Vintage Month > That’s Just Prime (by PrftktTear)

February 24, 2009 | PrfktTear

optimus_primeThroughout its history, Transformers has had many incarnations, but one character is always prominent in them all:  Optimus Prime. From the first time we heard him say “Transform and ROLL OUT!”, generations of kids have been inspired by the Big Bot.

Over the years Optimus has taken many forms, from his familiar trailer truck, a fire truck, or a pick-up truck, to some bizarre forms like Nike sneakers and out-of-this-world Cybertronian based vehicles. Regardless of his alternate mode, he always seems to have the same general look, and is arguably the most instantly recognizable Transformer of all. (more…)

Pic of the Day

February 23, 2009 | Poe

Monsterizer by TCM Hitchhiker

Poe’s note: Every time I go looking for photos of vintage toys on Flickr, there’s an 80% chance that TCM Hitchhiker took them.

Poe’s Point > Some DCUC Repaint/Retool Possibilities

February 23, 2009 | Poe

Apologies for the awkward title, but I couldn’t think of a better way to explain what I mean. Everyone knows that a big part of what allows Mattel to produce such a diverse selection of DC Universe characters in their DCUC line (however difficult said figures may be to find at times) is that most figures re-use molds from previous figures; that is, Batman and Superman have the same basic body structure in their torso, shoulders, and thighs, but Batman has his spiked gauntlets, scalloped cape and capsule belt while Superman has his spare belt, streamlined boots and squared-off cape.

A fun game that’s emerged among DCUC fans is to guess what figures will be made from existing body molds. For instance, just about everyone knew that Gentleman Ghost was based on the same body type as the inevitable Joker figure (in fact, the body mold was created with this in mind). While the line has two or three “skintight spandex superhero” bodies that can be used for any number of heroes and villains, what I’m more interested in is the unique shapes–like that of Gentleman Ghost/Joker. (more…)

New Mattel update – Stratos sells out

February 23, 2009 | Poe

Mattel posted another update on their Facebook page. Since not everyone is on “The ‘Book,” here’s the update in its entirety:

Yup, MOTU fans are absolutely into this line as Stratos sold out in what, 4 days! Wow. Didn’t see that one coming. And in all honesty while we did produce slightly more He-Man and Skeletor, it wasn’t THAT much more. So this really is a good indication of how the line is doing. And yes, we will go into increased numbers. Faker has already been produced so we will see if it is possible to up the order of Mer-Man, if not we will apply to Zodac and Hordak for sure.

And in other MOTUC news, yes we will be bringing back He-Man and Skeletor with only slight packaging changes indicate this is the second run. We also switched He-Man’s shoulders correctly and per fan requests lightened the red around his eyes. We know some fans are asking for a lighter material on the loin cloth, but this wasn’t possible without delaying his re-release.

These guys won’t be back until a bit down the road, but they will return to ensure all fans can get key characters.

Next up is Faker which we will have less of online since we took a bunch to NYCC. So if you want Faker, based on sales of Stratos, be online quickly on March 16 after 12:00 noon. We imagine since it is too late to produce more for this sale, his remaining stock will go fast.

After him is Mer Man on April 15th and Zodac on May 15. We are looking into a few bonus figures (as mentioned at NYCC) for some months later in this year. Bonus figures will include repaints and rereleases (such as He-Man and Skeletor mentioned above). Should be some great surprises!

We’ll see you on MattyCollector.com!

So it seems despite the initial controversy surrounding Masters of the Universe Classics, the figures are selling like bank CEOs’ souls.

As for the discussion of re-releasing He-Man and Skeletor, here’s my prediction: they’ll be available at SDCC, in good numbers, and then on the website after that. You heard it here first (or maybe eleventh, I don’t follow all the forums). The way “Matty” writes about them above makes me think they’re already producing or are close to producing the re-releases.

Toy review roundup (via Fanmode)

February 23, 2009 | Poe

fanmode-copy Koh Yong Qiang reviews the Medicom Toy Real Action Heroes Street Fighter Chun-Li 1/6-scale figure. Excerpt: “Medicom had sculpted all-new leg parts for her to recreate the Thunder Thighs’ that the First Lady of Fighting Games is so famous for.” (See also.)

Poe Ghostal reviews the Mattel Masters of the Universe Classics Faker New York Comic Con and Mattycollector.com exclusive figure. Excerpt: “… he’s just a repaint …”

Michael Crawford reviews the Mezco Toyz Cinema of Fear Leatherface (stylised version) figure from The Texas Chainsaw Massacre. Excerpt: “There’s something goofy yet gruesome about the design, creating an almost cute look but without losing the basic gory concept.”

Rustin Parr reviews the JUN Planning Nightmare Before Christmas Pumpkin King figure. Excerpt: “… NECA’s really outshone JUN’s … Still, I cannot not love this figure!” (more…)

Vintage Month > The Pegasus Incident

February 20, 2009 | Poe

pegasus

I’ve often praised my parents for the excellent job they did raising me, and for the lengths to which they were willing to go to humor my geeky interests. My father, for instance, would take rated-R movies like Predator and Aliens and, using two VCRs, make me PG-rated versions of the movies by cutting the really violent scenes.

However, every parent makes the occasional mistake. Fortunately, I could be bought. (more…)

Stratos and Adam Strange/Starfire almost sold out

February 20, 2009 | Poe

According to Mattel’s Facebook page, Stratos and the Adam Strange/Starfire two-pack are almost sold out, so if you’ve been holding off on ordering, now’s the time.

And now, may I say–Stratos is almost sold out? In four days? Really? Stratos? Wow. I mean, I’m sure he wasn’t produced in the same sort of numbers as Skeletor, but jeez…I guess the ol’ flying monkey man has more fans that any of us realized.

That, or MOTUC is really picking up in popularity, and collectors have learned their lesson about not waiting too long to order.

My Little Urban Vinyl

February 20, 2009 | Poe

Now here’s a clever idea: take the creativity of the urban vinyl movement and merge it with classic properties like My Little Pony.

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I realize that’s not quite what’s going on here, but if Hasbro’s smart, they’ll start hiring artists to design collector-oriented MLPs. The generic form of the ponies is perfect for it.

There’s already an active community of artists doing this sort of thing–check this out.

Review > Faker (Masters of the Universe Classics)

February 20, 2009 | Poe

faker-4

Last month, I wrote a list for Topless Robot of the best repaint figures of all time. Number two on the list was Faker, He-Man’s laughably un-twin-like evil twin.

fakercardbackRather than regarding Faker as an actual twin designed to fool people, I always thought of Faker as a kind of Bizarro He-Man–he’s an “evil twin,” yes, but not an identical twin. Reverse Flash, Evil Ash, Evil Jim–these are Faker’s brethren. He’s not an evil twin of the Lore or Evil Bill and Evil Ted persuasion.

However, his name is “Faker,” and in the cartoon episode he appeared in, he actually looked exactly like He-Man (except for a pair of glowing eyes and a voice heavy on the reverb, which fools the Sorceress, natch). His original packaging refers to him as “Evil Robotic He-Man Imposter,” but on the cardback art, it says, “Faker is no He-Man–he’s the evil blue robot of Skeletor!”

(more…)