You don’t often see customized versions of Dragon Man, but this week I saw two. Each uses the original figure with customized wings. One has also been given an improved paint job.
In AFP’s Border Patrol, we scour active eBay auctions for customized action figures that you won’t want to let slip by!
One of these days I will make it Power-Con, but in the meantime, I’m scouring the web for info for the latest from Mattel’s Masters of the Universe Classics line. Here’s what I’ve seen that Mattel has revealed:
Other points of interest: the Club Eternia subscription will re-open in a few days. I’ve seen info that says it will remain open through February of 2014, but I’ll wait for Mattel to confirm that. Mattel also hinted at a new accessory pack, this time containing alternate 200X heads, and asked fans to let them know which characters were most wanted. Apparently, they are thinking of a pack of six heads, of which Clawful is most likely a lock already.
Picture source: ActionFigureInsider.com – check out their Mattel gallery for a lot more pics, including the Castle Grayskull packaging and latest features.
A couple of weeks ago, I posed the question if Hasbro could revitalize the G.I. JOE brand by launching a new 6-inch action figure line. I reasoned that if the Star Wars team could make it work with the Black Series and the Marvel team could go the other way (from 6-inch to 4-inch) with Marvel Universe, then it could work for Joes too.
DC Total Heroes Superman (6-inch scale) and DC Comics Multiverse Deadshot (3.75-inch scale)
This past week I got my first look at Mattel’s attempt to breathe new life into their DC Comics license at retail with the DC Total Heroes and DC Comics Multiverse lines as pre-orders went live online. And good Grodd – I dislike them so much I want them to fail. Now I’m left wondering – are my feelings unfounded, making me a hypocrite? Why should I want to see this happen for G.I. JOE when I can’t stand Mattel’s attempt to do the same?
Continue reading “Soapbox Sunday: What’s Wrong with Mattel’s New DC Retail Lines?”
Here’s a wrap-up of Jedd’s STGCC coverage with an interview with Nathan Hamill, artist and toy designer, who coincidentally is one of Mark Hamill’s kids. He talks with Jedd about toys, art, comics, and, yes, a little bit about Star Wars.
Jedd: Welcome to Singapore!
Nathan: Thank you!
Are you having a good time so far?
Excellent. First time here and it’s stunning, it’s incredible. The weather was perfect yesterday; it’s great so far.
I had a look at your Twitter feed, really cool stuff. Beneath your handle, it says “I makes what I likes.” What do you think has been the most rewarding thing of living by that maxim?
Yeah, “I makes what I likes” is just… first of all, I think it’s funny because it’s using improper English, which makes me laugh. Like “I makes what I likes,” yeah… I try to keep it as simple as that. So yeah, my motto, “I makes what I likes,” at the end of the day it should come down to whether or not it’s something that you enjoy, not to be too convoluted about what your themes and what your concepts are. Yeah, that stuff is good and fine but I guess I’m trying to… you know, take things less seriously.
Continue reading “STGCC 2013: Interview with Nathan Hamill by Jedd”
For a month with the regular Club Eternia figure pushed out by a month (October will have Lord Dactus and Mantenna doubled up), it still feels like there’s a lot to buy. That’s because the Jet Sled vehicle, potentially the front half to a Battle Ram, is on sale with a pilot called Sky High. The Jet Sled and pilot cost $50, raising the question of why include another random figure. Sure, there were palace guards that rode the Jet Sleds during the original cartoon, but things really got exciting when Teela, Man-at-Arms, or He-Man jumped on one to go chase some Evil Warriors. I think Mattel missed out on a potential army builder vehicle here.
On the DC front,we’re coming down to the wire on Club Infinite Earths and Watchmen with Huntress and the Comedian. I’m still a little shocked that I’m going from three subs this year down to none in 2014, since I’ve decided to cherry-pick Masters of the Universe Classics (when Mattel offers day of sale) and DC was canceled.
Early Access starts Thursday at 8AM PST and will run for a day. Kudos to Mattel – even though their announcement makes no mention of it, the Jet Sled will be available, joining DCUC Poison Ivy and MOTUC Stratos. For convenience, here’s the link to Early Access. The regular sale starts on Monday at 9AM PST.