Officially licensed 2-Headed Giant from Justin Ishmael (Ex-Mondo) and Monsters of Filmland

Discussion in 'Americans and Other Western Gaijin' started by kid_miracleman, Jul 13, 2016.

  1. hellointerloper

    hellointerloper S7 Royalty

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    Officially licensed 2-Headed Giant from Justin Ishmael (Ex-Mondo) and Monsters of Filmland
    $200 for over 12 inches tall is pretty reasonable, if you ask me. There are so many newcomers selling their 6 inch toys for ~$120 that it's obscene.
     
  2. bunnyboy

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    Officially licensed 2-Headed Giant from Justin Ishmael (Ex-Mondo) and Monsters of Filmland
    Looking good, although that flimsy ball still bugs the hell out of me. $200 does seem a bit harsh for an unpainted, unassembled toy - I think unpainted Rotten Rexxs were priced at $125?
     
  3. badteethcomics

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    Officially licensed 2-Headed Giant from Justin Ishmael (Ex-Mondo) and Monsters of Filmland
    No way.. I cant remember Rotten Rexx ever being that cheap.. but then again it wasn't so long ago when I said $100 is too much for a toy. The days of buying cheap M1Go and B-Club toys are long gone for me... this habit just gets worse and worse..
     
  4. spatula007

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    Officially licensed 2-Headed Giant from Justin Ishmael (Ex-Mondo) and Monsters of Filmland
    I paid $200 for an unpainted Rexx two years or so.

    The price is a bit much, but it is a lot of toy for today's standards for the most part (and we've seen worse). I love the extended pre-order window.
     
  5. mutantshark

    mutantshark Comment King

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    Officially licensed 2-Headed Giant from Justin Ishmael (Ex-Mondo) and Monsters of Filmland
    For the size its tottaly reasonable imo. PK and MVH large unpaints are all in that range. Unpainted mockbats and dxs go for $125-150, dual bats $250ish, i think Slugbeard was $185, mnt troll around that. Pus unpainteds like are $150ish for a much smaller figure. Damn rampage charges $300 for his unpainted bear toy.

    Im super excited the sculpt and gid looks goddamn incredible, i may even get two!
     
  6. alifeintoys

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    Officially licensed 2-Headed Giant from Justin Ishmael (Ex-Mondo) and Monsters of Filmland
    if it wouldnt be licensed all thats left would be derivative crap.

    a license by fm is a good selling point anyways.
     
  7. kichigai

    kichigai Removed by request

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    Officially licensed 2-Headed Giant from Justin Ishmael (Ex-Mondo) and Monsters of Filmland
    Looks great, price is fair.

    I enjoy it more now that it can be seen better. It shows a lot of talent and true love of monsters.

    Package in box format would have to be expensive additionally, even at cost

    I hope a painted version will not cost twice as much but also would expect a 275 to 375 price point, all things considered
     
  8. bunnyboy

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    Officially licensed 2-Headed Giant from Justin Ishmael (Ex-Mondo) and Monsters of Filmland
    Regarding the Rexx price: I don't own it, just did a quick search and that's what came up so no offense. Don't mind me, I'm just bitter about the exchange rate going down the drain deeper and deeper...
     
  9. spatula007

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    Officially licensed 2-Headed Giant from Justin Ishmael (Ex-Mondo) and Monsters of Filmland
    Who me? No offense taken. I was just helping too.
    They're pretty rare (currently), so the current rate is obviously inflated. $200 was what I paid back then, versus the recent $250 pre-order.


    Does anyone think "unassembled" means with flash or clean cut? I haven't built a figure in a long time, since the Grody Shogun blank open order. Either way - awesome.

    Edit: I asked on IG. Guess we'll find out.
     
    Last edited: Nov 17, 2016
  10. mutantshark

    mutantshark Comment King

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    Officially licensed 2-Headed Giant from Justin Ishmael (Ex-Mondo) and Monsters of Filmland
    I would guess clean cut. Since he didnt say "uncut" kit just "unassembled" but thats just my interpretation
     
  11. kichigai

    kichigai Removed by request

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    Officially licensed 2-Headed Giant from Justin Ishmael (Ex-Mondo) and Monsters of Filmland
    Probably in a minority here but would prefer uncut, would be a neat tribute well rooted in soft vinyl Monsters Culture
     
  12. chimmychazz

    chimmychazz Comment King

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    Officially licensed 2-Headed Giant from Justin Ishmael (Ex-Mondo) and Monsters of Filmland
    yeah but then there'd be endless pages of posts where people are worrying about cutting too much/too little flash :lol:
     
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  13. ultrakaiju

    ultrakaiju Die-Cast Staff Member

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    Officially licensed 2-Headed Giant from Justin Ishmael (Ex-Mondo) and Monsters of Filmland
    Hmm, looks fantastic, but I guess I am in minority being not too happy with the price point. (oh well, that's two of us at least) Have to agree that for a blank, and unassembled toy, I am curious as to how they arrived at that - no matter how detailed the toy is. There are plenty of other newly released toys you could draw upon outside of the Rex for a more realistic price comparison. And, established character design or no, the fact of the matter is that this is from a complete newcomer onto the scene. Will the market eventually get there? I have no doubt. But there is a process of establishing yourself as name, developing a fanbase, proving yourself, etc. There is a reason why there are oodle of would-have-beens who never made it, in any profession. I don't think any of the current 'popular' sofubi artists would have thought to release their very first figure at $200. Times change, sure. But that is a big leap. And furthermore, there is plenty of other competition for two-headed toys. As an analogy, if I offered up to sell Ferrri Enzo-like kits to the market, with very similar outer stylings, but no details on the manufacture or inner components, how many people out there would be willing to drop $800k on my word alone? Might be some morons on there, sure, but still. This be just be the loan voice of dissenting opinion, and probably I am just not the right target audience for this toy (which is unfortunately, because I do love the character and was really excited for it), but I find that price fairly steep.

    Look, I am not saying it is not worth it, and from the reaction here it is very clear that they will have no problem selling these out, but at the same time, just because you can sell a closet in Vancouver calling it a condo for a million plus doesn't make it right. Obviously in the free market, things are self-regulated, and this is hardly an essential thing. But still. As a brand new toy on the scene, with no clearly justified 'extra' costs, hours spent toiling on eyes, special packaging, history of popularity, etc., etc., this just seems a bit overly generous. Frankly, the only thing I could think of how they are arriving at such a higher value is the - erhrmmm - popularity of the two-headed toys with the "current" market. And IF indeed that is the reason, that that is just fucked. And especially for a [open] pre-order, which allows them an almost guaranteed revenue stream to have these fellas made. They can easily get the money they need, and will, but this whole art toy scene is getting bloody ridiculous. If I have to be the one to call out this and screw myself in the process than so be it. I am not attacking Justin personally, I just feel some opinion/feedback is warranted, that is what this board is founded upon. There is far too much smoke blowing everyone in discussions these days, with most people afraid to give an honest response or criticise anything; because oh no, popularity! Guess I am just not 'with it' or care to be, and the entire popularity of the art toy scene hasn't snagged me, and that is fine, but dammit, it kinda sucks for the rest of us that used to really enjoy this hobby for its roots in Japanese kaiju/tokusatsu/licensed characters.
    And this is why. The simply fact is that, as a direct response to the growing hype basis becoming the accepted norm in the hobby, other toys and makers who have been doing this for decades are being displaced. They unfortunately just don't get the attention they deserved outside of Japan, and for that, and the higher demand on manufacturing now as the hobby explodes, can't compete at the same level. I think it is sad and unfortunate. I am still doing my best to support the tradition as I can, but I accept that the times are shifting. Hopefully this will just be a cycle which will eventually come to an end. The mere fact that soft vinyl collecting isn't even that obscure or unusual these days says a lot. And, along with this, the board itself and community has changed. But I suppose most people who would even be able to see that change aren't even active on here anymore. Guess I will just sit back in the minority, and keep on shakin' my fist.

    TL;DR - too high for me, and I am scared what a painted version would cost. Also, would have liked to see another vinyl than GID for a first release. Even a nice marbled would have made this more reasonable.
     
    Last edited: Nov 17, 2016
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  14. Anti Social Andy

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    Officially licensed 2-Headed Giant from Justin Ishmael (Ex-Mondo) and Monsters of Filmland
    Too easy . . .
    Q: How much do you think the needy hipsters and Mondo hypechasers would pay for a Bemon rip-off without kicking up a shitstorm?
    A: $200!
     
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  15. a.tom

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    Officially licensed 2-Headed Giant from Justin Ishmael (Ex-Mondo) and Monsters of Filmland
    I just cannot believe that so many of you guys are actually liking this.
    This is not another indie toy maker's interpretation of a well known movie monster - at least not in my eyes. This is not another version of, say, Hedorah, where you can spot differences that lift it above or differentiate it from other sculpts.
    This toy has already been made. Perfectly. The end.
     
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  16. bunnyboy

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    Officially licensed 2-Headed Giant from Justin Ishmael (Ex-Mondo) and Monsters of Filmland
    Dude, there's a ton of very obvious differences from the Bemon version. This is sculpted in a more realistic fashion and nowhere near as crude as Bemon's 2HB so I don't really get the purism - and unlike this officially licensed version, wasn't the Bemon "original" technically a bootleg? I still don't like the price, but design-wise there's definitely a lot worse shit out there...
     
    Last edited: Nov 18, 2016
  17. a.tom

    a.tom Addicted

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    Officially licensed 2-Headed Giant from Justin Ishmael (Ex-Mondo) and Monsters of Filmland
    Bro, it is not about purism. I just fear that this might indeed be an attempt to cash in on the famous Bemon.
    If you want to do realistic harryhausenish toys, why start with this one?!

    Otherwise you are correct, the sculpt is very decent looking and there is worse stuff out there.
     
  18. badteethcomics

    badteethcomics Post Pimp

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    Officially licensed 2-Headed Giant from Justin Ishmael (Ex-Mondo) and Monsters of Filmland
    Initially I was annoyed to see another version of the 2HB when this was first announced but after hearing Justin's reasons behind the release, learning that one of my favourite sculptors had worked on it and that the vinyl is being produced by the best in the business over at Lulubell, I've become quite a fan of this new release.

    For me personally (and I'm sure a lot of other collectors) this is a chance to add this character to their toy shelves at an affordable price. The character has become an icon in our scene.. I know I will not be able to afford, or even if I could afford it - I wouldn't want to pay current prices for a Bemon 2HB. SxToy is too fat.. PlanetxAsia looks like a 90s Image Comics version of the character. I don't know what the heck is going on with the Soloistoy version.. at least Justin's Famous Monsters version is accurate and feels like a real beast that could jump off the shelf at any second and smash in your skull with it's spiked ball and chain. It looks fierce! I feel like I should have one version of this character on my shelf just to have this iconic monster represented in my collection.

    The concept of the 2HB is hyped no matter how you approach it. We have seen some really shitty attempts at cashing in on the 2HB concept over the past few years.. especially recently from very new makers. I think SxToy and Soloistoy are better examples of cashing in on the Bemon hype.. those toys were what $400 at the time of release? And in SxToy's case they were almost impossible to buy which is a manufactured method of creating hype. Thankfully the open pre-order is a great opportunity for people to pick one of these guys up - and with the window open until the end of the year, it will give people a chance to save some cash if they need to.
     
    Last edited: Nov 18, 2016
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  19. bunnyboy

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    Officially licensed 2-Headed Giant from Justin Ishmael (Ex-Mondo) and Monsters of Filmland
    I guess why it was chosen is open to speculation - whether it was done to cash in or not, I certainly agree that the timing is sort of unfortunate... Considering the foot stamp it would be interesting to know if there are more figures planned or just variations of this guy.
     
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  20. JoeMan

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    Officially licensed 2-Headed Giant from Justin Ishmael (Ex-Mondo) and Monsters of Filmland
    Don't worry, just take a deep breath. In reality the biggest challenge to getting vinyl pulled today are massive amounts of medicom orders hogging the factories. And they are fast and furiously producing licensed characters from the classic Japanese companies. And my guess is that those runs are at least a few hundred. Far more than the Indy guy doing runs of 20-30.

    Vinyl toys not obscure? Are you talking about Funko pop. No one I ever meet seems to have a clue.
     
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  21. BrickBat

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    Officially licensed 2-Headed Giant from Justin Ishmael (Ex-Mondo) and Monsters of Filmland
    This is a beautiful 3D version of the original illustration. If I didn't have a bemon I'd probably get one (humblebrag :roll:). My only gripe is that it feels more like a model kit than a sofubi doll. Perhaps it didn't need to be in this medium?
     
  22. Michael Beverage

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    Officially licensed 2-Headed Giant from Justin Ishmael (Ex-Mondo) and Monsters of Filmland
    Hmm...condensed thoughts...
    -Nice toy, price point not ridiculous considering the size, I think folks probably underestimate production costs too often on this board. But hey I may be wrong, I frequently am.
    -Best sculpt of the cover monster since the Bemon fo sho
    -maybe the ball shrinkage is genetic, or due to cold weather ? :lol:
    -Andy your assertion that anyone who likes this toy is a wannabe hipster or Mondo hype chaser is asinine.
    -a.tom has a GREAT point, I'd like to see some other Harryhausen characters before another 2HB in truth. Or at least a different version like the proto that Kichigai posted..that fucker is neat-o.
     
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  23. bunnyboy

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    Officially licensed 2-Headed Giant from Justin Ishmael (Ex-Mondo) and Monsters of Filmland
    Re: ball shrinkage - must be the steroids...
     
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  24. kichigai

    kichigai Removed by request

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    Officially licensed 2-Headed Giant from Justin Ishmael (Ex-Mondo) and Monsters of Filmland
    Just some thoughts from a second generation FMOFL fan.......

    The majority of folks who will buy this doll have never heard of Bemon. FMOFL has millions of fans worldwide.

    Feel free to think otherwise.

    Some of you seem to act this SB is the Center of the Universe or the Well of Souls or something.

    This is actually not true at all.

    Sorry.

    So they are making the Tar Man from ROTLD next which will be kinda neat but quite a leap from 1968 to 1985.

    Why skip over so many Monsters that exist at best only as resin kits?

    I personally wish these guys would buy the Zanti Misfits molds from Sideshow. They really were great dolls but had such a short lifespan it was as if they did not even matter.

    Then again I recall speaking to a guy that worked for Sideshow well over a decade ago, he did not know who FJA even was!

    OK then I will climb back up on the Tree of Woe now so some folks on here can pat themselves on the back and talk trash like their opinions are stronger than dirt.

    "Purple is the new truth."
     
    Last edited: Nov 18, 2016
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  25. Waterbear

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    Officially licensed 2-Headed Giant from Justin Ishmael (Ex-Mondo) and Monsters of Filmland
    I think that's the whole point. Making this thing a throwback to the plastic model kits from way back when. Which is why it comes in pieces and in a box with instructions and art. It seems the Japanese vinyl thing is either a small bridge to a different collecting circle or maybe even just an afterthought. Which doesn't bother me. If anyone in this hobby deserves to make some decent money on a huge open run it's lulubell.

    Like I said before if they followed the same hype model of impossible to get runs causing ebay flipping for 10X retail I would just enjoy the pictures and that's it. The fact it's an open pre-order for MONTHS changes everything. Anyone can get one. Paint people can do their thing. 200 bucks is expensive but the license probably drives that price up quite a bit. Who cares what a painted version would cost? That is the absolute joy of an open run. You can get one and try to get your favorite artist to paint it for you. Which is especially true when the release is from someone who has nothing to do with painting toys anyway.

    You must have missed the part where it comes packaged in a special box with art and an instruction sheet with new art too and it has the pretty historical license attached to it and is made with some new magical glowing compound lulubell has never used before.

    I agree that there are lots of vinyl toys with seemingly random high price points and discussing that openly with other collectors can be a good thing. This toy though at a foot tall and what nearly looks like a foot wide with all it's extras and some rather immaculate sculpting and being as easy to get as possible seems somewhat reasonable at $200 bucks.
     
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