3rd Party Kenner Retro-Style Toys

[Rob]

There is a US site where he bulk ships to a guy who sells them in the states.  You can save money that way.  I usually wait for him to get them, but with the Tonnika Sisters I just ordered through the UK site.  Often when you do that it still gets bulk shipped and then mailed domestically.  But at least I have a preorder in that way.

https://stansolocreationsusa.com/

[EdSolo]

Just a note, even if you preorder in UK and live in US, you will be charged the UK shipping rate, but the item will ship from the US.  That being said, I have begun preordering some stuff in the UK.  I've held off on the last few minus the Tonnika sisters because I'm beginning the process of moving and didn't want to rock the boat with an address change mid preorder, which I might still have to do.  Greedo is shipping.  However the first couple shipments have been solely preorders.  It has not gone up on the US site yet as in stock.  I have waited on that one, Degobah Luke, and removable helmet Vader.  However, I should close this Friday and might preorder the latter two once I have the new address.  Old house isn't on the market yet at this point, but these preorders are just unpredictable with shipping dates.

[Rob]

Greedo is up on the US site.  Just ordered one…

[Muftak]

I don't know why other than Kenner Greedo is Greedo to me, but I have had no interest in the Stan Solo version at all. I even tried to psyche myself up as it could be Beedo from Jabba's Palace instead since it looks more modern than 79 Greedo, but to no avail.

Last year I felt the same way about his updated Fetts, but I eventually did get the ROTJ version by justifying it as a POTF figure. The ESB version I just could not justify.

Weird the philosophical avenues this hobby can take you down.

[EdSolo]

I kind of feel the same way about the "Next 17" line of figures.  I like the characters they are making, but the aesthetic seems just a little off for me to want to buy them.  I have a Greedo on the way.  I love the original vintage version, but I had to see how this compares.  The upcoming Degobah Luke looks really good.  The face looks like vintage Luke, but with messy hair.

[Rob]

That’s where I’m at.  The Last 17 don’t quite fit the bill to me, but basically everything Chris Smith had done I love. 

I also like the vast majority of what Pro Custom Figures does, although I don’t think they’re quite as perfect a match to the original line as Stan Solo.

[Muftak]

Agreed as well. Stan Solo > Pro Customs > Next 17. Chris Smith almost looks like he is starting his sculpts with Kenner figures and building off of that, if that makes sense.

This last week has seen a bounty of 3D print files for 5POA style figures based on the Ahsoka series. Not professionally produced of course, but it seems a sea change has occurred. Not only are fans jumping in to do it, but it happens fast and seems obvious. This whole new wing of action figure collecting is really threatening to become a large part of the hobby in multiple ways.

[EdSolo]

Stan Solo has his R4-M9 up for preorder.  His FB post says this and the next item he offers may be it for him.  Also said he would be making this one in lower quantities.  Not sure if this is just his typical rants or not.

[Rob]

His recent Instagram post says he’s got a redone r-series mold and is doing R3-T2.

He also said he was quitting before announcing movie accurate Greedo, removable helmet Darth Vader, Bespin Luke, Tonnika Sisters, and both of those droids

 Someday he will I suppose, but I’ll believe it when I see it.

[EdSolo]

Krahn is holding on.  TFSB website has been stipped to bare bones with only an update screen and nothing about any product at all.  His update is the typical BS that the Bantha isn't his fault, they are only a third company payment processor and that the place in Texas he "paid" to create the Banthas are at fault.  Completely silly since he stated making these things in China.  He also states that there will be an upcoming update on the wave of 13.  I can't believe he is actually still trying to save face on all of this.

[Rob]

The third party payment processor part is the most infuriating bull**** part of all of this. 

Apple hires Foxconn to make their phones but I’m not in any kind of contract with Foxconn. 

Fact is he designed (or Smith did) the Bantha, and he took my payment.  It is 100% his problem to find the right vendors to produce that product and the idea that he can wash his hands of responsibility with such nonsense is maddening.

One of his primary responsibilities is to charge enough to be able to afford a reputable factory that can actually deliver, and if his claims along the way have been true, then he’s completely failed to do that.

[Rob]

Separately, I got a shipping notice for Bondo and Chituhr today.  Can’t wait to complete the set.

[Rob]

 

[Ben]

I've been sorely tempted by these 2nd wave Ewoks figures, but $80 each is a lot of scratch. They do look great, though.

[Rob]

It was definitely pricey, but I absolutely love that I can finally have my own version of this one-of-a-kind collection.  $80 is a lot, but nearly every real figure from those lines was significantly more, so it's not terrible.