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Post by cupnoodles on Mar 20, 2013 12:53:30 GMT -5
I had some questions on the number of SOC releases, especially the GX line. It looks like in 2012 there was one GX-61 Daiojah and the Grendizer and Spacers GX-04S rerelease? And then the DX Mazinger? In 2011 there were 2 GX-59 and 60 releases and a rerelease of GX-58 Andromeda.
Does it look like 2013 will only have 1 or 2 releases as well? It seems like releases are often at the end of the year.
I was also looking at page views for video reviews of the GX line. When Bandai was releasing 5 or so GX per year, page views of all the robot reviews were way up, for example God Mars has 136k views and King Joe has 233k views. On average the robots seemed much more popular. However, the newer robots: Daltanious 37k (Collection dx) 2011 God Sigma 19k (Collection dx) 2011 Daioja 34k reviews (Rocket Punch Army) 2012 Mazinger DX 9k views (Collection dx) 2013
Is this line going to be phased out in favor of SRC?
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Post by Mr. Ginrai on Mar 20, 2013 13:06:37 GMT -5
I think part of the reason they are cutting back is they are starting to realize many people cannot afford multiple high end purchased in a bad economy. I also feel they will only release toys that they feel will sell well so they do not lose money on a poor character choice.
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Post by ryomakabuto on Mar 20, 2013 13:31:35 GMT -5
The SOC Danguard A is scheduled for this year 2013.
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Post by ryomakabuto on Mar 20, 2013 13:36:39 GMT -5
Wasn't the Soul of Chogokin line designation numbers only comprised of the "GX"? But I agree that the SOC line is drying out. It will most likely be replaced by the SRC or even an SRC "DX" designation eventually.
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Post by Deleted on Mar 20, 2013 14:17:32 GMT -5
Nah, in the past Bandai used to make 1-2 new releases per year. With a large product portfolio, I am willing to bet that Bandai refocused its SOC line to focus on robots that have combination or transformation features.
The SRC line is for mainstream, and affordable releases, while the SOC line focus on high-end collectibles.
As long as there is money to be made, the SOC line will not die.
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Post by greengetterguy on Mar 20, 2013 14:19:14 GMT -5
If Bandai released the SOC Daizujin with full transformation and at least 50% die cast, they wouldn't be able to keep 'em in stock...
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Post by actionawesome on Mar 20, 2013 14:49:15 GMT -5
If Bandai released the SOC Daizujin with full transformation and at least 50% die cast, they wouldn't be able to keep 'em in stock... I cannot disagree with that. To a whole generation that is THEIR Voltron.
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Post by mpchi on Mar 20, 2013 14:55:33 GMT -5
If Bandai released the SOC Daizujin with full transformation and at least 50% die cast, they wouldn't be able to keep 'em in stock... I cannot disagree with that. To a whole generation that is THEIR Voltron. I can. I don't even know what it was until I google it up. Hehe.. The toy line is not going to die. It'll just be slow like it is now. There will still be bots to make, be it old or new. Bandai just can't make them all in SRC and call it done. Would you buy all the combiners and transforming robots in only SRC form without the main gimmick? I wouldn't. And Bandai won't kill such a recognized brand name among collectors. They just have to take it slow and pick good ones to make.
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Post by greengetterguy on Mar 20, 2013 15:04:20 GMT -5
That's right AA. You know what I'm talking about. Because we're "Martin" gen, we're Metallica gen. Right?
I don't blame MPchi AT ALL though. Although I am the whole Voltron, Transformer, and Robotech gen, I'm NOT a fan of Power Rangers or the whole grown man in a robot custom thing.. till few months ago.
That SRC is SO~ impressive, I'm converted. Along with SOC Voltron, I want my SOC Zord.
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Post by actionawesome on Mar 20, 2013 15:27:02 GMT -5
I cannot disagree with that. To a whole generation that is THEIR Voltron. I can. I don't even know what it was until I google it up. Hehe.. But how old are you? You are probably not the target audience we are discussing. Still, Super Sentai/Power Rangers is uber popular and that one is the most vintage/classic of all for many if not most.
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Post by actionawesome on Mar 20, 2013 15:31:26 GMT -5
That's right AA. You know what I'm talking about. Because we're "Martin" gen, we're Metallica gen. Right? I don't blame MPchi AT ALL though. Although I am the whole Voltron, Transformer, and Robotech gen, I'm NOT a fan of Power Rangers or the whole grown man in a robot custom thing.. till few months ago. That SRC is SO~ impressive, I'm converted. Along with SOC Voltron, I want my SOC Zord. Yep. I am a Voltron gen guy. I was not a Sentai fan until I get the SRC's. However, when I show someone younger than me those SRC they flip the hell out! Especially the O.G Megazord!
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Post by Deleted on Mar 20, 2013 15:34:05 GMT -5
In the US, yes, you guys are absolutely right.
In Japan and other countries, I will doubt it. The only reason Daizyujin was released in the SRC line was because of a recent Ranger movie in which this robot made an appearance.
Besides, after Leopaldon and Battle Fever, the SOC line focused on Super Robots.
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Post by magengar on Mar 20, 2013 15:36:13 GMT -5
I wonder who Bandai's target audience really is.... ...I'm 47.5 years old. Seriously! ;D
zozo-mag
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Post by boricua on Mar 20, 2013 15:44:03 GMT -5
some people here think that the soc line is forever, and that is wrong. with the high price of the soc and a bad economy especially for japan, if there is not enough interest in the line it will continue to slow until it is done and practically gone, like what happened to the sop line. the src figures are the future and the sooner you embrace that the happier you will be. i love the soc figures but just because i do it doesnt mean bandai will continue to make them if the profit is not there. the soc daiohja has been on sale for months and its still available, and the dx mazinger is too.
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Post by TheMazingerZ on Mar 20, 2013 16:14:12 GMT -5
We know that nothing last forever, but before it goes the way of the DoDo I would like to see an SOC Mazinkaiser, Shin Getter Trio, SRX, Dairugger, Dangaioh, and Golion... }D
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Post by actionawesome on Mar 20, 2013 16:33:19 GMT -5
Sigh. TMZ. That list makes me break out in sweats from want. LOL
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Post by B- on Mar 20, 2013 17:04:20 GMT -5
Yes TMZ plus for me SOC really desperately needs a Tryder G-7 and a Daikengo.But if SOC fades out,which I honestly do not think it will,CMs is there for me,they wont ever fade out,they are just coming into real competition for SOC anyhow. I only like Super Robots during 72-85 anyways,and that is what they do! There is only a few left to make my collection basically complete ..Diapolon,Godam and Acrobunch are really the only other 3 to make,and those are more CMs type robots anyhow..Bandai is scared of that stuff.
I really think SOC will make more for sure,I dont know where you guys are coming up with this anyhow,Dangard is coming ! Some possibilities are they are running out of classic super robots to make! SOC for the most part is about classics,look at the last list,besides that awful Evangelion stuff 95% of SOCs are classic Super Robots.So I also see new versions of old SRs they already did in the future too! SOC will not die,just because Daioja wasnt a huge seller,doesnt mean a thing.
And BTW the economy I think has little to do with it,this hobby has always been for collectors who usually are people who can afford this stuff.As long as there are people who are collectors, there will be robots to buy.
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Post by greengetterguy on Mar 20, 2013 17:41:13 GMT -5
Maybe than DX and 12PM line is the way than. Uber luxury lines of cloths or dining gets even hotter during bad economy. So if SOC dies out than I don't mind DX Daizujin or 12 PM Great Z. Are you kidding me??
For me, It's all matter of how I spend the toy budget. Do I pay for twelve premium $100 figs or pay two or four super premium figs per year?
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Post by TheMazingerZ on Mar 20, 2013 17:48:16 GMT -5
TBH, I could really care less if the SOC line goes away. In my case, I already have every character I like - minus the SRX, Dangaioh, and Shin Getter 3. It would be awesome to get those in SOC format (plus an SOC GaoFighGar), but at this point not really a must have for me. I could call it quits at any time now and be okay with it. Well, once I get my MP Voltron that is. ;D }D
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Post by Lejam on Mar 20, 2013 18:26:18 GMT -5
Bandai slowed down some productions because of "economic crisis" (people gain less money and / or work orders are going low) and China factories changed their production costs. Bandai already switched to Vietnam for few productions.
Bandai is focusing on SRC line -> making more profits and touch more people... SOC line is still playing the role of a kind of showroom for Bandai (skills and quality production)... But don't worry, Gundam is flooding the bank. DX SOC (with higher price) was a test to see how people (fans and collectors) are going to pay. It is following what's happening in the world about economic classes : middle class is reducing...
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