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118th Dispatch – May 2014

118th Dispatch – May 2014

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Marauder “Gun Runners” Q&A

By Ian Walker on May 31, 2014

We’ve all seen the new figures. Fantastic sculpts by Boss Fight, with the modular system we’ve come to associate with Marauder “Gun Runners”. We watched the totals on their Kickstarter campaign jump by leaps and bounds. At one point, they had a couple stretch goals unlocked, but it stalled and that might have been the end of the game… but, no! The total exceeded most peoples’ expectations, the train finally coming to a stop at over 244 thousand dollars! And they are still going. They’ve opened up a second pledge location on fundafull, and may tip the scales further into the stretch goals!

But that’s not why you’re HERE, is it? No. We have an exclusive Q&A with Marauder John. Sure, some of the answers may have been given elsewhere already, but we’re an independent site with independent goals, and we wanted to get our own answers.

And now, without further ado:

F118TH: HOW LONG WILL THE FIGURES BE AVAILABLE? WILL THIS BE A ONE-TIME SPECIAL PROMOTION, OR IS THE PLAN TO CONTINUE TO PRODUCE AND SELL THE FIGURES ON THE SITE?

MJ: The Kickstarter was a way for us to get the resources to release the series. After the Kickstarter pre-orders ship, we will make ALL items (figures, helmets, vests, accessories, etc) available on the website (individually and in sets).

F118TH: WILL THERE BE OTHER DESIGNS FOR THE BASE FIGURES IF THESE SELL WELL?

MJ: Yes, since this first design proved so popular, we will go forward with our plans for other designs (not just colors, but new sculpts) and more modular accessories (that will work on the original Marauder Task Force figures AND any new figures).

F118TH: WHAT MADE YOU DECIDE TO GO WITH THE SHIN AND ARM GUARDS INSTEAD OF A MORE TRADITIONAL SOLDIER LOOK?

MJ: Almost EVERY 1:18 scale figure released over the last 20 years has the typical “boots with bloused cuffs”. So when we had the option to do something new, we went for it (like the modular design feature). Since there are so many old style lace boots with tucked in pant legs out there already. The armor shinguards just have so many deco options and walk the line between modern & sci-fi with a functional use.

F118TH: ARE THERE PLANS TO APPROACH, OR HAVE YOU BEEN APPROACHED BY ANY ONLINE RETAILERS LIKE BBTS AND THE LIKE?

MJ: If we reach the point where it becomes a customer service issue and we can’t meet the demand of our supporters for the gear, we will look to explore relationships with other online retailers.

F118TH: WILL YOU BE WORKING EXCLUSIVELY WITH BOSS FIGHT STUDIOS IN THE FUTURE, OR ARE YOU PLANNING ON USING OTHER DESIGNERS?

MJ: As you can see from the quality of work from Boss Fight Studio, they are our first choice for figures. The creativity and enthusiasm from them is almost overwhelming. They are the type of people you WANT to work with and we are so fortunate they were willing to take us on as clients. That being said, it also comes down to the type of project we are working on for release. Not every project will appeal to the Boss Fight Studio group and we have relationships with several sculpting houses.

F118TH: ARE THERE ANY PLANS FOR VEHICLES OR LARGER PLAYSETS IN THE FUTURE? (FLAGG OMG!)

MJ: Oh yeah. It just comes down to resources. We launched the Kickstarter to get the funds to make the figures. So if we decide to pursue some of the vehicle and/or modular playsets we currently have under development, we’ll just have to come up with a way to get the resources to make those items available.

F118TH HAVE YOU THOUGHT ABOUT DOING A HISTORICAL SERIES OF FIGURES? WWII AND MODERN HAS BEEN DONE TO DEATH, BUT VIETNAM AND THE COLD WAR SEEMS RIPE FOR THE PICKINGS.

MJ: Yes, if we can continue with the growth of the figure line will branch out into other eras. Again, it just comes down to building on the current momentum.

More on the next page!

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About Ian Walker

Just a stay at home dad, part time internet troll, and amateur photographer, with delusions of grandeur and a love for 1:18th scale toys.

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