Mattycollector Upcoming Schedule

August 30, 2010 | Poe

Mattel released a list of their upcoming releases, and for those of you who only check this site for their toy-related news (all two of you), I figured I should post the list:

Toy Fans,

The whirlwind of insanity that is SDCC is over, and we’re finally settled down and getting back to business as usual. We’re still pulling together final images, but here’s a list of products that are scheduled for release through the end of November:

SEPTEMBER

  • Ghostbustersâ„¢ 6″ Egon Spenglerâ„¢ with PKE Meterâ„¢, stack of books
  • Masters of the Universe Classics Chief Carnivusâ„¢ (Club Eterniaâ„¢ monthly figure)
  • Masters of the Universe Classics Gygorâ„¢

OCTOBER

  • Masters of the Universe Classics Roboto (Club Eterniaâ„¢ monthly figure)
  • Masters of the Universe Classics Zodac

NOVEMBER

  • DCU JLU Parademonâ„¢ 2-Pack
  • Ghostbustersâ„¢ 6″ Peter Venkmanâ„¢ with Ghostbustersâ„¢ Logo Base
  • Masters of the Universe Classics Grizzlor (Club Eterniaâ„¢ monthly figure)
  • Masters of the Universe Classics Grayskullâ„¢ (with Orb)
  • Masters of the Universe Classics Weapons Pak Great Wars Assortment

November’s already shaped up to be one heck of a month, but there’s even more in store for you! We’re working on plans for a serious Cyber Monday sale on November 29th at 9 a.m. PT/Noon ET and it’s gonna be BIG! Watch this spot for details to come, and check back soon to see images of the September, October, and November products!

— Matty

Back from vacation

August 24, 2010 | Poe

I was on vacation this weekend and obviously I’m way behind on my posts. I’ve got at least 2-3 reviews to write, plus the weekly bios. I’ll get the bio for today up tonight, but until then I’m afraid you’ll have to amuse yourselves. I’m not even sure whose bio it is right now…in the meantime, feel free to join or strike up a conversation in the Poester Gallery.

Prince Adam DID have a back holster for the sword

August 19, 2010 | Poe

(Click for a much larger version)

Many fans have lamented the lack of a sword holster on Prince Adam’s back. It seemed odd to me that the Horsemen wouldn’t include the holster, so I asked them about it and they sent me this image of the paint-master. As you can see, the holster was there. The Horsemen say it must have been removed during production; they don’t know why.

This does seem to contradict this statement by Toyguru, but to be VERY clear, I have no idea what the story is or whether Toyguru ever saw this prototype pic. The facts as we know them are that Horsemen did sculpt the holster, and it was evidently removed during production–whether by factory error or as a choice by Mattel, I don’t know.

Great Newbury Comics gift certificate deal

August 19, 2010 | Poe

I know a lot of you Poesters are Mass. residents, so I thought I’d pass along this promotion by WRKO: $40 Newbury Comics gift certificates for $20. You can only order online, so it’ll cost you $24 with the shipping, but it’s still free money.  Free money that has to be spent at Newbury Comics, but I know I’ll definitely be spending at least $20 at Newbury anyway within the next couple of months.

They’re going to run out soon, though, so if you want one, order now.

Happy Whiplash Day

August 16, 2010 | Poe

Although part of me feels like I should really be saying, “Happy Trap Jaw Day II.” How many of you who missed TJ the first time around are going for him today?

Anyway, here’s the link to the all-in-one page.

Jon Stewart evidently not too short for a stormtrooper

August 14, 2010 | Poe

This is kind of neat. One of the special events during today’s Star Wars Celebration V was one-hour interview between Daily Show host Jon Stewart and George Lucas. To honor the event, Hasbro created a one-of-a-kind Jon Stewart action figure, complete with alternate goatee head. Pretty awesome.

Mattel MOTUC updates (No 200X Grizzlor head)

August 14, 2010 | Poe

First off, it appears we won’t be getting Grizzlor’s extra Millennium face. Scott Neitlich:

He-Fans,

Many of you may have picked up the latest Toy Fare magazine (check out the cool Legion cover!) and have seen an image of Grizzlor with a second head as an accessory.

To clarify, the Grizzlor shown at SDCC was final. It was there in package. He only has one head as officially announced at SDCC.

Magazines often need images well in advance and many times the only images we have available are the first pics of the Horsemen sculpts.

Because the Horsemen sculpt more then we ask for ( a good problem to have), sometimes these PR images wind up having extra parts pictured that do not get tooled. This happened with Batman Beyond’s wings and Lex Luthor’s skirt pieces as well.

Our tooling budget is finite and we can’t always afford to tool everything the Horsemen sculpt (especially when they throw in unrequested parts not accounted for in the budget – not that we want them to stop! A lot of things the sculpt wind up getting used later. The Kandor they sculpted for Superman in DCSH wound up getting used in JLU in 2010!)

Back to the point: Because we did announce Grizzlor in full at SDCC, hopefully this image was not too misleading. But to be clear, Grizzlor has one face only. The figure is tool’d and in production so no changes are being made at this point.

Sorry for any confusion gang!

Scott

I–hmm. Well…hrm. Forget it. I’m not even going to bother.

Neitlich also posted a lengthy update on the MOTUC figures seen at SDCC. There’s some good news and some not-so-good-news. (more…)

Poe’s First Podcast

August 14, 2010 | Poe

My first-ever appearance on a podcast is now live. I want to thank the great folks at OrccaCast for what was a very fun and easy introduction to the world of podcasting. Topics of discussion include MOTUC/DCUC/Mattel, my background in collecting (including some childhood anecdotes), H.P. Lovecraft movies and more.

OrccaCast Episode 25

The whole episode is great, but if you just want to hear me, I come in at the 15-minute mark.

Eddie Wires, 1972-2010

August 13, 2010 | Poe

I never met Eddie Wires, but like many of us, I certainly knew his work. His passing earlier this week was a shock to the action figure industry. To say he will be missed is an indequate understatement. Chances are some of your favorite toys were painted by Mr. Wires, as his portfolio shows.

My sincere condolences to Eddie’s family. (more…)

Dread Axe of Darkness – back on sale!

August 9, 2010 | Poe

The Dread Axe of Darkness is back in stock at Poe Ghostal’s Points of Acquisition!  Click here to order yours!

After this run, there won’t be another one unless by popular demand, so now’s the time to order!

I also want to thank all of those who have ordered a Dread Axe already, for helping make this exclusive a success.