1.) Zach asks: I’ve noticed a disheartening increase in the amount of Collect-N-Connect figure pieces stolen from the packages of DC Universe Classics figures. While their placement in the package (at the bottom, behind the name card) looks great, it makes it easier for thieves to steal them unnoticed. Would you consider laying out the packaging differently, with the C’n’C piece more prominently displayed, to hopefully help prevent theft?
In-store theft is something Mattel has very little control over. We actually did a lot of testing and fans greatly preferred the pieces packed below as to not have a “floating limb” near their figure for those who wanted to keep figures in package. While this is good feedback, we don’t have plans to reposition the C&C pieces at this time.
2.) Nicholai asks: Why the decision to go with a Batman Legacy sub-line when the Green Lantern sub-line did not pass two waves? Was GLC not meant to go on longer?
The Green Lantern Classics line was always only 2 waves. It was designed to get GL product out pre movie to excite collectors. It did not get canceled after two waves, it was only planned out to be a two wave Spring 2011 line until GL Movie Masters hit on May 1st!
3.) Muldertp asks: In February 2010 at ToyFair, Mattel displayed a Trixie action figure as part of the Toy Story assortment. As far as I know this figure has never been released (although I just recently found the similarly displayed Lotso and Big Baby in 2-packs at Toys R Us). What (if any are the plans to release this figure, as my son has been begging for this figure?
We have made and continue to make Trixie in the Buddy figure scale. We have not to date shared plans of making her in our 6″ scale, but 2012 could be a different story! Stay tuned!
4.) Motorthing asks: Removing articulation from your 3.75″ figures always draws a less positive reaction from collectors and usually foreshadows a poor response at retail as evidenced by DCIH and to some extent Avatar – could you not leave basic knee and elbow articulation on these sculpts as some of your direct competitors do?
Toy Guru jumping in on this one:
“I presume you are talking about our new GL basic figure assortment for the movie? These 3 ¾” are aimed at kids. Articulation was scaled down because according to our testing this feature is not as important to kids compared to putting more into things like accessories and including a ring for kids. When we do collector lines we do strive to add in articulation and detail (like with our GL Movie Master line!). At the end of the day not every toy Mattel makes can be aimed at collectors. In the case of GL basic figures, these are kid targeted figures. That is why you don’t see as much articulation on the 3 ¾” scale.”
5.) What are the approximate release dates for the initial Batman Legacy figures (late summer, early fall, etc.)?
Likely late summer or early fall. [D’oh…I walked right into that one. –PG]