Mattel DC Figures

[Damien]

I'm HOPING that there may be one or two prototypes on display in their booth at SDCC. And maybe a panel upstairs with some DC reps giving us an idea of what they have planned. A slideshow with digital renders would be cool. People will lose their shit if they show Absolute Batman.

I just know the toy industry press is going to be in their booth all weekend peppering them with questions. I just hope they're braced for that. And I hope they can say more than "We can't comment at this time."

The problem is just how far out the release is. Jan. 27 means we'll probably see product sneaking into hands late November, early December of this year. But even that is 4-5 months from SDCC. I'd be surprised if they want to, and can, show much of anything that early. It'll, in part, come down to how the deal works with McFarlane (they may not be allowed to show anything to compete with his product until a certain date).

Fuck, I'd love it if we see the whole first wave line-up at SDCC. But I'd be surprised, to say the least.

 

[Wil]

I do hope we get to see something from SDCC, even just some early 3D renders. Just something to give us some idea of what the line is going to be like, or at least start like.

Nobody probably knows, but is there any hope of BBTS getting in the Robin with bike set? I like the look of that figure a lot more than the solo figure, and think it would go better with the Batman I have pre-ordered.

 

[Atomic Knight]

All I know is that the collector line had better be good bordering on great right out of the gate. Expectations for these figures are through the roof right now with almost eight months to go. They cannot disappoint. Based on the core line, I’m not seeing a problem. Yet.

Back to the core line, but somewhat off topic. What if Mattel is in the midst of realigning their scale for all boys toys lines? What if the TMNT core line comes out in a similar sculpt style and the same 6.5 scale? Completely compatible with the DC core line. Vehicles too. Something that Hasbro has failed to do across brands. For the record, I’m not a Turtles guy, but I do understand the impact something like that would have.

DC and the TMNT core toy lines 100% compatible in terms of scale and style. Interchangeable weapons, vehicles, accessory packs, and even playsets. It certainly shifts the paradigm. With both lines retaining their own unique branding. They certainly don’t have to cross pollinate, but they can if you, the fan, want to.

Collector lines of either property would not necessarily have to play in.

 

[jayjonah]

I do hope we get to see something from SDCC, even just some early 3D renders. Just something to give us some idea of what the line is going to be like, or at least start like.

Nobody probably knows, but is there any hope of BBTS getting in the Robin with bike set? I like the look of that figure a lot more than the solo figure, and think it would go better with the Batman I have pre-ordered.

It's available on Amazon for $25.55.

Amazon.com: Mattel DC Premier 6.5 Inch Robin Figure & Cycle Vehicle with Projectile Launch, Exclusive Deco, Batlink Robin Cycle : Toys & Games

Amazon.com: Mattel DC Premier 6.5 Inch Robin Figure & Cycle Vehicle with Projectile Launch, Exclusive Deco, Batlink Robin Cycle : Toys & Games

www.amazon.com

The only other place I saw it listed and in stock was on EE for $24.99.

https://www.entertainmentearth.com/product/dc-premiere-robin-action-figure-and-motorcycle-vehicle/mtjmd51

You could contact BBTS CS by email or call.

Customer Service Hours​

Monday - Friday 7:00 AM to 9:00 PM CST
(currently 06:17 PM CST)

Call Customer Service
1-888-980-2287

Email Customer Service
[email protected]

 

[jayjonah]

If anyone is interested review of the Mr. Freeze set. Hal looks pretty dang good in my opinion.

 

[tenzilkem]

I would rather see the collector line either in December or when it's released. It's torture for some people to see what is coming in July and having to wait six more months to be able to get them. Once you see the first wave, then you can't wait to see the second wave.

 

[Niko (protozoalord)]

I'm conflicted. While I'd rather see it right before I'm able to have it in-hand, it'd also be great to have more of an idea of what the collector line will entail sooner. I'd rather not wait 6 months knowing everything, but I definitely don't wanna wait 6 months with only the vaguest ideas.

What matters most for me to know is:
-What will the construction style of the line look like? (praying for MotU Chronicles style)
-What will the first Superman and Batman designs be?
-Will there be female figures early on?

While an Absolute Batman would be cool (though I don't personally care about it), it'd be a terrible figure for the first reveal. Won't be (hopefully) representative in any capacity of the standard figures in the line. And they should really take their time before diving too deep into AUs and multimedia properties. The DC lines being completely split and unfocused between movies, CW, Injustice, Arkham, and Elseworlds is what drove me away from collecting DC toys in the first place. I want a decent foundation built before Mattel gets absolutely crazy with it.

 

[Atomic Knight]

When this license turned over in 2020, we literally didn’t see anything until New Years Eve/Day. Todd respected the embargo. Todd should get the same courtesy to finish out his contract and sell down his inventory. Same as he gave Mattel. People have curtailed or stopped buying Todd’s stuff already. But he should still be able to make money for the next seven months. Mattel showing prototypes or even digital renders at SDCC is nailing the coffin shut with the resident of said coffin still kicking.

I feel a little bit bad for Todd. He’s in a tough spot. Not able to compete with Hasbro and Mattel, but not a boutique manufacturer either. Getting licenses of any scale that are currently relevant or even on the upswing is going to be increasingly difficult. Smaller licenses and brands might not have enough upside payoff to make it worth his time. I’ve always thought Todd could do a great Judge Dredd line. But could he break even much less turn a profit on Dredd?

Anyway, Todd will be fine. His strength as a company is the ability to pivot quickly.

And there’s always a Hellboy retail line to consider.

 

[SDcomics]

I'm conflicted. While I'd rather see it right before I'm able to have it in-hand, it'd also be great to have more of an idea of what the collector line will entail sooner. I'd rather not wait 6 months knowing everything, but I definitely don't wanna wait 6 months with only the vaguest ideas.

What matters most for me to know is:
-What will the construction style of the line look like? (praying for MotU Chronicles style)
-What will the first Superman and Batman designs be?
-Will there be female figures early on?

Precisely. That's why I'm hoping for a panel with both Mattel and DC reps speaking. I would like an idea of where this is heading. For example, will there be vehicles and playsets? Will it be figures only? Will it be a mix of modern and classic? Things like that.

While an Absolute Batman would be cool (though I don't personally care about it), it'd be a terrible figure for the first reveal.

I agree. I love the Absolute comics but I don't need or want figures.

 

[fac]

When this license turned over in 2020, we literally didn’t see anything until New Years Eve/Day. Todd respected the embargo. Todd should get the same courtesy to finish out his contract and sell down his inventory. Same as he gave Mattel.

I wonder if these fall into some loophole being the "kids" line - price, number of articulation points, types of accessories? So they technically are not competing with Todd's "collector" line and can come out now?

 

[Atomic Knight]

I wonder if these fall into some loophole being the "kids" line - price, number of articulation points, types of accessories? So they technically are not competing with Todd's "collector" line and can come out now?

Yeah, I think you’re right. This is probably the Spin Masters side of the deal.

New Year’s Day is a Friday next year. We’ve got the entire weekend to be deluged on social media by Mattel for what they have planned. Monday January 4th is the first business day of the new year. I think the toy world will look a lot different by the time we get home from work that evening.

 

[SDcomics]

When this license turned over in 2020, we literally didn’t see anything until New Years Eve/Day. Todd respected the embargo. Todd should get the same courtesy to finish out his contract and sell down his inventory. Same as he gave Mattel. People have curtailed or stopped buying Todd’s stuff already. But he should still be able to make money for the next seven months. Mattel showing prototypes or even digital renders at SDCC is nailing the coffin shut with the resident of said coffin still kicking.

Sorry Gard, I can't agree with that. Todd's stuff is on the shelves so he's made his money. And it's no big secret at this point that Mattel has the license now. That's been known for months. I think a panel at SDCC that gives us a little bit of an idea of what to expect is a good idea and would be welcome by many. Plus, knowing DC and Mattel as I do, they love promotion.

Now, will there in fact be such a panel? I don't know. We'll all find out starting on July 15th when comic con starts releasing their schedule.

 

[Niko (protozoalord)]

Precisely. That's why I'm hoping for a panel with both Mattel and DC reps speaking. I would like an idea of where this is heading. For example, will there be vehicles and playsets? Will it be figures only? Will it be a mix of modern and classic? Things like that.

100%, an interview would be fine too, but seeing even just their starting Batman and/or Superman would tell us all we need to know.

I agree. I love the Absolute comics but I don't need or want figures.

That's where part of my concern lies as well. Everybody is loving reading Absolute-- but I doubt that will translate to sales at domestic retail. Same goes for any and every "let's get some new readers!" comics AU. It's absolutely PERFECT for higher end and knick knack collectibles, though.

 

[Atomic Knight]

Sorry Gard, I can't agree with that. Todd's stuff is on the shelves so he's made his money. And it's no big secret at this point that Mattel has the license now. That's been known for months. I think a panel at SDCC that gives us a little bit of an idea of what to expect is a good idea and would be welcome by many. Plus, knowing DC and Mattel as I do, they love promotion.

Now, will there in fact be such a panel? I don't know. We'll all find out starting on July 15th when comic con starts releasing their schedule.

I agree and hope that there is a panel. Or even an informal Q&A or press scrum of some sort. But showing product would be bad form IMHO. Especially since Todd honored the embargo seven years ago.

I suppose that in the end it doesn’t really matter much. Mattel will let go of the DC license when Kamandi is rowing his raft up to the submerged Statue of Liberty.

 

[Atomic Knight]

That's where part of my concern lies as well. Everybody is loving reading Absolute-- but I doubt that will translate to sales at domestic retail. Same goes for any and every "let's get some new readers!" comics AU. It's absolutely PERFECT for higher end and knick knack collectibles, though.

I disagree. Cast a wide net.

I honestly don’t give a about anything other than the comic side of this new line. Movies, TV shows, animation, games and whatever else is fine. I’m just not buying them.

But when it comes to comics, I want it all. Not just the SA/BA comfort zone of my collecting peers. I’m not trolling. I’m not trying to be contrary. This is my honest opinion that I’ve held for a long time and my hill to die on. And I know it’s not a popular stance.

DC is a beautiful, elegant tapestry…a complex mosaic. And every micron of it should be embraced from Dr. Occult to the Absolutes.

In plastic of course.