Yes, that’s right, I’m going to live-blog the live-blogging of the Matty Fan Panel. My sources include Open Your Toys, TNI, Toyark and Twitter. My comments in brackets. Refresh to see what’s new.
DCUC:
- Retro action Green Lantern figures (Sinestro and Guy Gardner)
- DC Universe Darkseid and Kalibak 2-pack
- 12-pack of DCUC Proty accessory [No idea what Proty is, probably a typo –PG]
Ghostbusters
- Ghostbuster characters coming from both 1 and 2 AND the video game [Good, good…]
- Ghostbuster and MOTUC subscriptions will ship together [Well, yeah.]
- TRU: Ghostbusters 4-pack with Santa Hats (50% on, 50% off)
- Swappable heads coming […why?]
- Egon with PKE meter and stack of books (unslimed) [Good…]
- Peter with stream and GB logo stand (glow in the dark) [Good…]
- November – Winston with Slime Blower and tri-pod trap [Good…long time away, though…]
- January – Courtroom Peter with Nunzio (suit with pack) [Who’s Nunzio? One of those criminal ghosts?]
- May – Lewis Tully with swappable head with dog head [Hmmm. OK.]
- Marshmallow mess Ray (Ecto-1 club figure) [Well, that’s a bit disappointing, but a good incentive fig, I suppose, in that it’s not so good it extorts you to get the sub]
MOTUC
- [2-packs, Club Eternia info, stuff we already knew, blah blah blah]
- Roboto does have working gears
- $40 2-pack Troop builder guards with four swappable heads, four chest plates, other weapons [Awesome, but need pics…]
- LIVE PICS!
Harlan Rosen
@Thrawn: Agreed. The snake torso swap-in is a bit on the puny side. I kind of dig the bendy aspect of it since it makes it seem more "realistic," but by the same token I would like to have seen hinged jaws on the snake arms so that King Hiss could hold the accessories in either form.
It's still July. March 2011 is eight — well, really 7 months away at this point. Is there enough time for a change to be made to King Hiss before he goes to production? If there is, maybe enough reasonable and well-articulated commotion from the fan community will convince Mattel for a little bit more of a redesign. We've seen it happen on She-Ra, but all She-Ra needed changing was on the paint side of the fence.
However, the tooling might've already been cut, in which case our considerations are purely academic. :/
Thrawn
@ Harlan Rosen
Thanks for the classy response. I agree about the 200x toy figure. He had very little pose-ability and his snake form was terrible. The human portion looked great but no playability at all. I was disappointed in that toy version as well.
I've now seen many more pictures of the MOTUC King Hiss and his human form looks really awesome. I love the sculpting and colors on it. The face looks less goofy than the vintage one does too. I like it, a lot.
The snake form on the other hand is terrible. It looks very small and weak. I was desperately wanting the Four Horsemen to give us the definitive snake version of King Hiss and it looks like they really dropped the ball on this one. It really looks way too small. And "bendy" arms? Give me fully articulated ones.
I sincerely hope they are planning to do a 200x variant later in the line. Just give me an alternate 200x head and resculpt the snake torso completely.
They can lose the sandals and keep the boots though.
Thrawn
@ Harlan Rosen
“7. King Hiss is the greatest thing since Lactaid. I don’t quite understand the gripes about the vintage look — this is mostly a vintage-looking line, isn’t it? ”
Well in my case it isn’t a gripe so much as a stated preference. I always thought the masked vintage figure looked like the Hamburgler. Even so, he’s still one of my favorite vintage figures.
I just prefer the Egyptian look of the 200x figure. It just fits so well. Snakes have long been worshiped by ancient civilizations and the snakemen are one of the most ancient on Eternia. So as a design element it works for me.
I knew they’d go vintage with him, I was just really hoping for a 200x alt head.
Since they are bringing him out early next year, I hope they plan to do a 200x bonus figure later.
Either way he looks really cool and I can’t wait to add him to my collection.
Harlan Rosen
@Thrawn: That's true, you did state your preference. I was making a gross blanket statement toward others who might spew venom on this subject.
I totally respect your opinion and I agree with you, the 200X version of Mighty King Hiss (I keep wanting to call him Thoth-Amon or Thulsa Doom with Vikor on the way!!) was a really badass design. The Egyptian elements definitely made me feel as if the Snake Men Stellar Empire (SSSE? Why not!) was this Goa'uld-esque civilization that spanned the cosmos, influencing cultures that fell under its scaly, sandaled foot.
I gotta be honest, I'm in your camp on this one. Not only do I love vintage-styled King Hiss but I'm also hoping for a 200X-styled King Hiss later down the line. The 200X figure, while very excellently sculpted, lacked arm articulation in the man-disguise and as a fan of playability, that always screamed to me as needing a sibilant mulligan.
Harlan Rosen
I will chime in too, even though I have an obnoxious amount of comments as it is.
1. Roboto is aces across the board. I’m impressed they retained the moving gears gimmick, especially since they’ve been so adamant on no action features in the line. I think that the shared peg system for his hand swap-outs with Trap Jaw is a really smart idea. I can only hope the line retains level of universality. It not only lets Mattel re-use parts in different ways (and make new ones to give a whole new spin on existing parts) but it also lets the collector customize their figures however they like.
2. Buzz-Off’s inclusion is no surprise — the moment I saw Whiplash I knew Buzz-Off couldn’t be far behind. Mattel really likes getting that immediate ROI for new toolings. I love that they included his dorky bug-eye helmet from the vintage figure.
3. The Shadow Beast is okay and I’ll be picking it up because I love having various mega-sized beasties for He-Man to go up against. He isn’t super duper great in my opinion, but that’s just me!
4. Weapons Pak 2: Electric Boogaloo. Pleased as punch that they’re using it as a way to round out the accessories of previous figures (Faker, the Zoar that came with Teela, etc).
5. Bow isn’t just a great figure, he also might be that look into the future of the line in terms of joint engineering. I hope this means we’ll see a future set of He-Man and Skeletor that can hold a sword in the classic By-The-Power pose and staff/sword pointed forward to blast magic respectively. (I realize we’ve already got a ton of He-Men and Skeletor, but there’s always room for improvement!)
6. Battle-Armor Skeletor has greatly anticipated since Battle-Armor He-Man in January for me. The classic axe in purple is ace and I like that they’re doing that yellow-y face paint for a more Filmation look. Maybe one day we’ll get that Filmation head-sculpt. (It’s fun to dream).
7. King Hiss is the greatest thing since Lactaid. I don’t quite understand the gripes about the vintage look — this is mostly a vintage-looking line, isn’t it?
8. The Eternian Guards offer a lot of customization but also I feel a little cheated. These guys are going to have the right half of that orange armor plating, which is something I’ve wanted for Man-At-Arms (again, for that full circle match to Filmation) since he went on sale. I might end up getting two sets, just so I have a bunch of extra accessory fodder.
9. King Grayskull redeco is amazing! Glad I didn’t buy the original. I like the re-imagined Sword of He with the steely pommel and starry blue blade. Did anyone notice the Powers of Grayskull sticker on the packaging? Neato!
10. The DCUC/MOTUC two-packs are welcome news. Not only does this give me a chance to snag Hawkman and Stratos, two figures that I don’t have, but it also keeps refreshing MOTU on the toy-shelves. That’ll translate into new potential customers that’ll allow this line’s fanbase to grow and continue support going forward. I only wish Stratos came with a closed fist this time around! I really want to re-create that mini-comic look with Stratos carrying the Power Sword. 🙁
11. Vikor is without a doubt, the best damn plastic gewgaw I’ve owned in the past fifteen years. With Gygor coming out, I can recreate Conan vs. Thak, the Usurper of Nabonidus from the classic “Rogues in the House” and be the happiest guy around.
12. Pre-Eternia He-Man is okay. A bit surprised we’re getting another He-Man as the subscription exclusive. The cosmic key is what seals the deal for me. Maybe he can be some kind of bandit lord when he becomes part of my collection instead. Looks like he comes with an additional gun accessory, probably from the mini-comic (maybe the gun from Bionotops?).
PrfktTear
@MldMnrdReporter: I'm already trying to think about how I will light Vikor in my display… 😉
Okay, so I've had time to let things sink in and I have seen better pics, so I've got more thoughts!
•Roboto – I've said it twice already, but I'm super happy that he's got working gears. It looks like he's got newly tooled arms — not Trap Jaw's, very nice! It's also cool that they gave him a right hand!
•Buzz-Off – I thought they would have given him a 200x head, but I guess due to the mandate from TPTB that isn't the case. I'm not upset though, because I wouldn't have displayed it anyways, so it would have just been a waste. Interesting that they gave him a 200x based weapons though. The wings/back piece came out really nice, I like that they gave him some extra legs, (a la Webstor) that looks really nice.
•Eternian Guards – Although I had no reason to, I pretty much anticipated the first army builder 2-pack to be guards. I like how they used the BA He-Man armor to give them some variety. Also its nice that they've given us a little diversity too, Zodak has been the token black guy for far too long. I think these will be coming in at $30, which isn't bad, almost even worth picking up two… but even that might be overkill, though I'm sure tons of people will be buying up enough for a small army.
•DC/MOTU 2-packs – Interesting choices, but no big surprises here… Mer-Man and Aquaman was a given, and Hawkman and Stratos makes sense too. I think I can safely say that I can pass on both of these. That said, I am a little tempted by Mer-Man, but we'll see. I know a lot of people would rather them just be single released figures and resent having to buy a DCUC figure they already own or don't want, but I think the whole merging of the two lines is really cool.
•Shadowbeast – This looks great, nice use of the Gygor body, and I'm sure its not the last time we'll see it in use. If its part of the sub I'll be getting one regardless, but I think one will be enough for me.
•Weapons Pak – There's an interesting mixture here. The Faker axe and shield are totally worth it. I'm also happy about the Roboto parts painted for Trap Jaw. I was hoping they'd give us more attachments with Trap Jaw, so this is the chance to get it. I'm not as jazzed about the Mer-Man or Evil-Lyn parts. I'm not sure who to give the Optikk armor to though. We'll see I guess.
•Bow – Bow turned out EVEN BETTER than I thought he could. I'm happy they gave him two heads, I'm not sure which one I'll be partial to, but I think I'll be leaning towards the mustachioed head. He also appears to have hinged wrists a la Green Arrow, so thats very nice.
•Battle Armor Skeletor – They knocked this one out of the park. I thought I read somewhere that he won't have a sword, even though he's shown with one. I guess this remains to be seen. I never owned BA He-Man as a kid, but I did have BA Skelly, so I'll be glad to add him to my collection.
•King Hiss – I've read a few opinions where people are unhappy that its too vintage, but I'm really pleased with the way it came out. King Hiss was one of my favorite figures as a kid (heck, they were all my favorite) and I never really got attached to the 200x look. I don't know if it was the face or the helmet, but it just didn't do anything for me. The Snake body might not be super detailed, but I think it came out decent, too. Overall I think its a pretty great update! Also, I don't think its too soon to bring him into the fold. We've gone two years and will have had at least one entry from every faction, except the Snake Men. So if anything its just right as far as timing goes.
•King Grayskull re-issue – I missed the boat on the initial release, so I've been waiting a long time for this re-issue (though, I believe he's being billed as a quarterly) and I will most surely try to nab him, but I don't know how I feel about the furry cape. We've already got a number of figures with red capes, so that kind of turns me off. On the other hand, I'm not in love with him, and for the price he fetches on e-Bay, I can live with a red cape.
Tekwych
DCUC 12-pack LSH – 12 PACK – even counting one as a C&C and bring the rest down a bit to make up for the box set and we still have 150-180 for the set. And shipping will be fun as well – but this is a must have for me. And there have been 3 Proty's as pets / friends with the LSH. The first gave his life to save Saturn Girl and resurrect Lighting Lad. Think of the shapes they could give him. LLs mechanical are would be a nice pack in as well.
Demonicfirefly
King Hiss was the figure i was looking most forward to to see, and Im so disappointed. Really hoped they wouldve opted for the 200X version. Vikor/Conan is awesome though. Also the palace guards are sweet too.
FakeEyes22
Not in the sub??
Weak, I figured it would take the place of a beast. Unless its too large and costs more than $40, which could be interesting. Point Dread would be awesome! But, I fear underproduction issues on a new format that’s not in the sub.
Anyone notice Bow’s crotch? Sexy, huh? Seriously though, its a faux pants crotch, not a loincloth, and appears to be better implemented than Adora’s. Looks useful for a NA He-Man.
Nicholai
DC really is what has me excited, but the other two lines:
Ghostbusters: Far too many main Ghostbusters. Tully is the best they have. I'll pick up the courtroom Peter with Scoleri brother, and Lewis Tully. I may pick up the unslimed Peter. That's it. They overestimate my willingness to buy a ton of figures for the same four characters.
MOTUC: As I'm sticking with my nostalgia and youth I won't be getting the sub next year and will only be picking up: Vikor (not so much as MOTUC but as a kick ass barbarian) and King Hsss. I'll pass on the extras for the rest of this year too and will also trade away Chief Carnivus. Will keep Roboto, Grizzlor, and Buzz-Off for my display though.
Snarf! Snarf!
thoughts on the figs:
DC 2 packs: They're really cool looking but I'm not going to go out of my way to get them.
CE Exclusive: Another He-Man? Cosmic Key… Hopefully non-subbers can get one with Gwildor. Non Removable cloak and long tunic will make posing him a pain.
Palace Guard Two Packs: Whoa! Even with blurry pics these guys look like they'll rock!
Weapons pack 2: eeeh! Mostly underwhelming. Only like the two tone Adora Sword and the Faker Weapons. The Roboto weapons are interesting (Will they work on Trap Jaw?)
Merman gear? Why?
Whiplash's 200X weapon AGAIN!? Why isn't there a plain One Tone Silver Power Sword? Most likely a pass for me. (Might change my opinion in the future)
Now unto the standard figs:
Roboto: Looks OK on the blurry pic. Shame that we can't see him better. (Duck bill Vintage head… I can live with that. It would've been cool to have a 200X head though.)
Grizzlor: Cool except the real fur thing.
King Grayskull:
Is his sword translucent?
I might have to give the cape a wash… Too Santa… Orb… To the spare part bin…
Buzz Off: I hate him! Weeeelll just his 80s head. It's TOO goofy looking. a 200X head would've been wonderful for him. Might buy him only cause I need him in my Heroic Warriors team
Bow: Oh my GOD!! Bow really IS the BEST FIGURE FROM THE LINE UP revealed! He even has his 'stache!!
The dude from the frou frou girly line is so freaking awesome that he gets EXTRA JOINTS!!
Will his bow work?
Shadowbeast: Looks Filmationy… I kinda like it, but Bow is my top priority this Jan. Good thing that I'm skipping Gygor…
Vikor: I wasn't interested in him at first, but now I so want him!! (almost as much as I want Bow!)
BA Skeletor: and HE gets a Power Sword… Seriously? Poor Battle Armor He-Man… unless that's an axe… if it's an axe then I'm ok…
King Hsss: Triple Blegh!
I understand why there could be no ab crunch… Kinda looks like he has one, but I'm not certain…
What I can't understand is the underwhelming Snake body… They never do it right… Are those snakes even poseable? He was released waay too soon… Looks like one of Matty's Bargaining chip is out…