The Blot hasn’t covered these new blind boxed NBA mini figures by CoolRain because I wasn’t quite sure what to make of them. Produced by MINDstyle, these NBA figures look like Michael Lau rip-offs without the creativity. What’s worse is most of them don’t even resemble the real life players they are based on and at least one of them has already changed teams! Although I can’t lie, picking up one of the Kobe Bryant figures has definitely crossed my mind a few times. But that’s got more to do with my blind Lakers devotion than my fondness for the toy.
To me, this San Diego Comic-Con 2011 Exclusive NBA Playoffs Box Set is a total cash grab. It is being marketed as a way to commemorate the dramatic 2011 NBA playoffs with a set that includes 5 of today's hottest superstars (Derrick Rose, Kobe Bryant, Dwayne Wade, Kevin Garnett and Amare Stoudemire). Except if they really wanted to commemorate the 2011 NBA Playoffs you’d think they would have included Finals MVP Dirk Nowitzki, who was also in Series 1.
But what really annoys me about this set is that four of the five figures are just commons from MINDstyle’s NBA Mini Figure Series 1. The only new/rare figure is the “EXCLUSIVE” NBA MVP Derrick Rose in his home white Bulls jersey. That’s it…so for $100 you’re paying for the white jersey Derrick Rose and the Comic-Con exclusive box set packaging. As you all know The Blot’s all about SDCC exclusives, but at least make it worth collectors’ money and time. Or just say the White Bulls Jersey Derrick Rose is limited to 300 pieces and retails for $100. That’s really what collectors are paying for right?
For those of you heading to San Diego in a few weeks, you can pick up this NBA Playoffs box set from Action Figure Xpress at their SDCC booth #3345.
