JULY Q&A:
BYTB: After the recent news that Mattel now has the right to produce any and every character from the DC lines, including older movies and future ones, what palsn do you have? Will we see any Christopher Reeve Figures? Old movies? And what are the current plans for the DC Superhero line?
MATTEL: The Universe is open and holds a lot of possibilities. However, we also have to be thoughtful about how we prioritize the projects – we can't do all of them at once. We're open to anything that makes sense within our strategic plan.
Christopher Reeve was a hero in many more ways beyond his role as Superman. However, at this time, we do not plan to do any specific toys based on his character in the near term.
BYTB: How will Mattel handle the retialers? As of right now the DC figures have maybe 5 rows of pegs. Thats including JLU, DCSH and The Batman. Will this new deal change that and the fact that we, the customers, can't find certain figures, like the Blue Suited Supergirl?
How figures are displayed at retail is a process that goes through a lot of channels. Mattel is working on getting figures to collectors in the best way possible. I think you’ll be very happy with our plans for next year.
BYTB: In the DCSH line, will we get a Batman Line, then Superman, Flash, Green Lantern, Ect.. my suggestion is to mix it up. Use the Justice League of America title, like the JLU line is right now. Perhaps for the sidkicks use a Teen Ttians line.
We’re really excited to meet fans at the summer conventions this year and reveal many of our upcoming figures and toy lines. Until then, the lid is shut!
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------- SEPTEMBER Q&A #1:
BYTB: Are their any plans for more civilian figures (Bruce Wayne, Lois Lane, Perry White, Alfred Pennyworth, Jimmy Olsen, Jim Gordon, etc..)
MATTEL: Actually yes, we do talk about doing these figures. The trick is just finding the right time and place. Civilian’s don’t tend to do as well for us at retail but it doesn’t mean we can’t do them if we can find the right venue.
BYTB: Besides 1:18, what other sizes are planned for the 1966 Batmobile? Could we see a 1:43 version to compare with the Corgi’s? Or perhaps a 1:24??
MATTEL: We have a few other surprises on the way, but you will just have to stay tuned. Future announcements for these collectibles will be made through the Hot Wheels Red Line Club.
BYTB: When the animated line is redone in 2008, will the Legion Of Superheroes Figures be included or seperate? What kind of figures can we expect to see?
MATTEL: Our LOSH line was in a slightly different scale compared to the JLU figures so they wouldn’t fit in directly with the JLU line. However, it doesn’t rule Legion characters from being done in the JLU style. Just exactly what direction and what characters we do in 2008-2009 for the JLU style (and what the line will be called) has yet to be announced.
MATTEL: Nothing to announce quite yet, but this is something we are looking into for late 08. Keep in mind that this line has yet to hit stores so any larger items will depend on how well the basic figures do at retail. If there is demand this is clearly something we would consider.
BYTB: The DCUC series are a mix of different characters from various franchises(I.E. Superman, Batman, Wonder Woman, ETC.), so is there going to be a pattern to how you balance the franchises in each wave? If so, how often are we to expect characters from each franchise?
MATTEL: There is no set pattern, but pretty much you can expect the following “types” in each wave: (wave 1 used as an example)
Batman – “A” list hero
Penguin – “A” list enemy
Orion – “B” level character
Red Tornado – “B” level character
Etrigan – fan favorite/request
It won’t always go like this, but we try to keep some type of rules when choosing which characters go into a wave. This pattern allows us to have a well known hero and his/her villain (this is a “play pattern”) in each wave as well as lesser known and fan requested characters.
BYTB: With Lucius Fox, Jim Gordon and Alfred Pennyworth all signed on for 3 films, will we see figures of them for either The Dark Knight (maybe as store exclusive sets) or the third Batman film? (or at least in the comic line?) Adding to this, The Star Wars line has all kinds of characters, even D & E list characters. Although it's a different company, does this help in depending on which characters to use?
MATTEL: No plans right now for those specific characters though we do talk about the right time and place for them. We are just as interested in doing the “C” and “D” and “E” level characters. Our plan is to try and spread them out among the more well known “A” level heroes and villains for balanced waves. If we did all “A” level characters or all “D” level characters it would make the waves a bit unbalanced and harder to sell through.
BYTB: Regarding The Dark Knight's 6" figure line, it has been stated that there are going to be six characters... 3 heroes, 3 villains. Is that the count of actual figures, I.E. Begins suit Batman and TDK suit Batman would count as two characters, or is that the count of actual characters, meaning variants count separately.
MATTEL: Actually, we didn’t say it would be 3 heroes and 3 villains. Just that the line up would include both good guys and bad guys. Exactly who will be made in the 6 inch line is yet to be revealed.
BYTB: Any plans for a new sculpt for The Joker? Perhaps one displaying more physical prowess than the last one? And perhaps in different clothes? Like a purple business suit to fit more in line with TDK, or a trenchcoat like the iconic '80s depictions? (It could come in handy for a Joker/Harley 2-pack with that new Harley Quinn y'all are making)
MATTEL: Because the Joker is the main villain in the new film “Batman the Dark Knight” we choose not to include him in our DCUC line for 2008 to avoid having too many Jokers on shelf at one time. (Several versions of the Joker will be available in our Dark Knight line in the summer of 2008) The Clown Prince of Crime is a character we will look at exploring for the DCUC line in the future however!
BYTB: Kenner’s The Dark Knight Collection and Batman Returns figures used the same figure molds for both those series. Will The Dark Knight figures be the same as the previous Batman Begins figures or is there all new tooling?
MATTEL: A little of both actually. You will see some older figures re-released as well as all new figures of both the villains and heroes of Gotham City.
BYTB: Also, One of our board members REALLY wants to know if we will we get Attack Armor Batman in the states?
MATTEL: At this point we’ll be concentrating on newer versions of DC characters. The older Attack Armor Batman will not be re-released in the DCUC line.
BYTB: Will hard to find figures such as Steel, Lex Luthor, Brainiac, Supergirl, Batgirl (both versions), etc. be released under DCUC?
MATTEL: Eventually we will look at re-releasing some of these hard to find figures. Right now, however, all of our efforts will go into the first year of basic figures, which will not include any re-releases. Exclusive box sets might be a good potential place to look for older figures in re-release.
BYTB: Any Plans for a Batman Beyond Figure? Either in the DCUC or the JLU line?
MATTEL: Anytime we get a question about a specific figure that hasn’t been announced, the standard answer is always going to be “wait and see”. Doing Terry as a figure in either 6-inch or JLU style is something we are looking at. Just where and when he shows up will be revealed in time. We hope fans will understand that we simply cannot comment on any figure or figure idea that has not been specifically announced.
BYTB: Any chance of getting "The Batman Nightwing figure?" How about other characters such as Black Mask, Harley Quinn, Clayface #2, Everywhere Man?
MATTEL: We have to revert to our previous answer on this one too. While doing Nightwing is a great idea for a figure, again, we cannot comment on figures or ideas for figures that haven’t yet been announced.
BYTB: Will we see those clear plastic flying stands similar to the ones that came with marvel legends at all in DCUC?
MATTEL: For the 2008 line up we aren’t able to include flying stands but this isn’t out of the question for 2009.
BYTB: Why was the Cyber Revolutions line cancelled? It seemed to have progressed quite a way before it was shut down.
MATTEL: Many times toy lines are changed or branding direction is revised which causes a line to alter direction. This was the case with the Cyber Revolutions line.
BYTB: Mattel’s Animated line (TNBA Style) figures have not been seen for awhile, are they gone for good? It’s too bad if they are because there was potential for Mattel to make some figures that Hasbro did not make.
MATTEL: We will have some exciting news for the animation style to announce in the next few months. We hope fans of the DC Animated Universe will be very pleased but right now we are still working out the details. It is too early to make any official announcements.
BYTB: Why is Robin's head so huge in The Batman Shadowtek line? Batgirl has a large head too, but why is Robin's head way out of scale compared to Batman?
MATTEL: There is a simple answer to this. On the show, Robin is smaller then even Batgirl. If we made him exactly in scale his body and head would be so small he would fall over! Many times toy lines have to slightly adjust scale both for price value and design stand points.
BYTB: Instead of Build-A-Figure, why not do Build-A-Scene? Rather than include a body part to make a larger figure with each figure, include pieces that form a scene like The Batcave or The Daily Planet or Arkham Asylum or Crime Alley or bases that connect or something. As I collector I don’t always get the whole series and I would have parts of a body that I will never build. But if there were bases or scene pieces I could at least maybe use them as part of my display.
MATTEL: This is something we have looked at, but for the time being we are waiting to see how the line performs at retails before making any changes to the line architecture. Plus there are so many good BAF choices out there. Nothing is off the table, but for now the bonus will be a figure that is 25% larger then a standard figure.
BYTB: The new DCSH Clayface is awesome, but there is a lot of buzz Online about the rubber arms tearing apart. What are those arms made of and what can a collector do to protect them? With all the other Toy Recalls going on, is it possible that Clayface gets recalled as well?
MATTEL:The arms are made of rubber with a metal rod in the middle (that lets the rubber hold a bending shape). Collectors and kids should have no problem posing Mr. Hagan in any number of ways without fear of his arm breaking off!
BYTB: Does “logic” ever get brought up with regards to certain action figures? For example the JL line had Batman, Green Arrow and The Flash figures on motorcycles. Batman and Green Lantern make sense, but why would The Flash use a motorcycle?
MATTEL:To impress chicks.
BYTB: Does Mattel ever look back on the Kenner/Hasbro lines of Batman figures for inspiration for something new? Total Justice / JLA and Legends of Batman / Legends of the Dark Knight were some really cool figures and you might find some cool ideas.
MATTEL:We do look at a lot of different older toy lines to see what has been popular with collectors over the years. Right now we have so many characters open to us that it is pretty easy to go full steam ahead.
BYTB: It’s been awhile since Mattel produced a Batmobile for the Comic Style/DCSH figures. Did the recall of the previous Batmobile have any influence on not making an all new, different version?
MATTEL: No, the recall of the previous Batmobile has not influenced us in this way. So everyone knows the Batmobile you are referring to was from our first line of comic based Batman figures. It was recalled because the styling of the rear tail-fin came to a point and was made of a hard “unforgiving” plastic. We retrofitted the fin with a softer rubber tip. Since then we’ve had many Batmobiles in the animated line, movie line and pre-school lines. A new Batmobile will be made for the upcoming Dark Knight line as well as the first ever vehicle for the Four Horsemen sculpted figures in the Fall of 2008. This will be revealed at Comic Con.
BYTB: Will the Movie Masters line extend beyond The Dark Knight? If so, do you plan to expand to past movies such as Batman 89 and the Christopher Reeve Superman movies?
MATTEL: This is something we are exploring but do not have news to announce quite yet.
BYTB: Will Heath Ledger's passing have an effect on TDK's merchandise?
MATTEL: We will still be offering several versions of the Joker figure in the 4”, 5” and 6” figure lines. We will however change some of our marketing tactics in respect for Mr. Ledger’s family
BYTB: Why the name change from Crime Stopper Batman to Classic Detective Batman? This is the first time I recall seeing such a change during a production run.
MATTEL: There were a few logistical issues regarding the name “Crime Stopper” and it was changed to “Classic Detective”. That is the big mystery! It was a running change. The figure itself did not change.
BYTB: Will we ever get a few playsets for DCUC like a Batcave?
MATTEL: Playsets are always a tough thing with 6inch figures due to size and logistical issues. We are well aware of fan demand and are always working on finding ways to bring playsets to the line. However we do not currently have any news to announce.
BYTB: There’s a big demand for Wal-Mart to carry the new DCU figures, but so far they have not. Along with that, It was said that Wal-Mart would have a "DC" Aisle much like the one they had for Marvel last year. Is this still planned?
MATTEL: Mattel would love it if Wal-Mart (or any retailer) did an entire aisle for DC action figures and toys. However any decision like this is entirely up to individual retailers as is what Mattel product they decide to carry. If you are not seeing DCUC figures at your favorite retailer be sure to let them know!
BYTB: Will Mattel’s new 1:50 scale Batmobile series be like the Corgi series with Batmobiles from the different films, TV shows and Comic Books?
MATTEL: Yes, Mattel will be doing different Batmobiles from TV, film and comics.
BYTB: Why are there so many Batman Begins figures being reused for the new The Dark Knight series of figures?
MATTEL: The basic Batman line is more of a kid friendly line and reuses some tools from the previous film because they are in scale with the current line. The adult oriented Movie Masters line is sculpted by the Four Horsemen and features all new sculpts.
BYTB: Will the Movie Master series of figures have Batman figures from any of the other films?
MATTEL: The current line up of Movie Masters figures are all based on the new Batman films. The future of the line may see other film properies in time.
BYTB: If the JLU is now considered a Collector Series, can we get Peg Holes and or Stands to come with these figures?
MATTEL: We are working on this! News to come at San Diego Comic Con.
BYTB: Is it known yet, which stores would carry the new DC Universe: Infinite Heroes line? When The Classics was announced it was beleived that Wal-Mart would carry the line, then later they changed their minds.
MATTEL: We are working with Wal-Mart and other retailers like Target and TRU to carry the IH line. We hope all of the major players will be on board with this exciting new line of DC heroes and villains.
1) I've seen a few questions about bringing a Gordon or Alfred figure to the lines, The Dark Knight would be the one I've seen the most of. So what process goes into deciding which characters to make into figures?
When it comes to doing a non-super powered figure (i.e. really only the collectors are interested in this type of product) we carefully weight how it will do in certain lines, which lines need a “collector lift” and what special venues might be available for this type of figure (i.e. a convention exclusive). We are very committed to getting to many of the “human” or civilian characters in the DCU, it just depends on finding the right time and place.
2) Does the cost of gas and food, plus the rising prices of really, everything worry you about how well these lines will sale?
You mean you would rather eat then by toys? And you call yourself a collector… 3) The Batman line seems pretty dead. Looking back, do you feel there was anything that Mattel could have done differently? Maybe more villains? In all of the lines combined, not counting repaints, there was only 15 or 16 villains.
Although the Batman line is on hiatus, Mattel is very pleased with how it is performing. Mattel does work with fans and our retailers to find ways to bring collector oriented figures to market (i.e. the Target JLU line) but this is just not possible with every single toy line we do.
But on the bright side, there is a new Batman animated series on the horizon which will hopefully inspire many collectors to take up the mantel of the Bat once again!
4) In the DCUC line, with the exception of Wave 1, all of the Collect'n Connect figures seem to be villains. Any plans on releasing more good guys as C&C? Maybe Atom Smasher?
Absolutely. You’ll see some more C & C heroes in the not to distant future. So far we have released two waves with Collect and Connect and 1 was a hero 1 was a villain.
5) Early pictures of TDK figures showed a different package for the figures. Why the change?
Lots of details with Mattel product change constantly. This is why we try not to put out news or sneak peaks until the final package/product is complete. In this case, our packaging was changed based on comments from our licensors and retail partners.
6) Lastly, a suggestion. A Superman/Batman Movie four pack.
Batman/Joker/Superman/Lex Luthor.
Great suggestion!
RE: RE: Mattel Answers! -
Posted on 02-06-2008 17:36
1) Okay, I'm sure you'll be getting this one allot, but lets do it anyway.
There have been many reports that the Movie Masters Joker has sold out. Do you think that the passing of Mr. Ledger is the cause, or just simply because it is "The Joker?"
The Joker is one of the most iconic villains of all time so it is no surprise that everyone wants the first 6” film version of this character.
2) Speaking of the Movie Masters. This is a 6 Inch line, yet in comparison with the DCUC figures, they are smaller. Any reason for this?
The figures in the MM line are based on actor’s heights and many times that is smaller then the characters hand drawn counterparts.
3) The Dark Knight does not come out until July 18th. When can we expect to see Wave two to hit the stores?
Late summer. They will be revealed at San Diego Comic Con.
4) There are now, three separate sizes for The Dark Knight figures. (Not counting the Action Cape Batman, ect..) Why create a new size for the Playsets and the Shift Attack Coupe? Will this new size match the upcoming DCUIH?
The Dark Knight lines was developed independently of the Infinite Heroes lines as a collector and kid oriented line. The different scales were created to appeal to as broad an audience as possible. Some fans want action features, some want detail. Ideally there is a figure for everyone in the Dark Knight lines.
RE: RE: Mattel Answers! -
Posted on 16-06-2008 12:52
1) When Wave 6 of the DCUC hits, we will have 3/4's of the Reign Of Superman Figures. With the current lawsuit involving Superboy, does that halt any plans for a "Superboy" figure? Can you use the name "Kon-El" or "Conner Kent" instead?
We have the visual rights to all of these characters even if not called “Super boy”. The Reign of the Superman version could potentially be released as a “Superman’s Teenage Clone” action figure.
2) Is Deathstroke and Firfly still slated to be released in The Dark Knight line?
We will be revealing Wave 2 of these figures at San Diego Comic Con.
3) The DC Superfriends Imaginext is very cool. SO far it's mostly Batman, will more heroes/Villains make thier way ti the world of Imagination?
Yes, we have plans for more heroes and villains in this line.
3) The 1:50th Batmobiles seem to be flying off the shelves with The Tumbler and the Comic version being the hardest to find. First, will these become more available? Also, why 1:50th and not 1:43rd to match what Crogi had done?
Mattel continues to make die cast vehicles in a variety of sizes and scales. Scale is chosen based on price and to match other current product lines. We will continue to produce them as long as there is fan demand.
4) It's been really hard to find Wave 2 of the DCUC. With Wave 3 being released very soon, how hard will it be to find both Wave 2 and 3? Once Walmart starts carring the line will they also carry the first few waves?
Mattel does its best to produce enough figures to meet collector demands From what we hear, Wave 1 is pretty easy to find. Hopefully once we ship the second half of Wave 2 (with Firestorm variant) it will become just as easy to add to your collection. Wal-Mart will receive some cases of earlier waves, but look for the newest Product to hit their shelves in force.
RE: RE: Mattel Answers! -
Posted on 02-02-2009 19:16
BYTB: Mattel has now done Three DC Movies, Batman Begins, Superman Returns and The Dark Knight. Out of those three, has Mattel learned anything that will help us get more B and C list characters. Fans are wanting those Gordon's and Alfred's. Not to mention some of the bosses.
MATTEL: We absolutely know there is fan demand for these civilian characters and are actively working to get them into the lines where appropriate. With a lot of live action properties, there are a few more hoops to jump through such as getting actor likeness approval (which we don’t have say on MOTUC or DCUC). But we are working on it!
BYTB: The Movie Masters are incorporated into The Dark Knight, however with the potential there to do other movies, (Superman, the first Batman,ect..) will we see this become it's own line, much to the way we have DC Universe?
MATTEL: We are interested in expanding Movie Masters to other DC franchises, it just takes time and a lot of elbow grease as mentioned above, there are a lot more hoops to jump through legal wise when it comes to taking a live action property to the toy aisle. Especially one that is not currently in the movies. But we are working on a few projects and hopefully getting closer every day!
BYTB: Speaking of Movie Masters, Mattel has the rights to do most characters, but do you have the rights to do the liklness of the older Movie characters? Perhaps the 60's series? The Wonder Woman series? MATTEL: Both the 1960’s Adam West Show and Wonder Woman are live action properties we would love to tackle, but as mentioned above, there are a lot more steps to producing toys of older properties and we are actively looking into many of these to see what is possible. But we are committed to doing everything we can to answer fan requested toy line requests.
BYTB: The new Batman: The Brave and the Bold figures are coming out, and we've noticed that they are slightly smaller than The Batman or The Dark Knight figures. Is there a reason for this? We now have six different sizes of figures.
MATTEL: The simple answer is that each Batman line is designed to stand on its own. The 5” figures from the Brave and the Bold line are their own toy line and celebrate the heroes and villains of this particular show.
BYTB: The Dark Knight line is becoming "Batman" in 2009. Will we see more comic figures pop up?
MATTEL: It is possible, but we don’t have any to announce at this time.
RE: RE: Mattel Answers! -
Posted on 15-02-2009 09:50
BYTB: How well are the DCU Classics actually selling at Wal-Mart? Around here, they can't keep them stocked. As soon as they stock em, they are gone.
MATTY: They are doing very well and Wal-Mart has agreed to increase the number of stores taking the line in 2009!
BYTB:We've seen pictures of the DCU Infinite Heroes: Gotham Knight set. Will there be more from that movie? How about other Animated properties?
MATTY: They We just announced a Wonder Woman DVD figure in the IH line which will be packed in with the DVD exclusive to Best Buy. Look for this in early March!
BYTB:We've asked alot about the Movie Masters line, will it just be live action movies? It would be sweet to have a 6 inch figure from the other animated movie.
MATTY: They The Movie Masters line is our live action series. Animated figures will continue to show up in the IH line. Although we are looking into some 6 inch executions for the fall, but not branded “Movie Masters”.
BYTB:Any news on more Hot Wheels Batmobiles?
MATTY: They We will have news on this line to show off at SDCC including a very cool exclusive!
BYTB:A while back, a UPC list was leaked out for the upcoming figures. After digging around, I discovered that most figures are indeed listed in the Wal-Mart computers. Figures like Wildcat, Black Canary, Green Arrow, Deadman, Deadshot, and a few more. Are these planned from Wave 9 and 10?
I know you can't really answer that, but what can you tell us?
MATTY: They We can’t comment on unreleased figures, but Wave 9 has been announced and will indeed include Green Arrow and Deadshot!
RE: RE: Mattel Answers! -
Posted on 02-03-2009 17:19
Here's the latest Q&A from Mattel and to be honest, I'm a little disappointed in this one. So much so I'm not even going to advertise it on the news page..
Wave 9 (DCUC) is yet another awesome wave consenting of some favorites of mine. The question though, why do a blue version of Wildcat? Why not a Modern version like that of Firestorm and Aquaman?
With some of the Superfriends showing up in the JLU line, and the Super
Powers Mantis in the DCUC line, can one assume that more Super Powers members may show up in either line?
The DCUIH figures are all labeled Series 1. When will Series 2 hit?
With Black Canary coming and not counting the Babs Batgirl, we are 1/3rd of the way to a Birds Of Prey set. It can be assumed that at some point, The Huntress will be made. What about Oracle? Have there been any discussions? I know you can't talk about future figures, but maybe youcan say that while giving us a wink?
Suggestion: A MattyCollector.com exclusive 6 pack. Marvin, Wendy, Wonder Dog, Zan, Jayna and Gleek. (Either JLU or DCUC, though honestly, a 6 inchWonder Twins Pack would be sweet)
Mattel: Wow. A lot of questions in this one. Let me see, the variant of Wildcat is actually still being designed and has yet to be revealed, see this Month’s Toy Fare magazine for the answer to that, Black Canary will be out in the fall and Oracle would be a great figure to do. In time, we could.
RE: RE: Mattel Answers! -
Posted on 16-03-2009 19:10
BYTB: Is there a chance that Mattel is having any plans either this year or in the near future a 2 pack (Either in the Box or ra bigger cardback packaing) that features both the 1960's T.V. Batmoible with trailer hitch and Batboat? And if you guys do release this, are you going to consider releaseing this as a mass retail release or a store exclusive of some sort, or will you guys instead make this a Convention or Matty Club exclusive of some sort? Or maybe even both?
MATTEL: We do have plans for the Batboat, but it will not be offered as a two pack but rather as a single carded Hot Wheels 1:50th vehicle.
BYTB:Will the next Hot Wheels series come out sooner than next year?
MATTEL:Yes, there will be more Hot Wheels Bat vehicles out in 2009.
BYTB:In the Adam Strange / Starfire two pack, Starfire's leg was bowed because of the way she was packaged. Is this something that is being looked into so that future figures aren't warped?
MATTEL:Some of the early prototypes were packed incorrectly and accidently sent out as PR samples. In the future we will make sure the best possible samples are sent out for review!
RE: RE: Mattel Answers! -
Posted on 16-03-2009 22:21
BYTB: Is there a chance that Mattel is having any plans either this year or in the near future a 2 pack (Either in the Box or ra bigger cardback packaing) that features both the 1960's T.V. Batmoible with trailer hitch and Batboat? And if you guys do release this, are you going to consider releaseing this as a mass retail release or a store exclusive of some sort, or will you guys instead make this a Convention or Matty Club exclusive of some sort? Or maybe even both?
MATTEL: We do have plans for the Batboat, but it will not be offered as a two pack but rather as a single carded Hot Wheels 1:50th vehicle.
BYTB:Will the next Hot Wheels series come out sooner than next year?
MATTEL:Yes, there will be more Hot Wheels Bat vehicles out in 2009.
The 1966 Batboat and second version of the 1966 Batmobile with a Trailer Hitch added are out. I picked them up at TRU a couple weeks ago.
Also listed on the Card Back was 1989 Batwing, 1989 Batmobile, The Dark Knight Batpod and Super Friends Batmobile. However none of them are out just yet.
RE: RE: Mattel Answers! -
Posted on 31-03-2009 18:06
BYTB: Will the SDCC exclusives be available online like Lobo and Giganta from last year?
MATTEL: Yes, they will be, but some of the figures may have additional accessories or paint ops only available at the show.
BYTB: Will there be more TRU DCUC two packs in the future?
MATTEL:We are still working with TRU to bring them the Batman vs. Clayface and Brainiac vs. Superman packs. This will likely be the last packs for TRU for the time being.
There are a number of characters that are the DCIH line that are not in the DCUC, and likewise some that are in the DCUC that are not in the DCIH.
BYTB: Can we expect the same characters for each line in time? For example HUSH for the DCUC line or Killer Moth for the DCIH.
MATTEL:We actually make a deliberate attempt to spread out the characters over the multiple lines to not release too many versions of one character in the same year. Over time, you should see all of your favorite characters in multiple lines and styles!
BYTB: Last year Scott Beatty wrote a guide for DC Action Figures. Has Mattel ever thought about doing something like this just for the figures they have produced?
MATTEL:This is something we are looking into! And Matty is good friends with Scott Beatty so that does help!
RE: RE: Mattel Answers! -
Posted on 17-04-2009 16:15
BYTB The Comic Con exclusives were announced and they are awesome! However a lot of fans are upset that Gleek won't be part of the Wonder Twins set when it's released on MattyCollector.com. Did you expect this kind of reaction? Would it had been better to keep Gleek but not have the bucket of water or the eagle? MATTEL: We didn’t really feel the eagle and the bucket were special enough to be Comic Con exclusives. The Wonder Twins is available on MattyCollector.com (but available first at SDCC), Gleek is our SDCC exclusive just as Solomon Grundy, Keldor and She-ra were.
BYTB The Worlds Greatest Superheroes that started with Wave 7 is a nice addition, however Shazam was included. He's now on the pegs from both wave 6 and 7. How is it decided on which figures to add to the Worlds Greatest Superheroes? Will Villains become a part of this? Maybe called World's Greatest Supervillains?
MATTEL: Yes, this subline was created to resell some of the most popular figures, but in all honesty it is a kid-aimed line to make sure Batman and Green Lantern etc… are always there for mom. It is unlikely we would release any collector aimed characters this way and with the exception of the Joker and Luthor, mom’s don’t know many villains. Collectors will continue to get 5 waves of 7 figure each, kids will get 6 World’s Greatest figures per year.
BYTB With the announcement of the Live Action Green Lantern film, it's assumed that there will be figures. Although it's still a years and a half away Could there be a possibility of some Movie Masters?
MATTEL: Yes, when the film is released ideally if there is retailer interest we will do a Movie Masters collector line.
RE: RE: Mattel Answers! -
Posted on 15-08-2009 16:50
BYTB: The Superman / Batman: Public Enemies wave. If this does well will we see more waves for future animated features? Is this wave consider to be part of the DCUC?
MATTY: Yes, if this wave does well we may look at future animated feature lines. And no, the Public Enemies Wave is not one a Classics wave, but it is sculpted to fit in with your Classics collection!
BYTB: I love how the bios are included on the card backs of the DC Universe Classics. However, there are no bios or stats for the CnC. Maybe that is something that could be included in the future?
MATTY: We are looking at adding bios for the Collect and Connect figures to our online MattyCollector.com figure archive!
BYTB: Speaking of Bios and stats, on Mattycollector.com you have a nice bio for the MOTU figures. Now I understand that MOTU is to Mattel what GI Joe or Transformers is to Hasbro, but have you ever considered adding more info to the other lines like DCUC or JLU?
MATTY: All of the DCU and JLU bios are provided by out awesome partners at DC Comics!
BYTB: We are finally getting some Movie Masters other than Dark Knight! Yet they are 12 inches. How about some 6 inch figures to go with the Dark Knight figures?
MATTY: All of our Movie Masters figures will be in the same scale such as Dark Knight and Ghostbusters.
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