Compare-and-Contrast 8″ WGSH: Vintage Mego & Modern Mattel

[imp]

I went with a down-and-dirty (3-cel) animation to compare-and-contrast Green Arrow head sculpts. Check out the Comparison here:

Mego vs. Mattel: Compare-and-Contrast

Based on the images you have seen of Mattel's prototypes, what differences are you seeing amongst 'existing' 8" characters (i.e. figures that Mego already issued)?

Furthermore, how do you feel about these modifications?

-b

[The Sentry]

I personally like the fact they left out the pupils, makes him look more like he stepped out of the comic, the beard and the sideburns are also an improvement. Just didn't like that beard on the classic all that much. It just looks alot better altogether. I LOVE the fact Doc has pushed this like he has. Now, for a Batman/Robin/Aquaman without ovenmitts and a Wonder Woman without a bodysuit!


Great work YET AGAIN Ben!

[The Bat]

I like that they made the Beard smaller...it's an improvement, as well getting rid of the Eye Pupils.

[Tothiro]

I think my favorite change is the closed mouth, honestly. The beard was out of control, sure - and the sideburns are less dated, but I think the closed mouth expression is much more in keeping with the GA personality.

Also, and this is a general note - I really like that the "new" characters are Mego enough to fit in with the existing vintage Megos if one so desires (and we do, obviously, or we'd collect something else, right?) but the line is off center enough to leave the vintage GA it's own space in our hearts without trying to nudge it out. Though honestly, as much as I want batarangs and grappling hook holding blue hands, I kinda wish sculpted gloves were an option for the inevitable Batman too.

[imp]

I think my favorite change is the closed mouth, honestly. The beard was out of control, sure - and the sideburns are less dated, but I think the closed mouth expression is much more in keeping with the GA personality.

You, sir, are one OBSERVANT Mego-Head! GA's 'open mouth' is a relatively subtle detail... I, myself, had to go and refer to the book I wrote (!) to grok your post!

-b

[Meule]

The alterations to the exisiting sculpts (GA and Superman) are improvements, GA's beard was indeed out of control and let's be honest: Superman without a spit curl ain't Superman, so thumbs up so far for the sculptor(s).
Getting rid of the oven mitts seems like the logical thing to do as well, we want heroes that can hold stuff

[The Toyroom]

I'm down with the improvements!

[Flynne]

Is anyone else as happy as I am that Ben's blog is back?

I like the modifications. I think this they are in line with the evolution of Mego figures. He looks more Mr. Fantastic 1975 then Green Arrow 1974, or maybe it's just me. The closed mouth does make all the difference in the expression, but maybe some of what makes it a Classic Mego is lost in the process. I'm not sure about that.

Regardless, I'm buying a handful of these

[Goblin19]

YThey seem like a natural evolution. I'm very happy they're altering the looks. I also hope we get a more modern Bats next.

[The Bat]

I also hope we get a more modern Bats next.

Amen Brother!!!!!!!!

[Nostalgiabuff]

keep them coming. I will buy multiples of every one

[Tothiro]

, had to go and refer to the book I wrote (!) to grok your post!

No worries B - it's an awesome book. I'm still trying to schedule time to sculpt those Aquaman hands that I didn't know a thing about until your book - available here and a bargain at any price - was published. I didn't even know the GA head was based on the Long John Silver Super Pirates sculpt until PNGwynne pointed it out - so the community is a great resource for useful fun facts.

And ^^ oh yes - I think most of us will buy multiples! I can't wait to buy more than I should...

[Cosmicman]

I always hated that Mego Green Arrow head. His eyes looked like he was huffing a can of cheese whiz. The new modifications are much better to the head.

[UnderdogDJLSW]

I do have to say that after years of seeing pupils in those masks, the new ones with the more comic accurate masks look odd to me on an 8" figure. Doesn't mean that I won't be broke when these come out and I over buy though. lol.

[DocDrako]

keep them coming. I will buy multiples of every one

Me too.

I really like the lack of pupils on the Mattel GA. It's a dramatic difference to me and I didn't think it would be until I saw this animation.