Toynami Figurama: The Repaint Edition

[Reply #680 on:]

@SculptBoy... kickstart the future!

Unless Toynami hates money.

[Reply #681 on:]

Thank you very very much  Dungeonstone! Its making more sense to me now.  Haha sorry it takes me a while to get things sometimes.  So the more they raise (Reaper), the more series of figures they will produce right? I'm gonna sit down and think of a good way to present this idea to my boss. 

What about Flexo for the 40 dollar pledge? Essentially another Bender but technically a new figure for you guys? Just a thought.  And for one price getting all three mafia figures in a 3 pack packaging? Hmm, so many options.....

Thanks again everyone!

[Reply #682 on:]

You're welcome.

However if they do launch this I want one of the pledge levels named "Dungeonstone"

[Reply #683 on:]

I just bought series nine (bender & URL) to help support this (been holding off since the line looked dead) since SB mentioned them not selling.


Anyway, I concur. Flexo would be a fine incentive.

(Dungeonstone for president.... of Toynami!!)

It's a win-win idea... if Toynami doesn't like it... then they hate money.


Dungeonstone is the only worthwhile PEEL member that doesn't work for Toynami.. he needs to be dubbed a mod or something.

SculptBoy & Dungeonstone; single-handedly saving an entire toyline.

Thank You SculptBoy & Dungeonstone.

[Reply #684 on:]

@Dungeonstone - Haha! You got it!!

[Reply #685 on:]

@Dungeonstone - Haha! You got it!!

Keep us informed on how the big guys at the top like or hate the idea of kickstarter.

And how we can all help.

[Reply #686 on:]

Interesting conversation.

Otto, I had no idea Toynami was sitting on unsold inventory of most of the Futurama figures. I'm sure it's not easy being a toy company, especially a small one. I think the lack of empathy from customers comes from the fact that the lines of communication out of toy companies like Toynami are so poor. Luckily we have you dropping by!

I don't have anything to add on this Kickstarter stuff, except that it sounds very cool! If Futurama fans could bring the show back from the dead, I'm not giving up hope that we could do the same with this toy line.

If retail sales have been dwindling and have reached a dead end, some kind of limited venture one toy at a time, whatever the route is the way to go. Again, if need be, I'd pay a higher-than-retail price to get Morbo, Lrr and the Robot Mafia.

But Flexo? I don't know if that's such a good trial for Kickstarter. I understand why he's an easy one for Toynami to make, but it's pretty cheeky and have to think the prototype that was received with the least amount of enthusiasm. But I don't know, maybe I'm underestimating his appeal, after people shelled out for Universe B figures. Speaking of which, if Toynami's looking for a low-cost route, how about completing these guys (Amy, Hermes, Professor)?

Personally, as far as totally new figures go, I think Morbo or Lrr would be better ones, as enthusiasm was high for those and it's less of a commitment than trying three Robot Mafia figures in one go. These guys are both popular characters and who doesn't love oddball aliens?

One last thought, maybe there'd be some way to marshall all the forces of Peelified behind this Kickstarter idea. I suspect there are a lot of fans here who didn't get into the toys, but might be susceptible to a 'Save Futurama' drive of this sort. Maybe try for a Peelified or GotFuturama exclusive figure (slap a sticker on it  )?

[Reply #687 on:]

Okay, one more thing...

Alluded to it already, but how about releasing more Destructors? Demand for that is high judging by the sky-high premiums on the secondary market. Would the previously promised "retail" versions with Gender Bender count as a lower-commitment one to try (Kickstarter or whatever) since all the work's been done on Destructor already?

[Reply #688 on:]

I'm going to make lists of ideas we could do with a Kickstarter thing this weekend.  If you guys have any ideas for repaint figures to throw in as incentives I'm all ears! And also what do you guys want more, Mafia or Lrrr? Or Morbo? Maybe Jabalong is right and it would be better to do just Lrrr at first? I'm just trying to come up with the best presentation I can so they'll take me seriously! :P

[Reply #689 on:]

The most obvious repaints would be Universe 1 Amy, Hermes, Bender and Farnsworth.

[Reply #690 on:]

Hedonism Bot is a nice idea too, but I would say after Lrrr, Mafia, and Morbo as he doesn't have as big a role as those guys.

I would hold off on Flexo, at least for now - we have enough Bender type robots already...

We had a thread around here with a poll for this, I'm gonna see if I can bump it. Or change the poll in this thread if enough people throw out different character ideas.

[Reply #691 on:]

I think Lrrr, being quite a popular character and unique in design would probably be the best to start with. I really like the Mafia, but there are a lot of robots in this line already.

[Reply #692 on:]

Otto -

Check out this thread as well for some past ideas. I stickied it for you

[Reply #693 on:]

I just bought Wooden Bender and URL from bbts.com once I found out the figures in the later lines didn't sell well (which I had already assumed).

And they literally got here today and I just ordered them, go UPS!!!!!

URL is great.... how about a street clothes variant?
You could paint his body to look like he's wearing street clothes and give him the Sam Jackson hat.

Perhaps FutureFreak is correct, maybe it is time to lay off on the Bender variants... they probably ended up hurting sales in the later lines... in a strange way... b/c most people want Bender.. not Chef or Wooden Bender.
Also Flexo is probably dead anyway... since he threw himself in the dumpster... I don't like getting dead characters over main one's like Morbo or say.. Scruffy.

I've said it once and I'll say it again... just b/c Zoidberg needs new hand and jacket molds... a new encore of him... would be an ultimate seller.

So many people just want a Zoidberg toy... any new variant of him would be killer.

Another Golden Bender or Blue Zoidberg would be hot sellers.

Green Jacket Leela may be another fun idea as well.

Or repaint Zapp and Kif in off-duty/hobo uniforms.

Or Amy and Leela repaints in various sexy outfits might sell better than anyone would like to admit... say like that purple nighty Leela wears.. or Amy's dominatrix getup.

Or King Nudar... or Blown Up King Nudar repaints.



Anyway,
I want Morbo and The Robot Mafia more than Lrrr if that helps any.

[Reply #694 on:]

I think they should concentrate on moulds they have readily available to start with. Zoidy requires new moulds to be made, and already has 3 figures released so I doubt that many people care to have one.

I say go for the obvious repaints of Universe 1 Farnsworth, Amy, Hermes and Bender. And the new Lrrr, Morbo, Mafia, Gender Bender and Flexo's that have yet to be released but had the starts put on them.

[Reply #695 on:]

I think they should concentrate on moulds they have readily available to start with. Zoidy requires new moulds to be made, and already has 3 figures released so I doubt that many people care to have one.

Kickstarter could fund the new hand and jacket Zoidberg molds.

I know ten people whom ONLY want a Zoidberg toy.

Not just several family members, but I know some friends whom only want a Zoidberg toy as well.

Including my Mom, lol.

DEAL WITH IT.

[Reply #696 on:]

I like the idea of a Golden Bender MuchAdo, considering the only one out there from years ago is upwards of 300 dollars and more. And I'm not nearly as skilled enough to repaint a current version.

[Reply #697 on:]

And it's not part of the official line.

[Reply #698 on:]

Welp, Golden Bender would probably be the easiest, most viable, best selling option.

People want him more than a chef or wooden version, for examples.

I really do want to help in anyway possible.

I respect everyone on here (this section), and perhaps if we ALL work together we can save the line.

Thanks to everyone on here with positive and helpful suggestions.

This is all PEEL is to me.. this wondeful toy section.

Go, Futurama toys!!

[Reply #699 on:]

Hey Scultboy, here are my two-scents on the Kickstarter idea to aid in your presentation to Toynami.

1) Toynami has leftover figures. One of the options for the pledges could be to choose from a variety of old figures to allow Toynami to raise funds and offload excess inventory. This may not fly as it could undermine retailers. It might at least work for Destructor as retailers are sold out and it is only the secondary market that is selling the figure.

2) Don't create too many options. The first goal should be for one figure. Assuming it costs $40,000 to produce one run of a figure and Toynami requires a 100% return on investment, the first goal should be $80,000 for one figure. You can have multiple levels though, say $30 for destructor, $15 for old figures not selling well (*cough* Nudar) and $40 for the new figure (if it is a large one such as Lrrr or less for smaller ones). Toynami shouldn't be afraid of using old figures to raise money as these are sunk costs and may have already been written-off anyways. Once a goal is reached, start with another figure an make the next goal $160,000, etc.

3) Focus on already designed figures. I assume it takes a while to design and licence a figure (Groening might have to approve each one). As I read through this thread it seems interest is waning. The faster something shows up on Kickstarter, the more people will be interested in it. I recommend choosing a repaint figure or one of the already designed figures such as a Lrrr or Morbo. As for the robot mafia, they look cool but they are a group. I would personally be less likely to fund one of those due to the risk of never completing the set.  Also, re-issuing old figures may not have the same appeal, even if it is a Golden Bender.

4) Discuss long-term potential. Show Toynami the results of the Reapers Kickstarter campaign and discuss the possibility of releasing multiple figures and how they would not be required to produce them until they have received their earnings goal. This is low risk and guarantees earnings for each figure, reducing the risk of inventory on-hand and not achieving margins.

Anyways, I just got excited about this line again! Good luck SculptBoy

[Reply #700 on:]

I'd be happy to donate to this (as long as they send to the UK).

I'd like to see a Golden bender & re-releases of Zoidberg, hes the only figure i'm missing and prices are crazy at the minute.

I want to see Morbo, Lrr, Robot mafia & slurms mckenzie

[Reply #701 on:]

Here are my first thoughts:

I would like to get Scruffy, a Robot Mafia 3-pack and the other already existing prototypes. I don't like the idea to just offer old figures or new variants. When the pledge sum is high enough, there is no risk in offering new figures.

By nature, people will (have to) pay more than the usual retail price for kickstarter products. When you watch different kickstarter projects you will see that the real products (I mean physical items, not downloads) sell for two or three times than the similar retail price. So the people here should be aware of this. I think, a robot mafia 3-pack will cost about $100 to $120 plus more for the previous pledge levels. Maybe the lowest pledge levels will include only a supporters T-shirt and a thank-you-card for $25. For $40 you could get this plus an old figure from the Toynami stock signed by some Toynami artists. And so on...
What I want to say is that the community should be aware that the figures will not be available for the retail price!

And you should care about shipping internationally! All kickstarter projects I looked at were available internationally. You should tell the people that the declared value will be the usual retail price, NOT the pledge level. This will help people to save on customs fee (in a legal way!). For the higher pledge levels, international shipping should already be included or the shipping rate should already be mentioned allowing people to add the shipping in advance to their pledge amount. Usually you can read "add $10 for international shipping" at different pledge levels in several projects. Of course, for the really high levels ($1000 and above) everything is already included!

I would recommend to look at at least ten different kickstarter projects to get an impression of such projects.

I think you will have to offer status updates. This may include videos from the sculpturing and production process. My experience says that backers want to see continuous progress on projects they supported. All pledge levels may include a vote for several box designs. Or for a level of $10 and above, you could vote which figure should be the first to be produced. For the really high levels, the name of the backers could be printed on the box (kickstarter version only; when reproduced later, the box and/or contents should differ).

[Reply #702 on:]

I 2nd Scruffy.

Scurffy or Morbo would be at the top of my list.. and Hedonismbot.

[Reply #703 on:]

They need to concentrate on getting the existing protos out before worrying about new ones.

I want Scruffy, too. But let's be practical and start with the most popular character out of the protos. Which would obviously be Lrrr, or Morbo.

[Reply #704 on:]

oh man, i really love the idea of Kickstarting new Futurama figures! ill support every one of these ideas!
 
Ive supported bands I like several times with Kickstarter to help them get new albums out, and every time they seem to get at least 300% of their goals, which they then turn around and use the money go on a new nation-wide tour.

just an example, 2 of the bands I supported this year:
Android Lust = 350% funded
Caustic = 609% funded

[Reply #705 on:]

Great initiative guys. I really hope the Kickstarter campaign takes off.

Robot Mafia and Morbo gets my vote for the initial figures.

[Reply #706 on:]

I agree that the focus should be on getting existing prototypes built up into marketable product before any completely new pieces should be considered.

[Reply #707 on:]

A Robot Mafia pack with 3 figures....that would be great!! Of course I want Scruffy and Hedonismbot too, but not many people know them, I think Lrrr and Morbo are more popular---> so try it with a Monster pack! Anyway, the Mafia pack should work!

[Reply #708 on:]

if they're such fans of re-releasing figures...why won't toynami re-release the i-men?

i want them, but i don't wanna pay $200 for 'em.

[Reply #709 on:]

I'm new to peelified and found out yesterday that Toynami won't be continuing the Futurama line. Is this true; is it set in stone?

I would love to see bendy figures (similar material to the Dark Horse Futurama figures) of the Reincarnation Sound Cartoon versions but with color.

Another thing that would be cool is exact replica miniatures to the 6" Toynami Futurama figures that could fit into a scale Planet Express building.

[Reply #710 on:]

In response to ScultBoy:
Morbo
repaint: Glorious Golden Bender;
Zapp and Kif in their white and gold uniforms;
Nudar should've had gold chains and a crown - the stuff that he stole;
URL with Bender's tile work on his rear / back;
Zoidberg: shell-less (might require a new mold though), covered in black ink, invisible (clear);
Leela with her bright green tank top...

[Reply #711 on:]

Another Repaint:
Rebirth Fry and Leela
Leela with part of her arm showing wires (nibbler bit off her 'skin')
Fry with a hole 'right between the lungs'

[Reply #712 on:]

Posting multiple times in a row is frowned upon in the PEEL community. We have an edit button for a reason. In any case, welcome!

Toynami should release a two pack of Zapp and Kif repaints. Or just reissue them in general as a two pack. I don't have either of them, and I'd be more likely to buy two at once. If this whole initiative thing you guys have looked into works, power to all of your for doing something good for all Futurama fans/collectors.

[Reply #713 on:]

Well if the increase in activity on this thread - from new and old posters - is any indication, this Kickstarter idea has the potential to reenergize interest in this line.

I don't know enough about this Kickstarter business to offer solid ideas, except to say I'd think Toynami ought to take in small steps, one figure at a time. Think of it as kind of trying to build a steady flow of limited releases.

If an entirely new figure (ie, new mould) is possible now, then I'd definitely say Morbo or Lrrr over Robot Mafia, as better to try on one rather than three (and I think if/when Robot Mafia done, they really ought to be a set, so maybe save for later). I really need a Morbo, and I think he'd be a cool choice, but somehow I think Lrr would make a bigger splash.

If we're talking repaints on existing moulds since this less of an investment, universe B makes sense. I'd buy the onese we don't have (Amy, Prof, Hermes), though I worry a bit about these as I somehow got the impression that the Fry/Leela one wasn't a huge hit. Any insight on this Otto?

A golden Bender on the Toynami mould would be cool and sell well I think, but don't know if this would piss off people who shelled out for the first one. Often toy companies don't want to rerelease limited figures for fear of alienating existing fans. But in this case, the moulds are a bit different, so maybe it'd be okay.

I don't know about other easy repaints on existing moulds. Maybe if Toynami looked at what would be some of the most cost-effective ideas, then ran them by us, we could express opinions on them.

Speaking of which, the earlier comment about engaging fans, particularly in a Kickstarter process, is important. If Toynami wants to do this and work with the hardcore fan base through limited releases, it needs to step up its communication and engagement. It's not rocket science, you've made a great start here already Otto!

One idea I mentioned earlier is trying to leverage Peelified/GotFuturama. Awhile back there was a poll at GotFuturama about which figures we wanted to be made and I seem to remember that it was somehow tied in with Toynami (as in there'd be some contact between GotFuturama and Toynami).

That would be a great start I think for a Kickstarter campaign. If/when Toynami can come up with a small list of figures it thinks are doable, then why not make an official Fan Poll in conjuntion with GotFuturama (promoted on Toynami's website/Facebook, etc) and get people to vote on which one gets made.

Then you carry that communication forward with updates on the production process (pictures of the prototype making, maybe something from the factory, etc) right up until it's ready to ship.

On a last note, I don't think Benders are bad per se, as I once had a shop manager tell me he could sell anything Bender related. But they have to be cool variants. Otto, any insights on which Bender variants sold well and which didn't? The trouble with Flexo is he's too little of a change I think to get anyone really excited now. I'd backburner him.

But Gender Bender looked really good on the prototype - if you get that one out with a retail version of Destructor, I'd think that would have to be a hot seller judging by the huge premium on Destructor from the get-go on the secondary market.

My two cents and little extra. 

[Reply #714 on:]

Definitely a repaint for the Bender's, The paint used for him is too damn weak!

[Reply #715 on:]

When I was at Avcon last month the talking Bender was for sale. I kinda wish I got it, since my collection of Futurama merchandise is pitifully low for a Futurama fan.

[Reply #716 on:]

Here's another old idea knocked around years ago as food for thought...

I was always disappointed that we never got anymore heads in jars. Thought it would be cool to have a set of them say 6-10 coming with a two- or three-row rack.

This falls into the new ideas category, but I wonder what the cost of tooling just a head is versus a whole figure. Gather Toynami already has the mould for the jar bit from Nixon?

This would also be one that would lend itself really well to a Fan Poll. You could list a bunch of doable heads, and have fans should the top ones they most want made.

Then could bill such a set as Fan Choice set as voted on by fans. I seem remember people being into the idea of getting more heads in jars and would be a fun idea to try resurrect.

 

[Reply #717 on:]

I don't think a lot of people would support a kickstarter campaign if it does not contain any completely new figures. Only a few hardcore collectors would spend money if the campaign starts with repaint variants. And only the hardcore collectors would go for the higher pledge levels that might include 3-packs or deluxe figures.

They should start with a completely new figure like Scruffy or Morbo and hope for a high number of backers as a base for the next levels.

[Reply #718 on:]

Thought it would be cool to have a set of them say 6-10 coming with a two- or three-row rack.

Love this idea. It's something I always hoped Toynami would consider doing. Perhaps they could also have some members of the Star Trek TOS crew to begin with, as they would sell well even outside the Futurama collector circles.

[Reply #719 on:]

I'd love a Matt Greoning head in a jar, but beyond that I wouldn't really be interested in heads in jars.