EDDIEWONG

Well, I’ve already mentioned about the defects of my Batman DX in another entry but I feel it deserves an entire entry of it’s own. It’s not so much about the bitching of the defects, it’s more about how Hot Toys‘ is dealing with the problem. And to put it bluntly, Hot Toys has so far been rather irresponsible.

Just a bit of background:
During the last week of December 2009, the MMS DX Batman was released in Hong Kong. Within days, collectors started to experience problems with the figure. Problems include: paint peeling, warped heads, etc. For most of the early adopters, they were lucky enough to get replacements. BUT, the problem continued to exist even on the replacements. After people started to continue to return the figures (one guy returned 6 times, apparantly), HT obviously got a bit annoyed and started to tell people not to touch the soft rubber parts (quotes at the end of this entry). I mean… they might as well tell people not to buy the thing.

Pic above: My DX Batman’s oily belly

Update: 2010.02.24 – defects part 2 here

Image taken from this discussion board.

Then, for collectors who did not buy from the official Hot Toys store, Toy Hunters, they (collectors) were told that they will not get an exchange because they do not have an official ‘Toy Hunters receipt’ (quotes at the end of this entry). Makes you wonder why they even need resellers/dealers, huh? Might as well just sell the thing in Toy Hunters ONLY.

Now, let’s move onto ‘Hot Toy’s guarantee’ that the problem has been solved and that international collectors should not worry (quotes at the end of this entry). Well, clearly, the problem has not been solved because I just happen to have a defect figure and remember, mine is the so called problem-solved-international-version (it came out in Japan 2-3 days ago. That’s a whole 7 weeks after HK). And nope, it is not just me. If you run by some toy forums, you will clearly come across other collectors problems (also part of the problem-solved-international-versions).

One of my sonar vision heads: warped ears

Problems seem not so much about paint peeling (probably still too early) but a new problem: oil constantly appears on the stomach abs. Basically, there is excess oil somewhere and that it is seeping through the rubber suit. I have this oily problem as well as a warped head problem. So, has the issue really been fixed? Let’s put it this way, Hot Toys clearly states that they believe the material has no problems and that they will not be changing it. I guess that pretty much answers it all.

This is fellow collector, Kazuki Jun’s Batman. Looks like Bats peed himself.

Both my figures are in the box. I don’t even know if I want to display them. I am actually very disappointed. Most readers will know I’m a Batman fan. I have longed for an accurate Batman figure. Now that one has been made, it’s plagued by problems that the maker refuses to fully acknowledge and fails to take the thing back to R&D. I mean, I paid US$400 for both figures. I’d hardly call that chump change.

UPDATE: 2010 Feb 18th
Fantastic! Now my Batman’s left arm, the kevlar pads, is also oozing oil!
Also, I managed to separate the body suit from the pants. No effort required, just pull a little and the glue comes loose. Know what the freaky thing is? Behind the belly abs, it is absolutely dry! This mean, the rubber itself is dispensing oil!

 
Here is just one discussion board for the problem (do a search and you’ll find much more).

Quotes from the board:

How to protect Batman DX from HT’s suggestion

Some HK fans reported they received the professional suggestion & clarification when they exchanged the defected items.

1. The improved version is also used the same material of defected version. It is because HT insisted the material is no problem. What is the difference between the improved version and previous version? The staff explained that every body of the improved version has been checked by specific staffs. When the fan asks ”why MMS Batman TDK doesn’t have the same problem?” They can’t answer it and only say “THE MATERIAL IS NO PROBLEM!”

2. HT staffs reminded the fan “DON’T TOUCH THE SOFT PLASTIC BODY WITH YOUR HANDS ANY MORE” several times. The fan asks how to set the pose. They replied that “You only touch the HARD PARTS OF THE BODY, such as CHEST ARMOUR, HAND ARMOUR AND SHOES. DON’T TOUCH THE BODY! It is painting on the surface of soft plastic. Rubbing, pulling and tearing will cause the coating peeling.” “How to make pose” “…YOU TOUCH THE HARD PARTS OF THE BODY”

3. Nowadays, HT has changed the policy of replacement defected items in Hong Kong. All owners exchanged the improved body and mark it in invoice. If you find the body has defected or has problem of coating peeling. Sorry! Any part can be replaced one time. Thus, I think HK fans who had exchanged the Batman DX six times (1 day 1 time). You are the record high!

Any overseas fans, if you pre-order the Batman DX, please clarify with Hot Toys about the replacement policy if you meet any problem. As one of HK fans, we guess that HT has done her “BEST” to solve the problem. After 14 days warranty period, every problem has gone.

I bless all overseas fans can get the perfect Batman DX and it is actually designed very well. All Hot Toys Batman Fans either in HK or overseas deserves to have a perfect Batman DX.

terce

So anyone who bought their Batman DX (with defect) from any online auction (Yahoo, Ebay) can kiss goodbye to your chance of getting an exchange from Hot Toys… I have just called Hot Toys to confirm this ridiculous policy.

I have recently purchased a Batman DX from from Yahoo Auction, with the same problem as others are having. Well on the phone, their staff said that they WILL NOT provide any exchange to product without their own store’s “receipt”. They simply expect people to “buy from their own store ONLY”, hence providing them their store receipt. Any receipt, outside of their store receipt will be reject. I have also asked to speak to their supervisor about this, but it seems that I was simply directed to another shop keeper, with the same answer.

This is absolutely ridiculous, what kind of a joke is this … if you will ONLY provide warranty to that is purchase through “Hot Toys’s own store Toys Hunter”, please DO NOT distribute your products via any other channel.

I don’t quite understand, THIS IS YOUR PRODUCT we are talking about here, it’s not like I’m trying to exchange a counterfeit Batman figure.
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chanedw

I’ve been talking with my conection at Hot Toys, it would seem the problem was isolated to a section of figures in the first batch supplied to Toy Hunters, not all were affected. There was a problem with the paint used so all were recalled for checking and replacement where needed. I have been reassured that the figures being despatched to foreign countries will be problem free.

Wookster

 
Update: 2010.02.24 – defects part 2 here