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Post by /\/\att on Feb 8, 2008 11:01:38 GMT -5
1. The collector's had a widespread difficulty in finding Mattel Dc figures on the shelves in 2007. Are any steps being taken to rectify this for 2008?For 2008, our 6 inch line will be shipping in set waves of 5 figures each. This factor has made it easier for retailers to order figures and for fans and collectors to know when new characters will be available. Additionally, when there is a major live action feature for DC comics (Batman the Dark Knight), retailers tend to order more DC product in general. Hopefully both of these factors will help fans find more product in 2008. 2. Can we look for more non-Batman characters from 'The Batman' toyline in 2008, such as Nightwing, Commissioner Gordon or Alfred?The remaining figures from the Batman line will be the Justice League characters, Superman, Martian Manhunter, Flash, Green Lantern and Hawkman. They should be available throughout the spring. Currently there are no plans for the other figures you mentioned, but things change all the time and if fan demand continues, you never know!3. While fans understand that non-costumed characters don't typically sell as well, with the new collector-friendly focus in Mattel's DC product, is it feasible in 2008 or 2009 to start seeing characters like Alfred, Bullock, Commissioner Gordon and other non-costumed heavy hitters on toy shelves in either animated, movie or comic format? At least one of the characters you mentioned will be out in 2008. Which line and which character is yet to be revealed! 4. Can we expect any comic style two-packs based on famous arcs, such as Batman vs. Hush, Knightfall Batman & Bane, or Batman vs. Omac?We are looking into the possibility of more 2-packs. So far this has been an item that has been very popular with fans and retailers. Just who will show up in these packs has yet to be announced. More info should be available by Comic Con. There you have it gang! Thanks to the gang at Mattel for their continued excellency in fan communication! You can submit your questions for the February edition of 'Ask Mattel' now! Click HERE!
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jef1963
Legions of Gotham Police Officer
Posts: 130
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Post by jef1963 on Feb 8, 2008 20:19:09 GMT -5
Man I hope to find a better selection from both the comics and the Dark Knight. I really don't care for the new Batman (being a BTAS figure nut) so alot of whats mentioned above excites me.
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Post by ??The Riddler?? on Feb 8, 2008 22:58:27 GMT -5
[shadow=green,left,300] Thanks Mattel, great to know some things. [/shadow]
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Post by Eric on Feb 9, 2008 1:26:42 GMT -5
While it is very cool that they take the time to answer some questions, I dont really see a whole lot here that gives any good info. Im assuming that the The Batman line is done then after this "Justice League" wave, which doesnt realy bother me seeing as not one store in my area has carried these in months except for afew left over neon purple blue Batman variants.
It doesnt look as if they are going to do much about distribution problems either. They are just banking on the fact that there is a Batman movie that retailers will order lots of product. Also, cutting waves to 5 figures each, isnt that what they basically have been? Its the case ratio thats the problem.
I dont understand what they say about 2 packs and them being popular among collectors and retailers. What 2 packs? The last time I remember 2 packs was when they first got the license.
No news on if they will do past movies or cartoon series. No news on if they will try a collectors club. No news on if we will even have a good solid Batman toy line featuring all the heroes and villains and possibly vehicles and playsets. Im not talking the failed initial comic line or this new DCU line that features 1 or 2 Batman characters or the TDK movie line that, so far, features a dozen Batman variants and a Joker goon. All we ever get from Mattel is "well, you never know what may happen". Batman use to dominate the action figure aisle in the 90's, now its hardly represented and it looks like there isnt going to be much of a change, because from what we've already seen and from the little bit that we're being told, its gonna be the same things that has caused retailers to eliminate this license from their aisles to begin with.
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Post by electri on Feb 9, 2008 5:55:50 GMT -5
I watched superman/ doomsdaya nd I would like it if you made black suit superman you did this version of it: but I'd like something more looking like it was in the comic like the below image just with more articulation and a genetic bdy instead of artist specific: Cmon mattel this is my favourite costume of the man of steel's ever
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Post by J-Man on Feb 10, 2008 0:51:12 GMT -5
While it is very cool that they take the time to answer some questions, I dont really see a whole lot here that gives any good info. Im assuming that the The Batman line is done then after this "Justice League" wave, which doesnt realy bother me seeing as not one store in my area has carried these in months except for afew left over neon purple blue Batman variants.
It doesnt look as if they are going to do much about distribution problems either. They are just banking on the fact that there is a Batman movie that retailers will order lots of product. Also, cutting waves to 5 figures each, isnt that what they basically have been? Its the case ratio thats the problem.
I dont understand what they say about 2 packs and them being popular among collectors and retailers. What 2 packs? The last time I remember 2 packs was when they first got the license.
No news on if they will do past movies or cartoon series. No news on if they will try a collectors club. No news on if we will even have a good solid Batman toy line featuring all the heroes and villains and possibly vehicles and playsets. Im not talking the failed initial comic line or this new DCU line that features 1 or 2 Batman characters or the TDK movie line that, so far, features a dozen Batman variants and a Joker goon. All we ever get from Mattel is "well, you never know what may happen". Batman use to dominate the action figure aisle in the 90's, now its hardly represented and it looks like there isnt going to be much of a change, because from what we've already seen and from the little bit that we're being told, its gonna be the same things that has caused retailers to eliminate this license from their aisles to begin with. You raise a lot of good points, and I agree with you on just about everything you say. There were very few answers given above. Just generalizations. I personally find it bothersome, considering two to four years ago, Mattel was going to be a saving grace to Batman and DC collectors. Now, they've completely rescinded from any efforts to go above and beyond for collectors and fans. Thankfully for me, money has been tight, so I haven't been paying attention to action figure developments, in terms of availability and production. But I can't help but feel collectors have been short changed on just about every level. Mattel used to be involved with the fans. They used to ask us what we wanted, and in several instances, we managed to get what we wanted. But they haven't taken any fan requests seriously in over a year, they've stopped talking to collectors, and when they're asked the tough questions, they talk around them and provide very few answers anyway. Just fluff to make it seem like they're doing a good job, when in actuality, they're failing on just about every level, from marketing to availability, to production and innovation. Oh well. I guess that sort of thing happens when you're a multi-billion dollar corporation bent on selling merchandise for profit, rather than appeasing those you supposedly represent.
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Post by blackmask on Feb 10, 2008 16:27:04 GMT -5
Touché!!! ;D
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darkfire1978
Legions of Gotham Police Officer
Brick by Brick, LEGO Batman is taking Gotham back!!!
Posts: 150
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Post by darkfire1978 on Feb 23, 2008 20:26:19 GMT -5
I think recently Mattel has answered the prayers to some collectors...mainly the JLU collectors. They didnt eliminate the line but rather condensed it to one store as an exclusive. Mattel is a toy giant and have many other lines and products to handle. I am not defending them in any way but I do see that sometimes, because of legal rights...they need to skirt the answer or give generic remarks. They cant say, yes we are releasing the "Batcave with 12 figures inside"...and then due to production issues or costs, cut the line. It would disapoint fans and retailers already banking on this new collection.
The information they do release, is stuff that is concrete and covered in all legal aspects. I would love to see another wave of "The Batman" toyline but...no more of those damm variants...unless, he wears the uniform in the show. Human figures, like Gordon or ALfred would rock, especially since Alfred, before Babs and Dick was a major player in the show.
It is hard reality but they release toys based on what they think kids would want to buy and not what 25-40 year old collectors want. DC Direct and the other companies cateer to the more mature collector but Mattel, Hasbro...etc...do mass market and for kids. So maybe it's time we have our kids speak up? My nephews love Batman and they know who Alfred is and love him. My point is who knows how many other kids out there, would love to include Mr. Pennyworth in thier 6 foot batcave and Mattel is assuming that they don't want him.
Mattel, if youre reading...perhaps you should do a think tank for collectors and kids. It is pretty interesting how they will match up.
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Post by electri on Mar 18, 2008 13:38:51 GMT -5
I remember in the 90'd I was like I waa alfred I wanna alfred but I never got that and due to me having another batcave I felt it would be a waste of money just for 1 figure so I have always felt dissapointed from toylines you get in shops maybe why I love dc universe and dc direct alot because they are fan based and are considering fans. But outside of this every other toyline has been a complete waste of time maybe batman TAS was good because we got a gordan.
Going from the point of darkfire I think Mattel and Hasbro have always presumed what kids want instead of putting a good website which had polls saying which one of these do you want and weres the JIM LEE in all of this for once give me a fully articulated Jim Lee I REALLY DON'T CARE WHO MAKES IT as long as its from a big company and isn't in any yellow paint but the grey and Blue.
I think toybiz marvel legends were the best no one can top it
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