I’m not going to discuss what happened with the various exclusives and so forth–Rustin has promised a rant later in the week, and I’m sure that will cover it all and more.
Instead, I’m just going to list the things that interested me the most. (more…)
After He-Man and Skeletor, the most iconic Masters of the Universe characters is Man-At-Arms, King Randor’s faithful military advisor and friend to Prince Adam, a.k.a. He-Man. Man-At-Arms, whose “real name” is Duncan, was also the earliest example of the more science fiction-oriented aspect of the Masters’ universe. While He-Man and Skeletor would fit perfectly in any sword and sorcery setting (for example, both have counterparts in World of Warcraft), Duncan is clearly a character not of the past or even the present, but the future.
In his original 1980s incarnation, MAA came only with his distinctive asymmetrical armor and iconic mace. Many kids remember how Duncan had a distinctive mustache on the Filmation cartoon, but his figure was bare-lipped. MAA’s 2002 figure offered a much more detailed sculpt and added an oversized anime-style gun, as well as finally giving him the mustache he deserved.
Like the rest of the MOTU Classics figures, the new Man-At-Arms owes much more to his original look than his 2002 figure. However, there are some nice new touches, including two heads (one mustachioed, one bare) and more weapons, so that Duncan can finally boast of being a master-of-arms. (more…)
And just like that, Mattel renders what little I cared about the art book fiasco moot. Holy crap. Scare-Glow! Savage He-Man (a.k.a. Wonder Bread He-Man–I totally called that, btw). Walter Peck–WALTER PECK!?
Here are Rustin Parr’s notes from the Mattypalooza panel.
MASTERS OF THE UNIVERSE
GHOSTBUSTERS
(Before I forget to mention it, the 2010 MOTU subscription is now available at Mattycollector. I know you’re probably way too mad right now to order, but you’ve got until August 7.)
While you’re stewing over Scalpergate, here’s some good news for MOTUC fans that was revealed last night. (Pics mostly from He-Man.org poster evenflow).
I need to preface this with the warning that this is all hearsay, even with the photographic evidence. I know some will be tempted to believe it immediately based on their own cynicism about/pathological hatred of Mattel, but before you go down that path, just try to keep in mind that all we have right now is the word of some anonymous people on the Internet.
Now then. As you know, there are a mere 1,000 MOTU art books available at SDCC. The limit on them is supposed to be two per customer. Also, vendors, exhibitors, and professionals were not to be allowed to buy any of Mattel’s SDCC items during Preview Night last night.
But there have been reports of vendors not only buying books, but buying twenty of them–and then announcing it to those waiting in line. (more…)
I think I’ll be a little sad in September, when these MOTUC days will lose a lot of their significance due to the subscriptions kicking in. But just a little.
Anyway, enjoy your Mattycollector.com refreshes today. I stand by my assertion that Duncan will not be as popular as Hordak was (though I suspect he’ll still sell out within two hours).
Also, He-Man.org has some tips about ordering. Here are the important points:
Don’t get frustrated, don’t keep hitting refresh on your own! Doing this is part of the reason for the server overload!
You may experience the red screen more than once, or even after every step of the ordering process! Try not to let it frustrate you.
We have also discovered that most fans who have experienced 15+ minute waits on the red screen logged in to Matty Collector before 12:00 noon EST (GMT -5)!
It is in your best intereste to login right as the figure goes on sale, at 12:01 EST (GMT -5) or even a few minutes later.
Toy Guru has pointed out that if you DO manually refresh, you are put at the end of the list for those who are currently placing orders. So a manual screen refresh may result in you missing out on the figure.
So in our opinion, it’s in your best interest, if you have logged in after 12:01 EST (GMT -5), and you are experiencing the red screen queue, is to wait it out.
Mattel has revealed their special MOTU-themed SDCC exclusive, and it’s pretty incredible–and, sadly, incredibly limited.
We know a lot of fans are very excited about the Designed @ Mattel Vol. 1 book on MOTU being offered at SDCC. A few more details: The book will be softcover, 53 pages, with a numbered foil stamped ribbon across the cover. It will be $50.00 and limited to 2 per guest per line wait. It will have sections on all the major MOTU lines and a look at the future of the brand.
Now we know a lot of fans are asking why only 1,000 copies and will we ever reprint? The answer (at least for now) is that this was actually a number required. For a variety of legal reasons we were restricted to only create this book if we kept it as a limited edition. That was part of the bargain for getting to do the book itself. It was 1,000 editions or nothing He-Fans.
A big thank you to Toy Guru for pulling together a lot of the research and material as well as all the Mattel artists over the years for so generously giving of their imaginations to create lasting characters in the world of MOTU!
Long time fans and new comers alike will be sure to enjoy all of the surprises in store at SDCC!
See you in two weeks!
Matty
The book sounds fantastic. The 1,000 limited edition aspect is painful, as is the Holiday Hal Jordan-like intimation of “legal restriction.” Great bonus for fans, or Gleek-like tease? I have a hunch I know where this comment thread is going…
