Buffy The Vampire Slayer

Here’s the very first Ask Diamond of 2006! :)

1. With Tara and Anya having scans, does that mean there is a chance new figures will be made with them?

It’s true we did scan Tara again a couple years ago, but we don’t have any new Anya scans. Having or not having a scan is not the primary factor in deciding if we’re going to create product.

2. If the new Buffy figures hit strong, is there a chance another set of 5 Buffy could be made? Maybe even from an Angel episode?

Sure...but some time would pass before we hit Buffy again that hard.

3. Do Sarah Michelle Gellar or Michelle Trachtenberg have any plans to assist in the sales of the figures? Ect, sign figures?

We have not spoken to either actress about something like that.

4. Will the season 5 Dawn we get from the Box Set be shorter then "Lessons Dawn?"

The Dawns will be taller than Buffy.

5. Will we see any show exclusives, another 2 pack or another boxset with the Buffy/Dawn line?

Never say never, but we don’t have any more planned right now.

6. Why was the Buffy/Dawn wave’s general release date pushed back?

Michelle and Sarah both had full approval rights to their figures. Both were very responsive and helpful, however, the massive amount of figures we were working on proved a challenge to get fully approved in the time frame we allocated.

7. If you ever do a non-deluxe series with Faith in it what are your thoughts on a Faith from the episode "Who Are You" when she was played by Sarah Michelle Gellar?

Nice episode, but not something we would be thinking of for a main line release.

8. When will you announce what the next series of ornaments will be?

Not for a while still.

9. What are the newest release dates for the Library, the Buffy/Dawn wave and the Xander/Cordelia wave?

Library and Buffy/Dawn are looking good for Spring. Xander/Cordy is still a little early to lock down, but I can tell you all the sculpting and painting is done for the prototypes and they are with the actors for approval.

10. In Ask Diamond 33, you said the next bust would be announced once the Spike bust was shipped, and if I’m not mistaken, it has shipped. How long until the announcement?

Tara is next!

11. When will you know if you can start working on a new playset?

We should have a good idea of the Library’s sales by summer.

12. Now that the ’Destiny’ Spike/Angel Deluxes have been announced, can we expect any other Spike or Angels in that lineup (As in other Variants), or is that it?

Deluxe Series 2 will be a full release, so yes, there will be variants.

13. Is the Summers Family boxset planned to be released the same time as buffy/dawn or xan/cordy?

That’s going to be the decision of the retail partners. Sooner rather than later works for us though.

14. What will the production run for the Summer’s Family Album be?

Not 100% sure yet. We need to discuss with our partners, but no less than 3K and no more than 5K is the range we’re looking at.

15. When we will see a picture of Joyce’s figure?

As soon as we have the final partner lined up!

16. Will the Glory figure in The Gift two-pack come with a removable robe?

Nope.

17. What are the expected prices for the twopacks and box sets?

Same as previous releases: $30 for the twopack and $45 for the box set.

18/. Any chance of a signed Angel, Illyria, or Fred available through the store?

None of those were done prior to release, so...sorry, no chance now.

19. Will Cordelia be tossed into any box sets or 2-packs, giving us more then 3? Will we see Angel 2 packs ever?

At this second there are no plans for a Cordy twopack - again never say never. We don’t plan out sets/waves or specials by show. It’s by expected demand, so there is no reason why we wouldn’t do a Angel twopack or box set someday.

20. Will any of the facial sculpts on the Xanders and Cordelias being smiling? (ala Buffybot, Lessons Dawn) Perhaps maybe Princess Cordy or Ice Cream Man Xander?

There are a mix of expressions.

21. Will there be another line of Angel figures in 2006?

Again, each wave features versions from both shows, but if you mean the core figures - its a little too early to discuss those.

22. I know it is early, but is there any idea of the next line, and also, will it be Buffy or angel based?

If you mean after Xander/Cordy - yes its too early to say, but I will tell you the sculpts are well underway. In fact, one has been sent to Fox already!

23. Is the Serenity line dead forever?

I think all the Browncoats know better than to say dead forever.

24. Will DST develop a system where the Non-US fans will actually receive the free gift that you send to those in the US?

Its very tricky - DST’s license is not worldwide on Buffy. In fact, we don’t even have the UK license - our distributor does. We work on that stuff when we can and with their co-operation in the past we’ve been able to help some fans out.

25. Will DST allow Non-US fans to shop at your online store?

We’re working on it and it’s a goal for 06, but see above question.

26. What line has been the most successful from BUFFY, and from ANGEL?

We don’t view the properties like that.

27. Can you give us a rundown of all the action figure licenses DST has now?

Buffy/Angel, Marvel, Stargate, Star Trek, Dawn, Kabuki, Top Cow, Serenity, and Street Fighter...I think that’s it.

 CMK