Jim Fletcher, executive creative director of DC Collectibles.<\/span><\/p>\nHow did DC Collectibles come up with the idea for this line?<\/i><\/b><\/p>\n
We noticed there weren\u2019t any statues representing DC characters in a cool and dynamic way at this size and in this price range. With this new DC Core line, we can get something exciting but a little more affordable into the hands of fans who don\u2019t want to spend $300 on a statue or worry about it breaking if it falls off a shelf.<\/p>\n
It\u2019s our first collection of PVC statues. They have the same quality and intricate attention to detail as our resin statues, but are far less fragile, and are at a lower price point. PVC material also allows for more dynamic poses, so you won\u2019t see many of these designs anywhere else.<\/p>\n
What research did you do before you began?<\/i><\/b><\/p>\n
The design team looked at the market and saw a gap we thought our collector base would appreciate us filling. That\u2019s one of the best parts of our jobs since all the designers here are collectors as well!<\/p>\n
How involved was DC Entertainment proper in the creative process?<\/i><\/b>
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\n<\/span>The team from DC Collectibles, DC\u2019s in-house line of collectibles, developed this line. We look to the comic books for character inspiration and costumes, then try to kick that up a notch!<\/span><\/p>\n![\"\"](\"http:\/\/www.entertainmentearth.com/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/08\/DC_Core_Statues_Concept-640x336.jpg\")
Image: DC Collectibles<\/em><\/p><\/div>\nWhat did the initial sketches or renderings look like?<\/i><\/b><\/p>\n
Basically, they were a number of scribbly gesture drawings trying to convey the character\u2019s general shape and pose. I usually start with a very loose rough draft. We also try to have some storytelling moments as we work through the pose. I actually had a lot of fun designing The Joker statue; he\u2019s one of my favorite DC characters! And I am actually working on new ones right now.<\/p>\n
How much did the products change over this process?<\/i><\/b><\/p>\n
The product evolves as we run the drawings past various design team members for feedback, to see what kind of pose is resonating with them. We also have to make sure we can afford to make the statues, so the production and business teams weigh in as well. After the input, I\u2019ll tighten the concepts up quite a bit, then add color to send to the sculptor.<\/p>\n
How did you decide which details you put into the products?<\/i><\/b><\/p>\n
DC\u2019s Rey Taira worked out a lot of the final details with both of our sculptors: Alejandro Pereira, who sculpted Batman, and David Pereira, who sculpted The Joker. Rey did the heavy lifting on the art direction of the final pieces. We had a lot of fun deciding how Batman\u2019s suit fit together, and the actual shape of his cowl and gauntlets.<\/p>\n
What did the first prototypes look like? How much retooling went on during this stage?<\/i><\/b><\/p>\n
Many projects get adjusted as they go through the final costing stage and as production begins. And these final projects differ from the paint masters and original concepts. The original Batman figure had a gargoyle base. The Joker\u2019s base was a bigger and more colorful stack of HAHA\u2019s, to elevate him off the ground. But the final poses remained essentially the same as seen in the first sketches.<\/p>\n
![\"\"](\"http:\/\/www.entertainmentearth.com/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/08\/DC_Core_Statues_Final-640x336.jpg\")
Image: DC Collectibles<\/em><\/p><\/div>\nFrom ideation to the final product, how long did it take you to create this line?<\/i><\/b><\/p>\n
Each one of these statues takes around 10-12 months to develop, from the original concept sketch, until it\u2019s in-store date.
\nAnd after they\u2019re in the market, what’s next?<\/i><\/b><\/p>\n
We monitor sales and make sure the statues are moving at the amount we projected, so we know we should continue developing more.<\/p>\n
What other DC Core statues can we look forward to?<\/i><\/b><\/p>\n
You can expect to see a Wonder Woman statue and a Batgirl statue this year, and a statue of The Flash in April 2019. We have a few more surprises later next year as well!<\/p>\n
\nGrab These Core Characters Before They\u2019re Gone<\/strong><\/center><\/p>\n
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![\"\"](\"http:\/\/www.entertainmentearth.com/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/08\/DC_Core_Statues_Idea-640x336.jpg\")