Batman 66 toys may be doomed to fail...

[kerowack]

I hope the 66 lines from Mattel succeed. However... how well and long it will last is a crap shoot IMO. While we are excited having grown up with the show either in it's original run or it's mass syndication runs, Outside of MeTV I don't know how well received the line will be by today's consumers. Will kids today who grew up on the Dark Knight care about the Campy Caped Crusader? Will mom or dad (or grandma / grandpa) be willing to plop down the cash for this item vs. the latest and greatest new thing? Will we get top flight quality from Mattel or are we to expect lack luster hunks of plastic?

This is not a kids line. The success of this line lies with the older crowd. I'm 35 and this is my absolute dream line. I have wanted this since I was a kid. I really wish these came out when I was five, but I'll be sure to purchase every one of these for the five year old trapped inside of me.

Don't worry about that kid btw. I keep him well fed and entertained....

[Earth 2 Chris]

I think some kids will still be into this, if the parents are willing to pay the $18 a pop price tag (which is the same as all 6" lines nowadays). Batman has also aired on the Hub, and that network's shows support several toy lines.

Chris

[MIB41]

I think Mattel fully intends for this line to be purchased by anyone in the action figure community. So that will consume both collectors and kids alike. Mattel has already demonstrated they have little interest in selling to just a niche market. They like to manufacture on a large scale and look for results based on that production. As a consumer, I hope the license is well received. But from a business perspective, I'm not sure how that will unfold. Making figures that have comedic poses and/or suggestions of humor is wading into very subjective waters. Anyone over 40 will likely "get it" and embrace it. But kids may find it laughable and not see the play value in owning something intended to be "funny". So we'll see. I'm waiting for the premium product to come out that best represents the show. Why not reproduce the cowl or the belt? There is so many iconic images from that show that deserve a well made product. This initial wave is fun looking, but an interesting blend of nostalgia and modern day marketing. It will be interesting to see if it works. And make no mistake. For those who love this product and are excited, I'm very supportive and wouldn't debate the merits of liking it. I'm just thinking outside the consumer angle because I would like to see alot more product than what has been offered to date. And no doubt that will come.

[madmarva]

The key to getting kids into it is getting the DVDs out and to get the show streaming on one of the various platforms. I know it can be seen in syndication in some places, but not Like it once was. The show has the nostalgia appeal, but I think it would be popular kids prior to their teens because of the action, colorful characters and fun.

[HardyGirl]

It would be cool if there were commercials for these characters on the TV stations that air Batman. It would also be nice if more of these figures were sold separately instead of in series. Especially since some of the sets have duplicate figures. Suppose you don't want Surfs Up Batman, but some of the other figures in the set. I know this is a moot point w/ me, since I may not be buying these. And it's not that I don't LOVE this line. But the truth is, I'm spoiled by this forum, and access to custom parts like Doc Mego or CTVT. I really prefer Mego-like figures to molded plastic figures at a comaprable price. I know I can probably find a Batman or Penguin head at some point here in the Marketplace. I can find bodies on Doc's on CTVT, along w/ boots, gloves, belts, etc. We know that Mego was influenced by the 60s series in syndication at that time, so to me, it's the same thing as having the 60s Batman show in Mego form (I know some of you may not agree w/ that but that's OK). I'd rather shell out the dollars for retro style figures, (either made by EMCE or Zica or the above mentioned retro style kitbash parts), than for the smaller painted plastic figures. But that's not to see that folks who don't have access to this forum and the online parts stores wouldn't love this line! That's why advertising on Me-TV and The Hub (and maybe some other retro networks as well) would be pretty cool. Parents could see the ads and that these figures are available. And kids do love the series as well, (when they're introduced to it). Time will tell.

[boynightwing]

You can order them through Diamond Select (Previews?) as well. You could get your case that way. The guy that owns the comic book store was showing them to me in the catalog.

[PNGwynne]

^Very interesting Craig...well, as long as small stores can get them through Diamond, I guess it'll be alright.

I'm pretty sure the shop I frequent in Canal Fulton can get them via Diamond--cases haven't been a problem in the past.

[enyawd72]

I'm pretty sure the shop I frequent in Canal Fulton can get them via Diamond--cases haven't been a problem in the past.

Is that the "Toys Time Forgot" ? I haven't been down there for years...what a great store. And the owner had an awesome Batman collection too as I recall.

[Teemu]

Is Diamond Select Soliciting the Batmobile too?? I heard the Batmobile is a Toys R Us Exclusive,though I have seen comic book stores taking pre-orders for the Batmobile vehicle? what gives?

[PNGwynne]

Is that the "Toys Time Forgot" ? I haven't been down there for years...what a great store. And the owner had an awesome Batman collection too as I recall.

Yes indeed, & yes...he does.

[boynightwing]

Yes I saw the Batmobile on the list in the catalog. It looks awesome. Very expensive though.

[GreenLantern9999]

I just want to weigh in here a second on the whole ordering through diamond thing, maybe my experiences aren't the norm but I want you all to be aware what the little guys go through. Now again maybe other folks had better dealings with them but here is how it would go from me when I carried the DCUC figures. The bottom line is it pretty much you pay as much if not a little more then you would for he figures at retail in a Walmart or Target and on top of that they normally arrived about a month after the toys hit the above mentioned retailers so then I had people coming in saying "hey, where is my order? I just saw these at Target for cheaper!" So all in all we got stuck with a bunch of inventory we had to ultimately take a loss on. But just keep that in mind when you think it is easy for the little guy because he can get stuff through diamond.

[PNGwynne]

^Good point--that expains some of my comic shop's pricing.

[enyawd72]

^ Yeah, that's why Mattel really should let whoever wants to order these do so. Putting such a high minimum order on them is pretty stupid. Why limit yourself like that? Not everybody has a Wal-Mart or Target nearby, and stuff is rarely easy to find there anyway.
Why Mattel wouldn't want to sell as many as they can is beyond me.

[PNGwynne]

^Don't try to second-guess Mattel lol--look at the shenanigans that was Retro-Action and MOTU Classics.