Things are going strong for theFunko Pop!brand, but the same can’t be said for one of the series' best rivals. Thebankruptcy of Diamond Comic Distributorshas had a ripple effect on all things fandom, but it’s not just comic shops and publishers that are being affected. In fact, one beloved toy line’s future has become quite uncertain.
Thefallout from Diamond Comic Distributorsdeclaring bankruptcy keeps on going. While the company and its assets were jointly acquired by Universal Distribution and Ad Populum earlier this year, reports indicate that Diamond Select Toys and Collectibles, LLC has been shut down. The company’s staff has been laid off, along with Gentle Giant, Ltd.
Unfortunately, the fate of Minimates, released by Diamond Select Toys, remains up in the air. It’s hard to tell what’s next for the popular line of miniature action figures asthere are still Minimates toys set for release later this year. But with Ad Populum’s re-structuringof Diamond Comic Distributors’assets, anything is possible.
Minimates' Future is in Danger with the Diamond Bankruptcy
Can Fans Still Show There’s a Demand for the Toys?
For those unfamiliar, Minimates are miniature action figures originally created by Art Asylum. Like Funko Pop! figures, they have a basic design which can be adapted to any character or pop culture figure. But unlike the big-headed vinyl figures, Minimates have multiple points of articulation. They also have interchangeable parts, allowing fans to customize their Minimates to their desires.
The future of Minimates isn’t written in stone just yet, as there are releases set to come out later this year. But with Diamond Select Toys being shut down, it’s not looking great. But as it’s always been,sales speak volumes. Purchasing any upcoming Minimates figures gives the line a very good chance of sticking around in the future.
Support From Fans Can Help Minimates in Its Darkest Hour
Sales Can Show the Demand is Still There
Minimates has been a great toy line as it’s given focus to a lot of fan-favorite and obscure characters. But the only hope that the line really has is if it’s purchased by another company to distribute it. While it’s not impossible,fans are going to have to prove there’s still a marketfor these incredibly unique toys.
Stranger things have happened and there’s a non-zero chance that Minimates could live on. But what will really help make that happen is for fans to whip up demand. Hopefully, if enough people purchase them,Funko’sbest rivals will live on and keep providing the fun charm of Minimates for years to come.
