Some updates...
So JSI has seemingly taken over 21st Cent. Toys' molds. They're cranking a new F-14, which speculation is that it was tooled by 21st and so "new" is a subjective term perhaps, but that's the ONLY new thing they're doing... so far.
And worse is that they're putting figures out online for a whopping $10 each, and using old molds to boot... Even 1st series molds! Yeesh.
Their Tiger-I came out and wasn't updated at all. (IE: No Zimmerit mold updating) THis has many annoyed that, beyond the paintjob, it's the same old tank. Also, no pack-in commander, and no MG-42 for the Commander's hatch ring. Yup, even less bang for your buck, but in almost Hasbro-like fashion, the price skyrocketed on the item as well.
This appears to be the standard with them, which I'm going to guess they're not going to last long if they don't change things.
And in equally bad news...
Unimax, makers of Forces of Valor, have focused their 1:18 line at Target only on modern figures/vehicles now, as that's what appeals to kids they claim. World War 2 will now be an online-only line, and will increase in price. This sucks, royally, as I personally loved their stuff. Now, I'll get a set or possibly two sets when new (and I mean NEW, not repainted ****) hits,, but so far they're just re-releasing the first series WW2 figures, which I'd love to have more, but not at a price hike + shipping. I loved grabbing one or two on a random stop at Target, but those days are long gone it appears.
In weird news though, they've put out a CHEAP line, that's out now, similar to Chap Mei. Intended for kids, and customizers, there's not much interesting to it. Figures are $1.99 or so, they come in 3-packs for more, and vehicle packs for a little more. Nothing exciting. Some ok headsculpts for customs, but that's it.
I'm disappointed in both companies so far. Unimax, IMO, will survive... JSI though, I have my doubts. Price-hikes + product cuts + rehashed old **** we all already got, some on clearance, = bad business.