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Whatever happened to Flattworld?

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  • Gorn Captain
    Invincible Ironing Man
    • Feb 28, 2008
    • 10549

    Whatever happened to Flattworld?

    I know I'm running a bit late, but I just bought the Flattworld Dracula. (thanks, George).

    And I must admit, I like it a lot. It's not perfect, but you get a heap of stuff for your $$, a cool coffin (that actually squeeks when you open it), and nice attention to detail on the outfit. Also lots of info on Lugosi, even though he's practically described as a saint, completely ignoring the addictions, crappy later movies, etc..

    I also have to admire the stamina of Charlee Flatt for getting this figure made. He was a forerunner.

    My question is? Whatever happened to the company? What's the story?
    One of our friends here must have all the juicy details...
    .
    .
    .
    "When things are at their darkest, it's a brave man that can kick back and party."
  • palitoy
    live. laugh. lisa needs braces
    • Jun 16, 2001
    • 59200

    #2
    First of all, while the company was named after Charlee, Flatt World was the brain child of Calvin Weaver.

    It's major problem was cost. It's hard to justify $69.95 for an 8" figure, pure and simple. Especially when the likes of Sideshow and other producing licensed 12" figures in high quality for much less.

    After opening with Dracula, they couldn't find the capital to release their other licences which were all pretty solid IMO. At the time, two other companies released Bela as Dracula figures, while not as nice, it lessened the impact FW had.

    I don't have much more detail than that, I went to see Charlee when FW was still operational and I'm trying to remember what he told me. At the time Charlee had an actual office/workshop in Florida.
    Places to find PlaidStallions online: https://linktr.ee/Plaidstallions

    Buy Toy-Ventures Magazine here:
    http://www.plaidstallions.com/reboot/shop

    Comment

    • Type3Toys
      Home Of The Type3 Body
      • Jan 18, 2005
      • 619

      #3
      I would imagine some of the high cost had to do with a smaller run than Sideshow does.
      There was also the initial cost of tooling a complete body that was probably figured into the cost. Still, the cost waas in the detail. I mean, this 8" figure even had socks!
      I would also guess the labor time(cost) for a 12" figure may be less due to the larger size making the suits easier to work with. Either way, Charlee told me what it cost per figure to have them made and it was a lot more then what CTVT sold figures for retail!
      Dracula was a fantastic figure and the body it was built on was years ahead of its time.
      Last edited by Type3Toys; Jun 26, '08, 11:10 AM.
      LOOK
      Action Figure Design & Prototypes
      For Samples See Home -Type 3 Body & Spiderman
      To Contact: type3toys@comcast.net

      Comment

      • megoscott
        Founding Partner
        • Nov 17, 2006
        • 8710

        #4
        Their Rocky Horror samples were amazing.

        Was there ever a final announcement from them? I just remember they kind of went silent and then vanished.
        This profile is no longer active.

        Comment

        • palitoy
          live. laugh. lisa needs braces
          • Jun 16, 2001
          • 59200

          #5
          It just sort of faded away as I recall.
          Places to find PlaidStallions online: https://linktr.ee/Plaidstallions

          Buy Toy-Ventures Magazine here:
          http://www.plaidstallions.com/reboot/shop

          Comment

          • jwyblejr
            galactic yo-yo
            • Apr 6, 2006
            • 11141

            #6
            It's a shame their Astro City line never got off the ground.

            Comment

            • BlackKnight
              The DarkSide Customizer
              • Apr 16, 2005
              • 14622

              #7
              I have the Uncle Sam Figure from the B Natural Toy Company.
              I love the figure,.. But was Dissapointed When no more figures were Made,. & Banderez's Zorro was a Possible future figure.
              ... The Original Knight ..., Often Imitated, However Never Duplicated. The 1st Knight in Customs.


              always trading for Hot Toys Figures .

              Comment

              • misterdroid
                Banned
                • Jan 10, 2008
                • 561

                #8
                I would assume high hopes were on the Bela selling well and giving them some financial standing. Bela apparently tanked and took the company with it.
                I recently bought a bunch of Dracula figs from the guy who manufactured them. Said Flattworld never paid him and now he's got a warehouse full o' Lugosi.
                At $10 they are a steal...

                Comment

                • Shanester
                  Rocket-Man
                  • Jun 22, 2001
                  • 6874

                  #9
                  $10?! Nice deal.

                  Comment

                  • megozilla13
                    Persistent Member
                    • May 10, 2002
                    • 1701

                    #10
                    Can you post a link or a contact, I'd like to get some.


                    mikej
                    WANTED: Removable Mask ROBIN on Kresge style card

                    Comment

                    • palitoy
                      live. laugh. lisa needs braces
                      • Jun 16, 2001
                      • 59200

                      #11
                      Flatt World Bela Lugosi as Dracula - New MIB! - eBay (item 250232793550 end time Apr-12-08 2125 PDT)

                      Might be this guy.
                      Places to find PlaidStallions online: https://linktr.ee/Plaidstallions

                      Buy Toy-Ventures Magazine here:
                      http://www.plaidstallions.com/reboot/shop

                      Comment

                      • misterdroid
                        Banned
                        • Jan 10, 2008
                        • 561

                        #12
                        Thats the guy. Last time I talked to him he said he'd prefer to move them by the case, 8 figs for $80 bucks without shipping.

                        Comment

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