Shocker Toys: Difference between revisions
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===Indie Spotlight=== |
===Indie Spotlight=== |
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In 2006, Shocker Toys started work on their Indie Spotlight series, a proposed line of six inch action figures based on characters from various independent comic book series. The first series is to consist of Katchoo from [[Terry Moore (comics)|Terry Moore's]] ''[[Strangers in Paradise]]'', Scud from ''[[Scud: The Disposable Assassin]]'' by [[Rob Schrab]], the [[The Maxx|Maxx]] from [[Sam Kieth|Sam Kieth's]] series of the same name, [[David Mack|David Mack's]] ''[[Kabuki (comics)|Kabuki]]'' and [[Jim Valentino|Jim Valentino's]] ''[[Shadowhawk]]''. Two variants were also announced: a second "Scud" figure |
In 2006, Shocker Toys started work on their Indie Spotlight series, a proposed line of six inch action figures based on characters from various independent comic book series. The first series is to consist of Katchoo from [[Terry Moore (comics)|Terry Moore's]] ''[[Strangers in Paradise]]'', Scud from ''[[Scud: The Disposable Assassin]]'' by [[Rob Schrab]], the [[The Maxx|Maxx]] from [[Sam Kieth|Sam Kieth's]] series of the same name, [[David Mack|David Mack's]] ''[[Kabuki (comics)|Kabuki]]'' and [[Jim Valentino|Jim Valentino's]] ''[[Shadowhawk]]''. Two variants were also announced: a second "Scud" figure of the character, Sol, and a different Shadowhawk design. With each of the seven figures a small [[The Maxx#Isz|Isz]] figurine is to be included.<ref name="ProductsJanuary2009">{{cite web | title = Products: Indie Spotlight | work = Shocker Toys | url = http://www.shockertoys.com/products.php | accessdate = January 26, 2009 }}</ref> To complete the first series, Shocker Toys announced a "mail away" figure of [[Mister Gone|Mr. Gone]] from ''The Maxx'', available to customers who purchase all seven figures in the first series. However, Mr. Gone was not produced with the first series, and it was announced on the company's forums that the figure would be unavailable until the second series was manufactured. However, unlike Series 2, no prototypes of the Mr. Gone figure have been shown. |
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Development of the Indie Spotlight series encountered some hurdles, among them [[Marvel Toys]] announcing and bringing to market their own line of action figures based on independent comic book characters in 2007.<ref name="WashingtonPost2008" /> Prototypes of Indie Spotlight Series 1 were displayed at the 2007 American International Toy Fair.<ref name="WashingtonPost2008" /> A year later, new versions of Series 1 were shown at the 2008 American International Toy Fair,<ref name="Playthings2007">{{cite journal | last = Annicelli | first = Cliff | coauthors = Benitez, Tina; Brill, Pamela; Kellachan, Lauren; Peterson, Karyn; Suciu, Peter | year = 2007 | title = Next Stop: TOY FAIR | journal = Playthings | volume = 105 | issue = 2 | pages = 95 | url = http://www.playthings.com/article/CA6415284.html | accessdate = 2008-11-09 }}</ref> and prototypes of Series 1 and 2 were shown at the 2008 [[Comic-Con International|San Diego Comic Con]].<ref name="SDCC08 ST">{{cite web | date = July, 2008 | title = SDCC08: Shocker Toys' Indie Spotlight | work = Superherotimes | url = http://www.superherotimes.com/newsarchive/003688.php | accessdate = 2008-11-14 }}</ref> Following numerous announced (and subsequently missed) release dates, the first Indie Spotlight series was announced to ship in December 2008,<ref name="IndieDecember">{{cite web | date = October 7, 2008 | title = Indie Spotlight Comic Book Heroes Action Figures is the Future of Toys (Press Release) | work = [[Comics Bulletin]] | url = http://www.comicsbulletin.com/news/122335675257817.htm | accessdate = January 1, 2009 }}</ref> although this was later revised to "shipping to the United States" in December rather than being a release date. This deadline was missed, but on January 12, 2009, Shocker announced on their website that the series had left the factory in China and would be shipping soon,<ref name="ShockerToysJan2009">{{cite web | date = January 12, 2009 | title = Indie Spotlight comic book heroes series1 leaves factory! | work = Shocker Toys | url = http://www.shockertoys.com/news.php?article=27 | accessdate = January 26, 2009 }}</ref> and later that month an arrival date of March 2009 was posted by the company on their forums. |
Development of the Indie Spotlight series encountered some hurdles, among them [[Marvel Toys]] announcing and bringing to market their own line of action figures based on independent comic book characters in 2007.<ref name="WashingtonPost2008" /> Prototypes of Indie Spotlight Series 1 were displayed at the 2007 American International Toy Fair.<ref name="WashingtonPost2008" /> A year later, new versions of Series 1 were shown at the 2008 American International Toy Fair,<ref name="Playthings2007">{{cite journal | last = Annicelli | first = Cliff | coauthors = Benitez, Tina; Brill, Pamela; Kellachan, Lauren; Peterson, Karyn; Suciu, Peter | year = 2007 | title = Next Stop: TOY FAIR | journal = Playthings | volume = 105 | issue = 2 | pages = 95 | url = http://www.playthings.com/article/CA6415284.html | accessdate = 2008-11-09 }}</ref> and prototypes of Series 1 and 2 were shown at the 2008 [[Comic-Con International|San Diego Comic Con]].<ref name="SDCC08 ST">{{cite web | date = July, 2008 | title = SDCC08: Shocker Toys' Indie Spotlight | work = Superherotimes | url = http://www.superherotimes.com/newsarchive/003688.php | accessdate = 2008-11-14 }}</ref> Following numerous announced (and subsequently missed) release dates, the first Indie Spotlight series was announced to ship in December 2008,<ref name="IndieDecember">{{cite web | date = October 7, 2008 | title = Indie Spotlight Comic Book Heroes Action Figures is the Future of Toys (Press Release) | work = [[Comics Bulletin]] | url = http://www.comicsbulletin.com/news/122335675257817.htm | accessdate = January 1, 2009 }}</ref> although this was later revised to "shipping to the United States" in December rather than being a release date. This deadline was missed, but on January 12, 2009, Shocker announced on their website that the series had left the factory in China and would be shipping soon,<ref name="ShockerToysJan2009">{{cite web | date = January 12, 2009 | title = Indie Spotlight comic book heroes series1 leaves factory! | work = Shocker Toys | url = http://www.shockertoys.com/news.php?article=27 | accessdate = January 26, 2009 }}</ref> and later that month an arrival date of March 2009 was posted by the company on their forums. |
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Revision as of 09:45, 8 February 2009
 | A major contributor to this article appears to have a close connection with its subject. (December 2008) |
| Founded | New Jersey, U.S. (1998) |
|---|---|
| Founder | Geoff Beckett Jr |
| Headquarters | New Jersey , United States |
Key people | Geoff Beckett Jr (President) Lance Buttiglieri (CEO) |
Shocker Toys is a company that manufactures action figures and collectible products based on comic book and cartoon characters, music acts, and original creations. Founded in 1998, the company is run by Geoff Beckett Jr. and Lance Buttiglieri, and is based in Ridgewood, New Jersey. Their signature line consists of "Shockinis," 3 inch tall figures with multiple points of articulation and interchangeable parts that lend themselves to customization.
History
Shocker Toys was founded in 1998 in Buffalo, New York by Geoff Beckett Jr.[1] Beckett had previously worked in construction[2] and claims that he was inspired to venture into the toy industry while "playing games with his brother" – in effect moving from consumer to "creator."[1] Initially the company operated only on the Internet, and by 2002 the company had two full time employees: CEO Beckett and Marketing Director Dana Newsom.[1]
Shocker Toys relocated twice prior to 2002, moving to Glen Rock, New Jersey in 2000 before relocating to Ridgewood, New Jersey, where they are still based today. During this period their primary focus was on card games featuring characters developed by Beckett, though these card games were never brought to market.[1] The company's attention then turned to producing action figures. In 2002 the company displayed prototypes of their "Shoulder Action Figures", or SAFs, at the "Christmas in July" event in New York run by public relations firm Steven Style Group.[1] In spite of this early publicity for the shoulder riding puppets, the SAFs were never released. Beckett cited problems arising from outsourcing as the cause.[3] The company's focus then shifted to developing the Shockini line of action figures.
According to Shocker Toys, significant change came to the company in 2004, as it was the year in which Shocker Toys was incorporated and Beckett was joined by Lance Buttiglieri as a new partner in the company.[4] Subsequent to Buttiglieri joining the company, Shocker Toys worked on a number of projects. They continued to develop the Shockinis line, and in 2006 displayed the figures at the American International Toy Fair.[5] They also licensed the characters from the reality television series Who Wants to Be a Superhero?, including Feedback, the winner of the first season in 2006,[6] although the figures have yet to be released.
On the music front, Shocker Toys gained the rights to produce figures based on the band Gwar,[7] releasing a small run, resin statue of band member Beefcake as a convention exclusive. However, the announced line of articulated PVC Gwar action figures was canceled before reaching the market. The proposed replacement line of vinyl Gwar figures have yet to be released as of January, 2009. In 2007, Shocker Toys acquired a license to the characters in the fictional band, Dethklok, from the Adult Swim series Metalocalypse[6] and released a pair of statues and a box set of five vinyl figures as convention exclusives. The box sets of vinyl figures were limited to 500 pieces and sold for $80 at the San Diego Comic-Con.[8]
Shockinis
Debuting in 2004, Shockinis were the company's first real product.[3] [5] Shockinis were 3 inch action figures intended for customization, with multiple points of articulation. Geoff Beckett has stated that while there are many similar toy lines, such as Kubricks, Pocket Heroes,and MiniMates, Shockinis, and the more popular Stikfas, are the only two specifically made for customization.[3] Shockinis became the company's signature toy line with many different versions, including a limited edition based on The Toxic Avenger and various exclusives for comic book conventions, seeing release. No new Shockinis have been produced since 2006, though a "starter pack," (not compatible with other Shockinis), is still available on the company's website. Shockinis based on characters from Metalocalypse, the Indie Spotlight line, and Who Wants to be a Superhero? have been announced, though none of these figures have been released.
Indie Spotlight
In 2006, Shocker Toys started work on their Indie Spotlight series, a proposed line of six inch action figures based on characters from various independent comic book series. The first series is to consist of Katchoo from Terry Moore's Strangers in Paradise, Scud from Scud: The Disposable Assassin by Rob Schrab, the Maxx from Sam Kieth's series of the same name, David Mack's Kabuki and Jim Valentino's Shadowhawk. Two variants were also announced: a second "Scud" figure of the character, Sol, and a different Shadowhawk design. With each of the seven figures a small Isz figurine is to be included.[9] To complete the first series, Shocker Toys announced a "mail away" figure of Mr. Gone from The Maxx, available to customers who purchase all seven figures in the first series. However, Mr. Gone was not produced with the first series, and it was announced on the company's forums that the figure would be unavailable until the second series was manufactured. However, unlike Series 2, no prototypes of the Mr. Gone figure have been shown.
Development of the Indie Spotlight series encountered some hurdles, among them Marvel Toys announcing and bringing to market their own line of action figures based on independent comic book characters in 2007.[2] Prototypes of Indie Spotlight Series 1 were displayed at the 2007 American International Toy Fair.[2] A year later, new versions of Series 1 were shown at the 2008 American International Toy Fair,[10] and prototypes of Series 1 and 2 were shown at the 2008 San Diego Comic Con.[11] Following numerous announced (and subsequently missed) release dates, the first Indie Spotlight series was announced to ship in December 2008,[12] although this was later revised to "shipping to the United States" in December rather than being a release date. This deadline was missed, but on January 12, 2009, Shocker announced on their website that the series had left the factory in China and would be shipping soon,[13] and later that month an arrival date of March 2009 was posted by the company on their forums.
For the 2009 New York Comic Con, Shocker Toys had planned to sell two limited edition versions of figures from their Indie Spotlight line: translucent versions of Scud and the Maxx, each limited to 300 pieces. However, a later update announced that they wouldn't have the products on time for the event, and thus would not be in attendance. The number of exclusives was also reduced to 250 pieces each from the previously announced 300. Shocker Toys did end up attending the event, accepting payments for the limited edition versions which are now to be shipped to consumers on March 2, 2009.[14]
References
- ^ a b c d e "Christmas Comes Early for Young Ridgewood, N.J.–Based Toy Company". The Record. July 26, 2002. Retrieved 2008-11-17.
- ^ a b c "Shocker standing tall after action-figure flap". The Washington Post. March 8, 2008. Retrieved 2008-10-28.
- ^ a b c St. Louis, Hervé (May 17, 2004). "Interview with Geoff Beckett of Shocker Toys". Comic Book Bin. Retrieved 2008-10-31.
- ^ "About Shocker Toys". Shocker Toys. Archived from the original on January 7, 2008. Retrieved 2008-10-31.
{{cite web}}:|archive-date=/|archive-url=timestamp mismatch; January 11, 2008 suggested (help) - ^ a b "On with the Show". Playthings. 104 (2): 92. 2006. Retrieved 2008-11-17.
- ^ a b Ball, Ryan (June 25, 2007). "Shocker Toys Jams with Metalocalypse". Animation Magazine. Retrieved 2008-11-08.
- ^ "For The Record: Quick News On Diddy, Michael Jackson, Snoop Dogg, B.G., Korn, Mandy Moore & More". MTV. January 12, 2006. Retrieved 2008-10-31.
- ^ http://www.prlog.org/10086417-shocker-toys-updated-2008-san-diego-comic-con-exclusives-and-booth-info.html
- ^ "Products: Indie Spotlight". Shocker Toys. Retrieved January 26, 2009.
- ^ Annicelli, Cliff (2007). "Next Stop: TOY FAIR". Playthings. 105 (2): 95. Retrieved 2008-11-09.
{{cite journal}}: Unknown parameter|coauthors=ignored (|author=suggested) (help) - ^ "SDCC08: Shocker Toys' Indie Spotlight". Superherotimes. July, 2008. Retrieved 2008-11-14.
{{cite web}}: Check date values in:|date=(help) - ^ "Indie Spotlight Comic Book Heroes Action Figures is the Future of Toys (Press Release)". Comics Bulletin. October 7, 2008. Retrieved January 1, 2009.
- ^ "Indie Spotlight comic book heroes series1 leaves factory!". Shocker Toys. January 12, 2009. Retrieved January 26, 2009.
- ^ "Scud, Maxx NYCC 2009 Exclusives up for pre-order!". Shocker Toys. January 21, 2009. Retrieved January 26, 2009.