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- Jul 13, 2006
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While there is another thread going on to simply "rank" the SW figures that Sideshow has released this year, let's take it a step further and get some comments and views on how this maiden voyage with Sideshow has gone...
Go ahead and rank 'em too if you'd like, but let's hear some of the thoughts behind that and what you'd like to see next year bring from this line...
Here's a look at the 12" line again:
Here's what I had to say over in "Rank 'em"...
Jedibear's ranking & comments...
This is tough...like CustomMikey mentioned over in the "Rank 'em": thread, they all excel at different aspects, so this list is more a matter of personal preference...but here goes...
* Darth Maul
* Obi-Wan Kenobi
* Qui-Gon Jinn
* Luke Skywalker
* Darth Vader Sith Apprentice
* Mace Windu
* Kit Fisto
* Anakin Skywalker
* Han Solo
An overall view...
The Good: We have a company that has great artists who are also huge fans of the license putting out well-crafted figures featuring well done sculpts, quality outfits and accessories, interesting and vibrant packaging and a great relationship with their consumers (who are among the most ardent fans with high expectations around).
We've had an interesting (if a little jedi-centric) line of characters this year, and in one interesting turn, the company re-visited a character and offered a second, improved version of him. They've heard our feedback, they listen, and when they can, implement changes and improvements. This year ends with new shipping boxes, a figure that raises the bar and the promise of even more exciting releases on the horizon (and hopefully some armored characters)
The Bad: A few missteps with some characters made for some bumps in the road ( Luke with his too-long arms, Anakin with his heavy red lips, & Han with his too-form-fitting clothes, especially that jacket)...flimsy/thin shippers left a lot of fans with damaged boxes (which to their credit, Sideshow cheerfully replaced when asked)...a "feast or famine" approach with the release schedule left some fans contemplating a ramen noodle diet, homelessness or buying their figure...no armored or odd-shaped characters released in the first year. Again, to Sideshow's credit, most of these issues were (or are being) dealt with, so the new year looks promising...with Maul truly heralding in a new level of excellence from the superb paint apps and body size to the shippers being improved and the oddest-shaped SW character of all...Jabba the Hutt...on the horizon.
Wrapping Up: I am so thankful to Sideshow for putting the fun back into SW collecting again...and allowing some pride as well. There is certainly no embarrassment in displaying these high-quality figures in your home or work. My collection displayed at work has never failed to garner appreciation from even the most casual observer...all are impressed with the quality they see (Maul has gone over ESPECIALLY well!)
Around here, every figure has at the very least generated good (if sometimes, little high-spirited) discussion and stimulated feedback, not to mention exposing us to great artists in this "freak" zone that have wonderfully taken these great figures and expanded upon them either from total makeovers and interpretations to some fun photography to just great enthusiasm through their displays.
Hopes for next year: Of course we all have our wish list of characters we'd like to see get made...I know I'd really appreciate an Episode One Obi-Wan to go with Qui-Gon & Maul. Some cantina aliens or more of Jabba's court would be fun and of course, some armored characters! I'm looking forward to more prequel entries (other than Jedi) too... I also wouldn't mind if Sideshow broke their own rule of not doing versions of characters that they have made in the premium format...I'm hoping we get a Darth Vader from the classic movie, especially considering it will be the 30th Anniversary!
I also want to comment on how great it's been to come to this board and share in the enthusiasm by reading the commentary, seeing who gets figures first, who posts the photos to help heighten all of our anticipation, viewing the amazing custom work some folks do and all with a sense of fun...
It's been a great year....here's to more in 2007!
Let's hear some other comments, folks!
Go ahead and rank 'em too if you'd like, but let's hear some of the thoughts behind that and what you'd like to see next year bring from this line...
Here's a look at the 12" line again:
Here's what I had to say over in "Rank 'em"...
Jedibear's ranking & comments...
This is tough...like CustomMikey mentioned over in the "Rank 'em": thread, they all excel at different aspects, so this list is more a matter of personal preference...but here goes...
* Darth Maul
* Obi-Wan Kenobi
* Qui-Gon Jinn
* Luke Skywalker
* Darth Vader Sith Apprentice
* Mace Windu
* Kit Fisto
* Anakin Skywalker
* Han Solo
An overall view...
The Good: We have a company that has great artists who are also huge fans of the license putting out well-crafted figures featuring well done sculpts, quality outfits and accessories, interesting and vibrant packaging and a great relationship with their consumers (who are among the most ardent fans with high expectations around).
We've had an interesting (if a little jedi-centric) line of characters this year, and in one interesting turn, the company re-visited a character and offered a second, improved version of him. They've heard our feedback, they listen, and when they can, implement changes and improvements. This year ends with new shipping boxes, a figure that raises the bar and the promise of even more exciting releases on the horizon (and hopefully some armored characters)
The Bad: A few missteps with some characters made for some bumps in the road ( Luke with his too-long arms, Anakin with his heavy red lips, & Han with his too-form-fitting clothes, especially that jacket)...flimsy/thin shippers left a lot of fans with damaged boxes (which to their credit, Sideshow cheerfully replaced when asked)...a "feast or famine" approach with the release schedule left some fans contemplating a ramen noodle diet, homelessness or buying their figure...no armored or odd-shaped characters released in the first year. Again, to Sideshow's credit, most of these issues were (or are being) dealt with, so the new year looks promising...with Maul truly heralding in a new level of excellence from the superb paint apps and body size to the shippers being improved and the oddest-shaped SW character of all...Jabba the Hutt...on the horizon.
Wrapping Up: I am so thankful to Sideshow for putting the fun back into SW collecting again...and allowing some pride as well. There is certainly no embarrassment in displaying these high-quality figures in your home or work. My collection displayed at work has never failed to garner appreciation from even the most casual observer...all are impressed with the quality they see (Maul has gone over ESPECIALLY well!)
Around here, every figure has at the very least generated good (if sometimes, little high-spirited) discussion and stimulated feedback, not to mention exposing us to great artists in this "freak" zone that have wonderfully taken these great figures and expanded upon them either from total makeovers and interpretations to some fun photography to just great enthusiasm through their displays.
Hopes for next year: Of course we all have our wish list of characters we'd like to see get made...I know I'd really appreciate an Episode One Obi-Wan to go with Qui-Gon & Maul. Some cantina aliens or more of Jabba's court would be fun and of course, some armored characters! I'm looking forward to more prequel entries (other than Jedi) too... I also wouldn't mind if Sideshow broke their own rule of not doing versions of characters that they have made in the premium format...I'm hoping we get a Darth Vader from the classic movie, especially considering it will be the 30th Anniversary!
I also want to comment on how great it's been to come to this board and share in the enthusiasm by reading the commentary, seeing who gets figures first, who posts the photos to help heighten all of our anticipation, viewing the amazing custom work some folks do and all with a sense of fun...
It's been a great year....here's to more in 2007!
Let's hear some other comments, folks!