NoHumorMan wrote:
The year isn't done yet... and these are just the first reveals of what they have planned. Some companies keep some secrets to be revealed at conventions... so there's still a maybe for surprises. Also... as a fledgling company... I would imagine they'd want to test the waters first before bringing in the big guns. There's a chance for some good stuff... so here's me crossing my fingers. I didn't buy anything from MR as they didn't offer what I wanted... hopefully efx WILL! Bring on the OT helmets!
As a starting-off company, it's important to manage your op-ex and become cash flow positive at the earliest. This is a challenge because, on one hand, they probably do not want to make things that directly compete against MR products that are currently in retail/reseller channels, and on the other hand they don't want to encounter too much resistance from fussy, picky fans too early in the game!
The Ahsoka lightsaber is an interesting approach. People can't debate its accuracy against a real life prop because none exists; it's all 3D. Like the Clone Trooper helmets, if it's accurate, it's accurate to the actual computer 3D file used by LFL. There are commendable diehard lightsaber fans that must collect every possible saber, even of Expanded Universe. Ahsoka is a very new characater made up for this animated 3D series, so the appeal to own a saber associated with so unfamiliar a character at this stage is a gamble. It's design appears enough to keep construction costs low (and anything made overseas like in China will help). Who knows? She might turn out to be the next Mara Jade!
Regarding the McQuarrie Concept Helmet, I applaud the effort, the attention to detail of the 3D rendering, and the fact that it will have McQuarrie attached to it. On Jez' site, there is a "Canadian Concept Vader" that I find is less cartoony and more realistic looking. I think I would have preferred a more real-world treatment. This will appeal to hardcore collectors who have to have one of each helmet in their collection, but I feel it's a gamble to expect this to appeal to the mainstream.
What does appeal to the mainstream is the Stormtrooper helmet. Being that this is an improvement over the MR, it can be argued that it's not identical. It's an immediately recognizable icon of the Star Wars franchise regardless of whether you are a fan of the original trilogy, prequels, etc. and I feel it's the least speculative of the three. As one who didn't invest in the MR version, the improvements have me giving more serious observation of this iteration. eFX could not do a proper company launch without a recognizable "legacy Star Wars" product. The Stormtrooper fits that bill easily.
I think the Stormtrooper helmet - which is currently available whereas the other two are "Coming Soon" - is to help eFx gain some revenues, since the manufacturing process of that helmet is already in place and just needed a few tweaks here and there. I believe the eFx team was MR's former SW products development team, so they may have retained the same relationships with manufacturers in China. Having some short-term operational cash allows them to devote some more time towards their other products that need to be developed from the ground up.
They are a new company that's developing its wings. Lightsabers are more a machine-fabrication process whereas helmets are more fiberglass casting. They're essentially two different processes and a good way to start building some momentum and confidence as a new company.