The Fans Strike Back: Four Years of NOTHING - Michael Unplugged
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- Опубліковано 17 чер 2023
- #retroblasting #stansolo #starwars
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We're almost at the fourth birthday of the Fans Strike Back delivering ABSOLUTELY ZERO to their pre-order customers. And there have been some troubling developments with the owner, Chris Krahn, and his fanbase. It's time to get real...
I made a bad mistake in selling that company to that scammer, at the time he has a website and quite a successful business, so I had no reason to doubt him. I'm sorry for all the people have lost their money, but unfortunately we have to move on, or it will only depress you even more.
However just when I thought it couldn't get anymore weird, you get a request to start a go fund me page, it's bizarre.
Also Guys, to those that think Kevin is innocent In all this, and just got caught up? Well there's your answer.
His true colours came out on the live chat, but now these sales on ebay????
This is definitely him selling, and this is when hundreds and hundreds of customers still havent received their Bantha, he is selling them on ebay for over $500.
UNBELIEVABLE, Sexton is a crook, them banthas should be going to paying WAITING customers.
I know I swear and cuss on social media, I lose my temper, but this is when people are following them, sticking by them. purchasing from them still.... It is NOT controlling, I have to do this for my own sanity.
I can NOT sell to people who stand by these thieves and scammers
Thank you Michael and Retroblasting for this great video once again,
Chris (Stan Solo) 👊🏽💥
This whole situation is Krahn's fault. Anyone trying to blame another person is desperately deflecting.
Not your fault Chris!
Your a LEGEND keep up the work I believe in you 👍
Chris, every single one of us who has gotten one of your ... productcs? Would you call them products? You know what I mean. ... We are all so thankful for what you do. Hindsight is 20/20, but you are aces in my book, mate.
Not your issue bro. There's no blot on your copybook in any of this
As I have stated before, I feel bad if I am ONE WEEK late with any of my orders. In fact I just gave a full refund to a buyer because I could not produce his product in a timely manner. To not deliver products over FOUR YEARS is astonishing, and fraud of the highest nature. What a horrible way to treat paying customers.
Full refunds here and there is 1 thing. U should let ur customers know that, with past orders u have been delayed by a week. suggest for them to order weeks prior, or let them know it may take a up to a week longer. Give a bit of a discount, full refund if its 2weeks late from u shipping it off. Customs at boarders is 1 thing for the delay, everyone knows that.
@@Yroko No.
@@OpenMawProductions yes
Never would have expected the Bantha saga to become a strange episode of Miami Vice. This story is wild!
People defending FSB after all those poor people were left out of pocket, is proof we never should have added warning labels on products.
@@manofaction1807 it’s literally in the video
@@theinternetjerk9597 The vast majority of warning labels are bad. They warn about common sense dangers. Every lawn mower made since the 70's (I believe, not exact on the date) has a warning label to not put part of your body under the mower while the motor is running. These labels are for stupid people. As the saying goes, play stupid game win stupid prizes. In the past stupid people would remove themselves from the gene pool, now we protect stupid people, and look at what has happened to society's collective IQ.
@@manofaction1807 yes In the video he talks about the stepson and the dudes that dropped into micheals DMs. He showed screen shots. That fits the definition of “literally”. Sorry if Google translate failed you on this one
I'm always in the mood for a Fans Strike Back beating.
Man, you are doing amazing work keeping this in the spotlight. Covering the ugly side of this community can’t be enjoyable, but you do it with a level of professionalism and gravitas that is unmatched.
A guy who delivered 2000 desert rat figures and half of them carded compared to a guy who has delivered nothing who would you believe my moneys on chris smith
A "khron man" should be the term synonymous with scammers in the boutique maker toy community.
If the law catches up with him, he'll be known as chris khronvict!
Chris krahn and his followers are giving off some serious Manson family vibes.
Now it’s five years of nothing
That “Ramon” guy seems to be a few sandwiches short of a picnic, going by those messages.
Without wishing to sound rude, I think we can all file this under " More Weird Shit, That Michael Has to Put Up With! "
Imagine the weird shit Michael deals with that he never mentions .
@@troubledturtle2332 I'm just glad Michael has Melinda and all of his friends, to support him.
@@kieronball8962 Me too.
When I read Michael Unplugged I'm there for it.
This just came to mind but if any of the ordering and/or money was passed through the US Postal Service, a mail fraud complaint can be initiated. The US Postal Inspectors can investigate and get criminal proceedings started. Since hundreds of thousands have been stolen, its worth a shot. Of course, there is also the FBI but certainly the federales needs to be called in on this criminal.
I think there is an added layer to this, in the legality of producing an entertainment company and a toy companies liscenced IP without permission. Even if they can get legal help on the mail fraud part of it, it brings to light the Crooked House of Mouse and the Pawtucket Chucklef*cks.
This was absolutely shocking to watch. My empathy goes to you and all the others that got your money stolen. Tbh this “Ramone” guy could very well be Chris Krahn in disguise. At this point I would highly recommend you and all the other victims coming together and getting some legal advice and support in recovering your money. 4 years is completely unacceptable and far too long to wait. This needs sorting.
Personally i dont think there is any "could be" about it...i think it IS him
@@jaws848 that wouldn’t surprise me one bit.
Man, I forgot how bad that Bantha looked.
Looks like a melted Easter egg.
I had no idea the money he took was almost half a million. That's mind-blowing. Keep up the good fight, sir.
It's scary what happens when a cult of personality develops around a conman. Deflection and whatabouts become the order of the day. Sadly, I've rarely seen a hobbyist community that doesn't have both wannabe cult leaders and eager suckers. It's a very strange world out there, folks. Always look at the facts and never put anyone on a pedestal.
omg right and they're all so toxic. Being a fan of things before the internet was hard because you got bullied by people who weren't fans of the things you were and they made you feel small. Since the early 2000's people started getting bullied by cliques in fandoms and hobbies for not liking something the same way someone else does, or not doing something the same way. And there's always someone who has a personality like Harlan Ellison who can't just be talented - THEY HAVE TO BE RIGHT.
Being right and collecting the most people behind you becomes more important than the petroleum scrapings a nitwit CEO of Hasbro overcharges us for.
There's definitely a cult built up around more than a couple of personalities in the professional toy bootlegging business.
It sucks that there is so much toxicity in the adult toy world. I'm not involved in the scene but, RetroBlasting is iny top 3 favorite UA-cam channels
I wish someone from Hulu would create a documentary on the adult collector culture and really tackle aspects like this. It would have some genuinely life affirming moments & then real next level stuff akin to the fyre festival / Jerry Falwell scandal doc, at times humorous, insane & bonkers. Someone needs to make that happen, from hasbro buffoonery to the Krahns, Mercy’s sections of the community. It would make for a highly enjoyable watch.
I dobt remember who her name was, but all of the people who loved Kickstarter, had said the samething about her. She's a scammer, and has never developed nor produced anything she has done. She went onto some known company, and the people who gave her money and never saw anything back. They had taken to social media and tried to have her fired.
They've done docs on Bronies, but we need a doc on HasBros.
Well if he gets arrested then we can call him Chris Konvict
Your journey with this mess has been A ROLLERCOASTER to say the least. Michael honestly in this whole situation you’re a true hero in shedding light to your interactions with these lunatics.
The company I had been employed with for thirteen years, had just filed bankruptcy and announced they would be closing when those figures were available for pre order. Otherwise I would have ordered them too. I remember thinking i was going to have to pay double when i found them on eBay later on. Here we are, years later and still no figures. Where are the Pinkertons now?
All I can add to this saga is that I saw him at the Springfield MA Comic-Con last summer and he looked extremely nervous and on edge when I interacted with him. He was trying , it seems now to hock the remainder of his available stock at exorbitant prices of which I didn’t oblige
Despicable....
The more I watch your videos, it's more apparent how fair, level headed and patient you are when you explain the circumstances of these situations, which is in opposition to the sweaty, blustered rants that the people who try to argue your position. Have yourself a good day.
Thank you for the video Retroblasting - this type of business is what ruins things for the good people in our community.
Even the Bantha cant believe what its hearing Michael,
The Bantha looks depressed .
@@troubledturtle2332I feel depressed FOR the Bantha
That Bantha looks like a piece of s**t.
I don't collect Kenner Star Wars or really follow what goes in that community but I had no idea something of this magnitude went down involving Chris of Fans Strike Back...The guy's basically done a "Yogsventures" and took a bunch of people's money and then later refuse to be held accountable
I felt that F bomb in my soul. You don't drop them often, so that when you do, they have tremendous impact. Stan over Smith. Vote for quality.
I feel like Kevin sexton is somehow afraid if he gets out either khrahn or someone else is gonna put him into worse trouble and he's also running scared.
Dont make excuses for Kevin. He has had multiple opportunities to walk away, yet he chose to stick by Krahn. Birds of a feather flock together.
@@JohnKelly-rz4qi maybe your right. It was just a feeling
Ive sent Chris Smith $ for products and he always delivers! Plain and simple. The quality is top notch and usually better than expected. Krahn hasn’t sent a thing from the 13 pre-order (other than the cheap Thrawn) in 4 years. No excuse. Thank you Retroblasting for another great video! Your channel is like fine wine, it gets better and better with age!
As someone averse to drama, I don't begrudge you that which you have to go through. You're in my prayers, man.
That intro graphic is 🔥. As ALWAYS I enjoyed your video and love the honesty. You are a true gem!
Thank you for this video Michael. I ordered 3 banthas and the 13 and I've long since given up on receiving anything for my hard earned money. So any shade thrown at that pos is more than appreciated on my end.
It's nice to have a clear voice in all this chaos. Thanks Michael.
Nice recap and update Michael.
I know I’m late to the party with seeing this update. Be that as it may, I have to say that this is so disheartening. My heart goes out to the people who were swindled by this guy. They are the REAL victims in this. If anyone deserves support, it’s them.
I just ordered that Rebel Trooper as well and I cannot wait for it! I've also ordered a dozen Stan Solo creations figures over the years and he's 100% top notch.
Unfortunately, the elephant in the room is that when you deal with "fan made" companies that are selling merchandise that are technically considered bootlegs you just don't have the same consumer protections you would when dealing with a normal company so reputation is everything and buyer beware because it all exists in a legal gray area. (not that there aren't honest fan-makers out there, but it is what it is.)
I occasionally sell figures on FB and swap meets, I'm more than willing to go to the ends of the earth for my customers; I would never think of pulling a fast one on the people who support me. They could've bought from anyone else but they picked me, last thing I wanna do is lose their trust.
That's what I don't get about this TFSB issue. Dude had to take a remedial course in common courtesy and still failed in spectacular fashion. The fact this man has followers at all despite this negative press from you and Analog Toys is honestly shocking. It sucks we have such bad actors in an otherwise fantastic community; one that had my back through thick and thin and I owe a tremendous debt.
Cheers Michael on keeping things classy even in tumultuous times
Thank you so much for your honest shoots on this situation, you are an incredibly articulate wonderful man, please keep us all updated and for heaven sake if there's ever a class action lawsuit, please update and provide any helpful information for us all to jump on board!!!
Damn that final line was completely warranted and, yet, a complete surprise. Brilliant.
To my count, not including the carded as separate from loose, Stan Solo/Chris Smith has delivered 46 figures. Krahn delivered a Thrawn.
I never received my Bantha. An expensive lesson indeed.
'member Star Wars?
How far we've come. Fascinating stuff. Thank you for keeping us updated and fighting the good fight for honesty and integrity.
Toy Collectors live in the sunlit world of what they believe to be reality.
But... there is, unseen by most, an underworld, a place that is just as real, but not as brightly lit... a Darkside
Stop telling tales!!!
This is like a soap opera. I wouldn’t want anyone to kill themselves over the bad choices they’ve made. Sometimes you just have to face the music. We’ve all made poor choices in life, and if you don’t address them head on. It can cause serious stress on the mind. If this is all true it self inflicted. Thanks for the update on this story.
As far away removed from all of this, living on a big little island called Australia, I would never expected this level of drama and plot twists tied in with collecting and customising of 3.75 inch plastic action figures. It’ has the characteristics and dramatic twists reflective of an episode of Neighbours , Michael 😂
Michael, thank you so much for keeping this alive and clear as to what happened and it’s still happening. I unfortunately bought 13 carded and 13 loose and a Bantha and I have resolved in my mind that I will never see the figures or my money back. Thank you so much for at least calling this guy out to task on his ridiculousness and insanity. It’s plain and simple- he is a thief, whether he meant to do it or not at the beginning and things got out of control or if he meant to steal from his customers from the beginning, it doesn’t matter. It’s where we are now. And now is NOT good. He has stolen money from people, and is not being a man about owning up to it. I do think when you do bad things to people it comes around and you have to pay the piper at some point. I doubt like you said that he has any money left to refund anyone back the money but Chris K needs to STOP LYING to everyone and criminal charges should be filed against him and he should be punished. It’s not Rocket Science- I have paid Chris Smith for product and I have received my toys. I have paid Chris Krahn for product and have received NOTHING. It’s not about who likes who and who’s personality is better, it’s about 2 different paths and actions 2 different people have taken and continue to take. Proof of right and wrong are in actions. Krahn needs to be a man, take your punishment you coward!!
Good coverage Michael. These guys need to be held accountable
I knew nothing of this whole situation but this was a fascinating listen.
This is insane! As a longtime follower of your channel Michael, you are the way I first even knew about the Fans strike back, thankfully I never ordered anything from him , and heeded your warning as well as Tony from Analog toys, and I can say myself Chris Smith is a stand up businessman who always delivers, I ordered my special edition Iconicon Boba Fett from him and got it just a couple of days later. kron is a two bit piece of crap , I feel so bad for all these people that were taken for a ride as well as you, it is maddening to think about.
> Tiny from Analog toys .Your typo made me chuckle .
@@troubledturtle2332 I noticed too late but went back and corrected it
@@stephens4175 No worries good sir.
Sorry to hear that you’re still dealing with this BS. Keep up the good fight you one of the few good people in this world going to compete hell.
This is the main reason why I have never bought into preorders,gofundmees,or haslabs.I want to know the stuff is ready to go when I hand over my cash.
Love your vids!
Michael, your videos are always the more interesting and compelling in the toy community! Greetings from Italy! Keep up with everything!
It's people like that, that sour me on backing certain small business'. Thank you for this video.
Love your videos
I never wish the downfall of anyone, but I hope Krahn gets his just desserts for being a charlatan and a thief.
Great video calling out this TFSB Crook. I had some interaction with Kevin Sexton when the design of the Bantha was taking shape but that was the end of it. I was fortunate enough not to part with my hard earned. Thanks for the video!
I'm glad you bought the Stan Solo Rebel Fleet Trooper Michael! I preordered the Greedo, Removable Helmet Darth Vader and Dagobah Training Luke Skywalker, so I plan on buying some of those Rebel Fleet Troopers in July! :)
Damn Michael, that was good. Well done sir!
This is kinda creepy! I want to buy one just to record it and take it to court.
I haven’t ordered a lot from Chris Smith (4 figures…maybe 5) and every one was delivered and to my utmost satisfaction! If I hadn’t been completely broke when TFSB 13 and the “bantha” were on pre-order, I’d be out money too. I just received notification that my Stan Solo Bantha was on the way and I couldn’t be more excited! Chris Smith: you keep knocking it out of the freakin’ park, brother! LOVE your products!
i love michael and his channel I cant believe he has to deal with crap like this! people are insane these days
I was at that Toylanta show a couple of years ago and saw the guys with it at their table. When I asked general questions about it the guy made it clear that particular copy was a sample and not for sale, even though I never showed any interest in purchasing it. I’ve been a model builder since I was a kid and was very involved in the garage kit scene from the beginning. I also did a lot of casting and selling kits. I knew this was a simple resin cast and nowhere worth the price they were asking. Near the end of the show he saw me passing by and said he was willing to sell it to me and would give me a great deal if I bought it there and then. I politely said no thanks and went on my way.
Having been involved in many business ventures like this over the years I’ve learned one thing: DO NOT use customer pre order or deposit money to fund your project. Use your own money or find an outside investor and do a small initial run. Sell and deliver those and then use your profits to manufacture more if successful. It’s a win-win situation for the customer and keeps you on the hook to yourself or a single person.
Sad to see so many fans get taken of their hard earned money.
Great video as always. Chris Smith (Stan Solo) can take my money any day of the week, he's always delivered. Fans strikes back stole my money
I am so glad I dodged that bullet and did not back The Fans Strike Back with the Bantha or the 13 figures! It's a true shame because those are things I would of luved to supplement my collection of Star Wars vintage toys. The sad thing about Chris Smith and Stan Solo Creations is there aren't nearly enough people like him! I have NOTHING but positive experience with Chris Smith. I am really leary about supporting kick starters because of that criminal Chris Krahn! I had a similar struggle with this guy in the Netherlands I think it was who was making Lone Wolf maps from the World of Magnamund with the Kai Lords. Took forever and it was excuse after excuse but thank God we got our maps. I also had a positive experience with Mandy Summers and her comic book about Jack The Ripper. She's another like minded soul who like Michael says "The Fans Are Truly Doing The Best Work!"
I like the lighting in these videos. More of a relaxed vibe.
Always on point Michael
Ramone is Chris Krahn along with all of his other many alter ego's
It would be great to get an update. Recently the website went down, then came back up with a placeholder with more empty promises. Oh and by they way he's now just a "third-party payment processor" and we need to contact the factory for all issues now. Ha!
I have no way of getting updates on this. I have nothing to do with that company and no direct communication with Krahn. He's a criminal. Flat out. I doubt there ever was a factory.
@@retroblasting Understood. It's quite the dumpster fire. There are "updates" on the new fansstrikeback website, if you can call it that. I'm just continuing to check on this not because I think I'll ever get (or do I even want) the 13 figures I paid for, but I do want a sense of justice. I'm upset he can steal hundreds of thousands of dollars. Well, take care and thank you for your great channel!
Ordered my Stan Solo Slave Leia about a week ago...got it like 4 days later!
My wife got me the Stan Solo Yak face, and pop -up lightsaber R2 . Fantastic figures that look beautiful right beside my vintage figs.
What a piece of work..
Awesome, well said!
Best quote “no asshole it’s your responsibility”. I feel bad for everyone who’s gotten ripped off. That’s where a go fund me should go to.
Great video.
Wow, a Precision F-Strike from Michael French!
Great information as always. Michael unplugged! Yet so clean and well thought. Keep up the great work!
Did anyone think about going to the Police to have this investigated when nobody was getting there product, or a Lawyer after about the second year?
Nah, I'm pretty sure you're the first person who thought of it
"Sycophant Ramon." Wasn't he Marky's first replacement before Richie after Subterranean Jungle came out?
I have bought 3 figures so far from Stan Solo/Chris Smith (2 carded + 1 loose). They are absolutely perfect. Spot on 1970's/80's in my mind. Luckily, I backed the right horse right from the start🙂👍🏆
The year is 8/9/23 I didn't know anything about this disgusting scandal by fans strike back but I'm aware of Stan Solo I purchased a loose kenner style last 17 A wing pilot from him last year for my legacy A wing fighter and it is great work he did I'd definitely purchase from Stan Solo again.I love his figures
Oh, I haven’t watched a a second of this but I know it’s gonna be good
I wonder if Ramone is referring to the O & A bit
Never take a call from Steve from Yellowstone.
Or SelfCuttingGirl. Now that I say that, I wonder if Ramon is Junkman?
Stan solo is the king of figures, Chris Smith has surpassed and now his figures are highly valued which is mad but that's the demand, I had almost every stan solo figure and sold them too soon as I struggled to get back there original price, my fault! 2 years later they are worth a fortune now. Still have one tho, accidently found it hidden away lol. Power of the force Han solo storm trooper..... What a figure!!
I know some people who would find this man and well.... Let's say he might need to get these people their money back. 👌🏼
I remember years ago looking at the FSB page and was donsidering getting a few things until I saw Stan's products and I wne t with him
How anyone could look at one toy maker who has taken money and delivered nothing in four years and say they are the good guy compared to a toy maker who actually delivers products to customers is beyond me. Some people in this world need to have their access to the internet restricted to avoid more stupidity leaking out
by being them, usually, when it comes to such people.
sometimes a fan off the hinge - or a cronie or a lackey, financially connected, but usually in cases with parallels to this it's just them if they're contacting media or "opposition". the idea is to try to make the perceived opposition to shut up, as if that would help them or that their scam being a scam and therefore going to it's logical conclusion of being out of time and them unable to extract any more money from it was somehow because someone says it's a scam and not because they're a scammer.
This shocks and disappointments me. As someone who’s purchased off of the FSB with no issues. I can’t even think of spending money there now. Having ripping people off is not something I can continue to support.
It’s crazy how someone can steal and rob so much money from the community he supposedly loves and is a part of and still sleep at night or just go day to day with no problem or still show his face at cons and shows blows my mind.
I’m feel bad for all the people who’ve lost money. It’s too bad the whole situation wasn’t rectified immediately.
Fascinating..
Love the ending, lol.😊
Can I get an Amen. RetroBlasting is absolutely right
"ACTUALLY DELIVERED THE PRODUCTS to his customers "
wow, wasnt expected this on a monday morning 😲Anyways thank you for the warning. Not that I know or buy from this guy.
Dalton, Georgia is my hometown. I feel sorry for all of the customers that were scammed by this crook.
From the title I thought this was going to be related to the fact that we haven't had a Star Wars movie in 4 years 😅
KHROOOONNNNN!!!! 😂😂...couldnt resist...
Jealousy is a helluva drug … it’s as intoxicating as crystal meth.
And in combination the two (with other factors) result in a disturbing mental state of being
And despite it being a mental issue, that doesn’t excuse any personal responsibility at all
He needs to get professional mental health issues, make right the legal and financial issues and then just go away from that toy community
Thanks for all you do Micheal and Stan Solo too!