I have come up with a shortlist for the management to choose from.
They will be looking a price points (sizes) and overall saleability of the particular character, so we wait with anticipation their choice(s).
The 6 options we gave were:
Lockjaw
Strong Guy
Archangel
Skurge
Destroyer
Groot & Rocket Raccoon (not a double pack - RR would be on his shoulder or something)
I looked at the forum polls as well as blog votes, also overall deserve-abiltiy and visual power.
I did want to maybe give the option of Red Hulk or Planet Hulk, but there seemed very little fan interest in those (although I would imagine they may sell well to the wider audience?)
I think this a good mix from which to choose from - EM management decision will be final (with a hopefully a little input from Rich and myself - I have my personal favs, but I'm glad it's not my final decision).
Thanks for all those still with us - there's life in the old dog yet.
'Variant' Covers
Every month Diamond Previews requests the latest covers for their catalogue, they work a good few months ahead of me, so as such I haven't always got a cover image ready to send them. So I do a mock-up cover featuring whatever artwork I can quickly get my hands on to create a realistic visual representation of the character. Here are some recent 'variants' that will only be used in Previews...
We had planned to commission new art for J.J.J., but hadn't got around to it by the time Previews wanted a cover, so I found this rather animated shot on google (later discovered it was from the Ultimate Spider-Man universe), Editor John Tomlinson kindly donated his signiture for the logo (which I later dumped for a font based logo).
Another one we were still to commission, eventually became the page 2 image. Actually makes a very fine cover...
Used the '80s handbook image for this one, with the cover to Avengers #19 for a background. Not bad but, not up to standards as a final cover. (note the 'the' was dropped on final logo). This pic of Swordy was eventually used on page 3.
Andie Tong will eventually do a fresh cover for Shaman, but for Previews I went with his figure sketch with a tundra background cribbed from Snowbird's issue. Again actually quite nice - but I'm sure Andie's new cover will be more dynamic and much bettererererer.
Hey, here it is...
We got Steven Butler to do the Terrax wraparound, but I threw together this cover in it's absence.
The final art wasn't ready for Tiger Shark so I did a quick colouring up of John Royle's sketch.
(NB. I didn't like my initial logo so went for some original comic book lettering on the final cover).
Hope your enjoyed this little trip through the inner workings of the CMFC.
Th-th-th-the that's all f-f-folks!
253 comments:
«Oldest ‹Older 201 – 253 of 253LarryS
I heard there were talks for a Black Widow solo movie, so it could all work out, or just give Scarlett something extra to do for Cap 2. I'm sure fanboys will be happy to see more of her.
"I see that poll as 75% of people DO NOT want Lockjaw."
And 100% of LAWay?
I wouldn't worry. Strong Guy is runaway favourite whatever the result.
By the way I noticed earlier this week that I have effectively saved myself fifteen quid. The DC collection have chosen two of the ugliest looks for two of my favourite remaining characters in Elongated Man and Kid Flash. I get get a palpable sense of let's get this over and done with on both collections. I tend to agree.
If we re-read what Dan wrote at the begining of this latest update we will remember that he stated the following...
"They will be looking a price points (sizes) and overall saleability of the particular character, so we wait with anticipation their choice(s)."
If indeed these are the guide lines they(EM's big boys) will be looking at,then I guess...
Lockjaw: Would be ruled out due to the fact that as a figurine he is just an oversized dog whom would take a lot of lead to produce and not too appealing in the eyes of many consumers. He in himself is not a stand alone figurine like most in this collection.
Groot and Rocket: Rocket seems to be the favorite in this 2 in 1 figurine,yet he will be to Groot what the Wasp is to the Yellowjacket figurine,a tiny speck on the shoulder. Besides that,EM execs have mentioned in the past that they frown on "funny animal" characters being in this collection.
Strong Guy: This one I find has a chance. He's an X-guy,he completes a team of sorts and he's pretty much requested. On the other hand he's pretty big,so he would take up quite some lead to produce and could seem quite wierd looking to many.
Archangel: Surprisingly hasn't been doing well on the poll,mainly I believe because many see him as a re-do. I on the other hand see him with the potencial to make a great looking figurine,he's an X-character and not too big in size(his wings can be made in resin),but as I said many may not want him because they consider they already do as Angel.
Destroyer:Many seem to think that his opportunity past by because he wasn't done during the Thor movie. Others see him as just an armour and not a character,but The Destroyer is much more than that,he is a part of Marvel history and seems to develope a personality all his own when activated by a host. He' make one heck of a figurine and is not too big so cost would be minimum.
Scurge: Not too big,Has lots of history,is well requested,will be in next Thor movie and along with Enchantress and Zemo,completes an incarnation of The Masters of Evil.
So whom will it be? I'm guessing(and wishing) it will be one of the last three mentioned.
Oh and noticed how Dan states the following........
"so we wait with anticipation their choice "(s)"
As they said about the Winter Soldier... What if there was more than one?
Which of the following characters Who would you prefer for the final special?
Archangel
9% [17]
Destroyer
10% [18]
Groot and Rocket Raccoon
16% [ 30 ]
Lockjaw
25% [ 45 ]
Skurge
17% [ 32 ]
Strong Guy
22% [ 41 ]
Total votes : 183
Robert, as someone who visits the forum constantly, I can tell you that the majority want him and he has many VERY devoted fans there.
I bet Lockjaw would be made in Resin, like Sasquatch or Swamp Thing, making him much cheaper to produce. I don't think EM could get away with any of the others (except maybe Groot) in resin.
As for the higher ups not wanting animals and weird looking characters, that discussion came about after Mr. Myx and Bat-Mite. They determined they didn't fit in with the overall look of the regular line, but were fine with releasing them as a Special (a very over-priced special...) So any of these 6 are game, because they're Specials. Lockjaw being a dog, Destroyer being 'just a suit of armor,' Archangel being a redo, Strong Guy with his misproportions, and Rocket being a "funny animal character." By alternate logic, it would really ONLY leave Skurge.
I'm hoping with the official announcement of the GotG movie though, and both Rocket AND Groot confirmed to be in it and in promo art (plus all the Marvel Now! stuff with Rocket in the coming year,) it increases their chances.
I don't think Lockjaw is "just a dog" to many Marvel fans.
Perhaps to those who know little or nothing about the MU he is, but to a significant number of us a Lee and Kirby classic character still means something.
That said we used to read the comics rather than watch poor quality cartoons, so maybe that's the problem. We should have gained our knowledge from the side of a tin lunchbox.
I'm sure there are Lockjaw fans on the forum, John, I just question how representative they are of collectors and, let's face it, some of their choices in the past have been X-heavy and favoured modern looks for folks like Drax and Balder.
As for what mgf was saying, I agree. If Lockjaw is just a dog, then Groot is just a tree, Rocket is just a raccoon, Hulk is just a large green man, and so on. And I despair when a popular, long-standing character is met on here with "I have never read any appearances of this dude". And even one semi-regular saying that they don't read comicbooks! So much for an informed opinion, then!
Semi- regular ?
Well, you once came on a lot and now you don't. Hence the use of "semi-regular". Look it up. They have these really nifty books called dictionaries. They explain word meanings and how to spell and shit, dude.
If being semi-regular is a problem for you, may I suggest more fiber in your diet. :D
Ha!
Mind you, maybe "irregular" DOES sum Mr David Smith up! Although that wouldn't be talking about his bowel movements or his frequency of posts...
Hmm. As per, finding words to describe our Smiffy/ Mad Thinker is somewhat tricky.
Still, I'm gonna miss him when this blog goes. He's very much in the tradition of Jerry Lewis, the Three Stooges and Homer Simpson, and there's no one else like that on here.
I don't know if I should feel insulted by the sarcastic comments or take the compliment ( sort of ) that followed ?
I think I'll just accept the compliment as I have been a naughty boy in the past and the last thing I want is to end with an argument.
We haven't always seen eye to eye , and have often clashed in the past , but I would like to say that it has been a pleasure chatting to you Robert , and many others on here.
I just hope we might be lucky enough to get another regular extension which would also mean more specials to add to that extension of 20.
We may then end up with something like this :
1:Callisto
2:Vertigo
3:Silver Samurai
4:Sunspot
5:U.S Agent
6:Thunder strike
7:Whirlwind
8:Blizzard
9:Grey Gargoyle
10:Ms Marvel - Sharon Ventura
11:Thundra
12:Red Ghost
13:Jigsaw
14:Ulysses Bloodstone
15:Clea
16:Paladin
17:Boomerang
18:Jack 'o' Lantern
19:Tombstone
20:Jackal
Four specials , one every three months :
Atlas Special
Wendigo Special
And two of the following , assuming that one of them gets in now -
Skurge Special
Strong Guy Special
Lockjaw & Maximus Mega Special
A strong list, MT.
I was actually reading a Jack O'Lantern story earlier.
Not sure about Ventura Ms. Marvel, tho'.
And, trivia question: what was the Red Ghost originally called? No googling allowed! I'll give you a clue: one of your many aliases.
Mind, no cheating!
Perhaps a second poll would be good for a follow up. The top 2 vote getters, looking to be Lockjaw and Strong Guy, go head to head in a second poll to see which all those who voted for others prefer between the two.
Just the top 2? Around 50% of people voted for neither of those characters so why should they have to choose between 2 they don't want.
Like I said, logically, keep whittling down the pool knocking one character off. Eventually there could be a run away winner that will be definitive.
Each poll only has to be kept open for a couple of days. It could have been all sorted by now rather than leave the same one open for this long.
I've forgotten my aliases , I can only remember Slapstick and Smiffy6987
Who else was I ?
Seems like everyone has forgotten that the Forum's poll is just for "FUN",you know like...
F as in fiction
U as in unreal
N as in null
The EM big wigs will determine which character is chosen by their own "buisness oriented" criterias(with a little bit of input by Dan and Rich hopefully) so it really doesn't matter much how the polls are run.
MT: No Wariors Three or any other Asgardian on your extension list? I HATE IT! IT STINKS!!! (Just poking fun at you lad.)
Hey M.T., Never one to pass up another last 20 list.
How about
1) Whirlwind
2) Mantis
3) Sunspot
4) Mastermind
5) Attuma
6) Marrina
7) Baron Mordo
8) Blizzard
9) Star-Hawk
10) Tombstone
11) Stilt-Man
12) Yondu
13) The Grey Gargoyle
14) Molten Man
15) Hogun
16) Fandral
17) The High Evolutionary
18) Blastaar
19) The Jackal
20) Air-Walker
Specials
Skurge the Executioner
Volstagg
Archangel
The Cobra & Mr. Hyde
Howard the Duck & the raccoon
The Mad Thinker & his Awesome Android
DRAGONMAN
Lockjaw & Maximus the Mad
Black Goliath
The Living Monolith
The Super Adaptoid & Mimic
I may be a newbie to this blog, but I thought of an interesting idea last night. Perhaps something to solve the ongoing request for a further extension, as well as open the door for some more specials. In order for EM to ascertain the economic viability of a further extension and/or specials, how about creating a new CMFC for us to subscribe to. It could be a limited run of say 20 characters and 4 or 5 specials at a higher price and perhaps different material. By opening up subscriptions to it, they could ascertain before production starts how much money they could make and if it would be worth their while. I know that I would definately subscribe based on the quality of the current CMFC, even happy to pay more to complete the collection. Your thoughts Dan and everyone else?
Oh, you make me laugh out loud, Mad Thinker.
ME: I'll give you a clue: one of your many aliases.
YOU: I've forgotten my aliases, I can only remember Slapstick and Smiffy6987 Who else was I?
Who said anything about past aliases, Mad Thinker? I said "one of your many aliases", Mad Thinker. You only have one other alias, Mad Thinker. You with me yet, Mad Thinker?
The Red Ghost was originally known as the MAD Ghost, Mad Thinker.
I really will miss you. You make me laugh.
Thor8 :
The reason I didn't include Asgardians in my wish list is because I think that the collection should end with a fantastic triple pack special - The Warriors Three.
Robert :
He doesn't even look like a ghost anyway lol.
Lars Nielsen :
Lots of people subscribed to the limited edition spiderman which was supposed to be part of a new collection called the Marvel heroes and villains collection , but that was just another waste of time because nothing ever came of it.
Eaglemoss have lost the plot !!
Elvis Presley :
Are you really alive and well ?
If so , I'm all shook up !!
MT: When he walks through walls and you can see through him, he does look like a ghost. I mean Spider-Man doesn't really look like a spider, either, but he has similar powers. It's kind of the same thing.
Great idea from Lars Nielsen
However the unfortunate truth is that, over the last two months, we have made endless commercially viable (and increasingly desperate) suggestions to EM Towers to maintain the collection, without a glimmer of success.
We have even suggested that we'd pay double the current price, upfront and in full, so EM could commission the extension with sufficient cash-in-the-bank already piled up.
My commercial clients pay top dollar for advice like this, and EM has been getting it free-of-charge from dozens of us.
Regrettably it seems a policy decision has been made to terminate a series based on the world's most popular licensed characters, and instead spend EM's efforts on developing a partwork about origami or some such.
Lars, I wish you well with your campaign, and really hope you manage to secure a favourable ear where the rest of us have been falling flat on our faces.
EM isn't making a collection of 'the world's most popular licensed characters'.
It WAS, say around 100-150 figurines ago.
Larry, the truly sad thing is we've been making similar suggestions for how to improve the collection at least since I JOINED the blog. Every week, myself or LAWay or someone, would make a suggestion on how EM could increase their market and/or maintain their subscribers. (And this wasn't just people listing who they wanted made...) Yet nothing ever came of it, and... here we are.
I say we combine together and make a new company.
FalconSagina (tm)
What lively boardroom meetings we shall have.
Robert, you'll be pleased to know that I have asked for a custom of Pip the Troll. I've asked for quite a few customs recently, actually, and Pip is the one I know the least about as he hasn't really appeared since I started reading comic books... (besides an X-Factor appearance, but I don't read that.)
But you make such a strong case for the Infinity Watch, I felt like he was an essential character to my Cosmic set. Sadly the same can't be said for Recorder... BUT every time I see Pip, I'll think of you. :D
Special poll update
Archangel 17
Destroyer 18
Groot and Rocket Raccoon 32
Lockjaw 47
Skurge 33
Strong Guy 41
Total votes : 188
Gee, John, I don't know what to say. I feel a tear on my cheek - although that may just be my usual summer allergies. I admit, in real-life I bear more than a passing resemblance to a degenerate, overweight dwarf, so it's all good.
I'm sure that after all your teeth-gnashing over classic Gamora, when I finally have her on my shelf, every time I look at her, I'll think of you. Body-stocking and all. ;)
Anywho, if you haven't read the original Warlock tales with Pip, you really should treat yourself. My favourite comics ever and easily the best characterisation of the little guy.
No love for the Recorder? Aww. I take it you haven't read Wein-Buscema-Simonson-DeZuniga's run on Thor #256-264, then? Classic stuff. Yesterday I saw Keith Pollard's preliminary sketch of my third Recorder commission. It's the first panel on the last page of Iron Man #112, but from Jack of Hearts' pov (i.e., from the front, not the back). Even in this early stage, it's altogether fabulous.
One one cares about the frickin poll!!!
It has received 10 votes in the last 10 days and hasn't really changed anything.
I thought there were thousands of forum members? The blog are over 200 registered users.
Just reading the sad news from Denver.
We live in a crazy world where ordinary folk can be standing in line to watch some escapist comicbook nonsense and don't make it home. I can't imagine what those poor families are going through.
What a dreadful, dreadful piece of news.
@LAWay
Well the poll has had 192 votes (which is most likely more 'votes' than cast here as there has this post has only had 232 comments), which isn't too bad seeing as it is still filed away in the "New Threads/Polls" section, waiting to be moved the the "polling Booth" section. Perhaps then it will get more love?
And for the record:
The forum has 1440 users, 578 of whom have never made a single post.
I think his real point though is how flawed the poll is in showing what people actually want.
This poll thing is getting ridiculous. From one side the vote is deemed irrelevant by some solely because they don't like the result, and on the other EM will ignore it anyway. Sounds like the very definition of a total waste of time.
This collection went from an important and unique representation at the MU to a complete train wreck in about 18 months.
Not really interested in the poll results. Asit was stated in the begining it was done just for fun and not an official poll. Aside from that Dan had made clear that EM would make their pick based on sales potencial,size,and popularity,so it's their call' I'd just like to know if they've already made their choice and if they are just stalling in oreder to keep our interest in this collection going.
Since it's my birthday today I think I'll treat myself to some marvel madnes.
@ADParker
numbers seem impressive. 13% of the forum voted, while 40% have account created, possibly, to cheat the system.
So out of 192 voted, potentially 40% of that voting is by people abusing the system with multiple accounts.
I certainly don't see 192 unique users constantly interacting in the forums.
But like I said, its not the point. The poll is flawed. It should have ended weeks ago, dropped Archangel (the lowest polling option - my fave, so I am not biased here), and gone again. It took a couple days if that to reach substantial votes. Repeat process. The 16 or whatever for archangel spreads out votes, and may even boost others. Whittle another down, and those votes get spread out etc. Lockjaw may get more votes and look like a clear winner, or someone 75% of people who didnt vote for may choose someone else. We'll never know, because people running the poll can manipulate it how they want.
If its all for fun, then all areas should be tested, even if it gets the same results.
Happy birthday Thor8! Hope you're having a great day! I got mine coming up on Friday. So while everyone will be celebrating the opening of the Olympics, I'll be celebrating my birthday!
I think as a present to us both, EM should finally upload the pic of Hela. Surely they must have a pic of her by now!?
SV
Happy birthday, Thor8! Or Thor-21again!
And since I have a memory like a hen, have a good one when it comes round, SV!
My most wanted is Groot, followed by Lockjaw who is stealing the lead, so its not like I'm unhappy with the results either.
But if EM wants to see which will sell the most, we should have had a yes/no option on all 6 Specials and then we could have just seen which one had the highest percentage. It doesn't matter which one we love most, it matters what we'll buy.
As a marmite character (and I hate to say this, because I really want Lockjaw so much more) I'm betting Lockjaw is more people's favorite choice than people that will buy him at all, whereas Skurge is a safer choice, the majority would buy him, but he won't get many votes because he's not the favorite.
So he's not as beloved, but he'd sell more. I'm guessing here. But I have to guess because the poll is flawed. I called for that here before the poll was started. I said so after it was started on the forum. And while its "Just for fun" they do advertise it as "Results will be sent to EM."
@LAWay
Oh, I agree with the inherent flaw in the poll, in every poll that works that way, which is most of them.
It gathers information on how many want a particular option over the others, but not ultimately which one would be preferred over all. And of course then there is the problem of "sample bias" in that it can not be determined if it is a fair presentation of the overall preference, rather than just that of a select few. And I agree that the lowest voted figures should drop off after some point (I think that time has come for the first) and follow-up polls should be conducted. That would at least correct that flaw.
I wasn't trying to be antagonistic of put you down at all.
I don't know about your "sockpuppet" charge (multiple accounts from one user.) That might be true or not. I know for example that a number of people have posted saying that they generally only vote on polls but hardly ever post comments. I myself did that at first.
Happy birthday Thor8
And yes , this is a waste of time now. Eaglemoss are just teasing us at every opportunity now.
Voting doesn't matter as it's down to the suits to decide.
I think Groot & Rocket Raccoon would make a pretty 'speky' Final Figure.
In my ignorance I didnt see Thor8's post.
Hope you had a good birthday fella.
Tried seeing the new Batman film today. Sold out. Crazy.
I got one of the first viewings of Batman on Friday.
My presonal opinion? I was actually a little disappointed. I won't go into reasons for those who have not yet seen it (I'll wait a few more days) but I can honestly say I loved Avengers and Spidey more.
SV
Not a word from Dan recently... Are you still out there Dan?
I know I am probably very old, but I still remeber when Lockjaw was just a "dog", and was as shocked as everyone else when it was revealed that he was a victim of the bad effects of the terragon mists.
I do appreciate the love for the dg, and long ago, he was one of my faves. I still like him, but I don't LOVE him like some would it seems.
As for what mgf said about the DC sculpts. . . . . .
I completely agree, although it seems to me they went out of their way to pick the ugliest, or least favorable costumes for the last set of DC characters. I mean, did you see Negative Man? Robot Man? Enlongated Woman? Doom patrol got 0 love in my opinion. The only good looking sculpt coming that I see is the Hellblazer (complete with blood splatter).
I'd just like to know if this line still has a pulse, or we are talking complete flatline.
Couple of comments most important first...... Happy birthday my asgardian cousin thor8.
Second I would suggest the DC collection lost its way in terms of quality sculpts a long time ago, not withstanding some of the rubbish characters selected!
New batman film? Absolutely superb and I would recommend it to antbody, I'm not really a DC fan, even though I subscribe to the collection, but a great ending to the saga!
I have to admit DC still beats Marvel with quality of sculpts even though the last five or so have been shocking sculpts by DC.
Why the Eaglemoss not leave the exclusive to realize miniature of Marvel Comics?
EM, your work, marvellous work, is at the end.
Your reason for this decision, is for bad possibility to have positive business.
Ok, the reason is for you.
But... now
leave the rights to others, or...
ANOTHER project for the marvel comics charachters, please!
Rob.
Where's Dan ?
Aren't we due an update ?
Time to place bets on when we think the next update will be.
Must announce date and time. Closest wins a No Prize.
I'm going for Wednesday....1.45pm.
Come oooooon Dan! *shakes dice*
Man how wrong was I...
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