Venture Brothers on CLEARANCE at TRU???

[bizzaro megomauler]

Yup, saw a few today marked down to $14.99 each here on Long Island. with that red "Clearance" sticker and all. They had all of them too, unfortunatley STILL unemployed...:please_y:

[pmwasson]

I'll have to see if they have any Brocks left at my local TRU.

[enyawd72]

Yup, saw a few today marked down to $14.99 each here on Long Island. with that red "Clearance" sticker and all. They had all of them too, unfortunatley STILL unemployed...:please_y:

Honestly, I'm not surprised. I've never watched that show, and don't know anyone who watches it. I think it's popularity may have been overestimated. I'm not saying it's a bad show, since I've never seen it, I'm just completely indifferent towards it. I remember seeing it advertised and having no interest in it whatsoever.

[jimsmegos]

Honestly, I'm not surprised. I've never watched that show, and don't know anyone who watches it. I think it's popularity may have been overestimated.

I've never been much of a fan either but I'll bet ya the decision to make 'em came from the possible cross over audience from "Robot Chicken". That would make sense to me.

And even though I'm not a fan of the show I wouldn't mind picking these up on the cheap just to collect for the sake of collecting.

[Chris]

I got into the show because of the retro figures. It's really good. There are a bunch of toy references in it. I don't think the TRU is crowd is really the Venture Bros crowd.

[Mr.Krusher]

Just one MORE line that will soon be draining my bank account...
(I dont need them ALL mind you, but I'd like at least Monarch and Brock...:cool_y:)

Wow, between Twilight Zone, Monsters, Flash, and Trek, its getting very HARD for me to keep resisting these 'Re-Megos'! :please_y:

Wait - maybe I dont HAVE to resist ! - Would all of these heads fit on Mego Type-1 bodies, and is there a way to 'artificially add' that writhered old clothing/basement smell? :ape::smiley1:

[Earth 2 Chris]

I love the Venture Bros, although I haven't seen any of season 4 yet, thanks to adult swim's crappy scheduling.

The wife got me Rusty, Brock and #24 figures for Christmas. Now I need the rest!

Chis

[Hotfoot]

Never heard of the show until I saw the figures!

[Nostalgiabuff]

i was at TRU on Sunday and all they had was Brock but he was not on clearance

[Chris]

Just one MORE line that will soon be draining my bank account...
(I dont need them ALL mind you, but I'd like at least Monarch and Brock...:cool_y:)



The Monarch and the Henchmen are outstanding figures.

Walmart has Venture Bros season 1 dvd for $15. It takes a couple episodes to get into but the premise is: Johnny Quest at age 43.

[jwyblejr]

^With Doc Savage thrown in for good measure.

[TrueDave]

is there a way to 'artificially add' that writhered old clothing/basement smell? :ape::smiley1:

I have a friend. He has a basement. Cement leaks, piles of movie posters toys and Theatre standees . . . and mummified cats.

My buddy smells like Old withered basement every day. :bleh:

( Put em in a Shake and Bake bag with Gen Patch, Stinkor and Strawberry Shortcake and see what you get ! :skull:)

[CrimsonGhost]

The show is fantastic. I knew a lot of people who were into it before I was, but I started from the beginning and I'm hooked. The key is to start from the beginning.

The figures, imho, are also fantastic. However, the more typical of VB show fans were somewhat turned off by the Mego style and seem to feel a more NECA-esque style is preferable. I feel it's the same with the Ghostbusters. The kids that liked that show never had Megos.

[boynightwing]

Honestly, I'm not surprised. I've never watched that show, and don't know anyone who watches it. I think it's popularity may have been overestimated. I'm not saying it's a bad show, since I've never seen it, I'm just completely indifferent towards it. I remember seeing it advertised and having no interest in it whatsoever.


You should go watch it. It's awesome. It's in my top 10 very favorite shows.

[Audiorij]

However, the more typical of VB show fans were somewhat turned off by the Mego style and seem to feel a more NECA-esque style is preferable. I feel it's the same with the Ghostbusters. The kids that liked that show never had Megos.

I have wondered if that has been the case with a lot of the people either loving these EMCE type Mego figures or complaining about every little thing. I love them, I was about 5 when the original mego figures were on the market and I loved them, they were my favorite toy line of all time. So when I see these it brings back that same feeling. But people that never grew up with the original Mego line and instead grew up with Star Wars and Spawn figures might see these new Megos much differently.

In that sense, creating new Megos for an audience of a new cartoon might not work as well as creating them for something more retro in the first place.

[justzeg18]

they're 14.98 on toysrus.com right now too.

[bjack99]

Twilight Zone figures are also on sale for 14.99 at TRU.

[Chris]

Keep in mind if you get the figures from TRU.com they'll most likely arrive with some damage to the packaging.

[MIB41]

Never heard of the show until I saw the figures!

Same here. Surprising to see a TRU store marking down essentially new merchandise. It normally takes them 5 years to start discounting. :whistle:

[LOU]

However, the more typical of VB show fans were somewhat turned off by the Mego style and seem to feel a more NECA-esque style is preferable. I feel it's the same with the Ghostbusters. The kids that liked that show never had Megos.

In that sense, creating new Megos for an audience of a new cartoon might not work as well as creating them for something more retro in the first place.

Yeah, it goes back to the notion that a "Retro" line should stick with "retro" subject matter; a concept that's been debated here on the boards ad nauseum in recent weeks. These remarks above, however, are in line with my personal opinion that the line should keep the subject matter "retro." This is why I feel I still see those same 8 Ghostbusters hanging at our TRU. They're paying homage to a 70's toy line yet selecting modern characters to do so. By doing that you end up with, in my opinion, a conflict of interest. You have kids who may know the characters but don't get the look of the figures and pass on them (likely also because of price-point and because they look like "dolls.") Then on the flip side, there's folks like me who remember Mego (and are willing to pay $20 a figure for that reason) seeing characters offered that it's not neccessarily a given are universally known among our age group...so we pass on them. I hate not wanting to buy some of the new Mattel 8-inch offerings but I have absolutely no use for Lost Megos (I don't watch the show and couldn't name two characters on the series), Ghostbusters Megos, or Venture Brothers Megos (I never heard of the show either by the way.) None of these are representative of the Mego era, the "retro" era, in my opinion. So I'm at least one of the potential buyers of Mattel's Megoey offerings who's decided to pass on all these other non-Hero lines so far, obviously making me a tiny part of the reason why they are getting marked down. Sadly, I'm even forced to now start passing on some of the Super Heroes (like the 4 new GL exclusives)...essentially for the same reason...the characters conjure up absolutely nothing 1970's for me.

Of course there's valid arguments to be made on both sides of the debate but I can't help but feel my feelings on this are validated when I see threads like this one here about these Venture Brothers going on clearance already; or another thread about Lost being discontinued already, or the same 8 Ghostbusters hanging at my TRU that have been there for weeks. It's not shocking at all, at least to me. There's a good reason for these sales duds and discontinuations and my suspicion is it's because what I've said before, that these aforementioned licenses are not truly "retro" as a Mego aficionado might define the word. Further, the target audience for these figures was clearly never really identified before they were produced. So you wind up appealing to kids with the characater usage while the toy style turns them off, and appealing to 40-somethings with the toy styling while the character selections apparently turn them off, as evidenced by the suggested lack of popularity of the lines.
In a nutshell, Mattel is trying to sell new characters in an old-fashioned format and it's proving counter-productive with cancelled lines and marked down figures already. Kids are confused as to why there's "dolls" in the aisle, adults are confused as to what Lost has to do with retro anything; and confusion is not conducive to a parent plunking down $40 for a couple of action figures.

[boynightwing]

^ If you watch Venture Brothers you can see why they would make them in Mego style. There are numerous references to Mego figures in the show. Almost every event/storyline is a parody from something that was from the 60s, 70s, and 80s. One of the characters on the show made action figures of himself and his buddies out of Megos! I also hear the creators of the show are Mego fans/collectors themselves.

As for Ghostbusters, well I was born in 1976 and I had Megos. When I was 8 Ghostbusters came out and I had those toys as well. My brother was born in 1980 and he also had both and knew what they were. Ghostbusters isn't too new. As a kid I wished the Ghostbusters had come out in a Mego format. I wish they were at TRU in Canada so I could buy them now.

[CrimsonGhost]

Yeah, it goes back to the notion that a "Retro" line should stick with "retro" subject matter; a concept that's been debated here on the boards ad nauseum in recent weeks. These remarks above, however, are in line with my personal opinion that the line should keep the subject matter "retro." This is why I feel I still see those same 8 Ghostbusters hanging at our TRU. They're paying homage to a 70's toy line yet selecting modern characters to do so. By doing that you end up with, in my opinion, a conflict of interest. You have kids who may know the characters but don't get the look of the figures and pass on them (likely also because of price-point and because they look like "dolls.") Then on the flip side, there's folks like me who remember Mego (and are willing to pay $20 a figure for that reason) seeing characters offered that it's not neccessarily a given are universally known among our age group...so we pass on them. I hate not wanting to buy some of the new Mattel 8-inch offerings but I have absolutely no use for Lost Megos (I don't watch the show and couldn't name two characters on the series), Ghostbusters Megos, or
Venture Brothers Megos (I never heard of the show either by the way.) None
of these are representative of the Mego era, the "retro" era, in my opinion. So
I'm at least one of the potential buyers of Mattel's Megoey offerings who's
decided to pass on all these other non-Hero lines so far, obviously making me
a tiny part of the reason why they are getting marked down. Sadly, I'm even
forced to now start passing on some of the Super Heroes (like the 4 new GL
exclusives)...essentially for the same reason...the characters conjure up
absolutely nothing 1970's for me.

Of course there's valid arguments to be made on both sides of the debate but I can't help but feel my feelings on this are validated when I see threads like
this one here about these Venture Brothers going on clearance already; or
another thread about Lost being discontinued already, or the same 8
Ghostbusters hanging at my TRU that have been there for weeks. It's not
shocking at all, at least to me. There's a good reason for these sales duds and
discontinuations and my suspicion is it's because what I've said before, that
these aforementioned licenses are not truly "retro" as a Mego aficionado might
define the word. Further, the target audience for these figures was clearly
never really identified before they were produced. So you wind up appealing
to kids with the characater usage while the toy style turns them off, and
appealing to 40-somethings with the toy styling while the character selections
apparently turn them off, as evidenced by the suggested lack of popularity of
the lines.

In a nutshell, Mattel is trying to sell new characters in an old-fashioned format and it's proving counter-productive with cancelled lines and marked down
figures already. Kids are confused as to why there's "dolls" in the aisle, adults
are confused as to what Lost has to do with retro anything; and confusion is
not conducive to a parent plunking down $40 for a couple of action
figures.

It's hard to make that case when Twilight Zone has been marked down as well. You can't get more retro than that. And you can't point at it and say the quality is bad because it's not, in fact, those figures are great.

Mego collectors, AKA us, don't account for very many sales so it's necessary to try to get outside intrest going. The popularity of things like Twisted Mego Theater and Robot Chicken have probably helped. The hope is to get parents who remember Mego figures to buy them for the little kids, like age 6 or so. The younger the kid, the more likely they are to accept the style. Superheroes are the most likely candidate.

We're on the gravy train right now. Enjoy it while it lasts. :)

[LOU]

^ If you watch Venture Brothers you can see why they would make them in Mego style. There are numerous references to Mego figures in the show. Almost every event/storyline is a parody from something that was from the 60s, 70s, and 80s. One of the characters on the show made action figures of himself and his buddies out of Megos! I also hear the creators of the show are Mego fans/collectors themselves.

As for Ghostbusters, well I was born in 1976 and I had Megos. When I was 8 Ghostbusters came out and I had those toys as well. My brother was born in 1980 and he also had both and knew what they were. Ghostbusters isn't too new. As a kid I wished the Ghostbusters had come out in a Mego format. I wish they were at TRU in Canada so I could buy them now.

Well as I said, there's perfectly valid arguments on both sides of the issue but I am basing my remarks on the fact that the Venture Brothers are obviously not selling or they wouldn't be relegated to clearance items now. So there can't be that many people with your unique perspective. I realize that the Ghostbusters aren't quite as modern as Lost or VB, but in my opinion they are still too new to be rendered in Mego format. You don't have these in Canada? If you'd like, I'll keep an eye on the Ghostbusters figures at our TRU and grab them for you if and when they get marked down. I believe the 8 figures there is a full case although I don't know what the case packs are on the Ghostbusters Retros. Just let me know.

[MIB41]

You've got collector hands Lou. Been countin' Mego's all your life. :wink_y:

[LOU]

It's hard to make that case when Twilight Zone has been marked down as well.

Well yes, but this is almost the same problem in reverse. Twilight Zone was well before the Mego era. A kid today has no idea what Twilight Zone is and most Mego era kids weren't even born when it was on the air. Even still, the only two Twilight Zone figures I ever saw on the pegs at TRU (and yes, they were SUPER cool looking!) weren't there long. I think it would be in Mattel's best interest to focus on the DC license with the Retros. Aside from Luthor and Sinestro, the others are nearly impossible to find at retail. For most people Mego conjures up memories of the Super Heroes anyway and Super Heroes are universally known to kids as well. If they were to continue with figures outside the DC license I would say they should go for licenses like:

-Johnny Quest
-Scooby Doo
-Battlestar Galactica
-Six Million Dollar Man
-Star Trek (if you consider that Star Trek was still a phenomenon in the 70's because of the popular reruns)

Within the DC license they could branch out and do:

-8-inch "Superfriends Editions" of the characters
-Lynda Carter Wonder Woman
-Reeve Superman
-Ferrigno Hulk/Bixby Banner
-Zod, Ursa, and Non
-Hackman Lex Luthor (with removable velcro wig!)

I know EMCE did the Star Trek reissues awhile back but perhaps Mattel should make them so they are available in TRU. The above ideas are what I think would sell best as they are representative of the Mego era. Parents will have fond memories of these characters and I think that partnered with the Mego style would dramatically increase sales. I just don't think Lost and Venture Brothers are the kinds of licenses that are going to generate the intended sales Mattel seeks, as made obvious by the fact they're already on clearance.

[LOU]

You've got collector hands Lou. Been countin' Mego's all your life. :wink_y:

LOL! Yes but the count is never high enough for my liking my friend!

[CrimsonGhost]

Well yes, but this is almost the same problem in reverse. Twilight Zone was well before the Mego era. A kid today has no idea what Twilight Zone is and most Mego era kids weren't even born when it was on the air. Even still, the only two Twilight Zone figures I ever saw on the pegs at TRU (and yes, they were SUPER cool looking!) weren't there long. I think it would be in Mattel's best interest to focus on the DC license with the Retros. Aside from Luthor and Sinestro, the others are nearly impossible to find at retail. For most people Mego conjures up memories of the Super Heroes anyway and Super Heroes are universally known to kids as well. If they were to continue with figures outside the DC license I would say they should go for licenses like:

-Johnny Quest
-Scooby Doo
-Battlestar Galactica
-Six Million Dollar Man
-Star Trek (if you consider that Star Trek was still a phenomenon in the 70's
because of the popular reruns)

Within the DC license they could branch out and do:

-8-inch "Superfriends Editions" of the characters
-Lynda Carter Wonder Woman
-Reeve Superman
-Ferrigno Hulk/Bixby Banner
-Zod, Ursa, and Non
-Hackman Lex Luthor (with removable velcro wig!)

I know EMCE did the Star Trek reissues awhile back but perhaps Mattel should make them so they are available in TRU. The above ideas are what I think
would sell best as they are representative of the Mego era. Parents will have
fond memories of these characters and I think that partnered with the Mego
style would dramatically increase sales. I just don't think Lost and Venture
Brothers is the kind of license that's going to generate the intended sales
Mattel seeks, as made obvious by the fact they're already on
clearance.

Mattel is only making Superheroes and ghostbusters, the others, aside from Star Trek and universal monsters, are BBP, but that's beside the point....

Of your list, the only viable one is Scooby Doo. Kids don't know Johnny Quest, Battlestar or the rest. If you're trying to get beyond just collectors, then you have to find something the kids want and the parents want to buy. The parents may like Johnny Quest and Star Trek but the kids don't know it.

Your ideas are fine for the adult collector, but the kids aren't going to care.

[LOU]

Oh I wasn't aware that Mattel didn't make some of these Retros. In either case though, it's obvious gearing these towards kids isn't working. Besides, how many toy-buying kids are die-hard Lost fans? Apparently not many. A $20 action figure is clearly already geared towards collectors, the price-point alone screams that fact. If I was a kid and Mom said I could spend $20 in TRU, I wouldn't buy one figure. I'd get as much loot as I could. That's what kids do. They'd rather have 4 $5 items instead of one $20 one. So yeah, I guess that's the deciding factor regarding this debate, are the Retors geared towards kids or collectors? At $20 a pop, I think that's a no-brainer. That's why some of these lines are failing in my opinion. Again, I am only commenting on this based upon the subject of this thread, that Venture Brothers are on clearance already. There has to be a reason for that and my rationale here is a valid explanation.

[CrimsonGhost]

Oh I wasn't aware that Mattel didn't make some of these Retros. In either case though, it's obvious gearing these towards kids isn't working. Besides, how many toy-buying kids are die-hard Lost fans? Apparently not many. A $20 action figure is clearly already geared towards collectors, the price-point alone screams that fact. If I was a kid and Mom said I could spend $20 in TRU, I wouldn't buy one figure. I'd get as much loot as I could. That's what kids do. They'd rather have 4 $5 items instead of one $20 one. So yeah, I guess that's the deciding factor regarding this debate, are the Retors geared towards kids or collectors? At $20 a pop, I think that's a no-brainer. That's why some of these lines are failing in my opinion. Again, I am only commenting on this based upon the subject of this thread, that Venture Brothers are on clearance already. There has to be a reason for that and my rationale here is a valid explanation.

You are correct that most of the retro figures are geared toward the collector only. Certainly kids aren't interested in LOST. However, there aren't enough adult collectors to make it work based on collectors alone. So having said that, it's necessary to get the outsiders interested, and that is why having a mix of new and vintage licenses is important. Sure, kids aren't interested in LOST, but collectors probably wouldn't be interested in the Wiggles either. So this is why I feel the Superheroes bridge that gap and appeal to both. Perhaps Universal Monsters will too. I think Venture Brothers was a viable license because it could have brought in the Adult Swim crowd that watch Robot Chicken and VB.

[pmwasson]

Thanks for the heads-up. I picked up another Brock and Rusty.

[LOU]

You are correct that most of the retro figures are geared toward the collector only. Certainly kids aren't interested in LOST. However, there aren't enough adult collectors to make it work based on collectors alone. So having said that, it's necessary to get the outsiders interested, and that is why having a mix of new and vintage licenses is important. Sure, kids aren't interested in LOST, but collectors probably wouldn't be interested in the Wiggles either. So this is why I feel the Superheroes bridge that gap and appeal to both. Perhaps Universal Monsters will too. I think Venture Brothers was a viable license because it could have brought in the Adult Swim crowd that watch Robot Chicken and VB.

Well this supports my statement that Mattel should focus only on the Super Hero license then. By using your logic, Super Heroes seems to be the only license that caters equally to adult collectors and kids. The trouble is what happens in the aisle at TRU with Mom and child; Mom certainly isn't going to point out a $20 action figure to her kid, it would be something the kid would have to pick up and beg Mommy for. That's not going to happen with any of these lines they've manufactured except Super Heroes, it's just not going to happen...not with Lost, not with Venture Brothers, and likely not with any future "contemporary" line they produce. This is obvious based on the clearanced out and cancelled lines. Why else would sales be so sluggish if this weren't true? No one wants them...quite obviously. I'd be a DIE-HARD buying these up but the choices they've made, even within the Super Hero line now, for characters leaves me cold. So I have to pass. I'd easily spend a couple hundred more dollars on 8-inch figures...if I liked them. Sadly I don't like the characters they chose to make and although that is merely my opinion; it's clearly obvious there's many out there that share my view...otherwise the figures would've sold better. They are beautiful action figures in general, but you have to like the character you're buying too.

No matter which way this debate is dissected, it is always reduced to the lowest common denominator; and that's the fact that they are currently marked down and/or discontinued to begin with. They obviously didn't sell well and at the end of the day that's essentially a failed line. We could debate all day the reasons why but I am convinced it's because they were very poor choices for a Retro line. Again, that's just one man's mere opinion however. Maybe someone has some inside info that the lines are marked down to make room for a new series of VB or Lost figures, I doubt it, but it's possible. My gut tells me, however, that the lines are probably cancelled and it's not really a big shock to me.

[CrimsonGhost]

Well this supports my statement that Mattel should focus only on the Super Hero license then. By using your logic, Super Heroes seems to be the only license that caters equally to adult collectors and kids. The trouble is what happens in the aisle at TRU with Mom and child; Mom certainly isn't going to point out a $20 action figure to her kid, it would be something the kid would have to pick up and beg Mommy for. That's not going to happen with any of these lines they've manufactured except Super Heroes, it's just not going to happen...not with Lost, not with Venture Brothers, and likely not with any future "contemporary" line they produce. This is obvious based on the clearanced out and cancelled lines. Why else would sales be so sluggish if this weren't true? No one wants them...quite obviously. I'd be a DIE-HARD buying these up but the choices they've made, even within the Super Hero line now, for characters leaves me cold. So I have to pass. I'd easily spend a couple hundred more dollars on 8-inch figures...if I liked them. Sadly I don't like the characters they chose to make and although that is merely my opinion; it's
clearly obvious there's many out there that share my view...otherwise the figures would've sold better. They are beautiful action figures in general, but you have to like the character you're buying too.

No matter which way this debate is dissected, it is always reduced to the lowest common denominator; and that's the fact that they are currently marked down and/or discontinued to begin with. They obviously didn't sell well
and at the end of the day that's essentially a failed line. We could debate all day the reasons why but I am convinced it's because they were very poor choices for a Retro line. Again, that's just one man's mere opinion however. Maybe someone has some inside info that the lines are marked down to make
room for a new series of VB or Lost figures, I doubt it, but it's possible. My gut tells me, however, that the lines are probably cancelled and it's not really a big shock to me.

Mattel is only focusing on superheroes and Ghostbusters. Both lines have the ability to attract both kids and adults. (Maybe not the animated Ghostbusters however. Perhaps the movie ones would have worked better.) That is what Mattel is doing. They are marketing to everyone. Neither Superheores or GB has been marked down.

The other lines are either EMCE or BBP!. BBP! did Twilight Zone, Venture Brothers, Flash Gordon, LOST. All of these lines were geared towards collectors. TW and VB seem to be the only ones that went to TRU, perhaps as an experiment, but in an attempt to reach the masses. Their outlet for their figures are usually comic stores and specialty stores and online toy stores. I don't know that you can use what happens at TRU as a ruler for what BBP! is doing.

[MIB41]

I think the eight inch figure is no longer a novelty as it was a few years ago. If anything I believe we're reaching a saturation point where people have to pick and choose, because there are so many. And I do wholeheartedly believe the majority of these figures are produced and priced solely for the collector. Look no further than the Retro Action heroes. How long have these been out? 18 months? A little less? Well somewhere in that time span we have gotten 13 different characters (16 if you want to count the ones available right now from Wave 4). At $20.00 a pop (low-end price) that's $320.00 worth of figures in less than two years...not including tax. :please_y: That's a lot of product for one line in that amount of time. So that right there, tells you the market focus. And that's just this one line ALONE. You start adding in Flash Gordon, Lost, Universal Monsters, Buck Rogers, and so and so on. Well you get the picture. Your hitting nearly a grand by the time you buy them all. This is not kid friendly on any level. Their not pushing accessories, play sets, and adventure outfits. Companies are jumping in with limited quantities saying, "Get them while they last!" and hopping back out. That's the reason why you have such varied licenses. Can you imagine what that market will look like after Toy Fair?

[CrimsonGhost]

I think the eight inch figure is no longer a novelty as it was a few years ago. If anything I believe we're reaching a saturation point where people have to pick and choose, because there are so many. And I do wholeheartedly believe the majority of these figures are produced and priced solely for the collector. Look no further than the Retro Action heroes. How long have these been out? 18 months? A little less? Well somewhere in that time span we have gotten 13 different characters (16 if you want to count the ones available right now from Wave 4). At $20.00 a pop (low-end price) that's $320.00 worth of figures in less than two years...not including tax. :please_y: That's a lot of product for one line in that amount of time. So that right there, tells you the market focus. And that's just this one line ALONE. You start adding in Flash Gordon, Lost, Universal Monsters, Buck Rogers, and so and so on. Well you get the picture. Your hitting nearly a grand by the time you buy them all. This is not kid friendly on any level. Their not pushing accessories, play sets, and adventure outfits. Companies are jumping
in with limited quantities saying, "Get them while they last!" and hopping back out. That's the reason why you have such varied licenses. Can you imagine
what that market will look like after Toy Fair?

If that's truly the case, and these are only being bought by collectors, then yes, get 'em while they last!

[MIB41]

If that's truly the case, and these are only being bought by collectors, then yes, get 'em while they last!

Don't misunderstand me. Of course some kids will pick up this line just by the very nature of it's license. Their superheroes. But so are DC Direct figures that cost anywhere from $45.00 to $80.00. Kids might have a couple of those for special occasions too. But as a rule, the kids are the exception. Companies that push product for the kids, create multiple products to entice interest in that line while pricing it to stay within the parents budget. You see that with all of the movie merchandise. You get the cars, the special outfits, and special weapons kits. It's all designed to feed that line. One wave of four action figures costing anywhere from $80.00 to $100.00 does not holds a child's interest for any meaningful amount of time. But it does feed the appetite of a collector who has money to buy them at that price. In general I think toy companies are capitalizing on this idea that there is a key market share composed of 30 and 40 somethings that have money, who are starved for the eight inch action figure. So their pumping out as much licensed goods as they can to feed that interest and milk that previously untapped portion of the market place.

[Captain]

Rats! Now we'll never get these in Canada!!!!

[LOU]

And I do wholeheartedly believe the majority of these figures are produced and priced solely for the collector.

I agree 150% Tom! This should be obvious to people when one 8-inch action figure is priced at $20. I thought everyone knew this (that they weren't geared towards kids as much as adult collectors.)


I don't know that you can use what happens at TRU as a ruler for what BBP! is doing.

Well of course you can, it's a retail store and Mattel's, EMCE's, BPP's, or whomever's wares have been made available to the public right there in the aisle, the marketplace if you will. Trouble is no one wanted them or bought them and they got marked down. How is that not a "ruler" to measure the popularity of a line? I bet at even $14.99 they'll still be hanging there in a month. It's just not popular enough subject matter and there's quite obviously many more like me who don't even know what Venture Brothers is nevermind being enticed into dropping $20 on an action figure of them. They were just poor selections for a "retro" license and there's no way that seeing the figures clearanced out or discontinued, or both, isn't a sign of how well they are or aren't doing. Are you suggesting that folks strolling the aisles at TRU see the figures, love them, but then go buy them elsewhere? That's really the only scenario where you could say that TRU's sales figures for the characters would not be an accurate measurement of the line's popularity. Things get marked down and clearanced out when they are trying to get rid of them because they are not selling. That's all there is to it, they are clearly not selling and as I said previously, that's the lowest common denominator in this debate. They're just not selling and I believe it to be because the subject matter is not "retro" enough. Either that or it's an amazing coincidence that I said this same thing weeks ago and now we're suddenly finding out that the newer, non-retro licensed stuff is getting pushed out the doors already. So one more time for good measure...a retro toy should consist of retro licenses and that's it. I have seen no proof whatsoever that anything besides the Super Heroes are selling well, including the Ghostbutsers (as I said, the same 8 figures have been hanging on the pegs at our TRU for weeks now.) On the contrary I see announcements that the Lost line is discontinued; or Venture Brothers are on clearance, etc. What am I supposed to think? That they were good licenses to pick to make figures from? That's all I'm saying...that I am not surprised one bit to hear this type of news and to be quite frank, no one else should be surprised either.

[GreenLantern9999]

First off, I work at a Toys R Us, every time we get a case of ANY 8 inch format figure they sell within a week. We have had Venture Brothers, Twilight Zone, Ghostbusters and Universal Monsters, oddly not the Retro Action Heroes though. But the ones that do come in fly off the shelves! Now the problem with these lines is that Mattel wants the best of all worlds. They are making toy lines that they want kids to buy, but they are marking them with collector prices. Now I buy Retro Action figures fro my 4 year old nephew and he adores them. But if I bring him to the store with twenty bucks to spend he is going to choose a few 3 3/4 inch figures over one 8 inch every time. Ever since I lost my store I have to pick and choose when it comes to figure buying and I'm in the same boat. I wish I could collect every single 8 inch format figure out there but alas I can't. I do welcome any and all figures (Old and New) in the format but I am only 26 years old so maybe it's because I didn't get to grow up on Mego's and I am just happy I have a chance at some "ReMegos". So down to my point I believe these are one "clearance" (I don't call 5 bucks off clearance) is all due to the fact that the price is high for the kids market.

[LOU]

First off, I work at a Toys R Us, every time we get a case of ANY 8 inch format figure they sell within a week.

Well then you work at one hell of a busy TRU. I know for certain I could walk into any of the 3 near me here in MA and see plenty of 8-inchers hanging there...the same ones that have been there for weeks. If this is true, your store is clearly the exception and not the rule based on my personal observations at our local TRU's and the posts of others here from different areas.

[MIB41]

Well then you work at one hell of a busy TRU. I know for certain I could walk into any of the 3 near me here in MA and see plenty of 8-inchers hanging there...the same ones that have been there for weeks. If this is true, your store is clearly the exception and not the rule based on my personal observations at our local TRU's and the posts of others here from different areas.

Yeah, I agree. I have three in Louisville. One across the bridge in Indiana. And another big one in Florence, Ky that we visit every few months to shop. The distribution and similarity of product warming pegs is consistent. And keep in mind this is even after Christmas, when you think the Wave one line would have gotten swept up out of sheer default by shoppers looking for anything kid friendly. I would think anything made strictly for the kid market will be massed produced so they can FIND THEM. :wink: In Louisville, I have yet to find any figure outside of Wave One. Louisville and Florence are typically big markets for toys too, so the distribution of this line is anemic, to say the least. GL9999 also might be sitting in a hot collector market that buys these up. But his example is not the norm compared to what I've read from others all over the country who post here.

[hedrap]

Scooby-Doo is a great choice.

I don't think it's so much nostalgia-based as design suitability. VB never looked right as a Mego, because the Mego format has standard body types with interchangeable parts. VB has a distinct look and instead of adapting it to the Mego standard, they adapted the Mego to the VB design. Original Mego superheroes can stand next to knights, apes and cops and create a look of uniformity. VB's design, as well as the B/W decision on the TZ figures, puts them outside standard. It's simply being too clever by half.

[Astronut]

All this talk re: pricing and availability of the DC RA line made me want to post. I'm not someone who typically throws their hands up and quits. But I have to say, personally, I gave up on this line about two weeks ago. I purchased waves 1 and 2. I bought a few for my 6 year-old as well. He loves them. But I've had enough. Enough of the overpricing (my opinion), enough of the poor distribution/availability. I sold them all because quite honestly I grew tired of the Easter egg hunts at brick and mortar. And I got tired of being let down. I like to think that if a (major) retailer claims to carry a line of goods that it will provide - after many many months - a decent supply of said product. I was even willing to bite the bullet on price but I was still empty handed walking out of (yet another) TRU. Over and over. As they say, doing the same thing over and over and expecting a different result equals insanity. I'm not bitter I am just stating that I feel let down. This line was something I had been looking forward to for some 30 years and for me, it came up short. I must have gone to 5 different TRU stores, a couple of them a dozen times during the course of six months - and came across Wave 2 one time. And even then, only 3 of the 4 characters. Before someone says "buy online," my response is "thats not what I want to do." Nor is it what I *should* have to do since TRU claims to carry them. Not a good way - again, my opinion - for a company the size of Mattel, not to mention Toys R Us, to run business. So, not to be dramatic but I just wanted to put it out there. Unless this 1/2 *** situation improves I'm done getting excited about it. A lot of wasted energy as I see it.

[Lynn TXP 0369]

So could this be the sign of the end of the 8" re Mego era already if things are getting discounted this quickly?

Lynn

[puckace]

No discount at my TRU on any Retro Megos.

RAH: Multiple Lex and Sinestro on pegs.

Venture Bros: Brock x1 Monarch x2

Real Ghostbusters: Peter x2 Egon x1

Monsters: Wolfman x1

That's it. Plenty of room for more stock. Even RAH wave 3.

puckace

[rche]

Local TrU report from Austin TX as of the first week in Feb.

Mattell - couple of Lex and Sinestro figures - no other waves. Have 2 pegs reserved for them.

Diamond - no monsters in sight.

BBP - no VB left on the shelf. two pegs for them. one peg for TZ with a couple of dogeared figures - can't recall exactly which ones. no Lost figures and no pegspace for them.
also had a peg for the GB figures and only one figure there.

I did also note that the VB figures seemed to be selling over the holidays when I stopped by this same store on a few different shopping trips. Always seemed to be less or different figures on the pegs at that time.

I would side on the 8"ers selling fairly well in this area.

[LonnieFisher]

So could this be the sign of the end of the 8" re Mego era already if things are getting discounted this quickly?

Lynn

TRU doesn't like to discount stuff. I see stuff from the last Star Trek movie at full price that won't sell and hasn't moved any pieces for months. So I think it looks bad for the 8" figures to be discounted so soon.

[MIB41]

All this talk re: pricing and availability of the DC RA line made me want to post. I'm not someone who typically throws their hands up and quits. But I have to say, personally, I gave up on this line about two weeks ago. I purchased waves 1 and 2. I bought a few for my 6 year-old as well. He loves them. But I've had enough. Enough of the overpricing (my opinion), enough of the poor distribution/availability. I sold them all because quite honestly I grew tired of the Easter egg hunts at brick and mortar. And I got tired of being let down. I like to think that if a (major) retailer claims to carry a line of goods that it will provide - after many many months - a decent supply of said product. I was even willing to bite the bullet on price but I was still empty handed walking out of (yet another) TRU. Over and over. As they say, doing the same thing over and over and expecting a different result equals insanity. I'm not bitter I am just stating that I feel let down. This line was something I had been looking forward to for some 30 years and for me, it came up short. I must have gone to 5 different TRU stores, a couple of them a dozen times during the course of six months - and came across Wave 2 one time. And even then, only 3 of the 4 characters. Before someone says "buy online," my response is "thats not what I want to do." Nor is it what I *should* have to do since TRU claims to carry them. Not a good way - again, my opinion - for a company the size of Mattel, not to mention Toys R Us, to run business. So, not to be dramatic but I just wanted to put it out there. Unless this 1/2 *** situation improves I'm done getting excited about it. A lot of wasted energy as I see it.

Honestly? I think this whole line will eventually become an online exclusive. Unless the Meijer's gig takes off, I think that's where we're headed. TRU doesn't seem to be pushing the line much these days and I think that's why Mattel went looking for another vendor.

[hedrap]

Honestly? I think this whole line will eventually become an online exclusive. Unless the Meijer's gig takes off, I think that's where we're headed. TRU doesn't seem to be pushing the line much these days and I think that's why Mattel went looking for another vendor.

I'm with you. I have this feeling that the NYTF announcement is going to be just that. If it's wide online, fine. Amazon is my friend. BUT, if it's -

Join Matty + overpriced figure + limited quantity = I'm out.

Their is a price-point when we go from being a collector's community to a collection of marks.

[boynightwing]

If you'd like, I'll keep an eye on the Ghostbusters figures at our TRU and grab them for you if and when they get marked down. I believe the 8 figures there is a full case although I don't know what the case packs are on the Ghostbusters Retros. Just let me know.

That's very awesome of you! Thanks!

[ScottA]

Haven't been to ours in a while so I went today.

Same 3 Lex's and 2 Sinestros that have been there for months
No Monsters
No Venture Brothers (but tag said they were on sale)
Twilight Zone were on sale but ALL had very damaged cards, Had 5 left.
Finally saw Ghostbusters. 3 Peters, 1 Ray and 1 Egon. Sorry but I really like them.

[geoffdude]

Honestly? I think this whole line will eventually become an online exclusive. Unless the Meijer's gig takes off, I think that's where we're headed. TRU doesn't seem to be pushing the line much these days and I think that's why Mattel went looking for another vendor.

I don't understand this perspective at all. ???

What is TRU supposed to do to "push" these? And what does that mean exactly? Print ads? TV? Radio? Etc.? If so, that would be Mattel's area, not TRUs.

BTW... Venture Bros. figs are not really for "kids". I love the show, but the content is very adult. I would think teenagers might be a little bit interested, but VB are truly an adult collector's line as most kids younger than 12 wouldn't know the characters (for the most part).

Regards,

Geoff

[trekman101]

I agree that Venture Brothers and Twilight Zone are really for adult toy collectors....my son knows both shows and has interest in them both but doesn't want the figures......Retro action,Monsters,Flash Gordon,Ghost Busters that's a different story....he has interest in many of the figures
price point on all theses lines should be $14.99

[hedrap]

I don't understand this perspective at all. ???

What is TRU supposed to do to "push" these? And what does that mean exactly? Print ads? TV? Radio? Etc.? If so, that would be Mattel's area, not TRUs.

BTW... Venture Bros. figs are not really for "kids". I love the show, but the content is very adult. I would think teenagers might be a little bit interested, but VB are truly an adult collector's line as most kids younger than 12 wouldn't know the characters (for the most part).

Regards,

Geoff

If over the holidays, TRU marked down Wave 1 by five, or hell even ten, and added some Wave 2, that would be considered a push. Instead, they sat on W1, ditched W2 and went straight to W3 right after Christmas, which has to be the weakest time for toy sales.

The use of peg space shows no logic. If Luthor and Sinestro are clogging room, mark them down. It's apparently not as major an issue as they've shown with VB and TZ, unless it's something from Matty's end that's stopping it.

[geoffdude]

If over the holidays, TRU marked down Wave 1 by five, or hell even ten, and added some Wave 2, that would be considered a push. Instead, they sat on W1, ditched W2 and went straight to W3 right after Christmas, which has to be the weakest time for toy sales.

The use of peg space shows no logic. If Luthor and Sinestro are clogging room, mark them down. It's apparently not as major an issue as they've shown with VB and TZ, unless it's something from Matty's end that's stopping it.

That could help. I'm not sure though how TRU picks an item to mark down. Maybe the line is not being offered anymore, or it's been setting too long. ???

One thing though, as a whole TRU does not mark things down to just clear out stock. They'll hold on to old assortments for a LONG time... it's beyond actually figuring out I suppose.

Regards,

Geoff

[MIB41]

I don't understand this perspective at all. ???
What is TRU supposed to do to "push" these?


Well, call me crazy. But they could stock their stores with them...:please_y:

[geoffdude]

Well, call me crazy. But they could stock their stores with them...:please_y:

They can't if Mattel hasn't sent them, due to too many older, non-sold, figures peg warming in stores preventing a restock.

We've had this point counter point before, bottom line is TRU can only put out what they have, and only put out new stock if old stock has sold. TRU will not re-stock/re-order more of what they can't sell. ???? Why would any store do that?

Just stocking items is not a "push" BTW, a push would be something that brings pointed attention to an item or event.

Regards,

Geoff

[MIB41]

Just stocking items is not a "push" BTW, a push would be something that brings pointed attention to an item or event.

Regards,

Geoff

Actually it does. If TRU would push them to their outlets where there are not any (two stores here in Louisville with no figures) they would increase sales to those of us who would like to get them locally. Bottom line:If your product is suppose to be a TRU exclusive, you should make them available for purchase at all regional stores. Otherwise it becomes only an online exclusive. Make sense? :wink:

[Foolkiller]

The TRU at Franklin Mills Mall in NE Philadelphia got 1 case of Venture Brothers at X-Mas time, still has half of that same load and they're marked down to $14.99 as well. They had Twilight Zones which sold immediately and never got em back in. They have a few Ghostbusters and no superheroes; Wave 2 was the only assortment this store had and it was back in September

[geoffdude]

Actually it does. If TRU would push them to their outlets where there are not any (two stores here in Louisville with no figures) they would increase sales to those of us who would like to get them locally. Bottom line:If your product is suppose to be a TRU exclusive, you should make them available for purchase at all regional stores. Otherwise it becomes only an online exclusive. Make sense? :wink:

Exclusives are not always available at all of a chains stores. Walmart is THE perfect example of that.

I didn't know that TRU sill had the outlets open. I figured most closed already after xmas.

Regards,

Geoff

[MIB41]

Exclusives are not always available at all of a chains stores. Walmart is THE perfect example of that.

I didn't know that TRU sill had the outlets open. I figured most closed already after xmas.

Regards,

Geoff

Which leads right back to my original point. They seem to be moving towards being strictly an online exclusive...

[geoffdude]

Which leads right back to my original point. They seem to be moving towards being strictly an online exclusive...

Aren't they already that way to some extent? TRU has them online, as does AMAZON and other e-tailers.

I think our chat was/is based more on how you, or anyone, could fault TRU for any of the poor sales (or lack of "push") these figures are receiving. Which seems unfounded to me.

Regards,

Geoff

[Astronut]

I think our chat was/is based more on how you, or anyone, could fault TRU for any of the poor sales (or lack of "push") these figures are receiving. Which seems unfounded to me.


Oh I don't know. Maybe if they ordered sufficient quantities of the assortments and then stocked them on the peg hooks? That might be a good start. Whatever the case, the math is ugly. TRU + THIS LINE SO FAR = FAIL

[megomania]

Oh I don't know. Maybe if they ordered sufficient quantities of the assortments and then stocked them on the peg hooks? That might be a good start. Whatever the case, the math is ugly. TRU + THIS LINE SO FAR = FAIL

Yeah man, I tell ya what, man. That dang ol' Internet, man. You just go on there and point and click. Talk about W-W-dot-W-com. An' lotsa nekkid chicks on there, man. Click. Click. Click. Click. Click. It's real easy, man.

[Astronut]

Yeah man, I tell ya what, man. That dang ol' Internet, man. You just go on there and point and click. Talk about W-W-dot-W-com. An' lotsa nekkid chicks on there, man. Click. Click. Click. Click. Click. It's real easy, man.

I buy off the Internet all the time. I work in a tech lab. And I work with computers as a hobby. So really, you're not as funny as you seem to think you are. Ha-yuk!

[sprytel]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a3C_wLCZ18M

[jwyblejr]

Saw 2 Brocks,1 Dean and 1 Rusty.(After seeing Season 4's finale,I feel dirty every time I say 'Rusty Venture':embarassed: )

[geoffdude]

Oh I don't know. Maybe if they ordered sufficient quantities of the assortments and then stocked them on the peg hooks? That might be a good start. Whatever the case, the math is ugly. TRU + THIS LINE SO FAR = FAIL

No stores stock copious amounts of anything, especially toys, anymore. TRU is the same way. SALES trigger new product being stocked AND delivered. It's an action=reaction situation. I know I can't be the only one who gets this.

TRU does fine, well OK, with other toy lines BTW.. so your corrected formula should really be Mattel + X + Y = 0. (Where the constant is always "Mattel").

PS - I'm no big fan of TRU either for what it's worth. With Walmart, Target and K-Mart all cutting back on stocking, and selling, toys in general... TRU is in a prime spot to grab market share. But that will never happen until they open their eyes to the opportunity, and make some radical changes in how they currently do business.

Regards,

Geoff

[BATMAN89]

TRU SUCKS!!! I did buy my Batman there, but that was a long time ago.
He was the only one.
For a long time now they have had the same 5 Luthors and 9 Sinestros, and 5 of the Sinestros are ripped open ,and the yellow lanterns are missing. None of them are marked down either.

[Foolkiller]

I have a handful of friends that are huge Venture Brothers fans, a couple of them also like vintage Megos but they have no interest in these figures, or Ghostbusters (they did get a couple Twilight Zone and Monsters). Cartoony looking Mego style action figures just look wrong, that's my opinion anyway.
I passed on a couple TZ figures when they came out because the Devil's card was massacred and Jason Foster was misisng half an ear (!?!). Someone still bought them and that TRU never got another case in

[megomania]

I buy off the Internet all the time. I work in a tech lab. And I work with computers as a hobby. So really, you're not as funny as you seem to think you are. Ha-yuk!

Not trying to be funny...just trying to point out the absurdity of only wanting to buy these in the store.

I bought what I could find in the store and what I couldn't, I bought online. Maybe I am the exception...

[Foolkiller]

Not trying to be funny...just trying to point out the absurdity of only wanting to buy these in the store.

I bought what I could find in the store and what I couldn't, I bought online. Maybe I am the exception...

I want the blister card in mint condition as well as the figure so that means no missing accessories, figures on the wrong cards, broken pieces or 2 left hands, paint rubs, cracked chest logos or any of the various factory imperfections people have complained about.
Buying toys online sight unseen is like making at date on facebook with a friend you never met. Nobody knows how accurate the stock photo really is
(though I haven't seen the ones I'm getting from the comic shop yet, that's more of an "I give up" thing

[drthielegood]

Went to my local TRU today. Only had one Venture Bros left(Brock I think....I don't really know the show). Saw a few Sinestros and 1-2 each of the Ghostbusters (except Winston). Nothing was on sale. I saved money by not buying anything.


Bob

[Ovalprocess]

http://megomuseum.com/mmgallery/files/3/9/3/7/VentureBrosToysRUsClearance.JPG
Last one left at my local Toys R Us in Orange County, California.

[LOU]

So down to my point I believe these are one "clearance" (I don't call 5 bucks off clearance) is all due to the fact that the price is high for the kids market.

I take it the TRU you work at doesn't have the red "CLEARANCE" tab on the pegs then eh? Seems to me they consider $5 of clearance even though you don't my friend.:wink_y:
http://megomuseum.com/mmgallery/files/3/9/3/7/VentureBrosToysRUsClearance.JPG

Sure looks like clearance to me.

[jwyblejr]

Mine's not like that. You don't even realize they're $14.99 until you scan them.

[LOU]

My point is that the guy said he doesn't consider $5 off clearance when clearly it is. Although I just spied another thread where they have a boatload more of these coming out...which has me confused now. I don't get it.

[CrimsonGhost]

My point is that the guy said he doesn't consider $5 off clearance when clearly it is. Although I just spied another thread where they have a boatload more of these coming out...which has me confused now. I don't get it.

Because their online orders are strong enough. As I said earlier, you can't go by the sales at TRU because they have never had things in TRU before, only online orders and specialty stores. I doubt TRU was even in their original business plan. There's more Twilight Zone too, so it seems they aren't worried about that at TRU either.

[The Toyroom]

Saw one Rusty and one Monarch for $14.98 with a red tag clearance sticker yesterday....

[MegoNutt]

http://megomuseum.com/mmgallery/files/3/9/3/7/VentureBrosToysRUsClearance.JPG

yep spotted 2 of these today. i was so close to buying them!!

[Cosmicman]

I love the word clearance!!! These Venture Brothers have helped me supply many of my super heroes from Blue Beetle, Dr. Sivana,the Vulture to the Rhino and Absorbing man (Brock Samson body pix in my link below my profile)....they can keep getting cheaper and cheaper I don't care. The more parts and bodies for me to manipulate DC and Marvel characters out of.

[THE FALCON]

I would like to buy these guys but I don't bloody know who they are. A friend of mine is going to hook me up with seasons 1-3 of the show. I hope I like it.

[THE FALCON]

Well, I've been watching Season 1 so far and I am now officially a fan. I will be collecting these.

[DocDrako]

I was never a fan, but I had a friend that kept insisting that I watch it. After about 6 months, I borrowed their DVDs and watched a few episodes. I'm a huge fan of the show now.

The Monarch RuLeS!

:crazy:

I need to pick up the figures before it's too late.

[Cosmicman]

I think I have bought about two hundred dollars worth of them off the pegs at two Toys R Us Stores and a local comic shop. They did nothing for months on the pegs so I just said to heck with it and snatched them up.

Why? Because the Brock Samson body (with a sculpty beef job his lower legs) makes a great 8 inch muscle body and the others make great cannon fodder for parts.I made a cool Blue Beetle out of that Monarch but Brock Samson takes the cake.

I hope Dr. Mego comes out with that "big guy" body soon. I must have "beefed up" about fifteen of those Brock Samson bodies. Anybody need a black Brock Samson type shirt? :rotfl:

I have never seen the show Venture Brothers. I flew by it a couple of times when it was playing on TV with my daughter.

I have nothing against it. I just love Marvel/DC characters and I am always looking for ways to make more customs of them.

[THE FALCON]

The episode I just finished watching referenced The Joker Mobile and The Green Machine. I thought that was cool.

[Earth 2 Chris]

I think it's funny how when you change your avatar, it changes it on all your old posts retroactively too. So Falcon said:
I would like to buy these guys but I don't bloody know who they are.

...and his avatar is Dr. Girlfriend.

Glad you like it though!

I missed season 4 due to adult swim's crappy scheduling, but I'll catch up on DVD soon.

Chirs

[THE FALCON]

:heart: Yeah, I love this show now. :yes:

[Chris]

Well, I've been watching Season 1 so far and I am now officially a fan. I will be collecting these.

My experience was the same as yours. You have to start w/Season 1. Season 2 is better than 1 and Season 3 was better than 2. I'm picking up Season 4.1 this week.