The Walking Dead Action Figures - Insider Chat

[Antman]

This thread is dedicated to talking about the McFarlane "The Walking Dead" figures (and statues). There's someone very well connected in this thread.

Purchase here

Spoiler

This Fall The Walking Dead comes to the toy store with McFarlane Toys action figures of Rick Grimes, Daryl Dixon, Zombie Biter and Zombie Walker. Available for purchase November 2011.

http://blogs.amctv.com/photo-galleries/the-walking-dead-mcfarlane-action-figures/intro.php

 

[shanerd]

I echo everyone's thoughts about the complete abandonment of the 5" line. Feels like a huge slap in the face to such a dedicated group of fans & collectors. The 7" stuff should be an additional line like the Deluxe 10" figures have been; with the 5" line still being the PRIORITY after how much time & money so many of us have invested. I mean even if we only got one wave a year of our 5" figures, that would be better than nothing! I will give the 7" line a shot because I'm all for more details & improved paint apps but I swear if end up seeing wonky eyed paint jobs on some of these, I'm done entirely. That and we damn sure well better be getting a proper Shane Walsh in 7" scale. Thanks for all your interaction & honesty with us over the last few years @spawnshop

 

[Johnny Utah]

There was a great quote about George Lucas in The People Vs George Lucas.

'His only responsibility is to take your money.'

Todd only thinks in terms of money, and has no loyalty to us. I just want a figure of Shane badly now and I hope since they have made that weird bobblehead version that they'll make a 7 inch version now, as well as a Season 1/2/3/4/5/6 Rick again in 7 inch scale.

Also, the lineup for Comic Series 5 is:

Shane (with alternate zombie head)
Negan in prisoner uniform
Lydia with alternate dirty face
Glenn with axe

They were at Toyfair, and despite the teasing on Facebook etc, no pictures were allowed.

 

[Real Scooby]

@spawnshop

Is there anything we, the collectors, could do to save the 5" TV line ? Some signing poll or something ?

Please help us spawnshop, you are our last hope

 

[NoodleChow]

It's really a shame no pics of CS5 were allowed since they look amazing so far and would have probably eased the initial backlash. Wondering if Skybound pushed hard to keep the line going since I imagine they love putting out those exclusives.

Also would have been nice to have seen a completed 7" figure on display to show off the actual articulation unless the plan is to have mostly preposed figures. I've seen Todd McFarlane post that they'll have roughly 12-15 POA but I have no real idea since POA count is always a bit arbitrary. A wrist could be counted as 1 but could even count it as 3 because in most of the Walking Dead stuff where there's a wrist swivel, hinge, and hand swivel. As an articulation junkie there's a difference between something like that and a single cut wrist. I did see the Travis figure with shoulder and elbow articulation though so that's interesting to see. Will the legs be articulated as well or just a series of cuts and hinges like TV Series 1 Rick?

 

[Coda]

It's really a shame no pics of CS5 were allowed since they look amazing so far and would have probably eased the initial backlash. Wondering if Skybound pushed hard to keep the line going since I imagine they love putting out those exclusives.

Also would have been nice to have seen a completed 7" figure on display to show off the actual articulation unless the plan is to have mostly preposed figures. I've seen Todd McFarlane post that they'll have roughly 12-15 POA but I have no real idea since POA count is always a bit arbitrary. A wrist could be counted as 1 but could even count it as 3 because in most of the Walking Dead stuff where there's a wrist swivel, hinge, and hand swivel. As an articulation junkie there's a difference between something like that and a single cut wrist. I did see the Travis figure with shoulder and elbow articulation though so that's interesting to see. Will the legs be articulated as well or just a series of cuts and hinges like TV Series 1 Rick?

I second these questions. I know its being said these are just prototypes and articulation will be added. However when you look at the figure, Michonne for example. There are parts of her that were clearly sculpted to be in that pose. The way her skin folds at the inner elbows or the way her pants are stretching at the crotch with her stance. So where would the articulation go? It seems based on the sculpt that these figure's stances are pretty much determined, articulation or not.

 

[NoodleChow]

Yup, and that preposed figure broken up into a semi articulated one will be like TV Series 1 and 2 and Comic Series 1 where the proportions are likely to be pretty awkward if not in the sweet spot pose. Even back in the day I was pretty hesitant to call most McFarlane toys "action figures" since they're mostly statues with some cuts which I assumed were only there to make the molding process easier. They never really served a purpose.

 

[kassle]

I think that's the part that bums me out. Clearly, Kirkman put his foot down about switching scales when it came to the Comic line, but nobody (i.e. AMC) had the fan's backs with regard to the TV line.

In the end, as has been shared, this was a decision about the company (and their many lines), not about us...the people who have been their bread and butter for years now. And that hurts as someone who goes to work every day, and gives McF my money. The decision wasn't made with us in mind, or we would have been asked.

And all of this is said, again, with no lack of respect for @spawnshop , who has always advocated for us and who, I believe, has always had our backs here as fans. He is great...I just am having a hard time with the rest of the company who argued for something that benefitted the other brands, and not the one we are 5 years deep in supporting with a 5" line that will now be unfinished as the show marches onward.

 

[joossa]

Yup, and that preposed figure broken up into a semi articulated one will be like TV Series 1 and 2 and Comic Series 1 where the proportions are likely to be pretty awkward if not in the sweet spot pose. Even back in the day I was pretty hesitant to call most McFarlane toys "action figures" since they're mostly statues with some cuts which I assumed were only there to make the molding process easier. They never really served a purpose.

You hit the nail on the head. Trying to pose a statue in a pose that differs from the one it's pre-posed in/created to be in, makes the piece look awkward and those cuts are just horrible.

Same concept here:

 

[Coda]

As I was watching The Walking Dead mid season premiere I realized there was an emptiness as I watched these amazing characters in action. It hit me that the 5" TV line had now become synonymous with my passion for the show. I watch the show with constant hope of one day seeing certain characters become a part of this amazing line. Now to look at it and realize I will never see a Sasha in my collection as she becomes such a strong member on screen. It honestly hurts. I swear I feel like I'm going through a really rough break up.

With that said, as Bob said, nightmares end! So either this 7" line flops and drags down all chances of any TWD line with it. Or it flops and we go back to what was working so well. I've seen an overwhelming amount of complaints from fans across all media. So I know Todd has to be seeing it as well. However, at this point I'm willing to bet he's taking it all with a grain of salt. I bet he is hanging on the idea that our minds will change when we see these figures in person. But that isn't the point. For most fans this isn't even about the 7" line. It's deeper than that. It's what has been taken from us, not what's been given. So when those figures hit shelves that's when I urge fans to voice their compliants, prove to McFarlane that waving a shinny new toy in our faces doesn't change the issue. Time well tell, but I believe we can make a change here. And, if boycotting these 7" figures helps prove that point then sacrifices will need to be made. No matter how great these figures turn out to be I for one will not support it until this injustice is written right!! As the show wages into All Out War so should us collectors!

 

[Johnny Utah]

Pics of Comic Series 5.

Todd could have shown these, and he could have taken the blame for the switch to 7 inch, but instead he's blaming retailers and shelfspace. I'm posting these here because he deserves a slap for this past weekend. I've been aware of and purchasing his products since 1994 with Spawn series 1. And I haven't been this pissed off at him since Toyfair 2001 and the abysmal lineup for Movie Maniacs 5, and the cancellation of the Lost line back in 2008.

 

[Jabs4783]

I feel your pain Coda, it’s a real shame we may never see these characters in the regular scale. The line was getting better and better and I was really looking forward to both new and old characters. Shane, SE1 Glenn, I even hoped a Rick with horse might be a possibility… okay, I better stop otherwise the list will go on and on! J

This is the only toy line where I’ve gone all in and that speaks volumes. Why has the line captured my interest so much, well, a love of the show and zombies in general definitely helps but a big part of it has been the direct of the line: the interesting character selection, the fun and sometimes odd accessories and then there is McFarlane’s interaction with the fans and making them feel like they have a part to play.

I watched the video where Todd McFarlane talks about the articulation points on the new figures yesterday. I appreciate that these are detailed figures that capture a good likeness but I am un-inspired. The figures remain pre-posed and the cut-joints do nothing for real and meaningful articulation. I admit that they’re the kind of collectable that I would look at in the comic store and think ‘they’re nice’ but would have no desire to own, I’m just not in the market for this kind of collectable. Even if I was, I have no desire to ‘reset’ my collection and start again with a new scale.

Who really knows the real reason behind the change? Smaller scale super articulated figures seem to be a dying breed due to increased manufacturing costs. Hasbro did it with Star Wars and that is something I never thought I would see. Again, whilst I used to buy the odd SW figure, I haven’t bought any for well over a year and I am just not interested in switching scales.

I’m interested to see if the company does attempt to address the feedback but in any event, I imagine it’ll be quite a while before we see any new figs in 5inch scale which is just really disappointing.

 

[joossa]

Looks like the McFarlane toy in the LootCrate is a bighead blind bag containing either a Rick, Daryl, or Walker.

 

[Coda]

@spawnshop Hey, I hope you enjoyed Toy Fair as busy as I'm sure you were. I know things have been a little "passionate" on here with all the recent news. However, I was hoping I could ask a thing or two. I'm curious as someone who knows Todd what is your take on this fan backlash in regards to his reaction? Did he expect the backlash? Has it changed his view on anything? I'm sure your not in a position to speak on his behalf or voice any of his concerns but maybe you could throw a bone fan to fan. My next question is you briefly mentioned the 5" possibly as a special or exclusive. Maybe nothing is set in stone but if you had to wager a guess. What glimmer of hope might we have to look forward to? Maybe a quarterly figure exclusive online? Maybe add a TV character to the comic line? And lastly just purely for fun, in a future where 5" figures cud still pop up here and there would you tell me to hold my breath for first timers like Sasha or Rosita? Ok well answer what you can or want. Be as vague or as detailed as you'd like but maybe you can be our little ray of hope

 

[jross2276]

Wanted to say all the "passionate" responses are based on how awesome and amazing this line actually is. I love this line!

Have been collecting this line since series 3. I was a latecomer to the TWD show as well as the figures, when I saw the Michonne action figure on the shelf at my local comic store I just had to buy it... just as a figure. As a long time toy collector there was something about this figure that seemed special... I don't think I was even up to her apperance in my late-to-the series watching. I think the wow factor was all the hidden articulation, attention to detail, and over all perfection... basic badassness! After that point I was all in!!!! Character selection, the art of hidden articulation, engineering...and basic badassness from series 3 - 9 is why collectively we all love the line.

 

[Coda]

@jross2276 I completely agree!! My start is similar to yours. I was late to the show and the figures as well. I had been seeing Andrea and Carl at Walgreen's. The scale was off putting as I was currently collecting Marvel universe I had hoped to use TWD figures as civilians at the time. Still seeing the figures there peaked my curiosity. I did some research and the first two series lack of articulation and the only two lines per year paired with the odd scale still left me cautious. However I couldn't resist the urge one day so I bought Andrea. Once I opened her up I was floored!! Never in all my years of collecting had I seen so many points of articulation hiden behind such a beautifully detailed sculpt! I couldn't put it down. I immediately went back to buy Carl and the rest is history!!! Fantasizing about future line ups and what debut characters may look like in figure form has gotten me thru many of long days at work lol. I've never experienced the cancelation of line before, it truly hurts. Hopefully @spawnshop can shine some light on any future what so ever in this scale.

 

[spawnshop]

@spawnshop

I'll give the 7" line a looksee when they hit but not too into 7" scale figures. Will they be a separate dedicated line or will they be folded in with the other 7" figures like anime/game/etc licenses you guys have planned. Like how many TWD figures do you guys plan on having made each year?

And is there an estimated price for the mini big head figures? Already planning on modding those heads for the main line. Get Rosita in that line please.

I would definitely urge you to give the 7" series a chance. Compared to the 5" figures, the sculpts really do shine. At the moment, it's uncertain as to how many "series" or figures per license we will do each year, but I would imagine it depends on the initial response in the stores, and what the license can give us in terms of characters. Will we do the main characters of each license, definitely. Will we do the supporting characters, sure. Will we get into the guy in the background that you only see once or twice - unfortunately, probably not. And the tricky thing with Walking Dead is that there are so many main characters, it can be difficult to determine who to do. The biggest fear is that we would choose a character, take the 9 months to produce said character (because that's how long it takes to create a produce a figure), then find out the character has died off in that time and is no longer relevant. Plus the licensor has their own outlook on it. I do know that even to get the Dale created, we had to consistently ask for over a year since they didn't think a deceased character was relevant.

We are still working out the details of how the figures will release as well, whether they will be mixed, per genre, or license. But it does open up the opportunity to release different licenses all during the year, instead of once or twice a year. (Possibly 1-2 Walking Dead figures every month or every other month, instead of 7-8 figures all at once twice a year)

As for the Mini Big Heads, the large heads a custom fit to the small construction sized bodies, so you wouldn't be able to just pop it off and onto a larger 5" figure. But with all of the talented people out there in the community, I would imagine that they could be customized to work I'm not 100% sure on the cost of the Big Heads, but I would think they would be maybe a dollar more or so than the bling bag figures since they have the added Big Head, plus the connecting jewel case.

 

[spawnshop]

@jross2276 I completely agree!! My start is similar to yours. I was late to the show and the figures as well. I had been seeing Andrea and Carl at Walgreen's. The scale was off putting as I was currently collecting Marvel universe I had hoped to use TWD figures as civilians at the time. Still seeing the figures there peaked my curiosity. I did some research and the first two series lack of articulation and the only two lines per year paired with the odd scale still left me cautious. However I couldn't resist the urge one day so I bought Andrea. Once I opened her up I was floored!! Never in all my years of collecting had I seen so many points of articulation hiden behind such a beautifully detailed sculpt! I couldn't put it down. I immediately went back to buy Carl and the rest is history!!! Fantasizing about future line ups and what debut characters may look like in figure form has gotten me thru many of long days at work lol. I've never experienced the cancelation of line before, it truly hurts. Hopefully @spawnshop can shine some light on any future what so ever in this scale.

It really is uncertain what the future may or may not bring for the 5" other than what was shown at Toy Fair. Yes, the Comic series will stay 5". And there have been other ideas tossed around about future 5" figures. Maybe collector club, maybe trade shows, who knows?
The only way to let McFarlane know that you still want them is to voice your opinion as you have. So keep doing it, in a constructive way. I do know that Todd and the company have definitely heard your voice so far.

 

[spawnshop]

Who really knows the real reason behind the change? Smaller scale super articulated figures seem to be a dying breed due to increased manufacturing costs.

This is a good point. Along with demands of the retailers, or lack thereof.

 

[Norman11]

Yes I think so to. Negan and Jesus are such crusial characters in the show. I'm sad the line is ending. It feels "incomplete" , and the way it ended was so brutal without any heads up. I want Sasha so bad in 5"!!

 

[kassle]

As always, @spawnshop , thank you for being a friend to the collector.

And we really should take his message to heart. @spawnshop is the one who urged us to keep making our voices heard about Beth...and here she is.

I will share some customs I have recently added to my collection to remind us of what could be, if we can get the message to Todd & Co.