Man, I’m makin’ up for lost time today! Here’s the latest round of Q&A with Scott Neitlich, a.k.a. Mattel’s “ToyGuru.”
POE: I’m sure you’re going to get asked this more than once, but why is Sinestro so short compared to Hal? Was this by design, or was there an error in the production process? In the comics, Sinestro is said to be 6′ 7″–five inches taller than Hal.
SCOTT NEITLICH: Sinestro is the correct height and size as approved by DC comics. Keep in mind that over the many years different artists have interpreted DC characters very different. (just look at Solomon Grundy). The DCUC line is Mattel and the Four Horsemen’s interpretation of the characters.
There seem to have been some significant quality control issues with at least the early shipments of DCUC wave 3. Given that Mattel stated at SDCC that the reason for the delay of the figures was dissatisfaction with the previous vendor(s), what happened?
When factories produced hundreds of thousands of figures some inconsistencies are bound to appear. We will pass this on to our design team to work on improving paint ops in the future.
In our last Q&A, you stated that the ten-figure cases would contain extra “All-Star” figures such as Wonder Woman, Batman and Superman. Will these be identical to earlier releases (such as the DCUC1 Batman, DCUC4 Wonder Woman, and a classic Superman), or could there be some variation (for instance, a black-and-gray Batman)?
They will be the same versions as released earlier. A second chance to get an A list character. Though this doesn’t mean we won’t re-release these figures with different decos in other ways down the line…
Mattel has suggested there might be special case packs for online retailers in 2009. Would these exclude the “All-Star” figures, and if so, will this cause any problems completing the C&C figure?
The special cases for online retailers will be solid case packs of one figures. If retailers want the All-Star Figures they can order those case packs as well.
On what day will He-Man go on sale on Mattycollector.com, and how soon after will he ship?
We are waiting to release this until we work all the bugs out of the system. We had a few issues with opening day at MattyCollector.com and we are holding off on new product releases until we fix everything. It won’t be long.
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I’d like to thank Scott for yet again taking the time to answer a few questions!
dwaltrip
Thanks Poe…..it's nice to see that they know about the Matty problems and are working on addressing them.
Sea-of-Green
Huh. Sinestro has ALWAYS been either as tall as Hal, or taller, based on who drew 'em — never shorter. Oh, well. I guess I'm just splitting hairs here.
Poe
I'm thankful I'm not a diehard GL fan, or the height issue would probably really bug me. As it is, it's no big deal–particularly since I've been posing both of them hovering in the air, which mitigates the height difference.
That said, I do think they should have used the "gymnast" buck (Black Manta, Nightwing, GL) for Sinestro instead of this new "runt" buck (as opposed to, say, Robin's "teenager" buck, or Superman's and Batman's "weightlifter" buck).
Toylad
Poe,
Could you ask TG/Scott about JLU Big Barda/Deadshot and Obsidian that were suppose to release this year then were cancelled/ We have never got an answer to that burning question. Will we see them as singles perhaps or an exclusive MC.com 3 pack, etc. We know Volcana is coming back in a single. Hopefully with 4+ to a case.
Poe
Hey Toylad–
I can ask that, but since I'm not a JLU collector, could you rephrase it as a question? I don't know the details.
PG
Esbat
ADAM STRANGE/STARFIRE. I want them. I know the pallets and cases have entered the US already. I just want my two packs already.
Thats right this tightwad is buying TWO.
yo go re
so do you get a nickel from Merriam-Webster every time you say "buck" or something? Admit it: you're in the pocket of Big Dictionary!
Poe
I just think it's a funny word.
Pete
He just likes to buck the trend!
Chris
SCOTT NEITLICH: Sinestro is the correct height and size as approved by DC comics. Keep in mind that over the many years different artists have interpreted DC characters very different. (just look at Solomon Grundy). The DCUC line is Mattel and the Four Horsemen’s interpretation of the characters.
That's the lamest and funniest quote I've heard this year to cover up they're screw up. LMAO!!!!!!
This second lamest and funniest quote from Scott and Mattel goes too…
When factories produced hundreds of thousands of figures some inconsistencies are bound to appear.
Key word: SOME. LOL I bought TEN friggin cases and 8 out of the 10 figures has broken joints, immovable joints, paint smears, etc. etc.!!!!!!!!!!! Again I say TEN cases to Scott if he's reading this. Quote was a joke. LOL
Chris
To add to that last comment. Imagine buying 10 cases which not one single well painted Green Lantern. 5 sloppy painted robins with missing black paint on his mask, and 3 broken joints for robin. For Sinestro….NOT one satisfactory. ALL were defected. Broken pins on ankles,immovabe legs, paint smears.
As for nightwing….one even had a missing foot cap. The cap with the peg hole on the dcuc figures feet. Another nightwing had a broken pin on the ankle.
All the Deathstrokes were ok. Lastly, I'm also a mint card collector and OUT OF THE TEN CASES…ONLY ONE ONE was creaseless…the Yellow variant sinestro.
Pathetic…..Scott said they delayed wave 2 because they wanted to improve quality of Wave 2 and the factory change will do just that. In my opinion, they got a cheaper factory, with cheaper paint, softer plastic and CRAPPIER quality.
They changed factories to cut costs and pay cheaper factory workers. LOL
Chris
Keep it Real Scott Knitlick. Keep it Real.