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You have completely the wrong attitude, Muppet fans should never settle for shoddy product. The company has shown they are capable of doing better (even with Gonzo) and know the way they are doing this is not how it really should be done. It's not a "few" people complaining, they know themselves. If everyone jumps at it and signs up anyway, what kind of message does it send? You have to be joking about how people could miss out on these, they had a hard enough time shifting Kermit so i can't see this flying out the doors. If Gonzo comes out like this it will not be a Ltd Edition Muppet Poser, it'll be a giant plush toy - these are supposed to be near enough "spot on" but this just isn't slightly off, it's very poor. I get the fact that people want to be "cheerleaders" for these for some reason but they might regret it later when they realise this is about the time you would have a final prototype and it may come with a completely innacurate top lip and a sock nose with a seam up it - and poor sales of that could mean no more replicas. I get the point about how you can wait for the final product, but i'm 100% sure that if they had a better version ready to go they would have shown it to get the pre-orders in.
But if the current Muppet replicas they release, like Gonzo, aren't received well it is likely that there won't be any more after him. It's hard enough getting this type of high-end product to sell-through when it is near-perfect. Kermit still has lingering units yet to be sold a year later.
I'm refering to the fact that if certain people don't buy this particular replica they will never own an officially licensed replica of that character because they will not come round again. I was not refering to how quickly they would sell. However, poor sales of these replicas, whatever the reason may be, might just be seen as the Muppets are no longer popular enough to release this type of merchandise for!
I will be getting Gonzo too because I enjoy collecting Henson and Muppet related memorabilia. I just think the people who won't be buying these replicas might regret in years to come when they realise, even tho they are not perfect, they are as close to the real thing as will ever be released. I would love to see 100% authentic looking replicas but Kermit, being the first released, is not 100% accurate and they not likely to release him again any better. So what do I do? Pout because he isn't as good as he could be and don't buy or buy and enjoy him for what he is? I think you know my answer.But if the current Muppet replicas they release, like Gonzo, aren't received well it is likely that there won't be any more after him. It's hard enough getting this type of high-end product to sell-through when it is near-perfect. Kermit still has lingering units yet to be sold a year later.
It's not that everybody expects them to be spot on. But when there's a piece central to the character - like Gonzo's nose - that is quite off in shape and material, there is cause for concern.
The Kermit poser is stunningly beautiful, 99% accurate in my opinion. Animal is about 98%. I honestly didn't expect him to look nearly as good as he does! These, so far, have been the best Muppet product ever. But the issues with Gonzo have been dragging on. He is hands-down my life-long favorite character.
We know that MR does watch this forum sometimes and has been known to take note of some comments here and there. My years around these forums and being associated with Muppet product have taught me that Muppet fans are a fickle bunch. It bewilders me sometimes too.
I'll be getting Gonzo either way. I've stated that in several posts. That doesn't mean forum members shouldn't encourage the best possible product. The sock-nose isn't very attractive. I'll be starring at my Gonzo for years to come. I'd rather they use a better material. I know there are many options.
