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Post by reideen1313 on Jun 4, 2006 9:57:42 GMT -5
I was going to put this in the Mattel forum, but it's more DC Direct related than Mattel, so here it is. Just saw this bit o' info at the DCD boards. Per Cornboy from the 4Horsemen (when asked if they'll be able to do story/artist specific figures): So, if Mattel can only do Batman & Superman related characters, and they can't do story specific figs, WTF are they supposed to put out? Purple and Green Batman figs? Pink and yellow fluffy bunny suit Superman? DC Direct can't even get the costumes of their characters right without being told by their fans that they got it wrong (see the original solicit for the GA Atom as an example), much less get scale on their figures right. I guess the potential Mattel/4Horsemen combination is too much for DC Direct to handle and now they're scared of the very real possiblity of loss from the collectors that continue to purchase DC Direct's crap. All I've got left to say to DC Direct and whomever made this decision is . See if you get any $ from me in the future. (Oh and btw - I've got 5 kids who are potential future collectors - guess what they won't be interested in buying? Good job DC Direct. You suck.)
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shadow
Legions Of Gothamite
Posts: 52
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Post by shadow on Jun 4, 2006 10:41:00 GMT -5
I couldn't agree more. I am a selective collector and thought we might get some cool figures form bats and supes but I was wrong. I would love to be there when these decisions are made to see just what they are thinking. Thank you for posting what most if not all of us are thinking!!!!!!!!
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Post by Eric on Jun 4, 2006 11:03:53 GMT -5
See, this is yet another example as to why i have a problem with DC Direct. Its bad enough they charge a rediculous price for a simple figure, but the quality really is sub par compared to whats out there. This, to me, seems like a money decision. If collecotrs want story specific interpretations of Bats and Supes then basically they are being forced to buy what DC puts out. Good quality or not.
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Post by Jack-Ups on Jun 4, 2006 11:56:33 GMT -5
[glow=red,2,300]I totally agree with the Dc direct (poor quality)Talk ! High Prices for figures that arent that good![/glow]
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Post by /\/\att on Jun 4, 2006 13:26:08 GMT -5
I've NEVER been a Dc Direct fan. The paint apps are always sloppy, the scale is random and the sculpts are less than satisfactory. Its quite sad that they think their product is so superior. I NEVER buy it.
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Post by BullocK on Jun 4, 2006 13:42:10 GMT -5
I've never been a fan of DC Direct's prices. Usually I pay between $13 and $16 dollars for one figure! That's just too damn much, especially considering the lack of articulation, lousy paint apps (my Ross Justice Batman looks like he has a lazy left eye), and scale issues. Sure I want artist related figures and story specific ones, but the above cons I stated are enough to keep my money saved for future Mattel offerings. I hope Mattel can pull off something other than another upteenth yellow and red Batman variant with crazy out of character accesories. I really hope they can.
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Post by All Star Batman on Jun 4, 2006 13:54:08 GMT -5
So this means we won't see a DCSH AzBats figure? Bull$#!t!
Wait a sec, doesn't the Batman fig from wave 3 look like a Jim Lee design? What about that?
(Note: even though I hate this decision, I'm still getting the Batman and Robin figures from the ASB&R,TBW line next year.)
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shadow
Legions Of Gothamite
Posts: 52
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Post by shadow on Jun 4, 2006 15:13:11 GMT -5
I am sure a DC sucks thread is way over due. I am a HUGE batman begins fan and the deluxe BB fig from DC Direct just plain sucks. Now I have to go after the takara (spelling) figure for a much higher price tag if I want quality.
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Post by Jack-Ups on Jun 4, 2006 15:33:18 GMT -5
[glow=red,2,300] My Hush look's okey apart from some of the head detail , whick is very sloppy painted! I actually went back to the shop and my friend who work's there let me find a better painted one! [/glow]
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Post by PJ on Jun 4, 2006 16:07:02 GMT -5
I don't mind paying DC direct prices as long as the figures are done right. And for the most part I don't have any complaints with DCD except for the fact that they've yet to make a perfect basic Batman. (Other than the Super Friends Batman)
The Hush/Unmasked Batman - This sculpt would have been perfect if they new how to position a leg. That left leg is so angled wrong it's not even funny. The back of the left quad is under his crotch! Same thing with the Hush Steath Jumper Batman.
SA Batman/JLA boxed set Batman - The sculpt used for them is pretty decent except for his extra small limbs.
The Ross Batman's cowl/face looks like Droopy Dog.
The Long Halloween/Dark Victory Batman's cowl is sculpted going in the wrong direction at the nose, plus they gave it boxer briefs. (Nowhere in the comic did I see boxer briefs.)
Identity Crisis - Probably my favorate Batman figure sculpted by DCD...but it has a small head and odd bat symbol.
DKR - That one they nailed, unfortunately I hated Miller's design.
1st Appearance Batman - Very nice figure, but it doesn't really blend with anything else.
Batman/Superman Public Enemies Batman - with the exception of the small cape it's a great figure for the style, but doesn't fit with anything else.
PJ
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Post by Faithfulbutler on Jun 4, 2006 18:55:21 GMT -5
I do buy DCD figures like many of you mainly for Artist-specific lines but my collecting habits,apart from being a financial issue these days,have really taken a major down-turn. The scaling issues is what gets me,really lousy Paint Apps or wonky limbs i can fix myself and do but i can't reduce the size of a figure to blend with others in my collection.That's where my frustration lies. Obviously DC is scared of the competition hence their decision with Mattel and the 4H because they know only too well under current standing they'll lose big time in all facets. If they really wanted to improve their standing in the Collectors Market give Mattel the rights and produce better quality figures to compete making it a much more viable proposition to win back more customers.But that would be in an ideal world right?Don't see much chance of that happening.So they'll continue to sell less and less as they drive away more Customers with blatant inconsistency.
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Post by ThatBlockoGuy on Jun 4, 2006 20:05:00 GMT -5
Hmmmm...so what you're saying Reid is.....? I've sworn off DCD figs (but remember, we're getting those Minimates!) I have a problem w/ their inferior quality at a higher price. The ones I own keep breaking so, unless I find one for less than the price of a Happy Meal I 'll keep passing on them.
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Post by reideen1313 on Jun 4, 2006 20:10:12 GMT -5
What I'm saying is DCD is cutting Mattel off at the knees to protect their niche. Not only will Mattel NOT be able to give us classic, iconic versions (IN SCALE WITH EACH OTHER) of the entire DC universe, but now they're even more limited in what they can make in the Batman/Superman world?? WTF?
I pre-ordered the all of the minimates. I'm strongly considering cancelling the order and being done with DCD entirely.
Y'know what's funny? LEGO has the ability to bring both a black & grey Batman AND an all black (movie) version to market. I'll bet Mattel wouldn't be allowed to do the same thing, because it would compete with DC Direct.
DC Direct sucks.
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Post by reideen1313 on Jun 4, 2006 20:20:38 GMT -5
If you'd like to tell DCD how you really feel about this situation, feel free to contact them at the email address below.
askdcdirect@dccomics.com
For best results, be sure to include the following information in your email:
The Name and Category of the product you are writing about. Your First Name and Last Initial.
Please pass this information on to people at other forums. Let's get together and tell DCD how upset we are about this.
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Post by ThatBlockoGuy on Jun 4, 2006 21:10:52 GMT -5
What I'm saying is DCD is cutting Mattel off at the knees to protect their niche. Not only will Mattel NOT be able to give us classic, iconic versions (IN SCALE WITH EACH OTHER) of the entire DC universe, but now they're even more limited in what they can make in the Batman/Superman world?? WTF? I pre-ordered the all of the minimates. I'm strongly considering cancelling the order and being done with DCD entirely. Y'know what's funny? LEGO has the ability to bring both a black & grey Batman AND an all black (movie) version to market. I'll bet Mattel wouldn't be allowed to do the same thing, because it would compete with DC Direct. DC Direct sucks. Sorry Reid, I was kidding w/ my openig comment. I understand what you're saying all too well. It goes along with what I've been saying re Toy Biz and Marvel Legends. Granted the licence is coming to an end but what a great run they had. Clearly DCD doesn't want the competition which is stupid because the name of the game now is get your characters out in the public front and center. Make 'em visible, capitalize on brand recognition. Um, but remember the minimates are also part Art Asylum.....and they're sooooo cute!
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Post by reideen1313 on Jun 4, 2006 21:55:19 GMT -5
Sorry Reid, I was kidding w/ my openig comment. No problem. I went back and read my initial rant and realized I could probably be a bit more clear in my complaint. ;D
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Post by CaptainVarvel on Jun 6, 2006 11:13:07 GMT -5
Guys - I'm old and remember a time when the 'Super Powers' figures were the only game in town. I can hardly believe that we actually have artist specific Batman figures - it would have been literally unthinkable 20+ years ago when I first started collecting action figures. I,m looking at the Thrillkiller Batman on my desk right now, and it is pretty darn good - so far above anything I would have imagined even 10 years ago. Do I wish Mattel could do the entire DCU? of course I do. But believe me, we have it pretty good
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Post by HUSH on Jun 7, 2006 10:44:17 GMT -5
Firstly, I agree with everything that has been said about DCD- no words can describe how maddening and ridiculous their actions have been and are. Any figures they make will be inferior to those that the Four Horsemen do, and they obviously know it, so they're playing dirty; instead of actually competing fairly against Mattel in the action figure market, they're trying to put down the competition pretty much before they can begin. However, thinking that the Four Horsemen can't still create great figures based on great ideas is underestimating them, and they deserve more than that. The 4H are resourseful, extremely talented sculptors. All their work is very innovative, and they know what the characters are about. I truly believe that the only way DCD could stop the 4H from kicking their asses would be to completely kill this line, and I'm pretty sure that's not within their power to do. Cornboy said that they have a plan and some great ideas, so I'll give him the benefit of the doubt.
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Post by JokerFC on Jun 7, 2006 11:28:41 GMT -5
you see DC are the cretins here folks-and I have said this since Oct 2004 that DCD could veto Mattels decisions on ANY character and man I got roasted for saying it.here we are now and as far as what Mattel can give us in the 6" line its getting thinner and thinner.......... I KNEW it was bad news when Mattel didnt get the master licence(reideen original post proves this)-it started over the Hal Jordan figure and has snowballed from there-you cant use this guy you cant use that guy mattel might as well sell their Agreement with DC because its pointless-utterly pointless and kudos to you for starting this thread Reideen-I agree 1000% with what you have said-DC are friggin fools
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Preacher
Legions of Gotham Police Officer
Posts: 168
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Post by Preacher on Jun 7, 2006 16:26:27 GMT -5
Without the DC license Mattel is dead by wave 6.....Everyone is gonna get sick of Bats and Supes......
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Post by JokerFC on Jun 8, 2006 11:00:36 GMT -5
Without the DC license Mattel is dead by wave 6.....Everyone is gonna get sick of Bats and Supes...... its so true-the licence not getting expanded was a ki9ller for this potentially AWESOME line. it still could have ben based around Bats/Supes mainly but spliced with a new hero here and there.the lower tier Bats Supes villians wont appeal to Mattel to make IMO and the top guys are all nearly used up a thousand curses on DC and DCD
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Post by Batlaw on Jun 8, 2006 11:57:26 GMT -5
Yup... A POX ON DCD!
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Post by JokerFC on Jun 8, 2006 17:21:45 GMT -5
yay Batlaw
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Post by IamI on Jun 8, 2006 17:42:29 GMT -5
Guys, don't forget we live under a capitalistic system. DCD can and will flex their muscle because, well, they rule the roost. Do they care Mattel - yes if it means infringing on their profits. Otherwise, well hell, they are part of a multibillion dollar industry that cares only about the masses and how they affect their bottom line. Do they care about a few thousand Batman fans here at LOG? Hell no! Do I think it stinks - YOU BET!!
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Post by /\/\att on Jun 8, 2006 17:49:43 GMT -5
Guys, don't forget we live under a capitalistic system. DCD can and will flex their muscle because, well, they rule the roost. Do they care Mattel - yes if it means infringing on their profits. Otherwise, well hell, they are part of a multibillion dollar industry that cares only about the masses and how they affect their bottom line. Do they care about a few thousand Batman fans here at LOG? Hell no! Do I think it stinks - YOU BET!! You've just addressed the major deficiency within a capitalist system...it doesn't take the welfare of the people into account. What is the backbone of these businesses? The PEOPLE. The FANS. Do they care about what we want? Hell no. Can we MAKE them care with our money? Hell yes. If fans could organize in a halfway decent level, things could get done. That was the primary motivator for me creating LoG...to give Batman fans a more unified and directed voice in the industry.
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Deleted
Deleted Member
Posts: 0
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Post by Deleted on Jun 8, 2006 20:54:55 GMT -5
I'm just glad there are so many toys available right now. You couldn't get a DC Direct Bats a few years ago, so I'm not complaining. DC Direct figs are great to look at in the package, so I keep 'em seeled. Mattel's are cheaper and don't have the greatest looking blisters, so I usually open them for display. They're toys. Buy what makes you happy. Have fun gang, that's the name of the game.
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