Archive-name: toys/misc-faq/part3
Posting-frequency: bi-weekly Last-modified: 96/06/15 Version: 16.0 URL: http://utmdacc.mda.uth.tmc.edu:5014/eric/rtm/faq.html See reader questions & answers on this topic! - Help others by sharing your knowledge ************* ************* ** ** ************* **** **** * * ** ** * * F R E Q U E N T L Y * ** ** * * * * * A S K E D *** ************* * * * * ***Q U E S T I O N S * * * * * *** * ***** ************* *** ************ The rec.toys.misc FAQ Part 3 Volume 16 June 15, 1996 LEGAL This FAQ may be distributed or referenced in whole or in DISCLAIMER: part in any forum as long as the Author and Contributors sections remain with any portion of the FAQ that is referenced outside of the rec.toys.misc forum, and no profit is gained from the use of this FAQ in any forum. SECTION 3: BATMAN Q1: Why so many Batmans and Robins and so few villains or other characters in the various Batman lines? A1: Kenner feels that the other characters will not sell as well as Batman and Robin (at least this is what they claim). Besides that, it is more profitable to use the same molds over and over again then to create new molds for new characters as long as they continue to sell. Q2: Why can't I find the villains that have been made? A2: Continuing with their philosophy that villains don't sell, the villains that Kenner does make are usually packed one per case, and taking this into factor, dealers hoard them along with all the other one per case figures they can find. Fortunately, the miracle of all miracles has occurred and Kenner has reissued the original Joker, Mr. Freeze and Bane with rumors of reissuing Poison Ivy. SECTION 4: FANTASTIC FOUR Q1: Whats an "interim" Fantastic Four figure? A1: When Toy Biz realized that it was a mistake to release only half of the FF in the first assortment, they hastily produced Human Torch and Invisible Woman "interim" figures. The "interim" Human Torch is different from the second assortment Torch in that it is actually a repainted FF Silver Surfer figure with "Glow-in- the-dark-flames" and a TB Catapult Launcher whereas the second Torch is a newly molded figure with Sparking-Action. Similarly, the "interim" Invisible Woman is a repainted Iron Man Spider-Woman figure with clear-plastic platform and shield while the Series II Invisible Woman is a newly molded clear figure also known as "clear Invisible Woman" (see Q4.2). The "interim" figures had a short production run and are no longer being made, but are probably still available in some areas. "Interim" is not the official name for these figures, but a term dubbed by rtmers to distinguish the repaints from the Series II figures. Q2: How many different Invisible Woman figures have there been and which one is the hardest to find? A2: From Randy Matthews (randym@aloha.com): "As for the Invisible Woman versions, there have been four figures released within the last 3 years: Marvel Superheroes Card Invisible Woman 1 (1993) - this is the one that changes color. Apparently Toy Biz had some problems making it work correctly and this figure was discontinued. Invisible Woman 2 (1994) - this one does not change colors. It is packaged with an 'invisible' catapult launcher (the first version did not have this launcher). Fantastic Four Card Invisible Woman 1 (1995) - this is a repainted Spider-Woman figure from the Iron Man line. It was produced between the first and second series of the FF line to satisfy demand for a complete set of the FF. It is also known as the 'Interim Invisible Woman.' (see Q4.1) Invisible Woman 2 (1995) - this is the clear plastic version produced for the second series. Although the back of the FF cards show a 'solid' Invisible Woman, the clear figure is the one that was ultimately released." For those interested in how difficult it is to locate each of these figures (in descending order of difficulty): Marvel Super-Heroes IW 1 - most difficult to find, no longer being produced, produced in short supply FF IW 1 - produced in semi-short supply, but not to hard to find FF IW 2 - four to a case, hoarded by dealers, but still not to difficult to find Marvel Super-Heroes IW 2 - no longer produced but still available in large supply, usually below standard retail Q3: Was the Adam Warlock figure pictured on the back of the third series Iron Man and Fantastic Four assortments ever released? A3: No, Adam Warlock wasn't released despite the fact that he appears on the cardbacks. Word is he will be released in an assortment with three other figures in a co-venture between Toy Biz and Fleer as a promotion for the Marvel Overpower CCG. SECTION 6: STAR TREK Q1: I just saw a bunch of Thomas Riker action figures at the toy store, what's the big deal about them? A1: You most likely saw the Deep Space Nine Thomas Riker figure (Asst. No. 6230, Stock No. 6246) with Space Cap. The figure that is, or was, out in limited quantity, having a production run of only 10,000, is The Next Generation Thomas Riker (Asst. No. 6070, Stock No. 6946) without card or Space Cap. Q2: Did they make the Red Data/Data in "Redemption" figure, I've never seen one? A2: The Data in "Redemption" had a production run of 5,000 and was available only through the JCPenny's Christmas Catalog as part of a "Bridge Crew" set with three other figures (each packaged as a regular figure with card and bubble). The same figure was released in Canada with a blue sticker on the bubble that read "Lt. Cmd. Data". A "Data in Red Uniform," or Red Data, was never released. (NOTE: Yes, Playmates made a mistake, Data did not wear a red uniform in the TNG episode "Redemption.") Q3: Is the Movie Edition U.S.S. Excelsior the same as the Generations U.S.S. Enterprise-B? A3: Yes, except for the decals, both ships are the same. Many people have pointed out that, in reality, the U.S.S. Excelsior does not look exactly like the Enterprise-B, unfortunately, Playmates was unaware or indifferent to this fact. Q4: What are the various Star Trek variations I see being sold or mentioned on rtm? A4: 1) TNG Lt. Cmd. Geordi LaForge (1992) - Originally came with a removable VISOR before they were permanently attached with epoxy for safety reasons, card backs also reflect this change. 2) TNG Gowron (1992) - Briefly came with the five pips on his belt not painted gold. 3) TNG Borg (1992) - Some "reverse negative" Borgs were mistakenly released with the picture on the card back reversed. 4) TNG Ferengi (1992) - Some Ferengis were released without black on the boots or a black stripe above the boots. 5) Classic Star Trek Commander Kruge (1995) - Some were mistakenly released on a card with Kruge card front, but a Spock card back and a different part number. 6) Star Trek: Voyager Captain Janeway (1995) - It is common to see Janeway's with a B'elanna Torres trading card instead of the Janeway trading card. Q5: What's a Tapestry Picard and why are there so many posts about it? A5: Captain Picard as seen in the episode "Tapestry," a part of the Playmates Star Trek line is, in itself, nothing special. Its simply a mix-n-match figure of a Captain Picard head on a Generations Admiral Kirk body, with minor modifications, based on the Star Trek: TNG episode "Tapestry." What's special, or better put, infamous about this figure is that only 1701 (as in U.S.S. Enterprise NCC-1701) were released in "celebration" of Star Trek's 30th Anniversary, the first of a series of limited edition figures. This figure is causing quite a stir in the collector/scalper arena. Collector's are rightfully angry that Playmates is showing such disregard for its customers in favor of the hype generated by the secondary market (and ignorant comments from Playmates employees like Stever Garber are just making matters worse). The figures are going for so much on the secondary market that the average collector will never be able afford one in hopes of completing his/her collection. All in all, its not a pretty picture. SECTION 7: STAR WARS Q1: What new Star Wars figures are coming out? A1: For the best info on whats to come, check out Adam Pawlus' Star Wars Newsletter in the News section of the Action Figure Web Page or The Pawlus Page (see Q1.3), or e-mail him for a subscription at: apawlus@mailhost.primenet.com. Q2: How do I get the various Star Wars mail-in figures? A2: The Han Solo in Stormtrooper Outfit is free with an official order form and two proofs of purchase from Froot Loops cereal, there is no shipping and handling costs and the offer expires December 31, 1996, or until supplies are exhausted. These figures have already begun shipping to those who ordered them. Call 1-800-237-1132 for information. SECTION 8: MISCELLANEOUS TOY LINES Action Masters Q1: Which Action Masters have not been released? The Batman four-pack, the Superman single figures, the Superman four-pack, the Star Wars Snowtrooper, and a single-card Star Wars Chewbacca (only available in the SW six-pack). The Tick Q2: Was the 3" Dinosaur Neil figure ever released, and, if not, will it be? A2: It was never released, and now that The Tick line has been canceled, it probably never will be. U.S. Agent Q3: Why is everyone so excited about U.S. Agent figures? You can buy them just about anywhere. A3: Believe it or not, there are two U.S. Agent figures: U.S. Agent I - Part of the last assortment of the late Marvel Super-Heroes line. He was a repaint of Captain America, available in wide release and can still be had in many stores for $5 or less. U.S. Agent II - If you look on the back an Iron Man series III card, you will see a U.S. Agent figure, but don't bother looking on the racks, he won't be there. He was canceled, but not before 93 samples were made. Tomarts Toy Digest received one of these samples and had a U.S. Agent Giveaway Contest. An rtm reader was the lucky winner of this fully-functional fully-painted shield- launching figure in a baggy (see Tomarts #25). Ted Sallis, Toy Biz toy sculptor, received one as well. I assume some lucky people with good connections will get the rest. Ted Sallis says a new U.S. Agent figure may be released some time in the future, but it will be retooled. So if you ever wondered just what a "rare" figure really is, this is it. X-Men Q4: What are the different versions of Iceman? A4: To date there have been three versions of Iceman in the Toy Biz X- Men line: Iceman Ia - A clear figure which had color-changing icicle formation feature when placed in the freezer. Released in limited supply because of its tendency to break once frozen. Iceman Ib - Same mold as Iceman I, but made of almost transparent blue plastic. Had none of the features of Iceman I. Iceman II - A new mold and easily distinguishable from Iceman I. SECTION 9: THE CONTRIBUTORS Q1: Who should I thank for contributing to the FAQ? A1: A whole lotta people, that's who: Marcia Bednarcyk (marcia@netcom.com) For suggesting that etiquette on challenging sale prices on rtm be included (see Q2.13) and that appropriate etiquette for the posting frequency of sales and auctions be included. Bruce Bernard (berogue1@ix.netcom.com) For providing information on how to contact FAO Schwarz. Chip Cataldo (km2046@CNSVAX.ALBANY.EDU) For posting George Emmon's Action Figure Updates. Sonya Choi Lee (belandy@uclink2.berkeley.edu) For the suggesting the use of "FS:" in for sale post headings (see Q2.11) and for additions to the "I've been ripped off question" (see Q2.22). Julius Cooper aka Weasel (jucooper@us.oracle.com) For various additions/corrections. George Emmons (gemmons@shrsys.hslc.org) For continuing to provide rtm with his Action Figure Update posts even during his all to long hiatus from rtm. Pamela Green (pkgreen@u.washington.edu) For steering me in the right direction to get official approval for the FAQ. Gus Lopez (lopez@cs.washington.edu) For giving me express permission to use sections of the rec.arts.sf.starwars.collecting FAQ. Leigh Melton (leigh@nbi.com) For giving me some very useful advice on the dangers of creating an FAQ. Randy Matthews (randym@aloha.com) For allowing me to use information from his web page (see Q1.7, Q1.10), for providing information on the Marvel Superheros/ Fantastic Four Invisible Woman figures (see Q4.1), and for creating the original html version of this document and making it available at his site, The Action Figure Web Page (see Q1.3). Eric G. Myers (emyers@utmdacc.mda.uth.tmc.edu) For providing information on the X-Men Iceman figures (see Q8.4), for his Q&As on shipping and insuring packages (see Q2.9, Q2.10), for info on the Spawn White Pilot and Violator II figures (see Q5.1, Q5.2), for the information he provided on removing price tags (see Q1.14), for volunteering for the arduous task of creating an up-to-date, new and improved html FAQ, and for taking the time to provide input on just about every volume of the FAQ. Aaron Newton (amnewt01@starbase.spd.louisville.edu) For explaining what is appropriate on this newsgroup and for posting rtm's charter (see Q1.1), and for providing information about the IRC channel #toys (see Q1.4). Brian Pearce (brian@ritz.mordor.com) For his suggestion on obtaining currently available "rare" figures at retail prices (see Q2.3, Q2.4). rec.arts.sf.starwars.collecting FAQ Maintainers (http://www.cs.washington.edu/homes/lopez/faq.html) For allowing me use many Q&As on general toy collecting from their FAQ (see Q2.8, Q2.14, Q2.15, Q2.17, Q2.20, Q2.21). Ted Sallis (tedsallis@aol.com) For information on the Iron Man U.S. Agent figure (see Q8.3). Terry (U16028@UICVM.BITNET) For providing info on the Red Data/Data in "Redemption" figure (see Q6.2). David Thiel (d-thiel@uiuc.edu) For his information on the Ambush Predator figure. TZ (Tom Zarzecki) (TWZ101@psuvm.psu.edu) For his "How to figure out what's rare" list (see Q2.5) and his commentary on investing in toys (see Q2.23). C.W. Walker (CW12621@conrad.appstate.edu) For providing first word on the Star Wars POTF95 figures, and for his Star Wars Action Master info (see Q8.1). Barb Williams (bwilliam@saul6.u.washington.edu) For providing info on various Star Trek variants (see Q6.4). --Scott Gordon a.k.a. Trekker Extraordinaire-- =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= See my home page, Coalesence. Your gateway to Scott's Sliders Site, The Toy Closet, and more. ____________ _-_ ______ \__________|)____.---'---`---.____ __O_ ____/_____| || \----._________.----/ ======________/----------\ || / ,' `---' (____/--------\______ | ___||_,--' -._ SCOTT GORDON \ \ /___ 1:1 ||(- scottg10@ix.netcom.com __/____/__ `---._____-' S0628904@dominic.barry.edu {__________{ http://euclid.barry.edu/~gordon Maintainer of the rec.toys.misc FAQ =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= User Contributions: |
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