Can you provide some details on the time factors involved that make it such a long process? I know I've seen 'em posted before but I be a senile bastich.
Sure.
First, an art order is written, revised, and approved.
Sketches are drawn, reviewed, revised, and approved.
Sculpts are made, reviewed, revised, and approved.
Production tools are crafted while a prototype is painted as a master.
Painting tools are created.
Painted samples is reviewed, revised, and approved.
Now actual production starts, which includes casting, painting, assembly, and packing all the figures into boxes.
Then shipping massive amounts of boxes from overseas.
Let's just assume each stage takes about 2 months -- bang, there's a 16 month process right here.