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Collectibles => Kubricks => Topic started by: mugglywumps on April 24, 2007, 10:33 PM

Title: kubricks dead
Post by: mugglywumps on April 24, 2007, 10:33 PM
anyone else have that sinking feeling that kubricks are dead?

Title: Re: kubricks dead
Post by: Dan on April 25, 2007, 07:31 AM
I'll say no, for now.
Title: Re: kubricks dead
Post by: maulsith on April 25, 2007, 08:04 AM
nope for me....I love Kubs
Title: Re: kubricks dead
Post by: Raltaran on April 25, 2007, 02:28 PM
kubricks arn't dead, even if the star wars kubricks die, all the other kubricks will be there(kubrick is a designer toy(not the best though)
Title: Re: kubricks dead
Post by: bikeridetony on April 25, 2007, 03:09 PM
I think it's been confirmed that the SW line will continue. 
Title: Re: kubricks dead
Post by: Jeff on April 25, 2007, 03:15 PM
We just got a new 400% figure and there is a new 5-pack box set coming at the end of the month (or early next month). That does not sound "dead" to me just yet. 

Of course, if it gets to be October 2007 and we haven't had any new SW Kubrick announcements, then I'll start to get worried...
Title: Re: kubricks dead
Post by: Gorkoracing on April 25, 2007, 04:27 PM
Yes its dead and prices have plummeted (trust me) so everyone sell me your kubricks.
I'm paying an outrageously HIGH price of $1.00 per kubrick.
Title: Re: kubricks dead
Post by: JediJman on May 11, 2007, 08:24 PM
Yes its dead and prices have plummeted (trust me) so everyone sell me your kubricks.
I'm paying an outrageously HIGH price of $1.00 per kubrick.

LMAO.  I'll overpay with $1.50 for any chase figures out there.  Get in on these deals before your Kubes are worth nothing!   ;)
Title: Re: kubricks dead
Post by: evenflow on May 12, 2007, 09:09 AM
You know I was having a conversation with a friend from Japan and he seems to think that Kubricks in general are on a decline. His take that Medicom is making less and less but he also reports the demand is high. I have to admit that i am a bit worried witht he status of the line.
Title: Re: kubricks dead
Post by: nitro on May 12, 2007, 10:25 AM
i agree evenflow....

i love the kubricks line and i know the demand is still there. it seems more like medicom is focusing in on other products (VCD, RAH, etc) that this line that we all love has taken the backseat. it's really sad walking into my comic book shop and seeing no kubricks, but seeing tons of dunnys and other imported mini figures untouched and collecting dust. there is no kubricks in site at any of those stores. kubricks used to be plentiful around these parts and would sell very well. the comic book shops never even got an assortment of Star Wars Series 7 kubricks (which the SW line was by far their biggest seller). i had to resort to the internet to buy a box of 12.
Title: Re: kubricks dead
Post by: JediJman on May 12, 2007, 02:55 PM
i agree evenflow....

i love the kubricks line and i know the demand is still there. it seems more like medicom is focusing in on other products (VCD, RAH, etc) that this line that we all love has taken the backseat. it's really sad walking into my comic book shop and seeing no kubricks, but seeing tons of dunnys and other imported mini figures untouched and collecting dust. there is no kubricks in site at any of those stores. kubricks used to be plentiful around these parts and would sell very well. the comic book shops never even got an assortment of Star Wars Series 7 kubricks (which the SW line was by far their biggest seller). i had to resort to the internet to buy a box of 12.

Not that I have seen any lost interest from other MN Kubie collectors, but what do you guys think about the impact exclusives have had on this line?  Have the kept people interested in the off chance that they can find the varient figures or are they a barrier for completists who refuse to spend +$100 for the rarer figures? 

I collect just the common figs and a few of the cheaper, more common variants, but I would definitely have bought all of the figures if they were priced more reasonably. 
Title: Re: kubricks dead
Post by: Morgbug on May 12, 2007, 03:32 PM
I've never had a problem with the chase figures or exclusives really.  This is a small, niche market product aimed at Japan/Hong Kong, not a Hasbro let's sell billions kind of product.  It's been harder to get from the start, so remaining that way is fine with me.

As for the chase figures, I'm no longer a big fan of them from any line, but at least I can appreciate the way Medicom does it with blind packaging so as long as you're buying something sealed, you have a shot.  These are meant to be bought singly in stores and hopefully stores don't document the openings the way they get done on this board, so if you're Joe average consumer in Japan, you've got a shot.  This as opposed to Hasbro's approach of making the stuff damn near glow in the dark so the ebay crowd knows precisely what to pick up.

I like having the high priced stuff, it sets my collection apart from the average Kubrick collection. 
Title: Re: kubricks dead
Post by: nitro on May 12, 2007, 04:08 PM
Exclusives had a big impact on collectors. I think they alienated collectors in the early goings with that early bird kit because they made core characters as exclusives. Not to have a Chewbacca or R2D2 in a Star Wars collection is a travesty. I'm not a completist by any means, but spending $100 on a 2" plastic figure is absolutely crazy, no amount of detail in those Kubs could ever make me spend $100 or more on one single Kubrick. I think alot of other collectors felt the same. I had a pair of my friends that were really into Star Wars Kubricks with me, but prices to complete the sets became more unreasonable as the years went by.

I realize that Medicom isn't Hasbro where they are pumping out figure after figure and this kind of line is niche. But collectors from the same niche have different buying habits. Some collectors will shell out the $100+ for the chase figure to complete the set. Then you have collectors on the other end of the spectrum, that only purchase figures that are reasonably priced and understand the niche that the line essentially carries.
Title: Re: kubricks dead
Post by: evenflow on May 12, 2007, 08:22 PM
I think with an exclusive or chase figure it works both ways. Its brings some collector's in more and drives others out. In the end i think it balances out. I personally like variants and chase figures. I even like exclusives (not regional ones like con exclusives, no problem with store exclusives though).
Title: Re: kubricks dead
Post by: JediJman on May 12, 2007, 10:31 PM
Here's the funny part though - Mediacom doesn't make $100 on their varient figs.  They make fewer of them and sell them at essentially the same price as all the other figures via a case price.  Its the folks that resell the rarer piees on the secondary market that make the big bucks on variants.  So what I don't get is, why would Mediacom not just make the same number of all figures and capitalize on selling a lot more of the rarer figs?  Or do you think they keep some of the rare ones and sell them for more money on Ebay?
Title: Re: kubricks dead
Post by: Crackbrick on May 12, 2007, 10:38 PM
Exclusives had a big impact on collectors. I think they alienated collectors in the early goings with that early bird kit because they made core characters as exclusives. Not to have a Chewbacca or R2D2 in a Star Wars collection is a travesty. I'm not a completist by any means, but spending $100 on a 2" plastic figure is absolutely crazy, no amount of detail in those Kubs could ever make me spend $100 or more on one single Kubrick. I think alot of other collectors felt the same. I had a pair of my friends that were really into Star Wars Kubricks with me, but prices to complete the sets became more unreasonable as the years went by.

I realize that Medicom isn't Hasbro where they are pumping out figure after figure and this kind of line is niche. But collectors from the same niche have different buying habits. Some collectors will shell out the $100+ for the chase figure to complete the set. Then you have collectors on the other end of the spectrum, that only purchase figures that are reasonably priced and understand the niche that the line essentially carries.

Are you talking about collectors here in the US?
If so I agree, but if you mean collectors in Japan I don't.
People in Japan, love exclusives and chase figures, it does not chase them away, it does just the oppisite.
Kubricks were meant for the Japanese Market, nothing we do here in the US will affect how they make or distribute them.

CB
Title: Re: kubricks dead
Post by: DSJ™ on May 12, 2007, 10:43 PM
Medicom does not keep some of the rare & sell them on the bay. It's the thrill of of hunt that makes Kuby's great, paying more is another thing but that is part of the hunt for us in North America & that has been going on in other collectibles for many years.

The stuff the Japanese make Kuby's & so forth are sweet stuff. A person would go broke trying to collect stuff in Japan.
Title: Re: kubricks dead
Post by: Crackbrick on May 12, 2007, 10:44 PM
Here's the funny part though - Mediacom doesn't make $100 on their varient figs.  They make fewer of them and sell them at essentially the same price as all the other figures via a case price.  Its the folks that resell the rarer piees on the secondary market that make the big bucks on variants.  So what I don't get is, why would Mediacom not just make the same number of all figures and capitalize on selling a lot more of the rarer figs?  Or do you think they keep some of the rare ones and sell them for more money on Ebay?

Again, the whole point for the chase figure is aimed at the Japanese Market, it helps draw attention to the entire line.
This is how it works for just about every toy line in Japan, not just Kubricks.
Japanese Collectors LOVE the idea of Chase figures.
And remember, these things are only sold through the Japanese market.
Other than BBTS pre selling the latest box set, SW Bricks are not sold through wholesalers or retail markets here in the US.

I doubt Medicom holds toys back to sell on ebay.

CB
Title: Re: kubricks dead
Post by: Morgbug on May 12, 2007, 11:34 PM
It's all about generating 'buzz'.  Getting people talking about the figures, having them chase them on ebay or having htem buying more than they otherwise would in hopes of finding the figure in a blind box.  It's advertising to generate interest. 

McFarlane sportspicks don't make anything extra off chase figures, but it gets people talking about them, positively or negatively.

UGH silver figures were the same with Hasbro last year.  If we're talking about the toys, they have our attention, even if we're pissed off and mad as hell at them.  That doesn't matter, we go to stores more often trying to find them, the scalpers buy them up that otherwise wouldn't touch the product. 

Do I necessarily agree with it?  No, but it's proven it's worth as a marketing tool time and again.  I think utlimately it backfires on them as it has with TMP stuff, but that's not a consequence they seem to concerned about.  Plus I think the notion of blind packed chase figures is pretty darn common in Japan. 
Title: Re: kubricks dead
Post by: Adrian on May 15, 2007, 02:13 PM
 :'( its insanely sad that we are talking about the death of Kubrick's. Medicom has been pushing its RAHs and VCDs like mad, but Series 8 has in fact been confirmed? No? If you think about it Series 7 was great, the last 2 400% SW Kubs where great and this mail in set is truly sweet.... I guess its safe to say they went out with a BANG.
Title: Re: kubricks dead
Post by: bikeridetony on May 15, 2007, 02:19 PM
The SW line is NOT dead.  It's been confirmed by Medicom.
Title: Re: kubricks dead
Post by: Morgbug on May 15, 2007, 04:13 PM
The SW line is NOT dead.  It's been confirmed by Medicom.

Cool news Tony, thanks.  Can you point us to the confirmation.
Title: Re: kubricks dead
Post by: bikeridetony on May 15, 2007, 04:40 PM
Somebody from here or KW talked to a Medicom employee at one of the shows and he confirmed the SW line was still going.  Am I way off?  I thought for sure I read that recently.  Let me know if I'm wrong.  Thanks!
Title: Re: kubricks dead
Post by: Jeff on May 15, 2007, 04:49 PM
Somebody from here or KW talked to a Medicom employee at one of the shows and he confirmed the SW line was still going.  Am I way off?  I thought for sure I read that recently.  Let me know if I'm wrong.  Thanks!

I believe it was Mondo.  He heard from Medicom at WonderFest I thnk...
Title: Re: kubricks dead
Post by: Morgbug on May 15, 2007, 04:49 PM
Maybe at KW?  I don't remember it here and if I said it, I was lying.  I know I didn't say it because I don't actually have any opportunity to talk to employees.  

My guess remains that they are slowing to one series per yer and that they delayed this announcement because they are including the snowtrooper and didn't want to impact the box set sales.
Title: Re: kubricks dead
Post by: Jeff on May 15, 2007, 04:50 PM
Found his post in the Series 8 thread...

According to the guys at the medicom booth there will be more series.  :) No dates set yet, I think they must have been busy with the box set and 400% releases.
Title: Re: kubricks dead
Post by: evenflow on May 15, 2007, 05:49 PM
Thats great and all, but it is not a confirmation. I hope that it's true, but i won't feel better until i see pics of a new wave.
Title: Re: kubricks dead
Post by: Darth Slothus on May 15, 2007, 05:58 PM
Thats great and all, but it is not a confirmation. I hope that it's true, but i won't feel better until i see pics of a new wave.

gonna be awhile......? Have a Snickers
Title: Re: kubricks dead
Post by: Crackbrick on May 16, 2007, 05:03 AM
There will be a Series 8.
Not sure when.
Not sure of a Series 9 though.

MD
Title: Re: kubricks dead
Post by: Matt Brand on May 16, 2007, 09:40 AM
There will be a Series 8.
Not sure when.
Not sure of a Series 9 though.

MD

Good news. Thanks.

*prays for series 9 and on*
Title: Re: kubricks dead
Post by: mondocoyote on May 16, 2007, 11:12 PM
Yeah, that was me with the quote. What level of employee he was I don't know, but he seemed to think the line was continuing.

Title: Re: kubricks dead
Post by: Madcow on May 17, 2007, 06:46 AM
I'm still going to hold strong as say that this line is still alive and well. Yes we see a dryspell at the moment but maybe they've got something brewing for a 30th anniversary set or wave. They've done too well with this line to let it drop right now out of nowhere. We just got some exclusives so that's at least a step in the right direction. To be honest, I welcome the break. It helps me catch up on other stuff like these beauties:

(http://home.comcast.net/~hobbymon/SKubs.jpg)

 ;D

 The only thing about Medicom that is consistent is their inconsistency...
Title: Re: kubricks dead
Post by: Dark_iced_jedi on May 20, 2007, 10:49 AM
Nothing certain but I have heard a rumour for a Celebration Europe Excluisve Box Set / Carded Kubrick.  :)
Title: Re: kubricks dead
Post by: mondocoyote on June 15, 2007, 11:36 AM
8 days till the medicom exhibition in shibuya, tokyo. 
Some of the potentialy finest SW Kubs have yet to  be made, so I hope we get to see something.
Title: Re: kubricks dead
Post by: Morgbug on June 15, 2007, 11:40 AM
I'm going with Jeff's dream sequence until proven wrong.
Title: Re: kubricks dead
Post by: mondocoyote on June 15, 2007, 12:04 PM
I'm going with Jeff's dream sequence until proven wrong.

Hope he's booked his flight...it all relies on him actually being there you know.  :)

Title: Re: kubricks dead
Post by: Morgbug on June 15, 2007, 01:04 PM
Me too.  I'm sure I can get a cheap flight a week out ;)
Title: Re: kubricks dead
Post by: evenflow on June 15, 2007, 02:20 PM
I still dont have the latest box set and there dont seem to be that many around, i am not sure but thats not a good sign. I hope there is some kind of announcement.
Title: Re: kubricks dead
Post by: Crackbrick on June 15, 2007, 05:57 PM
I still dont have the latest box set and there dont seem to be that many around, i am not sure but thats not a good sign. I hope there is some kind of announcement.

Hang in there people, I'm sure we will see another Series, I hope in the next update.

CB
Title: Re: kubricks dead
Post by: JediJman on June 16, 2007, 06:04 AM
I still dont have the latest box set and there dont seem to be that many around, i am not sure but thats not a good sign. I hope there is some kind of announcement.

Someone just posted that BBTS has the box set back up for pre-order. I don't have a lot of experience with them, but I wouldn't expect to see this unless they had some level of confidence in getting the product at some point down the road.
Title: Re: kubricks dead
Post by: evenflow on June 16, 2007, 09:08 AM
I still dont have the latest box set and there dont seem to be that many around, i am not sure but thats not a good sign. I hope there is some kind of announcement.

Someone just posted that BBTS has the box set back up for pre-order. I don't have a lot of experience with them, but I wouldn't expect to see this unless they had some level of confidence in getting the product at some point down the road.

I have it preordered with them, and although i deal with them all the time, and they have never not gotten anything i preordered, i have my doubts about this one. Just me being negative  ::)