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Interview - Hard Hero Transformers Busts & Statues

TFormers recently talked with the Rob Potts, owner of Hard Hero Enterprises, and asked him a few questions about all the cool things they've been making for Transformers fans. Get the low-down about their process for designing and making the busts and statues, the new statue line and more info on what's in store for 2004 and beyond. Read the TFormers exclusive Hard Hero Interview below.

TFormers: How did you get into the business of making character statues and busts?

Hard Hero: My interest began as a collector. I was thrilled when the first statues appeared on the market and I'm still collecting today.

TFormers: Can you tell us how long you have been doing this?

Hard Hero: Let's see, we started the Conan the Barbarian project in 1997.

TFormers: Have you always been a fan of the transformers? Do you collect them?

Hard Hero: No, in 1984 I was in the military stationed in Germany. I didn't have access to much American TV at that time. I became a HUGE fan when the Beast Wars Series began.

TFormers: What's the most challenging part of making a cast figure?

Hard Hero: The manufacturing, by far is the most difficult process working with figures.

TFormers: How is it decided as to which Transformer is made next?

Hard Hero: We take suggestions from fans. This combined with our (staff) favorite characters.

TFormers: Are there any characters you would like to make but cannot?

Hard Hero: At this stage, I think we could make just about any of the characters. Of course, some would come together better as busts.

TFormers: With another company right now producing full size statues at the same times as your company, do you feel that there will be a lot of competition?

Hard Hero: Our style is to leave such things up to our customers, the collectors. They're the ones that will ultimately make any choice.

TFormers: Was the original plan to release the statue line to coincide with the "other" line?

Hard Hero: We really had no knowledge of Mike's plans at Palisades. Though we wish them the best. From the (our) beginning, we announced our plans to produce both busts and full-figure statues.

TFormers: I noticed that the statue line is starting with Optimus, that same way you started the bust line, is there a chance we will see a super statue like Devastator or perhaps a full size Superion?

Hard Hero: Ah ha, those must be your favorites! We'll see what happens in the future. Actually, the statue line began with Unicron, followed by Ravage and the Insecticons (all full-figures). Our Prime statue has always been planned for release after the Prime bust sold out.

TFormers: How do you feel fans will respond to two different size statues of the same figure? What will be the big difference between your statue and the "other" company?

Hard Hero: Like all products, in this or any other market, each item should speak for itself. I believe in all fields of art/collectibles the key is to please the collector as best we can. However, one cannot please everybody. So, we'll just have to let the statues do the talking. I understand that there are many Trans-Fans that much prefer the toys to our statues. We do understand that and we're OK with it.

TFormers: I have the first five busts and I love them (Optimus, Megatron, Soundwave, Starscream and Prowl). Can you tell me if you had any involvement in any of them and which were your favorite and least favorite to work with?

Hard Hero: As the owner of Hard Hero that really makes me the "creative director" as well. This can be good or bad depending on how nice each piece turns out. I guess that makes me ultimately responsible for every piece (good or bad). We feel that Jason Ray has done a great job overall. It's our aim to strive for improvement on each consecutive sculpture.

Of the busts mentioned above, I like Soundwave the best. I suppose he's my favorite Decepticon. I really have no least favorite. But honestly speaking from an artistic view, I think it's clear that the Prime bust had room for improvement. It was our first piece and to date the best selling with a 7000 piece edition. You'll notice what I think is a great artistic improvement with the Prime full figure statue.

TFormers: With the recent release of Ravage and the Insecticons, can we expect to see more sub-groups as mini statues (i.e. Rumble, Laserbeak, Frenzy, etc)?

Hard Hero: Yes, we have more sub-groups planned.

TFormers: Any chance we will see a bumblebee statue?

Hard Hero: How could we not do Bumblebee? He's awesome!

TFormers: Can you tell me anything about the new beast wars statue line?

Hard Hero: Rhinox is first up, followed by Waspinator. These guys will be super show-accurate. I'm very happy with the quality and look forward to some very nice products in the Beast Wars line.

TFormers: With Transformers G1 released and Beast Wars coming out, is it possible we will see an Armada line of statues?

Hard Hero: Don't know. We have so much to do as it is. I suppose it's possible.

TFormers: Will there be more exclusives coming out in 2004?

Hard Hero: Yes, we have several clients seeking exclusives. Personally, I'm not much on exclusives as a producer and collector. Tell you why. It's great for those who have a chance to own them, but the rest of the collectors miss out and that always bites. I know exclusives certainly have a place in the market, I just hate when everybody doesn't have a chance to get their hands on a piece they might want. You know us collectors, we want everything!

TFormers: With the statues coming out, will Hard Hero be offering any type of membership drive or collectors club for fellow collectors? why or why not?

Hard Hero: "I suppose you could say we already have a club. Our web site serves all those interested in keeping up with the product lines. We've been serving the same customers for years now and the TransFans are no exception.

TFormers: Can you tell us what is in store for 2004? More in the bust line and statues?

Hard Hero: Well.we like to keep some excitement and suspense revolving around each new product. I'm sure you understand. I can say that we are moving ahead full steam with both busts and statues. Some of the new stuff is really amazing. I'm confident that the collectors will be happy.

TFormers: Are you Autobot or Decepticon?

Hard Hero: I guess I'd have to say, Autobot. I think Optimus Prime is one of the greatest heroes ever created from imagination. That might sound trite, but I think most will agree any character that lasts 20 years has some real substance. I can think of no other robot character that even comes close. He's like the "Batman" of robots, having multiple styles and designs, yet still everybody knows he's Prime. There are thousands of fantasy characters but not many fall into the category of an icon.

TFormers: Anything you would like to say to the fans?

Hard Hero: Definitely, I'd like to personally say, THANK YOU to the fans! Without you guys, we wouldn't even be here!!! The response to our Transformer products has been really amazing and we appreciate the opportunity to work with the property. It's a blast!

I really do appreciate you taking time out of your busy schedule to answer my questions, Good luck with 2004!

Thanks Rob and Hard Hero for the great interview! Surf on over to the Hard Hero Transformers section of their Web site to see more details and image of all their great products HERE.

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