Mattel WGSH backer cards

[jasonmego1277]

I don't care how them come , I just want them !

[AcroRay]

I have to agree - the 'weathered' card sounds foolish to me. If they want to go with a classic toy attachment, just use the classic card layout, fonts and illustration work. That'll catch the eye of parents and kids alike.

In fact, in these days of complex graphic layouts and insane, hand-slashing clamshells, actual buyers might be more appreciative of simplicity.

The pre-aged look simply says 'novelty', not 'quality toy'.

Even Palisades planned random 'retro' cardbacks for the Micronauts in each case, until the idea was nixed due to budget (in favor of more accessories per figure).

[60'schild]

Whatever they do is fine with me.

I think either retro style (aged) backer cards is fine or at the minimum, retro inspired (like what they are doing with the new MOTU classics line).

Either way, (as long as this new 8" Mattel line continues), is just fine with me!!

Go Mattel!!

[pmwasson]

I don't think there is any harm with people saying their preferences. I'm sure nothing is set in stone. I do believe Mattel has a wider perspective in marketing than a bunch of fanboys (and fangirls). Nobody is going to ignore constructive criticism, but we have to understand Mattel need to make a profit to continue the line. As for the packaging, it sounds pretty innovative to me. I think we should wait to see it before complaining. Who knows, they could even get some press out of "a toy company making new toys look old".

However, we should all do whatever we can to make this line successful. Give them away as Christmas presents to all the nieces and nephews! Donate them to toys for tots. Load up on figures for customizing. Speculate that 3 cases may be worth a lot in the future!

I want to line to go on and on and on ...

[Captain]

I think it would be very arrogant on our part to try and dictate what mattel or any other toy company should do.

Amen.

Paul and crew bucked the impossible...not just once, but three times now. Trek and Apes were cool, but this feat is nearly as difficult as landing a man on the moon via the use of a sweatsock and a couple of rubber bands. I see no point in nitpicking a miracle. The WGSH are back, and I'm gratefull.

[txteach]

I think it would be very arrogant on our part to try and dictate what mattel or any other toy company should do.

[boss]

Whatever they do is fine with me.

[60'schild]

Well said, Megocrazy!

I would love to see Mattel utilize its newly designed body for other properties. Hmm .. aside from DC superheroes, Mattel currently has the rights to He Man. It also can easily do something with Major Matt Mason (with cloth suits!), and Max Steel (a few Adventure Team or High tech spy candidate??) off the top of my head...

Possibilities .... The 2nd Age of Mego continues !! LOL !

[rche]

Tho I don't feel as strongly about it, I do agree with Lonnie and Ben about the pre-aged cardback design.

I understand the philosophy about selling a retro item and trying to appeal in that general vein, but don't really see a benefit in making something look preused and faded. I would prefer to see bold and eyepopping cards that compliment the simple color schemes used in the figures' costumes. I think that gives me the 'innocent' mego feel and places the cards and items in historical context.

I don't really see this as a complaint, either. I think we have a golden opportunity here to voice some thoughts and opinions about a line that is dear to us. Not everyone will be pleased 100% with anything, but that does not mean one has to sit quietly and let things lay. Hasbro has a very good relationship with the Rebelscum toysite and fans there chime in on decisions regarding character selection amongst other things. That is healthy for the toyline and can help to keep pegwarmers to a minimum. I am sure Mattel wants these to sell, and we are the target audience.

True negativity would be waiting for the line to come out and THEN bashing it rather than offering constructive criticism as the design progresses.

That being said, the cardback design will be a small factor in my purchasing decisions. These will be opened and played with by my kids. I couldn't ask for better timing as they are in the prime of exploring their massively active imaginations and they are facinated by papas toys. This is an unbeatable bonding/play experience and I am looking forward to it no matter what it is wrapped in.

[megocrazy]

Maybe someone wise on these matters can explain why several people are already complaining about the NEW line.

It's simple. You will never please everyone. Somebody will always complain about something. If they went back in time to 1970 they would be writing Mego and complaining about the proposed WGSH figures they now have in their collection. There are something like 500-600 active members here. To think Mattel is going to change an idea developed by their marketing department because a couple of hundred people say so is ludicrous. I'm not saying they don't consider collector input but to think they would change the line concept at this point based on what is probably no more than 10% of the initial run at best is simply ridiculous. Here's how it sits. You will not see Marvel any time soon. They are two separate licenses. Very expensive licenses. That's why companies like Mattel and Hasbro are the ones that can afford them. Mattel saw the light and got in. Would Doc have liked to have paid the license fees for DC and Marvel, and made them under the Mego header? Yes. but the reality is you need major production capabilities and capital like a Mattel has to pull this off. By actual definition they are mego-like, but as close as I expect we will see. Mattel has seen an advantage to staying fairly true to the original designs as a marketing tool and they may not be exact but they aren't Famous Covers so we win there. Quite simply Doc was trying to stay true to the original design when he designed his bodies, but the technology has improved since the 70's and Mattel while staying true to the size and scale, I'm sure will alter some stuff to designs that they feel are either more durable or better designed for play ability. Or cheaper to produce. Expect it because it will probably happen. they have people that do this every day and have extensive research that tells them what designs work best. While EMCE is the consultant Mattel still makes the final decision. Based on the figures we have seen so far they are obviously willing to stay fairly true to original scale at least and have listened closely to EMCE's suggestions. We will have to see with everything else. One thing I can speculate on is with the success that the Trek line had on a small scale and the inclusion of a major player like Mattel, if these heroes are successful, I can see other smaller companies producing in this scale and could also see Mattel using this style on other lines they obtain in the future. Same body in different lines, the same way mego did, creating a new generation of "Mego" collectors 20-30 years down the line. Fortunately we are getting the chance to see it up close and personal. So accept those things you can not change and enjoy the toy bounty you are about to receive.

[SUP-Ronin]

I personally don't care if they pack them in a diaper, as long as the figure is cool.
Welcome back and bring on the new figs. Yeah.....

[thunderbolt]

^^^^ lol.

[loosiegoosie]

Maybe somone wise on these matters can explain why several people are already complaining about the NEW line. For years , I and I am sure many collectors would have donated kidneys for truly NEW ( all be it retro) WGSH figures to be produced.
The weathered " looking " cards is I think what was said. Next someone will be complaining that they won't be available in Boxes AND cardbacks. Just be happy they are being produced by Mattel who will mass distribute them so you don't have to go to some little comic shop and buy an exculsive figure that is limited to 50 produced.
Lonnie , I think if someone " Gave " you a complete collection of WGSH figures that where unpunched and mint , you would complain about having to pay shipping.

[SUP-Ronin]

I got the impression they would be printed with a weathered look, not actually be all weathered and beat up. Maybe I'm wrong.

[thunderbolt]

I like the idea of the faked shelf wear. Imagine in 20 years guys trying to hunt down mint condition cards.