Scared of Sideshow's policies sometimes....

[Anton Phibes]

I have noticed something about Sideshow. Now, don't get me wrong. I am not bashing. I am not whining, I am merely stating an observation. Humor me a minute. I have noticed a really bad habit.

Here goes: if a line doesn't sell all that well, or starts to wane a little, it seems that Sideshow kind of says "Well, lets cut our losses, we have covered most of the bases with said line. Let's move on."


Universal Monsters 12" line. Quite an extensive run of figures produced. I cannot really complain with this line. Usually with a set of figures in the past, sets would be rounded out to include all the main characters. Which the 12"'s have. I am pretty sure we have seen the last of 12" Monsters. I would've liked Ygor and others. But I think they are done. But we still have 1;1 busts and pf's right?

Yet the "talk" around the message boards and at last few con gatherings was that Sideshow is less than thrilled at the response they have gotten from the 1:1 bust line. Word also has it that the Creature 1/4 PF is rumor only. Look at the amounts produced on the PF's. 1100 Frankenstein and Dracula. Then down to 600 on Wolfman. Now 350 for Mummy. I also think it would be silly to have a line of busts that only is comprised of Ardeth Bey and Dracula. Also, while 7 may be a lucky number...its silly to end a line of PF's at such an odd increment, and without covering all the major players. THIS IS A FEAR OF MINE. That they will simply move on. I realize all of this is rumor and nothing is confirmed as Sideshow says "no line ever truly dies" (ahem...Van Helsing anyone?). But let's examine the lines I am familiar with:

Star Trek: the Original Series.

PF figures. We get Kirk and Spock and thats it. Surely McCoy warranted a figure, maybe even Scotty? But the line stops at 2. Then they move on to 7of9??????

Busts: 7 characters. We get Kirk, Spock, McCoy, Scotty and...some aliens? What about Uhura, Sulu, and Chekov?

Now again...please do not think I am complaining. I am grateful for what they have done. The stuff rocks. Sometimes I just wish they would round things out a bit more. I am trying to get the logic of all of this. Their policies scare me sometimes.

X-Files:
no announcemnets and Skinner and Krycek limited to only 500. Are all the bases covered here? It could be argued that all of the really major players are covered. Yet what about Reyes, the Lone Gunmen or X or Deep Throat or any Aliens?

Planet of the Apes: I am happy with what I have, but I know plenty of ape fans that are less than thrilled that they quit. But surely some could argue that it couldve gone on for a loooooong time.

So, has anyone else noticed this?

Does anyone else fear that their fave line may "peter out" before their favorite character sees production?

I am sure that many of you who have read my posts in the past are probably thinking I am really "doom and gloom" always fearing the worse for my beloved Monsters. But I really want to see a PF Creature (at least) before they hang it up. The 1;1 line would be great if it had at least 4 characters attached to it. Frankenstein and Wolfman at least. I guess my fear is that they will simply end up like the polystone Uni monsters statues and just be left undone.

HAS ANYONE HEARD ANYTHING POSITIVE ON THE UNI-MONSTERS? OR X-FILES? OR DARE I SAY IT STAR TREK THE ORIGINAL SERIES FUTURES AT SSC? Thanks and chime in. Please refrain from the throwing of objects.

[Rook]

Makes perfect sense to me. The company's gotta make money. They're not gonna invest in a figure if it's not gonna sell. And their responsibility to the collector (if such even exists, really) only goes so far.

[King Darkness]

*cough* Medieval Kurgan/Highlander *cough* * cough*

But seriously, If thier not making money, they have no reason to continue a line....did I just say that:cool:

[DarkArtist81]

*cough* Medieval Kurgan/Highlander *cough* * cough*

But seriously, If thier not making money, they have no reason to continue a line....did I just say that:cool:

True....I agree as well.... But I think that some smarter character choices could have improved several lines and kept things going a little longer..... *cough* Kurgan *cough*...But still.... :D

[oxbeard]

Yeah, I have to agree. This is a trend you'll find in most any business, at least those that want to stay in business. In order to be successfull you have to offer what is going to sell the best and make money. Sure you can take risk sometimes and offer not so popular items with lower runs, but if they don't sell well it's time to pick up and move on.

[Icemizer]

It is indeed a very sad thing when a line we like does not get the full treatment of all its characters. Being a huge Trek fan it saddens me our fan base is not as rabidly insane as the Star Wars fans. If we were the line would have continued, especially in this the 40th anniversary year. I would have liked the entire TOS bridge crew in PF. I wonder if the impending new movie has put a crimp in Sideshows future plans?

It all comes down to the dollars. Large fan bases win out and they should.

[Darth Rage]

I'd really love to see an alien bounty hunter in the X-Files line. Among other things. :D I am hoping when the movie finally arrives we'll see more interest from sideshow and collectors in this line.

[kain4521]

I would love to see all the lines we love to continue but I know that is not possible after all this is a business. It would be nice if SS would have a poll like they did with the SW EU figure and let us decide the next figure in a line or do an inclusive edition of these figures to see what kind of intrest they spark.

[Gruff Old Bear]

Universal Horror covered amazing ground. White Zombie, Larry Talbot as Larry, Renfield, Fritz, Bela the Gypsy...Sideshow has gotten away with miracles sometimes.

[abstractharmony]

I don't think that the X-Files line is dead. Both exclusives sold out (albeit taking a little longer than a Star Wars exc.) and I think that an edition size of 500 is small enough for them not to get too stung if no-one buys it and big enough to make a profit if they sell.

I'm not too sure that Reyes would sell even that number though.

Lone Gunmen I think are viable choices for an extension of the line and maybe a new Mulder in his Tan Workboots, Jeans & Black Leather Jacket.

[Darth Rage]

[QUOTE=abstractharmony]I don't think that the X-Files line is dead. [QUOTE]

I don't either. Just trying to keep X-files talked about. :D

[Mookeylama]

i really hope they make a Reyes at least!!

[Jesseawilson]

If it were my company I certainly wouldn't make something that wasn't going to make money just because a few people "said" they would buy it. Dissapointed people be damned it's all about


SHOW ME THE MONEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEYYYYYYYYYYYYYYY!!!!!


Jesse

[Polystoner]

It seems like I was asking around 6-8 months ago about the Star Trek line and it seems that is pretty much dead. When they pulled it off the featured categories menu on the left side of the screen, that seemed like the final nail in the coffin.

Not to say it would NEVER come back, I was told.

[Fritz]

...Star Trek: the Original Series.
PF figures. We get Kirk and Spock and thats it. Surely McCoy warranted a figure, maybe even Scotty? But the line stops at 2. Then they move on to 7of9??????

For the record, I had Kirk and Spock but had to let them go. However, I will not let 7 of 9 go. That being said, I don't know if McCoy or Scotty would have sold that well. Although I personally would have bought Scotty. I probably wouldn't have let Kirk and Spock go if Scotty and Bones were also made.

Busts: 7 characters. We get Kirk, Spock, McCoy, Scotty and...some aliens? What about Uhura, Sulu, and Chekov?

I have only Scotty and the Gorn because they were my two favorite characters. I had an easy opportunity to get all of them but I passed for this reason. I wanted the entire main crew including Uhura, Sulu and Checkov. If I knew we were getting them, I would have bought all the other busts.

But I really want to see a PF Creature (at least) before they hang it up.

Tell me about it. I want a good PF Creature bad!

Sideshow says "no line ever truly dies" (ahem...Van Helsing anyone?)


True, I never got an Anna Valerious PF. :(

[kain4521]

I believe a Henry Frankenstien and an Ygor with an edition size of 600 would sell out.

Oh and Jesse a co worker of mine is dying to know who is in your avatar he had me send the image to his cell phone.:rotfl

[Jesseawilson]

I believe a Henry Frankenstien and an Ygor with an edition size of 600 would sell out.

Oh and Jesse a co worker of mine is dying to know who is in your avatar he had me send the image to his cell phone.:rotfl



Just Google Christina Model.......... enjoy :drool



Jesse

[Darklord Dave]

There are so many similar type companies that went under because they kept producing items that people weren't willing to buy at full retail prices. I'm very disappointed at a lot of lines that are less than complete, but you can't really expect a company to devote resources to produce product that doesn't generate a profit.

[Andy Bergholtz]

There are so many similar type companies that went under because they kept producing items that people weren't willing to buy at full retail prices. I'm very disappointed at a lot of lines that are less than complete, but you can't really expect a company to devote resources to produce product that doesn't generate a profit.

Bingo! :rolleyes:

[galactiboy]

Its sad but true, even though we may love and need a character **cough-cough... Medieval Kurgan... cough-cough*** you can't blame Sideshow for being cautious with releases (not that Phibes is doing that).

I'd sadly rather have holes in my collection than not have Sideshow.

[DarkArtist81]

Bingo! :rolleyes:

True..... I think Dave hit the nail on the head. :rip

[Anton Phibes]

....but in the same vein, I would think that a PF Creature from the Black lagoon would probably sell better than any of the rest. It has been my experience that Creature from the Black Lagoon is a really popular Uni-monster. Also, on the 1:1 Universal front, I submit this. Clearly Frankenstein would sell better than Ardeth Bey. He is a more "recognized" horror icon. I bought the Ardeth, but if Sideshow chose to stop with Bela, I would be really disappointed. My absolute die hard wants if they eke a few more out would be:

1/4 scale Monsters:

a toss up between either Creature or Bride.

1:1 busts of Monsters:

I would like to have the fab four covered at elast. We have a Mummy with Ardeth's release. Dracula is coming. But I really want to see Wolfman and Frankenstein.

If we get nothing else, I will be happy and grateful for what I have already gotten outta SSC. I realize it takes money to keepo a business afloat. That's why I am all for them securing the Satr Wars and Marvel Comics's rights. Even though I will never buy any Star Wars or Marvel products from them because I have tons of that crap already.:D

[Fritz]

I get the funny feeling that you people think a 1/4 PF Anna Valerious wouldn't be popular. :monkey5

Also, I'm not sure if I like the tone of some of these posts. I always thought Sideshow's responsibility was to make us happy not produce product that generate profit. :wacky :D

[galactiboy]

1/4 Creature would rock... no doubt, seems almost silly that it hasn't been done yet. And I submit, I have no 1/4 figures, and don't really care about them... but a 1/4 Creature could easily change that!

[Bannister]

I would definitely buy a 1/4 Creature. Still can't believe the edition size on the pf Mummy, especially considering it has a 2 piece limit. Hope the low es on that doesn't spell doom for more pf monsters.

[darth dypshyt]

Yes, I think people forget sometimes...

While all of us here on the board, are (mostly) in it for the collecting, Sideshow are in it for the $$$$$$$, Baby!


Call it what you want, but, anyone who runs/owns a company would say the same thing...Some of us are lucky enough though, to get paid for what we love doing....The others, like most on this board, have to pay for what we love!...and, no, that doesn't mean hookers!:lol

[olvidadero]

No one brought up the Buffy/Angel line... do you, non-Buffy collectors, think that the line is dying from what you can observe? :confused:

[abstractharmony]

No one brought up the Buffy/Angel line... do you, non-Buffy collectors, think that the line is dying from what you can observe? :confused:

Yes, and no.

I think that you will see SSC exclusives of 500 pieces for any further figures from the Buffy line. Same with Angel

[Bonehead15]

Makes perfect sense to me. The company's gotta make money. They're not gonna invest in a figure if it's not gonna sell. And their responsibility to the collector (if such even exists, really) only goes so far.

Well said. :clap

[Bonehead15]

No one brought up the Buffy/Angel line... do you, non-Buffy collectors, think that the line is dying from what you can observe? :confused:

Yes it is.

The fact that SS can't sell the "SS Exclusive" figures like Lorne, Giles, and Cordellia is not a good sign.

I think that you will see SSC exclusives of 500 pieces for any further figures from the Buffy line. Same with Angel

I don't think so.

SS doesn't make hardly any money on a figure with an edition size of 500. The only reason SS would ever make a figure with an edition size of 500 is due to the fact that the figure was already designed and in production. The reason the X-Files figures had an edition size of 500 is that SS couldn't sell any more. It took months for Skinner and Krychek to sell out. SS just can't cancel a figure that it's already invested time and money in. They've already paid the artist and their own people in designing the figure.

[creecher]

Gday Anton. I don't think Sideshow is suffering from bad habits. They are a business first and foremost, and reasons along those lines have already been stated. What I do see are trends.

Over the transition of time, when Sideshow was in it's infancy, they had to bend to the big corporates. Then they chose to break away. They set a nervous pace in the industry. They shook foundations. The Universal line was their lifes blood, to my eyes anyways. And to my eyes I see no reason the 8inch line has not been replicated in 1/6th scale, or why we have not been afforded the courtesy of an Ygor.

You mentioned the PF line of Uni monsters, but neglected the illustrious Mummy has the wonderous sarcophagus, and therfore it's price point may be reflected by the edition size.

They are still basically able to break new ground, as they have always done, even though times are becoming tougher, what with all the competition an all. That they are able to maintain a relatively low price point, for a licenced figure, is to my eyes astounding. The recent boom of highly priced Hot Toys, Medicom and the like, being able to command such huge prices. They too could be grabbing the higher profit margin of a price hike. I am confounded as to why this, as yet, hasn't occured. Time will tell.

I wont comment on the Star Trek licence as I haven't collected any. I do have four X-Files figs but don't care to comment on them either, as I am not a huge fan. The PotA figs could do with some more figs but it's unlikely. Sideshow tried something new, and I think, found that flooding didn't really work. Buffy nearly collapsed, and rebounded. It isn't sufficient to buy figures in hope that support will breathe life anymore. Buffy has a huge collector base, but timing is everything. Collectors on a whole collect more than one line. Budgets become restricted and competition ensues between lines and licences. Buffy is becoming old. Not so much to enthusiasts. Just over time. The exclusive has and is exclusive mostly to State siders, with the exception of the ones split into two. A limit for Statesiders and the rest going to various overseas distributors e.g. Jaws, Q. Ultimate Hellboy and the like.

As far as a PF Creature is concerned, the only thing I have heard is that it will see the light of day, when they decide what is right for it in terms of pose and design.

Sideshow do try new strategies, and incorporate experimentation in production, edition sizes, exclusivity, and issue of product. I don't care for some of it, because it affects me as an overseas buyer. I would dearly love a D'Hoffryn or the exclusive Terminator figures, but I cannot abide by the Stateside only exclusive because of affordability, due to shipping costs, and wont buy the regular, in the case of the Terminator figs and other such exclusives, because without the added accessories I don't want them. Yeah spewin, but I can't justify the cost. I have severley reduced my 12 inch purchases to afford the Uni PF's, and have a list of 50 1/6th figs I would dearly love to purchase, but something has to give. Sideshow has it's strategies and I have a budget. Sometimes they defeat each other or themselves in the bargain. Enuff said for now from me.