|
Post by /\/\att on Sept 16, 2006 6:54:24 GMT -5
Recently, there has been some discussion amongst collectors about what is officially regarded as a chase figure versus a running change by Mattel. This came up most recently when discussing the different colored blades on the DCSH Azrael.Well, I contacted Mattel and got some official word on this subject....in regard to ALL Dc figures. Don't shoot the messenger, ok? Here's the deal. We may notice some...difference..variations on characters, especially Batman villains, in the coming waves. Whether these are running changes, variants or chase figures they are now going to leave up to us collectors to decide... they are no longer going to label them in that way for us!This being known officially, I say we, as a collecting community, try to think of what exactly makes a "chase" or "variant" to us versus a "running change". Personally, I need a different head sculpt or an add in accessory to make something a chase figure. Variations in paint qualify as a running change to me. What do you all think?
|
|
|
Post by J-Man on Sept 16, 2006 10:04:06 GMT -5
[shadow=purple,left,300]Well, a chase definitely needs a different sculpt, like you said. Perhaps different accessories, too. A chase is something which changes the figure slightly, but changes it almost dramatically. A variant is basically a different paint job, with the same accessories and sculpt as the original figure.[/shadow]
|
|
|
Post by BruceWest on Sept 16, 2006 11:01:23 GMT -5
A different head would be a Variant, since it would be a variation of the original. A CHASE would be the one every one is chasing such as a 1 per case Azrael. Now you can also have a variant chase. ( red or yellow plastic flames?)
Thats like saying the DCSH Batman Wave# 3 figure has hundreds of variants since all the ones i've seen have different paint schemes on their mask. Some have light blue ,some have more black around the eyes, and some have more of a black wash on them. I had both Bane figures , with and without Osito, i gave the one without to my son because i thought that i have the figure with the bear and the Bane was the same. Why have 2 of the same figure ? To each his own. BW
|
|
|
Post by ??The Riddler?? on Sept 16, 2006 12:06:10 GMT -5
[shadow=purple,left,300]Well, a chase definitely needs a different sculpt, like you said. Perhaps different accessories, too. A chase is something which changes the figure slightly, but changes it almost dramatically. A variant is basically a different paint job, with the same accessories and sculpt as the original figure.[/shadow] [shadow=green,left,300] Couldn't agree with you more, J-Man took the words right out of my mouth. [/shadow]
|
|
|
Post by IamI on Sept 16, 2006 16:30:31 GMT -5
[shadow=purple,left,300]Well, a chase definitely needs a different sculpt, like you said. Perhaps different accessories, too. A chase is something which changes the figure slightly, but changes it almost dramatically. A variant is basically a different paint job, with the same accessories and sculpt as the original figure.[/shadow] [shadow=green,left,300] Couldn't agree with you more, J-Man took the words right out of my mouth. [/shadow] I agree as well, and Matt's point is right on the money, too. However, maybe it should be up to the individual collector. Minute color differences in a figures will not be a reason for me to spend additional money just to get a figure with a subtle difference. That said, I know there are completists on this board who want every figure. Hooray for them as they make Mattel happy with their purchasing.
|
|
|
Post by arkhaminmate on Sept 16, 2006 21:53:06 GMT -5
J-Man nailed it for me too.
|
|
|
Post by nightbat on Sept 16, 2006 23:07:36 GMT -5
Mattel's chase figures so far: Series 1 had a chase Bane w/Osito. Series 2 -zip, Series 3 -zip. Series 4 -nothing yet.
As one of Mattel DCSH biggest supporters, I have to say " what a lame reply!" If you are not going to do chase figures ala Marvel Legends, just say so. Sheesh!
Now that I go that off my chest, I can give my 2 cents. A chase is a figure that ships randomly in cases. That figure does have something very noticeable, such as a new head or added acccessory. A variant is just a running production change such as the infamous "blue/grey" knee pins Batman or the "S" logo Bizarro.
Mattel seems to be heading south with this toy line as now the Series 4 figures come with pack in comics ? The same pack ins from Series 2 ? I'd rather see a diorama or nothing but the figure inside. What the heck ?
|
|
|
Post by PJ on Sept 17, 2006 6:38:33 GMT -5
To me a chase/variant is a less produced limited figure that is either a different scupt, different paint job or has a different accessory from the regular version of the same figure. (Bane with Osito)
A running change is when something switched on a figure during production. (series 1 Batman's knee pins and possibly the Azrael's flames)
|
|
MauledVader
Legions of Gotham Police Officer
Posts: 112
|
Post by MauledVader on Sept 17, 2006 10:46:57 GMT -5
For my money, PJ's definition is a little closer to the mark than Matt & J-Man's. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Matt & J-Man: ...a chase definitely needs a different sculpt, like you said. Perhaps different accessories, too. A chase is something which changes the figure slightly, but changes it almost dramatically. A variant is basically a different paint job, with the same accessories and sculpt as the original figure. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- PJ: To me a chase/variant is a less produced limited figure that is either a different scupt, different paint job or has a different accessory from the regular version of the same figure. (Bane with Osito) A running change is when something switched on a figure during production. (series 1 Batman's knee pins and possibly the Azrael's flames) ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Marvel Legends has the best examples.
Mold differences (alternate heads, parts) like on Wolverine III, Bullseye, Cyclops, Abomination, Green Goblin, Loki, etc., are more of a TRUE change and are TRUE chase figures.
HOWEVER, Dark Phoenix is a simple repaint of the green Phoenix, but it was DEFINITELY a chase figure as well! Gold Iron Man, grey Hulk, blue Angel, and Goliath are repaints that created a new version of the character.
The "4" on the Torch's chest and the yellow to mustard yellow to bright yellow Sentry ate examples of running changes (to me), not chase figures.
Bane with Osito is a chase 'cos of the accessory; NONE of the other figures are chase figures as far as I'm concerned.
Either way, it's kind of a bogus approach on Mattel's part.
|
|
|
Post by Longbowhunter on Sept 17, 2006 19:22:36 GMT -5
hrrmm....its interesting to see Mattels stance on this.Over on RTM,I asked the Horsemen about the possibility of a chase Brainiac and Cornboy responded that they "have no idea...the horsemen sculpt a bunch of accessories that can be used with different characters and Mattel decides what goes with what figure".They also said that so far they havent heard anything about a chase Brianiac.As far as we know,aside from Bane,none of these figures have had chase accessories so maybe they have abandoned the idea in favor of Chase Figures like the upcoming Batgirl figures.In my opinion,things like Azreals flames or eyes on Bizarro are more like running changes and not as big a deal...at least to me.
|
|
MauledVader
Legions of Gotham Police Officer
Posts: 112
|
Post by MauledVader on Sept 17, 2006 20:28:19 GMT -5
Hey, Longbowhunter!
I saw your post over on RTM and decided to ask "Conboy" about the Cassandra Batgirl. Hopefully, we will hear back from him soon!
|
|