MARVEL-OUS MARVEL CUSTOMS

Q and A #7 has sent off to Alan at EM and the resulting answers will be up here as soon as they come in....keep checking back.  Don't forget that you too can have your say, just register on the forum www.superherofigurineforum.com and make your wishes known

The final questions are.

Q1 - Many collectors already subscribe to the CMFC and wish to subscribe also to the DC series; Is it beyond the remit of EM to allow an additional incentive to the double series collectors? Possibly free binders / plinths for the duration of the series".  (before it causes a fallout with the regular Newsies I use the word "subscribe" to mean anyone who collects every figure from the same source........ but not the random "pick and chooser". Maybe a good time to introduce tokens etc as we have advocated with CMFC.

Q2 - Is Eaglemoss working on/considering any other collections that we might be seeing in the future? (Dr. Who, Anime, Transformers, GI Joe, Independent Comic Book Character - Dark Horse, Image, Judge Dredd, Street Fighter, Star Wars, He-Man, etc)

Q3 - Do you or your team at EM find some characters that people want to be in this collection an "interesting" choice and you find a surprising market, therefore adding him to the list, for a character that you would never have thought of making? As you may have noticed, we actually did a poll for characters not yet confirmed from the members of the board and wanted to share the top results for regular figures and specials. The community would be very interested in your opinion on the results.

These are the results of a recent survey conducted between ourselves and members of the French forums for figurines that are most wanted for inclusion in the current CMFC:

Regular Figures
1. War Machine
2. Hobgoblin
3. Beta Ray Bill
4. Baron Helmut Zemo
5. Jack of Hearts
6. Cloak and Dagger
7. Toad
8. Black Knight
9. Ant Man
10. Quasar
11. Chameleon
12. Jubilee
13. Enchantress
14. Moondragon
15. X-23

Specials
Kingpin
Man-Thing

Super Special
Sentinel

Q4 - Are some characters just too impossible to do & have any never got past post-sculpting stage?

Q5 - Now that you have won your battle to bring Nighthawk to the collection, are there any other characters you will be championing for production? Also will you be championing a DC character for production like you did with Nighthawk?

Q6 - Could you please confirm what versions of Gladiator and Warlock are being produced? Would this be the Imperial Guardsman or the Daredevil villain for Gladiator and is Warlock referring to Adam Warlock or Warlock from the New Mutants?

Q7 - Subscribers have found that when more than two issues are sent in the same package (i.e. with specials) the magazines often arrive bent. When three or four issues are posted together, could the figures be removed from the plastic bags? That way the magazines would remain flat and undamaged.

Q8 - What countries will be included in the sale of the DC figurines, i.e. will you cover the ones that are already receiving the Marvel range? Will there be separate release dates for the different countries involved or will you go for world wide release at the same time?

Q9 - There is a rumour that the Galactus special will actually be a mixture of resin and lead in order to reduce the weight and cost, will the piece be all lead?

Q10 - We know we have 100+ confirmed characters and that Professor X is listed as expected but not as confirmed (Figure 101?) Have there been discussions to expand the collection to 120 and if so have specific characters for the next lot been mentioned? Would there be some characters from the 'newer teams' such as X-Factor, New X-Men, Omega Flight, Avengers: The Initiative, Guardians of the Galaxy or even Cosmic Characters?

 

Well that is all for now, if you think there is something else we should have included that has not already been asked then you know what to do!

REGISTER HERE

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Below are the Questions and Answers from Q&A6 just in.  Some VERY interesting answers.

1)From all appearances it seems 100 figures has been confirmed.
Can you verify that and, if so, has any planning started to go out to
120?

100 figures are confirmed and 120 are looking a distinct possibility.
Very distinct. Have a list... just remember it's open to last minute
changes. And Prof X is still on the cards. We just didn't like the
original wheel chair design we ended up with.

2)EM have done Yellowjacket & Wasp on one base....do you have
plans to do anymore joint figs on one base? If not, what is stoping EM from
doing so.

Can't think of any small characters who'd work as well. Can't do two
normal characters in a regular issue as it would be too expensive. If
anyone has any ideas, I'd be more than willing to give them some
consideration. Providing I like the characters of course.

3)Have any other specials been discussed? If so can you share with
us what figs Eaglemoss will be doing? Also can you say how far into
the future the plans are up to? (prototypes)

We're looking at Abomination and an original Iron Man (complete with
new mag alla Black Spidey) but it's still at the early stages. Might be
something else in them.

4)Regarding the site updates would it be possible to add 1 figure
to the site every fortnight so we don't have to wait so long for a new
figure to be revealed? If not could EM add a date to the the alert box
that pops up at the end of the list, telling us when we can expect the
next update?

I'm afraid it looks unlikely due to all the work our ace internet
department have to deal with.

5)In the US - members receive the figures via Diamond
Distributors. They have been selling out via Diamond. A lot of fans regret not
being able to get the earlier figures from the set since these are listed
in the magazine section which might be flying under a lot of people's
radar - would Eaglemoss be working with Diamond to 'offer again' previous
figures to allow late-comers to start collecting?

American shops and readers should now be able to get back issues
through Diamond. If anyone's still having problems could they let me know?


6)Why, considering this series has been running for almost 2
years, are subscribers (and to some extent newsagent regulars) still
encountering distribution, ordering and delivery problems?

I thought this had been sorted. Really sorry. The only thing I can
suggest at the moment is if anyone is having problems contact me at the
office and I'll pass it on to the relevant powers.

7) Since you were kind enough to let us know that Blink, AOA
Wolverine, Valkyrie, Winter Soldier, Scorpion and Guardian have been
confirmed, have any other characters in the next 20 been decided on?

AOA wolvie looks like he might be out of the first 100. he didn't seem
to be getting that much support on the message board...

8) Has Eaglemoss decided on any other variants that they will
produce? If the variant has 2 different characters like the Green/Gray
Hulk, will there be a new magazine to accompany it?

We're looking towards Iron Man (with a mag as a special) and possibly
Quicksilver. But that would just be a paint version. To be honest it
just wouldn't be viable to do a different mag for characters like that.

9)Will other versions of existing characters such as AoA Wolverine
be a regular issue or a special? Several members have voiced their
concerns over whispers of this issue, and I was wondering if you had taken
this on board?>


AOA Wolvie is 86ed. At least this week.

10)Galactus was hinted at being "at least" 150mm has;
a)the size been finalized?
b)the anticipated pricing been agreed?

It's bloody brillaint. Might favourite sculpt so far. Say, why don't
you guys have a very sneak peak and compare the size!

 

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Answers to Q&A5 are below.  Big thanks to Al and the team for taking th time to provide these answers. Also thanks to BULLSEYE (on the forum) for putting these together and also cheers to all FORUM members who have helped so far.

 

Q1) Does Marvel HQ have the ultimate say on what figs are produced & if so....how do you go about changing their minds if you feel a figure they've suggested wont work - sculpt or sales wise ?

We try but they do tend to have the final say. Having said that, they tend to let us have a clear run of things. One of the few instances I can remember them objecting to somehting was our Beast. We wanted the classic Avengers era Beast and they wanted the modern one. They won.

Q2)Could you give us a definite yes or no answer to the special/variant plinths and binders question from Q&A3 (I think).

I'm afraid it's not looking likely for these now. However the plinths should hold the larger figs. I think. Possibly.

Q3)Are there any sculpts the sculptors have done that you guys at EM Towers are as yet un-decided on making yet, that perhaps we could give you feedback on to help with your decision ? (in a form of a poll?)

'fraid not. It's really a cost issue. Once we agree a pose with Marvel, that's pretty much it. Altering a pose mid sculpt can add a hell of lot of money to the cost as often it means they have to start from scratch.

Q4) Will any figs be re-done in original costumes with new poses as opposed to a re-paint eg...Iron man , Daredevil & Cyclops?

Unlikely, as I'm not sure they'd be the mass market support for it. Personally I'd really like it but for it to be viable, we'd have to sell far more than I think we would. It's not a case of just altering figurines but producing them. It would also cut into other characters now. For instance would people rather have Nighthawk or Deadedevil in his original costume!

Q5) If there are more varients planned would it be possible for the FORUM to vote on which costume the character will wear?

We're toying (and I mean toying) with an original Iron Man special in time for the movie. As a special. All new pose. Do people want to see it? Am I contradicting myself in Q4?

Q6) Has a price & size been decided yet for the much anticipated Galactus Special ?

At least 150 mm tall. Price still to be confirmed. It's going to look ace. You shold all buy it because I want a Sentinel too. Or maybe a Watcher. Actually, there's a poll you could do. If we do do another big sculpt which character would people most want. Watcher or Sentinel or someine I've forgotten about?

Q7) Is it possible for the subscribers to be sent variants automatically like specials?

I'll have to ask about this. I'll try and get an answer for the next one. Seems like a good idea to me.

Q8) Ok i think this question may be on all the collectors minds, but do you guys at Eaglemoss have something Big, Special or Exciting for the finale of the collection (which hopfully will be a long way away!) ?

We've had a few ideas butm unfortunately, it doesn't look like the Stan Lee thing's going to happen. At present the last figure should please at least one person on this forum.

Of course we'll probably change the running order again by then.

Q9) Who is it that comes up with the witty one liners at the back of the mag. And would it be possible to hear some new ones please ?



Dan the Man. I'll have words.

and finally number 10

10) can we please have an official list of release dates for forth coming specials/variants please?

We nearly had one fixed but then we're fiddling again. Abominable ain't it. There might be a clue there...

Sorry no pics this time. Our emails just crashed and I wanted to answer these before I go the pub for a little drink. Have a good weekend. Soz some of the answers were vaguer than normal.

 

The following questions (Q&A4)have been submitted to Alan Cowsill at Eaglemoss; as soon as the answers are in they will be posted here.  

1 Which character would you love to be made but you think the demand for said character is not big enough or is to big?

Easy. On a purely personal level it's the Defenders version of
Nighthawk. I'm a massive Defenders fan but no one else seems to like him
anymore... Originally I thought it was going to be Galactus but that's
getting sculpted as we speak.

2 A lot of us have received damage to paintwork during the transit of these figurines? In order to save you money in replacing them, would it be possible to release the names of the paints you use, so we can try and fix minor paint problems ourselves?

No problem with that. The original painters use Games Workshop paints.
Please continue to let us know if any sculpts are damaged though, it's
something I hope is happening less and less.

3 What are the height and weight restrictions for the figurines?

For the regular series it's tricky to include anything bigger than the
Thing or Thor. Infinity is a problem too. Don't think we're going to be
able to do him. Or Ego the Living Planet.

4 Many of our users are complaining there figs are not coming quick enough. would it be posiable for them to pay extra for a faster delivery option ?

I'm looking into this. I think it's a really good idea but I'm not sure
how viable it is as I don't deal with the facts and figures side of
things.

5 What is the possibility of Eaglemoss dropping the magazines on the variants and make it cheaper or provide us with another item as there is no need for two magazines?

Not much chance to be honest.

6 From all the figurines that have been made or are still to be made,which has been the most difficult to make and why has it given you such a challenge?

Prof X has been a real challenge. Carnage too. And just for the record
we weren't trying to con any readers by putting those sculpts further
back. It was purely because we wanted to get them resculpted. We want to make sure that we get the best possible sculpts we can. If that means
changing the running order, so be it.

7  Assuming the series ends at 80 issues, how many more specials can we expect other than Apocalypse, Galactus and Rhino? Are there a certain amount of proposed slots left for specials if the series does end at 80?

We've got a few specials pencilled in., The simple truth is if people
keep buying the speicals we'll keep producing them. If Galactus does
well, there could be a Sentinel in the future. If it doesn't, I doubt there will be.

8 The sculpts that are featured in the"classic marvel figurine" website - What happens to them after they have been used to showcase the collection? Do they go home with you,one of the workers or do they get raffled off?

Some go home with the team, others go to staff. There's not that many
around as the ones photographed tend to get sent off to various places
for quality control.

9 With the horror collection now started,will there be a chance of the classic marvel figurines getting the same packaging after the Dr Strange incident?

Hopefully the packaging's going to improve. I think the Strange thing
was something to do with the Dormmamu sculpt arriving in the office. Or
maybe an atttack of the Mindless ones...

10 Which is the worst sold figurine so far,and which has been the best seller?

'Fraid I really can't say. Partly because I don't actually know.

Plus Alan was keen enough to add  the following:

And as it's been so long here's some extra questions I've nabbed
randomly from the site...

Question 1: Who is responsible for picking the pictures that go into the
mag (what a cool job!)?

Mostly Gary and Dan (the designers) We tend to spend quite a bit of
money at Orbital. Great shop with a great back issue set up.

Question 2:Who picks the artwork for the covers?

Designers and editors. The whole things a team effort. I put Bagwell
forward for the Medusa cover as we needed original artwork for that.
Bagwell's one of the best artists around (IMHO) folk should check out the
stuff he did for Liam Sharp's Event Horizon anthology.

Question 3:How long does it take to complete a mag from start to finish?

Technically two weeks with a lot of late nights.

Question 4:Have polls from this website, such as the Alpha Flight one, effected any production
decisions and if so how?

Yup and that's why the Guardian's going to be a figure.

One last thing, I've attached a list of figs up to 80. We thought we'd
sorted the order to further on but now we're having doubts (not about
contnuing, just the order). Does anyone like Blink apart from Rich? Why
does Rich hate Nighthawk so much? Is cannonball more important than
Magick? And how the heck would we fit Modok on a base?

 

(This does mean that at least 100 figs will be made)

 

Big thanks to Al and the team for taking the time to answer these....I hope it puts your mind at ease

 

Q&A Session 3 answers are in, here they are straight from Alan Cowsill:

Soz it's took so long. Been really hectic at the Eaglemoss Bullpen.

1.What is the criteria for choosing which characters are being made? Does Marvel send a listing or does Eaglemoss decide? How are disputes about characters handled?

The team basically choose all the characters. We base it on popularity and, when there's a dispute, a lot of shouting and debating (followed by a bit of name-calling and sulking). Technically I have the final say but both Dan and Gary are bigger than me so I have to tread carefully. Richard's the youngest of the team so we bow to his knowledge of modern characters like Apocalypse and Mr. Sinister and that no one but me is remotely interesting in the original Living Brain. Some figures Marvel ask us for specifically. The Beast was a good example. We tried to go for a classic blue furry version but were asked to do the modern version.

2. What are the expected release dates of upcoming figures and specials?

Apocalypse should be out in September, Galactus November. These are still provisional though and not set in stone yet.

3. The Blue Angel UK variant is being issued as the standard figure in France and suspect they will be getting red as a "variant". This devalues the Blue Angels that we were lead to believe were "rare": Is this scenario likely to reccur as it mightily hacks off ardent collectors who feel cheated?

I'm still looking into this. Took me a bit by surprise.

4. To date, what is the confirmed run for this series 60/80/100 figs and what has been discussed as a potential run 100/120/150/150+? Have you got the confirmed figure list for us yet please, folk are still referring to the WIKI list which we know to be incorrect.

Had a few delays on the list as we've had to move a few characters around. We've dropped Carnage down the running order for example. I know I promised a list but it's still open to change.  In fact we're still trying to decide on something as I type and  this that will effect the running order. I was hoping to have it sorted to send out with this but figured it's best to get these questions out first. Know it's not the answer you want but it's all part of the creative process  to make sure we get the best figs out.

(Grim's note: Alan, like myself, would like to know...)
Any idea who keeps putting the dodgy names up on Wiki?


5. The planning phase is quite lengthy, is it at all possible for collectors to influence future sculpts? A couple of sneak images/designs out into the forum for discussion. final decision could be based on ideas and comments raised.
It's pretty impossible to put sculpts up for changes once we've started the process I'm afraid (as it costs a fortune to change sculpts once they're made).

6. What other variants are being discussed and are they likely to be accompanied by magazine and slip covers a la USA Cap MarVell?
We're planning a few more variants, a couple of which I want in my own personal collection. Unfortunately I can't actually say what they are as yet because of contractual reasons... and believe it or not the US slipcase was news to me...

7. Have EM considered issuing collectable tokens with later issues, submission of say 10 of these will permit the collector to obtain a unique and exclusive figure not available to the general public.
We've not and it's probably too late to try something like this on the Marvel collection. It might work for things we're planning down the line though...

8. Will characters from Alpha Flight or Guardians of the galaxy be made ???

I'm pushing for Vance Astro (cause of an old Marvel Two in One issue I liked).  It's touch and go about Alpha Flight. Tell you what, maybe we could do a poll. If there can only be one member of Alpha Flight in the series, which one should it be? Keeping in mind that Sasquatch would probably be too big  for a regular issue... you decide!

Unless you got for Puck. I never liked Puck.

9.Since you announced Spider-Man in black costume on rooftop, Rhino, Thanos, Galactus and Apocaylpse - What other characters are being considered for specials?
A Sentinel's looking hopeful - and will happen if Galactus does well. If Galactus does really well I should think a Watcher could even be on the cards. As for others...  maybe (and a big maybe) Man-Thing and Abomination are pencilled in. We're still considering a few things from the last Q&A too. Some of these things take time to work through the system.

10.Why no subscriber discount for Thanos? Hope it is an error as it is changes like this that may drive subscribers away.

This should be sorted now, subscribers should be getting the normal discount. Soz about that. Bloody editors.

11 Bonus question...What the Hell happened to Dr Strange?

Good question. The ones we saw here were fine but there's clearly been a problem. It should be getting fixed. Subscribers should return any damaged ones the normal way to get it replaced. Really sorry about this.

12 Bonus Bonus Question Can you give us an advance peak of a sculpt you've got in that you really like?
Sure. Here's one attached.

 

On behalf of the forumers THANKS ALAN.

Now have to face a myriad of emails declaring this to be fake/photoshop/bowen/corgi etc  

 

 

2nd set of Questions and Answers!!

 

1. Some subscribers have cancelled subscription due to delivery problems, have Eaglemoss resolved the issues causing these problems?

Sorry to hear that. I've been looking into the issue and not really found any complaints. If anyone's still  having problems could they send me details of specific incidents we can sort them out directly. Probably better doing it by post so I can pass it on to the relevant authorities. Hope they're not.

2. Do EM plan any other move tie-ins with the up and coming Ghost Rider, FF2,
SM3 movies?

Galactus is coming towards the end of the year. A few other things are in the pipeline but I wouldn't really call them tie ins.

3. Can we please have the list of characters confirmed/commissioned to date?

We're still fiddling with the list.  We have a working one but various factors sometimes mean we have to change it. Might be able to provide something more specific in a couple of weeks. Know it's a pain but we just want to make sure we get the best possible sculpts and mags out at the best possible time. By the way, Jubilee's deifnately not in. Don't know who put that on Wiki but it was no one connected with the mag. As a Defenders fan, I'd put Valkyrie in before Jubilee just so I can have a decent Defenders set (and no, that doesn't mean she's in, we're still deciding some of the next batch. It can get quite messy. Shouting, tears from the designers, Gary sobbing 'cause Doughboy's not going to make it in,  Dan threatening folk if the Winter Soldier doesn't make it in... tragic really).

4. Will the specials get their own 'folder' to keep their mags in?

We're looking into it.

 5. How many specials are we likely to see during the confirmed run of this series.

That's kind of open ended. If people keep buying the specials, I'm pretty sure we'll keep producing them. If Galactus does well,  there could well be a Sentinel on the horizon. Or the Watcher. Say, maybe someone could set up a poll! :)

And for all Rhino fans out there, he's pencilled in for after Apocalypse.... unless we decide to switch them around  at the last miniute to keep eveyone on their toes.  :)

 6. Since some characters are strictly team based - what about a team based magazine at a higher cost based on amount of characters offered?

Hmmm, not sure this would work even though it's a great idea. Even if we did a small team of three of four members, the cost would probably be too high for most people.

7. How many of each figure have been made for the uk / worldwide markets?

'fraid I can't say. But I get the feeling the Blue Angel variant could be  a real collectable...

8. Is this series available, or likely to become available, in Australia?

Doesn't look like it at the moment, which I find annoying as I have pals over there who want it.  Various reasons for it that i can't go in to. Think it might be punishment for them winning the ashes. We are launching it in New Zealand in April though.

 9. Have Emoss considered doing a pack of glossy backdrops >  to display behind  the figurines?
We did consider it at the start but decided against it for reasons I can't actually remember now. I think one of them was we felt it was in danger of making the collection look like it was aimed at a younger age group. I'll bring it up again at a future planning meeting and see if anything happens...

10. Is it likely to see this forum become the offical figurine forum chat?

I'll look into this. As far as I'm concerned it's the unofficial official forum. If you know what i mean.  :)


next question? Oh that's it. Have a nice weekend all. I'm off the pub.

Alan.

Hi all, just to keep you in the picture I have sent an e-mail directly to a senior member of the Eaglemoss Marvel team listing questions that have been submitted to me.

We have set up a Q&A session and hopefully will receive answers to the questions that you wanted to ask yourself but were to shy to do so.

The first 10 (11 in reality) are below.  THE FIRST SET OF ANSWERS ARE IN AND DETAILED BELOW.  

 

QUESTION 1

The official line so far is for 60 figures plus specials, and a very strong rumour (with figure list) taking the series to 80.  To put an end to speculation: What is the definitive figure count (including specials) for the series and what is the potential series run if all continues to go well? 

ANSWER 1

The series is going up to 80, running order's pretty much finalised for these and commissioned.

 

QUESTION 2

Is there yet the chance, subject to the answer above, that this series could be extended even further? Maybe 120+ figures?

ANSWER 2

There's definitely a chance. A fairly strong chance it could reach 100. If people keep buying it, hopefully it will. I want to sort out my Defenders line-up so need an excuse to get Valkyrie and Nighthawk in there somehow.

 

QUESTION 3

Do comments, questions and suggestions raised on forums and the results of web polls have any influence on the decision making processes at Eaglemoss?

ANSWER 3

Definitely. A friend put me onto the new message board. Think it's one of the best I've come across. The polls and so on also help us decide things. Especially when there's a split decision in the office. For the record, all the people working on the mag are ex Marvel UK and still big time Marvel fans. Dan and Gary have done a stirling job on the design and occasionally end up almost having a fight to see who gets to design which issue.

 

QUESTION 4

Has a DC or Dr Who series been considered?

ANSWER 4

'fraid I can't comment on this one.

 

QUESTION 5 

Have Eaglemoss considered producing acrylic display covers to fit the plinth and keep the figures dust free?

ANSWER 5

No but it's a bloody good idea I'll pass up to the powers at be for consideration.

 

QUESTION 6

Is it possible to give credit in the magazines to the sculptors?  They have done a tremendous job capturing the spirit of these figures.

ANSWER 6

Not sure. I'll have to look into it. They are amazing.

 

QUESTION 7

Has consideration been given to placing a link on the Official Site directing viewers to the message boards and fan sites? Believe this was done for the LOTR series.

ANSWER 7

No but I'll look into it.

 

QUESTION 8

Are there any plans at the moment to make the following, either as standard or special, figures?

MOONKNIGHT

RHINO

HAVOK

ANSWER 8

Havok's down for issue  74 at the moment (but the issues can sometimes change).  Rhino's a possible special. Not sure about Moon Knight mainly because I'm not a big fan of the character. Richard (ace assistant editor) is though. If we go beyond 80 I should think he'll make it in.

 

QUESTION 9

What are the possibilities of perhaps two of the lesser, newer and not so well known characters sharing a magazine and being issued as magazine plus 2 figures at a cost in the region of £10?

Examples suggested:

Bishop/Havok

Vulture/Scorpion

Shocker/Chameleon

Deathstrike/Omega Red

Deadpool/Silver Samurai

Sunfire/Banshee

Quicksilver/Luke

CageKingpin/Mandarin

 

There is not enough data to fill a magazine as individuals but paired up it would be possible.

ANSWER 9

Not sure about this one. Think it's another good idea but think there's more chance of doing them as individual issues.

 

QUESTION 10

Some Characters have many different costumes, would it be possible to produce a special magazine / pullout just showing some of the variants?

ANSWER 10

We're looking into the whole issue of variants. More info soon.

 

QUESTION 11 

Are Grim and Astrid one and the same person?

ANSWER 11

Oh God, I hope not.
No, I'm fairly confident they're two completely different people. Not only are they different sexes but they live in different places.

Well, that concludes this Q&A session for a while, keep the questions coming in and I will get the next 10 off sometime in February.

I wish to say a BIG THANK YOU to

Alan Cowsill,

Editor of the Eaglemoss MARVEL series for taking the time to respond very quickly to our questions.

(yes the chap that gets a mention in every magazine)

  

In my opinion Answer 3 is the most pertinent so get to the forum and discuss the answers.

http://figurines.17.forumer.com/viewtopic.php?t=7