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Messages - Spectre

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1
Other Toy Lines / Marauder Gun-Runners Wave 5 Review!
« on: September 12, 2008, 05:43 PM »
This afternoon the postman brought my long awaited Marauder Gun-Runners Wave 5 Review Set!

Overview



Once again, Marauder Gun-Runners delivers a nice balanced assortment of heavy weapons, asault rifles, pistols and edged weapons. There is something for just about everyone in this wave.

Before breaking the wave down into individual items, I want to reiterate some comments from my previous reviews because the statements are as valid today as when I first wrote them:

Sculpt:

As usual for Marauder "Gun Runners", the sculpts are dead-on to their real world counterparts. Every detail you could ever want or expect is present, and then some. I honestly do not see how these accessories could be sculpted any better than they currently are, but I have confidence that Marauder "Gun Runners" will continue to raise the bar with each release.


Construction:

Like all of Marauder "Gun Runners"' past offerings, this series is cast from a sturdy, rigid black plastic. These accessories are not resin casts of other companies' offerings. They are professionally produced with the highest quality plastics in an overseas factory.

A great side note to any customizers- the plastic used for these accessories takes paint very well and can be Krazy Glued(tm) without turning white!


Affordability/Availability:

One of the best things about Marauder "Gun Runners" offerings is that they are very affordable. With money saving sets available, you can equip all of your troops without breaking the bank. Marauder "Gun Runners"' wares are available 24 hours a day via their website:


http://www.marauderinc.com/servlet/StoreFront


I will now break this wave down by weapon class starting with heavy weapons.


MGL Multi-Shot Grenade Launcher

This accessory is nothing short of astounding! The removable ammo drum is not one solid block of plastic but a multi-part assembly. There is actually open space in the middle visible between each individual tube, I can see why the engineering on this weapon pushed back the release date for the wave and I am happy, with the end results clearly justifying the wait!


MG-34 Machine Gun w/ Bipod

This great WWII German light machine gun is expertly sculpted and can even serve double duty in your collection. Besides being a great period piece it is also the standard Imperial heavy blaster rifle carried by all of the troop classes in a galaxy far, far away (even a certain Wookiee carried one while aboard the Deathstar).


Now we will move on to the modular weapons of this series. Last year, Marauder Gun-Runners blew our collective minds with their first modular weapon, a modern M-4. This year, we get not 1, but 3 fully modular weapons and one weapon that accepts the modular optics kit!


"BASIC" SCAR-H Assault Rifle w/ Clip

This modern assault rifle would look great in the hands of just about any modern military action figure and even has some sci-fi potential as seen below!


Basic SCAR-H with "Modular" Component: R-D Site and "Modular" Component: Chainsaw Attachment


"BASIC" NVR Rifle w/ Clip

This is a modular version of a Marauder Gun-Runners original design that was overwelmingly requested by the fans, showing that our good buddy Marauder John really listens to us!


"BASIC" M14 EBR Rifle w/ Clip

The modern update of a tried and true American rifle, this new modular version of the M14 will find a home in just about everyone's moden military collection.


Top: SCAR-H w/ "Modular" Component: Combat Optic + "Modular" Component: Blade Attachment
Middle: M14 w/ "Modular" Component: High-Power Scope
Bottom: NVR w/ "Modular" Component: A-P Site + "Modular" Component: XM26 Shotgun LSS

Some of the MANY possible configurations you can create by using the various add-on modular accessories! The previously released modular accessories are fully compatible with the new releases for even MORE customizing possibilities!



"BASIC" H&K MP7 Machine Gun w/ Clip

This is the most up-to-date modern submachine gun around! Leaked film set photos even show a certain leather catsuit-wearing bespectacled villianess carrying one of these in next year's live action "G.I. Joe" movie!


This weapon also sports a 1mm port on the top that accepts any of the modular optics add-ons (here shown with the "Modular" Component: A-P Site

Customizers take note!

If you remove the clip and trim off the front grip, it looks JUST like a Merr-Sonn IR5 "Intimidator" (as featured in the "Star Wars" RPG Arms and Equipment Guide"), a weapon usually found in the hands of those in the Hutts' employ so all of your bounty hunters, mercs, and fringers will want one!

Next up we have some fantasticly designed pistols.


"Auto-9" Automatic Pistol

This awsome pistol will serve double duty in everyone's military and sci-fi collections as not only is it a well-respected handgun in the present, but the futuristic cyborg policeman known as "Robocop" used one of these to clean up the mean streets of New Detroit!


USP Match Automatic Pistol

This modern military pistol fits very well in several different action figure lines' holsters so many collectors will find themselves replacing their collections' "stock" sidearms with these beauties! I can also see some sci-fi potential with just a few cosmetic alterations....


Colt 45 Western Revolver Pistol

This period piece might only have niche uses in most peoples' collections, but I have to say that it is a beautiful little revolver. If you have an "old war horse" in your collection, you might want to give him one of these classy pistols to put in his holster.

Now for my FAVORITE piece in this wave:

"Modified" Mauser Pistol


Removable scope!

I don't think I actually have to tell you who carried this beauty in all 3 original films in the "Holy Trilogy" do I? Marauder Gun-Runners went above and beyond with this little beauty, even going so far as to give us a removable side-mounted scope to allow some customization to this iconic weapon!


Last but certainly not least, we have a pair of edged weapons that round out Wave 5!


Ninja Scimitar Sword

This is a Marauder Gun-Runners original design that harkens back to a beloved action figure accessory of yesteryear (although this version is far superior to the "vintage" one in every way posible!). There are also some sci-fi applications to this beauty as well due to it's very fanciful design!

 
Fighting Knife w/ Sheath

This is a sweet little set as you not only get a beautifully sculpted modern fighting knife, but you get a working sheath with a buckle for attaching to a belt or strap as well!


Once again, Marauder Gun-Runners delivers the goods! I'm really glad I get paid on Monday as I have a big order to place!

I give Wave 5 the "Spectre Seal Of Approval"!


2
Other Toy Lines / Marauder "Gun Runners" Series 4 Review!
« on: August 12, 2007, 06:30 PM »
Marauder "Gun Runners" has once again unleashed an amazing wave of brand new accessories on the world of 3 3/4" action figure collecting/customizing!

Here's a detailed look at the latest from Marauder "Gun Runners".

Marauder "Gun Runners" Series 4
Series Overview:



As is usual for Marauder "Gun Runners" offerings, this series contains some fantastically sculpted accessories from all around the world (and beyond!).

I will be showcasing the various items in this series broken down by accessory type.

First up,

Grenades

Right hand- Smoke Grenade
Left hand- Stick Grenade

These grenades are very accurately scaled and expertly sculpted. The Stick Grenade in particular has many very fine details in it's sculpt that I don't think the "major" companies would have even bothered adding.

Pistols

Walther PPK Automatic Pistol


M1911a1 45 Caliber Automatic Pistol


"Tactical" Automatic Pistol

This series offers 3 more highly detailed pistols to give your figures much needed backup or secondary weapons. The Walther PPK, the signature weapon of a certain British superspy, in this series is the first toy rendition of this particular model firearm in 3 3/4" scale.

Assault Rifles

M16a2 Assault Rifle w/ Removable Clip


FAMAS "Bullpup" Assault Rifle w/ Bipod


Combat Shotgun w/ Shells


HK-G36 (Full Size) Assault Rifle w/ Removable Clip


XM8 Assault Rifle w/ Removable Ammo clip


UMP Tactical Assault Rifle w/ Removable Ammo clip


(banana clip)

(ammo drum)
RPK PKM Machine Gun w/Bipod


(w/optional sight)

(w/o sight)
High-Energy Plasma Disrupter w/ Scope

As you can see, Marauder "Gun Runners" contines to produce a wide range of assault rifles from all over the globe. This series has everything from a tried and true American classic to a Soviet light repeating rifle to a futuristic energy weapon!

Deluxe Accessories

50 Caliber Sniper Rifle w/ Bipod



Briefcase w/ Working Lid



Gatling "Mini-Gun" with Ammo Case


"Modular" M4 Carbine Assault Rifle


(M4 Carbine Assault Rifle w/ Removable Clip w/"Gangster" Front Grip)


(M4 Carbine Assault Rifle w/"Red-Dot" Scope, Double Drum Ammo Clip, Laser Sight Front Grip, and Silencer)


(M4 Carbine Assault Rifle w/ Removable Clip w/Night Scope and M203 Grenade Launcher

This particular part of the series is where Marauder "Gun Runners" shines! The "Modular" M4 Carbine Assault Rifle is nothing short of an engineering marvel for an accessory of this scale. All of the parts fit together snugly and do not fall out even with moderate to rough handling.

Sculpt:

As usual for Marauder "Gun Runners", the sculpts are dead-on to their real world counterparts. Every detail you could ever want or expect is present, and then some. I honestly do not see how these accessories could be sculpted any better than they currently are, but I have confidence that Marauder "Gun Runners" will continue to raise the bar with each release.


Construction:

Like all of Marauder "Gun Runners" past offerings, this series is cast from a sturdy black plastic. These accessories are not resin casts of other companies' offerings. They are professionally produced with the highest quality plastics in an overseas factory.

A great side note to any customizers- the plastic used for these accessories takes paint very well and can be Krazy Glued(tm) without turning white!


Affordability/Availability[/b]:

One of the best things about Marauder "Gun Runners" offerings is that they are very affordable. With money saving sets available, you can equip all of your troops without breaking the bank. Marauder "Gun Runners" wares are available 24 hours a day via their website:

http://www.marauderinc.com/servlet/StoreFront



I proudly give Marauder "Gun Runners" Series 4 the "Spectre Seal Of Approval"!

3
Other Toy Lines / Re: Marauder Inc.
« on: August 5, 2007, 04:03 PM »
Marauder, Inc. Wave 4 is NOW AVAILABLE! Go and buy LOTS for all of your customizing and collecting needs! :)

http://www.marauderinc.com/servlet/Categor...ries+%234+Items

Tell 'em "The Spectre" sent ya!

4
Other Toy Lines / Marauder Inc. Wave 4 price list!
« on: June 25, 2007, 10:59 PM »
Here is the latest from Marauder, Inc.'s very own Marauder John!:

"Hey all!
Here is the price list for the upcoming Marauder "Gun-Runners" weapon Series #4. Have individual and value set prices.  Also, most of the small add-on accessories & ammo clips will be available separately.
 
Heavy Weapons:
-RPK AKM-47 Squad Automatic Weapon with Bipod, Removable Drum Magazine & "banana" ammo clip - $1.49 Each or 3 for $3.99
Extra RPK ammo drum - $.25 each or 3 for $.69

-Gatling Gun "Minigun" w/ ammo belt & Ammo case - $2.49 each

Rifles:
-Combat Shotgun w/ shotgun shell clip - $.99 each or 12 for $9.99
Extra shotgun shell clips - $.15 each or 6 for $.79

-M16A2 Assault Rifle w/ removable Clip  - $.99 each or 12 for $9.99
Extra M16 ammo clip - $.15 each or 6 for $.79

-"Modular" M4 Carbine Assault Rifle
Fully loaded (weapon with ALL add-on items) - $1.69 each or 4 for $5.99
M4 with ONLY regular clip - $.79 each or 6 for $3.99

 
M4 add-on Accessories (by themselves, without the gun)
-Grenade Launcher  - $.20 each
-Night scope  - $.20
-Regular Scope - $.15
-Double Drum Clip  - $.25
-Silencer  - $.25
-Standard Front Grip - $.15
-Front Grip with Laser Sight  - $.20

-UMP H&K Machine Gun w/ removable clip - $.99 each or 12 for $9.99

-Compact Sniper Rifle w/ removable scope - $.75 each or 12 for $7.99

-50 cal Sniper Rifle w/ bipod - $1.29 each or 6 for $6.99

-XM8 Assault Rifle w/removable clip - $.99 each or 12 for $9.99

-Famas "Bullpup" Assault Rifle w/Bipod - $.99 each or 12 for $9.99

-G36 Assault Rifle (Full size, NOT the Commando) - 99 each or 12 for $9.99
Extra G36 clip $.15 or 6 for $.79

Accessories:

-Briefcase w/ working lid- .49 each or 6 for $7.99

-"Generic" Silencer (works with "most" Marauder weapons) - 25 each or 3 for $.69

-Smoke Grenade - $.20 each or 3 for $.55

-"Stick" Grenade - $.20 each or 3 for $.55

Pistols:
-Walther PPK Pistol - $.39 each or 12 for $3.99

-M1911 45 Automatic Pistol - $.39 each or 12 for $3.99

-"Tactical" Automatic Pistol - $.39 each or 12 for $3.99
 
Complete Series #4 Set (all 45 pieces of the weapons & accesssories from Series #4): $12.99

Also, here is the image of the protoypes again for your reference:



As most of you know, have experienced some unforeseen delays, but hope to have the new items in July.

Again, THANK YOU for your continued support and hope to have the items SOON!

MJ"


Look for a full review as soon as I have my sample set in hand!

5
Other Toy Lines / Marauder Inc. Wave 4 Pics!!!!!!!
« on: February 17, 2007, 07:15 AM »
Here is the latest from Marauder-John himself:

Here are the images of the Marauder Series #4 weapons. Posting several images of the weapons and the weapons with figures (to show size).  The white "reduced" prototypes are shown, but production items will be BLACK (added a current production black AK47 & M16 w/Grenade launcher for size reference).  The white color makes it very difficult to show the detail of the items and in order to get the images to load couldn't post very high res images.  The white prototypes are VERY fragile and didn't get too aggressive with the poses.  That is why some items are not held by the pistol grips and none of the new bipods are used on the weapons.

All the Series #4 items

Close-up of the some of the smaller items.  Hammer is "cocked" on the 45 & shotgun shells are removable from shotgun. Working briefcase & Sniper weapon (issue with weapon, several mistakes made with reduced prototype and also "take-apart" feature "may" not be possible with final weapon...weapon "might" be canceled). The minigun will be produced in "sections" as opposed to one solid piece. Separate parts help maintain the detail of the weapon, add to the realistic look in 1:18 scale AND make it easier for customizers to modify.  Will ship in sections or assembled, whatever is requested.

The "modular" M4 & all components, along with some possible versions that can be made.  Removable components on final production weapon will have "snug" fit, just didn't' want to take a chance in damaging the prototype for the pictures.

50 Cal Sniper Rifle, RPK Squad Automactic, UMP, Briefcase & weapon, Combat Shotgun, Silencer (on an Uzi), 45 pistol & M16a3.


Famas, Glock Pistol, smoke grenade & a "possible" version of the M4. PPK, stick grenade, full size G36 and another "possible" version of the M4. Minigun, ammo case & Xm8



Avail date is still on target for April and will post final retail prices as soon as all the production costs are known.  Hope you like what you see!
Thanks again for your support!
Marauder-John

6
Other Toy Lines / Re: Marauder Inc.
« on: February 5, 2007, 12:15 AM »
Here's the LATEST from MarauderJohn himself!:

At long last, here is the list of Marauder "Gun-Runners" Series #4 items.  To avoid any disappointment, had to wait until all potential production issues were settled before posting the list. Several complex designs, so the engineering was rather tricky.   The list is 99% a "GO" for release.  Hopefully you all like the items and can find uses for them with your troops!  Planned avail date is this April:

Heavy Weapons:
-RPK AKM-47 Squad Automatic Weapon with Bipod, Removable Drum Magazine & "banana" ammo clip

-Gatling Gun (minigun aka "Ole Painless") w/ ammo belt & Ammo case

Rifles:
-Combat Shotgun (with full stock and "spare" shells that can be attached to side of stock or side of receiver)

-M16A3 w/ removable Clip (a BASIC weapon..nothing fancy just the US standard)

-"Modular" M4 Carbine with simulated "rail" attachement system (NO top mounted carrying handle) with removable:
-Grenade Launcher
-Night scope
-Regular Scope,
-Ammo Clip
-Double Drum Clip
-Silencer
-Standard Front Grip
-Front Grip with Laser Sight
...basically make any style of M4 you want.

-UMP H&K Machine Gun w/ removable clip

-"Take-a-Part" Sniper Rifle (5 piece weapon that can be assembled & Unassembled)

-50 cal Sniper Rifle w/ bipod

-XM8 w/removable clip

-Famas w/bipod

-G36 Assault Rifle (Full size, NOT the Commando)

Accessories:

-Briefcase - w/ working lid, can fit the 5 piece Sniper rifle and most other small weapons inside

-"Generic" Silencer (works with "most" Marauder weapons)

-Smoke Grenade

-"Stick" Grenade

Pistols:
-Walther PPK (Bond....James Bond)

-M1911 45 Automatic (with hammer "cocked")

-Glock Automatic Pistol

Hope to have images of the reduced prototypes ready in about 10 days and final prices as soon as possible.

7
Other Toy Lines / Marauder Inc. Series 3 review!
« on: October 17, 2006, 10:27 PM »
I usually try to get these reviews up before the items are released, but I didn't get my Review Set until today.

Now, without further ado, let's look at the toys!


Marauder, Inc. Series 3

Series Overview:



As you can see by the photo above, this release marks a departure from the standard Marauder, Inc. offerings. This is the first release to offer a wide range of accessories beyond the firearms which have made Marauder, Inc. a household name among action figure lovers.

While some fantastic firearms are still present in this release (and I'll discuss them a bit later on in the review), the real stars have to be the "other" items. This release contains what I believe to be the very first realistically scaled cellphone for a 1/18 scale action figure as well as a few other "firsts". The Claymore anti-personnel mine seen below is the first time one of these weapons has been offered in any toy line. The closest we got to them in the past was in the old "G.I.Joe" line, but they were way undersized and only existed as sculpted details on an action figure's accessory.

Claymore:


Cellphone:



The grenades are very well sculpted and are realistically scaled unlike alot of "major companies'" offerings in the recent past.



This flashlight is a great update of everyone's favorite Survivalist's most unique accessory from back in the day. Although this release is far more detailed and guaranteed not to break anyone's thumbs off.



Sadly, I was unable to get decent pics of the details on the very tiny items so I had to steal some pics from Marauder's site :)

The real "non weapon" star of this release is the gun rack. Dioramaists, collectors, and casual fans have been clamoring for someplace to store their extra rifles for years and Marauder, Inc's gun rack does not disappoint! This is the only item in the series not cast in Marauder's trademark semi-gloss black plastic. The gun rack is cast in a dark gunmetal and really sets it apart from any rifles that you may decide to store in it.




Back in Series 2, Marauder, Inc. began their new tradition of adding bladed weapons to their (and our) arsenal. Marauder, Inc. continues that tradition with two new entries in this release. The first is a fantastic machete that would make Jason Voorheese proud. This accessory serves as a great upgrade to any jungle or swamp fighter's kit. The second bladed entry is a spectacular combat knife that would turn Rambo green with envy. Trust me, you will want alot of these knives to outfit your entire army!

Machete:


Combat Knife:



Once again, Marauder, Inc. gives us some great new handguns, including one of the most requested 1/18 scale weapons of all time- the German Luger! The second handgun in this release is a fantastic snub-nosed Magnum revolver (the handle is very thick though so I'd only recommend using it on "new sculpt" or other modern figures with soft plastic hands to prevent thumb breakage).

Luger:


Magnum:



Now we get to what made Marauder, Inc. famous in the first place- well detailed rifles from around the world (and from around the universe). Marauder serves up only 4 rifles in this release, but they in no way disappoint. First, there is a fantastic little sawed-off shotgun very reminiscent of the one carried by a certain post-apocolyptic drunk driving Australian action hero in the film that made him a star.

Sawed-off Shotgun:

This weapon works particularly well with figures that have "angled" wrists and extended fingers like the good Commodore above.


Next, we have a pair of superior upgrades to one of Marauder, Inc's very first offerings. These two AK-47 variants (one with bayonet, one without) feature much more detailing than their original release and also feature the very first 1/18 scale removable ammo clips!

AK-47 (no bayonet):



AK-47 (w/bayonet):






I have saved my personal favorite item in this release for last. For years, fans of a certain science fiction Trilogy have been wanting a hyper-detailed version of one of the sereis' iconic weapons, complete with option of opening the stock like in several comic book appearances of the weapon. And now we have one. This weapon is the first truly accurate-scale release of this weapon ever. coincidentially, this is the single best selling item in Series 3!

"Modified British Sterling":





Stock in closed (top) and open (bottom) positions

Comparison Pic:

Top: Kenner/Hasbro 1995-1999
Middle: Marauder, Inc. 2006
Bottom: Hasbro 2000-current

I plan on picking up 200 of these rifles to arm all of my troopers and to retire all of the Kenner/Hasbro ones in the next 2 months!


Sculpt:

As usual for Marauder, Inc., the sculpts are dead-on to their real world counterparts. Every detail you could ever want or expect is present. From the tiniest buttons on the cellphone to the fire selector switch on the AK-47. From the pin on the grenades to the on/off switch on the flashlight. I honestly do not see how these accessories could be sculpted any better than they currently are, but I have confidence that Marauder, Inc. will continue to up raise the bar with each release.


Construction:

Like all of Marauder, Inc.'s past offerings, this series is cast from a sturdy black plastic. These accessories are not resin casts of other companies' offerings. They are professionally produced with the highest quality plastics in an overseas factory.

A great side note to any customizers- the plastic used for these accessories takes paint very well and can be Krazy Glued(tm) without turning white!


Affordability/Availability[/b]:

One of the best things about Marauder, Inc's offerings is that they are very affordable. With money saving sets available, you can equip all of your troops without breaking the bank. Marauder Inc.'s wares are available 24 hours a day via their website:

http://www.marauderinc.com/servlet/StoreFront


I proudly give Marauder, Inc. Series 3 the "Spectre Seal Of Approval!




Here's a bit of a "sneak peek" at an item coming from marauder, Inc. this spring:


The beret seen in this pic was mistakenly reproduced too small for "average" action figures' heads (which is why 'ol pinhead here is modeling it :) ) by the overseas factory. Correctly-scaled ones will be available in the spring for all of you troops' fashion needs.

8
Other Toy Lines / Re: Marauder Inc.
« on: October 3, 2006, 06:53 PM »
Marauder Series 3 (including that SWEET Stormtrooper rifle w/ the folding stock!) is a vailable NOW!!!!!!!!!!

9
Finally, here are the long promised images of the Series #3 weapons.  The white "reduced" prototypes are shown, but production items will be BLACK (except Rifle rack will be a "steel" color). 

All the Series #3 items

357 magnum, Double Barrel Shotgun, Luger, Flashlight, Cell Phone and Rifle Rack

Combat Knife, Machete, Grenade, Claymore, AK-47 / 74 w/ removable clip

"Modified" British Sterling Machine gun (Stormtrooper blaster) with WORKING stock (can be positioned under the barrel or "pivoted" to the full extended position...or REMOVED).

Rifle Rack (will be "steel color")

AK 47 / 74 Assault Rifles with removable clips (with & without bayonet...shown with Series 2 AK74 with Grenade for size comparison)

Crimson Guard with AK 47 / 74 w/Bayonet

Ak 47 / 74 with the clip "removed" (will have "extra" clips for the AKs available).
 
All the items are shown, except the Beret and Tanker Helmet mic. The release date is still on target for late September, but wanted those folks interested to see the items before then. Also, per numerous requests, here is the price list:
 
Marauder "Gun-Runners"  Series #3
 
-Machete       $.75 Each, 12 for $7.99
 
-Flashlight     $.40 Each, 12 for $3.99
 
-357 Magnum Pistol     $.40 Each, 12 for $3.99
 
-Luger     $.40 Each, 12 for $3.99
 
-Combat knife     $.50 Each, 12 for $4.99
 
-Grenade    $.20 Each, 6 for $.99 
 
-Claymore Mine     $.40 Each, 12 for $3.99
 
-Cell Phone     $.40 Each, 12 for $3.99
 
-Beret      $.50 Each, 12 for $4.99
 
-Rifle Rack     $2.49 Each, 3 for $5.99
 
-Sawed off, Double Barrel Shotgun     $.50 Each, 12 for $4.99
 
-"Modified" British Sterling Machinegun w/ Working Stock     $1.00 Each, 12 for $9.99
 
-AK74 /47 Assault Rifle with Bayonet and 1 (ONE) REMOVABLE Ammo Clip      $1.50 Each, 6 for $7.99
 
-AK74 /47 Assault Rifle with 1 (ONE) REMOVABLE Ammo Clip      $1.50 Each, 6 for $7.99   
 
Complete Set Series #3 (1 of Each of the above items, NO tanker helmet mic, but INCLUDES 3 Grenades)    $8.99
 
-------------------------------------
-Tanker Helmet Microphone (available separately ONLY, mic is NOT included with the Series #3 complete set)    $1.99 Each
 
-AK-47 / 74 "Extra" Ammo Clip    $.25 Each, 5 for $.99
 
Hope  you like what is in store!

10
30th Anniversary Collection / Re: Mustafar Lava Miner
« on: July 25, 2006, 05:55 PM »
This figure is very cool! I will pick up at least a pair of them to work in my smelting plant since they are used to the heat of molten lava :)

11
30th Anniversary Collection / Re: Marvel Comic and EU 2-Packs
« on: July 24, 2006, 10:05 PM »
I actually really like the idea behind these figures. This coming year is all about the 30th Anniversary of Star Wars, not just it's release as a film, but as the beginning of a cultural phenomenon that continues to this day so putting out action figures based on the original comic book representations of these characters is just one more facet of the overall Anniversary. As someone who is old enough to remember buying the original Marvel run every month, I think the day-glo retro '70's look is just plain fun. Marvel had to take some liberties with the stark black and white imagery to make it more dynamic for the 4-color page and also the lack of good reference material available to them at the time (the writer and artist doing the original adaptation were only shown an early workprint of the film- complete with the long lost Tattooine Biggs and other misisng scenes- and then given a black and white press book as their only references). If I didn't already have my mint copies of the original books, I'd probably grab the sets just for the comics (even recent reprints of these books are not all that cheap) and the figures are a bonus.

Before everyone goes all gloom and doom, look at the second assortment- 3 never before made figures and (most likely) only a single repaint. The 3 never before made figures are actually ones that fans have been asking for for years now. I'm sure we will see some more never before made figures (both from the Marvel run and more modern books) if this line continues. My guess is that this line will be used to sell figures that have been in development but that Hasbro was unsure about their retail potential as they are from sources that not everyone knows (Vos particularly has been rumored to be "in production" for quite some time). The EU is not known by everyone, but at least Hasbro is showing that they do have some level of appreciation for all of the different types of people that buy their products.

Hasbro has said that there will be no less than 12 of these sets next year. I bet that they will do Marvel issues #3-#6 to finish out the first film (this is a no-brainer and only brings the total of sets to 8, leaving 4 to go) and then move on to other (hopefully original) characters. With the overwhelming number of EU characters that were in the top 25 Fans' Choice poll, Hasbro knows that there is a demand for figures from beyond the films. Luckily, alot of the EU characters have appeared in the comics making it easier for Hasbro to have a vehicle to get them into fans' hands as I'm sure that "Novel Packs" would be alot more expensive to make, take up alot more room on the racks, and might actually turn people off since they cannot actually "see" the character they are buying unless Hasbro commissions a special cover with the figures featured on it anyway.

My only real hope is that by the time they get to "original" characters of Marvel's creation (and the Dark Horse characters- which should be fairly realistically colored anyway thanks to the much more modern style in which the DH books are done), they do them in the realistic fashion that the regular basic figures are done in so that I can pick them up and add them to my diorama. I can see doing the movie characters in the comic colors or else there is really no reason to do the Comic Packs except for giving today's kids cool reprints of long unavailable, just plain fun books. If they don't and the "original" characters are done in comic colors, then I'll just have to repaint them in their real world equivalent colors, that's all. No complaining, no crying, just alittle time with a paintbrush :)

BTW- Tarken would make an awsome Hydra Officer (or Troopers in multiples with a masked head!) for any "Marvel Legends Showdown" collectors!

12
Saga Collection '06 / Re: BARC TROOPER!
« on: July 22, 2006, 11:36 PM »
I don't apologize for Hasbro. Nor do I defend them. There's nothing in it for me. I don't work for them or any of their subsidiaries. I just get tired of adults who have nothing better to do with their time than complain about the accuracy of toys.


Fair enough.  And I get tired of adults who have nothing better to do with their time than complain about us.

No need to be a jerk, I'm not complaining about you or any other "collectors" just trying to show you that there are alot of factors involved in this industry that you do not take into account. Hasbro (and every other toy company) does not exist to please us solely, regardless of how we think they do.

Peace.

13
Saga Collection '06 / Re: BARC TROOPER!
« on: July 22, 2006, 11:21 PM »
I don't apologize for Hasbro. Nor do I defend them. There's nothing in it for me. I don't work for them or any of their subsidiaries. I just get tired of adults who have nothing better to do with their time than complain about the accuracy of toys.

I'm not apologizing for Hasbro as I see alot of moves from them that don't make the best of sense sometimes as well, I'm just trying to bring a sense of the actual business decisions that they make to people that do not understand them or take them into consideration. These toys are a business first and foremost, and like it or not, we are not the prime audience for them. We may think that we are, and they do their best to cater to us, but face it, there are alot more kids out there that adult collectors. I don't know how many of you have ever worked in any capacity in the toy industry or know anyone who does/has, but there are alot of things at work in their every move that we are never privy to. I happen to have known many toy professionals over the years and do a bit of consulting for some smaller companies so I have gotten a bit of a glimpse behind the curtain. They do not make toys to satisfy adult collectors, they do it to make a profit, nothing more, nothing less.

Look at my statement about Gentle Giants and Master Collector, these companies cater to the adult fans, who they know are uber demanding about accuracy. They know that thier products have to be as accurate as possible or they will not move, especially at the prices they have to charge to be profitable since they are only selling to a rather small part of the overall global population.

Hasbro manufactures playthings targeted at kids (and the young at heart) and they know that they do not have to be "perfect" as most kids (their core audience, remember) will look at a Barc and look at a Bikerscout and not care about the differences as they just want a cool toy. Just like back in the Vintage days. A good portion of the line (especially early in the line) look very little like their on-screen counterparts, but they still sold like hotcakes as kids just wanted Star Wars toys. If Hasbro didn't cater to their core audience of kids, do you actually think we'd see so many rereleases of the same items? They know that any "collectors" out there will have them already, but there's a really good chance that kids will not since kids generally get 1 toy at a time while the "collectors" more often than not will buy the entire assortment in one shot (usually wiping out the pegs so that it's weeks before the kids even get to see the new figures that the collectors consider to be "peg warming" by the time the next assortment is due to ship).

When Hasbro shines, they shine brightly as seen by many figures in recent memory, but they just as often fall short of "what could have been". I just happen to be a reasonable, intelligent adult that understands the business world and who doesn't have a large portion of my life revolve around toys and their "film accuracy" or lack there of.

14
Saga Collection '06 / Re: #61 Super Battle Droid (Island Camo)
« on: July 22, 2006, 09:57 PM »
Hunterofthepegs, I gotta say you really don't seem in touch with the majority opinion most of the time.  I'll leave it at that.

So what if he's not in touch with the "majority opinion"? That doesn't mean that there's anything wrong with him, just that he has a different opinion than the "majority". He's entitled to his opinion, just like I am entitled to mine and you are entitled to yours, welcome to America.

If we all thought alike, we'd be some kind of "clones".... oh wait! That's what seems to be in vogue right now...   ;D

15
Saga Collection '06 / Re: #61 Super Battle Droid (Island Camo)
« on: July 22, 2006, 09:50 PM »
If Clones can come in all of their Skittles-colored glory and you love them and buy them by the cartfull, why can't BDs? In early design sketches for AOTC, each "union" in the Sep Confederacy was supposed to have differently colored BDs so I really don't see any reason to be upset over this.

Because we still don't have an adequate sculpt, or adequate quantity of the super battle droids and battle droids.  I doubt there are many who would have rather seen a brand new 14 point SA sculpt of a battle droid and super battle droid in their regular movie colors, than this EU repaint of the existing ****** sculpts.

This is what we want:



Not a spiffy new camo paintjob on the old ****** inadequate sculpts that can barely stand up with poor articulation.

New tooling costs money. These repaint/repack waves are meant to get more product into stores fairly quickly as more or less place holders until the next year's worth of product is ready to be rolled out, and to do it cheaply. Utilizing old, existing molds is much more cost effective. Hasbro wouldn't go through all of the expenses and time to make an all-new sculpt for a line-extending wave like this. It just isn't good business sense. That's not to say that there won't be an "ultimate" SA SB out there someday, just not in this particular wave. Remember, Hasbro has the license until 2018 so you still have plenty of time to see everything that you want.

And how do people not have an adequate quantity of BDs and SBDs? These figures were released en masse, and in multiple ways over the course of the last 4 years? These figures were also rather heavily packed in most of the assortments in which they shipped. The only way you cannot have an adequate amount of them is if you only bought one of them each time they were redeco'd.

As far as articulation, where would you even put 14 points on a SBD? They have no heads so that only leaves shoulders (which all SBDs so far already have), elbows (carded one has 'em, Dlx Yoda one doesn't),  knees (ditto the elbows), hips (all SBDs have 'em). That's 8 joints on the regular carded Saga one. You could probably work a rotational joint into the right wrist so the forearm could be in firing or rest position, and maybe some sort of cut at the waist (the figures design negates a ball joint here just like it does at every other joint). That's 10. What else do you need in an action figure? They're pretty well jointed for a figure this size. You want more articulation, go buy one of those butt-ugly visible joint-covered Microman figures. Unless you actually sit on the floor and play with your toys you don't really need them to be SA, and even if you do actually sit on the floor and play with your toys (I don't know how old you are, but I'm an adult so I don't play with toys, I just buy them because I like the way they look) there is a little thing called imagination so you can "pretend" that your SBD adjusts the angle of his ankles when firing his little wrist gun ;)

EDTIED to include latest remarks from Dressel Rebel:

(EDIT:  Text Edited from this post again for reasons already addressed.)

4 year olds (and kids in general) do not normally attend Comic Con unless their parents are collectors of some sort. To the general public, Comic Con is the domain of the weird obsessive adult collectors that the parents do not want their kids to grow up and become. Kids go to regular toy stores.

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