Marvel's toy line just erased Black Widow from her own scene in 'Age of Ultron'

[libby 1957dog]

well it looks like dc and mattel have big plans for wonder woman if this statement is true ,

"This is the first time ever that fans will see Batman and Superman together in a theatrical event. And let's not forget the two new Batsuits, a new Batmobile, the Batwing, a new logo and Wonder Woman that all create really merchandisable elements for our partners," said Karen McTier, executive vice president, Warner Bros. Consumer Products. "We have had phenomenal success with each character in their own world, but now we are able to supercharge the opportunity based on the most universally recognized Super Heroes."

"Our comprehensive program will include Wonder Woman in the merchandise lines and in standalone products supporting the film," says McTier. "We have always had a robust line for Wonder Woman, and her role in this film and future films offers us more opportunities to feature her character and empowering attributes in many creative ways.


not that we will get to see them on the shelves in the uk ,pitiful amount of places that stock toys and figures close to me here in the north west of the uk ,not sure if its any better in other parts but its half a shelf in the supermarkets Asda tescos or unpopular lines and unsold overstock from the rest of the world in the "discount stores "B and M , home and bargains etc ,

[LordMudd]

She wasn't "erased". They chose to put more popular characters onto the bikes. There's a huge difference there. This narrative is all wrong. There's plenty of inexpensive mass market Black Widow toys on the shelves. Along with other female characters, like Scarlet Witch. They both appear in the 4 inch line, as well.

The 2 1/2 inch line is a budget line, riddled with inaccuracies across the board. This has a lot less to do with sexism and a lot more to do with what's going to make the most money. If toy companies think they can make more money putting the four main heroes out in mass, they will. Especially in a budget kids line, designed to move product fast. Next you're going to tell me that Superman doesn't need a helicopter and Spider-man doesn't ride an ATV?!

If anything, these articles just perpetuate a myth and give scalpers more reason to snatch up at the Black Widows in all the other lines, because of a false sense of scarcity. So it's actually more of a problem being created, than the issue at hand. Which is a shame. The actual girls and boys who want these toys, won't get them. Not because they aren't being made, but because grown men are battling over what's rare or not really rare. It's absurd.

It is nice to see scalpers get stuck with worthless figures. Some good karma for a change.

CCC.

[LordMudd]

Link does not work right. Opens the page with her pic and the first part of the title and freezes. I will have to remember never to go to that site.

CCC.

[kerowack]

She wasn't "erased". They chose to put more popular characters onto the bikes. There's a huge difference there. This narrative is all wrong. There's plenty of inexpensive mass market Black Widow toys on the shelves. Along with other female characters, like Scarlet Witch. They both appear in the 4 inch line, as well.

The 2 1/2 inch line is a budget line, riddled with inaccuracies across the board. This has a lot less to do with sexism and a lot more to do with what's going to make the most money. If toy companies think they can make more money putting the four main heroes out in mass, they will. Especially in a budget kids line, designed to move product fast. Next you're going to tell me that Superman doesn't need a helicopter and Spider-man doesn't ride an ATV?!

If anything, these articles just perpetuate a myth and give scalpers more reason to snatch up at the Black Widows in all the other lines, because of a false sense of scarcity. So it's actually more of a problem being created, than the issue at hand. Which is a shame. The actual girls and boys who want these toys, won't get them. Not because they aren't being made, but because grown men are battling over what's rare or not really rare. It's absurd.

Agreed. And for what it's worth, gi joe was also very good at featuring females and also in action figure form.

[4NDR01D]

I had three different Princess Leia figures as a kid.

The first action figure I bought with my own money was a 1982 straight armed Scarlet from the 3 3/4" G.I. Joe line.

[ODBJBG]

She wasn't "erased". They chose to put more popular characters onto the bikes. There's a huge difference there. This narrative is all wrong. There's plenty of inexpensive mass market Black Widow toys on the shelves. Along with other female characters, like Scarlet Witch. They both appear in the 4 inch line, as well.

The 2 1/2 inch line is a budget line, riddled with inaccuracies across the board. This has a lot less to do with sexism and a lot more to do with what's going to make the most money. If toy companies think they can make more money putting the four main heroes out in mass, they will. Especially in a budget kids line, designed to move product fast. Next you're going to tell me that Superman doesn't need a helicopter and Spider-man doesn't ride an ATV?!

If anything, these articles just perpetuate a myth and give scalpers more reason to snatch up at the Black Widows in all the other lines, because of a false sense of scarcity. So it's actually more of a problem being created, than the issue at hand. Which is a shame. The actual girls and boys who want these toys, won't get them. Not because they aren't being made, but because grown men are battling over what's rare or not really rare. It's absurd.

[Werewolf]

A quick check shows a pretty nice range of options.

I don't think you are quite getting it. No one has said there hasn't been BW merchandise over the years or there are no BW collectibles or exclusives for adults. Kids and parents are frustrated by no BW figures in the kid's line and that she was erased from her own scene in two toys aimed at kids.

Linking to adult collectibles like the $220 Hot Toys doll really isn't much help to kids and parents. No one is going to buy that for their five year old that just wants a BW figure to play with the other 2 1/2 inch figures in the Age of Ultron kid's line.

[MIB41]

A quick check shows a pretty nice range of options. Maybe she's popular and that's why they get picked up fast.

http://www.toysrus.com/product/index.jsp?productId=50703746&cp=&parentPage=search

http://www.bleachercreatures.com/marvel-avengers-black-widow-plush-10.html

http://www.sideshowtoy.com/collectibles/marvel-black-widow-hot-toys-902371/

http://www.entertainmentearth.com/prodinfo.asp?number=DC668502

[Werewolf]

My daughter would buy Black Widow merchandise if it were at normal retail.

Chris

That kind of dispels the false assumption that it's only grown men complaining. Adults have their exclusives, Marvel Select and Hot Toys. So, that's not the problem. The problem is kids can't find BW figures to play with the other Ultron toys in the kid's lines.

I don't see many Vision figures out there either.

Vision got a figure in Hasbro's Age of Utron 2 1/2 inch kid's toy line.

[MIB41]

Hot Toys has certainly recognized her through all of her changes, but it appears the character is pushed less in other markets where possibly it doesn't sell as well. I've seen her figure out there, so it's not like she's completely missing. But I wouldn't be so quick to assume this is a sexist issue so much as a financial one. I don't see many Vision figures out there either. I doubt it's because they have a bias against androids.

[Earth 2 Chris]

My daughter would buy Black Widow merchandise if it were at normal retail.

Chris

[phil]

Could there be a problem with the use of Scarlett Johansson's likeness?

[Godzilla]

Huh my friend's daughter, who is 10, was just complaining about the lack of Black Widow toys and pictures of her on Avengers clothing. Interesting that according to you my friend has to be a man since she's the mother of this girl.

[ODBJBG]

Yup. And the only people complaining about this are grown men. "It's for my daughter"... Okay. I've seen quite a few Black Widow figures recently. Is there one for every toy line? Perhaps not. But there's no shortage of BW figures as mentioned above. There definitely was a time, not even that long ago, where it was next to impossible to find female figures of any sort. And we as collectors, complained to the big toy companies and we were heard. There are more female character toys available for boys and girls now than probably any period in history. So for this bizarre Black Widow story to keep popping up, is just annoying. It's perpetuating a falsehood and putting a negative light on the actual progress that has been made in the toy aisles.

If anything there should be complaints about how there hasn't been a non mutant Karai in the new TMNT line, or how DC has virtually no female characters on major toy shelves. But Black Widow and Marvel in general? Very well represented.

[enyawd72]

There is an Age of Ultron Black Widow figure at TRU. It's in a two pack with Captain America. There's also a Marvel Select version coming out and a Hot Toys version. She had a brand new ML figure from Winter Soldier, as well as two different MU movie figures, and two animated versions from the cartoon...all in regular retail stores, to say nothing of all the various collector figures and comic versions available. Less than five minutes on Ebay and I found EIGHTEEN different Black Widow figures.

If people can't find her, they're not looking very hard.