storm 1:08

I was going to start a thread, but let's just keep this one. Note: I tried to be as accurate as possible, but I’m not a reporter. I just took some notes that are sometimes illegible and/or illogical and things go by so fast that I didn't catch some details. Also I sometimes wander off in thought. If I misrepresent/forget anything and you were at the panel, please go ahead and clarify what I reported. I just hope I made some sense since I'm still in SDCC hangover stage. SDCC 2007 Panel Diamond Select Toys: Minimates Moderator: Jaycen (SillyGooserTC) Panelists: Chuck, Donna, Eddie Contest Host: Mike First up, Mike announced the winners of the Minimate Scavenger Hunt. There were four categories: most creative, best nemesis, best use, and overall points. The Minimate Multiverse forum took 2 of the 4 categories (well, members we knew of). Most creative went to the one man team of Ivan! Best use went to the team of TBT, Nervous, and Shanester! Photos will be posted on Diamond’s website. Congrats to all the winners! Mike then announced that for all attendees of the panel, there was a raffle for an entire set of the Avengers wave (Series 16)! Fill out a form (name, email, what minimates you buy like Marvel, DC, BSG, etc) and winner will be announced at the end. Next, moderator Jaycen took over to ask DST a few questions. Q: How do you decide what minimate to put in a wave? A: There’s no real formula. Just common sense. For example, if a Daredevil movie is coming out, it makes sense to have a Daredevil minimate. Logic like that. Also some market research. Q: Any new licenses? New film minimates? A: Basically all the stuff shown at the booth is what is coming up, like Back to the Future Minimates. DST is busy with minimates and will be for a while. Q: How do you decide on a block style chest (normal square shape) or sculpted chest (like Smart Hulk) and solid head or fully sculped head? A: DST has been playing with sculped parts for a while. Things have evolved from the beginning of the line from the Rob Zombie 3 inch minimates to what they are now. They wanted to keep things more realistic without cutting back. One example of a fully sculped head making sense was Doc from Back to the Future. His receding hairline would be hard to represent so they decided to just fully sculpt the head and not have an attached hairpiece. Q: What minimates would you like to make? A: Chuck – Indiana Jones, Star Wars Donna – Girly stuff Eddie – Smurfs (Note: I think he was joking partly in response to Donna’s answer, I think…) Q: Where did minimates come from? A: Digger wanted to recreate things. Kubricks were a big influence and he wanted to bring them to the U.S. with more articulation. He also wanted to keep it simple, but now, there’s accessories and minimates are getting overdesigned. Also, before minimates received their name of “Minimates”, they were initially called “Blockos” (sp?). Q: Is it possible to rerelease older minimates, perhaps in a “best of” type set? A: Yes it is possible, but not for show packs (exclusives) or chases. Those could be put in a box set or be re-released in waves. An example of being re-released in a wave is the Silver Surfer. Q: Will there be more giveaways like the Gold and Silver Spider-Mans? A: Probably. They were stopped because of San Diego Comic Con. There was too much crowding during the event and it became like a circus. However, blanks seem to always be a favorite. Giveaways are always on the list every year. This year they had Cylons at the Sci Fi booth and John Stewart Green Lantern last year at the DC booth. Q: More team based boxed sets? A: Yes, probably. Q: Is there a minimate you can’t make? A: Howard the Duck. It’s a sensitive issue with Marvel. It had happened before and Howard the Duck appeared in the Marvel Legends line. Also, a statue was made of Howard the Duck, but both items were due to Chuck’s stubbornness on getting it done and it was a hard process. Q: What is the hardest minimate to paint and why? A: Spider-Man from the movie line. Spider-Man has dual layer web decals. The decal for the webs had another decal for the outline of the webs that went full body to the hands and feet. Then more texture was added for color and repaint webs for shine. The process is not difficult, just very time consuming. Donna then reiterated that the Spider-Man 3 preview pack figures from Wizard World LA will not be the exact same figures in the Spider-Man 3 waves. The process is just not going to work for the production of the full waves. Q: How is the transition from 7 inches to 2 inches? A: It’s hard to say. Every project just has its own challenges. Q: Do actors give approval for their figures? A: Some do, but not all. Most don’t care, but there are some that do and don’t approve of their likenesses. One note was that in the 24 minimates, they wanted Tony to look less like Tony. That concluded the questions from moderator Jaycen and the fan questions began. Q: Is it possible for 2.5 inch bodies to be included in the Marvel line? A: Not going to happen. Q: Is it possible to have minimate vehicles, oversized minimates, minimate playsets? A: Vehicles – No vehicles for Marvel. For Battlestar Galactica, it would be okay. Speed Racer had vehicles. For DC vehicles, don’t think so. Oversized minimates – it was done with the Marvel Minimates Max line, but wasn’t a huge seller Playsets – There was a playset that they tried to sell in the past, and even at cost price, it didn’t seem to get much support. Q: How about a Flash or Martian Manhunter minimate? It was done in the C3 line, but what about the current DC minimates line? A: Flash just got announced. However, DC dictates their own line. Q: How can someone who is a customizer become part of your team? A: It’s like applying normally with a resume. You just have to make a portfolio and show it off to people like Chuck at shows like the San Diego Comic-Con. Show what you can do. That message was reiterated a few times. Show off customs of figures or resin molds, anything that shows your talent. There is no one specific way to become part of DST. Q: Why the scale change on the Star Trek line? A: 2 inch is the norm now and the 3 inch minimates are obsolete. Price point is another factor. Best part of Marvel is everything is in one scale. As for DC, again, they call their own shots with different scales. Q: Any redos of minimates that you would like to do? A: Donna and Chuck both agreed on the Mary Jane minimate. Eddie chimed in and mentioned that no one is ever 100% satisfied with what they do but he would rather do new stuff than go back to redo figures. Q: What is the limitation on vehicles and accessories? Silver Surfer’s board, but no Goblin Glider was pointed out. A: Chuck again mentioned stubbornness. They try to get them, but in the end, Marvel decides if it is okay. Also too many accessories and huge vehicles can overfill the packaging box. Q: Any chance on minimates such as the Rocketeer, the Mask, or wrestlers? A: No, those lines found a different direction. Rocketeer is Disney and is hard to get in the sense that if they do it, they have to do the entire cast of Rocketeer. Another example Chuck cited is that he would love to do a Godfather minimate, but can’t just do the Godfather character himself and be done with it. The entire family would have to be made. Q: Were there any resin figure (Marvel Minimates Max line) issues? A: The resin figures need to have locked joints and be posed. The resin figures are actually fully articulated like a minimate, but then are glued at the joints. It was also noted that licensing for Marvel figures is up to 2.5 inches, otherwise it would be in direct conflict with the then-Toybiz/now-Hasbro action figure line. Q: The issue of Nightcrawler’s stiff joint was mentioned and the question that was asked was how to loosen a figure that has a similar problem? A: First of all, the prototype uses an acrylic based paint. The factory uses a petroleum based oil so the quality is a little different once the figure comes back from the factory. Sometimes, the factory is just overwhelmed and makes figures too quickly and the paint goes into joints. There was no specific trick that they knew would be 100%, but suggested to go online forums where they have many helpful tips regarding these issues. On a side note, Nightcrawler was a factory problem. If anyone still has issues with Nightcrawler’s joints or with any other figure, please email DST customer service which can be found at this webpage: http://www.diamondselecttoys.com/contact/staff.asp Also, variants are harder to replace since there are fewer made. Q: How do we know what variants are out there? This was asked in response to variations such as the different shade of color for the Iceman minimates from the specialty market line and the Target line, different Spider-Woman expressions, different color Professor X suits, etc. A: DST doesn’t know when Target puts their products on their shelves. Quickest way to find out the information is on the forums. DST usually finds out their stuff is in stores from the forums. Also, the different shade of color for Iceman is a factory problem. The exact material to make the figure could have run out so the factory may have used a similar material instead. Q: The status of Target minimates? A: There currently are no plans for products to be at Target for now, including the exclusive Spider-Man wave. Also, DST is planning to do most of the minimates on the minimate themed posters displayed at the booth, like Silence of the Lambs and Platoon. One noted exception was Rain Man. Rain Man minimates are not going to happen. On that note, the Q&A ended. Then the winner of the Avengers wave was announced and the panel ended. If the winner is part of the forum, please let us know who you are so we can congratulate you and hassle you for images! On a side note, the status of the Ghost Rider wave was asked. The answer from Chuck was that it is currently on hold. The reason is that production costs are high due to new molds but preorders for the wave were not as high as expected. Chuck is trying to find ways to make this wave feasible. On the floor, Matt gave the official names of the new waves. Check out this thread for images: http://www.minimatemultiverse.com/index.php?showtopic=3102 Series 19 (from left to right): Death Archangel, Mysterio, Apocalypse, Ms. Marvel, Amazing Fantasy Spider-Man, Ultron, Archangel. Series 20 (from left to right): Smart Hulk, Abomination, Vision, Polaris, Vision 2.0 (from Young Avengers), Hawkeye, Havok.

Ah, the Harry Potter panel, memories... This list gave me a good laugh as well, even though I don't even know most of the inside jokes. But I can guess what they were about...

Another thing to consider about the Target waves in general is that Chuck mentioned that Target asks for minimates and wants them in a very short time frame. That is why we got a lot of rehash releases. I see it as a catch-22 type thing. There's a major retailer, but no time to fully appease the normal buyers who support the wave so you get peg warmers like Invisible Woman/Thing and Beast/Kitty. Chuck and the crew need time to sculpt and get approval, but you can't tell a mass market retailer no. Yes, the rehash of older releases weren't spectacular to us who got them at the specialty market, but it was great that they were there. DST really tried to appease Target AND us with the mostly exclusive wave. As you all know, we had the Target mail-away receipt promotion that was obviously supposed to send a message to Target. We all rallied, but it still wasn't enough (thank you DST for the freebies). Shortly afterwards, minimates were on clearance. In retrospect, it was a sign of doom. However, I really think that the exclusive Spidey wave would have sent them a really big message if they stayed on with minimates. Spider-Man sells and it has the backing of the buyers of the specialty market. It was pretty obvious to me a while ago that we weren't going to get any Target minimates during the waves of summer tent pole movie toys that are "guaranteed" sellers. I just had hope that they would arrive after the summer movies cool down, but you never know.

From the cover of Young Avengers #1: "They're not what you think..." The darker colored Vision is the Vision from Young Avengers! Vision 2.0!!! The other one is the normal Vision we all know and love. I don't know about the rest of you here, but I want me some more Young Avengers! Patriot, Iron Lad, Wiccan, Hulkling, Stature, Mockingbird/Hawkeye, Speed, everyone! Kang too! The wings are attached through ball joints so you can take them off. The'll fit somehow in the current packaging. The ball joints aren't attached to the back of the minimate, but like a belt attachment like Nightcrawler's tail. The back accessory goes from the pelvis to the neck. You can look more closely at Death Archangel and normal Archangel. I learn something new everytime I look at them. And I'm sorry about my fingerprints on the glass DST! They are just beautiful.

HasbroToyShop. I wish we had a smiley with a middle finger. They will never learn how to handle the crowd at Comic-Con... Bleh, us creating the fire safety hazard? -sigh-

Oh the suspense... :biggrin: I personally gave DST some luv after I saw those waves. Hey twee, that was me! Glad you finally joined the dark side. Jerkface, I mean Shanester, will be happy he has a new mindless zombie to control. Hopefully we'll meet up again at the Minimates Fan Meeting Panel (or whatever it's called) on Friday around noonish, I think.

The first DC wave was the only real wave I was excited about and the rest of the waves past that were okay for me. But this wave definitely got my interest again. I was this close to stopping my collection of DC minimates because wave 6 kind of put me off a little. Monkeys and some clay can sure change things around.

From the SDCC website: http://www.comic-con.org/cci/cci_fastfacts.shtml Turn off that camera (or cellphone)! No video or audio recording is allowed at movie studio presentations. Each program and presentation has its own rules when it comes to what can and cannot be photographed or recorded. Please abide by those rules when they are stated. These rules also apply to cell phones that contain cameras and video recorders. It seems to me that the ball is in DST's court. But I don't know how it works or what permissions are needed. If anything, just don't get caught doing it! :tongue: I just get a feeling that they will announce some new minimates…

I'll get it due to completeness... All I really want is the Speed Racer jumpsuit and a shovel. I bet this wave would sell like hotcakes if they zombie-fied them and marketed them as being part of the Marvel Zombies universe rather than the Ghost Rider movie.

To clarify Reideen1313's answer. DST asked us to politely not release images outside of their Radicals Newsletters. We get in trouble if we do.

Don’t forget about this panel where we can all bug Chuck: Sunday 1:30-2:30 Diamond Select Toys: Minimates—Minimates aren’t just for superheroes any more! Discuss this exciting toy line with Chuck Terceira (Diamond Select Toys), Donna Soldano (Art Asylum), and master painter Eddie Wires as they reveal upcoming Minimates, answer your questions, and show why Minimates are the #1 block-figure in the world! Room 2 How come the description in the programming guide is different for the minimates fan group meeting? Is "jerkface" a taboo word? Oh yeah, and Cloneme sounds like a rock star.

It is actually the end of the world if you don't go. But don't worry, it'll be worth it. I'm sure TBT will lure some booth babes into the festivities. Also, the secret handshake is giving up a gold or silver or black Spider-Man to the guy wearing the bright yellow shirt.

I was thinking about Thunderstrike, which would consist of a Thor base, but with NXM Wolverine jacket colored brown and the Ultimate Sabretooth hair, but his hair actually is in a ponytail. And I don’t think we have ponytails yet… So I already used up my brain cells allotted to minimates today. Sorry. Edit: I just thought of something, though it is a little unimaginative. Blue Beetle without the holster/belt = Gravity

Thanks for the preview mini myte! I am personally more excited about this than DC wave 4. Is that human-head Sandman a mask with the transparent head Sandman underneath like the JJJ/Chameleon figure? Also, that black Spidey looks different enough to me from the old chase one. It has abs and a bigger spider butt. It's just my wishful thinking that they will release a new full suit black Spidey instead of the old chase one.

I personally consider Thursday hammer-time! I'll probably pose Steel cracking the beloved Iron Man's head. Steel is really the only one I’m looking forward to. And I just realized I still never opened all of my wave 3 packs… I really should free those guys (and gal) before Thursday…

Article I really want one. I know it probably won't ever happen, but this still gives me some hope that we'll get a Stan Lee minimate one day...

Thanks Mini_Myte! I got distracted in the middle of posting and forgot the link, hehe.

Marvel minimates are in two categories: FAVORITE COMIC MERCHANDISE -MiniMates Galactus Statue (Diamond Select) FAVORITE ACTION FIGURE LINE -Marvel MiniMates (Diamond Select Toys) Award ceremony takes place at Wizard World Chicago. Prepare for your acceptance speech now, Chuck! :biggrin:

Wow. So if this is true, then the mystery boxed set that contains Dr. Strange is an AFX exclusive? Interesting.

More possible minimates to be crammed into this year?!?! Wowie. And the year is about half over too. I can't guess what it would be, but maybe they will cram something in right before Christmas. My wishful thinking is an easily obtainable Reindeer Batman to go along with the Santa Spidey and the Cylon Elf. That'd be a great minimate Christmas gift for me. And I am glad I decided to splurge and get the preview SM3 packs. It seemed that it would be the same exact figure in the waves and I almost convinced myself to not buy it. I guess there was more to the name of "preview" pack. Sad about the possible WWE minimates. I saw their Micro Aggression line and it didn't look very appealing to my eye. Never say never, though. DC Pocket Heroes faded away and now we have the outstanding DC minimates line.

Congrats Amazing.JL! A natural choice. You know what they say, the reward for good work is more work. So get to work! A great first (?) official act by the mighty Shanester, though I thought he would be doing the word filter thing first...

Hey TBT, A is for Apple B is for Bribery C is for Cheetahs

AdyCarter, Admin Emeritus I give you a standing ovation for everything you have done for this little place we all like to call home. There is no doubt that Shanester is the right person to handle the responsibilities of keeping this home running smoothly, along with the moderators Lurch, Rad, and Reindeen. Come on everybody, group hug!!!

Sounds very interesting. I'm in! SDCC just got a whole lot crazier. I sure hope DST shows off some of the photos. I would really like to see the results of everybody's hard work when all is said and done.

Here's what I always thought they should do. Make an original Spidey and update it to C3 feet and pack it in with an original Venom w/ tongue and update also to C3 feet. The catch is to pack in the Black Spidey head and hands since those are the only two differences. Just giving the tools, not the figure, right? Now that there is the difference of C3 feet, people can tell if it is the original or updated Black Spidey.