FTC teases Harry Potter

[jayraytee]

Right now, I think this is the only real Potter stuff that will be out there, so there's no competition, and most of the figures we've seen previously have been slightly posable statues. I think the format has appeal just beyond Mego fans if they are done with the same mindset as the Batman '66 stuff, which is more like scaled down 12" high end figures of today than they are like classic Megos. An 8" Harry at 30 bucks may have some appeal to someone looking longingly at a Hot Toys Harry for a couple hundred.

This is a major coup, I think; the Potter celebration mentioned in that tweet shows that the property is still in a lot of folks minds (and it's not like the books aren't still out there for kids to read). Add in the aforementioned fact that there isn't much else from the property out there now, and this could be a real winner for FTC.

Yeah I am just not sure the Mego format has the potential to be mainstream popular anymore. I wish it did, and I can hope it might happen, but so far it's just a hope which is what I am saying in my original post. I mean the only reason Mego-like figures are being made anymore is for the Mego fanbase collectors like us. So far there is no vital market for the format outside of that bubble. Can a title like Harry Potter do it? Maybe, maybe not. I hope some chunk of the Potter fanbase likes the format.

[EmergencyIan]

Yeah, it is a big license that if done right (and distributed properly) could bring a ton of interest and money to FTC. Wish them the best with it.


- Ian

[justzeg18]

I'm kind of confused by so many of the negative responses here... Isn't Harry Potter at FTC the same as The Wizard of OZ at Mego?

[jeffbearco]

I keep thinking, "Maybe I'd get the big 3". But then I think, "If Dumbledore looks good I'd have to get him." And then, "Snape could be really cool!" "And Hagrid. If they do Hagrid I'd have to get him."

So much for not really interested. Rolls eyes skyward. Grumbles at my own lack of self control.

JeffBearCO

[madmarva]

It would seem that FTC is trying to diversify and broaden the base for whom they they create figures. Mego did this To great success for a while.

The first of three new films based in the Potter-verse is planned for 2016 and the Potter theme park in Florida is expanding and Rowling has released several vignettes over the last year based on her characters, so there is some things cooking.

FTC should think about approaching Rowling's publisher to teamup up for a package that includes a figure with a copy of the novels. 7 books with 7 characters. Might make an attractive gift for an 8 to 10 year old.

Sideshow is distributing a new line of 1/6th figures - Harry, Ron, Snape and Voldemort are available for preorder, but they are priced like Hot Toy figures.

[scott metzger]

I wasn't arguing that the 8 inch scale has to be religated to nostalgia. I was only commenting on the business strategy. Most Mego fans won't be interested because most Mego fans are fans because of nostalgia. (Not all, but most.) Most Potter fans might not be interested because of the 'nostalgic format.' So the only thing we can really hope for is to increase the format fanbase by hoping some Potter fans take interest. If they do, then great.

Right now, I think this is the only real Potter stuff that will be out there, so there's no competition, and most of the figures we've seen previously have been slightly posable statues. I think the format has appeal just beyond Mego fans if they are done with the same mindset as the Batman '66 stuff, which is more like scaled down 12" high end figures of today than they are like classic Megos. An 8" Harry at 30 bucks may have some appeal to someone looking longingly at a Hot Toys Harry for a couple hundred.

This is a major coup, I think; the Potter celebration mentioned in that tweet shows that the property is still in a lot of folks minds (and it's not like the books aren't still out there for kids to read). Add in the aforementioned fact that there isn't much else from the property out there now, and this could be a real winner for FTC.

[jayraytee]

What's wrong with that? New blood is needed.

I don't understand why 8-inch scale and mego-like figures have to be relegated to nostalgia.

The scale of the figures are perfect for children's hands. The interchangeable heads and clothing spark imagination and make them more valuable for play.

If the figures are made as well as 66 Batman, I think they would appeal to Potter fans of all ages at a price point more affordable than what 1/6 producers are offering.

We know from our own experiences with mego figures and some of us have seen with their children and grandchildren with remego figures that young kids will accept the format.

With Potter-children now reaching the age where some are beginning families, I hope this works well not just for FTC but for all mego collectors. The future of the hobby does rest in part on generating new mego-like and 8-inch scale figure fans.

I wasn't arguing that the 8 inch scale has to be religated to nostalgia. I was only commenting on the business strategy. Most Mego fans won't be interested because most Mego fans are fans because of nostalgia. (Not all, but most.) Most Potter fans might not be interested because of the 'nostalgic format.' So the only thing we can really hope for is to increase the format fanbase by hoping some Potter fans take interest. If they do, then great.

[Godzilla]

Wow, that is really huge. What a property to get int he Mego scale!

[jeffbearco]

I hope the figures do well. It comes at a time when the franchise is a little stale though.

I'm also interested in if they are based on the movies or the books.

Also interested in how many Potters they do. I hope they don't end up with 7 Potters, one for each book/school year. But I can still see at least 2, one from the beginning of the series when he is 10/11 and one for the end, when he is an adult.

Some characters would be very cool in Mego format though.

JeffBearCO

[madmarva]

Could not be more less interested. The only thing this has a potential to do is expose people that know nothing of Mego figures to the format.

What's wrong with that? New blood is needed.

I don't understand why 8-inch scale and mego-like figures have to be relegated to nostalgia.

The scale of the figures are perfect for children's hands. The interchangeable heads and clothing spark imagination and make them more valuable for play.

If the figures are made as well as 66 Batman, I think they would appeal to Potter fans of all ages at a price point more affordable than what 1/6 producers are offering.

We know from our own experiences with mego figures and some of us have seen with their children and grandchildren with remego figures that young kids will accept the format.

With Potter-children now reaching the age where some are beginning families, I hope this works well not just for FTC but for all mego collectors. The future of the hobby does rest in part on generating new mego-like and 8-inch scale figure fans.

[jimsmegos]

Seems like Re-Mego's would not be the wisest decision considering the core Harry Potter fan would have been far removed from the format and style during their youth. But then again if it's the only new licensed product on the market it may hit their nostalgia need just right and introduce them to the goodness that is the Mego style.

[rykerw1701]

Not figures I want, but my daughter would love them. I'd happily buy everyone they make for her. I agree, it exposes more people to the format which is a good thing

[PNGwynne]

Well, I loved the books & found the films enjoyable. But I have no intention of collecting Potter reMegos. I'll echo other members here in hoping it does very well and helps foster other lines and many accessories,

[powersthatbe]

i would have zilch interest in HP,but cool if they get the license which would most likely bring in loads of cash for ftc.

[invisiblelad]

No interest at all either, but if it makes money for FTC & they can keep making the DC stuff w/ improved quality, than I'm happy for anyone who is excited about the Mego format & Potter. Serious question, are they still making movies based on Potter anymore?

If the parts get put up for sale on CTVT for customizing, then that's great! If this venture takes away time from the FTC figures they are having success with, or worse tanks & costs them money that can affect the Mego repros/WGH & Batman 66, then I'll worry! But hopefully this will be benefitial for FTC, Potter fans & us as well!