ANOVOS issues (ANOVOS ONLY discussion)

[Nagedzi]

I ordered the TLJ Stormtrooper and TLJ Stormtrooper Executioner helmets back in 2017. I had long since written off ever receiving them from Anovos. TBH, I'm actually happy enough with my Black Series TLJ bucket so I don't even particularly desire them anymore. As far as I'm concerned, the Sequel ship has sailed anyways. Because of this, I contacted Denuo Novo last week about potentially getting store credit to use on their Shoretrooper helmet as they have it in stock and it's one that I actually want. A little back and forth via email and they approved the transaction. The Shoretrooper helmet shipped from Texas later that day (Wednesday) via DHL. I will have it here in Canada on Monday or Tuesday. As far as I'm concerned, a bird in the hand is more than worth two in the bush. I'm totally stoked that I will FINALLY be receiving something out of the transaction from 4 years ago! The Shoretrooper will fit wonderfully into my collection....

 

[Inquisitor Peregrinus]

I wonder where these are being made. Anything overseas could be slow to arrive.

I'm getting the Hachette subscription model of the Andromeda (from Space Battleship Yamato/Star Blazers) through Hobby Link Japan. The most time- and cost-effective shipping solution I had found was to let five installments accumulate in my "virtual warehouse" and then have that batch surface-shipped. It took about a month. Got to be getting used to getting a box a week before having the next one shipped. I'm currently waiting on two boxes that should have arrived by now, and am about to place my third shipping order since port problems started. I also have Funko Pops on preorder that are way behind their target date. Not just finished goods, but any raw materials acquired from overseas are going to be impacting things.

And as for singing Denuo Novo's praises, look back to the past summer, when they were first announced. There was much suspicion and skepticism, followed, come late August, a chorus of surprised yet delighted posts from people who got the thing they had ordered -- from Anovos, late, or Denuo, early -- in several cases, before the shipping estimate. Some of the people on the ground in Texas are probably former Anovos employees, who know the facility, who know the products, etc. Dana and Joe are still out in Cali, and things are still shaking down with that whole, now-separate, house of cards. Splitting off this huge albatross of a license was the only thing Anovos could realistically have done, even though I admit I didn't anticipate this method. The Aliens license is also already going through a different subsidiary. We're just still in limbo with Star Trek, Battlestar Galactica, and Ghostbusters.

I have been in contact with people at both ends, and trust them to continue getting things sorted out. I can't say much without getting people in trouble, but I am still a couple grand into both entities collectively. If I had lost all faith, based on what I have been told, I would've cut my losses long since.

 

[ggriffaw]

I saw the below posted by a user on the "Rogue One Six" Facebook page. I suspect "Poe Dameron Black X-wing Helmet (The Last Jedi)" might be a mistake. I would think it is the black TFA version. The timeline seems to match what has been previously stated. Unfortunately anything that is not listed will most likely not be produced until late 2022 at the earliest.

Items available to ship now:
The Mandalorian Helmet
Imperial Royal Guard Helmet
Elite Praetorian Guard Helmet
First Order Flametrooper Helmet
Rogue One Shoretrooper Helmet
Rogue One AT-ACT Driver Helmet
Imperial Officer Hat (Black)
Imperial Officer Hat (Olive/Gray)

Items coming in November 2021:
Han Solo Signature Line Shirt
Han Solo Signature Line Vest
Han Solo Signature Line Pants
Han Solo Belt
Han Solo Belt Buckle

Items coming in December 2021:
Han Solo “The Force Awakens” Leather Jacket
Imperial Officer Belt

Coming in early 2022:
Luke Skywalker Rebel Pilot Helmet
Rey Salvaged X-wing Helmet
General Merrick (Blue Leader) Helmet
Rogue One Gold Leader Helmet
Red Leader Rebel Pilot Helmet
Inferno Squad Commander Helmet
TIE Fighter Pilot Helmet
TIE Victor Helmet
Director Krennic Cape
Rogue One Imperial Admiral Tunic
First Order Stormtrooper Armor Kit
Imperial Officer Uniforms (Black and Olive/Gray)

Sometime in 2022:
Rogue One Death Trooper Specialist Helmet
TLJ Stormtrooper Executioner Helmet
Poe Dameron Blue X-wing Helmet (The Force Awakens)
Poe Dameron Black X-wing Helmet (The Last Jedi)
TLJ First Order Stormtrooper Helmet
Clone Trooper Phase II Helmet
Kylo Ren Helmet

 

[cboath]

Feel free to read back to pick up some things.

I ordered the FO setup 5-6 years ago now. Last August, i gave up and switched to 2 shipping items listed as IN STOCK from Anovos - Royal Guard and Mando. Of course, i didn't get them from Anovos.

After this change in license/ownership/whatever was announced I contacted Denuo to see if i was on the list. They said I was. I remained skeptical. Ship dates were supposedly September 1st. I said i'll believe it when i see it. I got a shipping notice from the Texas town mentioned above where Anovos built their facility about 5 days EARLY (August 27 or so). I had a package on my porch before the end of August. I was shocked. It was the Royal Guard. Mando arrived shortly there after. So, not only did they fullfill them, the did so early! Anovos I don't think ever got an item out close to on-time. I wasn't the only one here either.

Another thing. I exchanged a handful of emails with Denuo and they were fast for any company, not just compared to Anovos. Every response was inside of 24 hours, usually around 12 or so, but they answered while I was at work and I didn't see it til i got home.

Now, that's not to say everything else will go that well or even close to it. It IS the experience I had. They have their work cut out for them to complete the list above in those time frames. I find it hard to believe they'll hit every date, but you can only judge them on what they've done so far which seems to be a good track record. Has everyone responded? No. Then again, no way do all their customers post on the forums mentioned either. I haven't seen anyone here saying 'where's my RG helmet' lately. I haven't been looking super intently either. You're never going to hear from all the people who got their stuff. You're much more likely to hear from those who haven't.

I haven't been overly vocal on the matter to the point they'd target me as an early recipient to get good word out. Again, they took on a gargantuan hole. They're not going to get out of it quickly.

 

[unclemarsellus]

I'm out about $1k on orders for a couple of items that I've never received. Anovos approved refunds 2 years ago that I'm still waiting for. I've pretty much given up on ever seeing those credits. This is mostly for an order I placed in 2017 so I waited a long time before having enough. They just dismiss me with a generic response saying it's already been sent to the finance department.

I was curious about the change in ownership and what the impact is but I haven't received a response to my inquiry.

I wish them the best and I hope future customers have far better experiences than me but the trust is broken on my end. I know I'm not the only one with stories like this so I hope new ownership works hard to repair the name.

 

[Cryrid]

I saw the below posted by a user on the "Rogue One Six" Facebook page. I suspect "Poe Dameron Black X-wing Helmet (The Last Jedi)" might be a mistake. I would think it is the black TFA version. The timeline seems to match what has been previously stated. Unfortunately anything that is not listed will most likely not be produced until late 2022 at the earliest.

Items available to ship now:
The Mandalorian Helmet
Imperial Royal Guard Helmet
Elite Praetorian Guard Helmet
First Order Flametrooper Helmet
Rogue One Shoretrooper Helmet
Rogue One AT-ACT Driver Helmet
Imperial Officer Hat (Black)
Imperial Officer Hat (Olive/Gray)

Items coming in November 2021:
Han Solo Signature Line Shirt
Han Solo Signature Line Vest
Han Solo Signature Line Pants
Han Solo Belt
Han Solo Belt Buckle

Items coming in December 2021:
Han Solo “The Force Awakens” Leather Jacket
Imperial Officer Belt

Coming in early 2022:
Luke Skywalker Rebel Pilot Helmet
Rey Salvaged X-wing Helmet
General Merrick (Blue Leader) Helmet
Rogue One Gold Leader Helmet
Red Leader Rebel Pilot Helmet
Inferno Squad Commander Helmet
TIE Fighter Pilot Helmet
TIE Victor Helmet
Director Krennic Cape
Rogue One Imperial Admiral Tunic
First Order Stormtrooper Armor Kit
Imperial Officer Uniforms (Black and Olive/Gray)

Sometime in 2022:
Rogue One Death Trooper Specialist Helmet
TLJ Stormtrooper Executioner Helmet
Poe Dameron Blue X-wing Helmet (The Force Awakens)
Poe Dameron Black X-wing Helmet (The Last Jedi)
TLJ First Order Stormtrooper Helmet
Clone Trooper Phase II Helmet
Kylo Ren Helmet

So the Kylo Ren soft goods aren't even expected until 2023 at the very earliest?

 

[Halliwax]

So the Kylo Ren soft goods aren't even expected until 2023 at the very earliest?

I didn’t purchase this. Buy I was 3 clicks away, I’m really looking forward to everyone getting their full kits!

 

[ggriffaw]

I don't know if things not on the list mean not until 2023 or if things may still be scheduled for 2022.

Sending an email to customerservice@denuonovo.com is the best way to get more information.

 

[ggriffaw]

I sent the below to Denuo Novo on November 5th.

When do you expect to ship the Sabine Wren helmet, Luke Skywalker X-Wing helmet, AT-ACT helmet, and Deathtrooper helmet to 3rd party vendors such as bigbadtoystore.com?

I received the below response on November 9th.

Hoping you are having a very nice day! At the moment we are preparing a shipment for them and actually I am awaiting the detailed information such as packing lists, dimensions and weight. They will have it I would guess about 2 to 3 weeks at most.

Thought you might like to have the below information, we love to share and are so excited about all the new stock coming in. We constantly update this production schedule so feel free to check back in.

Here is the updated product list and what’s coming soon for Denuo Novo.

Items available to ship now:
The Mandalorian Helmet
Imperial Royal Guard Helmet
Elite Praetorian Guard Helmet
First Order Flametrooper Helmet
Rogue One Shoretrooper Helmet
Rogue One AT-ACT Driver Helmet
Imperial Officer Hat (Black)
Imperial Officer Hat (Olive/Gray)

Items coming in November 2021:
Han Solo Signature Line Shirt
Han Solo Signature Line Vest
Han Solo Signature Line Pants
Han Solo Belt
Han Solo Belt Buckle
Items coming in December 2021:
Han Solo “The Force Awakens” Leather Jacket
Imperial Officer Belt

Coming in early 2022:
Luke Skywalker Rebel Pilot Helmet
Rey Salvaged X-wing Helmet
General Merrick (Blue Leader) Helmet
Rogue One Gold Leader Helmet
Red Leader Rebel Pilot Helmet
Inferno Squad Commander Helmet
TIE Fighter Pilot Helmet
TIE Victor Helmet
Director Krennic Cape
Rogue One Imperial Admiral Tunic
First Order Stormtrooper Armor Kit
Imperial Officer Uniforms (Black and Olive/Gray)

Sometime in 2022:
Rogue One Death Trooper Specialist Helmet
TLJ Stormtrooper Executioner Helmet
Poe Dameron Blue X-wing Helmet (The Force Awakens)
Poe Dameron Black X-wing Helmet (The Last Jedi)
TLJ First Order Stormtrooper Helmet
Clone Trooper Phase II Helmet
Kylo Ren Helmet

Thanks & MTFBWY!
Denuo Novo Customer Service

 

[RJMonette88]

So the Kylo Ren soft goods aren't even expected until 2023 at the very earliest?

I don't know if things not on the list mean not until 2023 or if things may still be scheduled for 2022.

Sending an email to customerservice@denuonovo.com is the best way to get more information.

On August 24th I reached out to Customer Support and asked about:

"The Force Awakens First Order Stormtrooper premier kit with helmet and boots"
"The Force Awakens Kylo Ren Premier ensemble"

Both of which I ordered back in 2016.

Customer Support responded two days later (August 26) and I was told the following:
"We are actively working numerous items and expect to have the Firs Order Stormtrooper kit available in early 2022. For the Kylo Ren costume, I don't have a timeline to share just yet but we are actively working on this item.
Since you have an open order from ANOVOS we will send you an email with more information as we continue to work on your order."

Then again that was August, so I'd hope they might have at least a rough idea of an approximate timeline for Kylo soft goods by now...

 

[darthjones]

That's pretty lame about Kylo. Yeah, it's a very intensive item and Anovos should have thought of this before offering something above and beyond their production (and mental) capacity.

But, aside from the trooper armor, it is like THE outstanding ensemble in this opera of failure.

You'd think that it would be more up front and center if Disney is behind fixing all this.

 

[Inquisitor Peregrinus]

The Kylo thing is one of the most obfuscated of Anovos' R&D fiascoes. Given all that was said, I do feel something like the following is at least somewhat probable:

• Via translators, drawings, photos, and materials lists, Anovos rep in China told whichever factory how to make the various soft goods they wanted.
• The initial test articles delivered were very much not what they wanted.
• Attempts to correct went badly (uncooperative factory? insurmountable language barrier? no idea, but something...).
• Decision to bring at least some manufacturing back States-side, and re-start development of Kylo soft goods from scratch.
• Fit hits the shan.
• Denuo Novo inherits the whole mess and starts trying to untangle what they've gotten themselves into.
• Pieces that are as easy as restarting production with supplies on-hand start going out first. Pieces that were close to completion but stalled front-burnered to get done and moving out. Pieces that were a hot mess inside a dumpster fire are taking longer to project, as they try to figure out what all is going to be needed to bring them to completion.

I am optimistic with their "earlyish 2022, we hope" for the FOTK. We saw the reverse dies, the many pulls, the test-assembled suit, and all the completed ensembles decorating mannequins in the "Rise of the Resistance" attractions, so I expect all that's involved there is either bringing the forms to the US or restarting production overseas (I have to go back and see where the newly milled forms and the multi-axis cutter were located). A logistical nightmare, but one they seem to be close to waking up from.

With the Kylo, I have no idea where Anovos was in the whole process when things stopped. I have no idea if they'd contracted for mills to make the fabric needed, if they had the supplies for the the proper coating, how long it's going to take to train the Texas folks in how to cut and assemble all those pieces. I do trust that as soon as they have a ballpark, they won't wait to announce it. They know it's the albatross hanging around the neck of the albatross hanging off Anovos' Star Wars license. Frankly, I applaud them for not throwing hopeful projections out there until they know what needs to get sorted. I do not take its absense from the list as a "we're not going to do the thing", but as a "we're not saying anything about anything until we know roughly what we're dealing with".

 

[Cryrid]

Well, if you believe Anovos (haha), if I recall correctly the last update from summer 2019 had them showing off the latest production sample they received of the Standard line, showing that the coating issued had been solved and that they were happy with the result so they wanted to lock in addresses to aim for a Q4 2019 shipment. They missed that window (of course), and then spent the entirety of 2020 blaming COVID for all delays before going radio silent (which lasted until the surprise Denuonovo announcement). If Denuonovo has nothing to work with from that process and has to start all over again from scratch, then it will be the fourth or fifth time this has happened to the soft goods.

 

[karmajay]

Yeah you can really tell how far Anovos got with some the the items they took money for. From the list getting passed around a lot of items will be coming out end of year and next year. The most interested pieces I was hoping for were the Sabine helmets that I preordered. The DN CS stated that there was no timeline for those items right now. That means Anovos got nowhere with those helmets during their operation. At the very least I know now I can get credit and get one of the other helmets that will be available.

I did preorder all those x wing helmets so I'll be happy to get them. I did get a credit for the Luke since I have the hasbro one.

 

[darthjones]

I think it was the head of Star Trek over at Anovos who said that the Kylo's were never made. And when Maegen Hensley wrote that long piece called "Worth the Wait," NOTHING happened after that.

Nothing.

Even though the piece ended with her saying that we would get regular updates the work was never started up again until we got that fake update about a year ago which showed a new prototype.

That said, DN has said they are definitely going to make them and, when I asked, I was VERY GRATEFUL to hear that, while no timeline is yet set, they could be a ways out (i.e. we could miss another Halloween).

They said maybe late 2022 or early 2023 - and that is just a gut guess on behalf of CS - but it was HONEST.

I did come away from emails though convinced that these costumes would indeed get produced.

Missing another Halloween or even several though is fine because the character is pretty much gone from anything going on anyway.

I'm just debating whether or not to use store credit for something else.

But I agree with Inquisitor in applauding DN for not teasing or throwing out hopeful projections.

 

[Inquisitor Peregrinus]

darthjones, when you get your Kylo and I get my FOTK, I want to go trick-or-treating with you.

 

[darthjones]

darthjones, when you get your Kylo and I get my FOTK, I want to go trick-or-treating with you.

Hahaha!!! Okay, THAT sounds exciting. I’m in L.A. though. Not sure where you are.

 

[Inquisitor Peregrinus]

Hahaha!!! Okay, THAT sounds exciting. I’m in L.A. though. Not sure where you are.

Seattle area. I can make that drive in a day.

 

[mluder]

The Kylo thing is one of the most obfuscated of Anovos' R&D fiascoes. Given all that was said, I do feel something like the following is at least somewhat probable:

• Via translators, drawings, photos, and materials lists, Anovos rep in China told whichever factory how to make the various soft goods they wanted.
• The initial test articles delivered were very much not what they wanted.
• Attempts to correct went badly (uncooperative factory? insurmountable language barrier? no idea, but something...).
• Decision to bring at least some manufacturing back States-side, and re-start development of Kylo soft goods from scratch.
• Fit hits the shan.
• Denuo Novo inherits the whole mess and starts trying to untangle what they've gotten themselves into.
• Pieces that are as easy as restarting production with supplies on-hand start going out first. Pieces that were close to completion but stalled front-burnered to get done and moving out. Pieces that were a hot mess inside a dumpster fire are taking longer to project, as they try to figure out what all is going to be needed to bring them to completion.

I am optimistic with their "earlyish 2022, we hope" for the FOTK. We saw the reverse dies, the many pulls, the test-assembled suit, and all the completed ensembles decorating mannequins in the "Rise of the Resistance" attractions, so I expect all that's involved there is either bringing the forms to the US or restarting production overseas (I have to go back and see where the newly milled forms and the multi-axis cutter were located). A logistical nightmare, but one they seem to be close to waking up from.

With the Kylo, I have no idea where Anovos was in the whole process when things stopped. I have no idea if they'd contracted for mills to make the fabric needed, if they had the supplies for the the proper coating, how long it's going to take to train the Texas folks in how to cut and assemble all those pieces. I do trust that as soon as they have a ballpark, they won't wait to announce it. They know it's the albatross hanging around the neck of the albatross hanging off Anovos' Star Wars license. Frankly, I applaud them for not throwing hopeful projections out there until they know what needs to get sorted. I do not take its absense from the list as a "we're not going to do the thing", but as a "we're not saying anything about anything until we know roughly what we're dealing with".

Don't forget Adam Savage received a complete ensemble from Anovos... So they at least released one set...
Cheers!
Steven

 

[darthjones]

Seattle area. I can make that drive in a day.

A day?! You ever purchase anything from Vadermonkey? He's up there - best Vader helmets or armor available.

Assuming you pursue that character.

Don't forget Adam Savage received a complete ensemble from Anovos... So they at least released one set...
Cheers!
Steven

Well, we know he wore the prototype at a con but I think he returned it. He has a video of himself sewing together a neck seal using the Anovos pics. as reference so he was at least without one of those.

If he took one home that would be news to me I guess.