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Nacelle’s obscure first wave of figures highlights need to balance old and new fans

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As a lifelong Star Trek fan who’s been collecting action figures since I got my first Playmates Kirk figure back in the ’90s (yes, I still have him somewhere), the latest news about Nacelle’s upcoming line has me on the edge of my seat!

At New York Comic Con in October, Brian Volk-Weiss, CEO of Nacelle Company, unveiled the initial set of their upcoming Star Trek action figures. According to TrekMovie.com’s earlier report, these figures will be priced below $30, easing my previous cost worries. However, a new apprehension surfaced then, which Volk-Weiss has recently addressed.

At NYCC, Volk-Weiss announced that the first wave would consist of the following characters:

  • Captain Jellico (Star Trek: The Next Generation)
  • Peter Preston (Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan)
  • Valkris (Star Trek III: The Search for Spock)
  • Captain Garret (Star Trek: The Next Generation)
  • Tuvix (Star Trek: Voyager)
  • Mirror Archer (Star Trek: Enterprise)
  • Weyoun (Star Trek: Deep Space Nine)
  • Captain Sulu (Star Trek VI: The Undiscovered Country)

Initially, as Trek Core stated upon the announcement, the aim was to focus on characters other than familiar ones such as Captain Kirk, Seven of Nine, Data, etc. This approach aligns with the original September declaration. However, it appears that only Sulu and an alternate reality version of Archer are considered the “main cast” in this case, which could potentially be a sticking point.

It seems that a significant number of fans expressed dissatisfaction, which led Nacelle to adjust some of their original plans. In response to these concerns, Brian Volk-Weiss addressed them on an Instagram Reel dated November 20th. He stated that his company has been in touch with Paramount and anticipates making an announcement in early 2025, one he believes will bring joy to everyone involved.

This development appears hopeful, but it also underscores the delicate dance necessary to cater to both veteran and contemporary Star Trek enthusiasts. Initially, Nacelle’s strategy seemed tailored towards satisfying the preferences of long-time fans. By introducing lesser-known characters, they aimed to offer a chance for seasoned collectors to complete sets that were previously overlooked by companies like Playmates or Art Asylum/Diamond Select.

It seems logical since both McFarlane Toys and Playmates (during their revival efforts in the 2020s) began with characters like Kirk and Picard, only to eventually discontinue. Perhaps consistently producing the same few characters isn’t the path to success. However, it’s worth noting that not every Star Trek fan was around or purchasing action figures during Playmates’ peak in the 1990s.

For quite some time now, Star Trek characters, including those on the bridge crew, have become scarce and challenging to obtain. They are usually found pre-owned, either in good condition or priced steeply if they’re still in their original packaging. Additionally, significant characters such as Seven of Nine, Doctor Phlox, or Ezri Dax were frequently exclusive to conventions or difficult to acquire from the outset.

In essence, here’s a summary: A significant number of Star Trek enthusiasts are eagerly anticipating building their own collections featuring the main characters they adore. Conversely, there are fans who have been patiently waiting for ages to fill gaps in their collections with notable guest characters such as Tuvix or Captain Jellico (and I can almost hear the Weyoun figurine beckoning). The key is finding a balance.

Of course, we cannot know what Nacelle and Paramount’s plan moving forward is until they announce it. I, for one, hope that they can keep making the more obscure characters while introducing some of the main casts as well. Plus, the main cast doesn’t need to be Kirk, Spock, and Picard right away.

It’s important to note that throughout the years, not every character from a “bridge crew” has received equal attention. There seem to be more Kirk-like, Spock-like, Picard-like, and Data-like characters than lesser-known figures such as McCoys, Geordis, B’Elannas, or Archers. Revisiting these less frequently highlighted main characters might bring a fresh perspective—perhaps aligning with the initial cast—to create something unique.

We simply need to be patient for Nacelle’s announcement regarding the new year. It would be great if this update rectifies any initial issues without diminishing the first wave of releases. After all, a Captain Sulu figure would be more appealing if there are other Undiscovered Country characters also being developed. It’s important to strike a balance between introducing new characters and focusing on established ones, as well as major and minor figures.

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2024-12-06 06:23

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