So, mea culpa…in all the hassle at the end of December, between my birthday and New Year’s and the flood in our apartment, I forgot to submit any questions for tomorrow’s round of Ask Mattel.
So, I’m just going to re-post the previous solicitation for questions, and anyone who wants to can either keep their question below, or ask a new one. Just let me know what you want to do!
1.) Some collectors received Scareglows with QC issues (such as two left legs), or missing either the key or the entire reliquary. The response from customer service was that there are no replacement Scareglows available, only refunds. In the past, you’ve made it clear that a small percentage of each figure’s production run was held back for exchanges. Why has this changed, and will the option to exchange return? It’s badly needed when collectors aren’t able to check the figures before purchasing.
Faulty figures can be exchanged by contacting customer service through Mattycollector.com.
1.) Tom-Tom asks: How expensive would it be in the short run to switch to an alternative-source plastic like Thermoplastic starch biodegradable plastics? That way, there’d be lower production costs and lower MSRPs in the long run.
A cool suggestion but not something logistically we can switch to.
I hear those sleigh bells ringin’ a jing-ting tingaling too…and I also hear more questions for Mattel. From you.
The next round of answers should be here on Tuesday, at which point I get to debut an awesome new piece of art by newly-appointed PGPoA art director MechaShiva.
1.) Zach asks: In 2010, could we please see an end to the in-package posing of figures in DCUC? I just bought four wave 10 figures yesterday and ALL of their legs have been severely warped to the point of looking like they were bent. The aesthetic, to me, is lost and the figures look way less cool than a 4HM sculpted figure ought to. Perhaps, in an effort to showcase their articulation and pose-ability, you could showcase pics of dynamic poses on the package instead?
I do hear you on this one, but there are sometimes just as many fans who like the dynamic pack out. At the moment the plan is to continue these packs out to add to the excitement on shelf.
Round 11.15.09 of Ask Mattel will be arriving in a few days, so it’s time to take questions for round 12.1.09. Fire at will.
1.) Hayestronaut asks: With the news of a potential Major Matt Mason film and the development of vintage collector-style lines such as DC’s World’s Greatest Super Heroes, is there any chance of seeing a new Matt Mason collector line?
This is something we are reviewing. Only time will tell!
2.) Tom-Tom asks: Regarding DCUC 10: Mattel has said that Wal-Mart ordered more figures than in wave 5. However, many collectors are still having troubles, claiming it to be worse than wave 5. What is Mattel’s view of the situation?
Sorry, I cannot discuss particulars on retail distribution! That is up to each retailer not Mattel.
3.) PrfktTear asks: How long will Wave 10 be shipping to Wal-Mart?
Until the entire order is shipped.
4.) Dayraven asks: Why are some DCUC figures and accessories made of nice sturdy hard plastic, while others seem to be made of a much softer plastic grade?
Some figures have softer areas to accommodate increased articulation or stylized capes or tunics which need softer plastic.
5.) Barbecue17 asks: You have a policy of not discussing unannounced product, but you also have mentioned that once a figure has been announced there is little to no time for fan input. Is there any point in the life of a figure that fans have the ability to influence some aspect of a figure?
We listen very carefully to fan suggestions when reviewing new candidates for toy lines. If there is a figure you really want, post about it online or talk to us at conventions. Many times the figures with more online chatter wind up being produced sooner in the line.
Ask Mattel Roundup:
It’s time, my little Poesters, to harangue Mattel in the wake of the Great Teela Disaster of 2009. But I kid the mega-corporation who really needs to get on the same page with its mediocre webstore management company!
As always, polite (but firm), thoughtful, new questions will get preference over mean-spirited diatribes about, say, the distribution of DCUC (dude, we know).
1.) Bambam asks: In DCUC wave 9, the blue Wildcat version was suppose to be the chase variant. Is this still true, or is the Wildcat ratio now 50/50? Are the Mantis figures 50/50, too?
Blue Wildcat is the chase figure. He is not 50/50.
2.) Baena asks: Is there any interest at Mattel or among the Horsemen for a “concept He-Man” in MOTUC? It could be as simple as a standard He-Man, but with a Viking helmet head?
Well we did include Demo-Man (prototype Skeletor as shown in the MOTU art book) in the bios, so it is possible that we may have plans for Vikor as well…
3.) Dayraven asks: Does Mattel have any say/input when it comes to the grade of plastic gets used? For example, the MOTUC Webstor had very different types of plastic for the hooks on his grappling hook vs the shaft of the same hook. Was the decision to use two different plastics for that in Mattel’s hands or the factory’s?
Mattel makes these choices.
4.) Barbecue17 asks: With the price increase taking effect with wave 11, many casual buyers and perhaps even collectors may be tempted to switch to lines which are less expensive and easier to find. What is Mattel planning on doing to add to the perceived value of these figures?
We have a great new theme for 2010. Wait and see!
5.) Dyl asks: Does Mattel have any interest in producing a line of figures based on the designs of the Batman: Arkham Asylum game? The designs are subtly different than the mainstream, and would be a nice alternative.
This is possible, but nothing is locked in right now.