Mego Announces Atlas Comics Toy Line Plus Marvel Update!

[ODBJBG]

These look pretty cool in general.

[wise guy]

I like the Atlas figures but I might pass on them to make room for Marvel and DC megos. I had to get rid of the some Megos carded because they just sit in storage boxes and take up space

[hizzy]

Strange that this hasn't shown up on Bleeding Cool. The comics press needs to know!

[puckace]

Hands of the Dragon up for preorder at the Walmartcon. Looks like the other 3 go up tomorrow.

Not sure these are worth it to me at $30 with taxes for characters that I know nothing about.
If I spring for one, it'll probably be the Grim Ghost. That character looks better and more interesting than the rest.

[MRP]

So the full scope of the Walmart/Atlas revival has been announced at NYCC today.

Also Walmart and Atlas will be getting a lot of visibility as they are sponsoring the free wifi for attendees at the Javitt Center and signs for this highlighting their booth # and the Atlas logo are all over the convention enter.

https://www.comicsbeat.com/nycc-24-atlas-comics-are-back-believe-it-or-not/?fbclid=IwY2xjawF-BixleHRuA2FlbQIxMQABHcrkV1N_IBImhrmTAHHC2YWHK7g0BD rTcsLGVQHzZAntL9LCq1ZejjYfQA_aem_sNsz_8wl7Nc70YsqX bSJjg

wifi-nycc.jpg

Some highlights from the press releases...

“Walmart is excited to further enhance collectibles experiences in stores and online, connecting the comic book community with exclusive merchandise inspired by dynamic Atlas character designs for fans to fall in love with all over again,” said Frank Barbieri, vice president of content and digital at Walmart.

“Atlas/Seaboard has a treasure trove of fascinating characters and a deep history in the comic book world that we’re beyond excited to resurface,” said Paul. “The chance to carry on Martin Goodman’s legacy and share this experience at New York Comic Con is an honor for us all as we begin to inject our titles with new life for modern audiences.”

The lead title of the relaunch will be Devilina, “one of Atlas/Seaboard’s most popular characters.” As you might guess from the name, she has a devilish origin: the sister of Satan who must confront her demonic powers and banish her brother back to hell. A Devilina movie is in development.

Other titles to be relaunched: Phoenix, Grim Ghost, and Hands of the Dragon. And hopes are high.

“The dynamic characters and world-building behind Atlas/Seaboard dates back to the golden age of comics, crafted by some of the greatest creators of all time,” said Goodman. “We aim to honor their legacy and my grandfather’s vision to build a powerhouse source of content and innovation.”

“Having been an editor for major comic book publishers, it’s safe to say that it’s an absolute honor and thrilling moment to reintroduce Atlas/Seaboard to the world and to share this moment with fans at Comic-Con,” added Rovin. “The possibilities of what’s next for Atlas/Seaboard is exhilarating and something that I’ll be extremely proud to watch flourish for years to come.”

I addition to Marty, Jeff Rovin, Larry Hama, and others involved with the relaunch and Atlas in the past actor Jon Voight is said to be a big fan of the old Atlas line and will be appearing at the booth and events sponsored by Walmart/Atlas at the show including being a judge at a Best Devilina cosplay contest where a set of the 4 Mego figures will be among the prizes for the winner.

So this certainly goes beyond just a Mego line in the collectibles aisle, and while it is a niche line in the past, it's getting a decent marketing push. I'm not sure how many people will buy the new Atlas Comics, but being sold in Walmar will certainly put more eyes on it than any new issue of Marvel or DC sold in a comic shop and eyes on them in places where no comic shops exist.

It's certainly an ambitious launch. I'm skeptical how successful it will be, but I am willing to reserve judgment until it plays out.

And as the article opens with the idea of

“Why don’t they sell comics in Walmart? That would save comics.” is something you often hear bandied about in the comics hot stove league.

has been quite the common refrain among the community of comic fans when discussing the future of comics and the problems facing the industry in terms of a shrinking customer base and accessibility of comics for discovery by new readers and potential growth of new readers, so I am glad to see someone trying it on a scale like this. Again, while I am skeptical, I really am wishing that this is a big success and it puts lots of eyes and hands on comics and Megos that might not otherwise have ever considered buying them.

-M