Buffy The Vampire Slayer

Back in 2001, Moore Action Collectibles (MAC) planned to release two of the most anticipated sets of their Buffy the Vampire Slayer and Angel action figure lines: Buffy Series Five (consisting of a renovated Willow Rosenberg, Anya, and Tara Maclay) and Angel Series Two (consisting of Darla, Wesley Wyndham-Price, and Lorne). The release dates were repeatedly pushed back farther and farther, all the way to 2003. The fans were getting tired of waiting, and feared that the figures would never be released. When hope seemed to be ultimately unreachable, MAC announced the production of Buffy Series Six (consisting of The Judge, D’Hoffryn, Riley, Fyarl Demon Giles, and Adam). The fans were ecstatic, thinking that things couldn’t get any better and that their favorite figure lines were finally taking shape. Not too long after Buffy Series Six was announced, MAC announced the cancellation of the Buffy the Vampire Slayer and Angel action figure lines.

"While fan reaction to the Angel Series Two Wesley, Lorne, and Darla Action Figures was great, the fact remains that general orders do not support the high cost of producing them. The cancellation of the Buffy the Vampire Slayer television show has affected the orders for both the Buffy (Series Five and Series Six) and Angel (Series Two) Action Figures, so MAC has made the decision to hold off production of both lines.”

The fans retaliated in an uproar, presenting MAC with e-mails, phone calls, and posts on their personal forum. The company in no way took too kindly to this reaction. They quickly shut down their board during this chaos, reporting it as a time for the forum to be worked on. The forum was to be ‘back and better than ever.’ MAC’s website no longer even exists, so it’s safe to say that the promise for the forum back was pretty much their easy escape from the angry fans.

Despite MAC’s quick forum shut down, the fans still wouldn’t give up in their fight to get the Buffy and Angel figures back on track. One fan named Tim S., a former member of MAC’s forum, took the matter into his own hands and created a new domain for all of the action figure fans to show that their interest was real and strong. Tim opened the forum known as BtVSFigs, hoping that its strong following could somehow help get these figures made. The members put their heads together and did whatever possible to get the figures back. They handed out flyers at conventions, sent countless e-mails to MAC, and started a very successful petition. Even though the BtVSFigs’ strong efforts went unnoticed by MAC, other companies saw how devoted the members were to the figure lines. Cinequest.com stepped up to the plate and worked with MAC to help manufacture at least one of the previously announced figures, Dark Witch Willow. After Cinequest.com showed its faith to the fans, another company, Diamond Select Toys (DST), came and resurrected the rest of the line, making it better than ever. They took the figure lines beyond anything the fans could have ever expected, giving them a lot more figures than what was planned. BtVSFigs had succeeded in its mission to get the Buffy and Angel figures back.

Later on, Tim appointed a fellow forum member named Matt P. to help him run the forum. Both of them work hard to make the forum the best place for any fan of the figures. They have made BtVSFigs a place where all fans can go to discuss certain topics and enjoy themselves. At BtVSFigs, fans can check out figure updates, view other members’ opinions or post their own, view custom-made figures, participate in custom contests, and participate in monthly giveaways with donated prizes. Fans can also visit the forum to chat about things such as movies, comics, video games, and life in general. It also has a very successful classifieds section that can help collectors track their most sought-after figure. The forum is a very helpful place when trying to get information on upcoming Buffy or Angel action figures. The forum’s spin-off website, BtVS Figs, is also another helpful place to visit for information on the new and upcoming figures, as well as the previously released figures.

Shortly after the forum had opened, Matt had started to create a spin-off website where all of the members could go to receive information on the figures. One forum member named Chad K. frequently accessed the website and saw that nothing was ever being updated. He eventually contacted Matt to ask him about the website situation, and it seemed that Matt wasn’t able to find the time to work on the site. So, wanting to be more involved with the forum, Chad volunteered to build the site. He’s been working on it ever since, creating reviews for each figure, as well as opening new sections that he feels will help all of the Buffy and Angel figure fans. His website consists of sections such as ‘Coming Soon,’ which announces the figures that are planned for release, and ‘Ordering Options,’ which shows every figure available at a number of online stores, giving fans a chance to avoid eBay if possible. Sections for the Buffy and Angel 12” figures, busts, ornaments, and statues are also planned to be added to the site.

Overall, BtVSFigs has made a huge impact on the figure lines, including having influenced current and future figures. The forum has done everything it could do to help resurrect its favorite figure lines, and succeeded. It has grown into a very respectable place, giving the fans up-to-date information, frequent contests, and a spin-off site. If you’re a fan of the Buffy and Angel action figures, this if the place to be.

If you would like to become a member of BTVSFigs, head over to the ‘New Members’ thread to find out how to join. Don’t forget to visit BtVS Figs, as well. Feel free to leave comments in the site’s Guestbook!

Administration: Tim S. (Flobbster), Matt P. (JusticeDemon), and Chad K. (CMK1887)