Nacelle will make new Star Trek action figures but will it be successful?

Nacelle will make new Star Trek action figures but will it be successful?

As a long-time Star Trek enthusiast who’s been collecting action figures since the days of my very own Playmates Kirk and Picard, I can’t help but feel a mix of excitement and trepidation about the new line of Star Trek action figures by The Nacelle Company.


A few days ago, StarTrek.com unveiled that The Nacelle Company has been granted permission to manufacture new action figures based on Star Trek. It’s been shared that the product line will cover the period from Star Trek: The Original Series to Star Trek: Enterprise, along with the movies. While there is excitement surrounding this news, it’s important to keep in mind some potential concerns as well.

Ever since the 1990s boom, when Playmates Toys created a vast array of 4.5-inch action figures for Star Trek, the quality of these toys or dolls has been inconsistent. Apart from the premium collectibles manufactured by Exo-6, more recent manufacturers like McFarlane Toys and Playmates have released only a few characters before discontinuing their lines.

Although Captain Kirk and Captain Picard are undeniably well-loved in the Star Trek universe, there are other cherished characters who deserve a physical representation as collectible figures. Luckily, Nacelle appears to recognize this demand and has mentioned that their focus will be on characters not previously available for purchase. This news could be thrilling for both old and new fans, many of whom might long for an action figure like Ezri Dax without having to spend exorbitant prices on eBay.

While it’s thrilling to focus on the advantages, there are a few points worth considering. For instance, there’s the apprehension that Nacelle’s Star Trek collection might follow the trend of other recent licensees and discontinue production in just a year or two. The possibility exists that Star Trek action figures may not generate enough demand to be financially viable.

That concern could also lead to another issue: Action figures currently produced by Nacelle—including a resurrection of Biker Mice from Mars—are a bit pricey, with an MSRP of $34.99 (USD) for 1/12 scale 6-inch action figures. This is in contrast to other 6-inch figures, such as Star Wars: The Black Series, Marvel Legends, or DC Multiverse, which tend to retail for $24.99.

Spending $25 on a toy might seem quite expensive, given that it’s primarily intended for kids rather than adult collectors. And if the build and design quality don’t match the price tag of $35, many people might find it too costly. In essence, $35 appears to be an unusual balance between being a toy and a collector’s item.

Some individuals might feel let down upon learning that Nacelle’s dimensions will be 6 inches rather than the 4.5 inches of the previous Playmates toys. This could result in an Ezri Dax figure standing taller than your existing Star Trek: Deep Space Nine collection by Playmates, for example.

Simultaneously, Playmates attempted to revive their 4.5-inch figure line a few years back, but this effort seemed to fizzle out after the initial release. Over time, the market has been gradually favoring 6-inch action figures, and indeed, there have been 6-inch Star Trek figurines previously. Hence, such a shift could be expected.

As a devoted Star Trek fan, I’ve always appreciated the diverse community that has grown around this iconic series, spanning all ages. It’s crucial to cater to everyone, which is why we need merchandise that mirrors this diversity. While museum-quality Star Trek collectibles with handcrafted cloth uniforms are truly awe-inspiring, there’s also a demand for robust action figures. These toys should be able to withstand the creative play of 10-year-olds, yet still appeal to budget-conscious adult collectors who value quality.

From a positive perspective, it appears that The Nacelle Company might have a strong affinity for Star Trek. As Brian Volk-Weiss mentioned in the StarTrek.com announcement, the company was named after the nacelles on Starfleet ships, and they were also responsible for creating The Center Seat, which covered the period of Star Trek that these action figures will encompass.

As a passionate gamer, I’m echoing Kirk quoting Spock’s wisdom: “There’s always room for hope.” Here’s hoping that Paramount and Nacelle will shed more light on their Star Trek action figures soon, easing any doubts about their quality or cost. For the moment, though, I can’t help but feel a tinge of caution about this venture’s long-term prospects and affordability.

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2024-09-28 15:23

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