatanna, Rocket, and that scene stealer Captain Marvel.  The focus is on the youngsters, but members of the Justice League also make their appearances.  Batman dishes out the assignments, Red Tornado is den mother, and Black Canary is in charge of combat training.  Superman shows up too, but he's a little freaked out about Superboy.  Since the cast is full of teens, you get a full dose of the emotional angst you'd expect without, surprisingly, compromising the story.  Actually, the romantic relationships, insecurities, and immaturity only adds to the interest.  Superboy is doing "drugs".  Miss Martian has trust issues.  Artemis has some questionable family ties.  Sounds like it could be a disaster, but thanks to the skillful juggling act of the writers, it's definitely "aster".

And then you have the action figures.  They stink.  Or, should I say "stunk", as in past tense, since the line has been canceled by Mattel.  You have to go back to the 1970's to find figures of such limited articulation.  I know Mattel released larger sized figures with more articulation, but their proportions are all screwy.  Robin looks like a munchkin wrestler with those broad shoulders.  Seriously, if you wanted to collect the whole line of figures, you'd have to stick with the smaller guys.  Plus, these figures came with individual pieces to build your own Hall of Justice backdrop display!  That was a stroke of genius.   I soooooo wanted to buy me some Young Justice figures too and from a distance, at first glance, they looked promising.   Upon close inspection though, you'll notice that the arms, legs and chest pieces were repainted and recycled over and over throughout the line.  Somehow Mattel got away with this for the Justice League Unlimited line, but we won't be fooled again.  Paint application was also a problem.  Has anyone seen a Black Canary figure with her face stamped on straight?   She looks like her eyes and mouth were applied with the technological precision of Easter egg dunking decals.  And, what was with that dainty pinky hand mold?  I don't recall any tea cup accessories with these figures.  Needless to say, I was less than "whelmed".

The toys are one thing, but you can't argue that this cartoon has raised the bar and set new standards of what a super hero cartoon can be.  Below is an abbreviated version of my favorite parts and episodes.  Mostly, these are just little details that I've come to expect from the creative team behind the series.  I tried to disguise the spoilers for those who have to catch up, but those who have seen the series, it's a little walk down memory lane.

Independence Day - It's a fun fanboy moment as each hero defeats their designated cold villain in the first 3 minutes of the show.  When that same incident is revisited in Episode 11, it's no longer a throw away moment.  I got a kick out of the common confusion of Speedy being the name of the archer instead of the speedster.  This first episode gives you an idea of what you're in for.  The Justice League will NOT be playing an overwhelming role in this series.  The focus is definitely the young-ins.

Welcome to Happy Harbor - I love how Red Tornado sounds.  His voice has that cool resonance that reminded me of the Cylons in Battlestar Galactica , Soundwave from the G1 Transformers cartoon, and the communication system between X-wing pilots in Star Wars.  I started to hate the catch phrase "Hello, Megan!" until it all made sense 18 episodes later.

Drop Zone -  This was the episode where I knew I was hooked.  When Mammoth's skin actually rips due to the accelerated muscle growth brought on by the Kobra Venom, I knew I was hooked on this series.  The gang is still having trouble working as a team and it gets them into trouble, as it should.  I also liked how Bane spoke Spanish.

Schooled - I thought I was having deja vu when the episode opened with an out of control yellow school bus nearly launching itself off a red suspension bridge.  It was just like the first Superman movie with Christopher Reeve.  Then we see Superman, through the windshield, fly across the front of the bus in a shot identical to the movie I start laughing.  Like the brass statue of Shakespeare in Bruce Wayne's office, it isn't an accident, but an homage.  As one of the best episodes, I used "Schooled" as a recruiting tool to get my friend to watch.  He liked the concept of Amazo, an android that could mimic the powers of any super powered being it came in contact with, but he hated how Amazo called out the names of the heroes when using their powers.  I told him that was for the viewers, so they knew what was going on.  He countered that Amazo should just stay with Superman's powers.  I couldn't argue that logic and decided it was better to enjoy the show alone.  I thoroughly enjoyed the whupping Black Canary dished out during training, and how the lesson came full circle in defeating the bad guys.

Downtime - Clayface still has the same wet, mucky sound effect from Batman The Animated Series.

Terrors - This was a whole episode dedicated to the "fish out of water" concept.  You don't expect to see super heroes in prison.  The bad guys are thwarted, but unbeknownst to the good guys, the ultimate goal has succeeded and another chess piece is moved into place.  I love how everything is happening just below the surface, and the good guys don't always win.  Star Wars the Clone Wars should try out this concept.

Alpha Male - Captain Marvel steals the show.  The team's reaction to Marvel wanting to "hang out" is totally misunderstood and hilarious once the ending comes around.  Aqualad officially becomes my favorite character of the main group.

Failsafe - Knew what the ending was going to be, but still loved the ride.  Miss Martin is a powerhouse.

Misplaced - Billy Batson hops a fence when he could have just walked through the open gate 10 feet beside him.

Agendas - Didn't know Superboy's back-story in the comics so I got plenty of surprises. That "Red Sun" phrase comes in handy.  The backwards "S"  has an interesting origin.

Performance - A great stand alone episode.  Upon multiple repeat viewings I noticed that there wasn't a wasted sentence spoken.  Every line was relevant and all the pieces fit perfectly.

Usual Suspects - Everything pretty much comes to a conclusion and then goes totally berserk.

Auld Acquaintance - Did anyone else notice the heroes that came through the stargate?  All they were missing was the Flash.  Then again, maybe they were going for the Justice Lords.  The toe to toe battles were awesome. Was I the only one who was yelling and cheering at my screen?

I haven't seen this quality of storytelling since the first season of Justice League Unlimited.  No doubt when the whole collection of Season 1 is released in a single package, I'll lay my money down.  Like Wally, I want a nice souvenir of these adventures. Season 2, Young Justice:  Invasion, has already started and is just a few episodes in.  We have even more characters, new hair styles and outfits, and, oh yeah, it takes place 5 years in the future!  I'm not complaining.  From what I've seen, they'll get around to filling in the gaps.  I don't know how their going to improve on what we've already seen, but I'm willing to wait and see.

Steve R. Ticulation

Sculptor Randy Bowen Explains Why Release Dates Are Not Carved In Polystone

A little background, when a collectible statue or bust is given a release date, if all goes according to plan, the item hits the shops on or about that date, pre-orders are fulfilled and everyone is happy. Often though, the stated release date gets pushed back and then promised shipping dates are broken. I then contact those that have bought these items to let them know their item will not only be late, but I don’t know why it was delayed or when it will be released. Understandably the customer is upset. When I’m asked, "why the item is delayed" and I don’t have an answer other than “I don’t know,” I usually am met with an uneasy okay and the customer agrees to wait. Some cancel their order and I have been accused of attempting to pull a “bait and switch” or holding the product to sell it for more to someone else. For the record, I do not do business that way. 

Last week, I posted a message on the Past Generation Toys Facebook page, asking for the public’s thoughts on why delivery dates for newly released statues and busts change. Several answers were given and now I wanted to know how close we were.  I deal with this problem across the board, with all the companies that make high-end collectibles. This got me to thinking that their must be a reason why statues and busts get delayed, so often.  I wanted to speak with someone who does know.  Then in hit me.  Why not go to the source?  I carry Bowen Designs products; why not try to contact the man who turns imagination into art?  I’ll contact Mr. Randy Bowen, I thought!  So I did and he was happy to answer a few questions about this dilemma. In case you don't already know, Randy Bowen is a very well respected statue and bust sculptor and the CEO and Owner of Bowen Designs.  I boiled down my concerns to two simple questions.  Below is the exchange held with Randy:

--

PGT:

Why do shipping delays happen with Bowen Designs Products?

RB:  

Shipping delays happen for several reasons:

Here's the process-

Once we have an approved and painted prototype, we show it to the factories to get a price quote, and an estimate for completion.

Most factories will quote 4-5 months from the time we send them the master copies to make molds from.  We then pad the schedule by adding 3-4 months for unforeseen delays.

Then 4-5 months go by, and we the factories samples don't match what we send them.  Then the piece needs to be revised.  Before you know it, another 4-5 months go by.  Thus, making the project late.

Sometimes we'll get a final production sample, only to find that the production looks nothing like the last sample they've sent.  The factory will then need to open every package to make the changes to the entire run, adding more weeks.

Add to that, the fact that sometimes our shipments are pulled for intensive inspection by U.S. or Chinese Customs Departments. This alone can add weeks.

Other times we'll post picture of a piece, showing what the actual production looks like.  Only then to find out that someone spots a mistake on the shape of Spider-Man’s eye, Hulk having nipples or any number of "mistakes".  We'll stop production, and need to get the item back to make changes before production commences again.

Recently we've had to take projects away from factories that had them in their possession for several months with nothing to show for progress.  That means starting over completely, with a different statue factory.

PGT:

Why don't you just pad-in even more time to your release schedule?

RB:

We always try to give it our best guess as to when a project will actually ship, but it keeps getting harder and harder because of skilled labor shortages in China.  It's a constantly changing scenario.

There simply aren't as many people willing to do a job where they are sitting for 8 hours a day painting eyeballs on a Black Cat statue.

Sometimes we're surprised when something does ship on time.  Our goal is to not be late.  If we're late delivering products to Diamond Comics, it becomes marked as "returnable".  Meaning- our orders are cancelled.

The sooner we get a statue in someones hands, the sooner we get paid.  We're not intentionally late to vex our customers. We figure they'd rather have us do the best job we can then be a little bit faster.

I understand it can be very frustrating to statue collectors.  I only know that I get frustrated with the system as well.

--

I want to give a big “Thank You” to Randy Bowen for his time and insights into the business.  Now that I have a better grasp of the facts and a better answer for customers when release dates change.  For me, understanding why something occurs tends to lessen the pain.  Hopefully, customers will feel the same way. 

You really should see the products Bowen Designs creates.  Check out BowenDesigns.com and the Bowen Designs Facebook page.  Randy does a lot of his own pieces, but he isn’t the only one at Bowen with this magical touch.  Several gifted and well-known artists like Joseph Menna, Jason Smith, Mike Cusanelli, and The Kucharek Brothers also fill out the talent roster at Bowen Designs, just to name a few.

I am also a member of the StatueMarvels.com site which focuses on statue and bust collecting.  They have tons of information and the site members really get involved in the conversations.  I have also seen Randy Bowen posts on the StateMarvels boards to get feedback on current projects. Seriously, how cool is that Randy includes his fans in the creative process via this collector site?!   You will defiantly want to check out this site.

I am excited I had the opportunity to work with Randy.  Giveaways are not new to PGT but this week I am going to do something I have never done before!  I am going to GIVEAWAY a Red Hulk Bust that was sculpted by Randy Bowen himself!  If you are not a collector you will be if you win!  To enter, follow the link below (it takes less than 30 seconds).

PastGenerationToys.com Red Hulk Bowen Designs Mini Bust GIVEAWAY!

If you an experienced collector or just breaking-in, we have a lot of pre-order and in-stock Bowen Designs products on the PastGenerationToys.com site. Please join in this conversation by posting questions/comments below or on our facebook page.

I hope you all enjoyed the write up and hope to see you around the cyber store!  Joshua

Transformers Bot Shots, just for kids? I think not!

What do you get when you combine Battle Beasts with Transformers?  Yeah, I know, you get Transforming Battle Beasts.  OR, smart-alec, if you read the title of this post, you get Transformers Bot Shots.

To give you some background, Bot Shots are tiny vehicles that jump and transform into a little robot figure when their front end hits another object.  Now, if slamming a toy car into something and seeing it transform isn't enough fun for ya, let's add the dimension of rock, paper, scissors.  When the cars spring into their robot mode, a spinning chest piece stops on either a fist, blaster, or sword symbol.  How this code plays out is that: 1) blaster beats fist 2) fist beats sword; and 3) sword beats blaster.  I can wrap my head around why fist beats sword since the hand wields the sword, but following that logic, why wouldn't fist beat blaster too?  Do you agree?  They should have had robot fist, sword, and computer.  Fist holds sword, sword smashes computer, computer hacks into the electronic components of the robot hand programming it to destroy itself!  Alright, so I guess it's not that easy to come up with something as easy to understand as the fire, water, and wood combination used by the Battle Beasts heat activated stickers.  But what happens when both chest plates show the same symbol?  Luckily, next to the symbol is your strength score.  The larger number wins.  You also win if you transform, but the other guy doesn't after your head-on collusion.

I like the stubby features of all the character designs, but my favorite is the police car, Barricade.  The black paint scheme and the face sculpt come together in a way that's really appealing to my eye.  I know there are endless repaints and recycled molds to come, so I'll enjoy this incarnation while I can.  I also recommend the Optimus Prime with launcher.  This Optimus not only has a darker, more accurate paint job than the single figure, but the semi trailer/launcher completes the look.  Of course, you can't fire Decepticons from Prime's trailer -- that's just wrong.  You've got to snatch up the Megatron launcher too.  This version of Megatron is the military tank.  Megatron's launcher doubles as a cargo/weapons trailer and looks pretty cool. 

The only thing I can think of that these guys are missing is an accessory for each hand.  How about a little sword and blaster for their tiny little fists?  It would be poetic, and add to the playability, but it would also knock up the minimum age recommendation.  Thank goodness there isn't a maximum age recommendation as I might exceed it by about 30 years.  Just goes to show you that these Bot Shot appeal to various ages on primary level.

Build your own convoy of vehicles to crash or collect at the PGT ebsite.  Wave 2 just hit our shelves.  That's the blue Mirage, clear Bumble-Bee, Ratchet, and more!  Get yours right here from pastgenerationtoys.com. 

Do you think you will get one or a few for youself?  Maybe for your kids or family/friends?  Leave a comment below and let me know what you think of the Transformers Bot Shots.

Until next time, I'll be seeing you in the toy aisles. Steve R. Ticulation

This week @ Past Generation Toys - 3/30/2012

 

This week @ PastGenerationToys.com

 

DC Direct  Batman preOrders

We just listed the new statues and busts for the new Batman Dark Knight Rises Movie.  Busts and statues are coming for Batman, Catwoman, and Bane!  Also listed are the Killer Croc and Mr. Freeze Arkham City Deluxe Action Figures!

 

Star Wars Vintage Collection Action Figure preOrders

We have Darth Vader, Darth Malgus, Anakin Skywalker, Dr. Evazan Cornelius, Kithaba, 501st Clone Trooper, Luke Skywlaker Hoth Gear and Imperial Navy Commander

Star Wars Clone Wars Action Figure preOrders

Recently posted Republic Commando Boss, Super Battle Droid, Obi-Wan (Season 4), Ahoska Tano Scuba Gear and the new Class II Attack Vehicles

Star Wars Saga Legeds Action Figure preOrders

Two new figures coming in May; Luke Skywalker X-Wing Pilot and ESB Darth Vader

Marvel Universe Comic Book 2 Pack preOrders

Silver Centurion Iron Man and Mandarin Marvel Universe Comic Book Action Figure 2-Pack

Colossus and Juggernaut Warlock Marvel Universe Comic Book Action Figure 2 Pack

Wolverine and Hulk Marvel Universe Comic Book Action Figure 2 Pack

Transformers Bot Shots, Cyberverse Commander, Prime Deluxe and Voyager preOrders

Follow Past Generation Toys on Twitter, @pastgentoys, check out the Past Generation Toys on Facebook page and see what’s new on the PGT Blog!  Also, check out this week’s toy GIVEAWAY on Facebook!

 

Thanks for shopping with Past Generation Toys!! Joshua