NEW PRODUCT: TBLeague PL2021-180 Imperial Guardian 1/12 Scale figure (Part 1)

After two weeks of having time to regain my composure, I think I will try to cancel my pre-orders for these figures. While I have a few 1/12 figs, it's not really my preferred scale. They're really cool, there's not an issue with the figures. It's just that... I really do not "need" them, nor do I "want" to expand in to a completely different scale.

I'll probably regret cancelling the pre-order as soon as the figs start showing up in owner photos. But I need to at least try to be a bit more practical. Which will I regret more: having the figures be amazing and not getting them, or getting them and then kicking myself for spending the money on something I won't really get much use or enjoyment from?

davidd wrote:After two weeks of having time to regain my composure, I think I will try to cancel my pre-orders for these figures. While I have a few 1/12 figs, it's not really my preferred scale. They're really cool, there's not an issue with the figures. It's just that... I really do not "need" them, nor do I "want" to expand in to a completely different scale.

I'll probably regret cancelling the pre-order as soon as the figs start showing up in owner photos. But I need to at least try to be a bit more practical. Which will I regret more: having the figures be amazing and not getting them, or getting them and then kicking myself for spending the money on something I won't really get much use or enjoyment from?

All good points Dave... I had 1/12 before I got to 1/6. I went to 1/6 because there wasn't the choice of figures nor clothing for 1/12. But accessories, were in great supply as it is Doll House scale. I am committed to 1/6 for Spy Camp, etc. But I've moved the Red Sonja story back to 1/12, and am now heavily investing in fantasy 1/12 as it is that theme...

I am sure you'll be able to cancel your order. I think the thing to do, is ignore the in hand pics when they come. See them and say "yeah they're cool, but not the scale I need". Then you won't feel so bad... Hopefully.

davidd wrote:
I'll probably regret cancelling the pre-order as soon as the figs start showing up in owner photos. But I need to at least try to be a bit more practical. Which will I regret more: having the figures be amazing and not getting them, or getting them and then kicking myself for spending the money on something I won't really get much use or enjoyment from?

Honestly, you’ll have plenty of time between the first in hand pics hitting and the figures arriving at BBTS. Also, it’s rare that 1/12 figures pre-sell out or even sell through as quickly as their 1/6 counterparts, so I think you’re good.

davidd wrote:[...] I think I will try to cancel my pre-orders for these figures. [...]

Which will I regret more: having the figures be amazing and not getting them, or getting them and then kicking myself for spending the money on something I won't really get much use or enjoyment from?

This hobby isn't about "need" really. Additionally, the scale is cheaper and space saving, and more accessories are being annouced all the time. Companies are clearly catching on, thanks to TBLs seamless bodies. And I do think these will be easy to sell at cost or higher, BUT...

Selling them later of course means hassle. And Xavion makes a good point when saying that these 1/12 figures have rarely if ever sold out at the pre-order stage.

Although I can imagine there being a couple of colors that get fewer pre-orders and therefore a smaller production run. And once they are released I can imagine those people running to the stores trying to complete the set after all, so maybe a couple of them will sell out fast. But those would probably see a second production run as Purgi and Vampi.

Those are the factors I'd consider.

I like the red one (C). Not sure if I'm getting her though.

It's nice that these figures got the humongous sword.

These look really good, and improve on a few of the issues I've had with the 1/12 TBL offerings so far. I like the fully armored torso so we don't have to deal with ill-fitting chest armor constantly falling, and those are some nicely detailed heads assuming they still look close to the pictures once in hand.

I got invoiced for these so they will be on their way shortly from Giantoy.
I haven't ordered D and E after all. I'm pretty sure I'd regret spending the money. I slightly regret ordering F as well, but I'll decide on that when she's here. I do think her more or less neutral colors will go well with A, B and C and I like the leathery look.

I received my invoice from Giantoy as well.  I’m pretty excited about them, and it’s especially nice to have something 1/12 on the way.  That’s always been my wheelhouse.

I only pre-ordered A and B for now, but I’m sure I will love them and be interested in picking up at least one or two more eventually.

Ohhh! They're being released! Now I'm regretting having cancelled my pre-order!
And now I don't have the money to get them!

Diana's topic with the military figure question has me interested in these figures again. It would be so cool to build an "armored Sailor Moon army!"

But the 1/6 Saintess Knights are pretty cool, too... although they lack the cute colorful skirts.

Now I'm wondering if I have anything left that I could sell on eBay fast before the Imperial Guardians sell out.

Take lots of pictures when they arrive, okay?

davidd wrote:Ohhh! They're being released! Now I'm regretting having cancelled my pre-order!
And now I don't have the money to get them!

Diana's topic with the military figure question has me interested in these figures again. It would be so cool to build an "armored Sailor Moon army!"

But the 1/6 Saintess Knights are pretty cool, too... although they lack the cute colorful skirts.

Now I'm wondering if I have anything left that I could sell on eBay fast before the Imperial Guardians sell out.

Take lots of pictures when they arrive, okay?

I LOVE IT!
I certainly will. And now I'm wondering whether to get D and E after all. More color options... 

I like the Saintess Knights, too, but as mentioned in that 1/6 thread, I'm hoping for a 1/12 release. They would look so good with these ladies!

Seeing the fake army shot made me smile and think of Meet the Spartans.

I didn’t even realize these had shipped, and they’re already in Orlando. I doubt I’ll get the, tomorrow, but it’s looking good for Monday, and I have the day off, so the timing would be perfect.

I'm tempted to order one or two... can't have just one, so it'd have to be two... to see what they're like!

EDIT: sufficiently tempted, in fact, that I now have two 1/12 Imperial Guardians on the way from Giantoy. I went for "D" (blue - which I would call orange) and "E" (red).

Diana wrote:I got invoiced for these so they will be on their way shortly from Giantoy.
I haven't ordered D and E after all. I'm pretty sure I'd regret spending the money. I slightly regret ordering F as well, but I'll decide on that when she's here. I do think her more or less neutral colors will go well with A, B and C and I like the leathery look.

I think A, B, C and F will look great together.

I should be getting mine today! Sadly I have plans tonight, so unboxing and photos may have to wait until tomorrow.

Diana wrote:I should be getting mine today! Sadly I have plans tonight, so unboxing and photos may have to wait until tomorrow.

Plans? PLANS?! NO! You shall stay home and unbox and take photos! There is no having fun outside this hobby!

Diana wrote:I should be getting mine today! Sadly I have plans tonight, so unboxing and photos may have to wait until tomorrow.

The plan isn't to unbox and take photo's? I'm shocked

Stryker2011 wrote:Plans? PLANS?! NO! You shall stay home and unbox and take photos! There is no having fun outside this hobby!

TravelGuide wrote:The plan isn't to unbox and take photo's? I'm shocked

Sadly no. And I wish I could cancel but that wouldn't be right.

But there are still a few hours in the day left! I'm getting A and B today. I don't intend to make an unboxing video, as there usually isn't much to unbox with these, so maybe there is enough time for a few quick snap shots tonight!

Soo... I had another excuse to cancel plans and went for it.  

I didn't photograph all layers of the box, since I'm sure we all know by now what they look like.
I also only noticed after the shoot that the Silver guardian needed her leather girdle stuffed under the armour, which was no problem.
I'm not sure whether that white skirt was already dirty. That could have been my bad. But I like it so it doesn't matter.

Looking forward to C and F! They've only just been shipped because they overlooked my payment, but of course Amelia took immediate care of it.

While I appreciate all the photos, I seriously hope you didn’t actually cancel plans to do this (I was only teasing earlier).

Stryker2011 wrote:While I appreciate all the photos, I seriously hope you didn’t actually cancel plans to do this (I was only teasing earlier).

LOL, no. I didn't really want to go in the first place.

Thank you for the great photos, Diana.   The armor is very nice, especially for this scale.  The swords look like they’re in 1/6 scale.  They would have to have scabbards on their backs to carry those things!   Again, given the scale, paint details look to be very well done.

I do have one pet peeve though, and that’s the hair.  It looks like they just randomly hacked it off at the bottom, and it’s not even.  As much as I love the Spartan Commander (Black) in the 1/6 line, they did the same thing to her…cut the hair quite a bit shorter than the prototype and left it completely uneven.  I wish TBL would leave it to us to cut our dolls’ hair if we think it’s too long.

In general though, I think they came out very well!

EDIT:  Oh, I see now.  The hair is cut even, it’s just swept up and under a bit.  I didn’t notice until I took another look at the picture from the back. Their faces are beautiful.

I'm glad you're happy with your new acquisitions, Diana.

Impressive level of detail for such small figures.

Did you have to buckle the straps behind the knees? That looks like... not fun.

Do the helmets fit over the head, or in place of the head?

davidd wrote:Impressive level of detail for such small figures.

Did you have to buckle the straps behind the knees? That looks like... not fun.

Do the helmets fit over the head, or in place of the head?

No, I didn't have to buckle anything. It was all very easy.
But no, I haven't tried fitting the helmet over the head since I don't care to display them with the helmets. Though I realise that would have been a good addition to this shoot.

Xavion2004 wrote:I do have one pet peeve though, and that’s the hair.  It looks like they just randomly hacked it off at the bottom, and it’s not even.  As much as I love the Spartan Commander (Black) in the 1/6 line, they did the same thing to her…cut the hair quite a bit shorter than the prototype and left it completely uneven.  I wish TBL would leave it to us to cut our dolls’ hair if we think it’s too long.

In general though, I think they came out very well!

EDIT:  Oh, I see now.  The hair is cut even, it’s just swept up and under a bit.  I didn’t notice until I took another look at the picture from the back.  Their faces are beautiful.

No I think you're right. I wish the hair was a little longer or evenly cut, since it can't but fall this way, which looks off. Or constantly windswept. But I don't mind it too much. ^^

Thanks for the pics! They do look nice. Great detail for such small figures.

Diana wrote:
I'm not sure whether that white skirt was already dirty. That could have been my bad. But I like it so it doesn't matter.

I assume it was, because at the 1/6 version the skirt was also dirtied up.

Thanks for the pictures, Diana. That really helps with the decision to buy some of these.

I was very surprised to return home last night from a visit to the in-laws and find a package from Giantoy at the front door.

I  wasn’t expecting them until Monday.   I got the same two that Diana did, so I really don’t have anything to add.  My in-hand impressions are pretty much the same as my initial impressions when I saw Diana’s pics.  The armor is very well done.  The pieces fit together beautifully while allowing a full range of motion.  The clothing is well made with proper hems and stitching.  The paint from the faces to the individual pieces of armor are nice and clean.

The size of the weapons (too big) and the hair (too short) are the only drawbacks for me.  With respect for the latter, I just gave the silver version a warm rinse and I’m allowing it to set.  I think I can get a look I’m happy with.

I definitely prefer the Golden version over the Silver.   She has a little more personality in her sculpt and her hair is a bit longer.  I also like black and gold color scheme better.   As Diana noted, the white skirt on the Silver version looks like she’s been making sandcastles at the beach.   TBL went for that same “weathered” look with the Silver Spartan Commander, so it must be intentional.

I’m happy with my purchase, but I don’t feel compelled to rush out and buy the rest.   I want to see some in-hand pics first.  If the head-sculpt, hair, and overall look on one or more of the others really stands out then I’m in.  Otherwise I’m happy with the two I have.

The ones I preordered are taking forever to reach me.

Shipped out by GianToy on the 3rd, and still not in the UK yet.  


Also waiting impatiently on the Worldbox 'Butcher' figure and a custom piece from Etsy.



@###!!"@ this supply chain madness!