October 15th, 2012
736 comments
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New 3.75″ Figures and playsets in 2013 – Poll
New 3.75″ Scale Action Figures and playsets in 2013
In a recent interview for www.toysnplaythings.co.uk, Character along with several other companies have talked about their future plans for Doctor Who Products.
You can read all the interviews and stories via www.toysnplaythings.co.uk magazine or click on the image below.
One quote however appears to give us some major news on new figures and sets…
What exciting new products will you have coming out in future?
“Our product range will be diverse and innovative, in addition to the figures and playsets that have been released, Autumn 2012 will see the first Doctor Who App-related toy in which you connect your smartphone to a physical device enabling kids to digitally battle Daleks, Cybermen and Angels as they appear in their actual location on screen via augmented reality. We have huge expectations from an exciting new toy range for 2013 with new scale action figures, playsets and role play toys. Construction will continue to grow with the introduction of Series three micro-figures and all new playsets based on the upcoming episodes.”
The current 5 inch figure range
- The Classic series figure range will stay the same scale, 5 inches.
- No more new series figures will be made in the 5 inch range.
- Rory was the final new series figure to be made for the 5 inch scale range, although there may be re-releases (Like the B&M Dalek and Cybermen sets).
The new 3.75 inch figure range
- The new scale range will be 3.75 inches which is industry standard. This means the toys will be more compatible with other ranges.
- There are no plans to release already existing figures in the new scale range. (Excluding Daleks and Weeping angels seen in series 7)
- Photos of the range will not be released until next year.
- There is a possibility stands if costs allow but priority will be given to the figures.
- There will be a range of four playsets.
Above is what we know so far thanks to Alasdair Dewar.
Please leave only sensible and constructive comments on this article
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Anonymous
October 16th, 2012 - 11:43amPeople you know what we need to do then, we need to kick up a fuss like with Rory. We can’t stop the 3.75” figures coming in but we can try and prevent the end of the 5” figures.
We just need to try and build up a big demand for a specific 5” figure from the new series and hopefully that would convince CO to give UT another new series exclusive and possibly allow the range to continue even if it is only as waves.
booboo
October 16th, 2012 - 12:06pmI think these new figures and sets defiantly have their market but would agree there would be a demand for certain figures this way.
Anonymous
October 16th, 2012 - 12:13pmExactly, why not have both? Of course the markets would clash if you have them both in the mass market but having 5” in exclusive and this in the main retailers would be fine, but messing around with the choices for the exclusives is a bit off.
Hopefully we can convince them to bring back the new series exclusives.
McGann is the Doctor
October 16th, 2012 - 12:43pmI would love new series exclusives in the 5″ range.
Sad there will not be any more, I will not get my hopes up 🙁
Doctor 909
October 16th, 2012 - 12:51pmSo when do we start with the e-mails then. I am guessing now
Anonymous
October 16th, 2012 - 12:55pmWe might as well. Just remember not to attack the 3.75” range when you are doing it and keep it constructive, otherwise they’ll not pay any attention.
Doctor 909
October 16th, 2012 - 1:15pmLightbulb!!!!! We could demand for an Oswin figure!!!!!!!! : smile:
Doctor 909
October 16th, 2012 - 1:25pmPerfect email just sent I will post reply as soon as I get one!!!
Anonymous
October 16th, 2012 - 1:36pmI’d be aiming for Clara rather than Oswin.
Liason Ice
October 16th, 2012 - 10:50amIf we are only getting half a figure it better be half the price 👿
KGF
October 16th, 2012 - 11:27amExcept it’s more than half a figure.
Mels
October 16th, 2012 - 11:39amThey’ll probably be a similar price (or slightly cheaper) than the old figures :-/
Anonymous
October 16th, 2012 - 11:48amRemember it gets scaled down in all dimensions not just height (otherwise it would be a bit squashed) so it would need less than a third of the plastic, but costs come from elsewhere, not just the plastic so it will be a lot more than a third of the cost.
Anonymous
October 16th, 2012 - 12:09pmwell I know what this means the size of the figure gows down but the price of it will go up. I think if they do this I will stop buying them
andrew
October 16th, 2012 - 2:09pmYup thats exactly whats gonna happen^. Like with current Transformers figures, they getting smaller and hollow, prices are going up to £16!
ThePandoricaopens
October 16th, 2012 - 10:36amC.O You are gonna lose so much money with this decision. The new series figures although not always brilliant have been wonderful to collect. I only collect specific figures but that’s only because you re-released so many figures that people weren’t particularly interested in. Now i’ll never get my hands on 5″ 11th doctor in green long coat and stetson. Please don’t g through with this.
McGann is the Doctor
October 16th, 2012 - 12:45pmI wish we could stop them, I wish I could have a 5″ Doctor in his green longcoat.
Should have guessed this would happen.
Kindof hope this new line FAILS and they go back to the 5″ but it’s unlikely.
Doctor 909
October 16th, 2012 - 10:26amThese figure better not be £10 they should be £5, by the way aim not saying I know the price.
Doctor 909
October 16th, 2012 - 10:29amI mean instead of aim I am
Doctor 909
October 16th, 2012 - 9:05amThey might show some of there products at the 2013 toy fair as character have singed up to show there products!!!!! 😉
Doctor 909
October 16th, 2012 - 8:29amWho is going to buy these because if no one buys any of them character will feel like they have to bring the 5″ back!!! 😀
booboo
October 16th, 2012 - 8:47amthe 5″ line was dead,production costs and lack of retailer interest i would imagine. its pretty clear this step is aimed at the mass “toy” and playability market to get doctor who figures back on the shelves,
Doctor 909
October 16th, 2012 - 9:06amOh ok
John Smith
October 16th, 2012 - 9:48amSo Booboo what your saying is that the 5″ line was pretty much dead but if so many fans are going against these new figures then whats the point?! This was a really bad move from C.O. I think that they should’ve asked for fan opinions and stuff. I hope that they do a last minute reconsider because if they want to keep the figures on the shelves with a decent fan base I think the should reconsider.
booboo
October 16th, 2012 - 10:38amIts actually peoples lack of understanding of the toy market at the moment, the 5″ figures aren’t viable any more, the core collectors on forums are not enough to sustain the range.
Do you seriously think Character would cancel and line they could still make money from. 5″ fans will obviously not be happy but there will be a whole new group of people who will be.
The 3.75″ figures are for the mass toy market with playability and compatibility factor, they will appeal to a different audience.
Liason Ice
October 16th, 2012 - 11:01amThen why are they keeping the classics in 5″? They should change everything over or nothing
booboo
October 16th, 2012 - 11:16amBecause they do have a collectors market where many people buy everything and UT toys and FP are committed to them, and each figure is only viable when you have several variants as we have already seen (and still people moan like hell)
People seem to forget the classic line was nearly cancelled because large retailers did not want them, and its only because UT/FP stepped in that we have them at all.
I want 5″ figure to continue as well, we are collectors to and want them as much as you do but i also understand the economics and state of the toy market at the moment.
Mels
October 16th, 2012 - 11:35amUnfortunately this is the reality for a lot of ‘collectable’ items these days. About 10 years ago I used to buy lovely DVD collections with big beautiful illustrations, inserts and the like. They were expensive but georgeous. The companies couldn’t sell enough of these ‘deluxe’ collectable items, and the majority of the companies that sold them collapsed and went broke. The few compainies that remained dropped their collector lines and shifted to cheap, budget packaging and sets to stay afloat.
Mels
October 16th, 2012 - 11:35amMoral of the story? We may not be thrilled with the downsized figures, but at least we are still getting something!
dalek eternal
October 16th, 2012 - 8:18ami would have prefered it if instead of scale changes they got rid of individual releases and made 10 figure sets for each series or episode sets with 6 figures each set
stormaggedon97
October 16th, 2012 - 8:58amyes that would be really good!
dalek eternal
October 16th, 2012 - 8:16ambooboo u know that the 9th and 10th era is classic when matt smith leaves will his series become classic and then underground toys can do some new series exclusives
booboo
October 16th, 2012 - 8:26amno, the 9th and 10th Doctors have to be marketed under the new packaging design for pre Matt Smith era’s but they are not covered by the classic licence.
dalek eternal
October 16th, 2012 - 8:13amaslong as the classics are 5 inch it aint too bad its annoying after building up a decent 5 inch collection but i think ill get them anyway after sleeping on it . But i used to love star wars figures ive got quite a lot up my attic with ships an at ats , x wings and so on but the reason i stopped buying them was because i prefered the bigger scale character doctor wh figures star wars are tiny next to them but i suppose u can mix star wars with dr who and have a tardis flying with star wars ships for fun with dr fighting a sith with the sonic
thehostproductions
October 16th, 2012 - 8:01amleast the classic figures stay the same
Mr Evil Fez
October 16th, 2012 - 7:59amNo new 10th Doctor figures then?! 😡 Why CO? WHY!?
dalek eternal
October 16th, 2012 - 8:14amaparently ive heard that the 10th dr and 9th dr are now considered classic so underground toys could make them
McGann is the Doctor
October 16th, 2012 - 12:49pmNo, booboo has made it clear the 9th and 10th Doctor are not coverd by the classics OR the New Matt Smith era.
booboo
October 16th, 2012 - 1:04pmthey are covered by the new series licence, but character themselves will not cover old ground, they are to speak in no mans land at the moment and i think UT sees far more mileage in pre 2005 figures. The only thing that stipulated is that pre Matt Smith era merchandise now has to be in the same “classic” packaging.
matt smithy
October 16th, 2012 - 7:51amI couldn’t be more angry with CO, they just stop the 5 inch new series range without asking oppinions first? I have so many 5 inch figures, and want a lot more for stop motions, I will still get the classics, but that is all. I will have no intrest in the new wave what so ever. >:(
Shanieomaniac
October 16th, 2012 - 7:17amOk, I’m a little bothered by this poll. Where’s the option that we really want that says “I’m done buying figures for CO?” Because that is what it seems like most people’s answer is. I will likely be getting my Third Doctor set, and that is it. BTW, can I just say something. As someone who lives in the US, do you know how HARD it is to even FIND Doctor Who figures here. First off, if you don’t have a TRU nead you, you are out of luck. Second, FPI which is one of the few places to buy from besides ebay, doesn’t ship exclusives internationally.
Shanieomaniac
October 16th, 2012 - 7:20amFinally, if you do find an FYE that has the figures or a comic shop, they have maybe one or two tops. US collectors are forced to pay huge prices for something that costs about 8 pounds UK. Now, US dollar doesn’t go as far, but to import from ebay, you are still looking at 30 dollars a figure for the good ones. So not only am I crushed about the scale change, I’m crushed that I will never have the chance to own the good 5 inch ones.
McGann is the Doctor
October 16th, 2012 - 12:50pmSounds like you really need to run away from that desire, it aint gonna come true .
the anonymous person
October 16th, 2012 - 7:04amMy thoughts and opinions:
I am gutted that they aren’t making ANY more 5″ new series figures. I mean, go ahead with the 3.75″ figures, but at least still make them in 5″! Cos it’s just like the figure range for the new Spider-Man movie – there are some 3.75″ figures, but also some 6″. That’s EXACTLY what Character needs to do – we still need figures from Series 7a like Oswin, Rory’s dad, the Gunslinger and the Statue of Liberty. I will still buy some of the 3.75″ figures for a Dr Who/Star Wars crossover series, but for the 5″ figures, RIP.
Mumble5557
October 16th, 2012 - 6:34amI feel allot better now as i now know that its just new series and not classics. I might buy them though, but still not to sure.
John Smith
October 16th, 2012 - 5:47amI am so annoyed about this. I love the 5 scale figures and so what if the 3.75 or whatever they are seem to be more compatible with other sets?! I’ve lost interest in the Character options figures now and I mean it. These new figures will more than likely have less detail, will cost the same even though they’re a lot smaller and will make older figures harder to find. On top of that what about figure adventures?! If the classic ones are going to be the original 5 scale and the newer figures are going to be 3.75 scale, it’s not going to work!
THEBIGBLUEBOX
October 16th, 2012 - 6:48ami think that this is a stab in the back for all doctor who fans 🙁
i really hope that they reconcider changing the size.
Dalek Strategist
October 16th, 2012 - 4:43amIf they’re changing the scale, does that mean they’re starting off with the basic characters? Cause I’d really like the Dalek Drone in the new color. Anyone know?
Mels
October 16th, 2012 - 4:35amI’m in the ‘I don’t know what to think category”. I know Marvel in particular do a lot of 3.75 inch toys, and I don’t really like them all that much. O-o
I would be really happy if they were an extra line, but discontinuing the new series 5 inch line seems a bit harsh. Having collected the 5 inch figures for so long, and having such a huge collection of of them, well, this will be quite the adjustment!
I’m not really sold on the idea, but it’s not like we have a choice, so lets just hope the new line of figures is good.
(Really good).
gallopingdalek
October 16th, 2012 - 2:07amI see they’re redecorating I don’t like it:smile:
andrew
October 16th, 2012 - 1:41amBest news ever as the first part, classic figures are staying, I’m happy people. Plus I like that they not going to release any previous figures in the new scale, differentiates he range. Although I won’t get them, the scale could work. That’s what I think anyway, at least he classics stay, I imagine that’s because of demand.
andrew
October 16th, 2012 - 1:49amIf think playsets in this scale would be cool and cheap, but like I said, as long as classic 5″ figures aren’t affected and we get what is hoped for next year, cough tardis console room cough, I’m happy!
THEBIGBLUEBOX
October 16th, 2012 - 1:31amworst desission ever 🙁
Esmeblabbed
October 16th, 2012 - 1:24amSorry, do we know what characters are being made?
Rooners
October 16th, 2012 - 1:08amI do really like the detail of the 5 inch range and its a shame we wont get any more non classic figures in that scale. That said, if CO maintain their high detail for the 3.75 figures then the new the range could be very exciting…especially as they will be compatible with figures from Star Wars, Marvel, DC, Men in Black, Indiana Jones, Star Trek etc.
Rooners
October 16th, 2012 - 1:11amBTW…good news that they will not be re-releasing any existing figures in the new scale…that would be annoying.
Just a thought…as they will still actively be releasing new ‘classic’ stuff, I wonder if we’ll ever see an Eighth Doctor set or single carded release…?
andrew
October 16th, 2012 - 1:54amPossible now they have of more money to spend on it with the new range being cheaper to make. Worries of detail will be expected I’m sure, but this is character, when do they let us down on detail. Now with I being healer gives them more opportunity to release maybe more classic waves and yeah an eighth doctor would be nice.
timelord22
October 15th, 2012 - 10:23pmI’m so so gutted and upset.
THEBIGBLUEBOX
October 16th, 2012 - 6:50amSame man i cant belieave that they would do this 🙁
thedoctor903
October 15th, 2012 - 10:20pmGuess we will see something at the toy fair in January/Febuary maybe
thehostproductions
October 15th, 2012 - 9:40pmwill the reason of the classic figures staying the same because underground toys will be in licenced with the range
andrew
October 16th, 2012 - 1:55amI think it’s more to do with demand, there is a big demand for classic items and it has a better collector ability.
TickleOnTheTum
October 15th, 2012 - 9:34pmFrom Al Dewar at CO on Twitter:
****
The 5″ New Series range is discontinued as of now and is to be replaced with a 3.75″ range launching in May 2013. Rory is the last 5″ New Series figure. The Classics will continue as 5″ figures for now…
There will be no existing New Series figures re-released in 3.75″ scale…
Pictures of the new 3.75″ range are embargoed until May 2013 when the new series is aired.
****
This really really sucks and it means I will no longer be buying New Series figures…
Andrew Hall
October 15th, 2012 - 10:35pmNotice how he says the classics will continue in 5 inch size for now….wonder if they will eventually change too….not good news for us die hard collectors!
booboo
October 15th, 2012 - 10:36pmcant see that happening to be honest
andrew
October 16th, 2012 - 1:57amDue to demand an it’s of money making on collectors for the classics, I don’t think they want to stop it!
John Smith
October 16th, 2012 - 5:50amI’ve got hundreds of the 5 scale figures and this is just a massive let down. I feel really annoyed about this. CHARACTER OPTIONS!!!!!!!!!!!
Esterath
October 15th, 2012 - 9:16pmAm I the only one happy with this new scale of figures? I always thought the 5 inch figures were too expensive, these 3.75 inch figures ill be right up my alley! Plus they’ll look cool!
Anonymous
October 15th, 2012 - 9:21pmWith most of these 3.75” figures though the price isn’t actually that much different from the 5” figures, you might save a pound, maybe two at best per figure.
GlasgowWho
October 15th, 2012 - 9:11pmAfter sleeping on this news, im feeling a little better! I used to love my star wars figures which are this scale, so why wont I for Doctor Who? And if its cheaper then happy days! Just hope quality doesnt suffer 🙂 roll on 2013!
timelord22
October 15th, 2012 - 8:54pmI’m gutted because I NEEDED a 5″ Clara/Oswin figure! I make animations; a fan made Doctor Who series, 13 episodes for each series. I plan months ahead what I’m going to do, and I’ve even written all the episodes which are 35 minutes each! I’ve done 7 series (3 with Gwen Cooper and 4 with Amy Pond). I can do Series 8 as planned (Mickey was the companion for one series before being killed off) but I’ve planned to do 10 series before finishing for good with Matt Smith in all of them, and Clara was the companion for Series 9 and 10!
timelord22
October 15th, 2012 - 8:56pmI’ll have to rewrite 26 episodes and try to think of a replacement companion that I haven’t already used (I’ve used most of the old companions in it!)! So irritating, just release an Oswin! I could bring Amy back and introduce Rory, but it will spoil Amy’s original departure!
Kiebo03
October 15th, 2012 - 8:59pmThis is exactly what I was saying, they need to think about us who do this stuff too! I have episodes written which I need a few series 7 figures for but I guess Im going to have to scrap them now!
timelord22
October 15th, 2012 - 8:59pmWhat does everyone think? Could I maybe have the Doctor travel alone, or maybe have River travel with him. I’ve still made it so she’s Amy’s daughter but maybe I could still connect her to the Doctor somehow…
RORY DOCTOR RIVER POND
October 15th, 2012 - 9:11pmYou could definitely do River, or bring back Martha. that would be interesting. you could make a custom? i dont know if you do customs, but if you did you could invent a character, or make the doctor’s daughter, Jenny.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4IlviTPHi08
cyberking3
October 15th, 2012 - 9:11pmmaybe you could have just rory and river in your adventures?
Justjeulin
October 16th, 2012 - 9:49pmI fell just like you timelord22, I also planned a series with the Doctor and Jenna, hoping she’d be 5 inch. I already filmed scenes without her! Now I have to rewrite all of it! Also where can I find your series? Sounds interesting