Possible explanation for the MOTU art book limitation

August 5, 2009 | Poe

Now that we know that sales of the art book went to benefit Make-A-Wish, Howard of Fixitinpost.org has offered what I think is the most sensible explanation yet for why the print run was limited to 1,000 books:

As I speculated on our post-SDCC podcast (plug, plug), I’m assuming that the limited numbers are due to a royalty structure or something similar. When companies commission artwork, there’s generally a clause that allows them to use the artwork for certain non-commercial purposes (promotions, charity, etc.). The definition of “non-commercial” is usually determined by the number of units produced, be it of a toy package or even the art itself. Again, this is all speculation, but I totally get the “legal limitations” reason/excuse.

The idea is that Mattel could only print 1,000 books for charitable purposes. Any more and they’d have to start paying royalties (or perhaps just larger royalties) to the artists. (Of course, I think it’s a shame the artists–rarely the wealthiest members of society–can’t be paid more royalties by a big corporation like Mattel via an actual for-profit production run, but that’s a separate issue.) (more…)

Teela and Zodak in-package pics

August 5, 2009 | Poe

This already went ’round the ‘Net circles so you’re probably already aware, but Mattel also posted packaged pics of Teela and the bonus 2002-style Zodak yesterday.

It confirms Teela is coming with Zoar (without the blue on him–apparently that will be a later repaint). I have to admit, I wasn’t planning on getting Zodak, but now that I see him in package, he’s a bit more tempting than I thought he would be.

NoisyDvL5 of ItsAllTrue.net also sussed out the bios from the back-of-package photos on Facebook. I’ll let you go there to read them, since he did do all the work.

teela

zodak

He-Man and Skeletor return in December

August 4, 2009 | Poe

Mattel has updated their Facebook page with photos of the new packaging for He-Man and Skeletor, who’ll be offered for sale on Mattycollector.com in December (with slightly altered packaging–I think it’s just “The Original!” on the front there).

So for those of you who’ve gotten on board the MOTUC Trak a little late, here’s your chance to own the big boys.

he-man

skeletor

Mattel on bonus figures & the subscription

July 29, 2009 | Poe

I know a number of you asked why Mattel couldn’t include bonus figures in the subscription in the Ask Mattel thread, but I hadn’t planned to include it in my questions because 1.) I was certain every other site would ask, and 2.) I was fairly certain the answer would be boilerplate. (more…)

Poe’s Point > SDCC Wrap

July 28, 2009 | Poe

sdcc_wrap

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…)

Review > Man-At-Arms (Masters of the Universe Classics)

July 27, 2009 | Poe

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…)

Mattel Panel #2 – MOTU and Ghostbusters

July 24, 2009 | Poe

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

  • 2010 subscription comes with poster-map of Eternia and Wun-Dar, a.k.a. Savage He-Man (If you get 3 subs, you get 1 package with 3 Wun-Dars, but all subs ship separately each month from any other Mattycollector purchase).
  • Sub does not count bonus figures or giant figures like Battle Cat or “army builder two-packs”
  • Accessory packs are coming
  • Figures: September – Webstor; October – Teela, plus first bonus figure: Zodak repaint in modern paint scheme w/ tattoos and different bio; November – Scare-Glow; December – King Randor, plus bonus figure Green Goddess; January – Princess Adora, w/ bonus figure of Battle Armor He-Man (w/ three interchangeable pieces for chest); February is Trap-Jaw w/ alternate Kronis head and arms, plus Battle Cat and display stands; March is Moss-Man, who is flocked w/ own head and flocked Beast Man head)

GHOSTBUSTERS

  • 6″ figure every other month starting in October. October – Ray Stanz w/ logo ghost; December – Winston w/ ghost trap w/ blue energy explosion; February – Walter Peck w/ Ghost Containment Unit; May – Peter Venkman (yes, he was shown)
  • 12″ figures: One per quarter, start with Ray Stanz, then Egon, then Venkman, then Winston
  • Will be doing Marshmallow Man, but not as a CnC; “going to do him right”

Poe’s Point > Random thoughts on SDCC thus far

July 24, 2009 | Poe

There are a dozen different websites you can go to for much better SDCC coverage than I can offer, what with my not actually being there and all–and even websites you can go for better SDCC news roundups. So rather than bother with any of that, I’ve decided to just post a list of random thoughts and observations on SDCC so far. (more…)