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Post by /\/\att on Nov 15, 2005 21:18:32 GMT -5
Tomorrow afternoon I will be posting an AMAZING (and I mean amazing) look at the new packaging for Mattel's The Batman line. This is the packaging that the new Batmobile and Riddler will be released in, and all other items for 2006!
We are blessed to have Frank Varela, packaging designer at Mattel, here with us! He and Mattel are giving the Bat-Fans here a very exciting peek with a lot of explanation about the evolution of the logos and packaging! Also, Frank will be hanging around the forum to answer your questions!
This is gonna be a TON of fun! Stay tuned
Its now posted! Page down to read it near the bottom
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Post by TheJoker on Nov 15, 2005 21:51:52 GMT -5
Cant wait Matt and thanks for all the info and updates
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Post by Batrez on Nov 15, 2005 23:15:51 GMT -5
will there be pics of ur discusiion of chat #4?
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TheNewbie
Legions of Gotham Police Officer
Posts: 157
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Post by TheNewbie on Nov 16, 2005 2:22:44 GMT -5
wow, awesome! i'm looking forward to seeing the fresh new packaging! also want to see if Riddler will have any new accessories. i wonder if we will also be seeing the DC Superheroes final packing soon as well! If anyone is able to be online at the same time as the packaging designer, maybe u can throw that question to him? Of if Mr. Frank Varela read THIS post, he can answer if for me hopefully! and thanks in advance! TheNewbie
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Post by Batlaw on Nov 16, 2005 11:37:15 GMT -5
COOOOL
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Post by PJ on Nov 16, 2005 13:40:45 GMT -5
Cool, I can't wait to see them. PJ
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Blakeus125
Legions of Gotham Police Officer
Posts: 173
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Post by Blakeus125 on Nov 16, 2005 19:05:13 GMT -5
man thats awesome how does /\/\att know all these people?
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Post by gotham95 on Nov 16, 2005 23:00:54 GMT -5
Gret news /\/\att. I'm anxiously awaiting.
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Post by /\/\att on Nov 17, 2005 0:26:44 GMT -5
Hey Matt,
I thought I'd begin with some history of The Batman EXP and then lead up to evolution of the EXP logo and the basic figure blister card package. EXP originally stood for, "EXPerimental Technology." The main premise was that Batman had to experiment with different technology to achieve an edge over bad guys that were even more powerful, extremely intelligent, well equipped, or all of the above. The initial storyline was developed by Mattel product design. As a team, we all felt that having a thematic segment to the line was a great way to really differentiate '06 from '05. Here are my early drafts of both the EXP logo and the blister card.At this point, I was still trying to incorporate elements from the original Warner Bros./DC style guide (the concentric circles, Gotham skyline, character art, and logo) with a more "techy" look to convey our new "EXP" theme. Also, I was working on different blister sizes to show a visual difference from a "Deluxe" figure package to a basic figure package:Eventually, the team here at Mattel wanted a stronger logo, and I had to recreate the EXP logo. I decided to incorporate the best elements of the previous three EXP designs into a more concise and sexier design. Also, the whole blister size issue became irrelevant since we had figures at different scales (Electronic Figures, MagnetLok, etc) that basically took the place of a deluxe figure. So, we decided to have just one line of action figures at the 5.5" scale instead of two.
At this time, WB was liking the direction we were taking The Batman line from a toy stand point, but felt that the look of the packaging should be more competitive and innovative. So, they allowed me to break style guide and create a whole new look as long as I still kept the branding at the top portion of the card the same. Well, needless to say, the doors were open, and my creativity was on the loose. The first thing I wanted to do was redesign the blister. My inspiration was an image of a bat perched with one wing over the other. Since EXP is all about technology, I made the bat a mechanical one. On the actual card, I decided to remove the concentric circles altogether and replace them with circuitry. Also, I wanted to designate a showcase area for the PowerCore (which is now known as the Power Key). This was the comp I presented to WB:Warner Bros. liked the direction, but felt the comp was too dark and wanted some revisions prior to presenting to DC comics. Also, internally, upper management felt that kids would not understand what EXPerimental was. So, our copywriter changed EXP from "EXPerimental Technology" to EXP: Extreme Power. That way we could still keep the logo that everyone liked, and the line was now all about technology and POWER. Hence, after making all the changes, and thanks to my team engineer, Ben The Brain, we had a structurally sound blister design. This is the comp we went into our Pre-Toyfare with:After presenting to DC and at Pre-Toyfare, Everyone loved the new look and design. DC even went as far to say,"the best packaging from we have seen from Mattel yet." You can ask Itchy The Greek to confirm. However, DC felt that the "X" in our EXP logo was too prominent and was too reminiscent of "The X-men." So, after some more revisions, here is the final blister package look for The Batman Animated line for 2006:So, that's the evolution of a logo and a package. Once the look was nailed for the blister package, all the other package designs followed the same look:The image above has packages from our Pre-Toyfare, which are far from final, but this image illustrates my point. The Batman Animated line look began with the blister package, and I'm not afraid to say it was a long process with lots of hurdles, but in the end, I think it was worth it. I'm proud of this line, and it is my greatest hope that you will enjoy the line as much as I do.
Sincerely, Frank Varela
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Post by BullocK on Nov 17, 2005 0:59:21 GMT -5
[shadow=red,left,300]First off, a big thanks to Frank for sharing this with us! The new package design looks great. It's amazing how much hard work goes into creating it. I know those of us who collect MOC figures, appreciate the artistic effort that goes into a card. With all of the other figures in the aisles, I bet coming up with something that stands out and will grab a child's attention isn't easy. Looking forward to seeing these on the pegs in 06![/shadow]
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TheNewbie
Legions of Gotham Police Officer
Posts: 157
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Post by TheNewbie on Nov 17, 2005 2:27:25 GMT -5
wow, thanks Matt and Frank Varela! And Mattel! these packages look very kool indeed. and it's just refreshing to see new blisters. i can't wait till these hit the shelves...and it will be easy to spot the next new wave now! great scoop, great art, great figures!
TheNewbie
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Post by Casimir on Nov 17, 2005 7:32:27 GMT -5
Thanks Frank and /\/\att! It's great to see the development process. In all my years collecting, I can't recall anyone caring enough to share that before. Thanks!
C.
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Post by ThatBlockoGuy on Nov 17, 2005 10:24:03 GMT -5
Frank, Matt that was awesome. Behind the scenes stuff is always of great interest. One question, what is the third product from the left, top row? Looks like the fig is wearing a cloth costume?
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Post by JokerFC on Nov 17, 2005 12:03:03 GMT -5
wow-as a big fan of packaging(I keep one card from every line)I think this is awesome.thanks for bringing us this Matt and thanks to frank for his hard work on this project-it really has livened up the line for me
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Post by Batlaw on Nov 17, 2005 12:04:44 GMT -5
Oh yes THANKS Matt and Frank! That is very cool indeed. I dont really intend to buy much more The Batman merch (beyond vehicles) but I absolutley love the new packaging! Visual Dynamite!
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Post by Batrez on Nov 17, 2005 12:53:32 GMT -5
wow thanks guys!!!!
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Post by Robin on Nov 17, 2005 13:38:26 GMT -5
The packaging looks amazing!
Thanks Frank and Matt.
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Frank Varela
Gotham Tourist
Mattel Packaging Designer
Posts: 18
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Post by Frank Varela on Nov 17, 2005 14:34:54 GMT -5
Thanks for the compliments everyone. To Answer Blocko's question, the figure you are referring to is part of the MagnetLok Action Figure line. The main portion of the body is fabric with a casted head, feet, and arms. Within the fabric body, there are magnets to attach armor or other accessories. The basic premise is that the fabric represents Batman on any regular day or rather night. A non super powered guy in a costume, but if he has to up against Bane, he can armor up - magnetically.
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Post by JokerFC on Nov 17, 2005 15:22:16 GMT -5
Thanks for the compliments everyone. To Answer Blocko's question, the figure you are referring to is part of the MagnetLok Action Figure line. The main portion of the body is fabric with a casted head, feet, and arms. Within the fabric body, there are magnets to attach armor or other accessories. The basic premise is that the fabric represents Batman on any regular day or rather night. A non super powered guy in a costume, but if he has to up against Bane, he can armor up - magnetically. Thanks for the extra info Frank-and congrats on this-its an exciting concept I know my nephew as a kid will be nuts about-because he loves the triple mission Batmobiles we both got.heres a hero for that extra info
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Post by Green Ghost on Nov 17, 2005 15:33:55 GMT -5
I am back Thanks MATT & FRANK, this looks all very promising! Is the second figure on the back Batgirl?: And here she is in Batmans cycle: Coooool
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Post by J-Man on Nov 17, 2005 17:25:51 GMT -5
[shadow=purple,left,300]Awesome packaging! Thanks for taking the time to share it with us! [/shadow]
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Frank Varela
Gotham Tourist
Mattel Packaging Designer
Posts: 18
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Post by Frank Varela on Nov 17, 2005 18:50:58 GMT -5
Yes, Green Ghost, that is Batgirl. Good eyes!
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Post by Faithfulbutler on Nov 17, 2005 19:13:21 GMT -5
It's great to see the development process. In all my years collecting, I can't recall anyone caring enough to share that before. I agree whole heartedly.The packaging really looks superb and this new concept is sure to be a winner next year.I'll add my gratitude for Frank taking the time and Matt for keeping us all so well informed.
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Post by arkhaminmate on Nov 17, 2005 21:27:58 GMT -5
Indeed, that was The Batgirl. But i also spy, The Joker & possibly Clayface & the Riddler? I can't tell about 1 of them but I think either Ragdoll or Riddler.
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Post by jasontodd2 on Nov 17, 2005 22:03:44 GMT -5
Thank you /\/\att & Frank...
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Blakeus125
Legions of Gotham Police Officer
Posts: 173
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Post by Blakeus125 on Nov 17, 2005 22:18:23 GMT -5
well thanks matt and frank,boy that makes me want those toys so i can play with them
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Post by TheJoker on Nov 17, 2005 22:31:04 GMT -5
I think that might be the joker in a suit. Might just be wishful thinking
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Post by gotham95 on Nov 17, 2005 22:34:51 GMT -5
Thanks to Frank and Matt! I'm speechless. This packaging is awesome. I can't wait to see them hit the shelves in 2006. It's nice and interesting to see the process gone through to come up wit hthe final design. Thanks for sharing the story. I'm confident this design will further interest the public when they see them on the shelves at stores. Keep up the good work.
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Post by /\/\att on Nov 17, 2005 23:12:25 GMT -5
I think that might be the joker in a suit. Might just be wishful thinking THe top row left to right is Batman, Batgirl, Batman, Clayface The bottom row left to right: Riddler, Batman, batman, Joker See the pic below to see which joker that is. If there was going to be a Joker in a suit, you would already know in advance from our exclusive Mattel chats, now wouldn't ya!
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Post by TheJoker on Nov 17, 2005 23:14:23 GMT -5
Yup....forgot about that .....thats an ugly variant but I know ill have to get it... ;D
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