The All Retro Figures General Discussion [Closing Soon!]

The odds don’t look the best for a February release as planned. It would be a joyous event if it does. My biggest hope is that we don’t get strung along like we did with Super7 NJPW. I think the biggest difference between the two is that Super7 intentionally went radio silent during almost that entire time. That doesn’t seem like Zombie’s style so I’m confident we’ll find out more as it unfolds.

I’m really looking forward to the first series being released just to put an end to a lot of the negativity…that and series 2 is what I’m really excited about!

Great question! I’m going to give a longer answer which might help to explain why I am a little more patient/understanding than some. Obviously I cannot speak for Zombie. There are two possibilities I can see: one is that ZST is posting older information/photos and is one or two steps ahead in the process. The other is that he is posting stuff soon after he gets it. If he is delaying the information he shares, February is still on the table. If not then it is unlikely we get it in hand before then. I think March or even April is a more realistic release date which I would rather have if the only other option is rushing the product/only doing partial shipments. I really hope Zombie goes the RSC route and flies stuff over instead of shipping them by water.

I think an interview with Zombie about the manufacturing process would be really insightful. He probably knew way more than most going into it but also has to have learned a ton as he has gone along. Obviously certain things would need to be kayfabed as they could be trade secrets or just information he wants protected.

Working with factories can be an absolute gamble even on the highest levels. When I worked for a major company in the United States who had been around for decades, they were always having difficulties with their overseas factories. Timelines were constantly unreliable. Quality issues were constantly being monitored as factories would try to cut corners or workers were unskilled (sometimes both). This isn’t limited to Asia either. My wife works for one of the largest manufacturing companies in the world in a role that deals with quality. She handles issues from plants in countries through out the world. Some of the stuff I hear almost daily is shocking…especially in the United States. The amount of time, money, and resources wasted boggles the mind.

The point of all this is that even with good factories making products that have been the same for years, you run into all kinds of issues…even issues that the customer is never told about. Things can change and sometimes we (in this case Zombie) aren’t told why. So there is still a possibility that the Heels and Faces release date looks correct on paper but won’t end up that way in reality. It would be irritating on everyone’s end…but I can’t really say when ZST would know for sure if the figures will miss their target date. None of us are privy to the steps necessary for things to arrive nor do we know where things are actually at in the process.

Realistically, even if their company had them in hand today, shipping thousands of orders is no easy task for a smaller operation. I’m sure they have a system ready to go but a random guess would have me saying it would take a week to prep and then a week to deliver across the country if using slower/standard USPS. That would mean that we are already bleeding over into that February release date.

So what is the best move? Hard to say. I’m not sure if there are that many customers who are out with their pitchforks wanting blood because an updated release date has yet to be given. A rational person might tell people more once they themselves know something a bit more concrete.

You answered A, B, and C throughout you response. You should run for office.

IMO a majority in the fig community wouldn’t grab pitch forks over a delay. However, they would over the lack of transparency where they feel manipulated. 

Updated timeframes should be relayed the same day they are known.

Would you agree that: Hypothetically, if ZST knew on October 1st that Dec-Feb was off the table, that the preorder customers should be notified on October 1st not February 28th?

I gave all possibilities thought because I don’t know the truth of the matter. My opinion is that if the figures are going to be delayed, ZST probably has reasoning for not announcing that yet. Not everyone will agree with that approach. No matter what, it isn’t the best position to be in. Either you come out and say “I was wrong, there are issues, I don’t know for sure when they are coming out so give me a few more months.” Or you try to minimize your damage and you wait until closer to the projected release date and say “sorry, it’ll be another month or two.” The second option creates distrust with some which I understand. But for others who aren’t following it as closely, they may not have a longer-running resentment if they are under the impression that the figures will be here just a little later than expected.

None of it is ideal and I would expect updates in the near future. Not sure what else to say about it.

Come on mate - if the line is delayed he has reason for not announcing it yet? Really?

Even zombies friends on the pod have commented on the long time from pre sale to receipt.

Chella I have provided both positive and negative criticism when it was imo due

It’s not a personal attack so please don’t take it that way and to me your contributions are as valid as everyone else’s and all opinions should be respected - that goes without saying (or at least it should) but it feels like because of previous negativity you go over and above overcompensating. you have to be able to see both sides of the coin and praise when needed snd not when it isn’t due. Otherwise it makes the praise somewhat meaningless if you won’t call out constructive criticism.

I don’t think you come across as rubbing people the wrong way

I posted about the ring first when pictures come out - sharing that is news. Also just because someone doesn’t think something is great doesn’t make it negative. For a recent example people said they did t like the purple on the blue meanie figure by chella and they have changed to purple. There’s a perfect example of taking feedback onboard to make the product better and make your potential customers more likely to want the product. Your very positive about the line and occasionally I might think overtly do but that’s your prerogative

You also make valid points:
Some of the figures do look good
He is doing something many on here would love to do (not me, too much of a headache lol) and like you say for some it would be a dream

However he has made a lot of missteps and it’s not bullying or picking on someone to point those out.

I get your positive in outlook and again that’s great, but using the example of danhausen being advertised for months as coming with accessories, only to then have it told to us the accessories are bonus and only for a few day pre sale - you have to admit, ignoring any bias you feel people may have that’s poor and not good form? These are the only things I’ve called out - his poor communication (and the unusual arm length)

I get you say he comes across better in interviews but those podcasts are seen heard by a very small % of people v the tweets from him which are then retweeted by the major pod, the wrestlers etc so as that’s the form of communication seen by most it’s crucial it’s on point.

I like to think while we have different opinions we at least can put our point across in a respectful way and I guess on a lot of things we need to agree to disagree. It’s a Shame imo the negative outweigh positive in this line v other small toy operations - again for me junk shop just nail it across the board - respectful, don’t flood communication but when it comes out it’s clear and precise, the product is so on form for what they’re trying to replicate. I don’t know either operation personally but from what I see junk shop just tick all the boxes for me

I do think it’s important we’re allowed to discuss aspects we think are not good though because like I say they can make positive change - people were very outspoken about the Aldis chella - they took that on board and the figures improved. They have made other misters along the way but they’re open to feedback and that makes a difference

Soooo glad I don't collect retros/hasbro.

I thought he was talking about you.

the raven prototype looks pretty awesome