Ask Mattel > Answers for June 15, 2011

June 15, 2011 | Poe

1.) Josh asks: The WWE figures utilize the basic, elite, and defining moments methods of selling figures and different price points. Would this model ever be considered for DCUC to get more “deluxe” versions of figures? For instance, a Superman with a cloth cape or even a Clark Kent outfit; A batman with cloth cape and accessories.

Always a possibility but nothing is planned right now.

2.) Chris asks: Regarding WWE,the knee and elbow pads restrict movement. Would it be possible to switch to a more sponge like material that would allow free movement but retain it’s natural shape? (more…)

Bastards of the Universe > “Reboot, Reuse, and Recycle”

June 15, 2011 | googum


I really don’t know how I feel about DC’s upcoming reboot/relaunch/retread thing they have coming up. I would love it if comics started selling again and weren’t just an afterthought to licensing…which I just realized is an ironic thing to say, since I buy way more DC figures than I do DC comics. But I was kind of hoping there would be a few more surprises in the 52 upcoming number-one issues, that DC would go all-out and make some riskier choices, like bringing back Amethyst or ‘Mazing Man or Angel Love or something.

Keep in mind, that my opinion is doubtless tainted since at least the last four comics I’ve been reading from DC have been cancelled. (Unknown Soldier, Warlord, Doom Patrol, and probably Xombi by now.)

The ‘alternate’ Pornstache…man, Poe goes all out and gets a MOTUC-style custom made for 339/1; while I stick a Minimate hairpiece and a cut-out mustache and eyebrows on a 200X Ice Armor He-Man. Still, mine is ready in fifteen minutes!

Happy Faceless One Day!

June 15, 2011 | Poe

All-in-one page link

On a scale of 1 to 10, how excited are you for the Faceless One? For Battleground Teela? I’m a 4 on FO, 9 on BG Teela. That said, my excitement for BG Teela is less about the figure itself and more about the fact that she’s a figure from the 3-issue DC miniseries, my favorite piece of MOTU fiction.

Faceless One, though…for some reason I just can’t excited about him. Maybe that’ll change when I have him in hand.

This month we’ve also got:

  • Slime Blower Winston – pretty tempted by this, actually, but it’ll be a last-minute decision.
  • Retro Action John Stewart – afro included!
  • Reissues of Grizzlor and Whiplash

On another note, let me tell you yet another Tale of Mattycollector Woeâ„¢. The credit card I’ve used for the site for years was about to expire, so when I got the new one I logged on to the Mattycollector website and carefully updated my payment information. That’s all–no change to my shipping or billing address, not even a new card number. Just a change of expiration date.

So then I get my renewal email…which referred to me by my mother’s name, and told me it was using my parents’ house as my billing address. (more…)

Megator’s secret accessory [spoilers]

June 14, 2011 | Poe

Mattel was so intent on keeping Megator’s secret accessory a secret, they actually removed it from the samples they sent out to reviewers like Pixel Dan. It was a good effort, but in the end they were saved from themselves (more on that in a moment) by one of those sketchy eBay sellers.

Don’t click below (and you may want to keep your eyes away from the “Recent Comments” in the sidebar) if you don’t want the surprise to be spoiled. Note to Poesters: Please don’t discuss the Megator secret accessory anywhere else but this discussion thread (and that includes the forum).

Pic of the secret accessory after the jump. (more…)

MOTUC: Filmation now on the table?

June 13, 2011 | Poe

Huh. So it turns out if you go on an unofficial hiatus and ignore toy news, important toy news slips by you.

Specifically, this. From Worldscreen.com:

NEW YORK: Classic Media is partnering with Mattel to roll out a new consumer-products program for Masters of the Universe to celebrate the brand’s 30th anniversary in 2012.

The new line will encompass apparel (t-shirts, sweatshirts, thermals, track jackets and fashion tops for men, women and kids) and accessories (wristbands, belts and belt buckles, key chains, costume jewelry and more) from Changes, costumes from Disguise and a special 30th Anniversary edition DVD box set from Mill Creek Entertainment. Publishing partners will be announced soon. Plus, the Masters of the Universe Classics toy line from Mattel will continue through 2012.

“Masters of the Universe is an iconic franchise with a legacy that’s deeply rooted in fantastical storytelling which translates naturally to play experiences and products kids of all ages love,” said Michael Riley, VP of franchise development at Mattel. “In 2012 the property celebrates its milestone 30th anniversary allowing us to create a robust synergistic program that offers something for all fans.”

Classic Media is introducing a new Masters of the Universe style guide for the anniversary celebration featuring retro artwork, all-new modern artist renderings, as well as a special 30th Anniversary logo. Classic will also work with Mill Creek Entertainment on the DVD release.

“We’re very excited to be working with the team at Mattel to celebrate this iconic franchise’s 30th anniversary,” said Nicole Blake, executive VP of global marketing and consumer products at Classic Media. “This is the perfect opportunity to re-engage fans with the original series and to introduce Masters of the Universe to the next generation.”

Since the 1982 debut of the Masters of the Universe toy line, there has been a 1983 TV series, a 1987 Warner Bros. film, a 1990 series The New Adventures of He-Man and the 2002 Cartoon Network show He-Man and the Masters of the Universe.

Now, obviously, there is nothing specific in this press release about Filmation characters in MOTUC. But Classic Media owns the Filmation rights, and now that Mattel and CM have a working relationship, it’s conceivable that Filmation-only characters–such as Shadow Weaver, Sea Hawk, and Plun-Dor–are now on the table, not to mention Filmation-style repaints and retools.

Anyway, for now: fingers crossed.

P.S. The 30th Anniversary logo was found here.