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Collectibles => Other Collectibles => Topic started by: Jimmy on July 20, 2003, 11:35 PM

Title: Blue Clone BUST
Post by: Jimmy on July 20, 2003, 11:35 PM
I think GG really came up w/ a bust on this piece...
Limited to 1,000 units to be split between two cons??

Stories of horror already have been heard on this one, and an eBay search pulls up over 40+...

What make me laugh my *** off is GG saying "they didn't expect demand". That is a good one...  ;D ;D ;D
Let's see the last four busts they have produced all sold out and command insane prices on eBay now. Nah... How could they ever see the demand?  ::)

I had a good friend going to SDCC but haven't heard form him yet...

"I have a bad feeling about this"

I don't think he'll have good news... but who knows.
I know one thing is that GG really shouldn't have done something like this. This is the kind of thing that puts the first nail in the coffin...

I have another shot in Chicago if nothing came out of SDCC... but the Windy City doesn't sound much better.
Only good thing is my odds are a little better since I'll know three people there... one being an online retailer I'm friends w/...

Who knows I may even be able to attend...

Though right now the blue Clone is not looking as favorable as I'd like for an addition in the collection.


Title: Re: Blue Clonetrooper bust
Post by: JediMAC on July 21, 2003, 05:27 AM
My wife and I were actually lucky enough to each score one of these on Friday morning.  It was our first stop inside the convention.  We got in 15 minutes after opening, and I immediately stuck Patty in the line at the Gentle Giant booth to hopefully snag one of these for Adam (BigDumbWookiee), while I hightailed it over to the Silver Fett line.  Well, the Fett line was supposedly already 3 hours long at that point, so I said screw that and went back to join Patty in the Clone bust line at GG.

When I got back there, she was holding a sign (form Dark Horse) that said "I'm last in line".  I asked her what the hell that meant, and she said a Gentle Giant rep walked the line and counted off the people who would get a bust, and said she was the VERY LAST person for their allotment for that day, so they asked her to hold the sign so no one else would waste their time waiting behind her in line!   :o  I even have a picture of her holding the sign (I'll try to get it up soon).  Talk about LUCK!  Well, I joined her in line anyways, just so she wasn't waiting alone, since it was going to be over an hour.

Well, as luck would have it, they slightly miscounted, and had three more Clone busts beyond Patty's spot in line, so I lucked out and got one as well, along with a couple other fellas behind us that absolutely refused to ever leave the line despite being told numerous times by the GG folks that they weren't going to get a bust.  Guess perserverance pays off!  Definitely a cool looking bust...

But yeah, I just don't get why companies need to make exclusives in such a ridiculously limited number.  It really just ruins the collecting fun for anyone who is a consumer of that respective line...  Plain stupid if you asked me!
Title: Re: Blue Clone BUST
Post by: BigDumbWookiee on July 21, 2003, 10:29 AM
And that, ladies and gentlemen, is why I now have a life debt with Matt and Patty :) I wont be annoying like Jar Jar, more like a faithful Chewie-styled sidekick.

Grar!
Title: Re: Blue Clone BUST
Post by: Boba Binks on July 21, 2003, 10:35 AM
I hope to acquire a Clone Bust for myself and BigDumbWookie at Wizards in Chicago. I am leaving a 4am from Indy to get there around 9am.  I may now even leave at 3am just to get there a bit earlier to get in line for the busts.

I have heard at the Con the Clone bust was sold out very quickly and at the start they were not limited to how many you could buy. Someone told me that there were people at the con sellling the busts for around $100.00 each.  :o

Lets hope that it is smooth sailing and I can acquire the two busts. It will suck to have another collection missing a piece.
Title: Re: Blue Clone BUST
Post by: Jimmy on July 21, 2003, 01:19 PM
Well, if anyone at all can help I'd also owe a life debt...
I think I struck out at SDCC and I'm hoping that I can get one from Chicago... but it sounds like it might be a really tough thing to pull off.

So if anyone grabs an extra...
Title: Re: Blue Clone BUST
Post by: JediMAC on July 21, 2003, 03:35 PM
I hope to acquire a Clone Bust for myself and BigDumbWookie at Wizards in Chicago.

David, not sure if you read my post above (or BigDumbWookiee's), but I already snagged him the Clone bust down in San Diego this weekend and will be shipping it out to him tomorrow, so I'd doubt if Adam really needs another.  Might want to check in with him.  Obviously, there's plenty more people here and elsewhere looking for one as well though.

GG was limiting the busts to only one per person per day and punching badges accordingly.  JD member FishEyedLouie was down at the con on the final day yesterday, and said there were only 35 Clone busts left for the convention, so Gentle Giants just raffled them off, instead of running the usual line for them.

The line in Chicago will likely fill up the second the convention doors open, and there's not many alloted for each day, so you better have a good game plan in place so you can make a b-line for their booth as soon as you get in (presumably right when the convention opens).  Good luck!

Anyone see what these things are going for on eBay?!  Anywhere between $150 - $305 so far...  Woah!   :o
Title: Re: Blue Clone BUST
Post by: Jimmy on July 21, 2003, 04:02 PM
Binks if Adam (BDW) is covered... I'll take any extra one you can get man...

I heard from my friend today that went to SDCC and no dice  :'(
Title: Re: Blue Clone BUST
Post by: dustrho on July 21, 2003, 06:39 PM
I'll be going to the show in Chicago and can't wait to get one of these.

Matt, that was a great story about your wife waiting in line for these busts.  You two rock!   8)
Title: Re: Blue Clone BUST
Post by: BigDumbWookiee on July 21, 2003, 07:22 PM
Yeah, I forgot to email David amidst all the excitement!

I wont be needing another bust ;) Thanks though!
Title: Re: Blue Clone BUST
Post by: dustrho on July 21, 2003, 07:34 PM
Adam, I'm glad that Matt & Patty were able to get you one of these busts.  I really wish that I could help people here (since I will be attending the Chicago convention), but I have other people on my list already.

Do they have an official limit per person on these?  I can't remember if I read about a specific limit per person or not.
Title: Re: Blue Clone BUST
Post by: Snively Bandar on July 21, 2003, 07:52 PM
Do they have an official limit per person on these?  I can't remember if I read about a specific limit per person or not.

Just look four posts above yours.  Looks like Jedimac already answered that question.

GG was limiting the busts to only one per person per day and punching badges accordingly.  JD member FishEyedLouie was down at the con on the final day yesterday, and said there were only 35 Clone busts left for the convention, so Gentle Giants just raffled them off, instead of running the usual line for them.

I personally think these kinds of exclusives personally!  Just not fair to the fans.
Title: Re: Blue Clone BUST
Post by: dustrho on July 21, 2003, 07:56 PM
Just look four posts above yours.  Looks like Jedimac already answered that question.

Guess I'm just blind.   :P
Title: Re: Blue Clone BUST
Post by: James D on July 21, 2003, 08:57 PM
This started as a PM to Matt, but I decided to share with the group. Well, I only knew one person going to SDCC, so of course I off-hand asked him to hook me up with the busts. Well, I just heard back from him tonight, and he came through!!! I'll give him a plug here, since he runs a site: Michael's Review of the Week (http://www.mwctoys.com)  
James
Title: Re: Blue Clone BUST
Post by: Boba Binks on July 21, 2003, 08:58 PM
Somehow I missed it.  ::)
Ok since Adam has his I still plan on picking up an extra for anyone who needs it. If I get an extra one I will be sure to let you all know.

Title: Re: Blue Clone BUST
Post by: JediMAC on July 21, 2003, 09:15 PM
This started as a PM to Matt, but I decided to share with the group. Well, I only knew one person going to SDCC, so of course I off-hand asked him to hook me up with the busts. Well, I just heard back from him tonight, and he came through!!!

That's really great news James!  Glad you're going to get one, as I was feeling a little bad about not being able to hook you up with my extra one.  So good for you that you scored one!

So do you actually know that Michael fella that runs that review site?  I've been referred over there to some of his reviews before and he really does a great job!  Tell him to come visit us sometime here at JD, eh?!   ;)

Good luck with your busts David, and remember to get there early and head straight for that line!  Plenty of time to snag the Silver Boba Fetts later on, if you haven't already done so.  So are you going to be going on a couple different days, and thus hope to snag a couple busts?  Or are you taking someone with you?  'Cause in San Diego, it was only ONE bust per person, even if someone bought TWO entry passes.  GG was pretty strict about it.  Regardless, good luck with your hunt, and have fun at the convention.  Keep an eye out for your Star Tours loot from me around Thursday as well!   ;)
Title: Re: Blue Clone BUST
Post by: Boba Binks on July 21, 2003, 09:40 PM
I will be at Wizards Friday and Saturday.
Can't wait for you to snag my Star Tours Toys.

David
Title: Re: Blue Clone BUST
Post by: James D on July 21, 2003, 10:07 PM
Quote
So do you actually know that Michael fella that runs that review site?  I've been referred over there to some of his reviews before and he really does a great job!  Tell him to come visit us sometime here at JD, eh?!  

Mike founded one of the toy clubs I am in, Action Toys of Michigan, and is a member with me in a sister organization, the Michigan Star Wars Collectors Club (http://www.mswcc.com). He has the most amazing toy collection I have ever seen, and he's a swell guy, too (especially after hooking me up with the bust)  :)  But, he's also cost me lots of money. It was strictly Star Wars toys before going to his place. After seeing all his goodies I diversified too much  8)
James
Title: Re: Blue Clone BUST
Post by: JediMAC on July 21, 2003, 10:15 PM
Can't wait for you to snag my Star Tours Toys.

Already snagged them technically!  Just haven't shipped them, and the other 13 packages, out quite yet is all.  But hopefully I can get 'em all going over the next day or two...  Should have them by the end of the week for sure though.  I'll shoot you a PM with the final shipping tally soon D!

Hopefully we can keep the Blue Clone bust JD train goin' David!  Adam, James, and I are in good shape here, so hopefully you'll have some good luck and snag one (or two) as well!  That just leaves Tom and Jimmy for us to hook up somehow...
Title: Re: Blue Clone BUST
Post by: Jimmy on July 21, 2003, 10:54 PM
Guys thanks so much for any help... and for keeping me in mind.

Like I said as of now I know at least 4-5 people going to Chicago... I'll at least have some better luck than SDCC.
I am committed to however many comeback w/ one for me.

Of course I need just one so if I get any extras I promise to share the wealth. I mean I know I won't be stuck w/ any... that is if I can even get just one  :)

I have fingers, toes, and whatever else I can cross... crossed  ;D
Title: Re: Blue Clone BUST
Post by: Jango Fettish on July 21, 2003, 11:08 PM
That just leaves Tom and Jimmy for us to hook up somehow...

...and Cory, since I sold all my toys (minus Jango/Boba) to focus on Mini Busts and Unleashed.  :-*
Title: Re: Blue Clone BUST
Post by: JediMAC on July 22, 2003, 12:09 AM
...and Cory, since I sold all my toys (minus Jango/Boba) to focus on Mini Busts and Unleashed.  :-*

Sorry, I hadn't heard you express an interest in this one here at JD anywhere Cory.  Did I just miss it somewhere?
Title: Re: Blue Clone BUST
Post by: Jango Fettish on July 22, 2003, 12:53 AM
I figured I;d let things die down, take the pressure off of the SDCC goers who were looking to help others out.

I'm speaking up 3 weeks before the con now to let everyone know that papa fettish is interested in one for his new focus.  ;)
Title: Re: Blue Clone BUST
Post by: JediMAC on July 23, 2003, 02:00 PM
Dustin just mentioned this over at RS regarding the Blue Clone bust.  So anyone going to the Chicago show better get there VERY early!

Quote
Vic is right on this one, the guys at GGS I talked to said they'd be lucky if they got to take 100 of the 1000 made to Chicago, when they went to a raffle system on saturday afternoon it wasn't looking very good for the folks who were banking on this item being available in Chicago.
Title: Re: Blue Clone BUST
Post by: Jimmy on July 23, 2003, 02:46 PM
WHAT???

There was supposed to be an allotment of 500 per each show. &#%$ GG already... This is total bull...

Title: Re: Blue Clone BUST
Post by: Boba Binks on July 23, 2003, 03:32 PM
AHHH! $h!T The Bust is the reason I am going to Wizards. I hope my trip is not a bust! No pun intended. :)
Title: Re: Blue Clone BUST
Post by: dustrho on July 23, 2003, 03:39 PM
That is the biggest bunch of f'n bs!  They better have more than that there.  I plan on being there super early, so hopefully I'll be able to get some of them.  Anyone with a Star Wars license (i.e. Hasbro, GG, etc) has in some way or another screwed the Chicagoland area yet again.   >:(
Title: Re: Blue Clone BUST
Post by: BigDumbWookiee on July 23, 2003, 04:51 PM
Thats really going to suck if they let dealers and exhibitors at them first; didnt that happen on the first day of SDCC? They subsequently did away with that though, right? Good luck everyone
Title: Re: Blue Clone BUST
Post by: JediMAC on July 23, 2003, 08:27 PM
Well, hopefully Dustin or the GG folks got their numbers or information mixed up or something, since they were definitely supposed to allot half of the 1,000 bust to each show.  That would be pretty damned messed up of them if they really gave away 90% of them down in San Diego!

Good luck guys!
Title: Re: Blue Clone BUST
Post by: Rod on July 24, 2003, 07:02 PM
Well I am one of the many who is desperately seeking this bust....will pretty much give anything in my collection.....almost anythign at least.

I have heard those comments of how many might be left for Chicago.  If that is true, they are gonna have a big problem when we get there.

I have e-mailed Gentle Giants every other day since their site went on line on the 17th and they have still not answered me on this matter (and the production run of the Chrome Vader).

Makes me wonder if they are ignoring me?
Title: Re: Blue Clone BUST
Post by: Jimmy on August 8, 2003, 06:20 PM
OK... so some really ****** up stuff from Wizard...

Looks like a total of 75 were saved for Chicago. I mean 75 of 1000.... WT* is that about.

I am throughly over GG and their tatics at this point... and I am seriously considering loading off all mine very soon...

You may just see that Vader and Yoda you have been wanting up for sale very soon...
Title: Re: Blue Clone BUST
Post by: dustrho on August 8, 2003, 07:49 PM
Well, I am back from the Wizard World convention, and Jimmy is correct... they only had a total of 75 of 1000 busts available.  There were 25 raffled off today out of 300 given tickets, and of course I didn't get any.  I will be posting pictures and writing more about this later this evening.

 >:(
Title: Re: Blue Clone BUST
Post by: Jimmy on August 9, 2003, 09:33 PM
I honestl feel that everyone and anyone that was even remotely interested in this piece flood their mailbox.
It may fall on deaf ears... and it will I sent them an email on July 22nd and never heard a thing back.... but if enough people do maybe they will understand we are fed up.

After reading what their response was to Mr. Wise I can honestly say that I am throughly disgusted.

I think beyond emailing them I would also email LucasFilm and let them know how you feel about a company such as GG handling the license...
I'd scream to see them lose it...

They give not an ounce of **** about their customers and that is totally unacceptable. These are the days (in the economy we are in) that companies such as GG should bend over backwards to keep their bread n' butter happy...

I still am in awe by this statement...

Quote
increasing the supply of limited Clonetrooper busts would not be fair to those collectors who have already purchased one

That truly blows me over...
Title: Re: Blue Clone BUST
Post by: Jimmy on August 10, 2003, 06:04 PM
Did anyone make out w/ one from Chicago?

Chris I know no luck on your end...
How about David? Nick? Anyone...? Anyone...?

Bueller?
Title: Re: Blue Clone BUST
Post by: jadesfire on August 10, 2003, 10:16 PM
I didn't get drawn either day we were there (nor did my husband).  I didn't get drawn for a Batman or Keldor either.  
Title: Re: Blue Clone BUST
Post by: Jimmy on August 11, 2003, 04:50 PM
Anyone else?

It's funny I see a forum member (or two) at RS commenting how it's tough **** for those that did'nt make out w/ one... and how there was never any mention it was to be divided blah, blah, blah...

Though one of the these same people mention how he obtained one in San Diego not wanting himself... but did so in order to help someone out. He then admits to making a profit off it... Yeah he was definitely out to help someone out... what he didn't say is that someone was himself...

Scumbag...
Title: Re: Blue Clone BUST
Post by: Nicklab on August 11, 2003, 11:19 PM
I scored one, and was very lucky to do so.  The details are a little boring, though.
Title: Re: Blue Clone BUST
Post by: dustrho on August 11, 2003, 11:52 PM
I scored one, and was very lucky to do so.  The details are a little boring, though.

I cannot believe you won one of those!  And I was the one that was showing a lot more interest in that than you.  You are so lucky Nick!  Well, congratulations buddy for winning that.
Title: Re: Blue Clone BUST
Post by: Nicklab on August 12, 2003, 12:45 AM
Thanks.  It was in the final raffle, and the guys from Gentle Giant almost didn't hear me call out that I won.
Title: Re: Blue Clone BUST
Post by: Rod on August 14, 2003, 11:08 AM
If you are upset about this whole Gentle Giant exclusive mess I suggest we all send a well thought out e-mail to Gentle Giants.

I was able to get one but it was not at the show which I attended.  It was by buying it for more than what they paid.  But even if I had not gotten one I am pissed! Complaining ain't gonna change the situation now.  What I want is for Gentle Giants to do 3 things:
1. come out in the open and say they messed up
2. explain what happened
3. tell us how they will fix this so it won't happen again

I suggest we all send an e-mail to them at consumers@gentlegiantltd.com requesting this.  At this point it is kind of useless to b*tch and complain but we can do something to keep this from happening again.

For a detailed report of the whole thing go here http://www.rebelscum.com/article.asp?i=44234 (http://www.rebelscum.com/article.asp?i=44234)
Title: Re: Blue Clone BUST
Post by: Jimmy on August 14, 2003, 09:35 PM
The point is moot really...
You either get one of the standard "sorry" bull**** replies... or may get lucky and get an email stating they'll send you a small "gift"... I was a lucky recipient of the standard bull...

I love reading some of the various threads though on this matter at the different forums... Some (most) like myself think what GG did was just flat out wrong... Then some others like one of my favorite Rebelscum little poster boys adds his opinion... but also notes he got one and made himself a little profit from it. Great guy!

Ahh... not even worth wasting your breath on it anymore... Congrats to those that got one... and hopefully to those that didn't you will... or just decide your money is better spent elsewhere.

Title: Re: Blue Clone BUST
Post by: JediMAC on August 14, 2003, 10:03 PM
Then some others like one of my favorite Rebelscum little poster boys adds his opinion... but also notes he got one and made himself a little profit from it. Great guy!

Jimmy, please stop with the insults of other members.  We prefer people don't do that here at JD.  Thanks!   :-*

Obviously the Blue Clonetrooper bust is a volatile topic right now due to how GG has handled it's distribution.  I for one don't think it's fair the way GG so disproportionately allocated the busts between the two shows, and never even mentioned that the possibility that the Chicago show would get so few.

But different people have different opinions on this.  That's fine, so let's all just state our opinions on the matter and leave it at that.  Your displeasure should be directed at GG (as it already has), not at your fellow JD members...
Title: Re: Blue Clone BUST
Post by: dustrho on August 14, 2003, 10:11 PM
All I can say about this whole thing is that I'm more than pissed off that I couldn't get one of these.  This was my highest priority there at the Chicago show, and I didn't get one.  How could GG screw up something like this?  When I asked them if I could speak with them at the show (possibly do an interview with them) they said, "No, we're not speaking with anyone about this.  There really isn't much to say about it."  That's such crap!

If I had gotten that bust, I would have fallen in love with it, and then would have bought more busts from them (I don't own any busts right now).  But since they royally screwed that up, why on Earth would I want to dump $40-60 on a bust after they screwed me (and many others) at WW.  With that said, I think I'm just going to boycott them and not buy anything from them.  At least I won't be buying those busts directly from them.

And yes, this is a very "touchy" topic, especially since I didn't get one of the Blue Clone Trooper busts.   >:(
Title: Re: Blue Clone BUST
Post by: JoshEEE on August 15, 2003, 04:07 AM
Quote
I love reading some of the various threads though on this matter at the different forums... Some (most) like myself think what GG did was just flat out wrong... Then some others like one of my favorite Rebelscum little poster boys adds his opinion... but also notes he got one and made himself a little profit from it. Great guy!

Ok. Time out.

Look....I'm not getting into this personal stuff with you. Whatever your beef is with me, knock it off. You've baited me twice today, and I'm not biting. Keep it up, and you'll end up getting yourself kicked out of yet another Star Wars collecting forum.....cause I'm not taking the low road with you.



Now, as far as what you've said about me......people can read through my experiences with this figure over at RS. The long and short of it is, I didn't WANT this bust, but I stood in line for it because I promised a fellow scummer I'd try to bring one back for him. And I did.

He was going to trade me a 12" Plo Koon (retail 20 bucks) and I believe one of the new 12" Biker Scout figures. He also offered to pay all the shipping as a thank you. That was retail plus what would have been about 10 bucks for shipping.

That seemed like a good deal to me, and I was happy to help.  I stood in line for about an hour and a half. Maybe more.  Got the thing. Got back, and then the guy didn't email me. I couldn't remember his user name or email (we had talked in June).

SO...I posted a bulletin in the classifieds giving him 2 days to email me.  No dice (still no dice to this day actually).

Meanwhile...ANOTHER Rebelscummer PM'ed me and said if that guy didn't trade me for it, he'd swoop in.  He OFFERED me a Plo Koon and some cash.

I didn't counter. I didn't haggle. I said sure.  I took his first offer, we paid our own shipping.

If that makes me "evil" I'm sorry.....but he's happy, and I'm happy.  And I know damn well I could have gotten 250 on Ebay or whatever, but there was no way I was going to do that when I could deal with a fellow Rebelscum collector instead.

Am I saying I'm a saint?  Did I say "Nah, just the retail is fine, and forget the figure I want." ?

 No. I took him up on his offer for some cash AND the figure I wanted.  He saved a lot over Ebay, and I got the figure I"ve wanted forever.

If that makes me a bad guy, I'm sorry.




Title: Re: Blue Clone BUST
Post by: Chris on August 15, 2003, 04:17 AM
Jimmy and JoshEEE, please take this problem to PM's or e-mail. The arguing/bickering between both of you at JediDefender is going to stop here and now. I am not going to moderate your ideas, because we all know that you do not and will not agree. All I ask is that you are respectful to each other in the public forum. If the problem continues, it will be dealt with accordingly. Thanks for hearing me out on this, I really do appreciate your cooperation.
Title: Re: Blue Clone BUST
Post by: Chris on August 15, 2003, 05:11 AM
I feel that I should post a follow-up here.

I am not placing the blame on anyone here, and I am not taking sides. My statement was that the problems between both of you need to stop in the public forum. I would be happy to talk with either of you in an e-mail, please do contact me if you would like to discuss this further as I would like to see the problem resolved.
Title: Re: Blue Clone BUST
Post by: Rod on August 15, 2003, 09:23 AM
dustrho,  Yes, if you would have bought it you would have fallen in love with the busts.  I understand everybody being so pissed about this.  Only reason I got one is I paid over retail before going to Chicago in anticipation of all this mess. I figured it might be like this.  Im glad I got it, not that happy I paid over retail for it, but it was worth it to me.  But I'm not gonna be one of those that says "you all stop crying (since I got one)".

I am also pissed that GG made me take these extreme measures to get it.  Also one of my buddies that came with me to Chicago went with the first priority of getting this bust.  He came home empty handed even though our entire group of 5 guys tried all weekend to get him one.  That pissed me off to.  I feel like crap for him.

But back to what I was saying........yes, you get one of these busts and you will be hooked.  That's what the Boba Fett bust did for me.  I wasn't gonna buy them till I got my hands on a Fett one.

Gotta get them all!!!!!
Title: Re: Blue Clone BUST
Post by: JoshEEE on August 15, 2003, 12:47 PM
If anyone has any petty drama for me, keep it off the boards and take it to PM or email if you want to figure it out. Whatever you want to start is over now.

Back to the topic.

Quote
 But I'm not gonna be one of those that says "you all stop crying (since I got one)".


That's not who I am either. I agreed with many folks that the situation in Chicago was messed up. The way I hear they said you need not be present, and then changed those rules....and the way it was split 925/75. I'm not saying it needed to be 500/500, but a little more supply to Chicago would have been nice. At least 200. Show them some love in the windy city.

Still...."limited" means just that. I maintain that if there were 5000 of these things per show, no one would give a rat's ass about them, because they wouldn't be fetching 6 times retail on Ebay.  

These were probably bought a lot more my dealers and scalpers than collectors, and that's a shame, but such is usually the case with limited run figures.

So while I think people should accept it and move on, I do feel for the folks that didn't get one.  Hopefully they'll come down in price after the frenzy is over, and you'll snag one for the same price as some of the other rare busts in time.



Title: Re: Blue Clone BUST
Post by: Rod on August 15, 2003, 12:57 PM
JoshEEE,  just in case, that comment was not meant at you or anybody on this or any board.  I just know that there are always some people like that.  I also got one but I am also royally pissed cause my best bud that went with me didn't get one and I could very easily have been on the other side of the fence....with the majority who didn't get it.
Title: Re: Blue Clone BUST
Post by: dustrho on August 15, 2003, 07:59 PM
The way I hear they said you need not be present, and then changed those rules....and the way it was split 925/75. I'm not saying it needed to be 500/500, but a little more supply to Chicago would have been nice. At least 200. Show them some love in the windy city.

I'm curious to know why you didn't think it should have been divided evenly (500/500).  That's total crap that they did it 925/75!  The whole damn thing should have been split perfectly evenly between the two conventions.

I will definitely be writing a letter to GG about this.  Not to totally complain about the situation, but to ask questions to what happened and that I will NOT be buying these damn things from them.  They really pissed me off, and I want answers!!!   >:(
Title: Re: Blue Clone BUST
Post by: JoshEEE on August 16, 2003, 02:59 AM
Quote
I'm curious to know why you didn't think it should have been divided evenly (500/500).  That's total crap that they did it 925/75!  The whole damn thing should have been split perfectly evenly between the two conventions.

Two big reasons:

1. Attendance. Comic Con was a MUCH bigger convention and deserved the bigger share by quite a bit.

2. Demand. Before Comic Con, these busts were not the phenom they became  as soon as people realized how cool (or valuable) they were. So I'm sure they thought they'd take the whole truckload along with them and go to Chicago with plenty.  That was their only mistake.

Title: Re: Blue Clone BUST
Post by: Rod on August 16, 2003, 08:43 AM
I hate to admit it but I also don't think they needed to have done 500/500 but 925 to 75 is definitevely not fair........I think something like 600 to 400 would have been fair.....heck, I would even have not been as upset if it would have been like 700 to 300

But they really messed up taking the whole 900 to San Diego.

Oh, well....nothing we can do now
Title: Re: Blue Clone BUST
Post by: dustrho on August 16, 2003, 09:49 AM
1. Attendance. Comic Con was a MUCH bigger convention and deserved the bigger share by quite a bit.

That's total crap!  You obviously weren't at the Chicago convention, because there were thousands of people who wanted that Bust.  It doesn't matter which show was bigger.  Gentle Giant had said 500 for San Diego and 500 for Chicago... they should never have changed that.  And because of that they're going to lose a lot of potential customers, because I am definitely fit into that category.
Title: Re: Blue Clone BUST
Post by: JoshEEE on August 16, 2003, 12:19 PM
Quote
That's total crap!  You obviously weren't at the Chicago convention, because there were thousands of people who wanted that Bust.  It doesn't matter which show was bigger.  Gentle Giant had said 500 for San Diego and 500 for Chicago... they should never have changed that.  And because of that they're going to lose a lot of potential customers, because I am definitely fit into that category.

I wasn't saying there wasn't a demand at Chicago, you mis-read my post.  I said they underestimated the demand BEFORE Comic Con. I don't think they had any idea that as many people would want this thing as did.

Also, if you could find a link to a direct quote where Gentle Giant themselves said there would 500 at each show, you would be the first person to do so out of everyone that has made this claim.

As far as I know, that's just fan speculation. No one has proved that Gentle Giant ever said they'd split them evenly.
Title: Re: Blue Clone BUST
Post by: dustrho on August 16, 2003, 10:59 PM
I don't know exactly where I read that on the Net, but it was all over it.  Does it really make sense for GG to bring 925 to San Diego, but only 75 busts to Chicago?  That makes no sense to me at all.
Title: Re: Blue Clone BUST
Post by: JoshEEE on August 17, 2003, 03:31 AM
Quote
I don't know exactly where I read that on the Net, but it was all over it.  Does it really make sense for GG to bring 925 to San Diego, but only 75 busts to Chicago?  That makes no sense to me at all.

Find one source where you read that, and I'd be REALLY impressed.  A lot of people claim they read it, but no one can figure out where. My guess is because that statement was never made.

The problem is, you probably never read an official post. You read fan speculation, and misinformation printed by other collecting enthusiasts.  When SD was over, they were probably saying "well, they'll have at least 500 at Chicago" and people took that as fact, when it was just speculation.

Plus, it just seems like common sense that they'd split it up more fairly.  So it must be true.


 Unless of course they had no idea they had sold through 700 in the first full day of the con. They realized they had to have SOME left for the last two days, so they went to the raffle system, and then pulled their heads out and realized they also had to save SOMETHING for Chicago too. So they saved the last 75 for Wizard World.

Lame?  Yes.

But I think it pretty much was due to a totally underestimated demand. Thank opportunists and Ebay for that one.


Hopefully next year they'll do better. I'm sure they'll try.
Title: Re: Blue Clone BUST
Post by: Nicklab on August 17, 2003, 11:03 AM
Okay, speaking as someone who managed to get a Blue Clone bust at Chcicago, here's my take.  I'm not going to gloat, because it's just not cool.

Was I happy with the way this was handled?  No.  There should've been an even split between San Diego and Chicago, or a bigger production run.  The lottery in Chicago left a lot of people unhappy, including several friends of mine who were also in attendance at the show.  Add on top of that the people who were unable to attend AND wanted this mini-bust, and you've got plenty of people who were unhappy.

If anything, I hope Gentle Giant learned something from this summer's conventions.  I think they learned that there are people out there who want their products.  Also, I think they learned that they need to consider higher production runs.  Next, I think they learned that they need to distribute their convention exclusives in a fair manner.  And, as a final caveat, this summer was the FIRST time that Gentle Giant has offered show exclusives.  So they were learning the process.

Do I like the fact that Gentle Giant was effectively using the summer convention-goers as guinea pigs?  No.  In fact, I think the way they handled things sucks.  Peronally, I wanted to see everyone who wanted this Blue Clone Trooper min-bust be able to get one.  I was happy to win my bust, but I was also lucky.  One guy went so far as to offer the winners of Sunday's lottery $150 for their Blue Clone Trooper bust.  everybody declined.  And all in all, I was still extremely frustrated with the process.  Hopefully Gentle Giant does better the next time.
Title: Blue Clone Trooper Bust ?
Post by: Jimmy on September 12, 2003, 02:03 PM
David, I never heard back from you...

Did you ever nab a blue Clone bust? I haven't yet and refuse to pay what they are selling for right now.
These are $40-50 busts (and I know the cost from GG) no way will I shed quad that price...

I didn't go the case route either but did get a red bust earlier this week. I have the yellow and white coming soon...

I found it weird that my red bust is numbered 5401 out of 7500. I thought they'd number them according to their number editions (i.e. red #x of 1250).

Title: Re: Clone Trooper Bust ?
Post by: Boba Binks on September 12, 2003, 04:42 PM
I did get one Blue Clone bust from a guy who owed me a big favor. So I got just the one.

Right now I have the White and Yellow Clone bust from the stores around here. I have searched the internet for the Red Bust and I refuse to pay $149.00+ for it. I know it is one per case but #*@#(%#!! That is alot.

All the Comic Stores around here have the White Bust so I will just paint it Red and have a custom. I still want to make a Green one also.

Title: Blue Clone Trooper Bust on eBay
Post by: dustrho on October 4, 2003, 10:08 AM
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=3147817311&category=50263

What a complete ripoff!   :o  This is probably one of the guys that was standing right next to me at Wizard World Chicago, and after he won it he said "eBay here it goes!"  I wanted to kill that guy!   >:(

EDIT -- He says it's from the San Diego Comic Con, so it's not the same jerk I was standing near in Chicago.
Title: Re: Clone Trooper Bust ?
Post by: Boba Binks on October 6, 2003, 11:25 AM
$199.99!!!  :o That is so.... Bad!
I cannot believe the price is so high on it.

Title: Re: Clone Trooper Bust ?
Post by: JediMAC on October 7, 2003, 03:36 AM
$199.99!!!  :o That is so.... Bad!
I cannot believe the price is so high on it.

$199.99 is CHEAP, compared to what most of these have been going for, which is generally in the $200 - $300 dollar range!  :o  Now that's crazy!  And to think that I briefly used to own two of them...  :P (no, I didn't put them up on eBay! Gave 'em to a couple buddies...  ;))

Well, it looks like things are starting to slow down on these pieces just a little bit, but just look here (http://search-completed.ebay.com/search/search.dll?GetResult&query=blue+clone+bust&completedonly=1) to see that the general insanity continues...  :-\
Title: Re: Clone Trooper Bust ?
Post by: Nicklab on October 7, 2003, 03:42 AM
It really sickens me to see this happen.  I was at Chicago, and the crowd around the Gentle Giant booth was like a rugby scrum.  And after going through that...I"M NOT PARTING WITH MINE.  It was too much trouble and too much hassle to get to just get rid of it for the money.  I don't need the money that bad.
Title: Re: Clone Trooper Bust ?
Post by: Jimmy on October 7, 2003, 08:55 AM
They have softened a little like Matt pointed out...

I still do not own one and will not pay over $150...and even then I'm not set I'd pay that much. Not for a bust the size of GG's stuff.

I mean I recently bought an older Attakus that cost me $120 shipped  :o Which is a much better way to spend my money IMHO.

I actually haven't bothered hunting one of these down for a while now... I figure it'll come around like everything does at some point or another. Hell I scored my white and yellow for just $60 for both... so...