Review > Dr. Fate (Classic variant) (DC Universe Classics)

May 18, 2009 | Poe

Like many of  DC Comics‘ most iconic characters, Doctor Fate was created during the Golden Age of comics way back in 1940, in More Fun Comics #55. He was somewhat unusual for the time in that his powers came from magic, not (largely misrepresented) science, and he wore a helmet that covered his entire face. After a moderately successful four-year run, Doctor Fate and his alter ego, Dr. Kent Nelson, faded into obscurity until they were revived in the 1960s for the occasional guest appearance with the Justice Society of America in the pages of Justice League of America.

For DC Universe Classics, the Four Horsemen created two variants. The first is the subject of this review–the classic Fate, depicted in the bright Golden Age yellow and blue, which he also sported in his Super Powers incarnation. There’s also a gold “Hector Hall” variant, which features a more detailed livery collar and gold paint on the collar and helmet, torso, and boots (though not the gloves or cape). I think the helmets are the same sculpt, but not owning the Fate variant, I’m not certain–feel free to let me know otherwise in the comments. (more…)

Ask Mattel for May 15

May 16, 2009 | Poe

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It’s been stated that Mattycollector.com’s goal is to have MOTUC figures on sale for about two weeks before they sell out. Given that so many people order as soon as they go on sale, is that a realistic goal? Obviously as long as they’re selling out in less than an hour they’re being under-produced, but some of us are becoming concerned that these early sell-outs will create a “bubble” for MOTUC speculation that will cause Mattel to over-produce the line and then, when sales lag for less popular characters, the line might be prematurely canceled. How is Mattel taking these issues into account?

We are increasing production of MOTUC figures and will also go back into production on the older figures who have sold out.

philipjreed asks: Approximately how many Mer-Men were shipped? Will the larger production runs bring down the price on future figures?

All of the Mer-Men produced were shipped, but we do not give out production numbers or future pricing.

It was hinted on the Mattycollector Facebook page that the black-and-gray Batman repaint in the Batman/Clayface two-pack would eventually be released without the “mud splatter” paint. Assuming this is true, would this figure be otherwise identical, or is there a chance we could get the much-desired modern Batman with the pouch belt and black bat symbol (like the Infinite Heroes version)?

That is yet to be revealed!

As of right now, what is the approximate in-stores date for DCUC Wave 9?

Mid-summer.

How soon can we expect to see some hints or preview pics of Battle Cat?

We’’ll have him at SDCC.

Odds ‘n Ends

May 11, 2009 | Poe

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  • Saw Star Trek over the weekend. Review to follow anon. Short version: loved it. I’m glad the figures aren’t that great, or I might be way too tempted to collect them.
  • CornerStoreComics and ETC will begin shipping DCUC8 this week. I’m very proud to say I never broke down and got any figures–not even a single Parademon–off eBay or anything.
  • I’m surprised no one has taken advantage of my Most Wanted feature. Send me those submissions, folks!
  • I’m also going to start making the interviews a weekly thing, interviewing collectors as well as industry types. If you’re interested in being interviewed (and showing off some pics of your collection), email me.
  • On a random note, why hasn’t DC incorporated Space Ghost and some of the other Hanna-Barbara characters into the DCU now that Warner Bros. owns the H-B library? Seems to me Space Ghost would be a perfect fit for their cosmic books, and they already did the Space Ghost miniseries. I’d love to see SG face off against, say, Despero. And Space Ghost has way more name recognition than, say, The Shield.
  • Remember, Friday is Zodac Day, and the following Monday the subscription plan will go on sale. I’m very curious to see how quickly Zodac sells out compared to Mer-Man.

DCUC Waves 10 and 11 rumors

May 8, 2009 | Poe

“Blue Canoe Stew”–whoever he is–has posted line-ups for DC Universe Classics waves 10 and 11 over on RTM. Take it all with a grain of salt, because I don’t know “Blue Canoe Stew” from Adam, and the only reason I’m even bothering to post this is because it vaguely matches up with what we know already and I think it might be a slow news day.

Over on the Fwoosh, poster “Marillion” has suggested that, as far as he knows, the BAF for Wave 10 was supposed to be Imperiex. Again, this is all hearsay and speculation, as far as I know.

For what it’s worth, Blue Canoe Stew also says Wave 10 is NOT the Walmart wave. Could it be true? Wave 11 might make more sense as the Walmart wave, as it contains less original tooling (John Stewart would just be a repaint with a new head, Cyborg Supes is just a straight repaint, and Shark, Katma Tui and Deadman would probably have few original parts as well).

Here are Blue Canoe Stew’s supposed Waves 10 & 11: (more…)

DCUC Poll Results

May 1, 2009 | Poe

Well, I managed to overshoot my goal of 300 voters by about 130, which is pretty damned awesome.

In any event, here’s how the poll results broke down. (more…)