Batman, Aquaman, Two-face, Black Manta

[AcroRay]

Well, I'm not a fan of any of the popular DC characters other than Batman (I'm more of a Marvel & indie guy), so I'm really happy to see him in wave 2. He's the one from this line I've been waiting for.

So I'm absolutely in for one Batman.

As for my 2-cents for the Doc's feedback files:

1 - I really like the costume and head/cowel design. Perfect retro-styling with 20-20 hindsight! (I'd love to see a Neal Adams Batman design or one like the current comic design, but I know that's not the style this particular iteration is intended to be. That would be a different product.)

2- I hope he's produced in a significantly larger quantity (like 3-1), because out of the four I expect he'll be the most popular by far due to general appeal.

3- I will probably swap out his body with a Cast-A-Way body, because I'm not preferential to the Mattel Retro-Action body applied to spandex costumed characters. It seems like a really great design, but the tight spandex stuff tends to accentuate some of the less-appealing articulation issues with the design (the thighs, hip articulation, etc). That's a body I'd probably use for characters with a different style of costume.

Otherwise, thanks to Doc and everyone involved. Dreams come true - which is what this Toy Fair is quickly proving to be for many in our generation.

[Megosaurus]

Absolutely Right!

Honestly I'll be glad when this line is over. No one can say a d*mn thing about any of these figures without someone's feelings getting hurt or someone crying "melodrama". Complaining about the critiques IS melodrama. If you want this line to succeed then you better listen to some of the things being said here. I showed that Batman prototype to my wife, kids and two of their friends spending the night last night (part of Mattel's market by-the-way) and they all gave Batman a unanimous thumbs down. They all liked Black Manta, big thumbs up on Two-Face, and a 'eh-okay' on Aquaman. It's not rocket science folks. If the Batman prototype was made by a close friend of the forum, hey I'm real sorry the returns aren't coming in favorably. But let's be objective about what is being said. If you knew the prototype would be rough looking then accept the criticism that goes with it...especially from collectors who are asked to pay for that "nostalgic" feeling. I poured out some nice cash to get wave one and there are some problems after my initial buzz wore off. Now I'm keen to the quality, or lack thereof, and justifiably more critical of what they do next. That's the market you guys are playing in. And companies like BBP that are competing for that money toasted this line yesterday. Laid it to waste. This is a business. I'm the customer. I don't need to be grateful about anything. I'm giving Mattel my money and telling those who have a voice (to the manufacturer) that improvements need to be made to get my money again. If that goes ignored or gets criticized, your giving the line a bad fibe from the very people you want to purchase the product. Your choice.

He is so absolutely right!!! Not that I think some poster will get your point. Bottom line:The Aquaman and Batman sculpts need a lot more work. They have poor detail even for generic face sculpt #1. Wave 1 needs to be ultimately revised. No consumer needs a rushed, unrefined product sitting on store shelves. We all could have waited another year....since the product has been already gone from shelves for 30 years or so! I really can't blame people being extremely disappointed that fans are involved with this line and it still has multiple issues that need to be addressed.

[EMCE Hammer]

I've never liked the RC/RM approach. It's damn near impossible to translate it from 2D to 3D and not have it look off. I give them props for trying to pull it off, but that is the nicest thing I can say about that Batman prototype. Aquaman is not a figure that's open to interpretation like Batman. The sculpt on that figure makes or breaks it, assuming that the basic elements of the costume are executed. I think Two-Face and Manta are dead on.

Here's my laundry list of concerns so far, taken from my observations as well as other
posts:

Design/quality of the body
Design/materials used for gloves
Design/materials used for boots
Sculpts for the heroes
Costume material prone to pulls

I honestly think some of the doom and gloom could have been averted if the same amount of effort had gone into the Batman and Aquaman prototypes as did Two-Face and Black Manta. The only debate should be about the sculpts. Read through all the posts, and see what the complaints are about Two-Face and Manta....virtually none. I concur with Anthony that one side of Two-Face's suit should have a little busier fabric, but that's not even a complaint. I don't think it's a coincidence that the two new figures with the best quality work are also the best-received.

[Gorn Captain]

This thread is way too long.
Can somebody give me a recap?
Do we like them, or don't we?

[blastphemey]

these arre lookin good to me.

[Gorn Captain]

A year ago we had nothing but rumours and hope, now look at the embarrassment of riches this toyfair has brought us, this is an incredible time, I find it hard to pick apart anything.

I've found the last 10 toy fairs boring and disappointing, I can't believe what today has brought.

Amen!
Let's just enjoy the plentiful bounty and pick what we like!!!

I want two Two-Faces! All four of them....

[palitoy]

...ok...from here on out everyone just agree that we love the Removable Cowl Batman factor and let it be made without a hitch. Then after he comes out we can all start hammering Mattel on wanting another...any ol' way you want him!

your name gives an obvious bias Mitch.

[Orion]

...ok...from here on out everyone just agree that we love the Removable Cowl Batman factor and let it be made without a hitch. Then after he comes out we can all start hammering Mattel on wanting another...any ol' way you want him!

I'm intrigued to see what the final Removable Cowl Batman will look like and count me in as wanting to grab Wave 2 in its entirety. Given the popularity of Batman, and assuming this line survives, I have to believe this will not be the last Batman figure we will see.

[Mikey]

Going back to the whining comment ...

I kind of whine myself sometimes (many times), but it's just a way of saying your piece.

These figures do not use

1. original sculpts
2. original suits
3. original bodies

The only thing that makes them Mego-like is they're 8"

I think they're more related to Flatts than Mego's.
They should be called re-Flatts

I really hope the line does well because I do kind of like them ...

I just don't think they're Mego like in any way.

[Riffster]

I might have missed it but is there a timetable for these? and buck rogers and the Super collector and Brick?

[Mike77]

I think Batman is awesome! Love the removable cowl. You're getting 2 figures in 1 with this feature. Doc, when Robin does come out, please let him have a removable mask also! This way we can have Dick Grayson and Bruce Wayne!

[Meule]

Not quite alone....I think Batman needs some SERIOUS work done to make him a truly great figure...like he should be. Right now the prototype looks like nothing more than a quick kitbash IMO.

You have complaints, and that's fine, so do many people here. Better to complain now than when it's too late. But The Bat is whining, he's ****ing all over Mattel in every thread in every forum. Just because he doesn't like Batman, which is merely a prototype, we haven't even seen the removable cowl yet. So his comments are totally undeserved. And just because you don't like one figure is no reason to break down the entire retro line

[bizzaro megomauler]

Now having seen a real close up...I HATE Batman & The Bruce Wayne Head Sculpts. This was suppose to be a dream come true. So why do I feel like I've been Prison raped.

Right now I feel I can't support this line. Mego is not back at all...it's still DEAD.

Back to Customizing.

I hate the Batman too. Just for the marx looking head. looks like they went all brave and the bold cartoon all over him. Hope that is a stand in for the real head.(Bruce head is great though)
BUT Black Manta is on par with Luthor for being exquisite! Aquaman ? missing fins on the back of the legs, but the rest is awesome! TWO FACE proves much work and influence has gone into the line. As for making them more megoesque? don't complain just swap the bodies, The cards aren't all that anyway.

[Werewolf]

Honestly I'll be glad when this line is over. No one can say a d*mn thing about any of these figures without someone's feelings getting hurt or someone crying "melodrama".

Complaints and constructive criticism is one thing. Someone comparing their personal disappointment with a doll to rape is beyond melodrama, it's offensive.

[bizzaro megomauler]

Joker has a following enough that he could support a weaker character release like say Robin, or Batgirl. Not that these characters suck, but if you give up the 2 big boys in one Batman shot, there is little reason for some to even justify getting the weaker character. Most Batman villains will stand on their own, so 2 face is a great choice.