The Great MOTUC Debate, Revisited
You’ll recall back in December of last year, I posted a series of articles with quotes from various high-profile collectors regarding their thoughts on Masters of the Universe Classics. (You can read them here and here.)
Well, it’s been nine months, and at this point it’s safe to say that MOTUC has been a success. However, a financial success does not always equal an artistic success (see Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen), so I thought I’d contact some of the contributors from last time and see whether their thoughts on MOTUC have changed since the line debuted.
There are a couple more contributors I was waiting on–I’ll add their comments if/when i receive them. (more…)
Review > Simon Belmont (Castlevania, NECA)
Being on something of a fantasy jag lately, I did one of those things where you look at a figure in store for months and months and months and finally break down and buy it. In this case it was for NECA’s Simon Belmont from their Castlevania line, who oddly enough hasn’t had any major reviews as far as I can tell.
For the record, I don’t know anything about Castlevania. I vaguely recall playing the original NES game when I was seven or eight. I think this line is based on that game, or maybe NECA just picked and chose from among the various incarnations, since Alucard wasn’t in Castlevania.
I decided to pick up Simon because he looked like a cool barbarian figure–not so much Conan as Kull, another Robert E. Howard character. The clincher was all the articulation and accessories.
It’s worth noting that this is the second Simon Belmont NECA has released–the first was this goofy SDCC exclusive. (more…)
Ask Mattel Roundup for September 15
The interesting stuff:
- Mattel has plans to support DC’s 75th anniversary next year
- Moss Man will probably not be delayed despite the flocking issue
Pic of the Day
Ask Mattel for September 15
1.) Does MOTUC Trap-Jaw’s robotic arm have a hinge joint at the elbow and a ball joint at the shoulder?
Yes. Trap Jaw’s robotic arm has the same articulation points as a regular He-Man arm. However, some of the characteristic sculpt details on Trap Jaw’s robotic arm limit some of the range of motion on his shoulder. We felt that it was important to keep those details, despite having the effect of limiting the range of motion.
2.) Finkrod asks: Does Mattel plan on doing re-issues of all previously released MOTUC figures?
That’s to be determined.
3.) Dayraven asks: Will the re-release King Grayskull get some re-engineering (like closed shoulder socket gaps or a removable harness/cape)?
That’s still to be determined as well.
4.) Fallen Eldor asks: How Many Bonus figures (not including deluxe offerings like Battlecat) do you have in mind for 2010?
It all depends on fan demand. We’ll see!
5.) Captainzero asks: What’s the status of the DCUC Golden Age Hawkman/Hawkgirl 2-pack and the DCUC Lex Luthor/Supergirl 2-pack?
The Hawk pack is still in development. The Lex Luthor/Supergirl pack will hopefully be out in early 2010.
6.) George asks: The Walmart 5-pack was suppose to be out during Christmas, then I saw it at Walmart a couple of weeks after SDCC. Now it seems like they pulled it off the shelves. What’s the deal? Will there be more in Christmas?
This 5 pack will continue to ship through the holidays. Shelf dates are a retailer decision.
7.) Mario asks: Now that DC has re-acquired the Archie Super Heroes (The Shield, The Fox, The Sting, etc…), is there any chance we’ll get them in DCUC form? How about the T.H.U.N.D.E.R. Agents?
While DC has acquired these characters, they are not part of our agreement with DC.
8.) Joel asks: Will there be a civilian DCUC character released in 2010?
Possibly. We know there is demand for characters like Gordon, Lois and Alfred and others.
Paul’s Peg > I Needs a Spider-Woman Bad
Now that we’re a couple of waves into the 3 3/4th inch Marvel Universe line from Hasbro, what’s everyone’s thoughts on them? I’ve been sort of happy with the line except for one big problem, the cost. It sucks paying eight bucks for one figure. It’s really limited what I get. Instead of buying a bunch of ninjas for Wolverine to fight, I have zero and I’m super picky about what heroes and villains I do pick up. I’m still on board with the line though, and I’m looking towards the future for some of the upcoming figures. The next comic wave in particular has got me school girl excited.
Happy Webstor Day!
Apologies for the late Webstor Day reminder–now that we’re on subscription, I’m less attentive to when the figures go on sale. Well, this month anyway. Next month I have Zodak and Ray to worry about. Anyway, if you’re not on subscription, you can order your Webstor at 12noon Eastern time right here. (more…)
DCUC12 Images
Mattel sends along these press shots of DCUC12.
These are images of the original sculpts. Actual product may vary.
Spectre (with glow in the dark skin!)
Eclipso
Dr Mid-Nite
Iron (with real metal parts!)
Copperhead
Mary Marvel (with white chase version, image not available)
Desaad
Collect and Connect DarkseidWave 12 will ship in Spring of 2010.
Reminder: MOTUC Poe Art Contest
Don’t forget about the “Make A MasterPOEce” contest, which ends on September 30. I swear to you this isn’t just an egotistical indulgence* (it wasn’t even my idea…), but it’s more an excuse to give away free toys, including a custom of your own design, a 2002 He-Man (on card) signed by the Four Horsemen, and a MOTUC Mer-Man to the first runner-up.
Remember, your submission doesn’t have to be perfect. A quick sketch or a Photoshop job on an existing MOTUC figure are as valid as an oil painting.
*I mean, yes, it’s partially an egotistical indulgence, but you still get prizes.