A change in Series 2?
Wait a minute,
I've been away from the forum for a while, so let me get this straight.
First of all, I agree with all you folks, the S1 figures look GREAT! Yes, Fozzie, I've ordered them all! (Well, pre-ordered 'em). They're almost through customs, right? And yeah, I'll be ordering a Big Bird as soon as he's available for pre-ordering.
But what the heck happened to Roosevelt and the Yip-Yip Martians? I was really looking forward to those guys, particularly Roosevelt! I read the list:
Grover Monster (of course! Maybe with waiter accessories)
Bert (obviously to be with his buddy, Ernie)
Count Von Count (yay, Count!)
Elm...
Ok, (takes deep breath). I'm going to do my best not to turn this into an Elmo-bashing post, but I couldn't help being disappointed that a lesser-known fan favorite was not included in this series. I have been so looking forward to a Roosevelt figure for the longest time. He's one of my favorites!
I'm going to be factual here. An Elmo figure was inevitably going to be made. We all knew that. But when we look at the other guys scheduled for the S2 line, we have one, two, three (ah ah ah! Thunder rumbling) very well known characters on the street. The way that Palisades had lesser known Muppets mixed in with better known ones was awesome and brought us some great figures! A Newsman figure...who woulda thought?
But back to the Elmo figure. When you want Sesame toys, which character do you see more than any other on the shelves? Yep. And with this "addition" to S2's lineup, it made my hopes for a Roosevelt deflate like a leaking balloon. Lesser known "fan favorites" don't get much of a chance to shine, and at the end of the heap of giggling, red furballs I'd like to see a character from my childhood that I'd enjoy having on my shelf.
But not now...
I have this mental image of nearly sculpted Roosevelt figures among the unfinished Sal Manilla prototypes on a desk. Then their designs are clearly stamped "CANCELLED" and they are swept into the trash as the lights flicker on in a warehouse. From thousands and thousands of crates tiny falsetto giggles can be heard, echoing from within the boxes...
I'm also reminded of this Tough Pigs comic:
http://www.toughpigs.com/playingwithdolls03.htm
I looks like S1 will not disappoint. These guys really know their stuff. Hopefully, they will explore new frontiers in the SS line, and expand beyond "Elmo territory". They could really make some lesser known SS characters shine...and they already have! Look at Guy Smiley and the Two-Headed Monster! C'mon, Palisades! I might just have to buy a second Oscar so I can alter the headline..."ENOUGH ELMO STUFF SAYS FAN IN HUFF!"
Convincing John