A question to ponder

[David Lee]

I don't know how much of that example applies cause there are
some real harsh dividing lines in this 8 inch scale competition that
will ultimately dictate success...the most important, I'm guessing,
being what liscences what companies have.

As David Lee alluded to, if Flash Gordon or The Phantom
is something that really captivates the consumers out there the most,
it doesn't matter WHAT properties someone like Mattel has, Cast-A-Away
would still, in theory, be kicking butt.

That's just one aspect where I see things being a bit difference than typical
"big company vs. small company".

I think you got it Hugh... It's the concept of "Niche" that makes it work. While a big outfit shuts down similar, smaller ones not willing to adapt. The concept of bringing something new, different or inherently better to differentiate from the Big Boys is key. By staying with high quality, and low numbers, while also picking projects that are "outside" the box I think we'll make it. I truly believe nobody can out-match our imagination and our adaptability, not even Mattel. It's because we are Customizers at heart!

I tend to focus on the positives of having them in the game, and I am sure as heck not scared of figures that are not even made yet.

[boss]

Hugh... you make good points. However I still believe that the initial launch of new WGSH will help the smaller companies by increasing awareness of the overall genre. And you're right, the licenses make all the difference. It's two years from now when things will be interesting.

[David Lee]

Hugh... you make good points. However I still believe that the initial launch of new WGSH will help the smaller companies by increasing awareness of the overall genre. And you're right, the licenses make all the difference. It's two years from now when things will be interesting.

I agree Bryan, that's when the rubber will meet the road. Mattel making 8 inch figures gets everyone excited now, but also takes the luxury of sitting around away

-Dave

[ctc]

Hmmmm....

The only problem I can see would be folks gravitating towards the bigger name figures, and not having the cash left for the lesser known ones. So the Mattell DC superheroes are a go for sure, but someone getting the rights to.... I dunno, the DNAGents might have a problem drumming up sales 'cos their characters aren't as popular as the DC ones, and they're both selling to essentially the same crowd. (Although I bet the DC figures will have a LARGER audience, I think it'll encompass most of the usual 8" collectors.)

But a smaller company producing smaller runs might not have TOO much of a problem, 'cos they won't need to make as many sales to keep afloat.

So.... I guess I have no clue, really....

Don C.

[DocDrako]

Doc Mego and Cast-A-Way Toys still have alot of stuff I want that Mattel isn't making, so they will still be getting my money in the near future. In fact, I'd like to get their stuff before Mattel's WGSH come out, so I don't get sidetracked and miss out. Especially on Phantom, Achmed, and Captain Action. I have to have those.

[Gorn Captain]

It's a good thing that the 8 inch format is finally renewing itself, and getting a second life. So Mego 2.0 will be a good thing IMO. Everybody can ride that wave now.

The only possible down side, is that smaller players might not be able to match the prices, making them seem "overpriced" to uninformed buyers.
So that might hurt the little guys a bit.