Ask Mattel > Mid-January Answers (UPDATE: Roundup added)

January 14, 2011 | Poe

1.) AmericanHyena asks: If you gave Romat-Ru unique alien hands, why did Tomar-Re, who is the same species, get human hands?

Because that is how he looked in the reference material provided. There have been many artists over the years who have interpreted DC characters. DCUC is the Mattel/Four Horsemen interpretation.

2.) Mosh asks: What happened to the double articulation on Kyle Rayner? The proto showed double joints on a basic body which could have been the new mold for future figures, did you already ditch that idea? (more…)

Toy Aisle Trolls > Mockgirl

January 11, 2011 | Poe

Toy Aisle Trolls is a feature highlighting acts of vandalism to in-store toy items. If you find a ruined package, a stolen figure, a swapped-out figure, or any other such acts, take a photo (cell phone photos are fine if they’re not blurry) and email them to poe AT poeghostal.com.

This latest travesty was found by Poester (and my longtime online acquaintance) Dark Angel.

Says DA:

Found in a Wal-Mart. I am well-versed enough in comic lore to know that the purple bird lady is an X-Men foe, though I cannot recall her name. Two things: One, this is pretty zen in its own way–I would imagine that the bird lady was a hot figure back in her day (thirteen or so years ago), and I (sadly) know this is the work of one of our fellow collectors as she is in absolutely pristine condition; and two, it amazes me that the person who returned it included at least part of Hawkgirl’s weapons (the mace may actually be broken) and the Gentleman Ghost figure itself! They must have really, really wanted that Hawkgirl–oddly enough, I had picked up a single-carded Hawkgirl and left one more on the shelf at a Target literally across this street from this Wal-Mart about two months ago!

That bird looks really familiar, but I’m way out of practice on my Marvel lore, so I’ll let someone else identify her below.

As for the jackass who did this, get a &%#^! life. That is all.

Review > 12″ Christopher Reeve Superman (Mattel)

January 3, 2011 | Poe

I don’t collect 12″ figures. The main reason for that is my dislike of all soft goods on action figures–no fabric for me–but it’s also a cost and space issue. So when I review the 12″ Christopher Reeve Superman, which Mattel very kindly sent me a sample of, you should know you’re getting the review of a 12″ neophyte. If you want a review by a 12″ connoisseur, you’ll have to wait for Michael Crawford’s review. (There may be other good 12″ reviewers out there, but MWC is the only one I read.)

For most people, Christopher Reeve is the definitive screen Superman. He has yet to be supplanted by a Christian Bale-like performance (though it’s possible the upcoming Chris Nolan-produced, Zack Snyder-directed film might finally do so). And unlike most superhero actors, the spandex works for him. Of the original films, Superman II is my favorite, but both of the first films are pretty good, while the latter two leave quite a bit to be desired (though I must admit some fondness for the ridiculous Nuclear Man).

There hasn’t been a whole lot of Christopher Reeve Superman merchandise until recently, aside from some Mego toys in the late 1970s. But in the past two years, DC Direct has produced a statue, Mattel has this figure and soon, Hot Toys will release their own 12″ version.

The Mattel Superman is currently available for $60 on their Mattycollector website. You can also get a 12″ General Zod, and a Gene Hackman Lex Luthor is coming sometime in 2011. (more…)

New DCUC Rumors

December 29, 2010 | Poe

On the one hand, I don’t like to promote rumor-mongering. But on the other hand, a surprising number of the DCUC rumors released on the Web have proven to be true, or at least partially true. Also, whether they turn out to be true or not, discussing rumored line-ups is a great way to show Mattel what people are and aren’t excited about. (more…)

Pic of the Day

December 28, 2010 | Poe

DC Universe Wildcat


DC Universe Wildcat by Clarkent78

Toy Aisle Trolls > The Goon Robs

December 27, 2010 | Poe

Toy Aisle Trolls is a feature highlighting acts of vandalism to in-store toy items. If you find a ruined package, a stolen figure, a swapped-out figure, or any other such acts, take a photo (cell phone photos are fine if they’re not blurry) and email them to poe AT poeghostal.com.

Poester Pez3939 sends in yet another mauling of the DCUC Gotham 5-Pack:

Writes Pez:

DC universe 5 pack with a Batman Movie Master goon and a wrestling chick with furry boots!!!!

The thief deserves to be placed in a burlap bag and beaten with reeds, of course, but at least I understand this one.

Mattel unveils Panthor, King Hiss, & DCUC17

December 23, 2010 | Poe

I’m officially on vacation, so posts are going to be a bit sporadic over the next couple of weeks. For those of you who don’t bother with other websites for news, though, I thought I’d better post some of the stuff Mattel has been unveiling on their Facebook page recently.

Pics after the jump. Click any of the pics for a larger version. (more…)

Ask Mattel > Answers for Mid-December

December 16, 2010 | Poe

1.) Now that double jointed elbows and knees are starting to appear in DCUC, there’s one character who greatly deserves them: Batman. Is there any chance we could see a new version of Batman with these joints?

Right now we don’t have plans to go back to older figures and upgrade them with new articulation, but it is always possible down the road!

2.) barbecue17 asks: Is is possible that we could see a Teela figure in pink armor that would benefit charity breast cancer research? (more…)