Neca Superman Vs Muhammad Ali figure set

[warlock664]

Probably because there trying to make a buck off the Ali passing, pretty lame.

I doubt that's the case; I can't imagine they could've developed a prototype in that amount of time.

[Earth 2 Chris]

I'm not following your question.

Isn't it inherent in NECA's releasing of a Superman figure via a comicbook stylization format that "circumventing Mattel's hold" on (such a desirable property as) DC action figures by not doing it the traditional way is exactly what they did?

As we say around here..."Do WHAT?!?"

I didn't follow your follow-up, Hue. But what I was saying was essentially: Had NECA done a comic-based action figure that looked like it came from the DC Universe Classics line, Mattel would have raised a red flag, since they MAY have a lock on a traditional type of action figure like that. NECA MAY have circumvented it by creating this line-drawing-like version.

NECA's movie based DC figures in similar scale were originally released with DVDs to get around this issue. As was the video game colored Michael Keaton Batman. It's the same problem FTC has with producing a rolling Batmobile. Mattel has it locked up.

Again, I may be totally off base, but that's what I meant.

Chris

[huedell]

As we say around here..."Do WHAT?!?"

I didn't follow your follow-up, Hue. But what I was saying was essentially: Had NECA done a comic-based action figure that looked like it came from the DC Universe Classics line, Mattel would have raised a red flag, since they MAY have a lock on a traditional type of action figure like that. NECA MAY have circumvented it by creating this line-drawing-like version.

NECA's movie based DC figures in similar scale were originally released with DVDs to get around this issue. As was the video game colored Michael Keaton Batman. It's the same problem FTC has with producing a rolling Batmobile. Mattel has it locked up.

Again, I may be totally off base, but that's what I meant.

Okay, seems things are getting confused, so I'll try to get us on the same page.

When you say:

Had NECA done a comic-based action figure that looked like it came from the DC Universe Classics line, Mattel would have raised a red flag, since they MAY have a lock on a traditional type of action figure like that.

You used (and stressed) the word "MAY".

Now, I might be totally offbase myself---but isn't that an obvious "given"? Not a "MAY"?

I say this because it's been my perception that Mattel and no one else except DC's own figure manufacturing company DCC (formerly DCD) releases any similar scaled figures that aren't notably stylized in design and/or construction.

[huedell]

Probably because there trying to make a buck off the Ali passing, pretty lame.

Well, I like the figure set a LOT.

I also love Ali as a sports hero/cultural hero. I also love Superman as pop icon.

I don't see anything wrong with addressing supply/demand at the time of a celeb's passing.

That said: This wouldn't be the first time on these boards that I've disagreed with the ethics of corporations utilizing passed away celeb's likenesses.

[huedell]

Gotta agree with you in that. Adams' artwork is still one of the hallmarks of comic art, but to try and "translate" it into three dimensions, at least this way, just makes the figures look kinda cheap...

Kills me.

I think these "lines" that are bothering people (admittedly, what likely is the majority of NECA's target audience), are the deciding factor that makes these figures the pioneer in making the best tribute Neal Adams will ever get in action figure format.

I'm dumbfounded.

People are fine shelling out billions of dollars for "POP" figures and all matter of stylized superhero figures???

Yet here we have what could the best thing I've ever seen for superhero action figure collectors that are obsessed with "Bronze Age" art, and, apparently not a lot of people agree with my POV. And that will BURY any chance of anything similar being manufactured in the future.

Would've loved to have seen more key DC Bronze Age characters done in this format---as well as similar Marvel figures in the style of, say, someone like John Romita Sr., but it likely ain't happening. I can tell by the lack enthusiasm in this thread.

Oh well---buying a couple sets of these and customizing a Superman without boxing gloves is something to look forward to I suppose.

[Earth 2 Chris]

You used (and stressed) the word "MAY".

Now, I might be totally offbase myself---but isn't that an obvious "given"? Not a "MAY"?

I say this because it's been my perception that Mattel and no one else except DC's own figure manufacturing company DCC (formerly DCD) releases any similar scaled figures that aren't notably stylized in design and/or construction.

I use the word "MAY" because I don't work for Mattel or DC Comics. It's all hearsay, and I don't like spreading that as fact, unlike many, MANY people on the internet. I always like to qualify something I'm not certain about. Yes, many things we've read and seen over the years point to a pretty ironclad contract between DC and Mattel on certain scales, but again, I don't know this for sure.

It's a pet peeve of mine when folks throw around their own opinion as indisputable fact. So I try my best NOT to do that.

Chris

[huedell]

I use the word "MAY" because I don't work for Mattel or DC Comics. It's all hearsay, and I don't like spreading that as fact, unlike many, MANY people on the internet. I always like to qualify something I'm not certain about. Yes, many things we've read and seen over the years point to a pretty ironclad contract between DC and Mattel on certain scales, but again, I don't know this for sure.

It's a pet peeve of mine when folks throw around their own opinion as indisputable fact. So I try my best NOT to do that.

Chris

I agree with that sentiment... however, in cases like this, i'll "ride the line" based on what I'd term as (in the tone of your post) "indisputable precedence".

I mean, I may be wrong about something in this matter, but it's hard to see what that might be, as (as previously stated) it's been my perception that Mattel and no one else except DC's own figure manufacturing company DCC (formerly DCD) releases any similar scaled figures that aren't notably stylized in design and/or construction.

Add to that factor, that if this wasn't the case, you'd think NECA (and any other number of companies) would be releasing figures similar to DCUC or DC Icons or that multi-universe line of mattel's even.