New GG LOTR busts

[Hoser]

rebelscum just put up a picture of the GG room and you can spy 2 new busts for the LOTR line

Sam and Frodo in orc gear. Check it out!

http://i77.photobucket.com/albums/j66/Westar_Slinger/IMG_4411.jpg

[Seretur]

YES!

They look brilliant! I totally love this line!

(What's with the censored stuff?)

[The Josh]

Very nice! Will get them as part of my fellowship collection.

[Karma]

Sam & Frodo in Mordor armour!!!!!!!!!!

[Karma]

Very nice! Will get them as part of my fellowship collection.


unless their tricksy con exclusives :lol

[The Josh]

unless their tricksy con exclusives :lol

True but if they're SDCC ones then I got a decent shot plus being a PG member.

[Karma]

hopefully they realise lotr is bigger than potter as there con excs have had es of 500

[Hoser]

Notice the helmet sitting next Sam's base, looks like they will have removable helmets to boot.

[Karma]

have to say it but GG is kicking ssw ass with these busts

[The Josh]

hopefully they realise lotr is bigger than potter as there con excs have had es of 500

Yup, that's the part that scares me.

[Seretur]

Elrond also looks pretty good from this angle.

In fact, put together like this, the busts look very dynamic and intricate, and very attractive. I can't wait for the first ones to arrive!

:joy :joy :joy :joy :joy

[Darklord Dave]

Hmm, wonder what's blacked out?

[Karma]

Halo stuff?

[The Josh]

I think it's Halo stuff yeah.

[Seretur]

Vader and Chewie, too.

[Hoser]

from what I've read in various forums the stuff that are blacked out are
-a new ESB Vader statue. kneeling in "what is thy bidding master?" pose. light up base.
-new R2 bust of some type
-Han Solo statue from ANH

[Darth Waller]

More pictures here:
http://www.cooltoyreview.com/tf2007/GGSlotr/

Sam and Frodo look amazing. Even Elrond looks better.

Looks like there's an animated Ringwraith and steed coming along with a couple other mini busts.

[Hoser]

http://i77.photobucket.com/albums/j66/Westar_Slinger/100_4695.jpg

http://i77.photobucket.com/albums/j66/Westar_Slinger/100_4694.jpg

[Seretur]

Thanks, Darth! :joy

[swabie2424]

Who is the elf? The other one is Luna Lovegood from HP.

[Seretur]

That elf isn't from LOTR.

[Karma]

frodo and sam look amazing

[swabie2424]

That elf isn't from LOTR.

Hey, Seretur... what is this then? No one seems to know.

[Seretur]

Neither do I, honestly. It's not Haldir, that's for sure.

Perhaps it's from some other licence, like Halo.

[gabberjawa]

I'm guessing it's this fellow:

http://www.playingzone.com/images/jeux/xbox360/bfme_2_xbox360_pack.jpg

http://i77.photobucket.com/albums/j66/Westar_Slinger/100_4694.jpg

Which if I remember right, is Glorfindel

[Seretur]

Looks similar, but when did GG ever announce a videogame LOTR licence?

Strange...

[swabie2424]

Gotta be him. Thanks a bunch.

[Seretur]

I was just thinking... this bust isn't in the LOTR section of the GG display booth.

So I'm inclined to think it has to be something else. So many videogames ape that design style nowadays... Then again, the base is somewhat similar to Elrond's.

(Even if it is LOTR, I won't be getting it.)

[Karma]

I could handle that elf being the convention exclusive, not interested

[Darth Loki]

And I must say, that Elrond looks a ton better than the pic they've posted on the site.

[The Josh]

That elf looks cool. Elrond still looks like the chick from Twister.

[FlyAndFight]

Great call, Chuck.

I like this line but I'm still passing. I've already got busts from the SS/Weta line and don't want to start a new line of LOTR busts. Now if they were full figured statues...

[carbo-fation]

I like this line a lot but I just can't justify having another LOTR bust line. But if they continue to bring out such great pieces than I'll cave in eventually. :o

[The Josh]

I don't see myself getting the Elf unless its a SDCC Exclusive.

[Darth Loki]

I don't see myself getting the Elf unless its a SDCC Exclusive.


I can say I'll pass on the Elf with ease. I could care less about a video game bust :monkey3 (that's a really funny statement if you've seen my posts about the Malak bust............, oh never mind)

[The Josh]

Well, I'm with ya. Like I said unless it's a convention exclusive.

[Darth Loki]

I love the Frodo and Sam though. Looks like I'm officially hooked on this line. I wonder if I may just ditch the 12" line now? :confused:

[Seretur]

Yes, yes you can. :D

[The Josh]

I'm limiting myself in the GG lines. So I can collect all the 12" and some PF and some Dio's. :lol

[Darth Loki]

I'm limiting myself in the GG lines. So I can collect all the 12" and some PF and some Dio's. :lol


SS made up my mind about the LOTR dio's by announcing SW dio's.

[The Josh]

SS made up my mind about the LOTR dio's by announcing SW dio's.

I'm not gonna complete either line. So I'll be mixing both.

[Darth Loki]

I'm not gonna complete either line. So I'll be mixing both.


I meant avoiding LOTR completely to get most of the SW pieces.

[The Josh]

I meant avoiding LOTR completely to get most of the SW pieces.

Oh I see. I wont be doing that.

[Darth Loki]

Oh I see. I wont be doing that.


I'm sure it won't be easy but I can't buy everything :monkey2

[gtb]

Frodo looks the same so far... compared to all that has been release so far...

[The Josh]

I'm sure it won't be easy but I can't buy everything :monkey2

I know that. Which is why for the GG Busts Fellowship plus the Balrog, Saruman, and a couple others. GG Animated Fellowship plus a couple others if they do them. The Clone Busts, KOTR Bust, and I'm done with GG basically.

So SS will be getting almost all my money.

[Seretur]

I'll be getting all the (movie) busts from this line.

Plus the SW PFs, SW Vs. Dioramas, and a smattering of the GG 7" SW statues (which ought to go well with the SS Dioramas).

And hey, that's already a LOT. :)

[Fritz]

I'm not collecting busts, I'm not collecting busts, I'm not collecting Busts... :monkey1

[FrodoEyes]

Glorfindel!!

Alright, where's the Bombadil bust??

And are you saying that's a GG balrog?

[Seretur]

Please don't call him Glorfindel.

Use quotation marks, as in "Glorfindel". The fact that a character name has been appropriated from Tolkien doesn't actually make the character Tolkien's.

:peace

[woodsy]

While I have absolutely no interest in the animated maquettes, these busts are really starting to impress me. Could someone please tell me what they are made of and what the scale is?

[Karma]

http://photos2.figures.com/gallery2/data/611/medium/IMG_9848.JPGhttp://photos2.figures.com/gallery2/data/611/medium/IMG_9846.JPG

[gambit]

imo hobbits shall be in their traditional clothes and not in armors

so I am not happy with frodo and sam

[gideon]

Have been and am continued to be impressed with these Gentle Giant LOTR busts. Will buy the series without exception - even Glorfindel if that is what it is. However, I have not the slightest interest in the so called animated line as LOTR was NOT an animated film. I passed on those silly minimate things and will pass on this also. I want something that looks as close to reality as possible.

[Seretur]

While I have absolutely no interest in the animated maquettes, these busts are really starting to impress me. Could someone please tell me what they are made of and what the scale is?

They are made of poly resin, very similar to polystone (if it's not the same stuff indeed -- it smells the same, but might be a slightly different recipe to Sideshow's). And they're sixth-scale, same as the SS/W statues.

[Darth Loki]

imo hobbits shall be in their traditional clothes and not in armors

so I am not happy with frodo and sam



We will get more versions of these two very important characters. I actually like the change of pace for once.

[Karma]

have you noticed......sam has sting in his bust

[woodsy]

They are made of poly resin, very similar to polystone (if it's not the same stuff indeed -- it smells the same, but might be a slightly different recipe to Sideshow's). And they're sixth-scale, same as the SS/W statues.

Thanks Seretur, I appreciate that!

[woodsy]

imo hobbits shall be in their traditional clothes and not in armors

so I am not happy with frodo and sam


Then I would have hated to be anywhere near you when SS/Weta first revealed their Pippin statue!!
I for one really like the idea of seeing Sam and Frodo in Orc armor, it was after all, a memorable part of both the book and the movie. I had always hoped SS/Weta would have given us a 1/6 scale statue of Sam and Frodo walking through Mordor, but we all know what happened there. Kudos to GG for their originality!!
I'm not too thrilled by the 1/6 scale of these busts as I would have preferred something a bit larger but the more I see of this line, the more tempted I am to jump in and start collecting them.

[Seretur]

I think the decision to go 1/6 scale with those was made primarily to differentiate the GG busts as clearly as possible from the SS/W busts.

Still, GG made up by giving us torsos with arms instead of busts -- essentially half the normal SS/W statue for less than half the price.

Plus, every bust has some neat little gadget. Be it a ringbearing compartment, a light-up feature, or a removable helmet.

And at this price point, they've got me hooked. :)

[woodsy]

Still, GG made up by giving us torsos with arms instead of busts -- essentially half the normal SS/W statue for less than half the price.



Yeah, you're right.. I was just thinking about that a few minutes ago while looking at the photo's of Sam and Frodo...that's it I'm in!

[FlyAndFight]

I really do like this line but I'm not a fan of GG's "jump through our hoops for exclusives" policy.

If, like the Star Wars line of clone busts, they will be offering exclusive pieces at different Toy Fairs and make it next to impossible to obtain them, then it's not worth the agravation or super-inflated aftermarket prices to obtain.

I do like the Sam & Frodo pieces. And it's cool to see Sam with Sting.

[Seretur]

GG is really not going to get any of my business with this silly exclusives policy.

But then, if that "Glorfindel" thing is an indication of their exclusives policy, they're welcome to it. I wouldn't have gotten it anyway!

[FrodoEyes]

But Bombadil will be a hit :)

[Seretur]

If they use that Weta card game thing design... well, maybe.

It's still not the book-Tom, but it's close enough. What someone needs to do is find the old Tolkien family toy named Tom Bombadil, and base the design on that.

Again, I'm not getting the stuff that didn't go through the rigorous movie design process. Even in the cases where Weta chose not to follow the book, their final work was impressive. Things that just get cobbled together after the fact, to cash in on a character left over from a book licence... they just don't concern me. (And, remember, I translated The Adventures of Tom Bombadil, so I love the merry old fellow!)

[woodsy]

Is GG going it alone with these busts , or is Weta involved as well?

[The Godfather]

Is GG going it alone with these busts , or is Weta involved as well?


GG was involved with scanning the actors heads for Toy biz. They went to New Zealand during filming and worked on set with Weta and the Actors etc. At one time I had a link book marked with a video of Karl from GG and he is holding this sculpt of Frodo which was amazing. I know that they scanned just about everybody they could from Barilman Butterbur to Saruman. I am assuming they are using these same head scans to make the LOTR line. Personally I am in love with this line and am happy to see even more great busts coming.

[Seretur]

Precisely, Bob. This is the thing to remember about Gentle Giant -- they are the biggest scanning company in Hollywood now, and work on just about every single major effects project. If anyone has a library of actors' head scans, it's they.

It's a shame their sculptors never get much time in the spotlight, though, as most of their pieces are way more than just scans.

[woodsy]

Precisely, Bob. This is the thing to remember about Gentle Giant -- they are the biggest scanning company in Hollywood now, and work on just about every single major effects project. If anyone has a library of actors' head scans, it's they.

It's a shame their sculptors never get much time in the spotlight, though, as most of their pieces are way more than just scans.

Well whatever they're doing...it's working! These busts seem to be much closer in likeness to the the actual movie actors than the one's produced for the SS/Weta line.

[Seretur]

Well, that's the one thing GG is supposed to be good at!

Weta's pieces, on the other hand, were done by people who designed creatures and armor and costumes -- and those are the aspects of their pieces that truly excel. We had the same person design something for the film, and then show us their ideal representation of that thing in polystone -- as an art piece, not a design maquette, usually. Doesn't get better than that.

Weta, on the other hand, really did the facial likenesses only because they had to. It wasn't their forte, for the most part, and that's why I'm ready to be a bit more lenient toward that aspect of their pieces. (Although some of them were very good even in that respect.)

[woodsy]

Weta's pieces, on the other hand, were done by people who designed creatures and armor and costumes -- and those are the aspects of their pieces that truly excel. We had the same person design something for the film, and then show us their ideal representation of that thing in polystone -- as an art piece, not a design maquette, usually. Doesn't get better than that.

Weta, on the other hand, really did the facial likenesses only because they had to. It wasn't their forte, for the most part, and that's why I'm ready to be a bit more lenient toward that aspect of their pieces. (Although some of them were very good even in that respect.)

Can you imagine the kind of statue or bust line we could get if GG and Weta ever formed a partnership?

When you speak of some of the Weta busts that were very good in likeness, I assume you're not including the Eomer bust!! I understand Weta used to give the actors the first glimpse of the busts made in their likeness. I'd pay to see the video of Carl Urban when they showed him his!

[Bannister]

Well, that's the one thing GG is supposed to be good at!

Weta's pieces, on the other hand, were done by people who designed creatures and armor and costumes -- and those are the aspects of their pieces that truly excel. We had the same person design something for the film, and then show us their ideal representation of that thing in polystone -- as an art piece, not a design maquette, usually. Doesn't get better than that.

Weta, on the other hand, really did the facial likenesses only because they had to. It wasn't their forte, for the most part, and that's why I'm ready to be a bit more lenient toward that aspect of their pieces. (Although some of them were very good even in that respect.)
Yeah, I doubt anything could top the weta gandalf the white bust.

[Seretur]

Gandalf (both), Saruman, Théoden... maybe Gríma, and certainly Merry and Arwen... those are the good actors' likenesses.

The others, eh. Thankfully half the busts were Orc and nondescript character designs anyway.

[FrodoEyes]

It's still not the book-Tom, but it's close enough. What someone needs to do is find the old Tolkien family toy named Tom Bombadil, and base the design on that.


I always wondered what happened to that toy. Surely they wouldn't have gotten rid of it? Maybe Christopher has it now in his room :D

[The Josh]

GG does some great work. I am happily collecting this line because they are some great LOTR Collectibles. I do tend to expect a little more from them since they do have the scans. The line so far is really awesome.

[Radagaster]

For the record, GG cant make any convention exclusives for ToyFair, since your average Joe isn't allowed to attend it. So, chances are, that "Glorfindel" bust may show up some place else, whether as an exclusive or not.

[Seretur]

It clearly wasn't a ToyFair exclusive, but was displayed as an exclusive for a future event, most likely SDCC.

At least that's how I take it...

[FrodoEyes]

Well, if someone would be able to nab me one, I'd be most grateful :)

[pordey2]

That elf looks cool. Elrond still looks like the chick from Twister.

Helen Hunt?

:rotfl

[The Josh]

Helen Hunt?

:rotfl

That's the one!!! :lol

[Seretur]

I think you guys mean LINDA Hunt, not HELEN Hunt.

And the Elrond looks like Hugo Weaving, honestly! (http://photos2.figures.com/gallery2/showphoto.php?photo=1223&size=big&cat=)

[Darth Loki]

I think you guys mean LINDA Hunt, not HELEN Hunt.

And the Elrond looks like Hugo Weaving, honestly! (http://photos2.figures.com/gallery2/showphoto.php?photo=1223&size=big&cat=)


I know that's not a straight on shot, but that pic makes me want to go order this bust.

[The Josh]

I think you guys mean LINDA Hunt, not HELEN Hunt.

And the Elrond looks like Hugo Weaving, honestly! (http://photos2.figures.com/gallery2/showphoto.php?photo=1223&size=big&cat=)

Helen or Linda. It's a hunt or looks like one anyways. I do see Hugo on the piece a little but not that much.

[Seretur]

Josh, go google those two actresses. They look nothing like one another.

And the preview pic of Hugo looked a bit like Linda Hunt, yes, but the Toy Fair photos are either way better, or the bust has been remodeled. It really has a very good likeness now -- please, check it out.

[The Josh]

Josh, go google those two actresses. They look nothing like one another.

I know. I was just joshing. :lol

And the preview pic of Hugo looked a bit like Linda Hunt, yes, but the Toy Fair photos are either way better, or the bust has been remodeled. It really has a very good likeness now -- please, check it out.

I have. Still looks the same to me. I'm not getting either way so honestly I'm not concerned.

[woodsy]

Not sure if I'll be getting Elrond, but I will definitely be adding Frodo and Sam to my collection.

[The Godfather]

Any Toyfair picture I have seen of Elrond is far better than the picture GG has put out for him. I don't know what they are thinking with that pic but this is same company that put up pics of luke in flight suit bust with broken parts and the box picture for the gamorean guard has a broken tooth LOL

[FlyAndFight]

The bust definitely looks like Hugo Weaving!*


*at the age of 12... :monkey3

[Asura]

That Balrog looks awful as well. 2 Eu Video game characters, I can careless about. Saruman looks like the winner out of the bunch.

[Seretur]

Wait, who's the second videogame character? The Balrog? Please explain.

[The Godfather]

Just got the advertising pics and info in for the Frodo and Sam looks like they will be able to wear the helmets. This was an idea I always thought would be cool with the weta statues.

https://www.firesidecollectibles.com/ProductImages/GG-9785sm.jpg
(https://www.firesidecollectibles.com/index.asp?PageAction=VIEWPROD&ProdID=896&HS=1)
https://www.firesidecollectibles.com/ProductImages/GG-9786sm.jpg (https://www.firesidecollectibles.com/index.asp?PageAction=VIEWPROD&ProdID=897&HS=1)

[gabberjawa]

*steals pics from bob*

[The Godfather]

*steals pics from bob*
LOL I knew I should have water marked them. But then you would have just taken them out so why bother.

[Seretur]

Will preorder them in the morning. Right now, I have too much rum in me to fill out everything properly and click on all the right buttons to boot.

Are amazing for $39.99, definitely.

[woodsy]

Are amazing for $39.99, definitely.

A very good price! Any idea when the ES will be set?

[Seretur]

A good few months after the announcement. But don't hold your breath -- Saruman was seen at SDCC, wasn't announced until last month, and still hasn't got an ES.

So far, the edition sizes are:
Strider and Ringwraith: 2000
Gandalf and Balrog: 3000

The line is picking up steam, but the ESs are still comfortably low.

[Darth Loki]

A good few months after the announcement. But don't hold your breath -- Saruman was seen at SDCC, wasn't announced until last month, and still hasn't got an ES.

So far, the edition sizes are:
Strider and Ringwraith: 2000
Gandalf and Balrog: 3000

The line is picking up steam, but the ESs are still comfortably low.


If the ES's continue to climb, the Strider and Ringwraiths are going to get expensive real quick. I think most retailers are sold out of most of these already. It looks like a great line and I'm considering dropping the SS 12" because these are so nice.

[The Godfather]

I don't think I am alone when I say that if likeness is what your after than the GG Strider bust is best one we will probably ever see. I think GG is doing a really good job on this line and even elrond now that I have seen other pictures looks good compaired to anything we have seen thus for that character.

[Seretur]

Thankfully I have two of them Wraiths on preorder, just to be on the safe side... and a Strider (with Bob, incidentally).

Once these first two pieces start shipping (and some of them with the silver One Rings, to boot), this line just might start blazing REAL fast.

[Darth Loki]

I think you're both right. I actually have two Striders and two Ringwraiths on order and am thinking of keeping them both, plus more chances for a ring. Maybe I can make a trade for an exclusive or something. I really can't wait for this line to kick off. It will lap the SS 12" line very quickly.

[gideon]

Does anyone know the length of the contract which permits GG to produce these items? And was there any definitive answer concerning that 9th bust at the ToyFair which may or may not have been Glorfindel?

[woodsy]

The line is picking up steam, but the ESs are still comfortably low.



For now. How soon before that changes?

[LOTRFan]

For now. How soon before that changes?

Sauron or a Ringwraith would do it.

[tomandshell]

Does anyone know the length of the contract which permits GG to produce these items? And was there any definitive answer concerning that 9th bust at the ToyFair which may or may not have been Glorfindel?
I don't think we have a definitive answer, but people who attended the show were apparently told that it was Glorfindel based on his appearance in BFME2, and that it would be an exclusive.

[Darth Caedus]

I don't think we have a definitive answer, but people who attended the show were apparently told that it was Glorfindel based on his appearance in BFME2, and that it would be an exclusive.

The same Glorfindel from the Fellowship book and The Silmarillion ?

[Darth Loki]

The same Glorfindel from the Fellowship book and The Silmarillion ?


No, don't get them confused. This is a name that BFME2 used but it has no association with the character from the books. It's a great likeness to the character in the game and I'm happy to say I have no desire to own either of them.

[tomandshell]

It's weird having Glorfindel alongside Arwen in the film-based game release. I'll bet there are some awkward conversations between them as to who it was that rescued Frodo from the Ringwraiths.

[Darth Loki]

It's weird having Glorfindel alongside Arwen in the film-based game release. I'll bet there are some awkward conversations between them as to who it was that rescued Frodo from the Ringwraiths.


There is no argument. Glorfindel saved him, no matter what Peter Jackson says.

[woodsy]

It's weird having Glorfindel

SS/Weta gave us Gil-Galad, GG is giving us Glorfindel....let's call it a draw:naughty

[gideon]

There is no argument. Glorfindel saved him, no matter what Peter Jackson says.

A great tale can be told in different ways by different storytellers. As for the book,lets not forget the contribution of Gandalf who had a more than minor role with the water horses. And the whole event was "ordered" by Elrond himself.

[Darth Loki]

A great tale can be told in different ways by different storytellers. As for the book,lets not forget the contribution of Gandalf who had a more than minor role with the water horses. And the whole event was "ordered" by Elrond himself.


I know about that, but Arwen was barely mentioned in the book so that's the drastic change that me and Tom were talking about. Not just the effects of the water.

[Seretur]

No, don't get them confused. This is a name that BFME2 used but it has no association with the character from the books. It's a great likeness to the character in the game and I'm happy to say I have no desire to own either of them.

That's a great point to make. The character has that name in the videogame simply because it was available to the licensor. It shouldn't be confused with the Elf who saved the Exiles of Gondolin from the Balrog, or with his later appearance (to which Tolkien devoted a whole late essay) with the Elves of Rivendell, and his role in the tale of the Ring.

And besides, his armor looks barely painted in those bust photos. :D

[Darth Loki]

That's a great point to make. The character has that name in the videogame simply because it was available to the licensor. It shouldn't be confused with the Elf who saved the Exiles of Gondolin from the Balrog, or with his later appearance (to which Tolkien devoted a whole late essay) with the Elves of Rivendell, and his role in the tale of the Ring.

And besides, his armor looks barely painted in those bust photos. :D


If I had played the video game, I might be interested. But since I haven't, I'm not. One less thing to ask someone to pick up for me at SDCC this year. Though I'm sure GG will find a way to F with me between SW and HP busts.

[Radagaster]

is it me or do those GG pics at Bob's site look a bit off with the paint??? I'm not sure if the paint apps is throwing the likeness off, or if they meant both Frodo and Sam to look like they really haven't eaten for days.

[Seretur]

As long as they indeed end up looking like they haven't eaten for days, it'll be fine.

Although I guess that actually was the point of this paint scheme.

[Karma]

is it me or do those GG pics at Bob's site look a bit off with the paint??? I'm not sure if the paint apps is throwing the likeness off, or if they meant both Frodo and Sam to look like they really haven't eaten for days.


I think that's it remember these are representations of when they reach mordor

[Figurefreaks]

OMG! Take a look at these. :mwaha All I can say is Amazing! :D
Pics. from Cool Toys Review:

http://www.collectinghq.com/im/0008700.jpg

http://www.collectinghq.com/im/0008701.jpg

http://www.collectinghq.com/im/0008702.jpg

http://www.collectinghq.com/im/0008703.jpg


Tom. :rotfl

[Wetanut]

Awwww! they look absolutely pathetic....! Love them! :frodo

[woodsy]

It's so hard to decide...the lame SS/Weta busts or these two fantastic ones....decisions, decisions :pow

[The Josh]

Makes two of us Rumi.

[Seretur]

Welcome, Tom! :fest

[GrueSam]

Makes two of us Rumi.

Noooooo... Three. :D

[Darth Loki]

I ordered these the second they were up from Most Wanted. And that was before I even new they cam with a helm.

Mad props to GG for these two.

[The Josh]

Noooooo... Three. :D

What's up Sam?

[woodsy]

WOW! The ringwraith bust is sold out practically everywhere. Managed to find a couple for $42.50 apiece [and free shipping] a few minutes ago, but it looks like it is all but sold out everywhere else. That was too close! :nazgul :rock

[Figurefreaks]

I just ordered me one extra RW and a Strider. I think this line is about to take off. :bouncin

Tom. :D

[woodsy]

I think this line is about to take off. :bouncin

Tom. :D

Yeah, I've got two of each coming. You might be right about these busts taking off. Excellent likenesses and a whole lot of originality could combine to give us a real winner.
I'll hold off on ordering some of the others like Saruman, Sam, and Frodo until GG sets some ES. I like the lower ES and certainly don't want to play a role in GG jacking up the numbers.

[devlinboy]

ive got 2 aragorn and 6 wraiths ordered. im gonna pick up more of the wraiths later. im gonna flip the aragorn extra one to buy them. i think this line is gonna be the cats pajamas lol

[woodsy]

im gonna pick up more of the wraiths later. lol

Good luck with that. The way things are looking there may not be any left later...except at secondary prices!

[D. Martin]

Which if I remember right, is Glorfindel


yup. It's Glorfindel. I don't know why he's separated, but I did ask if it was him to be sure.

also, we've added high rez images of Sam and Frodo...

http://cooltoyreview.com/story/front/Gentle_Giant_Lord_Of_The_Rings_High_Rez_103696.asp

(wow, already moved from the first page)

[Khev]

Looks like even digital scans don't guarantee great likenesses to an actor:

http://www.collectinghq.com/im/0008700.jpg

Not much better than the PF (if at all) and not even close to Trevor's 1/9 scale likeness in the diorama.

[D. Martin]

The trouble with getting a good likeness of Elijah Wood is his baby face. Dude's got no wrinkles, scars, or facial hair. The only characteristic sculptors can go for is his huge eyes. Beyond that he's tricky. Goes to show how incredible the 1/9 dio is though :)

[Khev]

The trouble with getting a good likeness of Elijah Wood is his baby face. Dude's got no wrinkles, scars, or facial hair. The only characteristic sculptors can go for is his huge eyes. Beyond that he's tricky. Goes to show how incredible the 1/9 dio is though :)
Yep, the first thing I noticed on the GG bust is how off the eyes are. The rest of the face looks good but you can't have a good Elijah likeness with tiny eyes.

[LOTRFan]

The best thing about these are the removable helmets, GG hit a good thing there! :clap

[woodsy]

I think sometimes it's really hard to determine how good the likeness of a statue or bust is until you actually see it in person. Perhaps due to camera angles, bad lighting, etc...so we'll have to see with this one. One thing is for sure.... it sure looks an awful lot better than the SS/Weta Frodo bust.
The removable helmets really is a nice touch as well. If you don't like the likeness to Elijah Wood you can always put his helmet on and you still have a pretty nice bust. With the SS/Weta Frodo the only options you have are to keep it in it's box, or turn it around so you only see the back of his head :lol

[The Josh]

The trouble with getting a good likeness of Elijah Wood is his baby face. Dude's got no wrinkles, scars, or facial hair. The only characteristic sculptors can go for is his huge eyes. Beyond that he's tricky. Goes to show how incredible the 1/9 dio is though :)

I would agree. He's young and because of how much of a baby face he has he looks even younger. I'm sure even with the scanning they did it was still hard to get an exact sculpt.

[D. Martin]

I think sometimes it's really hard to determine how good the likeness of a statue or busts is until you actually see it in person.

Totally. And in this case it's a really good likeness when viewed in person

[The Josh]

Totally. And in this case it's a really good likeness when viewed in person

I bet. Can't wait to see it in July because it will be Sept before we actually get it.

[woodsy]

I bet. Can't wait to see it in July because it will be Sept before we actually get it.

You'll have to let us know what you think in July. Most of us mere mortals won't get a chance until Sept. :crying

[woodsy]

Totally. And in this case it's a really good likeness when viewed in person

You've already see this ...up close and personal?

[The Josh]

You'll have to let us know what you think in July. Most of us mere mortals won't get a chance until Sept. :crying

Oh I will. Count on that.

[D. Martin]

You've already see this ...up close and personal?


Yup.

http://cooltoyreview.com/tf2007.asp

[woodsy]

Yup.

http://cooltoyreview.com/tf2007.asp


Thanks for the link! :bow Frodo looks awfully good in that photo. Having seen all these busts up close I'd love to know what your general thoughts are concerning this new line of busts.

[D. Martin]

In truth I think the line looks really good. I know that GGS's production quality has been sketchy with some of their recent busts, but I have high hopes for this line.

[The Josh]

In truth I think the line looks really good. I know that GGS's production quality has been sketchy with some of their recent busts, but I have high hopes for this line.

Makes two of us. LOTR is my all time fave so I hope they can do as good a justice with it as they have with SW overall.

[woodsy]

In truth I think the line looks really good. I know that GGS's production quality has been sketchy with some of their recent busts, but I have high hopes for this line.

Thanks for the input! Having never seen any of the busts except in photo's I must say they look very good. Both in likeness and in originality. I really hope GG keeps giving us quality pieces and that this line really takes off. If this is just a sample of what is in store, the next few years should be fantastic for LOTR collectors. :fireworks

[Figurefreaks]

Well, I say …I have the Matrix and H. Potter line that I’m very pleased of, so if the new LOTR line is in the same alley, this going to be a great line. :D
After seeing the nice pictures on http://www.cooltoyreview.com/ (great site Dave) I now this line going to rock.

I have a request to Neca or Col Toy Rev. I don’t now…. Would it be better with another background on the pics. than the bright blue? I prefer something like this …what do you think?:rolleyes:

http://img226.imageshack.us/img226/2342/frodosamyb7.jpg

Tom. :)

[D. Martin]

Tom,

I agree that it looks good, but I shoot both Rebelscum and Cool Toy Review photo archives in the same small studio, so I was stuck with the RS blue as Dan and I designed CTR. I actually would have liked going this route. It would have been a heck of a lot easier to light :)

[Figurefreaks]

Tom,

I agree that it looks good, but I shoot both Rebelscum and Cool Toy Review photo archives in the same small studio, so I was stuck with the RS blue as Dan and I designed CTR. I actually would have liked going this route. It would have been a heck of a lot easier to light :)

No problem to understand that. Anyway the pics. are beautiful. I now there are people that have start collecting this line, just because they saw your pics. and realised how good this busts are. Hope you get some bonus from GG. :D

Take care!
Tom. :rotfl

[Radagaster]

Y'know the TF pics look better. For some reason, these blue background pics are probably done in bright lights which enhances the poor makeup on these. The TF pics on the other hand are easier to appreciate because they represent how they would look under normal display circumstances . . .at least at my place.

[Darth Waller]

When are the first busts from this line supposed to ship? I broke down and ordered them all. :monkey3

[Karma]

When are the first busts from this line supposed to ship? I broke down and ordered them all. :monkey3


From GG Blog:

Tuesday, February 20, 2007
Products Shipping This Week

The following items are being shipped to distributors/retailers this week:

Lord of the Rings
Strider Ringbearer mini bust
Ringwraith Ringbearer mini bust

[Darth Waller]

Awesome. Thanks, Karma!

[The Josh]

Nice!! Looking forward to getting Strider.

[Darth Loki]

Nice!! Looking forward to getting Strider.


Looking forward to getting everyone! I can't wait to finally check these out in person. Good to hear they're on their way.

[The Josh]

If they're anything like what they had at SDCC as far as quality then it should be good to go for this line.

[Darklord Dave]

Hmm, so I shouldn't even get into this line because I'll never be able to get the ringwraith?

But knowing GG there will be 6 different exclusives next year with a wraith in a different color for each...

[kierbaudy]

haha Dave, you are probably right. I think GG is more likely to behave themselves with this line, but if it gets popular... who knows. Variations aren't quite as bad as bowen, but the exclusives truly are getting out of hand.

I am not a fan of busts in particular, but ordered the saruman, frodo and sam. The strider was another I would have considered, but I think dealers are likely to fish out the rings, and the portrait is okay, doesn't really blow me away. Ringwraith's arm looks short to me. Picking and choosing and not being a completist on this line.

[D. Martin]

No problem to understand that. Anyway the pics. are beautiful. I now there are people that have start collecting this line, just because they saw your pics. and realised how good this busts are. Hope you get some bonus from GG. :D

Take care!
Tom. :rotfl


Thanks for the kind words. In th case of the two busts above, I didn't shoot them. These are actual product shots. I just changed the back ground to match the site layout. I believe when I got these in my inbox they hadn't shown up elsewhere yet, so instead of watermarking them, I just altered them to fit with CTR's aesthetic...

[Darth Loki]

Hmm, so I shouldn't even get into this line because I'll never be able to get the ringwraith?

But knowing GG there will be 6 different exclusives next year with a wraith in a different color for each...


If you want, I'll sell you my extra Wraith at cost. I accidently ordered two of him and Strider. I was going to cancel but figured I might be able to help someone out. Bob still has Strider up for pre-order.

I don't understand why anyone would want multiple Wraiths. It's not like they come with different arms for different poses like some of the Clones. One or two tops will work for me.

[Mudshark]

I didn't realize GG was doing LOTR till I saw Strider, Gandalf and the Wraith up for preorder late last year. I gave a Yoda bust to my mom for her birthday last year (huge Yoda fan), and I was impressed when I saw it up close. The price wasn't bad either. All three LOTR busts looked too good to pass up, especially at that price, so I preordered all of 'em. Now I'm glad I did! I'm not committed to this line, but I certainly like what I've seen so far. I just preordered Saruman, the Balrog and Elrond too. I'm not interested in exclusives, though. Too many irons in the fire now, anyway. Thanks, by the way, for all the closeups of Frodo and Sam...guess I'll end up getting those guys as well. Cheers!