The various Warcraft figures are starting to show up in Toy R Us beside six inch figures, one set has shown up of the two inch figures at Toy R Us Warcraft Battle in a box. The set contains the following according to the Toys R Us web site. “Inspired by the new blockbuster movie from Legendary, Warcraft, comes this incredible collection of 2 Inch figures with their iconic mounts. These set features the Alliance hero Lothar and his Gryphon and the Horde’s Blackhand atop his Frost Wolf. This set is a must have for fans of the film and the video game!”
There are also 2 inches action figures of Lothar vs. Garona, Lothar vs. Horde Warrior, Alliance soldier vs. Durotan and Alliance soldier vs. Horde Warrior. You can see the figures at this link.
Toys R Us has an exclusive until June when mass retailers will get it.
Very spendy, but rather cool.
Interesting!
With papo,plastoy,SLh and others it increses the collection.
Hi Erwin these figures are really nice figures and im not too surprised that Fantasy Warcraft figures are coming out because i think this movie is going to be big and im certainly looking forward to seeing it. My only complaint about these figures is that they are all in boring poses and are a bit pricey, But apart from that nice. I hope more Fantasy inspired figures will be coming out soon as im a big fan of this subject.
These are mean x collectibles charaters.That is why the price.The pre lisence issue is costly.
Generic could come any time from any body
No my main collection at all.Intersting ,but will last as far the movie produce money,if not will be out shelfs as soon they get something else.
I heard game of thrones is not a good sale so far in the few released.
Im also interested in all Historical periods, But especially Ancient and Medieval which i find goes very well with Fantasy figures. I realise its not every ones cup of tea. I like Game Of Thrones but sometimes it can drag on and be a bit boring at times, And im surprized its figures are not selling that well but then again its aimed more at an adult audience so perhaps dosen’t appeal to kids, Just my opinion, But your right Fantasy is big business at the moment and long may it continue.
A two inch figure $10.00? Wow!!!! Maybe those prices will drive kids to toy soldiers.
To each his own, of course. But I have never been attracted to the fantasy/sci-fi/star wars genre. Kids today get this modern fantasy stuff, and they miss out on the inspirational moral and heroic lessons of our country’s story. Give me a good, historical, Marx Playset anyday.
Agree Don.
Not history ,not education of past x kids at all today..
I talk to many HS boys/girls and they confuse civil war with independence a lot, this how bad new generation are!!!
Fantasy is all today in games and else.
I like LOTR only as classical epic literature, rest are just x me to be use as medieval in my collections.
Still I respect those who love it too.
I do collect SF too ,but not much in SW ,more in to flash Gordon style.
even that I’m a mid generation post most you guys out there but love the old stuff. New is too surreal and digital x me.
It remain me of Narnia.
Fantasy is the main genre in the last 25+ years, games also push x it more than history. Full of bloody depicted images by the way!!
Cinema and TV are all constant with it .Unfortunately ,real history is been abandoned and left in the bottom .When I was a kid ,I remember how many time every year we red about Iliad,Odiseus,Cesar, El Cid and others inspirational tales/books.
Now they read (cat in the hat) all the way till high school!!
I used to play War Craft II it was a cool real time game, of course that was 15 years ago. It has grown way beyond that now. I still wouldn’t pay $10.00 for a 2 inch figure though.
It’s $ 9.99 for two 2 inch figures and they aren’t aimed at Toy soldier collectors they are meant for the collectables market which is far bigger than our hobby will ever be.
So that makes them cheaper than Publius , pre-painted and movable 🙂
I wouldn’t buy them either but it’s the way of the business world nowadays, make a product that you can get your money back on in a reasonable time and move on to the next thing.
Agree, that is today market ,fast and furious!!
I do not blame them either, too aggressive competition out there to take time waiting to recover so much investment.
Today toy production do not look at all at toy soldiers collectors/hobby world, they aim to computer/game and digital film industry 100%.
Historical or partially base historical movies got few makers involved and with not much products and success.
History class/lesson are complete forgotten at school level since early ages. Barely touched.
Children know nothing about unless told by parents constant…
Hiatorical playset will never be at TRU any more. In the 90 BMC try hard and fail.
The DGN large ACW and ARW desent playset are there but only in.amazon or minor retail stores.
They just do not care any more.
The closes u can get are generic western,pirates or cheap army set.
If lucky.
Fantasy and SF are the best bet.
The discussion here about action figures and historically oriented toy soldiers reminded me of an article that I read years ago in the New York Times by Cathleen Schine. She lamented the advent of history-less action figures and the decline of traditional toy soldiers that served as a bridge to the past and the adult world. Here is a link:
http://www.nytimes.com/1989/08/13/magazine/floor-wars.html?pagewanted=all
Thanks for the post, Daniel. It was interesting and insightful all the way through.
The most startling revelation was when she quotes James Delson, who says when growing up all his relatives were “socialist and pacifist”, and that he (Delson) is of the same persuasion, both then and now.
The Army Page has a story called of playtimes long ago. Actually it’s a few stories, but one is about the kid that almost everyone i know grew up with, the kid with Downs Syndrome who was accepted into the kids world as just one of the guys, until you outgrew him. He had three kids in our neighborhood that sually tagged along with his brother, and we accepted him, because that was the way it was. Something you don’t see anymore in todays world. Mnay, many things have changed over the years and I can’t say that many of them are for the good.
Ed, I thought I wasn’t going to be attending Indiana this year, but will be after all — once again rooming with Bill Skinner, my west Michigan friend who has never missed a single OTSN or Indiana show since their respective inceptions.
Steve Connell confirms they have 48 confirmed dealers and a total of 106 confirmed dealer tables, and the new Best Western venue is completely sold out.
I think this is just great for the new show (Midwest Toy Soldier Show) organizers.
Well, I’ll see you there. I’m looking forward to going and the shorter drive helps. I hope the crowd is bigger than having 8 people waiting in line to get in like last year. One more week and I’m on my way, I’m hoping for greatness.
We want a report on the show from you and Don
Hi, I wish more figures would be made this way, (painted, or colored plastics, that are articulated with weapons, and accessories that are interchangeable, shields, bows, spears, helmets etc. By articulated I mean, at least for shoulders, wrist, waist, and in some cases neck and elbows, but you can get numerous different poses with just waist, wrist, and shoulders, with interchangeable weapons, and accessories.). The legs need to be done to get the most dynamic poses possible, a boxing pose is a good example. I like the knight, and wolf figure, however I don’t like 2 inch scale size, and care nothing about world of warcraft. They are niche market, However the knight, and wolf are usable with any other knight figure collection, except for the scale which is sad. I like fantasy, as well as historical, especially if the figures can be used as either.
I talked to someone at macfarlane at a show playalong was at when they were doing their Conan figures, I suggested 3 inch scale, they started making their sports figures that size, I didn’t buy the dragon figures they sold, they had one mounted knight in a set that might have been 2 or 2 1/2 scale, but I doubt it was articulated. Many of the Conan figures they did could have also doubled as vikings, or berzerkers, all they had to do was half the size of their 6 inch line, I probably would have bought a large number of them. Beowulf would be another figure that should be done in my opinion.
Playalong figures were some of the best done in my opinion as well, I know many old timers disagree with me on that, but future figures like them are the way to go in my opinion, I am not going to get into a debate over it ( whether they are action figure, or toy soldier ). They are a modern age hybrid if you like, They remind me more of swop pet figures, but even better with the technology used to make them, and with 3d and even 4d rending becoming more, and more prevalent in design and function in the items made today, they are what people will be buying in the future.
There will always be a few collectors of the toy soldiers we grew up with though, some sons and daughters of the old timers, which I am an old-timer as well. However my single niece has no interest in my massive collection. I probably will try to sale a big part of it within the next 10 years, I might even donate some of it to museums, depending on different circumstances. I still love them, and they mean a lot to me. May God bless all.
Yes I agree play along are the best articulated close 1.32 figures and exellent painted multypart mold swopped figures .
But very costly to do too.
In fantasy were good sale as far tv and media advertising.Once advertise and new movie come out and not continued in same scale the fury died down.
My thoughts…
I enjoy the Playalong line and was sorry when it stopped.
I talked to the president of playalong back then. I tried to go direct, because I was having problems buying them, they were always sold out. I have forgotten her name.
I wanted to buy the figures in bulk, and in bags. I also asked her if they would do a couple figure lines for me, I wanted a King Arthur line (knight), and a viking line. She said they only considered licensed properties. Which was really out of my realm to get involved in. It wasn’t long after that they sold their company. It was the company that bought them that didn’t continue the line, I think it was Hasbro.
Also the figures were very reasonably priced back then. However, I am sure it did cost a lot to produce the figures. Thanks for the responses.
With all respect please…
I think the information about company been close is confused with other. Applause inc that close down and did bankruptcy in 2004/05 after death of CEO Bob Solomon
“Play Along” is small company funded in 90’s from Fort Lauderdale,FL with artist/designers in HK.
Was funded in 1999 by Charlie Emby and Jay Foreman.
The president and vice president since funding till today as subsidiary of JAKKS pacific are Jay Foreman and David Gold ,both from Florida as well.
The company was bought in 2004/05 and incorporated by JAKKS Pacific, Inc corporation funded in 1995,
PLAY ALONG brand and toys are active with name in production and mark register still.
Play along AOME new line LOTR figures line were partially invested and commission under WETTA with money partially given by Petter Jackson (he is an avid collector of toy soldiers ) and own a huge collection as well.
SIDE NOTE-In 2nd edition special DVD-BLUERAY of TWO TOWERS film there is an interview and explanation of his(Petter Jackson) part in the 1.32 scale figures line and show him playing or placing with ACCURATE knights brands in floor during filming.
ACCURATE BRAND knights were used in film as back ground scene for photos of digital effect used in this film(see it by your self if own the DVD).
Figures were purchase in thousand from Michigan Toy soldiers and Toy soldier NYC company.
BACK TO PLAYALONG LOTR figures
Play along AOME line 1.32 scale figures were digital designed in programs and 3D software and decided to use same TIMPO configuration multipart mold assembling in factory .One designer was actually a Film designer that work for the 3 first film and was direct involved in the toy figures. Art cast design were sent to HK factory for last touch. Information could be found tracing back LOTR fan club and blogs…
PLAY ALONG under JAKKS Pacific, did not stop the 1.32 line FIGURES and release entire NARNIA film line later that stop in 2008/09.I own few of them.(Figures are still on sale on eBay and amazon/else)
Figures did not sale well at all compered to LOTR line, neither massive purchase from main retailers were good. All this and adding to….
BIZ/BRAND and others companies large scale action figures sales overwhelmed over the interest of 1.32 line they decide stop line as action figures scales are more profit per figure and more interest in children .
Thanks x time..
best regards…
Thanks for the info Erwin, I know about Jakks, because they had a huge warehouse in Jax,Fl .in the 80’s. I might be wrong on who bought the playalong line, I could have sworn it was Hasbro, I know Applause also had its own separate line as well. My memory isn’t what it used to be. The lady I talked to there was the president however, not that there couldn’t have been people higher than her, unless she lied and the people I talked to before that lied to me. Which I doubt. I also belonged to the LOTR fan club, and dealt with one of their spokespersons that oversaw production, and trade shows.
I own quite a few myself, I didn’t buy every set out like I knew some people were doing. So they could sale at higher prices. They hoard them, even some dealers do that, to drive prices up, especially if there is a high demand. I left plenty for other collectors to buy. I didn’t know about Mr. Jackson’s interest in toy soldiers. I know the company Gentle Giant were the ones that actually did the 3d scans, and some of the sculpts of the miniatures of playalong figures, I also know that Viggo Mortensen would not allow his image to be used as a figure for the Aragon figure. I also knew they used miniatures on some of the scenes. No disrespect taken, nor returned Erwin, God bless.
I believe it may have been Mrs. Gold I talked to Erwin, I think they were down in Miami.
Playalong made it big by producing, Brittany Spears, either as her agent or through some sort of licensing arrangement, which I am not really interested in. I just know thats how they became a bigger company after she made it famous. They also sold a bunch of other stuff which I have no interest in. That went for Jakks as well, they sold lots of extremely cheap junk.
Also as far as 1/32nd line not being popular, was a big mistake on their part. Because as I already stated they were always sold out.
I agree in all Ed, yes too bad not continued, I always though that with Games of thrones fury they will try again. But guess not. Too bad…
I do not think the lady lie, you did spoke to right person, I just pass some update information with not correction interest what so ever,not more.
Yes Peter Jackson is a big toy soldier collector ,he had made a 15 000 metal plastic scene private 12 table of Gallipoli battle/actions with toy soldiers(half were direct AIP) purchase from 2009/2012, they are some seen in you tube with him talking about.
will google and pass as soon get it…
He had plans in doing a TV series about it…
Interesting about V M(I like him a lot as actor and person), very simple men and not like many others, same time talent actor and with Multilanguage skills.
I’m part of the club too and love the movies plus hobbit too…
I’m fan of the Talking books and part club as well, my favored book ever…
A pleasure talking to you as well.
May god bless you and family/friend as well.
I like to add in agreement with you last statements…,yes they sold out well in stores but retailers are the killers as they move quick x other movies, that is bad part, the retailers want new stuff and push advertise x it lowering interest to others unless new movies are made of same.
Action figures bigger size scale got more pushed in advertising too.
I did bough pretty much too all collecting(skip some packs), I also got the German kinder made line of the three movies that are hard and not that hard to get, quite 1.35/1.32 scale fully painted but not swopped ,it has all main characters plus some extras as well. Very well sculpted figures in plastic.
If interested will send you pictures of mine or links in how get them …
best …
Send us some of the links f these figures I am sure the readers would enjoy.
Here I had found some sales links
First LOTR kinder -Germany COLLECTION .
FIGURES in standing pose are 53/54 mm max =1.35 scale aprox.
made of three sets each representing full characters line of each movie
They come split in two to three pieces and plug together easy, hard plastic ,not PVC fully painted.
I can provide pictures with others next x compere from my complete collection as well.
Markus from Germany had them too as well.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/LORD-OF-THE-RINGS-3-LOTR-KINDER-SURPRISE-FIGURES-SET-FIGURINES-COLLECTIBLES/251320931530?_trksid=p2047675.c100005.m1851&_trkparms=aid%3D222007%26algo%3DSIC.MBE%26ao%3D1%26asc%3D37471%26meid%3D7bc7f7605da54a5d8e3e5bb8212fb9be%26pid%3D100005%26rk%3D1%26rkt%3D6%26sd%3D251320930585
Also some times in amazon.
https://uedata.amazon.com/Lord-Rings-Fellowship-Ring-Complete/dp/B00JCBOUVI
And in this site plus others.
http://www.collecttolkien.com/Figures_Kinder_Surprise_LOTR.htm
About PJ collection, I had found some ,not rest yet, so far here is one of his lasted collection exhibit at Museum as well and one of the WW1 movies(short movie he did)previews as well.
He was planning x a full TV series of Gallipoli campaign ,but apparently got not ahead or else.
Enjoy!!
http://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=11433842
http://www.toymania.com/toyshows/tf2002/presideshow-jackson.shtml
http://anzacdiorama.blogspot.co.nz/
Erwin send me your email address. I have a question for you…Bill
nevinsrip@aol.com
Bill I already send you one..
One of my favorite figures from the playalong line was the orc berserker figure that came with helms deep, that was the only way you could get that figure. I talked to someone that actually got a couple of unpainted test shots of that figure. I tried to get him to sale me one, but he wouldn’t. I like the Elrond figure as well. There are a few sets I didn’t buy, and some sold out, but I will live without them, because most want crazy prices for them now. Thanks Erwin.