356 replies to this topic

[FANtomCore]

let's get over the bad scrap parts dragonfly fig and wait for the actual series 1 designs to be release this coming comic-con. let's not get ahead of ourselves and judge a yet-to-be release toyline off of one bad exclusive. so far i dig the gator and ram, just not the dragonfly, so 2 out of 3 isn't a bad start, also the comic looks good.

[WhiteLeo]

I am sorry for me, I can't stand mini mates period. So no matter what they come out with I will not buy. Sorry Diamond you will not get one cent from me.

[b00sted]

I am still going to save room in my collection for these as I love the comic and I know there is going to be some nice sculpts coming out my fav is still the gators hence I have invested a price of a small car in them. But this will be my first collection ever that I wont have every single thing as I have no want or need for Zik. IMO it would of been awesome to bust out the gator for one more rodeo if the series 1 scupts were not ready. I know there are already 4 gators out but there is going to be 4 vorins out by this time as well. tran red, grey, sdcc and stelth then the one from Series 1 so by time line came out could of had a gator per vorin ratio LOL

[Beastformers]

I wasn´t really fond of that Voronin Ram in the first place because of its minimate joints which give him an instable and insecure appearance and now seeing that Dragon Fly showing up I´d seriously thought it was a joke.......... but it looks like things can be worse.

So I´m totally backing ironmask, Whiteleo and the others in their thoughts because its clear that from the beginning Diamond Select Toys came with this countdown and a lot of hopefull words creating huge expectations with the official Battle Beasts name BUT so far they didn´t even get close to it from a BB collectors point of view, maybe the minimate collectors are happy with them but with these figs like the Dragon Fly I´m affraid your post is on the wrong part of the board because despite their name there´s nothing in it that can even be in the shadow of the original Takara/Hasbro line and they are already light-years behind the new Beast Saga line. Because contrary to the DST line they didn´t make to much noise about it in the first place and they keep comming with new interesting figs to be released of which the newer ones seem to be getting better than the handfull of figs that was shown in the first preview so they are really building up the right expectations towards a succesfull release. While DST is messing around with a countdown resulting in a figure that even could´ve been a good custom from anyone out here but now with shooting in that Fly Dragon minimate thingy they´ve totaly lost the battle of the beasts that´s for sure!

@ DSTZach its sad to say but I just hope you´ll have a succes with them amongst the minimate collectors to get the investment back because otherwise all the time and effort trying to convince us a BB collectors has been ruined by posting (but even worse is the actuall release of) the Dragon Fly.......

TAKARA should´ve kept the Battle Beasts name license for themselves than this whole disctracting issue with BB collectors putting expectations and time into this line would´ve never happened in the first place. As with a lot of things in our world building a succesfull brand takes loads of time and when it finally actually establishes itself only the brand is enough to become and remain succesfull but its clear DST had no clue of the value they´re holding with just the combination of these 12 letters BATTLE BEAST.......

[walker13.1]

I'm not a big BB collector, but I like the old school ones a whole lot better than these new figures coming out. The clear red figure is the only new BB figure I've seen that I like. The Beast Saga/figure with a drop box or whatever you want to call it seem odd. I'm interested in what Jkaris does with his figures and hope they come out a whole lot less like he received from China a while back, and more like the pictures he originally posted. I really want to see the lizard figure of his come to life.

Edited by vette88, 05 June 2012 - 04:37 AM.

[jkaris]

I agree that putting the Zik out as part of the line has tarnished the perception of the DST Beasts, at least here with BB collectors. Major marketing mistake i.m.h.o.

That being said, I definitely look forward to the rest of Series 1 and beyond. DST has done great things with other properties via Minimates (unless you just hate minimates) and I think they will do great with the Battle Beast figures.

On the Zik, even though he sucks, I'll still have a buddy grab one for me from SDCC since he is part of the line. He'll just stay in a box.

Disclaimer: No rose colored glasses were used in the creation of the above message.

[OmegaTraf]

I stayed out of this for a while because I didn't like mini mates and I had nothing nice to say even before the Ram. I thought the Gator re-releases over 3 years was tasteless and poor marketing. The sheep does fit well with the gator though. The dragonfly however is the most uninspired kitbash I have ever seen. As someone pointed out before me theres been better fan customs. Search those fans out and suggest replacing your design team Zach.

Edited by OmegaTraf, 05 June 2012 - 08:14 PM.

[Tars Tarkas]

The response to the dragonfly guy makes me like it more.

[Toxoviper]

The response to the dragonfly guy makes me like it more.

I suggest Army building it.

[DSTZach]

b00sted, I really do want to get you a business card. If you still want one, and your friend can't get you one, I'll send it to you after the show (none on me right now). Thanks for your enthusiasm for the line.

Yeah, I know I came to you guys -- like I said, I wanted BB fans to see and like what we were doing. I'll admit to being surprised by the hatred of Minimates from the start, even when all that had been seen was the alligator. But I kept at it, even when everyone else told me to walk away. I don't see it as a waste of time, honestly. I think I've gotten a feel for what Battle Beasts fans are looking for. Which obviously isn't Zik.

Not all Minimates fans dig Zik, but some do, and I do. I will admit to looking at it through a Minimates fan's eyes, and not as someone who has lived and breathed Battle Beasts for 20 years. My original BB collection is still within reach, but I am not anywhere the level of fan you guys are. Am I bummed that Zik has hurt the line in your eyes? Yeah, of course I am. Am I worried it's a major blow to the line overall? Not really. But we'll see how they do at Toys "R" Us this Christmas.

Anyway, since everything I say just makes ironmask madder, I'm gonna try to stay away for a bit. But I'll come back after SDCC, even if it's just to see what you guys think of the protos.

[lord]

I just have found a way to get the SDCC 2-pack for a reasonable price ($15 w/o shipping). I have to confess that Zik is not the reason I bought this pack. But Vorin alone is worth the price I paid for the pack.

Edited by lord, 07 June 2012 - 06:24 PM.

[steelfrogSteve]

Not to jump on the hate train, but.... damn. I was pretty excited (or at least interested) when the countdown was posted and have to admit I'm pretty underwelmed. I'll reserve most of my judgement until more figures are released, but when compared to Beast Saga (where a dozen or more completed figures with accessories are suddenly revealed and available for preorder) this is a pretty big let down.

[b00sted]

OFC I still want that business card Zach I have not bailed out "yet" lol I am still in love with the gators and really like vorin (he dont stand so well and the damn sword wont stay straight)but the sculpt is great. Zik he is gone well into the red headed step child pile.. there is no way to come back from that lol. I hope at SDCC you surprise us all with a promo BB also maybe as well as a translucent green zik or something would actually look awesome IMO. just my two cents.

[WhiteLeo]

One thing I can say DSTZach, is that the comic art is great. Other than that, the story line doesn't follow the BB line at all. BB's have a great story line. You could have gotten with the older BB fans on the board, who have the Japanese story lines. Got them translated and went from there. Second no chest symbols. You are not BB's/LB's without symbols. Even if they are new like the Beast Saga line.

I do like the articulation on the figures, but other than that minimates are pretty lame. IMO. Had you gotten input from some of us older guys. I think you could have had a great line. Really I don't think it is going to go anywhere. I hate to say that, but sometimes the truth hurts. I have stayed quite for awhile, but I finally have to let me feelings out. I hate seeing a line that has tremendous potential get squandered away.

WhiteLeo

[cassel87]

I agree. Could have been named animal warriors in the enchanted forest. I still don't even understand what the point of using the name battle beasts was. There's a new comic new story new characters. Kids at toysrus won't even know what battle beasts are and most vintage battle beast collectors seem not to excited. Horrible timing too. I bet the timing of beast saga really scratched the nuts of minimate battle beast team

[Toxoviper]

One thing I can say DSTZach, is that the comic art is great. Other than that, the story line doesn't follow the BB line at all. BB's have a great story line. You could have gotten with the older BB fans on the board, who have the Japanese story lines. Got them translated and went from there. Second no chest symbols. You are not BB's/LB's without symbols. Even if they are new like the Beast Saga line.

I do like the articulation on the figures, but other than that minimates are pretty lame. IMO. Had you gotten input from some of us older guys. I think you could have had a great line. Really I don't think it is going to go anywhere. I hate to say that, but sometimes the truth hurts. I have stayed quite for awhile, but I finally have to let me feelings out. I hate seeing a line that has tremendous potential get squandered away.

WhiteLeo

The problem is they have no rights outside of the name.
The potential is not there because they cannot use any designs or elements from the originals.
Bad idea using the Battle Beasts name all around.

[WhiteLeo]

With a little tweaking here and there they could. It wouldn't be that hard. There are always ways around stuff like that.

[FANtomCore]

Actually using the BB name is kind of a good business decision in that I never once bought a mini-mate, but by slapping the name Battle Beasts on there new product I now have the inclination to give them a try and purchase a mini-mate. I'm sure I'm not the only BB collector who is going to fall for this marketing either. If they simply called it something else like Ani-mates, I would of ignored the toyline (or maybe not if i liked the designs enough), like I have done with others and never spent a dime. Odds are they bought the name for cheap too, since it was inactive for 20+ years, just bad timing on there part that BS is coming out around the same time. They should of came out with this toyline a year earlier imo. But being without anything thing new in the BB toy market for so long and then finally getting a double dose around the same time is getting me excited.

[ironmask]

b00sted, I really do want to get you a business card. If you still want one, and your friend can't get you one, I'll send it to you after the show (none on me right now). Thanks for your enthusiasm for the line.

Yeah, I know I came to you guys -- like I said, I wanted BB fans to see and like what we were doing. I'll admit to being surprised by the hatred of Minimates from the start, even when all that had been seen was the alligator. But I kept at it, even when everyone else told me to walk away. I don't see it as a waste of time, honestly. I think I've gotten a feel for what Battle Beasts fans are looking for. Which obviously isn't Zik.

Not all Minimates fans dig Zik, but some do, and I do. I will admit to looking at it through a Minimates fan's eyes, and not as someone who has lived and breathed Battle Beasts for 20 years. My original BB collection is still within reach, but I am not anywhere the level of fan you guys are. Am I bummed that Zik has hurt the line in your eyes? Yeah, of course I am. Am I worried it's a major blow to the line overall? Not really. But we'll see how they do at Toys "R" Us this Christmas.

Anyway, since everything I say just makes ironmask madder more mad, I'm gonna try to stay away for a bit. But I'll come back after SDCC, even if it's just to see what you guys think of the protos.

Zach, there is one line in that statement, that makes me want to relent a bit... And I am a pesky German... "Relenting" isn't really our style. But copping to looking at your line, through a MM fan's eyes is a fair point to make... Although I do feel that is pretty myopic, and not at helpful to our mutual interests.
And to be fair, attempting to roast your yams every time we have an exchange, isn't conducive to our mutual goals, either.

I would love to have new BB toys, that are in the spirit of the old figures. You have a line of animal warrior toys, with the name, and a comic book to support, that you would love to be successful.
Your offerings up to this point, have been a controversial amongst BB fans, as John Cena is to wrestling fans.

In order to reach an olive branch out to you, and to DST, in the name of BB of the past and of the future, and for the potential betterment of everybody, I offer this:

We'd love to have BB figures more reminiscent of the old line, and you'd love for the old fans to fall in with your new product.
If DST would meet us in the middle, with a BB flanker line, I would gladly help with the sculpting FOR 100% FREE. I'll sign whatever waivers, just to get it done, so we can have both, to choose from. There are other artisans on this board (more talented than me), that I am sure would love to help, but I do not want to speak for them... I can only speak for myself.

I've talked more shit about your toys, than probably anybody here, but that's not helping anything. If it doesn't make dollars, it doesn't make sense, yadda yadda... Let's just come in the middle, and make this shit work.

[DSTZach]

I'm back to say thanks for the generous offer, Ironmask. We've actually talked about ancillary product for BB, and we'll see how these figures do and how the comic does and go from there. But I can't imagine we're going to make another, different 2-inch toy line for BB that's not based on Minimates. So I'm glad there's a line out there for everyone who wants something more like the original.

For everyone who hates that we're not continuing the storyline or the characters of the original line, well, that was never an option. (As far as I can tell, Beast Saga doesn't appear to be continuing it either? Characters and powers seem to be entirely different?) But our story is a lot of fun, so hopefully people will get into it and want to get some/most/all of the characters.

[WhiteLeo]

For everyone who hates that we're not continuing the storyline or the characters of the original line, well, that was never an option. (As far as I can tell, Beast Saga doesn't appear to be continuing it either? Characters and powers seem to be entirely different?) But our story is a lot of fun, so hopefully people will get into it and want to get some/most/all of the characters.

That is where the down fall will be. I am not saying you have to continue it exact spot on. But you are not even on the same planet. Beast Saga takes place on Planet Beast, with some of the same style of characters. Lion, Deer, Tiger, Alligator etc...... All with very close similarities to the BB line. Plus the use of a chest symbol. They have more in common than DST.

Like I said your comic has great artwork, but I just could not bring myself to even finish the comic. And I love comics! I really hate being so critical but, I love this toy line. I have done a lot of work translating, collecting, and customizing. So, I hope you understand why I am being so critical. This toy line has so much potential, I could see it lasting quite a while had you done some different stuff. These are just my opinions though.

WhiteLeo

[DSTZach]

That is where the down fall will be. I am not saying you have to continue it exact spot on. But you are not even on the same planet. Beast Saga takes place on Planet Beast, with some of the same style of characters. Lion, Deer, Tiger, Alligator etc...... All with very close similarities to the BB line. Plus the use of a chest symbol. They have more in common than DST.

Like I said your comic has great artwork, but I just could not bring myself to even finish the comic. And I love comics! I really hate being so critical but, I love this toy line. I have done a lot of work translating, collecting, and customizing. So, I hope you understand why I am being so critical. This toy line has so much potential, I could see it lasting quite a while had you done some different stuff. These are just my opinions though.

WhiteLeo

Like I said, Leo, I'm glad there's a series out there that will give you what you need, I'm just sorry it's not ours. But FYI, the number of Americans who have seen that episode of Headmasters or read the Blackthorne comics or the Annuals is pretty elite. Most people only remember what they learned in the Hasbro commercials, which is why everyone immediately asks about fire/wood/water, and not whether Pirate Lion is the Sunburst Warrior. Most people don't even know of the TF connection. So I don't expect anyone outside of hardcore TF fans to question the locale.

As far as animal selection goes, we hope to work a lot of animals into the series (check out the Farinas incentive cover), we just didn't want our main character to ALSO be a lion. (Question: Was Pirate Lion was made white as a nod to the Tezuka series Kimba the White Lion? Anyone know?) Fun fact: Vorin was almost a deer, because we wanted the three heroes to all be North American animals.

If anything, I think setting it on Earth will make it accessible to more readers -- most people can't put themselves in the shoes of a giant armored bear, but they can put themselves in the shoes of a person meeting a giant armored bear. And there aren't a lot of successful franchises with no humans in them. Transformers, for instance; look at how big a role Spike played in the early episodes, not to mention the Bay movies. Thundercats doesn't have humans, technically, but there's a high degree of anthropomorphization going on there, and it took place on a version of Earth.

Another thing that I like about Earth is that it makes the reader wonder why animals from space resemble Earth species, something I think we're going to explore.

Anyway, sorry you couldn't make it through all 8 pages, Leo. None of them even took place on Earth! If we advance-post the whole issue in black-and-white, I'll let the board know.

[b00sted]

The Ashcan is what got me wanting to get the collection even more to be honest. I just hope the toys live up to the artwork tbh

[ironmask]

I'm back to say thanks for the generous offer, Ironmask. We've actually talked about ancillary product for BB, and we'll see how these figures do and how the comic does and go from there. But I can't imagine we're going to make another, different 2-inch toy line for BB that's not based on Minimates.

I figured you'd say something like that. I guess we're getting too familiar with each other, huh?
Haha
That's why I went ahead, and started a 1-1.25", more vending friendly sculpt.
And, if I may be so bold, I have faith that you may have a slightly different opinion when you see it on shelv... Er...

Haha, juuuuust kidding. When I finish my piece, I'll post a picture of it on here, and if you want it, I will send it out to you.
If not, I'll take pics of his smashed up remains, and our business will be concluded.

-Fe

[FANtomCore]

Gotta admit Zach, the Zik in your avatar makes him look a little cooler, now I will probably have to get two 2-packs somehow.

Also did you guys see this http://www.artasylum..._cci_cover1.jpg

It's a SDCC exclusive comic that will probably come with the 2-pack perhaps.

EDIT- It looks like in the Ashcan, the beasts were heading to Earth, and in the Exclusive, they end up landing at Comic-Con of all places xD

Edited by FANtomCore, 10 June 2012 - 08:21 PM.