Corgi gets into the act!

[msw313]

Just received e-newsletter from Corgi Toys that includes this news item:

Marvel Figures
Corgi has acquired the license from Marvel Entertainment, Inc. to produce exclusive high end collectible metal figurines of some of the hottest characters in the comic book world. Unlike the resin figures currently on the market, Corgi’s figures will be spin-cast metal with the attention to detail that Corgi has become recognized for over the last 49 years. With the first figures due out in the first half of 2006, the complete collection will be in 1:12 scale. (approximately 6 inches tall)

[lord odin]

Sounds interesting.

[Kirk Durfey]

I've got a bunch of their die-cast trucks, and they do a nice job on them, so maybe these will look nice...

[Krypton Knight]

They've been doing a great line of comic book stlye Batmobiles (40's-2000's) for a little over a year now. Some styles I never thought I would see in a die-cast line. Great stuff!

[ftrez]

Painted?

I wonder how much a "high-end" metal figure will cost. I'll keep an open mind and look forward to seeing how they look.

Bets on the first? I say Spidey or Cap.

[msw313]

Painted?

I wonder how much a "high-end" metal figure will cost. I'll keep an open mind and look forward to seeing how they look.

Bets on the first? I say Spidey or Cap.
Their Batmobiles ranged in price from $9.99 for 1:43 scale (around 3-4" long) to $29.99 for the large 1:18 scale (around 12-14" long). Pretty reasonably priced for a heavy, well-crafted chunk of fully-painted die-cast metal.

I can see 6" figures probably falling within that range. Guess we'll find out come spring.

[MarkSpears]

Hi guys! I am actually working on these Marvel statues. They are using my artwork and designs to create the sculpts.

[kar-kar]

can you post some pictures?

[MarkSpears]

Everything is being saved to display at Toyfair this month. After that I should be able to show everyone. If anyone is going to Toyfair in NY, go by the Corgi booth and see my concept drawings.

[D'ohboy]

Painted?

I wonder how much a "high-end" metal figure will cost. I'll keep an open mind and look forward to seeing how they look.

Bets on the first? I say Spidey or Cap.

The first series made Previews:
Cap, Spidey, Thing and Wolverine.

$50.00 ea.....

[MarkSpears]

I was brought in after the initial 4 were produced. My first ones will come out in May.

[Kirk Durfey]

Welcome to the forum, Mark! I'd love to see your concepts for these when you can. I have high hopes for this line, Corgi does a great job on their vehicles and I'm hoping the figures are on the same level.

[Krypton Knight]

Here's an idea of what Spidey and Cap look like.

http://www.corgi-usa.com/code/series_page.php?cat_id=5&series_id=87&cat_search_id=84&section=1

Click on the high-res pic link in the listings.

[Grievous]

http://www.corgi-usa.com/code/series_page.php?cat_id=5&series_id=87&cat_search_id=84&section=1



Meh to the 10th power.

[BOSCO]

It`ll be interesting to see what their like :) Corgi have also signed a deal to do a line of ships from Star Trek to mark its 40th anniversary.the first 2 are Classic Enterprise and Klingon Bird of Prey.seen pics an a mag and the detail is excellent :buttrock:

[Kirk Durfey]

Here's an idea of what Spidey and Cap look like.

http://www.corgi-usa.com/code/series_page.php?cat_id=5&series_id=87&cat_search_id=84&section=1

Click on the high-res pic link in the listings.
Thanks for the link, KK! I'll have to see them in person, 1/12th is pretty small (6-7 inches)...

[wizard-comics]

not that impressive from the pics..

[MarkSpears]

I was brought on board after the Spider-man, Wolverine, Captain America and Thing were done. The statues are pretty impressive. All metal. You can see some samples of my stuff at markspears.com The new statues will be based on my artwork (designs and poses). I should be able to show you some concept work after Toyfair since they will be showing it there.

[JadeGiant]

looks interesting ... will be curious to see some actual pics!

[Bartholomew]

Pics of Spider-Man, Wolverine, Captain America, and Thing are here. My favorite one out of the bunch is Thing.


Link (http://toynewsi.com/news.php?catid=23&itemid=8734)

[Wooktroop]

Pics of Spider-Man, Wolverine, Captain America, and Thing are here. My favorite one out of the bunch is Thing.


Link (http://toynewsi.com/news.php?catid=23&itemid=8734)


thanks, thoose look nice
$60 is kinda high
id like to score a few for $25 :)

[wolverinejedi007]

I kinda like the Wolverine...

[MarkSpears]

Thing is my favorite too.

[MarkSpears]

Thats the first time I saw the colors on Wolverine. They did a good job painting him. Nice base too. $60 for a 1/12 scale isn't that bad at all. You got to remember these are pure metal. Thing weighs as much as a bowling ball.

[JadeGiant]

I like the Thing sculpt the best of these. Something about Wolverine's face isn't "right" ... maybe it is just me

[Wolverine1]

Wolverine and the Thing looks really cool.

[MarkSpears]

Well Wolverine was desinged with fang type teeth so you can see why the mouth was so opend, Marvel approved it for the design but then later made them remove them for licensing reasons. I can see what the designer was trying to do. I would have made him a little bulker, arms out more, a little more rage in his face and body.

[Twoguns-Crowley]

Nice stuff on your site Mark.

[boondocksaint]

not for me :)

[MarkSpears]

Nice stuff on your site Mark.


Thanks!

[Neomotion]

Something seems wrong with these figurines. Not sure what, but besed on what i see here, i won't be buying these. Too much to collect anyway.

[MarkSpears]

I've had a few messages asking me about the statues. Yes, they are metal. If you drop it on your foot, it would hurt your foot, not the statue. haha. These will outlast any statue in your collection. They are 1/12th scale plus the base.

Here is a pic of the Thing:

http://users.nehp.net/mspears/Marks%20Pics/thingstatue.jpg


Here is Wolverine from Concept art to Sculpt. These were done by other concept artist, not myself.

<IMG src="http://users.nehp.net/mspears/Marks%20Pics/wolvconcept.jpg">

[wolverinejedi007]

Now I really like Wolverine... may have to pick this up...

When are they due out???

[MarkSpears]

Wolverine is due out around March/April I believe. There will also be two other X-men coming out in May that I designed.

Now I really like Wolverine... may have to pick this up...

When are they due out???

[Kirk Durfey]

Wolverine is due out around March/April I believe. There will also be two other X-men coming out in May that I designed.
Cool! I also like how the Thing looks, I'll be getting one of those...

[ftrez]

Wolverine is due out around March/April I believe. There will also be two other X-men coming out in May that I designed.

So I'm guessing you did Colossus??? I'd love to see some pics of it (I'd settle for the designs though). Big Colossus fan. So you did Storm & Thor too? I'm a huge Thor fan as well. Can never have enough Colossus or Thors. And if they're heavy as a bowling ball....! :buttrock:

[Bullseye]

Thing looks great.

[bat_collector]

Mark:

so, none of these are based on your art, right? Can't wait to see some that are.

[fossa]

My favorite one out of the bunch is Thing.agree 100%.

[MarkSpears]

Mark:

so, none of these are based on your art, right? Can't wait to see some that are.


No, these are based on another artist concepts. I'm hoping mine have a little more detail and more of my style.

[MarkSpears]

So I'm guessing you did Colossus??? I'd love to see some pics of it (I'd settle for the designs though). Big Colossus fan. So you did Storm & Thor too? I'm a huge Thor fan as well. Can never have enough Colossus or Thors. And if they're heavy as a bowling ball....! :buttrock:

How did you guess that? I didn't know if it was posted somewhere or not. But you guessed right. I'll be glad to show my concept work after Toyfair. I'm really happy with Colossus. I am hoping the sculptor does a good job with it.

[MarkSpears]

Here is some word about the statues for Figures.com:

TF 2006- Corgi Marvel Die Cast


Let us be the first to tell you that these things are gorgeous...

During our visit to the Corgi room we were pleased to see the new Marvel Die cast metal figurines that we showed you last week up close and personal. Let me be the first to tell you that these things are gorgeous, you better get yourself a sturdy bookcase or desk because things are heavy and durable.

[MarkSpears]

Here is the whole write up at superherotimes.com :

"During our visit to the <b>Corgi</b> room we were pleased to see the new Marvel Die cast metal figurines that we showed you last week up close and personal. Let me be the first to tell you that these things are gorgeous, you better get yourself a sturdy bookcase or desk because things are heavy and durable.</p>

<p>The first series which consists of <b>Capetian America, Wolverine, Spider-man and The Thing</b> is due to be in stores near the end of April, only available inside the United States and Canada. Each one is hand painted and will be limited to only 2500 pieces each, they will retail for $60.00 except the The Thing which sell for $75 due his large size and weight.</p>

<p>Corgi plans to release a new Marvel Die cast metal figurine every other month for the rest of 2006. So far we know that we will see <b>Thor and from the X-Men Storm, Colossus and Dark Phoenix</b> all done in the Marvel Comics style."</p>



So I guess it's offical. I worked on Colossus, Storm, Thor and Dark Phoenix. Though Dark Phoenix isn't finished yet and is still being designed.

[Avenger]

Here is the whole write up at superherotimes.com :

"During our visit to the <b>Corgi</b> room we were pleased to see the new Marvel Die cast metal figurines that we showed you last week up close and personal. Let me be the first to tell you that these things are gorgeous, you better get yourself a sturdy bookcase or desk because things are heavy and durable.</p>

<p>The first series which consists of <b>Capetian America, Wolverine, Spider-man and The Thing</b> is due to be in stores near the end of April, only available inside the United States and Canada. Each one is hand painted and will be limited to only 2500 pieces each, they will retail for $60.00 except the The Thing which sell for $75 due his large size and weight.</p>

<p>Corgi plans to release a new Marvel Die cast metal figurine every other month for the rest of 2006. So far we know that we will see <b>Thor and from the X-Men Storm, Colossus and Dark Phoenix</b> all done in the Marvel Comics style."</p>



So I guess it's offical. I worked on Colossus, Storm, Thor and Dark Phoenix. Though Dark Phoenix isn't finished yet and is still being designed.
They look great Mark. Something else I may have to pick up. :rolleyes2 :laugh:

[MarkSpears]

Here are my concept drawings, direct from toyfair.....

http://users.nehp.net/mspears/Marks%20Pics/IMG_2749.jpg

http://users.nehp.net/mspears/Marks%20Pics/IMG_2765.jpg

http://users.nehp.net/mspears/Marks%20Pics/IMG_2764.jpg

[MarkSpears]

http://users.nehp.net/mspears/Marks%20Pics/IMG_2763.jpg

http://users.nehp.net/mspears/Marks%20Pics/IMG_2766.jpg

[Doc Sonic]

These are interesting but the price is prohibitive. The price reflects the amount of metal in the product. But, there are other collectables in that price range that are better quality and better looking. I don't just want to be paying that high of a price just because it's metal.

And because of the weight shipping is going to be expensive.

But like I said, these are interesting.

[MarkSpears]

These are interesting but the price is prohibitive. The price reflects the amount of metal in the product. But, there are other collectables in that price range that are better quality and better looking. I don't just want to be paying that high of a price just because it's metal.

And because of the weight shipping is going to be expensive.

But like I said, these are interesting.


I think $60 for a 1/12th scale, roughly 7" statue isn't that bad at all. If you look at other statues on the market, these are the cheapest priced than that for the same size. I've already seen some internet preorder sites selling them at $37.50. Plus these are metal. Besides the fact they are heavy and sturdy, they won't break. Shipping will be more but consumers won't be getting affected by the cost if they pick it up at a store. The first four are the very first ones Corgi produced so we are hoping the statues will get even better as the line continues. Thats one reason they brought me on board for concept art. Though the I believe the first four came out pretty good and are getting some great reviews so far.

[ftrez]

I think $60 for a 1/12th scale, roughly 7" statue isn't that bad at all. If you look at other statues on the market, these are the cheapest priced than that for the same size. I've already seen some internet preorder sites selling them at $37.50. Plus these are metal. Besides the fact they are heavy and sturdy, they won't break. Shipping will be more but consumers won't be getting affected by the cost if they pick it up at a store. The first four are the very first ones Corgi produced so we are hoping the statues will get even better as the line continues. Thats one reason they brought me on board for concept art. Though the I believe the first four came out pretty good and are getting some great reviews so far.

I don't think $60 is prohibitive either. I'm really looking forward to Colossus & possibly Thor. Oh, and, Mark, those are the pics I saw several days ago when I asked if these were the ones you worked on. Great work.

[MarkSpears]

I don't think $60 is prohibitive either. I'm really looking forward to Colossus & possibly Thor. Oh, and, Mark, those are the pics I saw several days ago when I asked if these were the ones you worked on. Great work.

I didn't realize they released them yet. I'm really hoping Colossus, Storm and Thor come out good. I did lots of concepts for those besides the colored catalouge art. The sculptor is supposed to be a great dulpicator. We originally went with a different pose for Thor. The one where he just transformed and is striking his hammer splitting the concret. We decided to go with the standing one to give it more heigth. We may do the other version later in the line.

[Bartholomew]

I didn't realize they released them yet. I'm really hoping Colossus, Storm and Thor come out good. I did lots of concepts for those besides the colored catalouge art. The sculptor is supposed to be a great dulpicator. We originally went with a different pose for Thor. The one where he just transformed and is striking his hammer splitting the concret. We decided to go with the standing one to give it more heigth. We may do the other version later in the line.

Mark when is Phoenix supposed to come out?
And what made you decide on the pose you did for her? Was there a particular mood you wanted to portray?
I love seeing the creative process. Thanks!

[MarkSpears]

Corgi is a great company. The quality of Corgi product is top notch. I don't think that the price is bad at all.

Again, I'm looking forward to the Thor very much. I hope, as do you, that it comes out even better than the first batch. And that's intriguing, the possibility of a second Thor. Any idea when the first (and maybe only) Thor might get shown? And any chance that concept pics/designs of the other Thor could get shown?

The Thor is being sculpted now. I'm not sure of the release date yet for him, but I know it's this year.

[MarkSpears]

Mark when is Phoenix supposed to come out?
And what made you decide on the pose you did for her? Was there a particular mood you wanted to portray?
I love seeing the creative process. Thanks!

Phoenix was talked about with a May release but that was pushed back.

[MarkSpears]

Thanks for all them emails about the statues. I appreciate the feedback.

[Bartholomew]

Phoenix was talked about with a May release but that was pushed back. I'm not sure if thats the pose we will finally go with, there is talk of changing the base and I might see if I like another pose better. She is still in the early design process. I wanted her to be sexy and wicked. That was the inspiration for the pose. Again I wanted her to be different and I can't stand the "hands in the air" pose everyone does. With Storm I went with her "calling the wind" pose and her hands were in the air so I definately didn't want two female statues with similar poses. With Colossus I went with a "kingly" pose. Colossus to me is strength, boldness and comfort to the weak. I wanted him in a proud pose that conveyed those feelings.


Very cool, thanks Mark! Whenever it comes out, I'm definitely getting the Jean Grey/Phoenix. ::crosses fingers:: hopefully this year :)

[ftrez]

[QUOTE=MarkSpears]I designed a standing one, which is what we finally went with, a striking his hammer ( which I loved but would have made the statue shorter since he was bent over) and one of him in action walking, kind of lunging forward.

I'd love one of Thor striking his hammer!

[MarkSpears]

Very cool, thanks Mark! Whenever it comes out, I'm definitely getting the Jean Grey/Phoenix. ::crosses fingers:: hopefully this year :)


Just wanted to let you know I'm doing some touch ups on Phoenix and she is slated for summer release as of right now.

[Bartholomew]

Just wanted to let you know I'm doing some touch ups on Phoenix and she is slated for summer release as of right now.
:buttrock: Thanks for the great news! I can't wait to see it. :D

[CKinSD]

very cool to hear Mark. I've ordered the first set and am waiting to be able to order more.

[MarkSpears]

Working on the versus set right now. I won't say who it is yet but the first set is a male vs female. After I finish it up I'll start work on the next versus set.

[Bartholomew]

Working on the versus set right now. I won't say who it is yet but the first set is a male vs female. After I finish it up I'll start work on the next versus set.


Nice! Versus set sounds very cool. I'm more and more excited about this line. Definitely getting the previewed Thing and Phoenix, but I seem to can't throw out any guesses as to who the fighting female/male are. hmmm.... :peoples:

[MarkSpears]

I just finished with Phoenix's base and starting the colors. She is going to be the best female I've done so far I believe.

[Bartholomew]

I just finished with Phoenix's base and starting the colors. She is going to be the best female I've done so far I believe.

Any updates on Phoenix, Mark?
;)

[MarkSpears]

Phoenix is being sculpted right now. The concepts turned out pretty good and I think it will be the best Phoenix statue to date. We are planning on a Dark Phoenix and the later on a regular Phoenix (green). I have seen Storm, which was the first female I designed, she looks awsome! Can't wait to show you some pics when I can. My main goal was to show "thicker" bodies on the females than other statue makers, and also more porportianate bodies. When you see Storm you think "she looks realistic, yet in a comic book style" basically that is what I try to do when I draw my females. Dark Phoenix is planned for a 2006 release, I imagine they will ship her out when the X-men 3 dvd comes out in the 4th quarter.

[Neomotion]

Cool, an actual "iron" Colussus. Will keep an eye open for that one.

[MarkSpears]

Yep, and a metal Silver Surfer for 2007. Colossus paints look incredible.

[Fries]

Yep, and a metal Silver Surfer for 2007. Colossus paints look incredible.

Silver Surfer!! Now, this is something I'd like... :buttrock:

[ftrez]

Yep, and a metal Silver Surfer for 2007. Colossus paints look incredible.

PICS?!?!?!?!

[MarkSpears]

Okay guys, they have offically released the pics of the statues I designed. Let me know your thoughts!


http://users.nehp.net/mspears/Marks%20Pics/Colossus1.jpg

http://users.nehp.net/mspears/Marks%20Pics/Thor1.jpg

http://users.nehp.net/mspears/Marks%20Pics/Storm1.jpg

[Bartholomew]

Looking good. Love the paint jobs. They do look even better than some of the original releases, except maybe Thing.
I really want to see Dark Phoenix!!! Maybe a concept sneak peak? :)

[MarkSpears]

Barth, here ya go!!


http://users.nehp.net/mspears/Marks%20Pics/darkp.jpg

[madjazz]

Saw these at the NY Con earlier in the year. Nice stuff. Loved the Thing.

[Bartholomew]

Barth, here ya go!!


http://users.nehp.net/mspears/Marks%20Pics/darkp.jpg

Thanks, Mark. That's so sweeeeeet!!! :buttrock: The base really makes it stand out. A nice paint job like the newer ones would make it a home run.

[buchieboy]

thats great mark!!!!!

[msw313]

Mark,
WOW! These look great!
I just picked up the Spider-Man and Hulk pieces. Can't wait until the first of your pieces hit the street! Is there a target release date? Will we see the prototypes on display in San Diego?

[MarkSpears]

They will be released in August. Not sure if they are going to show them in San Diego.

[Gir]

The Thing looks great. Thor and Storm look good. The others look kind of generic. Just my honest opinion.

[Bartholomew]

Mark, will the Dark Phoenix face be softened a bit?
I can't wait to see this!!!

[MarkSpears]

GIR, Well I didn't do The Thing, Captain America or Wolverine. Do you not like Colossus? I think he turned out fantastic. Though the pic is small it is hard to see the detail.

Bartholomew, I have seen the Dark Poenix sculpt. It is softer. The pic is so small it is hard to see the face really. Here is a close up...

http://users.nehp.net/mspears/Marks%20Pics/dpface.jpg