Mattel WGSH backer cards

[DocDrako]

I know we've got time but I wanted to mention that I WANT EVERYBODY's pics of these when they arrive at TRU. Camera phones away, let's get a scrapbook going.

That is a great idea, I'm in!

I too, am in.

[palitoy]

If I had my nerdy little way, it would be boxed and then sealed in a protective case that is shaped like a Kresge card. Mattel did something similiar with their He-Man reissues about 8 years ago.

[rche]

boxed AND hanging on pegs is a fantastic retro idea; but don't get anyone started on faux aging the box.

[Spyweb007]

I think boxes would make a nice store display as well, it would be easy to put a flap with a punch out on top of the box so they could be displayed on pegs as well as on shelves.

[SciFiGuyLA]

^ True, true. However, the boxes could be taped closed. That's how Famous Covers and Signature Series were done.

[The Bat]

What about boxes?!? I dont see any mention of retro boxes for the figures. Just like the old personalized boxes where the figure can be removed and put back...no shelve wear needed. Heck none...or hardly any of my original boxes look worn anyway. Am I that old to not want them on the card?Mitch

They reason Mego stopped using Boxes, is they were too easy to open in the Store...and Kids would steal the Parts they were missing.

[rcbats1]

What about boxes?!? I dont see any mention of retro boxes for the figures. Just like the old personalized boxes where the figure can be removed and put back...no shelve wear needed. Heck none...or hardly any of my original boxes look worn anyway. Am I that old to not want them on the card?Mitch

[ctc]

>for this line to succeed, it most likely has to be marketed as a "collector line"

Hmmmm.... I don't know if I exactly agree. I'm betting this'll be the route taken, but I think you could actually sell them to kids, as toys to be played with. IF you can keep the costs down.

>I just can't see it capturing the hearts of today's kid to the extent it did ours.

I think it'd come down to playability and marketing. Kids like the characters, and if you can convince them of how much fun this scale is they'd go for it. And....

>Unless it's a parent nudging a toy decision

....THAT'S a key for toy sales. You're marketing them to parents as much as kids, 'cos kids don't really have any money. Dad's nostalgia can be a HUGE factor.

>the whole aged/retro thing does really well in the collector sectors I work in

Yeah; but for me that's kinda heartbreaking to hear. I'd SOOOO much rather see 'em as toys. But I guess that's where we're at. It's nice to see new figures. I'm not SURPRISED that someone made new figures, but it is nice that it happened.

Don C.

[Meule]

Personally, I prefer boxes as packaging, but I'll gladly buy carded figures as well, weathered or not. And I'm getting two: one to keep packaged and one to display loose

[warlock664]

Backer cards

Whew! I'm pretty astonished at how quickly things got heated regarding the backer cards for the new "Megos", which we have yet to even see !

I have to admit, when I read the "ignorant" post this morning (which has since disappeared, along with follow-up posts), I was initially pretty fired up, and had I had the time, I would have probably posted a heated rebuttal. In retrospect I'm glad I didn't, because it really wasn't worth a response. If someone thinks their opinion is more valuable based on them buying "6 of the same EMCE Trek figure", or because they once stocked shelves at KB Toys and Toys-R-Us, then there really isn't any point in arguing with them.

My feelings on the subject are:
First, for this line to succeed, it most likely has to be marketed as a "collector line", because I just can't see it capturing the hearts of today's kid to the extent it did ours. However much we WANT the WGSH phenomenon to repeat itself, it isn't going to happen to the degree it did in the 70's. Why? Because for the most part, today's kids know about these characters mainly from movies or cartoons, rather than from comic books. When I received my first WGSH figure in 1973, I had been reading comics for 3 years already, and had a familiarity with the characters. I would imagine many of us here could say the same thing, because comic books sold in the hundreds of thousands back then; today, they sell in the tens of thousands, and most of those to adult readers, not to little Johnny down the street. He's too obsessed with his wii or iPod or a dozen other entertainment devices to sit down and read a comic book. So the crossover appeal factor with comic books is mostly lost.

Second, as much as we all love these silly, clunky Megos, due mostly to their nostalgia factor, that appeal is lost on today's kids. If they want a Batman figure to play with, they're more likely to pick one up from one of Mattel's other DC lines, like DC Universe Classics or Infinite Heroes or Justice League, because in most cases the accuracy of sculpts and costumes in those lines is closer to what they've come to expect. I'm not saying there would be NO appeal from the WGSH to them, and I know several of us have already instilled a love of these figures into our youngsters, but in most cases, I'd say that's accurate. Unless it's a parent nudging a toy decision based on "hey, I had something like that when I was a youngster", I'd say most kids today would opt for the DCUC or DCIH figure, given the choice.

Third, from the vendors mentioned to this point, it seems Mattel considers this a collector line as well. Mattycollector ? Obviously aimed at the collector. The various "other online vendors" that were mentioned at the press conference? Probably a reference to sites mainly frequented by collectors, like Cornerstore Comics, BBTS, Amok Time and the like. Thus far, Toys-R-Us is really the only mass-appeal brick-and-mortar chain mentioned . Hopefully, these will be successful enough to make their way into Wal-Marts, Targets and the like eventually, but for now, it's definitely a "niche" item.

Given those factors, I can understand Mattel's reasoning with the "weathered" card effect. They are no doubt hoping this will make the figures stand out as a collectible; whether or not we all agree is a matter of personal taste, but I'm sure this wasn't a snap decision that was made. I know I won't make a decision to buy or not buy based on the card, and I doubt many of us will. My preference would be for window boxes, but I'll most likely pick up multiples regardless. Maybe the "weathered" card will add a prestige factor for the casual shopper.

But those are just my opinions, please don't read anything more into them than that. I hope the line is successful and long-lived, and that eventually we can get the Marvel heroes included!

[mego73]

I personally do not prefer that the packaging have a pre-weathered look to the art. I love for WGSH packaging to be bold, sharp and colorful. But it's not a big deal to me and when I see the actual packaging, I might like they way they pulled it off.

[GaryPlaysWithDolls]

Did I miss an annoucement? Where were they talking about the packaging? Is something actually for sale somewhere (preorder?)?

[SciFiGuyLA]

I suppose I would really prefer a OG Mego Style Box that can be opened and closed, as opposed to a card that will be damaged permanently if opened.

Ya know, the more I think about it the more I agree. OG Mego-style boxes would be my preference AND that would mean more compact packaging as compared to carded, either sealed or clam-shelled.

[Earth 2 Chris]

Oddly, I can imagine knocking over your children to get to the figures too!

My son will probably all beat us there. He's excited about these, and he's FAST!

Chris

[JDeRouen]

I can just imagine myself knocking small children over after seeing the WGSH out of the corner of my eye in TRU. Heck, I can imagine knocking MY children over to get to them!

Oddly, I can imagine knocking over your children to get to the figures too!