Does Bowen have any competition, literally?

[CromVABeach]

With Hard Hero and Diamond both losing or quiting their Marvel licenses, does Bowen have any direct competition at the moment?

I've always felt that Sideshow catered to the higher-end collector, and their production is fairly limited in quantity. Of the PF line only about 6 have been made over several years, to my knowledge. And their versus line comes out sporadically at best. Even Bowen gave them permission to sell their products as a vendor.

We have seen a lot of sneak peeks lately. As much as Bowen needs to produce a lot of product to cover the cost of his license, he now has a more elbow room in the market and on retailer's shelves.

Has anyone heard of any company trying to get a Marvel statue license? I know Kotobukiya has one, but again they sell to a different collector.

[boobhound]

Bowen has NO competition. NO equal. NO comparision.
Bowen listens, interacts, caters to the wishes of the buyers.
Bowen characters, sculpts, paints are so much better than the others.

Sure, they have been some problems in the past and maybe some to come in the future too. ANYTHING mass produced, by man or machine will inevitibly have ''glitches''.

But, all in all? Bowen. Hands down

[Sven]

Differnt collector? Might be change....... I´m a huge Bowen fan and my statues (all FS) are almost exclusively from Randy, but I think the Batman from Kotobukiya has shown their potential. And what I have read they want to make more original comic style statues in future. Still think Randy is the best. Your hear me? THE BEST!

[The Fog]

I don't believe so, I sold everything else to make room for all the Bowen stuff I have.

[HoldyourfireAl]

Stop. You'll give Randy a big head!

[rome]

Bowen has NO competition. NO equal. NO comparision.
Bowen listens, interacts, caters to the wishes of the buyers.
Bowen characters, sculpts, paints are so much better than the others.

Sure, they have been some problems in the past and maybe some to come in the future too. ANYTHING mass produced, by man or machine will inevitibly have ''glitches''.

But, all in all? Bowen. Hands down

Well, said.
I would onmly add to that the fact that BD produces these characters as they were originaly designed.
To me, That makes a HUGE difference.

I was looking at the SS Thor, and I couldn't help but appreciate how well it is made. But it just doesn't quite capture Thor the way BD does.

[moon_knight1971]

Possibly. Kotoyibuya has acquired a mavel license & although they are more famous for insanely detailed PVC they will be releasing what they call high end resin collectibles. And who knows what else Sideshow will be allowed to do. If they can release their Comiquettes line once a month that could chip into BD's mighty shield.

[Merlose]

Possibly. Kotoyibuya has acquired a mavel license & although they are more famous for insanely detailed PVC they will be releasing what they call high end resin collectibles. And who knows what else Sideshow will be allowed to do. If they can release their Comiquettes line once a month that could chip into BD's mighty shield.

Yeah but Kotoyibuya's line sounds like its going to be filled with gimmicks like reversible bases on busts, lights and sounds on busts, and Anime style girls (skinny long legs and big breasts) sounds like they're going to be totally cheesy.
Bowen's stuff keeps it classy, simple and clean.

[Grimlocki]

IMHO Bowen has no competition in the 1/8th scale Marvel statue market.

[The Cleaner]

It might be a tie bet.SS & Bowen IMO

[SD Rum]

Well, said.
I would onmly add to that the fact that BD produces these characters as they were originaly designed.
To me, That makes a HUGE difference.

I was looking at the SS Thor, and I couldn't help but appreciate how well it is made. But it just doesn't quite capture Thor the way BD does.

I totally agree w/ this statement. This is one of the main reasons I collect from BD!!

They have the best representation of the MU characters from 2-D to 3-D IMO.

[MONSTER]

I love Bowen but Sideshow gets alot of my collecting money that would have otherwise went to more Bowen statues.

[boobhound]

Well, said.
I would onmly add to that the fact that BD produces these characters as they were originaly designed.
To me, That makes a HUGE difference.

I was looking at the SS Thor, and I couldn't help but appreciate how well it is made. But it just doesn't quite capture Thor the way BD does.

Thanks, Rome!
And I agree with your statement too. I just didn't go into character designs. And variants of some (many). And the somewhat obscure bein done into greatness!!!! Just look at SUPER ADAPTOID!!!

[rilynil]

I'm very glad that I have opportunity to buy both Bowen and Sideshow products. :) I'm buying plenty of both, and I'm going to miss DST. My collection is a big combination of all three companies.

[ashley76]

I'm very glad that I have opportunity to buy both Bowen and Sideshow products. :) I'm buying plenty of both, and I'm going to miss DST. My collection is a big combination of all three companies.

Any pics?

[Twinzs]

With this probably being the last phase this could be the end for comic statues

[boobhound]

With this probably being the last phase this could be the end for comic statues

Heresay!!!!! Shenanigans!!!! Bite yer tongue!!!! Randy said Orka in Phase 25!!!!:)

[rilynil]

Any pics?

I've got some pics, but they're several weeks old. I've gotten a couple of new pieces and I've moved some things around. I'll take some more tonight and post them here. :)

[Twinzs]

Heresay!!!!! Shenanigans!!!! Bite yer tongue!!!! Randy said Orka in Phase 25!!!!:)

There are only so many characters that he can do to make a profit from. I don't see there being enough after this phase to really keep going. We've watched 2 out of the 4 go down. Now we have randy going strong until he decides he's done and sideshow is too slow and expensive for most collectors

[boobhound]

There are only so many characters that he can do to make a profit from. I don't see there being enough after this phase to really keep going. We've watched 2 out of the 4 go down. Now we have randy going strong until he decides he's done and sideshow is too slow and expensive for most collectors

It was a joking comment, first off.
Second, I do agree with you. I do think they just may be one last phase though.
I mean we don't as of yet have anyone from Serpent Society. How many people want a Cobra??? Alot. I don't think Randy will leave us needing or wanting to many left to do. Phase 5 seems like a very likely stopping point.

[Bandy Rowen]

now that hard hero is history.......Bowen gets all the pie:D

[Twinzs]

It was a joking comment, first off.
Second, I do agree with you. I do think they just may be one last phase though.
I mean we don't as of yet have anyone from Serpent Society. How many people want a Cobra??? Alot. I don't think Randy will leave us needing or wanting to many left to do. Phase 5 seems like a very likely stopping point.

You were pushing for the man ape right? How far out there was that and a man ape is being done. I think thats just where he's at at this point. Not that man ape shouldn't be done I'm just saying he's not a huge character and it wouldn't have the same draw as say a redo green goblin or another thor and so on. Its nice to see characters being produced that wouldn't by anyone else

[touche22]

Heresay!!!!! Shenanigans!!!! Bite yer tongue!!!! Randy said Orka in Phase 25!!!!:)

Did someone say....
SHENANIGANS!!!!!!!
With Randy mentioning some sculpts for phase V and saying that another phase is more in Marvel's court since he'd continue longer, don't say it's over.

[boobhound]

You were pushing for the man ape right? How far out there was that and a man ape is being done. I think thats just where he's at at this point. Not that man ape shouldn't be done I'm just saying he's not a huge character and it wouldn't have the same draw as say a redo green goblin or another thor and so on. Its nice to see characters being produced that wouldn't by anyone else

Yeah, that was me. But, Randy did say this phase was going to be the most obscure one yet. And so far he's been right. Man-Ape, Super Adaptoid, Iron Monger. Iron Monger has been in one issue. Still, he's bein busted. Man-Ape has been in several titles. There are alot of characters left to do, and BowenDesigns can do them better than anyother company (imo). What you an I wouldn't buy, 10 others would. I do think Randy may be ''itching'' to do other things. I just really think another Phase is smart and finanicially secure. Plus it would ''wrap up'' holes in collections. And a Green Goblin redo bust with arms would be sweet! :)

[boobhound]

Did someone say....
SHENANIGANS!!!!!!!
With Randy mentioning some sculpts for phase V and saying that another phase is more in Marvel's court since he'd continue longer, don't say it's over.

That's what I'm sayin. Phase 5 will probably be th last. And if th ''holes'' get filled. I.E Serpent Society. I'll be fine with it.

[A2G]

I think SS might have a slight advantage on customer base. While Bowen sells only within US, SS sells worldwide. I personally buy all statues from SS website and I love the exclusives. However I cannot buy from bowen website. Bowen statues have always been my number one choice, but lately I am leaning towards sideshow's VS and PF series. I especially love their light up statues, they are gorgeous!

[boobhound]

I think SS might have a slight advantage on customer base. While Bowen sells only within US, SS sells worldwide. I personally buy all statues from SS website and I love the exclusives. However I cannot buy from bowen website. Bowen statues have always been my number one choice, but lately I am leaning towards sideshow's VS and PF series. I especially love their light up statues, they are gorgeous!

While I do understand your diliemma. If I'm not mistaken. That is Marvel's rule or thing with Bowen. Bowen was all set selling Odin internationally under the Mythos line. Marvel said no an put it under them, therefore no international orders.

I could be wrong though.

[scottman]

Gas, food & mortgage. Also the wife but not in that order.

[A2G]

im not sure, but whatever the case may be, sideshow is able to sell internationally, so I believe they might have a larger customer base. Also look how beautiful this thor PFF is!
http://www.sideshowtoy.com/mas_assets/jpg/72051_press04-001.jpg

[Crazy 88]

In terms of Marvel stuff, Bowen is winning hands down but if u are talking about statues in general Moore and Dene Mason can give the sculptors at Bowen a hell of a competition anytime. I would definitely pick a female sculpt by Dene overBowen's every time.

[Black Cat]

Bowen has NO competition. NO equal. NO comparision.
Bowen listens, interacts, caters to the wishes of the buyers.
Bowen characters, sculpts, paints are so much better than the others.

Sure, they have been some problems in the past and maybe some to come in the future too. ANYTHING mass produced, by man or machine will inevitibly have ''glitches''.

But, all in all? Bowen. Hands down


While this may be true to a point it's not 100% true. Listens and interacts? I've never had a question answered yet and they always get skipped over every time and caters to the wishes of buyers..... I don't see a Dazzler anywhere. I have never seen a yes to her or any information on some others that were asked about. I say Bowen has competition and that's Sideshow. Don't get me wrong, I think Bowen is great and he does a wonderful job but Sideshow has their good moments as well.

[boobhound]

While this may be true to a point it's not 100% true. Listens and interacts? I've never had a question answered yet and they always get skipped over every time and caters to the wishes of buyers..... I don't see a Dazzler anywhere. I have never seen a yes to her or any information on some others that were asked about. I say Bowen has competition and that's Sideshow. Don't get me wrong, I think Bowen is great and he does a wonderful job but Sideshow has their good moments as well.

Whereas, I do agree with you on some points. I think you maybe taking it a bit personal. I went for almost 2 years without getting answers from Randy. An I begged for Man-Ape, I would get pm's from people saying I'll buy one. But not admit to it on open forum. So I was the Monkey Man (sorry I had to).
Bowen suprises us sometimes with something we never saw coming. I'm betting we see that with Dazzler!

[Black Cat]

Whereas, I do agree with you on some points. I think you maybe taking it a bit personal. I went for almost 2 years without getting answers from Randy. An I begged for Man-Ape, I would get pm's from people saying I'll buy one. But not admit to it on open forum. So I was the Monkey Man (sorry I had to).
Bowen suprises us sometimes with something we never saw coming. I'm betting we see that with Dazzler!

II don't take it personally but it does seem that way with how I wrote that above lol. As for Dazzler I was actually referring to others wanting her and not just me. You're right he does surprise us sometimes Monkey man!:D I do think Sideshow is the competition though. I seen that you finally got a yes on him so congrats![/QUOTE]

[boobhound]

I don't take personal but it does seem that way with how I wrote that above lol. You're right he does surprise us sometimes Monkey man!:D I do think Sideshow is the competition though. I seen that you finally got a yes on him so congrats!

Thank you Darlin. An now looking at it, I didn't mean to come across mean. Especially to you. And yeah you are right Sideshow has great stuff. I'm just a Bowen kinda guy. I mean, come on I got the BD logo tattoo on my right bicep! Who else you know has that? Lol
And by the way, I'm all for a Dazzler mini bust in the white jumpsuit!!!! :)

[Black Cat]

Thank you Darlin. An now looking at it, I didn't mean to come across mean. Especially to you. And yeah you are right Sideshow has great stuff. I'm just a Bowen kinda guy. I mean, come on I got the BD logo tattoo on my right bicep! Who else you know has that? Lol
And by the way, I'm all for a Dazzler mini bust in the white jumpsuit!!!! :)

oh gosh I didn't think you were being mean at all, I'm not like that and get all sensitive so don't worry lol. I will say that Bowen has impressed me by all the females he is doing and even the ones we haven't seen.:dazzler:

[boobhound]

oh gosh I didn't think you were being mean at all, I'm not like that and get all sensitive so don't worry lol. I will say that Bowen has impressed me by all the females he is doing and even the ones we haven't seen.:dazzler:

So, what are your feelings on th Black Queen statue? If it looks like I'm praying it looks I will buy one..........an I only buy mini busts!

Yes, just because she's in a corset an leather. What do you expect I'm a red blooded male. :lol:

[Grumpy]

While this may be true to a point it's not 100% true. Listens and interacts? I've never had a question answered yet and they always get skipped over every time and caters to the wishes of buyers..... I don't see a Dazzler anywhere. I have never seen a yes to her or any information on some others that were asked about. I say Bowen has competition and that's Sideshow. Don't get me wrong, I think Bowen is great and he does a wonderful job but Sideshow has their good moments as well.

Just read your post along with Booby's and I initally thought you were taking Randy's not responding a little personal. I know you weren't and just want to add I too went may years before getting an answer to some of my questions. Then all of a sudden it seems like all my questions are being answered. I've noticed over the long haul that when Randy doesn't answer a question chances are he has a pretty good reason. I've actually decided not to ask any more questions regarding what he's making or what's he's not making. As it is he's killing me with all the new stuff coming and this is only about the third or fourth month into a 22 month phase!!!!!

[BobbyW]

There are only so many characters that he can do to make a profit from. I don't see there being enough after this phase to really keep going. We've watched 2 out of the 4 go down. Now we have randy going strong until he decides he's done and sideshow is too slow and expensive for most collectors

It seems that Marvel/Comic movies are becoming more popular these days. I'm sure the market will always welcome Bowen and his statue creations....if he wishes to continue.

[CromVABeach]

By no means am I dismissing Sideshow as a competitor, I just think they are aiming at a customer base that tends towards the higher dollar. While this group crosses over with Bowen's fanbase, I don't think it is anywhere near as competitive as Diamond or Hard hero was. Heck, Bowen has gone so far as to make them a vendor.

As far as Dazzler, I wouldn't be shocked if she happens. In a lot of ways she is as close to a no-brainer as there can be. Randy might be reserving her for a later Phase just to have an ace in his pocket.

Dazzler would actually make for an incredible Sideshow PF.

[sambofred]

Find a market and fill it. Bowen has been able to do this on a regular basis. I really cant wait to get more Fantasy/Sci-Fi bowen stuff in the future, but I guess I will have to wait.
I really dont think SS will ever be able to cut into BD market share until they start getting serious with the quality control. Their items are beautiful to look at....until you get it home, open it and see how messed up it is.
With Bowen if that happes (if ever!) you will have no problem getting things resolved.

[rilynil]

Any pics?
Here's my collection of Bowen, Sideshow, DST, Dynamic Forces, Hamilton Collection, Weta, various commissions, etc. :)

My Bowen percentage is going to be going waaaaaaay up very shortly because of fullsize statues of the original action Wolverine, Odin, MODOK, Mephisto, Black Queen, Simon Garth, Dracula and busts of the Blob, Cloak and Dagger, AIM, Jackal, Bi-Beast, Tarantula, Frog of Thunder, Hyperion, Mangog and (hopefully and eventually) X-23.

Man, my collection is going to spill over into the guest bedroom before Phase 4 is even halfway over!

http://i85.photobucket.com/albums/k42/nadams65/photos%202/DSC03586.jpg
http://i85.photobucket.com/albums/k42/nadams65/photos%202/DSC03588.jpg

[scottc]

Actually. NO. Now, there are always a few pieces that catch my eye, but 99% of all my other Marvel purchases were when Randy was gone after Phase 1. My other items are GG's Star Wars, but they're all done by computer for the most part and have little artist involvement. Randy's THE BEST and the other company's are a distant second.

[Weedo10]

Since Hard Hero no longer produces Marvel I would say that Randy has no real competition. He produces sculpts that other companies wouldnt take a chance on. And he listens to his buying public. No other company really comes close IMHO.

[Nitefall]

Fantastic collection Neil that I never get tired of seeing. I feel everyone is under Dr. Doom's watchful eye.:thumb:

[dEnny!]

Not in my opinion. I'm not sorry to see Previews lose/give up the Marvel statue license, the actual product NEVER looked as good as their promotional material.

I prefer Bowen over Sideshow, which I think is excessively expensive for no real reason.

Bowen looks better, Sideshow is just BIGGER.

Make Mine Bowen!

[StoneDMyT]

Not in my opinion. I'm not sorry to see Previews lose/give up the Marvel statue license, the actual product NEVER looked as good as their promotional material.

I prefer Bowen over Sideshow, which I think is excessively expensive for no real reason.

Bowen looks better, Sideshow is just BIGGER.

Make Mine Bowen!

I never knew they had a license for making Marvel statues. Was DST Previews?

[Meteor Man]

IMHO Bowen has no competition in the 1/8th scale Marvel statue market.

Exactly...no competition...they're the best!!!

[rilynil]

Fantastic collection Neil that I never get tired of seeing. I feel everyone is under Dr. Doom's watchful eye.:thumb:
Thanks, Nitefall! :) Sometimes, I've wondered if I'm a little too quick to post pics of my collection. :Ponder:

[Dana P.]

Thanks, Nitefall! :) Sometimes, I've wondered if I'm a little too quick to post pics of my collection. :Ponder:

No way, Neil! It's always a treat to see your stuff!

[Zemo55]

Other companies have some interesting stuff, but Randy has NO EQUAL!

[Makkari1]

You really can't compare Bowen to Sideshow because it like comparing apples to oranges. Here are some of the differences:

Bowen:
Full Sizes
Mini Bust
Verses Line (rare)

Sideshow:
Comiquettes
Life Size Bust
Legendary Scale Bust
Dioramas
Premium Format
Dolls
Vinyl pieces

Sideshow produces far more of a variety of products than Bowen does while Bowen produces far more Marvel product than Sideshow. If they were producing the same type of pieces in the same quanities then you could say one is better than the other, but they don't. I will say that with just Marvel stuff Bowen never really had in competition to begin with. Hard Hero only took a small amount of the market so there were not any real threat to Bowen and Sideshow didn't make the same amount the Bowen does.

[joechristo]

I have yet to see a Marvel non Bowen piece I have been compelled to buy

[Nitefall]

I totally agree with Dana, Neil. Works of art are always enjoyed be it first, second or whatever number of times viewed. ESPECIALLY a colossal collection such as yours. It is GENEROUS of you to do so. One day I hope to show pictures of my meager setup.:thumb: