HELLBOY SERIES 3!!!! Pics!!

[deathbunny32]

I'm kind of disappointed that this is being sold only as an exclusive.

Hell, I still need a main Hellboy figure because I didn't want to get one that didn't have a coat, and I also didn't want to spend $20 on one with a coat. Eh.

Also, speaking of lines that went before their time, what was up with that one wave of the Goon? That sucker had another wave in it, easy. At least with Hellboy, one could say that they went through most of the main characters, so it's time to go on.

[wombat75]

Will there be an "official" announcement that the Mezco Hellboy Comic book figure line has come to an end after the release of the exclusive Abe? We havent received a confirmed straight answer from the source, just ambiguous answers that point to the end.

[weezite1]

Man, I love this line and I'm really upset it's coming to a close. The thing that's really upsetting is that I was never able to pick up a Kriegaffe because I got into the line so late.. So I don't have any enemies for my B.P.R.D. to fight.. That's why I was so excited to hear the lineup for Series 3 would include Rasputin and the Frog creature.. Two awesome new villains. I could do without the Frog monster, but I would kill for a Rasputin, if only for a villain so I can pose my Hellboy fighting him.

I really hope this isn't the end for the Hellboy comic figs from Mezco because they got the line PERFECTLY. If it is the end though, I'd like to see Toybiz get the line with their new Classic Comic characters line.. Their new figures are badass, with Witchblade, the Darkness, Marv, and Savage Dragon. I hope this line just doesn't die.. So much potential.

I really hope that somehow atleast another villain gets released.. Hopefully Kriegaffe will somehow get released on ClubMez or maybe an exclusive Rasputin. I'd want one of those more then Abe.

[Inadia]

Its pretty much curtains for the line. I cannot wait for the summer when the scaplers all buy out the Abe's then sell them on ebay for a massive killing, like most exclusives.

[madcow666]

I'm am very sickened by this move. I thought the HB comic line was one of the best looking lines i've ever seen from any company. What always bugged me was the character selection. HB is my favorite comic and I could only stomach to buy a few of the HBs and, Liz and Kreigaffe. I guess the reason being is that one my favorite parts of HB has always been the villains. This line ending without even a Rasputin, the true father of HB, is rediculous. We get an alien and other BPRD members BEFORE him and now the line ends. Totally, totally dissappointing. I can only hope someone else picksup this license or with the new movie coming out MEZ gets some sense and does the line some justice. If you ask me what killed this line it was the character selection...

[Chairman Kaga]

Originally Posted by Joranthalus

that would be difficult. the cost is effected by the number produced. If there aren't enough orders a company might barely break even... if they're lucky. Plus factories have magic numbers on productions runs that greatly influence production costs. If you come in shy you could end up losing money.

That makes sense Jor but isn't the point of having multiple properties so you can "rob Peter to pay Paul"? Shouldn't the success of LDD, South Park or Family Guy help to support Mez's other lines?

The more I think about the entire situation with the Hellboy comic license the more disappointed I become. It boggles my mind that we got one antagonist in the whole series. Plus Hellboy is expanding into other media ie animation, an upcoming game, the sequel film set for next year yet Mez is content to simply let the license lapse. This kind of attitude makes me hard pressed to want to support your company when I decide to purchase figures. I mean why should I as a collector want to bother if a line is going to be cancelled after 7 figures (not including variants or multiple Hellboys)? I'm not the type of guy to usually complain about these sorts of things but this seems like it was botched from the get go.

Don't see this as a slam on Mezco either. I love the work put into the Hellboy line but the marketing of the product leaves alot to be desired.

But I guess this is just pissing into the wind since Mez will do what Mez wants regardless of what some people on Mez's message board say......Obviously even if we pitch a fit nothing but Abe will be produced.

On an related note.. unlike some people who welcome seeing a different company doing a Hellboy comic line I think that is going to be a mistake. I doubt anyone aside from DC Direct would attempt to make the figures resemble Mignola's art (the major selling point for me) leaving us with "generified" versions of the characters much like the Marvel lines.

[Inadia]

Originally Posted by Chairman Kaga

That makes sense Jor but isn't the point of having multiple properties so you can "rob Peter to pay Paul"? Shouldn't the success of LDD, South Park or Family Guy help to support Mez's other lines?

The more I think about the entire situation with the Hellboy comic license the more disappointed I become. It boggles my mind that we got one antagonist in the whole series. Plus Hellboy is expanding into other media ie animation, an upcoming game, the sequel film set for next year yet Mez is content to simply let the license lapse. This kind of attitude makes me hard pressed to want to support your company when I decide to purchase figures. I mean why should I as a collector want to bother if a line is going to be cancelled after 7 figures (not including variants or multiple Hellboys)? I'm not the type of guy to usually complain about these sorts of things but this seems like it was botched from the get go.

Don't see this as a slam on Mezco either. I love the work put into the Hellboy line but the marketing of the product leaves alot to be desired.

But I guess this is just pissing into the wind since Mez will do what Mez wants regardless of what some people on Mez's message board say......Obviously even if we pitch a fit nothing but Abe will be produced.

On an related note.. unlike some people who welcome seeing a different company doing a Hellboy comic line I think that is going to be a mistake. I doubt anyone aside from DC Direct would attempt to make the figures resemble Mignola's art (the major selling point for me) leaving us with "generified" versions of the characters much like the Marvel lines.

It boggles my mind as well. I always felt that lack of risk-taking and careful plotting is the reason that mez is always staggering at the rear. The Hellboy line was the first line that really showed the world what they are capable of. Its the only reason I am here. Had NECA, or another company made figures of the film that saved my life, I would be there, and not here. Did HB do so horribly that it couldn't get a third wave?

All I would really want now is for Mezco to let the license go so that a company like NECA, or someone else could nab it in time to make figures for The Golden Army. But as I realize, sometimes licenses have a time limit on them, which blows, because they will just sit on it, not make any products, then let it go. I still think NECA is the best bet we have for getting anything Hellboy related. We should try and direct our desires in that direction.

Its a shame, Hellboy is the best work that this comapny has done. Shiny plastic Goonies? Cartoony Cinema of Fear? No Goon. No Warriors. No Hellboy. No thanks.

The Real Inadia

[Vreenak]

Originally Posted by Inadia

The Hellboy line was the first line that really showed the world what they are capable of. Its the only reason I am here.

So, now that there's no Hellboy, will you leave? Because all you seem to do is complain, talk about how disappointed you are in Mezco and how they've handled the line and how you would run things if you were in charge (see my sig). It's run it's course. You can stop now.

[BlankaFromRoomX]

I sincerely hope Mez is reading this and taking this all in.
You've disappointed a lot of fans in this one, I must say.

And I agree with what Chairman said. You have three other lines that sell like gangbusters for you, yet you can't support the one that's going to have the most media tie-in for you.

I've gotta say..it's going to be prety much a Mezcoless year for me then.

And I HATE saying that. It'll be the first time for me since 2001.

[deathbunny32]

Seriously, why the hell didn't they stick a jacketed Hellboy in the normal line? They're already $3 more than everybody else, the least they could do is include something that essential on a normal figure.


Also, considering the fact that V was able to support coming out all by himself, I'm sure Abe would do just fine if only he was released.

Lastly, the main reason why this line did so poorly was the fact that it released so damn slow. Excitement dies down if it takes more than a year to get new figures. Also, the price didn't really help.

[Inadia]

Originally Posted by Vreenak

So, now that there's no Hellboy, will you leave? Because all you seem to do is complain, talk about how disappointed you are in Mezco and how they've handled the line and how you would run things if you were in charge (see my sig). It's run it's course. You can stop now.

I just love how you must exercise your personal agenda towards me in the midst of the many constructive, and well thought, criticisms that have been coming from other board members. Further more, the dredging up of past comments is a wonderful touch. Seriously, its a rather childish thing to do, but then again I am probably talking to a great big child. A child that fired the initial shot across the bough.

This thread was going rather fine until you decided to inject your own brand of piss and vinegar. I wonder if you are truly angry with me, or the fact that I was right, and was able to predict this out come. I will stick around as long as I wish to, or until I know that Mezco has officially released the license, film or otherwise, into the wind, possibly long after that happens. I like to regard myself as the most dedicated Hellboy fan on the planet. I am also a massive she-bitch, both of which aren't easily rubbed out; no matter how many treky fan-boys are sent my way. Anyway, I have spent enough time on here, tossing stones, and must now school the girlfriend in Red Steel before I retire for the night. We'll talk again tomorrow. But then again, one can only hope.

Good day sir

The Real Inadia

[Zinco Repairman]

"That makes sense Jor but isn't the point of having multiple properties so you can "rob Peter to pay Paul"? Shouldn't the success of LDD, South Park or Family Guy help to support Mez's other lines?"

I think Chairman Kaga has an excellent point. Having read all of the posts, there is a strong feeling that the Hellboy villains, monsters, and other evil creatures have been neglected. Based on the argument provided by Chairman Kaga, suppose that we could convince Mezco to produce one last wave of four figures-- all villains-- as a gesture of goodwill to wrap up/wind down the Hellboy comic figures line... which four villains (or creatures) would make your collection feel as complete as possible?

My selections:
1. Grigori Rasputin (with removable right hand electrode glove to summon HB and hole through chest)
2. Karl Kroenen (who would go perfectly with the von Klempt head-in-a-jar)
3. Ilsa Haupstein (ruthless and another female figure would balance the line)... optional iron maiden accessory?
4. Vladimir Giurescu ('cause he's just so evil)

Other strong candidates:
Baba Yaga, Black Flame, Leopold Kurtz, Hecate, and Frog Monster

Who would others select?

[Vreenak]

Originally Posted by Inadia

...but then again I am probably talking to a great big child.

Yeah. I'm a great big child.

I wonder if you are truly angry with me, or the fact that I was right, and was able to predict this out come.

Yep, I'm truly angry. And my anger dictates everything I do.

I am also a massive she-bitch...

Agreed.

Anyway, I have spent enough time on here, tossing stones, and must now school the girlfriend in Red Steel before I retire for the night. We'll talk again tomorrow. But then again, one can only hope.

But seriously, do you even know what you're trying to say here?

The Real Inadia

Signing your posts makes you look like a self-righteous douche bag.

The Real Vreenak

[Chairman Kaga]

Can you two take this someplace else? I am hoping for a legitimate response on things in this thread either from Jor or (preferably) Mez. Your cluttering the thread up with some weird side argument may dissuade them from making any response.

[BlankaFromRoomX]

Agreed....Vreenak..you're out of line and started the argument. Just stop. Or take it to PMs.

[turtle]

Originally Posted by Zinco Repairman

"That makes sense Jor but isn't the point of having multiple properties so you can "rob Peter to pay Paul"? Shouldn't the success of LDD, South Park or Family Guy help to support Mez's other lines?"

I think Chairman Kaga has an excellent point. Having read all of the posts, there is a strong feeling that the Hellboy villains, monsters, and other evil creatures have been neglected. Based on the argument provided by Chairman Kaga, suppose that we could convince Mezco to produce one last wave of four figures-- all villains-- as a gesture of goodwill to wrap up/wind down the Hellboy comic figures line... which four villains (or creatures) would make your collection feel as complete as possible?

My selections:
1. Grigori Rasputin (with removable right hand electrode glove to summon HB and hole through chest)
2. Karl Kroenen (who would go perfectly with the von Klempt head-in-a-jar)
3. Ilsa Haupstein (ruthless and another female figure would balance the line)... optional iron maiden accessory?
4. Vladimir Giurescu ('cause he's just so evil)

Other strong candidates:
Baba Yaga, Black Flame, Leopold Kurtz, Hecate, and Frog Monster

Who would others select?

I would love to see:
1. Tam O'Clannie and the three goblins at the crossroads from The Corpse. (Always has been and always will be my first pick- plus it shows the other side of the HB world where these mystical creatures aren't good or evil, they just are)
2. Rasputin
3. Frog Monster
4. Ilsa

I'd also like to see Baba Yaga, Giurescu, Kroenen and Kurtz, Inger Von Klempt, Zinco, Bromhead, Ualac, Iron Shoes, Grom... I'll leave it at that.
But also at the top of my want list: KATE (and at this point I would settle for a Liz minus necklace with new head, a walkie talkie, and a book- I'll keep praying for two summer exclusives)

[Speir]

Abe looks amazing!

I think the Comic Hellboy figures are some of the best figures ever made...from any company. It's a shame to see it go....

[Rehasher]

Why does everyone think the line is over permanently? Mez still has the license. They're just making other lines with more potential for this year.

I think it makes sense not to release a full series at this time. Hellboy is not on people's minds right now. If a third series would be released this year the people on this board would get the figures but the general public probably wouldn't care. They're spending money on 300 and Grindhouse this year. But when the sequal is released next year Hellboy should become hot property again.

I hope Mezco uses the hype to do another series. Sales may not have lived up to expectations but when a new series would be released at a time when we see Hellboy in tv commercials and on movie posters it should do a lot better than the 2nd series which only had the comic books to rely on.

[Bob Prodor]

Hopefully Mez comes back to Hellboy when the next movie comes out, but I heard Gentle Giant has the movie license. (I'm starting to think they meant Animated movie license)
Anyway, they could release a Best of series 2.5 for late-comers, with Hellboy (sculpted coat) Liz, Kriegaffe 9 (Brown) and Abe (with Monkey w/gun). THEN, when the movie hits and regular Joes are lining up @ toy and comic stores, release wave 3 with Rasputin, Baba Yaga, Annung-Un-Rama(-Lama-Ding-Dong) and Frog Monster. (Don't forget the TREE FAIRIES boxset, natch) THEN, when wave 3 sells out, release wave 4 featuring Baby Hellboy (w/Dr. Broom- young variant), Kroenen, Ilsa, and UNMENSCH! (Hecate/ Iron Maiden boxset)
That's what I'm hoping for...uh, what? Oh, Sorry, I was sleeping, wha? Hey- cool Abe!
(In the meantime, what about BPRD? Daimio, Black Flame, Kate (w/dead Roger) and intelligent Frog monster)

[vangogh]

Originally Posted by Rehasher

Why does everyone think the line is over permanently? Mez still has the license. They're just making other lines with more potential for this year.

I think it makes sense not to release a full series at this time. Hellboy is not on people's minds right now. If a third series would be released this year the people on this board would get the figures but the general public probably wouldn't care. They're spending money on 300 and Grindhouse this year. But when the sequal is released next year Hellboy should become hot property again.

I hope Mezco uses the hype to do another series. Sales may not have lived up to expectations but when a new series would be released at a time when we see Hellboy in tv commercials and on movie posters it should do a lot better than the 2nd series which only had the comic books to rely on.

With the relase of the animated movies Hellboy is on peoples minds. Plus collectors don't like to wait a whole year between one series and the next much less two years. Plus with the movie sequal all you will get is movie related crap anyway.

[vangogh]

Originally Posted by Bob Prodor

Hopefully Mez comes back to Hellboy when the next movie comes out, but I heard Gentle Giant has the movie license. (I'm starting to think they meant Animated movie license)
Anyway, they could release a Best of series 2.5 for late-comers, with Hellboy (sculpted coat) Liz, Kriegaffe 9 (Brown) and Abe (with Monkey w/gun). THEN, when the movie hits and regular Joes are lining up @ toy and comic stores, release wave 3 with Rasputin, Baba Yaga, Annung-Un-Rama(-Lama-Ding-Dong) and Frog Monster. (Don't forget the TREE FAIRIES boxset, natch) THEN, when wave 3 sells out, release wave 4 featuring Baby Hellboy (w/Dr. Broom- young variant), Kroenen, Ilsa, and UNMENSCH! (Hecate/ Iron Maiden boxset)
That's what I'm hoping for...uh, what? Oh, Sorry, I was sleeping, wha? Hey- cool Abe!
(In the meantime, what about BPRD? Daimio, Black Flame, Kate (w/dead Roger) and intelligent Frog monster)

All great ideas the black flame would make an awesome figure, to bad we won't ever see one.

[Rehasher]

Originally Posted by vangogh

With the relase of the animated movies Hellboy is on peoples minds. Plus collectors don't like to wait a whole year between one series and the next much less two years. Plus with the movie sequal all you will get is movie related crap anyway.

Tv movies get very little attention. Hollywood movies get big multi-million campaigns. The animated movies may be on the minds of some people but it's not enough to make a big change in action figure sales...

I have read a lot of things on this board along the lines of: "Mezco's killing the line with long waits. If there were less time between series the line would be doing much better."
Every line has peg warmers. Especially a line based on a comic book with obscure characters. If these series were to be released at a faster rate we would only see more peg warmers piling up and comic store owners would stop buying in figures. With the longer wait between series people get more time to pick up their figures. Store owners are more likely to keep buying in figures if they sold most of their stock. They would sooner stop buying if they still have a lot of unsold merchandise in the back.

Lastly, the release of a movie is often used as a way to get other non-movie related merch out. Underdog is a good example. And we had Miami Vice last year.

Originally Posted by vangogh

All great ideas the black flame would make an awesome figure, to bad we won't ever see one.

Why not?

There's no official statement the line is dead...

No other company has acquired the license...

Instead of sobbing over the "death" of the line and pointing the finger at Mezco we should show support for future lines if they were to be made.

I know for a fact that public interest will return when the movie comes out. This series also has the best character line-up we have seen yet. Everyone on the board praises the design of these figures. Just imagine how cool the ghost of Rasputin would look with his cold blue eyes and the witch craft star symbol with the flame in the middle. Or what it would be like to have that big green frog monster with it's long curly tentacle-like tongue and the yellow eyes...
I was thinking it might be a good idea if Mez did "Trenchcoat Hellboy" in the third wave instead of Anung Un Rama. People would probably like to get the "iconic poster version" of Hellboy rather than his demonic version. And then maybe move Anung Un Rama up to series 4.
Maybe Mez could do the Baba Yaga or Kate Corrigan in Abe's spot...

With the support of all of us here and greater appeal to casual collectors the world around this could end up doing really well.

I say...

Commence Operation "Back-by-Popular-Demand!!"

[Chairman Kaga]

Where are you getting the information that no other company has the license??

[Rehasher]

I don't really know how this licensing stuff works. I just assumed no company could get it until Abe is released.

[vangogh]

Well, if the animated hellboy is getting so little attention then Gentle Giant is screwed with the amount of merchandise they are putting out based on them.

[Rehasher]

That's actually what I was thinking...

Bust-ups, figures, statues, mini-bustes, PVC figures, etc.

I mean, who's gonna buy all this?

[Zinco Repairman]

From Rehasher:
"Why not?

There's no official statement the line is dead...

No other company has acquired the license...

Instead of sobbing over the "death" of the line and pointing the finger at Mezco we should show support for future lines if they were to be made."


My reply:
The status of the license for the comic-based figures seems to be the biggest unknown at this point. And one would think that Mez could clarify this easily (at least I as far as I know... perhaps there is some ambiguity about licensing).

Does Mez still have the license for the comics figure line once Abe Sapien is released?

If not, who has purchased the rights to Mr. Mignola's characters?

If so, how long does the license for the comic-based figures last?

Honestly, I'm not asking to see the actual contract or license. The reason that this is meaningful is that if Mez does have the license and the license lasts for at least a year or more, then I think the collectors of this line could find some hope that we'd get (perhaps) a full third series or some convention exclusives once Hellboy interest grows with the new movie. If I knew that the license expired this year (or prior to the release date of movie 2), then a bit more desperation sets in, AND "my" focus would be to ask (repeatedly) for not an entire wave, nor approach Mez with a list from a completist perspective; but rather to organize a request that one or two of the most integral characters (not-made-to-date) be offered as exclusives.

For me, there is only one character that really fits this definition: Grigori Rasputin. As omnipresent as Frog Monster has been both Hellboy and B.P.R.D. books, Rasputin IS intimately enmeshed in Hellboy's origin. Take a look a the 4" PVC sculpt of the ghost of Rasputin. Scale that to 8", add joints at the neck, elbow and wrist (he doesn't even need legs or feet as his flowing sculpted robe would be his base). That would be my most wanted figure.

All of the other characters mentioned as possibilities for a series three or four would be awesome: Hellboy with sculpted overcoat, Kate Corrigan, younger Trevor Bruttenholm, Battle-damaged partial Roger body variant, Frog Monster, Karl Kroenen, Ilsa Haupstein, Leopold Kurtz, full-body Herman von Klempt, Inger Von Klempt, Vladimir Giurescu, Baba Yaga, Hecate, Tam O'Clannie and the three goblins, Mr. Tod, Black Flame and all the other interesting demons and monsters.

BUT if the license is close to expiring; again, I would rather throw my efforts into asking politely, begging, pleading, offering to invest in Mezco, etc. to get a Rasputin figure like the one scupted for the PVC set.

I think the beginning point is to clarify the speculation about license status first.

Best to all.
Zinco Rep-man

[Figurefreak]

crap, link doesnt work