"The reasons for returning to the Star Trek are both business- and geek-driven"...said Fish.
"On the geek side, we love this property. We love the richness in characters, storyline and heritage, as well as its optimistic vision of the future. The opportunity to get involved in a TREK update using today’s filming technology, and a contemporary director like JJ Abrams, was too exciting to pass up. Plus, it allows me to justify to my wife that my addiction to watching TREK reruns at home is, in fact, 'research.' "Which leads to an obvious question: what's different about Playmates' approach to STAR TREK this time around? Fish explains:
"The approach has been quite different for this range of product. Firstly, we've made a conscious effort to develop the line for both kids and collectors. The 3 3/4" scale allows for interaction with playsets like our TV-advertised transporter room. We've built in a collectible program into this sku, with the bridge and transporter room accessories packed out with the figures. The 6" scale is more collector-targeted, but again at mass channel prices. We've given these figures soft PVC clothing, for a more authentic look and feel."A little known fact about the development of toys based on movies or TV shows: often, while developing the first wave of a product line, a toy company might have limited access to the designs upon which they're basing their product. At some point you've probably asked yourself why toyetic interpretations of some of your favorite characters or vehicles aren't more literal - this is why. Earlier waves in a line are often, to a certain extent at least, a "best guess"/"educated extrapolation" based on limited access to media from a movie or television production. The development of Playmate's new STAR TREK line was no exception. But now that the cat's out of the bag, Fish says the company is...
"looking forward to giving fans everything they want."The previous two paragraphs sound like an apology or explanation of some sort - they are not. As a whole, Playmates' first wave of material from Abrams' TREK works as a solid (and sometimes very well realized anchor for a line whose growth potential is vast given the textural richness, and ambient enormity, of Abrams' film. NOTE: THERE MAY BE A FEW MINOR SPOILERS BELOW, as some toys will be contrasted against their bigscreen progenitors. Nothing too major will be revealed, but those wishing to remain ensconced in a Cone of Silence may wish to tread cautiously. Technically, these figures, vehicles, and "role playing" props were to be released a few weeks back. However, a cursory check of Geek-friendly retailers in my neighborhood over the weekend turned up mixed results. Our local Super Target had new TREK toys on shelves since before launch (they'd broken embargo & and have consistently been thisclose to selling out), while no sign of the film's existence could be found at the Uber-Giganto WalMart across the street from said Target. Our neighborhood Toys 'R' Us had much of PLaymates new line in stock, although Enterprises and Phasers were nowhere to be seen. In essence, the influx of TREK toys appears to be a work in progress. What follows is a broad-stroke...pretty much stream-of-consciousness...perspective of some of (but not all of) Playmates' new STAR TREK line. We don't have access to some of the material released by Playmates, but know there's more out there - and we're mentioning everything below, even if it's only in passing. First off, figure hunters should know there are actually two lines of "action figures": a 3.75" 'Galaxy Series' and 6" 'Warp Series'. The 3.75" line lacks much of the 6" figures' nuance in terms of sculpt and detail. However, the 3.75" figures are compatible with the new Enterprise bridge playset and Transporter Room playset, which you can see in action HERE (click the "Play" window at the bottom of the page). There is also a third wave of figures that don't fall under the "action figure" auspices as far as I'm concerned - the 12" 'Command Series'. A few friends called me to bitch about "I can't believe Playmates didn't make bigger figures!", etc. - they were seeing only the 3.75" figures on the shelves at that moment. So, if you're going on a nerdtastic quest for Abramsverse figures, keep all of this in mind.