SWDnovel Chapter 132 Consortium B is forbidden from stealing glue
Chapter 132 Consortium B is forbidden from stealing glue
If Dyna in the first episode was "stunning" and Dyna in the second episode was "puzzling", then this third episode is a real "reversal of reputation".
A discussion has begun on the Tokusatsu Alliance Forum, the largest gathering place for tokusatsu fans in China.
Discussion threads about the character "Shin Asuka" sprang up like mushrooms after rain.
The title of the pinned post was particularly eye-catching, and it received over a thousand replies in just half an hour:
[Rational discussion: After watching episode 3, has anyone changed their opinion of the "thug" Asuka?]
The original poster wrote at length in the main post:
"To be honest, I really hated Asuka in the first two episodes."
I think he is arrogant and conceited, lacking the gentle and refined heroic spirit of Daigo.
He even treated the battle like a game, and that "I have to win" mentality made me feel that he didn't deserve to be Ultraman.
But, guys, after watching this episode, I think I suddenly understood director Gu Nan's intention.
Asuka is not Daigo; he doesn't need to become the second Daigo.
Yeah, I don't know when it started, but I always use Daigo's character standards to judge other people.
Now we realize that Daigo is still the same Daigo, but Asuka is no longer the same Asuka.
In this episode, when the monster appears, he is no longer the reckless young man who only knows how to charge forward.
Especially the last scene, on the rooftop under the setting sun.
Asuka held the ball in her hand, facing Captain Kibi, who had just been discharged from the hospital.
That throw was not a provocation, but a promise.
When Captain Hibiki caught that ball so easily, I even got goosebumps on my skin in front of the screen.
That wasn't just catching a ball; it was catching the trust of a spirited young man.
Captain Hibi didn't resort to lengthy lectures; he showed Asuka through his actions: "Fly high, this whole team will support you."
This unspoken understanding between men, this feeling of an older father leading a rebellious son, really resonates with me!
Moreover, Dyna's first three episodes were also excellent.
These three episodes set the stage for an "imperfect" hero.
Nowadays, audiences are used to protagonists who are maxed out from the start and morally perfect. Asuka, a "flawed" character, is like a mudslide, washing away the audience's aesthetic fatigue.
This is what makes "Dyna" so sophisticated. It tells us that light doesn't just belong to saints, but also to every ordinary person who stumbles and falls, trying to transcend themselves.
I have a feeling that as the plot unfolds, the popularity of the character Shin Asuka might reach an alarming level.
The comments section below this post is a massive "it's actually pretty good" moment.
"This episode was really good; this kind of protagonist who grows and matures feels more realistic!"
"+1! Daigo is more divine, he's perfect."
But Asuka... Asuka is like that slightly arrogant, talented, but still immature boy from the next class. Watching him gradually understand responsibility, that sense of nurturing is quite satisfying.
"Hey upstairs, stop just talking about Asuka! Has no one praised Kihiro Gosuke? He's clearly a worried, overprotective father! This kind of captain, rough around the edges but thoughtful underneath, is much more charming than just a simple, righteous hero. I feel like calling him 'Dad'!"
"Oh, this is a bit abstract..."
Dyna's popularity is also slowly rising.
Many viewers who had previously considered dropping the show because of Asuka's personality returned that night.
……
Chasing Light Cinema, Office.
Although it was late at night, the office was still brightly lit.
"Asuka's reputation is indeed starting to recover."
Chen Bo scrolled through his tablet, and the praise on the screen made him feel relieved.
"I knew it. Just a couple of days ago, these viewers were complaining that Asuka was no good as the main character, but now they're all saying 'It's so good!' Tsk tsk tsk, the essence of humans is indeed a repeating machine."
Gu Nan wasn't surprised.
The character Shin Asuka is inherently controversial and has a lot of potential for growth in the original world.
In this parallel world, with the groundwork laid by "Ultraman Tiga" and "Seven", the audience's acceptance threshold has actually been raised.
As long as the pacing is well controlled, the sense of satisfaction brought by this kind of "growth-oriented" protagonist increases exponentially.
"Alright, stop reading the comments."
Gu Nan turned around.
"Now that our reputation is stable, it's time to get down to business."
Chen Bo paused for a moment, then his smile faded, and he said seriously, "Brother Nan, you mean... that matter in the surrounding area?"
"That's right."
Gu Nan walked to the desk and casually picked up a soft vinyl figure that was on the desk.
To date, although various props, glow sticks, and fighter jet model toys are selling like hotcakes, there are still no officially produced Ultraman models.
Those are the Ultraman Dyna soft vinyl figures currently on the market, produced by a toy factory authorized by Gu Nan. Although the workmanship is top-notch in the current domestic toy market, Gu Nan still finds them cheap.
Occasionally, there is paint overflow, the mold line is obvious, and the articulation is almost zero...
This kind of thing is not for the table!
"This week, with the popularity of 'Dyna,' orders from overseas markets have surged. In particular, the demand for high-quality merchandise in Japan is astonishing."
Gu Nan tapped the table. "Domestic contract manufacturers have good technology, but that's for mass production."
I want a top-quality model, a collector's item.
Chen Bo nodded, looking troubled: "Yes, Mr. Gu. I've visited all those factories in China."
Making soft vinyl figures and prize figures is fine, but when it comes to highly detailed articulated figures, the yield rate is too low, and the cost simply can't be reduced.
"So, we have to go to Japan."
Gu Nan looked eastward, "Let's go find that company in the world that makes the best toys and is also the best at 'making money'—BANDAI."
In this parallel world, although Tsuburaya Productions went bankrupt and Ultraman declined, Bandai still exists as a toy giant.
However, without the support of the super IP Ultraman, Bandai's business in tokusatsu toys has been lukewarm, relying mainly on other anime IPs.
And now, what Gu Nan holds in his hands is the hottest gold brick in the world.
……
Two days later, in Taito Ward, Tokyo, Japan.
The atmosphere in the conference room of Bandai's headquarters building was somewhat heavy.
On one side of the long conference table sat Gu Nan, Chen Bo, and the legal team from Zhuiguang.
Gu Nan, dressed in a casual suit, appeared calm and composed. Chen Bo, following the legal team, was somewhat nervous, but seeing Gu Nan's composed figure gave him confidence.
On the opposite side were several senior executives from Bandai's toy division, led by an elderly man with gray hair but a sprightly spirit, named Tanaka, who was the core head of Bandai's model toy development division.
"Gu Sang".
Tanaka, speaking in somewhat broken Chinese with a smile on his face, said, "We at Bandai are very honored by your request for outsourcing. After all, the popularity of Ultraman Tiga and Ultraman Dyna in Japan is undeniable."
"but……"
Tanaka then changed the subject, a hint of difficulty in his expression. "Bandai's headquarters factory is already operating at full capacity. If it's for Light Chaser Animation, we suggest that our subsidiaries in Vietnam or Thailand handle the production. Rest assured, we will definitely control the quality..."
"Mr. Tanaka."
Gu Nan interrupted him directly, his tone calm but unquestionable, "I flew all this way here not to listen to these polite words."
He leaned forward slightly, looking directly into Tanaka's eyes: "I don't want a 'okay' toy, I want a work of art."
"Vietnam factories? Thailand factories? Forgive my bluntness, but with their current level of technology, they might be able to make products for younger children, but they can't make the product line I'm launching this time."
Tanaka frowned slightly: "Mr. Gu, aren't your expectations too high? After all, it's just a toy related to tokusatsu..."
"Just a toy?"
Gu Nan gave a cold laugh.
He took out a design drawing from his briefcase. It wasn't a simple three-view drawing, but an anatomical diagram that was so detailed that it showed the distribution of bones and muscles!
That was a concept drawing that Gu Nan created specifically for Tiga and Dyna, combining the original world's "True Bone Carving" technique.
After all, in this timeline, tokusatsu shows like Kamen Rider and Super Sentai didn't achieve the same level of popularity in Japan as they did in the original world.
This is precisely why, with the development of tokusatsu stagnating, key conditions such as market demand, technological accumulation, IP value, industrial chain support, and cultural popularity are not as prevalent as in the original world, making it difficult for such high-end figures to emerge and continue to develop.
Bandai's business scope is extremely broad, including multimedia, music, feature films, game cards, candy, licensed clothing, toys, children's entertainment, and more.
Therefore, while Bandai in this world has not reached the level of development in high-end models as in the original world, it still remains Japan's largest comprehensive entertainment company.
However, when it comes to high-end models, Gu Nan still intends to come to this most renowned place from his previous life.
However, nowadays the focus is on reselling your original items back to you.
The reversal of the Heavenly Gang is considered to be true.
"This is a blueprint."
Gu Nan pointed to the design drawings, "What I want to do is not to shrink the leather case into a plastic block."
What I want is to scan the skeletal structure of the suit actor, start with the skeleton to create the shape, and then cover the muscles and skin to achieve a visual effect like a "real person wearing a suit."
Tanaka took the design drawings, glanced at them, and his pupils suddenly contracted.
He's an expert, so he could naturally tell the value of this picture at a glance.
This design concept completely overturns the mainstream design ideas of movable dolls on the current market.
Most dolls are made by creating the shape first and then cutting the joints, resulting in severe joint discontinuity when they move, making them look very unrealistic.
Gu Nan's plan was simply... revolutionary...
"this……"
Tanaka's hands trembled slightly, and the perfunctory look in his eyes vanished instantly.
"This is simply... a genius idea! 'Sculpting from the bones'... the name of this technique is... True Bone Sculpting?!"
"That's right, I call it 'True Bone Carving'."
Gu Nan leaned back in his chair.
Although he felt a bit of inexplicable emotion at this moment, he still calmly explained.
"This kind of technology can only be achieved on your Bandai Shizuoka factory's top-of-the-line production line."
Mr. Tanaka, I don't need to elaborate on the current commercial value of the Ultraman IP, do I?
Last quarter alone, toy sales—if you added that figure to the overseas sales figures, it would double your financial report. And this high-end series will open the door to the more affluent adult collector market.
Tanaka fell silent.
He was weighing his options.
Indeed, Ultraman's popularity is terrifying right now.
If Bandai can secure the exclusive manufacturing rights for this high-end series, it will not only be a matter of profit, but also a huge demonstration of Bandai's technological prowess.
"good!"
Tanaka slammed his hand on the table. "Gu-san, I promise you! Our factory will dedicate a production line to fully support Light Chaser Animation's production!"
Gu Nan smiled.
But he did not give up.
"Wait, Mr. Tanaka. Besides the production line, there's another supplementary agreement that I need to sign."
Gu Nan gave Chen Bo a wink, and Chen Bo immediately took out a pre-prepared contract from his bag and handed it to Tanaka.
Tanaka took the contract with a puzzled look, and after reading the terms, his expression instantly became quite interesting.
The contract's appendix contained several clauses in bold font that seemed to be a direct prohibition against the Wan Dai family's ancestral craftsmanship:
1. Any form of "skimming" is prohibited. (Special note: The connecting parts on the back of the calf, the key connecting parts on the inner side of the upper and lower arms, and the pull-out joint of the back shoulder must be solid parts. Making them hollow to save costs is strictly prohibited!)
2. The paint job must cover the entire surface. A situation where the front is beautifully painted while the back is a complete mess is strictly prohibited. The patterns and details on the back must maintain the same paint quality as the front.
3. Joints must be made of high-strength POM material or alloy components. It is strictly forbidden to use easily broken, inferior transparent parts as load-bearing joints.
……
Looking at these clauses that seemed to have seen through all of Bandai's "little tricks," Tanaka's forehead broke out in a fine layer of sweat.
Is Gu Nan really just a director?
How does he know so much about these "money-saving tricks" in toy manufacturing?!
It's important to know that Bandai is known as "Badass" not only because of its massive business empire, but also because of its extreme cost control (it's incredibly stingy).
Stealing glue and paint in places that can't be seen is their "ancestral skill"!
"Gu Sang, this..."
Tanaka wiped his sweat. "Leaving aside the materials, just the cost of the full paint job alone..."
"Costs can be increased."
Gu Nan waved his hand and said, "I have the power to set the price; you just need to guarantee the quality."
I don't want my fans to spend hundreds of dollars to buy a piece of plastic junk with holes all over its joints.
If I discover any batch of goods with defective glue, Light Chaser Animation will have the right to unilaterally terminate the cooperation and claim a huge penalty for breach of contract.
Seeing Gu Nan's uncompromising gaze, Tanaka gritted his teeth.
This is a huge order...
Although we lost a lot of money because we couldn't steal glue, the sales volume was huge!
"But, Gu Sang."
Tanaka, being an old fox, quickly made his demands, "Since you want to use our company's top-of-the-line technology and guarantee this quality control, Bandai also has a request."
"explain."
"For this 'True Bone Carving' series, and for subsequent high-end products, we hope that some special color schemes or forms can be released as 'Soul Limited' items."
Tanaka's eyes gleamed with a businessman's shrewdness. "That means it can only be pre-ordered and sold at our official Bandai offline flagship store and designated Tamashii Web Store. It cannot be sold through regular retail channels."
Gu Nan raised an eyebrow.
Soul limited?
This is a strategy of creating scarcity and leveraging brand premium.
However, this was exactly what Gu Nan wanted.
How can high-end products demonstrate their "high-end" status if they don't set some barriers to entry?
Moreover, limited edition items usually mean higher value retention and are a symbol of status for fans.
"Can."
Gu Nan nodded. "For example, the Tiga that's being released for the first time this time can be sold through general channels. But some special forms later on, or deluxe versions with special effects parts, can be sold through exclusive channels."
"make a deal!"
Their hands were clasped tightly together.
……
three days later.
Xia Guo, the official website of Light Chaser Animation, and the official flagship store of Bandai simultaneously released a promotional poster.
Against the black background, two beams of light shone brightly.
On the left is Ultraman Tiga Composite, which features a striking red, purple, and silver color scheme.
On the right is Ultraman Dyna Shining Type, in red, blue, and silver.
There were no fancy special effects, just two models that looked like miniature versions of suit actors, posing in classic fighting stances.
Below the poster, a line of gold text is prominently displayed:
[SHFiguarts (True Bone Sculpting Method) Ultraman Tiga & Ultraman Dyna Appear!]
[Striving for the ultimate recreation of movement and form, achieving aesthetic beauty starting from the skeletal structure.]
Official Price: 699 RMB
[Pre-sale starts tomorrow at 10:00 AM]
[Specific release date: To be determined...]
The moment this news broke, the entire tokusatsu (special effects) industry was in an uproar.
"Holy crap! 699? Director Gu is robbing us! A soft rubber doll usually only costs a few dozen yuan, and this price has increased tenfold?"
"Look closely at the picture, upstairs! How can soft vinyl compare? Look at the wrinkles in the hands! Look at the curvature of the breastplate! It's practically a miniaturized version of a leather suit!"
"True bone carving? What kind of new technology is that? It sounds so advanced."
"Wait a minute, look at the detail photos! They're all fully painted! And there's no skimping on the finish! Wow, the attention to detail! Can they even maintain that for mass production?"
"As long as the quality is worth the price, I'd even go for 699! My previous soft vinyl figure was a bit lacking; it didn't look cool enough on the shelf. This one is practically the centerpiece of my collection!"
"Tiga! His figure is so beautiful, I want to buy it!"
Although they say it's expensive, their actions tell a different story.
This is the purchasing power of the tokusatsu fans that Gu Nan cultivated in this world.
Their pent-up desire for high-quality merchandise, suppressed for far too long, finally erupted at this moment.
10:00 AM the next day.
Chen Bo stood in front of the data monitoring screen in the back office, clutching a nitroglycerin pill tightly in his hand.
"here we go!"
As the pre-sale channel opened, the numbers on the screen began to jump wildly.
1000 orders...
5000 orders...
10000 orders...
The numbers were jumping around so fast it was dizzying, almost like they were on accelerator.
In just ten minutes, the first batch of 20,000 slots were sold out instantly!
"Holy crap... how can there be so many pre-orders...?"
Chen Bo was stunned.
699 isn't cheap, and it sold out so quickly...
Gu Nan sat on the sofa, also feeling a bit tense.
It feels like they're going to re-release Ultraman Tiga from the previous era...
He was absolutely certain that there were a bunch of resellers involved, but these kinds of people were hard to crack down on, so he could only rely on his position as the official source to ship the goods in large quantities...
"Let's add another order."
Gu Nan put down his teacup and uttered two words, "Contact Bandai and tell them to open all production lines. Tell Tanaka that if he doesn't want fans sending him razor blades, he'd better tighten the screws until they spark!"
Ultimately, within 24 hours of the pre-sale opening.
The Ultraman Tiga Composite True Bone Sculpture and the Ultraman Dyna Miracle True Bone Sculpture have both achieved an astonishing 10 pre-orders across the entire network!
Single-day sales exceeded 7000 million!
This number not only shocked the entire toy industry in China, but also left the top executives of Bandai in Japan completely dumbfounded.
As Tanaka looked at the faxed data report, the teacup in his hand fell to the ground with a "crash" and shattered.
"Sparashi..."
Oh my god, Dongda Market!
That's ten times my entire year's sales in Japan!
He muttered to himself, his eyes filled with awe.
He knew that from this day forward, the Xia country man named Gu Nan was not only the savior of the tokusatsu industry, but also the god of wealth in their toy industry!