General discussion about Usagi Yojimbo, the comics, the stories, the characters, collectibles, TV appearances, Stan Sakai, Space Usagi, Nilson & Hermy, and all other related topics.
roel wrote:Just a heads up that I'll be closing down Rokutoys. If anyone wanted figures this is the time to get it. Sale prices are still going on.
A big "Thank you!" from my side, too. When I look to the left in my office and see the figurines there, it always impresses me how this all became possible. The beautiful and 100%-fan-proof quality of them is, imo, outstanding.
Although it makes me a bit sad that you can't continue with the business, I'm still very grateful for the great job you did. And I wish you the best for the future.
Besides Stan's artwork, these statues really are among the best Usagi Yojimbo collectibles (although I prefer the term "mementos").
I was late with getting the statues, but I recall seeing progress reports (either here or on Facebook?) when you were making and boxing them (not sure if it was series one or two).
Thank you for the joy you have brought to all of us.
Thank you for the kind words everyone. Roku will still be open for a few months while I begin the process.
It was a fun ride and I was hoping that I could have given you a great movie to go along with the merchandise but it was not meant to be. I also had plans to do a series of 6 inch action figures and playsets if the movie became a possibility but now it will need to be done by someone else.
It's unfortunate too that I wasn't able to move ahead with my plans of Usagi Series Three or the Groo line. I tried my best and gave 200% into trying to produce great figures. Thank you again for all your support. This fan community is one of the best.
Good luck to us all in 2017 and beyond. I hope Usagi's new "merchandise and movie" home will produce quality work.
It's unfortunate too that I wasn't able to move ahead with my plans of Usagi Series Three. I tried my best and gave 200% into trying to produce great figures. Thank you again for all your support.
I think we would all agree that you succeeded! Certainly nobody else could have done these the way you did. I remember the excitement and pure joy we got out of seeing your first sculpts back before this was even a commercial venture. If you ever get a chance, please consider sharing drawings or images or even photos of raw sculpts of what might have been Series Three and beyond; they don't have to be commercially available for all of us to be in awe of your skills. We're deeply grateful for the way you brought Usagi and friends to 3-D life.
I have to admit to being totally in awe of Roel's work on the Usagi statues from the beginning, and placed orders for both series immediately when they were listed for pre-order. I have been both waiting for and trying to help promote a series 3 set ever since series 2 came out, not just because I personally wanted more, but because the quality of the statues was so fantastic that they deserved to be continued.
Then came the stop motion trailer Film!
How could ANYBODY watch that trailer and not want to see more?
The love and hard work that went into it is obvious on viewing. I will always keep the thought of the passion and craftsmanship in mind when I Remember watching that short clip of Usagi meeting up with Gen and fighting the Neko ninja over that mysterious missive.
I am really sorry to hear about the end of Roku Toys, mainly because it means that the dream of the series 3 [or 4th series) of statues will never see completion and the Usagi Yojimbo stop motion film will never be made, but also because of what closing down Roku Toys has to mean to Roel personally.
All of Roel's work through Roku Toys, and through his interactions here on the forum and on Facebook have made him a well loved and respected member of the Usagi Dojo family and as such, I really feel for what he must be going through. Love, anger, frustration, sadness.... probably much more than realized.
Well put Steve. My sentiments reflect your writings completely. I've not been here a long as many of you old timers, and I've not known or dealt with Roel outside of a few emails and purchases, but one could see the passion he put into his endeavors. I can't imagine what he must be going through, and I'm sure we all wonder what & why... but I'm also sure there are reasons, and unfortunately as much as I want to know them, this forum probably isn't the place to discuss them.
maichan wrote:one could see the passion he put into his endeavors.
Well put too. Sorry to say I didn't even get as far as an email and purchase, but it's plain to see the investment in the statue range and beyond, and the quality that came from it.
UPDATE: I've found the people that have been looking for the figures. Thanks all.
Hi fellas,
There was someone inquiring about series two here and I can't remember whom it was. We have some individual Series two figures available since a customer never got back to us. Please inquire about it on the roukutoys@gmail and we can give you more info.
By the way. I'm still trying to shutdown Rokutoys and my people have found some Series One sets that are still available. If you are looking for it please contact rokutoys and they will have a great price for you on it.
In a couple of weeks I will post pictures of what I had planned for Series 3.
roel wrote:By the way. I'm still trying to shutdown Rokutoys and my people have found some Series One sets that are still available. If you are looking for it please contact rokutoys and they will have a great price for you on it.
In a couple of weeks I will post pictures of what I had planned for Series 3.
Thanks,
Roel
Look forward to seeing what was planned for Series 3. I rooting for Inspector Ishida and Sakura (I know that is a long shot - but her hair!).
roel wrote:By the way. I'm still trying to shutdown Rokutoys and my people have found some Series One sets that are still available. If you are looking for it please contact rokutoys and they will have a great price for you on it.
In a couple of weeks I will post pictures of what I had planned for Series 3.
Thanks,
Roel
Look forward to seeing what was planned for Series 3. I rooting for Inspector Ishida and Sakura (I know that is a long shot - but her hair!).
Good deals! And fyi UYDers - the address for inquires for the best Usagi Yojimbo stations is rokutoys@gmail.com - you know that already but just in case.
I don't know if I can handle seeing what I can never have! Like others here, the statues you brought us are some of my most cherished collectibles. Thank you so much for making them a reality.
Even if the breath between us smells of alcohol,
Call it confusion in the best way possible.
