I don't know how many of you were/are fans of the 1977 Spider-Man TV Show-- it was a big part of my childhood but even as a kid I recognized it was pretty mediocre and just anxiously awaited the stuntman in the Spidey suit to show up.
Well, Hot Toys announced a 1977 Spider-Man and a 1978 Spider-Man for that matter (the Japanese Supaidaman from that year which in my opinion is the best live action Spider-man around provided you can overlook the fact that it doesn't follow the Spider-Man we here in the states know), but they really dropped the ball. Announcing a limited run of 600 in the USA and either 600 or 1500 in Asia the '77 version went on sale virtually 24 hours after the initial announcement and SOLD OUT immediately without any fanfare causing many fans to have to join the waitlist.
The '78 version has not gone up for pre-order yet but there's little reason to think it'll be done any differently. According to sources the '77 figure was promoted again today on Facebook despite being already SOLD OUT-- which only caused more fans to be disappointed-- and some to be infuriated-- c'mon folks it's just a toy.
There's not a lot of logic as to this marketing scheme, unless the license strictly stated the limited number of figures, but I find that a bit hard to swallow since there are no similar limits to the dozens of other Spider-Man figures they've done over the years.
I don't think either figure is up to Hot Toys usually super screen accurate work; the eyes on both suits were flatter and less pronounced and in the case of the Japanese suit they were simply white material not reflective. The webbing wasn't raised on either suit and the '77 featured gloves that went over the body suit and leather boots that went over the suits built in boots.
But still fun items.
I sent an email to Howard Chan (CEO of Hot Toys) but he's pulled a full on Marley and ghosted me.
For anyone interested in reading more about the '77 figure;
SPIDER-MAN '77 Figure
And the '78 Figure;
SUPAIDAMAN '78 Figure