I went to see a dealer today. (I've bought a few pins from him and I felt like playing some pins in his showrooom, and I also bought a Voodoo PF glass) This dealer buys multiple pins of every release. A few pros, some premiums and an LE or two. Usually they'll be setup in his showroom. (Which is why I went over there)

He was telling me that he ordered a Mando LE on May 4th. He sent the distributor a $2,500 deposit. Later that day the distributor called him to tell him that his pre-order was cancelled because they sold out. He told me that about an hour or two after he was told it was cancelled, the distributor called him to tell him that he can get him back on the list for an LE.....for $13K.
They did this to a dealer who buys multiple pins of every release. (I didn't ask him which distributor, but that is some shady 5hit) So when we say we'd rather have distributors get paid rather than scalpers, in this instance....what is the difference?

There was that Journey video game in the 80s.
The band suggestions are too hard rock/metal centric. Let's see some Depeche Mode or Pet Shop Boys. Who isn't addicted to that Allstate commercial with Opportunities (for us in the US)?

I am done with band themes.

I don't know if the license is owned by anyone but what about a pin based on the DC comics universe? We had Batman Dark Knight, but a Superman, Wonder Woman, Aquaman or even Justice League pin would be cool themes.

I am not an LZ (band) fan. I don't dislike them, I am just not a classic rock guy. I am indifferent to them. I am also a mediocre player, but I will say that LZ Prem is awesome. Pro is another story. I could not get into it. For me, that additional ramp for that upper flipper makes all the difference for me.

I was about to buy an LZ prem but at the last second I went with a JP Pro. Why? I could not get over the cabinet on the Premium. I get that it was an album cover, but IMO, it is hideous. The drab translite could be mitigated with a custom print, but you are stuck with that cab on the prem.

I used to be a huge Bally/Williams bigot. DE/Sega (I consider Stern to be the continuation of DE/Sega) were crap to me. Hated the flippers. Now I am so used to them that WMS/Bally games feel weird.
Also, I cannot get into JJP games. They seem too slow for my liking. Plus, I don't like Lawlor pins and all of the JJP pins seem Lawlor-like.

I agree with that. I like the Iron Maiden pin, but the theme kills it for me.

It's not like Stern hasn't done this before (Family Guy/Shrek)

I always wondered why they didn't do that more often.

Shrek was a re-themed Family Guy. So they have done it before. To me that wasn't a huge departure as IMO, the person who'd buy a FG might be the same person who'd buy a Shrek.

I'd like them to re-theme Iron Maiden. I have zero interest in that theme. But re-theme with something completely different where you wouldn't be going after the same customer. So don't re-theme with another Metal band is what I am saying.

Iron Maiden is a re-theme of what?

Many pins have similar layouts, but what we are talking about is a reskin. Ala FG/Shrek or Halloween/Ultra-Man. With a similar theme you still need a designer to build it from scratch. A re-theme only needs new art (and toys)/software. Much lower costs

I get what you are saying, but for the others
Stern didn't release an Archer and then retheme it.

That means that in their next pinball machine your goal will be to save the earth. So BTTF is it as you will need to correct timelines....or wait Godzilla...dang it.

I totally got your comment (as sarcastic). I just followed up for others that may not have gotten it. Which is why I said "I get what you are saying"