Chocalate Brown Mego Carrying Case?

[Action Martin]

The book was never called "Mego: World's Greatest Toys" so I'm not sure where you're getting your information.

There was NO artwork on Amazon originally, because they insist on publication prior to posting any artwork.

Ben, all that I am saying is that is the title of the mock-up cover that I saw on Amazon. I can't remember what the pic was but when I get home tonight I'll search AFI because I think it was even posted there. And I didn't mean you inadvertently cause the negativity. Amazon did or whoever placed that initial image on Amazon did. Amazon puts up pics of many different books and when the actual book is published/released, it is a different cover. Happens all the time with DC and Marvel collected editions.

[dumbldor]

I recall when Amazon first put your book on their site that there was a mock-up cover and the title was "Mego: World's Greatest Toys". If people pre-ordered it on that basis I could understand their negativity. Before I purchased your book from Amazon I asked here if your book included all of the 8" Megos, got my answer, and still ordered the book. I really liked it and take it out on a weekly basis to look up information. There are things in it that I don't care for and that's because I don't have interest in them, like the different blister cards and product code numbers. But that's me. I'm sure that 99.9% of the people that bought the book loved having that information. And maybe one day I will too. But I am a loose kind of guy.

Why in the world would you go on about the things in the book that weren't interesting to you? Your posts sound like backhanded compliments. Really NOT COOL. The great thing about World's Greatest Toys is that there is so much content and beauty that it appeals to every kind of Mego collector. Your focus could be narrowed to loose figures, costume variations, accessory changes, boxed figures, 1st issue cards, 2nd issue cards, foreign cards, vehicles, playsets, the evolution of the company, the culture within the company, product distribution, or even product code numbers, and there is something in the book for you, even if 95% of the rest of it isn't your primary interest at this particular point in time. There is so much depth and richness in each of these areas that it is well worth the paltry $29 it has been selling for recently on Ebay. Here's a little perspective for all you critics. When Bonavita's book first came out in the mid-1990s, it sold for $19.95. Adjusted for inflation, Benjamin's book is actually cheaper than Bonavita's book was about 12 years ago. No offense to John, his book was a big step forward at the time, but Benjamin's book has so much more to it that it would be silly to put them on the same level. If you collect Megos and you can't get $29 worth of enjoyment out of this book from just the fraction that interests you the most, then I'm not sure why you are here and you clearly should just keep your foolish opinions to yourself. You just make yourself look bad. Please.

[imp]

Say What?

I recall when Amazon first put your book on their site that there was a mock-up cover and the title was "Mego: World's Greatest Toys". If people pre-ordered it on that basis I could understand their negativity. Before I purchased your book from Amazon I asked here if your book included all of the 8" Megos, got my answer, and still ordered the book. I really liked it and take it out on a weekly basis to look up information. There are things in it that I don't care for and that's because I don't have interest in them, like the different blister cards and product code numbers. But that's me. I'm sure that 99.9% of the people that bought the book loved having that information. And maybe one day I will too. But I am a loose kind of guy.

I love how you're telling me what the title of my book used to be, not to mention implying that I inadvertently caused such 'negative' commentary and marketplace confusion.

The book was never called "Mego: World's Greatest Toys" so I'm not sure where you're getting your information.

The only change I made to the title was inverting the slogans to suit libraries and other database entries; it was originally entitled "World's Greatest Toys: Mego 8" Super-Heroes." Early on, however, I was encouraged (by an entirely different publisher than the one who ultimately published the book, no less) to change it to "Mego 8" Super-Heroes: World's Greatest Toys!" to ensure that the vital keywords "mego" and "super-heroes" always appear, even in truncated database outputs (e.g. library listings).

In other words, I changed the title to AVOID the marketplace confusion we're talking about.

Incidentally, Amazon didn't just randomly 'put' my book on their site. Amazon's book listing was formally submitted by my publisher's distributor, well after the title was finalized. There was NO artwork on Amazon originally, because they insist on publication prior to posting any artwork.

And since I did all the graphic design surrounding this book, I'm not sure what 'mock-up cover' you think you saw.

I do appreciate some of the other points in your post — and I'm glad you enjoy most of the book — but your facts are way off. Mostly, I'm just reading your post, thinking:



Benjamin

[Action Martin]

Some guy even posted a review on Amazon saying the only 'negative' about the book is that it only covers WGSH. Perhaps he didn't read the title of the book before purchasing it?

I recall when Amazon first put your book on their site that there was a mock-up cover and the title was "Mego: World's Greatest Toys". If people pre-ordered it on that basis I could understand their negativity. Before I purchased your book from Amazon I asked here if your book included all of the 8" Megos, got my answer, and still ordered the book. I really liked it and take it out on a weekly basis to look up information. There are things in it that I don't care for and that's because I don't have interest in them, like the different blister cards and product code numbers. But that's me. I'm sure that 99.9% of the people that bought the book loved having that information. And maybe one day I will too. But I am a loose kind of guy.

[hobub]

Hey,

I can't believe I totally missed this thread! I was at the meet checking out the a Berto's blue cases then I noticed Sean had a black one for sale. But I thought it looked different from mine. I picked mine up and said so those cases came in blue, black, and brown. I didn't quite understand the hype it got. I didn't realize that it was an odd color. I just picked this up last year at a flea market for like $3. the morning of Megomeet. Pretty cool. Mine Is indeed brown. This makes at least two. I'll take it back there tomorrow if anyone wants to see it.

[cjefferys]

Ben's book had to focus solely on the 8" WGSH, otherwise it couldn't have been nearly as detailed and obsessive as it is. And that's the whole point of the book. Besides, anyone who followed the book's progress has at least an inkling of how much time and effort it took Ben to put it together. Can you imagine how much it would have taken him to do a project that encompassed all the 8" lines??

Speaking of new books, I hope you are still working on that Jumbo Machinder book, Benjamin. (as much as I'd love to see another Mego book, I think I'd love to see this one even more)

[ScottA]

I actually don't think I've ever seen the brown carrying case.

I'd love to see more volumes on the other 8" lines but I am eternally grateful for the one we have. It is THE book to own.

[Dave Mc]

I'll admit, if Ben announced a sequel that was going to cover the other 8" lines, I wouldn't be upset. But the fact that his book doesn't cover anything outside WGSH doesn't take away from it in the least. Actually, if it did cover all lines and in the same detail it covers WGSH, it would be overwhelming and too damn heavy to carry.

[imp]

I appreciate the kind words of support. I couldn't suss what LivnXXXl meant by his last post either, but it did make me tilt my head like a dog hearing a can opener. Whatever. I know it's difficult to communicate on a message board, and I'm sure he wasn't harshing on me without even having seen the book.

It really cracks me up when people moan about how they wish the book covered 'all the Mego lines.'

I mean… really?

I personally don't think it would be possible to create a single book about all the Mego lines. Certainly not in the detail that World's Greatest Toys covered WGSH, for sure. It would require an entire series of books, much like an encyclopedia.

My original intention was to create three different books, covering only the most significant 8" lines, but I couldn't even hope to document all the other scales (3-3/4", 9", 12") and materials (die-cast, plush, Bend N' Flex, molded plastic) Mego produced.

When people grouse about this issue, I can only assume they are not taking the scope of Mego output into consideration. Some guy even posted a review on Amazon saying the only 'negative' about the book is that it only covers WGSH. Perhaps he didn't read the title of the book before purchasing it?

Anyway, my thanks to those who grok just how much work it was to create a book about WGSH alone, and appreciate it for what it is.

Benjamin

[Action Martin]

I don't think that livnxxxl was knocking Ben at all. I think he simply meant that maybe Ben's book will inspire someone to tackle a similar project about the other Mego 8" lines. Or all the praise that everyone has for Ben's book will persuade him into researching & writing a sequel.

Be honest, you all would love to see one, wouldn't you?

[chalwa]

Perhaps this may spark a new idea for a new book in the future?

Wow man. You really have no idea how much work went into Ben's book. I think he'd need 13 lives to face another book.
Check out his blog for an idea of what to expect and for goodness sake, buy the book! You won't regret. Promise. Not a price guide.
This is one of my favorite posts but check out as much as you can in the archive.
2008 February s Greatest Toys


bestest

[Wee67]

I cannot recommend the book highly enough. It is exhaustive concerning the WGSH. It is also, BTW, a celebration of these figures we hold so dear.World's Greatest Toys also gives you a real insight into the Mego corporation itself. In detailing the company's main line, you learn how decisons were made (or not made) and how that led to both the rise and fall of Mego. If you love Mego's, I can nopt urge you strongly enough that this book is worth ervy penny!

(I'm sure when Benjamin is willing to give up SEVERAL more years of his life, untold amounts of cash and hours and hours and hours of effort, he can easily put out a book on a second line )

[Hulk]

I guess its true, Ignorance truly is bliss.

[Lynn TXP 0369]

Just get the book already. You won't regred it.
Lynn

[livnxxxl]

Ben's book is not a price guide. It basically gives a history of each figure and packaging. It's a fine book and worth having but much of the information contained in it can be found in the Museum galleries and other sources. The only negative I have to say about it is just WGSH. I would love to see a companion book(s) with POTA, Star Trek, etc.

Thanks for the info. Yeah, I would like to have a book with all of the lines that you mentioned as well. Perhaps this may spark a new idea for a new book in the future? For now I will just continue to stick with the Museum as you indicated. As well as the vast knowledge of others here that are always more than willing to help when and if they can.