[RETRO] Wrestling Megastars by Epic Toys

Great on Demolition but surely unarticulated statues are quicker and easier to produce than retros? Genuine question.

I had a chance to listen to a lot of the MWFP’s latest episode where some of this is addressed.

This forum is brought up and the mixed feelings weren’t hidden. For all the crap we have given people, I will say this: Matt’s bedside manner has improved over the years and even recently. It could be growth in the way things or viewed or it could be biting of the tongue just to avoid causing more trouble than what it is worth. Either way, it is a positive.

Some points were brought up that are worth noting:

-Matt directly addressed the perpetuated claim that they own a piece of ZST/Heels and Faces. They don’t. I’m not sure how many times I have seen the same people on this forum try to spread this misinformation or lie but hopefully I won’t be alone anymore in shutting them down the next time it comes up.

Brian wasn’t able to be part of this conversation due to travel issues but Mark and Matt spent some time addressing the bias. I’m mixed on this one as I was happy to hear it brought up but not the part that I take issue with. Matt made a good point in that they know Zombie Josh and have inside information regarding where things stand with his production times, when and why there are delays, etc. They don’t deny that they like his products the most.

The major issue that some of us are having is that things just aren’t treated with anywhere close to the same fairness when there are issues. If what Matt has said is true, a number of Epic Toys products haven’t even been put into production yet (I think he mentions Demolition and Sabu). I can see why some of this is taking longer than desired as some have pointed out (taking over the company, dealing with past orders, running a business outside of figure making). I also imagine the cost to try and produce all these things at once would be a huge risk and a small fortune. But none of those thoughts are discussed or given the time of day. That is where I find issue.

This does bounce back to Epic though…I follow them on social media, I listen to 3POA every week and I still don’t have a good idea of where things stand with a lot of items nor how long they will take. I feel certain that I will get my Haku by the end of the year but I have no concept of how long future products will take. Their business model and financial situation is not expected to be public knowledge but it is something that you can’t help but wonder about at this stage in the game.

At this point I’m really wondering how hard it is to get figures independently made. I’m no expert; I just would like to know more about the process from beginning to end. Find out the trials and tribulations of each company. I guess if MWFP or 3POA are looking for bonus episode content, there ya go. If you guys aren’t afraid of giving away too many trade secrets, it would be great to hear your step-by-step process of becoming a toy maker. From how you approach talent about the idea, what kind of pay structure is typical (flat fee vs. percentage of sales OR a combination), how you went about seeking out artists, working with 2D artists and 3D artists, how you shopped for factories, what you learned about the price and fees that go into manufacturing, what the process was like for creating the cards and bubbles, when you feel it is appropriate to announce something and why, your experience in quality control and voicing displeasure with a factory (need for changes/mistakes), how often you regularly deal with a factory, the various steps it takes to make each figure, what order they make the parts in, discuss the painting process, how long before you receive the carded sample vs. when the items are all put onto cards, good/bad stories about the shipping process, and what it’s like to receive the finished product and fulfill all of those orders.

Ryders seemingly become the sensible one as of late. Dont know where that came from, but itll only benefit em if he can keep it up.

Thank you for the updates. Looking forward to hearing about everything in greater detail!

I don’t want to put words into anyone’s mouth. I thought he had mentioned Sabu and Demolition but I’m not 100% certain either and would have to go back and listen. There is a guarantee that I’m always doing something else while listening to a podcast so forgive me if I get things wrong from time to time. Hell, it’s hard enough to post here at times without being interrupted by something!

I did appreciate that there weren’t really any overly disparaging things said about Epic this week. No company should be above criticism but fairness, foresight, and restraint can go a long ways.

Nope, that’s pretty much what was happening. Thankfully they were called out on that.

Here are the latest updates involving those:

http://instagram.com/p/CshDIcwvyZR

http://instagram.com/p/CuPYtNBx8Y6

I’m open to ordering from him in the future if he indeed isn’t ripping wrestlers or families off and if the figures blend well enough with the Hasbro line. So far they are pretty mixed. Out of all announced, Mantaur might be the only one that might have my interest.

I wish the Gage 2 pack was already out. I’m with ya. But at least I see pics from the factory every few months. I’ve seen the finished sample. Not just for my fig but for a lot others. So I know they are getting worked on. I know they are coming. I don’t know the exact reason for every delay. But Epic hasn’t even started production on these. (Besides just starting Haku and BWO) That’s the difference.

I have a proposal for you. July bonus episode. You come on and ask us questions and we will answer. No bs. How’s that?

They have STARTED them. Not sure who’s feeding you this BS but it really isn’t true, Demo and PoP molds are complete as well as other upcoming figures that haven’t even been up for pre-order yet. Not fair to tarnish them with the same brush as others and say things that just aren’t true