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Post by Deckard on Apr 30, 2014 2:40:23 GMT -5
Thanks for the pic.
Threezero has totally nailed the "real robot" aesthetic. Mazinger Z as a grimy, mechanical war machine, that's barely getting down-time for repairs to it's ravaged chassis... awesome! And it's also appropriate, seeing as Mazinger Z frequently gets mutilated in the fiction. I see why Go Nagai gave this his blessing.
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Post by Deckard on Apr 29, 2014 2:24:01 GMT -5
The only prejudice that I perceive here is your constant outlandish claims incinuating that I do not know what I am talking about because I disagree with you. If you live in the tropics, regardles how hard you try to preserve them, vinyl does degrade faster compared to colder less humid area. I know that for a fact as I lived in Venezuela for 17 years, and I saw it happen to vinyl figures that I and friends of mine had. As for die-cast crumbling. This happens if you buy cheap knock-offs. If you buy an original vintage other parts of the toy (mostly plastic) will break before the metal part. Again I know that because I have vintage originals and knock-offs. Modern toys on the other hand have more intricate designs; therefore some pieces regardles if they are metal or not will break if mishandled. I am not implying that 3Zero is using low quality materials. But as far as I know all vinyls have a very similar chemical composition. Unless you can provide me a list of all materials used by 3Zero. As I mentioned before, I am not against good quality plastics. And if they can help the overall design of the toy, they are welcome. So stop making it sound that I am pro metal and against plastics crap, OK. On more than one occasion, I made it clear that I do not agree on the pricing of a vinyl figure due what I hear how the manufacturing run will cost from various sources. So if you don't agree that is fine by me. And let's leave it at that. Please don't accuse me of making "outlandish claims" and "insinuations" because of a lack of comprehension on your part. Your responses to my prior comments were irrelevant, and thus they were politely pointed out to you. You are blindly reading my comments, and then jumping to conclusions in your responses. Sorry for my cutting comments, but I don't appreciate baseless accusations... I'm done here... Anyways, all that crap aside, and I'll understand if you don't want to answer this... But what type of vinyl toys did you have in Venezuela? I own 40yr old Japanese sofubi that's doing just fine, and I live in a city with hot and humid summers... And let's not forget the weather where these toys come from, Tokyo's summer is horrid.
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Post by Deckard on Apr 29, 2014 1:15:12 GMT -5
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Post by Deckard on Apr 28, 2014 19:15:51 GMT -5
There's nothing currently being sold by Fewture at the prices you've stated, maybe a couple of years ago, but just like everybody else, their prices have gone up considerably. Sorry for not clarifying it. The Fewtures that I got were the 1969 Mazingers and the two limited black Getter Robots. And yes, I did get them at the stated prices. ---- I didn't question what you paid, or which figures you own. If you read my comment again - you'll see I'm pointing out that only current prices are relevant for comparison, as opposed to what you paid years ago. ---- I'm glad to hear you haven't had any QC issues, but as we both know, it's no urban myth that their QC hit & miss ratio is sub-par. The same can be said about every toy company. Even Bandai is not immune to it. ---- Read my comment again... My response doesn't claim that nobody else has QC issues... only that Fewture's performance in this area is sub-par, which it is. Mind you, I still do love their awesome robots. ---- As for the plastic versus die-cast argument, I have to disagree. Firstly, minus the $60 it would cost to ship, and it's a $270 figure. And for that $270 you will be receiving a huge mass of quality vinyl with gorgeous design and detail, and one of the best paint finishes in the hobby. I can't see how the price isn't just right. Just imagine this hyper-realistic 16" robot behemoth in your display with N-scale model buildings, cars, etc, (they are to scale) at it's feet...that's a robot collectors wet dream right there. And at 16 inches, the much maligned hip design isn't going to be the eye-sore that people think it is. And besides that, the hip design is completely appropriate as it helps to set the unique aesthetic. Threezero has done something very special here...and I feel that there's going to be many people that wish they hadn't passed it up, especially when threezero releases further robots down the line Then we have to agree to disagree. Vinyl is the cheapest, crappiest, material that you can get to manufacture products quickly and on the cheap. Its chemical composition requires to keep the figures in temperature controlled environments to prevent them to deform or even melt. Yes, they can melt at room temperature on hot and humid places. You can tell that they melt by touching them, you will get a wet feeling and have residue material in your fingers. Metal on the other hand while not cheaper than vinyl is cheaper than other plastics. But its manufacturing process is more expensive when compared to plastic. For the record, I am not against plastics. And I do tend to agree that plastics can improve the figure's overall quality and weight distribution if placed on the right places. But it has to be good quality plastics not vinyl. ---- That's some serious prejudice you're harboring there buddy As a collector of vinyl toys and model kits, I'm well aware of the mediums few short comings, but they are few and far between, and nothing like the highly warped and extreme picture you are representing. To address one of your points... Yes, there is truth to vinyl being heat sensitive, but that varies depending on the wall thickness and the quality of the vinyl. Your claims are absolutely worst case scenario, and are comparable to buying cheap die-cast metal toys, that snap or crumble because of their inferior metal. And, as this whole discussion is about threezero's toy, are you actually suggesting that their Mazinger Z will be constructed of a poor grade of plastic? ----
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Post by Deckard on Apr 28, 2014 0:54:41 GMT -5
Yes, I am completely aware of all the points you have raised, and I agree. But what is particularly relevant is your statement concerning this toy's positive points "It's very distinct, quite original and it's fun..." These are the primary reasons I collect toys, hence my interest. I'm asserting the positive aspects of this toy as it's copping way too much flak from people that clearly just want the status-quo, maybe tweaked slightly, but nothing more. If someone wishes to collect the same design in different colours and sizes, that's their prerogative. Hence, I don't see it fit to attack such toys, nor those that like to collect essentially the same design, over, and over again. And something else is the value for money, or lack of it apparently. Please correct me if I'm wrong here, but I've never seen evidence to suggest that zinc-alloy, means a better or higher quality toy than plastics can achieve. If anything, zinc is occasionally implemented poorly and is to the detriment of the toy. Is die-cast metal really any more valuable than quality plastics? Why are people so hung-up on die-cast metal? it's weight & feel? and tin aside, the fact that it started out as a gimmick to impress children? Is this what draws people? Don't get me wrong, I dig it too, but it ain't exactly a deal breaker when a 16" tall robot isn't made of it. I mean c'mon, where would the sense be in that anyway? Metal is often overrated, and in the worst case scenarios it even ruins a toy that would have been perfect if made of plastic. The feel and weight of metal is often aesthetically pleasing, but not necessary for any functional purpose. Metal is more expensive to cast generally, especially compared to vacuum formed vinyl, and I'm sure it costs more as raw material as well. Plastic costs practically nothing. I know what you are saying when it comes to admiring originality and distinction, but a lot of collectors really aren't looking for this, or at least not to the degree of some of us. I think the purist outlook leans more towards a perfectionism outlook. It's sort of chasing the dragon's tail, keeping your focus looking for the perfect specimen, but we probably all do this to some degree. I appreciate your sound reasoning.
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Post by Deckard on Apr 28, 2014 0:40:21 GMT -5
There's nothing currently being sold by Fewture at the prices you've stated, maybe a couple of years ago, but just like everybody else, their prices have gone up considerably. I'm glad to hear you haven't had any QC issues, but as we both know, it's no urban myth that their QC hit & miss ratio is sub-par. As for the plastic versus die-cast argument, I have to disagree. Firstly, minus the $60 it would cost to ship, and it's a $270 figure. And for that $270 you will be receiving a huge mass of quality vinyl with gorgeous design and detail, and one of the best paint finishes in the hobby. I can't see how the price isn't just right. Just imagine this hyper-realistic 16" robot behemoth in your display with N-scale model buildings, cars, etc, (they are to scale) at it's feet...that's a robot collectors wet dream right there. And at 16 inches, the much maligned hip design isn't going to be the eye-sore that people think it is. And besides that, the hip design is completely appropriate as it helps to set the unique aesthetic. Threezero has done something very special here...and I feel that there's going to be many people that wish they hadn't passed it up, especially when threezero releases further robots down the line I am sure that is what Threezero intended to do - making a special 'steampunk' or 'industrial revolution' style Mazinger Z. So far most fans and toys collectors have not been received it very well ( just go to check through some other toys forums yourself). I am not going to dismiss Threezero's heart that they try hard to make something good, but do they success? This thing is coming out in a few months, time (the sell) will show us the truth. I understand where you are coming from, but I'm not concerned about what the final sales will be, nor do I care what a small group of vocal die-hard toy collectors think. I think it's a piece of art that I'll be able to appreciate for a long time to come.
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Post by Deckard on Apr 28, 2014 0:14:09 GMT -5
There's nothing currently being sold by Fewture at the prices you've stated, maybe a couple of years ago, but just like everybody else, their prices have gone up considerably. I'm glad to hear you haven't had any QC issues, but as we both know, it's no urban myth that their QC hit & miss ratio is sub-par. As for the plastic versus die-cast argument, I have to disagree. Firstly, minus the $60 it would cost to ship, and it's a $270 figure. And for that $270 you will be receiving a huge mass of quality vinyl with gorgeous design and detail, and one of the best paint finishes in the hobby. I can't see how the price isn't just right. Just imagine this hyper-realistic 16" robot behemoth in your display with N-scale model buildings, cars, etc, (they are to scale) at it's feet...that's a robot collectors wet dream right there. And at 16 inches, the much maligned hip design isn't going to be the eye-sore that people think it is. And besides that, the hip design is completely appropriate as it helps to set the unique aesthetic. Threezero has done something very special here...and I feel that there's going to be many people that wish they hadn't passed it up, especially when threezero releases further robots down the line It's probably good that you feel this figure is perfect, as any collector should if they plan on paying $300 plus dollars for a vinyl figure. I think the hips do fit the aesthetic, but at the same time I still don't really like them. I think this is a good design for what it's trying to accomplish. It's very distinct, quite original and it's fun... and those are the exact reasons it's also not for everyone. Anytime you stray from an original design that's been around for half a century you're going to have those that are the purists who won't buy it, and those who just don't particularly like the styling choices who also won't buy it. That's the gamble with any stylized rendition of a famous character. Sometimes you can capture the whole target market, but doesn't always happen. It's the same reason that everyone doesn't run out and buy D style figures or Fewture figures. In fact it's the reason many old school collectors don't buy SOCS. Don't get me wrong, I am impressed by aspects of this figure, but I don't love it. Even though I'm sure seeing this figure in person at 16" would be impressive, I actually wish the whole industry would stop following the 1/6 large figure trend. It's an impractical size that takes up tons of space, requires a lot of box space, makes figure very unplayable, and it increases costs. For combiners it's ok, like the Mattel Voltron, because the individual vehicles with removable pilots is actually quite cool, but for action figures it's a bit pointless. Yes, I am completely aware of all the points you have raised, and I agree. But what is particularly relevant is your statement concerning this toy's positive points "It's very distinct, quite original and it's fun..." These are the primary reasons I collect toys, hence my interest. I'm asserting the positive aspects of this toy as it's copping way too much flak from people that clearly just want the status-quo, maybe tweaked slightly, but nothing more. If someone wishes to collect the same design in different colours and sizes, that's their prerogative. Hence, I don't see it fit to attack such toys, nor those that like to collect essentially the same design, over, and over again. And something else is the value for money, or lack of it apparently. Please correct me if I'm wrong here, but I've never seen evidence to suggest that zinc-alloy, means a better or higher quality toy than plastics can achieve. If anything, zinc is occasionally implemented poorly and is to the detriment of the toy. Is die-cast metal really any more valuable than quality plastics? Why are people so hung-up on die-cast metal? it's weight & feel? and tin aside, the fact that it started out as a gimmick to impress children? Is this what draws people? Don't get me wrong, I dig it too, but it ain't exactly a deal breaker when a 16" tall robot isn't made of it. I mean c'mon, where would the sense be in that anyway?
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Post by Deckard on Apr 27, 2014 20:21:30 GMT -5
There's nothing currently being sold by Fewture at the prices you've stated, maybe a couple of years ago, but just like everybody else, their prices have gone up considerably. I'm glad to hear you haven't had any QC issues, but as we both know, it's no urban myth that their QC hit & miss ratio is sub-par. As for the plastic versus die-cast argument, I have to disagree. Firstly, minus the $60 it would cost to ship, and it's a $270 figure. And for that $270 you will be receiving a huge mass of quality vinyl with gorgeous design and detail, and one of the best paint finishes in the hobby. I can't see how the price isn't just right. Just imagine this hyper-realistic 16" robot behemoth in your display with N-scale model buildings, cars, etc, (they are to scale) at it's feet...that's a robot collectors wet dream right there. And at 16 inches, the much maligned hip design isn't going to be the eye-sore that people think it is. And besides that, the hip design is completely appropriate as it helps to set the unique aesthetic. Threezero has done something very special here...and I feel that there's going to be many people that wish they hadn't passed it up, especially when threezero releases further robots down the line
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Post by Deckard on Apr 26, 2014 23:09:49 GMT -5
Still, a figure made out of metal seems to be a better bargain. For example, the Fewture EX Gokins are roughly the same size, do have complex designs, have metal, and you can get them for about the same price. You might want to double check those assertions.... threezero 16" vs. fewture 10" (on average). threezero $330 total vs. fewture $450 (on average) + costly shipping. And considering their price, Fewture frequently has unacceptable QC issues with their figures. While to date, threezero/threeA fares much better.
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Post by Deckard on Apr 26, 2014 21:01:14 GMT -5
i just finished talking to at&t so i'm in a bad mood. so i will take my rage against this abomination... this all plastic heap of junk (literally) is selling for more then three hundred usd? i can't believe it. this by far the worst interpretation. even knock offs and those dorky super deform vinyl looks better. At least they have endearing charm. This thing is just plain ugly, confused in concept and badly executed... What's worse is that it looks like its trying so hard to be cool...it fails miserably. This ain't no damn steam punk or industrial, this is a garbage or junk yard. Steam punk isn't about dirty and jumbled mix of arbiturary gears and machinery. There're design elements on this thing that goes no where. Nothing matches to anything. Only thing thats coherent is those stupid and horrible handles BS. Even those are horrible...."Look! lets just throw bunch of handles in different size and see where it lands! WooHoo!" Sorry..I had to do this. I understand where you (& others) are coming from, but steam-punk can, and does have many interpretations. There is nothing wrong with this robot's design, even the controversial hip design is appropriate, an eye-sore, but appropriate nonetheless. I think we just need to be a little more objective in regards to this Mazinger Z's design. I don't love it (yet), but I'm sure if I was to see it in person, it would probably win me over. I've seen a few of these large scale threezero/threeA toys in person while on my numerous trips to asia. So I'm certain the weathered paint job and details on this Mazinger Z's 16 inch tall proportions will be absolutely stunning. And $330 (shipped!) is a very fair price. Think about it, if this were a model kit it would probably sell for $150 (+shipping), require many hours of work - plus all the materials and skill necessary to achieve a finish of threezero's calibre.
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Post by Deckard on Apr 26, 2014 20:45:33 GMT -5
Considering how well Sentinel did with these do you guys think theres a chance for Shin Getter after the Dino releases (if they keep going with Armageddon)! I feel like Shin Getter has yet to have gotten a great gokin. SRC is cool and all but that head is just kind of sad. Would definitely want to see some more out of Sentinel x T-Rex on the getter line! Totally agree with you about the SRC Shin Getter 1. I bought mine as I've wanted to own at least one SRC figure for some time now. And since I didn't own a Shin Getter 1, and wasn't interested in any prior releases (or willing to pay their high secondary prices), I decided on the SRC, nice, but ultimately it's way to 'action figurey' for my tastes. Which is basically the reason why I've avoided SRC all together, while on the contrary the SRC Shin Getter 1 offered an interesting design (to me) and is larger than most other SRCs at a price that was relative to it's value for me. So yeah, Shin Getter 1 by Sentinel would be a must buy, especially since we'll never see an SOC version. Now if I could just find one of Aoshima's Shin Getter 1's for a reasonable price...
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Post by Deckard on Apr 26, 2014 4:41:32 GMT -5
This thing is almost 16 inches tall (Fewture's Ex Gokins for eg, are approx 10"), so it's certainly going to have presence - especially with it's masterful weathering and neat mechanical details. But those hips... even though they are technically appropriate given the steam-punk aesthetic, I feel this choice in its design will turn away some folks. And I'm also guessing that traditional Mazinger Z collectors especially, are going to dislike this robot's design overall. Which is a shame, because US$330 shipped ain't a bad price for what is essentially a high quality art toy in disguise. Being someone that owns everything from run of the mill action figures to "high-end" toys to utter crap from Suckadelic (which I love), this robot's design is something I can appreciate. And as for the "but it's plastic" dementia, so what? Since when was die-cast metal any more valuable than quality plastic? Don't get me wrong, I love my gokin as much as the next toy robot collector, but its absence is never a deal-breaker for me, especially when it's a classic robot like Mazinger Z being re-imagined in such a cool aesthetic - and by one of the best in the business. To those with an open mind and sans traditional Mazinger Z tunnel-vision blinkers, I think this will be an important purchase that will without a doubt make for a very cool and unique addition to their collection. The threezero Mazinger Z is a winner...people just don't know it yet
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Post by Deckard on Apr 15, 2014 7:49:27 GMT -5
Great comparison pics!
Really dig the advanced engineering on these new Getters, but aesthetically I still lean towards the SOC, and to a lesser extent Aoshima's Getter.
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Post by Deckard on Apr 7, 2014 1:15:03 GMT -5
I hear what you're all saying about the use of environmentally friendly packaging. But when one considers that the average unit of energy produced today is virtually as dirty as it was 20 years ago... You gotta wonder what's happening with the bigger picture.
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Post by Deckard on Apr 5, 2014 21:26:50 GMT -5
Gotta agree... the flimsy plastic trays that encase our expensive toys these days, often undermine the whole experience for me. And I'm certain that if Styrofoam was just as cost effective as plastic trays, we'd still be seeing it more often. Thankfully it's still used when it's necessary though.
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Post by Deckard on Apr 2, 2014 8:41:39 GMT -5
The beautiful box-art of the past is no longer with us really, now days it's mostly just pictures of the toy/collectible inside, nothing special usually.
But I do still keep the boxes, as it aids re-sale and they are a safe location for accessories.
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