Somebody explain the block figures to me

[Captain Coder]

So somebody explain the interest in the block figures to me, like the Minimates and Palz. Why are these figures popular? They don't have much details and they look like the old lego people. Anybody out there that collects them, just wondering what the attraction is?

[Bryce]

My questions is, why didnt they make them in the same fashion as the Lego guys, all the interchangability, custumazation, and size? I know people like the Lego people (allthough not action figure guys) so why didnt they go after that market?

[Captain Coder]

Yea, I don't know. I think making them for customizing or interchangable parts is a great idea. The Shockini follow this idea, but if I were to buy my favorite super hero, I would want a more articulated figure.

[Bryce]

How come Lego hasnt gotten in on the act? I mean it seems like such natural idea, they got most of the licenses rapt up anyway.

[Shamrock]

I like block figures, particularly Minimates. They have plenty of articulation, swappable parts, and a wide variety of lines. I don't know why I like them. They're just kinda funny.

They're fun to customize too.

[Will Turner]

I'm not really into the block figures myself, but, I can see the appeal. When I was a lad, some of my first coustoms were a result of trying to make a spiderman lego-man.

In the '80s and '90s (I assume when we all grew up) the lego people really hadn't gotten into licencing as much as they have today. The appeal is this as I understand it;

1.) block figures are "hip" and cute, so like, when your ladyfriends comes over, they don't see "action figure" they see "hobby" or quirky accesory. In one of my former employees offices, the head web designer had a big display of customs, all in the block style. Clients come in regularly, and they see this guy's desk and think nothing of it.

2.) The flat surface and bright colors make them super easy and fun to make customs out of, I imagine they are good practice.

3.) Cheaper. ou get 4 to a pack, and the block marvel universe is almost as expansive as the original Toy Biz line after only a few years on the market.

I'm a stickler for some sort of cartoony realism in my figures, not dead on Alex Ross real, but not Manga style either (though I have a few) the block figures are the standard of a new generation of collectors, and in spirit, they are still action figures.

Even though I would never buy any, I can admire them for filling that gap between Legos and figures.

[Shocker Toys]

See the difference with the Shockinis is we are a bit of all worlds! We are almost Joe size we offer 18 points of articulation some figures more. We do licensed prooperties, blank figs and theme packs and original designs. The whole Shockini universe is interchangable between vehicles and figures. We do licensed kinis such as Kade, Toxic Avenger, AC Comics, Victoria Secret Service, Legend of Isis, 10th Muse, Judge Dredd, Bucky O Hare, Toix Crusaders and our own line of robots called Electrobytes. We do different colors, different body styles and head packs and themed packs like Pirates and Cowboys and Mech warriors and such. They are small and blocky but very fun. Usually once someone gets one they can't put it down. They are good plain or stickered up. Or they are good as licensed characters or combined to make a new versions of a licensed character. We offer a free Shockini for everyone who joins our forums after 20 posts. Thats how much we know people will like them and give them a good home! http://www.shockertoys.com/forums

[[1MIND]Tear777]

I would ponder that maybe they made the block figure to kinda apeal to both action figure collectors, and the lego enthusiest. I do not care for them personally.

[Dr Nightmare]

I like all my Ice Planet and Knights Legos, too bad I'm going to have to sell them. No more room or money :[ I even built a big castle base with a Mega Blocks USS Kittyhawk aircraft carrier...my lego guys never even got a change to storm its walls

And another thing, Shocker Toys! Where's my Red Sonja figure!