When will we see some Hanna Barbera prototypes?

[jeffbearco]

Taking Batman as a "for instance". I have a totally original Batman figure from Mego. I display it next to my Matel Batman figure still in original packaging. It is next to my FTC Batman/Bruce Wayne 2 pack. This is next to my FTC 66 Batman. I also have the First Appearance Batman that I painted for forehead black on. And there is still plenty of room next to it for the coming Neal Adams Batman that I still hope we will get sooner rather than later. I'm also waiting to see how the Super Friends Batman figure turns out.

I consider them all Mego/Mego-esque figures all worthy of being in my Mego Batman collection. They all show very valid different takes on the same character. And together they give a sense of history on the character and on Mego figures in general. I like them all and will continue to grow the collection as more figures catch my eye.

JeffBearCO

[huedell]

I understand what you're saying but the big takeaway I got from the Mattel years when Paul and Joe were offering prototype updates (plus fielding suggestions), is they could never get enough consensus on any ONE approach to satisfy everyone. It was during those days that I realized this hobby is more subjective than we tend to believe. Everyone has the ideal image of a Mego. Unfortunately they seldom find universal agreement. They're often as individual as the person. So as much as I would love to believe FTC could come here and get a collective thumbs up on what to do (or not do), ultimately I think it would not serve them well, since you would still leave many people unsatisfied (plus rejected) for not taking their ideas. Everyone wants to believe they have the majority opinion behind them. I believe in truth we probably all have a sparse crowd behind each one of us on that front. So all companies can do is create the best figure they can and hope it finds enough agreement to be profitable.

I agree there's a lot of validity to what you're saying---still, there are also pretty valid exceptions, and those more universal ideas are what I think has been missing from the FTC customer interaction equation.

Example: I think they would have blown EVERYONE away if they released that upcoming "Flash, Hal GL, Plastic Man, MM" wave off the bat instead of all this time into the venture.

There's so much "Don't like it...don't buy it" sentiment from the FTC flag-flyers, and instead of coming off with integrity, it comes off pretty pretentiously dismissive (as the actual FTC reps sit silent, hidden away).

As mentioned, there's always gonna be overly-derogatory stuff on the Net. My personal opinion is that it shouldn't be that hard to grow a thicker skin and to have better interaction with fans----and that includes FTC addressing the fans who NEVER say a derogatory word about FTC'swork---I'm not stupid enough to speak for them, but I WILL say that I can only imagine they feel they could use more interaction too.

[MIB41]

I agree there's a lot of validity to what you're saying---still, there are also pretty valid exceptions, and those more universal ideas are what I think has been missing from the FTC customer interaction equation.

Example: I think they would have blown EVERYONE away if they released that upcoming "Flash, Hal GL, Plastic Man, MM" wave off the bat instead of all this time into the venture.

There's so much "Don't like it...don't buy it" sentiment from the FTC flag-flyers, and instead of coming off with integrity, it comes off pretty pretentiously dismissive (as the actual FTC reps sit silent, hidden away).

As mentioned, there's always gonna be overly-derogatory stuff on the Net. My personal opinion is that it shouldn't be that hard to grow a thicker skin and to have better interaction with fans----and that includes FTC addressing the fans who NEVER say a derogatory word about FTC'swork---I'm not stupid enough to speak for them, but I WILL say that I can only imagine they feel they could use more interaction too.

I understand that thinking and I'm certainly not here to stand in opposition to that. But I will say the phrase, "Vote with your wallet" holds allot of merit. Because, at the end of the day, the bottom line is what motivates companies to continue making their product. So if someone is pleased (or displeased) with a product, the majority between those two opinions will ultimately determine where the line goes. I've lost count of how many times we've seen lines struggle where the makers come out and essentially say, " We need more support or the line will be cancelled." Too often those pleas yield little results and the line shuts down. Then we have other instances, such as Craig's case with Buck Rogers, where the community supports the line through every single stage of development. People celebrated every photo, praised Craig's heart-felt commitment and investment in the community to share the development of this line through every stage. And at every turn, people said. "Oh yeah! I'll buy that!" But you know what Huedell? When that line finally hit the streets, allot of folks didn't show up.

So I think in the ideal world, allot of what you and Scott have mentioned comes to the table from a very good place with the best of intentions to make a great Mego-style figure. But what history has shown is that when people embrace those ideas, they get short sold on the flip side of that expectation and don't get much return on that investment. So I think what allot of companies do these days is simply stay out of the highly volatile theater of discussing the product and utilize these outlets to get feedback (from afar) and promote the product they desire to make. I think every company reads the criticisms and praise, but ultimately what they sell tells them if what they're doing is right. Opinions are cheap. Money talks. And I think they absolutely listen. I think all companies listen. Paul and Zach made changes on their deluxe Marvel sets when concerns were raised and FTC continues to update their products and offer a slew of price points so everyone can partake. So it's always going to be a fluid situation where companies constantly make changes. But depending on where lines are at in production, dictate where improvements show up.

Personally I think we hurt our cause when we show little patience or understanding for the process. I've yet to meet a person who dared to invest in this market who was not a diehard fan and cared immensely for making a good product that everyone would want. It's just a very fickle business and expectations come from allot of attitudes that are often well meaning, but not always well expressed. If that's flag waving for the companies then so be it. But it's a very niche industry that doesn't stand on a very strong foundation. There's only a handful of people making this product and my hopes are they all stay in the game. Product development and enhancement will always be a constant in this hobby. So expressing praise, concerns, or even ideas for other approaches is a healthy way to advance that narrative. I just hope someday we can get away from personalizing any of that dissatisfaction towards the people who make these. I don't thing anything is gained by suggesting any of these folks are smug and don't care.

[Boywonder0]

"Vote with your wallet".

^^^Well stated!^^^

[jacoblb]

I'm just relaying information, didn't want to spark a pro/con debate. My goal is to get more "in process" shots but "reflex negativity" has been a major road block in this effort.

I've read much worse on Facebook (KISS fans seem particularly volatile at times) but some times the comments here have waaaaayyy too much vitriol attached for a freaking toy.

I totally agree with this. Shameful behavior sometimes from adults...over a toy.

[huedell]

I will say the phrase, "Vote with your wallet" holds allot of merit.

^^^Well stated!^^^

I disagree.

Now, MIB's post in it's entirety? THAT i can somewhat hang with. And, sincere appreciation for the extensive, well-thought post.

However, THIS mentality:

So if someone is pleased (or displeased) with a product, the majority between those two opinions will ultimately determine where the line goes.

...is emblematic of the flimsiness of the "wallet vote" strategy.

Let's say I am displeased with a lot of what FTC is doing yet I don't want to see the line die?

Where does it leave a person like me? And, I can assume I'm not the only one that feels this way.

The whole "Don't criticize... you should be grateful...yay, happy dance... golden Mego era...." just can't negate a huge sect of consumers who want to feel they can have a consumer feedback on the line(s) other than "not buying the stuff".

This attitude? It shortchanges everyone involved. It insults caring consumers with valid criticisms and it encourages the "analogous Stepford wife" sect of the collecting game to post the same dismissive phrases over and over again equivalent to: "I can't hear you. I can't hear you..." with fingers in ears, instead of realizing there's more to collecting than just collecting. It's a culture where customer interaction has been established as a norm. It's pretty obvious. Actually, I don't see what the big problem is for the "wallet vote" people.

Guess it's an aversion to anything remotely negative about something they love. Well---okay---but the "criticizers" love the stuff too... or they wouldn't be posting regarding it to begin with.



Personally I think we hurt our cause when we show little patience or understanding for the process. I've yet to meet a person who dared to invest in this market who was not a diehard fan and cared immensely for making a good product that everyone would want. It's just a very fickle business and expectations come from allot of attitudes that are often well meaning, but not always well expressed. If that's flag waving for the companies then so be it. But it's a very niche industry that doesn't stand on a very strong foundation. There's only a handful of people making this product and my hopes are they all stay in the game. Product development and enhancement will always be a constant in this hobby. So expressing praise, concerns, or even ideas for other approaches is a healthy way to advance that narrative. I just hope someday we can get away from personalizing any of that dissatisfaction towards the people who make these. I don't thing anything is gained by suggesting any of these folks are smug and don't care.[/QUOTE]

[PNGwynne]

People tend to fire off negativity without much thought these days.

I'll make no apologies about my (sometimes) criticism of FTC. I've mixed support with reasonable concerns--however subjective those concerns may be characterized.

Bottom line, I expect an improving learning curve from them regarding scale, adherence to a mostly Bronze-Age "Mego" aesthetic, and product matching the copy art they choose to use.

That said, I'm thrilled with about 90% of what they're putting out, and I do vote with my wallet

[MIB41]

The whole "Don't criticize... you should be grateful...yay, happy dance... golden Mego era...." just can't negate a huge sect of consumers who want to feel they can have a consumer feedback on the line(s) other than "not buying the stuff".

This attitude? It shortchanges everyone involved. It insults caring consumers with valid criticisms and it encourages the "analogous Stepford wife" sect of the collecting game to post the same dismissive phrases over and over again equivalent to: "I can't hear you. I can't hear you..." with fingers in ears, instead of realizing there's more to collecting than just collecting. It's a culture where customer interaction has been established as a norm. It's pretty obvious. Actually, I don't see what the big problem is for the "wallet vote" people.

Guess it's an aversion to anything remotely negative about something they love. Well---okay---but the "criticizers" love the stuff too... or they wouldn't be posting regarding it to begin with.

Just to clarify, I'm not suggesting blind loyalty to any company or any line of products. I'm not remotely against people who voice concerns and provide them in a constructive way. Many people do that and I think that's great (which I stated in my last post). I myself offered criticism on some of the figures offered in the First Appearance line over the Summer. But it wasn't like I needed to destroy the entire series over those perspectives. There are other lines I simply have no interest in as well, so I often don't involve myself in those discussions. I guess where I'm not clear (on your position) is this kind of feast or famine mentality to the process. Do I need to chop them down periodically to be considered objective? I guess I'm a little confused over your definition of caring. Because when I (or others) try to be constructive and say supportive things, you patronize those responses and then proceed to label those people as flag fliers. The end result is you come off looking like you're just jabbing at people for voicing something positive, which does not denote a tone of caring.

"Vote with your wallet" is the absolute truth in this business. If you find that line dismissive then I can't help you, because you're too busy trying to uncover some misplaced notion that someone is brushing you off for saying it. That runs much deeper than the topic at hand. And I think it's a divisive reasoning you bring here for suggesting people who enjoy a series of figures should be demeaned as simpletons for expressing that interest. I don't know anyone who buys EVERYTHING. Most people pick and choose from all companies. As I have said before, this is a hobby. HOPEFULLY most of what people have to say IS positive. Who wants to waste their time sitting in a forum listening to a bunch of old men grouse over a toy? What an utter waste of life. As I've said... Concerns, criticisms, and other reflections that indicate a desire for improvement are things I think most of us welcome and digest in a constructive way. But it's like anything in life... Its how you say it that resonates with people.

When I look over my shoulder at the book case behind me I see Megos, Bif Bang Pow, Castaway, FTC, Hot Toys, Ideal, ZICA, Round 2, Gabriel, Mattel, Kenner, and Side Show...just for STARTERS. I'm very much a collector by every definition I can apply to the modern day term in this hobby. I enjoy the Mego Museum and have been a fairly involved member for a long time because I like the people who run it and thoroughly enjoy all the various viewpoints this group brings on a variety of subjects. It's a great melting pot of intelligent and talented people sharing their love for all things related to this hobby. Debates, critiques, and product opinions are all part of that process. But I've got to tell you, I don't keep score on what people say to build the kind of perspective you carry on this subject. I'm all for people having their opinions. I only jump in occasionally when I feel I can offer a supportive perspective when certain aspects of a process are questioned. Ultimately it's an opinion and nothing more. I'm here to enjoy myself and celebrate this hobby. If that feels provocative or somehow disingenuous then I dare say I can't lend anymore perspective than what I've offered.

[enyawd72]

When I look over my shoulder at the book case behind me I see Megos, Bif Bang Pow, Castaway, FTC, Hot Toys, Ideal, ZICA, Round 2, Gabriel, Mattel, Kenner, and Side Show...just for STARTERS.

When I look over my shoulder, I see Grimace chasing me with a machete.

[Werewolf]

http://www.megomuseum.com/figures-to...anna-barberra/

Johnny Quest, Mighty Mightor, Blue Falcon and Dynomutt, and Space Ghost!

Any word on Thundarr the Barbarian?

[Boywonder0]

"Vote with your wallet" is the absolute truth in this business. If you find that line dismissive then I can't help you, because you're too busy trying to uncover some misplaced notion that someone is brushing you off for saying it. That runs much deeper than the topic at hand. And I think it's a divisive reasoning you bring here for suggesting people who enjoy a series of figures should be demeaned as simpletons for expressing that interest.

Masterfully stated!

[wise guy]

I always vote with my wallet when it comes to toy collecting that is why I don't buy a lot of the products such as Gilligan, Dukes, 3 stooges , Santa etc.
I try not to complain about products that I don't collect because others do like them. Neca 's Hateful eight look cool but no way I'm gonna spend 250.00
on those or most 12" figures, or playsets, but can't wait for Space Ghost

[jeffbearco]

I can't really afford not to vote with my wallet. I think that is how most of us are. If they throw out figures that we don't really want, or figures that just look odd, we can't afford to buy them in hopes that the next set of figures will be better. We buy the ones that we want individually or that we want for our collections. The rest turn into peg warmers or at best custom fodder. But at almost $30 a figure, there are easier ways to get pieces to make customs with.

Thankfully, there are a lot of great figures that are coming down the pipe now that I'm really looking forward to.

JeffBearCO

[bondtoddbond]

If they get Johnny Quest accomplished I will be able to rest again. Too long in the making for something figural from the original series. Cannot wait!

[Remco Monster]

I just really, REALLY hope they get the head sizes right. I will be extremely disappointing if Space Ghost and Blue Falcon have giant noggins. I have passed on more than one FTC figure because of this. Bizarro still stings. Always wanted a Mego Bizarro, but can't bring myself to buy him, he looks ridiculous.