cdubya

Technically, Predator 2 had the most Predators with a total of 10. While I'm all for getting as many Pred.s possible, I think I'm just a bit nervous that some of the Predator human cast might get neglected as a result. Their dynamic (and cornucopia of "one-liners") is what made the first film so successful in the eyes of most fans. The same could slightly be said for Predators to some extent, which is why it is considered the true sequel. Predator 2, well let's just say that two minutes of screen-time that the lost-clan had was probably the most memorable of that film.

There's only one Predator in the first movie, you almost have to mix it up.

Yeah, but there's at least 5 legitimate versions that can be done of just that one Yautja. I'd rather not have to wait several years to complete the other 8 cast members (or worse, not at all). Predator is strong enough to stand on it's own. The decision to merge, I think, has more to do with lack of confidence in the other two titles carrying their own lines, which is understandable. I just wish the merging would take place after the classic film had successfully run it's course. This manner of blending awakens Star Trek anxieties of incomplete collections.

I know the first wave, yeah. First two waves, in fact. Not finalized enough to announce yet, though.

Not sure I've seen control art yet, although we had some early designs at NY Toy Fair back in February.

When you say "first two waves", you're talking specifically about just Predator, right? Not Predator 2 or Predators.

Interesting asst.(putting two mains: Ripley/Hicks together) and slightly different than what was shown at NYCC, but it makes a bit of sense with what I'm about to say. OK, it's wiiild-theory time! While it's only speculation, I predict that we will see a TRU asst. at around the same time that reuses Ripley/Hicks and Drake/BD Attacking Alien with Frost/ Incinerated Alien and Pvt. Crowe/ Alien Warrior as "R" Exclusives. This leaves Hudson, Vasquez, Gorman (long-shot: could go with APC), Ferro (waaaay long-shot: could go with Dropship), Bishop, Newt, probably another Ripley, and more Xeno-combos for Series 2. Hopefully at least a Power-Loader and Queen are in the plans.

And was there ever a question whether we would make Vasquez? I thought I'd confirmed it long ago, and that us making Wierzbowsky pretty much sealed the deal.

Absolutely none. Just waiting for similar confirmation of Lambert!

Not until April or so.

Wow, that long huh? I wondered why I hadn't seen any pre-orders yet. I was kind'a hoping we'd be into Series 2 by Summer.

That's good to hear, because every time I look at Kraang I want to make a Tony Harrison custom...and then I want a line of Mighty Boosh! 'mates!

That's correct, only Kraang at K-Mart.

For the moment, yes. I do believe Zach has stated many times that Kraang would be available in later waves, but I'm not sure if he's talking about this specific Kraang or the blue ones that we've seen pic.s of. At any rate, he's a damn fine 'mate!

Shameful excuse to reiterate that Flash Gordon (the movie) would translate into great Minimates. I wouldn't be upset with Venture Bros. or Six Million Dollar Man 'mates either.

Sorry about that, cdubya, we've been talking about the requests and tracking down the parts, but somehow a reply message must have been overlooked. Or there was an e-mail error. If the trade doesn't work, or does, let us know.

That's because "In space (and apparently Missouri)...no one can hear you scream". How exactly might I do this? I tried twice on the DST "contact us" page with a "attn Kelsey @ Customer Service" heading. Was this incorrect?

Just got my case from Luke, and these things are awesome! And since the "foot swap thread" is now locked, does anyone have 2 left feet (the figure's left) that wants to swap, as I have 2 rights?

Actually, I do! I tried to email Customer Service twice about a replacement and haven't received a reply. Shoot me a PM.

Here's the strip breakdown, based on my experience, from top to bottom.

- Foot bot

- Foot Soldier

- Shredder

- Donatello

- Mutagen Mike

- Kraang

- Michaelangelo

- Michaelangelo

- Leonardo

- Leonardo

- Raphael

- Raphael

Mysterious Stranger, is your Kraang missing the gun?

That is indeed the strip breakdown based on my findings as well. No need to "feel" if you come across an untampered with strip. It's still a good idea to double-check by feeling for identifiable accessories to be sure.

QC errors are to be expected with a new offering like this. Hopefully it'll improve but in the meantime, I have faith that DST's customer service will rectify any problems as best they can.

Couldn't disagree more. The fact that this is a new venture with a popular property and a new method of releasing Minimates means a lot of eyes will be on these. Think about it. This will be a lot of people's first exposureto Minimates. There is competition out there with Lego blind bags and all of the other blind bag lines. If Donatello is missing his bo staff, the line will be seen as inferior to the other brands even though guys like us know better.

You only have one chance to make a first impression.

BTW, does anybody need help with these? I don't plan on collecting the line but there's a KMart two minutes from my work so I could check periodically, I know a lot of you won't have access. Just to clarify I will pick up whatever I can see, I won't try to gamble on something particular for you by feeling the bags. PM me if interested.

Too true. I was also thinking when I initially found these how atrocious the bag design was. A person who didn't already know what Minimates were would have no idea what's inside the bag. The only glimpse you get is a rendered head-shot on the back. Perhaps an actual picture of the 'mates on the front instead of the dime-a-dozen CGI stills from the show. Or even the lil' Vitruvian 'mate man logo in the corner would give some idea of what you're purchasing. I have to admit that the hoarder in me is thrilled that the general public will pass by these...more for me!

After spending yesterday with these in-hand (except the Footbot, don't have an open one yet), I think these turned out great. Shredder in particular stands out to me as a basic 'mate with a lot of sculpted parts that still doesn't feel bulky, he still retains the lean basic 'mate aesthetic. Also, the swooped cape is a great touch!

The turtles are all great as well, and the lack of sculpted heads doesn't really bother me much, but I have to say I think the masks are really the biggest detractor. I think they should be a little wider/taller with inset eye holes instead of a tampo, but I understand the mechanical limitations that could cause. Maybe in future waves, we could still get a basic Minimate styled head, but one that is slightly larger than the standard head. It's a shame, because we can see how much design and tooling already went into the current head design with it's multiple pieces.

The Foot Ninja and Kraang are great, and if anyone is looking to part with any duplicates of these (or FootBot), I'll gladly pay full price for them.

Yeah, these are a lot better than I thought they'd be. I wasn't even going to collect this line, but the Aliens line has rekindled a fire in me to make impulsive purchases like this...glad I did! Unfortunately Kraang (followed by Foot Soldiers) are my new obsession. They remind me of the old Japanese "Neo-Henshin" cyborgs.

An incinerated xeno wasn't even on my wish list. I didn't realize how much I'd need it.

Yeah, it's quite clever. While I doubt we'll get any new sculpts, just combinations of the pre-existing three, I'd still like an explodey-head Xeno. Eye-spy Rico Frost in the background, whom I hadn't seen prior! That egg sculpt seems a bit off, but regardless I hope we get one in each 2-pack.

OK, stopped by a Kmart while out of town today and was able to pick up 3 Mikeys (YAY Muta Mikey!) and a Foot Bot....Unfortunately it appears my Foot Bot is missing at least a lower left arm, is he missing anything else? The artwork looks like he comes with a saw blade as well.

Here's everything that came in the bag (sans clear stand)

Yep, you are missing a forearm and a saw-blade attachment. On the bright side, you do have the pair of hands and therefore a complete Foot Soldier. Boy, customer service is going to be busy this year!

A word of caution for those opening a Footbot. Be aware that there are a pair of normal hands floating around in the bag before you toss it out. The really cool thing is that when you remove the extra-arms harness belt and swap the weapons for hands, you now have another Foot Soldier! Also a quick question for those who have found these; was I supposed to have gotten a sword with Shredder? I realize he is a weapon, but I seem to recall a big-ass sword in the Comicon pic.s. Anybody get one with theirs?

*Also, it seems that the Mutagen Michelangelo mishap is common among the Kmart packs. Does this mean that the Comic/Specialty market packs will now have the Mutagen Raphael instead?

Not getting an assistant any time soon. Updated the Minimates site a little while watching Predator.

Did you do a mental "check-list" of each Predator Minimate we'll likely be getting in the near future as each character appeared on screen? That's what I do, though it's more of a "wish-list" when I do it.

Found a strip tonight @ Kmart in Missouri. They were hanging on a strip on an end-cap with all of the other TMNT merch for $4.99 (ouch). I'm not sure if there actually is 18 as Zach suggested because I only found 12 which also seems plausible considering that counter-dumps are generally 12. It is entirely possible that someone had purchased 6 before me or they simply weren't stocked as the strip itself only had 12 tabs. They seemed untouched to me though. Based on what I saw, it appeared to be: 2xLeo, 2xRaph, 2xMikey, 1xDon, 1xKraang, 1xShredder, 1xFoot Soldier, 1xFootbot, and 1xMutagen, but don't quote me on that. They aren't too difficult to differentiate by the "feel-method" if you know what you're looking for. I bought what I determined was a full set of 9, but have only opened 5. I was contemplating returning the 4 unopened turtles since they will be showing up later, until I noticed something... odd. I was thrilled to see a translucent green Mutagen in the first pack I opened! However upon closer inspection I realized that it was not Raphael as the packaging states, but rather a Mutagen Michelangelo! Now I'm really confused. Perhaps I got some weird factory error? I'm tempted to open the others and go back and purchase the other 3 packs just to see what I get. Anyways, they're out there and they're pretty sweet. My apologies for lack of pictures, but I don't have a camera handy.

1225 of 1450 was a good batch. A few warped bits to boil, but all present and placed correctly. I'm really impressed with these Xenos and can see myself going a bit overboard swarm-building. The humans are pretty great too with the only exception being the ridiculous, chunky armor. I thought we had evolved from these fat-suits. Oh well, still looking forward to future asst.s!

I'm not sure whether Blade Runner was actually as 'great' as I remember it but the two versions of the Spinners (Medicom kubrick) are just beautiful .

It's better. One of the few movies from my childhood that has actually grown with me. I notice something new everytime I watch it (director's cut, that is). I'd be thrilled to bits with any type of merchandising for this classic.

I'm anticipating a kick to the groin in the form of blind bag packaging.

Bite your tongue Mister! I know, "hope for the best but expect the worst". I feel ya. Actually, if they gut-punch me and go with boxset format (over comprehensive 2-pack series), I wouldn't be opposed to a supplementary "dump" (ala Aliens) with the many Dutch and Predator variations (and possibly whoever got cut from the sets: Anna, Poncho, Hawkins, etc.) to fill-in the gaps. Hmmmm...

Awesome news. The Predator is cool and all, but what I really want are all of the humans from the first movie.

Same here. I'm hoping for boxed sets:

Predator

Dutch

Mac

Billy

Cloaked Predator

Dillon

Blane

Poncho

Something like that.

Whaa, no Anna and Hawkins?!? And which Dutch if you could only have one? No, that's a pretty solid line-up if it came down to boxsets. Though I'm personally viewing this one like Aliens in that it's iconic enough and has a large (but not overwhelming) cast that would deem "2-pack series worthy". Heck, the variations of Dutch (5) and Predator (5) alone could fill-up a few boxsets, and most are pretty essential. The other franchise films (if DST cares to pursue: Predator 2, Predators, AVP(s)) would be just fine as book-end boxsets.

As much as I want these (NOW!), I think my wallet will be content with waiting.

Also glad to hear the license contains "Predators" as that opens up the possibility for more varied Predators.

And Predator 2 I presume? Not a huge fan favorite, but it did showcase nine awesome Yautja in the last 10 minutes!

Any idea yet on how these will be packaged; two-packs or boxsets? Both? My personal hopes are for 2 waves of four two-packs. Perhaps something along these lines:

Wave 1

*Jungle extraction Dutch (shirted, gloved cigar-hand)/ Dillon

*Predator (masked)/ Poncho

*Jungle patrol Dutch (vest w/ grease-stick camo)/ Anna

*Active Camo Predator (masked clear)/ Hawkins

Wave 2

*Blaine/ Mac

*Victorious Predator ( unmasked, open mandibles w/ trophy skull/spine)/ Billy

*Jungle Camo Dutch (muddy)/ Camo-fail (clear masked w/ paint app.s) Predator

*Final battle Dutch (battle-damaged)/ Final battle Predator ( unmasked, closed mandibles w/ green blood app.s)

P.S. Feel free to throw-in a "thermal-image" Dutch for kicks!