ROBIN Disscussion

[Earth 2 Chris]

Meanwhile, I believe that it was a departure from Bob Kane's original concept which did not improve Robin in any way.

I don't think you can use the phrases "Bob Kane" and "original concept" in the same sentence.

As for MEGO, with the exception of the two hair curls on the 8 inch version, it could definitely be argued that the company only produced the older version of the character... despite the packaging indication of a "Boy Wonder". He was, after all, just as tall as The Batman... and the larger-scale figures depicted him with the 'Teen Wonder" hairstyle.

I think the only reason they made the original Robin 8" was due to cost. They didn't want to (or couldn't afford) to develop a new 7" body at the time. When they had the Lion Rock bodies lying around, some one at Mego (or DC) noted they had access to the Titans, and so they made them, but they didn't bother making Robin shorter. Mego was cheap folks.

Yeah, you can argue DC should have never let Dick on the campus of Hudson U in that costume, but they did, and this line is supposed to accurately represent the comics of the time, so I'd like an 8" Robin with the parted hair. They can make a younger 7" version later to make all the Teen Titans fans happy.

Chris

[DocDrako]

That first picture of Robin would be perfect for me. It still has the original Robin look, but he doesn't look like a little kid. If they were going to make him the Boy Wonder, he has to be on a smaller body. Of course, I would be happy if they made both versions. I'm buying them no matter what.

[The Bat]

As for MEGO, with the exception of the two hair curls on the 8 inch version, it could definitely be argued that the company only produced the older version of the character... despite the packaging indication of a "Boy Wonder". He was, after all, just as tall as The Batman

Well...Mego Robin might have been 8" tall like the rest of the Megos...but he CERTAINLY had the "Little Boy" Head Sculpt. Which I find...kinda screwy?!

[darklord1967]

Well my feeling is that the little kid version of Robin rarely gets any action figure love (much less live-action TV or movie love).

Virtually all media depictions of the (non-animated versions of the) character (outside the comic books) have favored the older "Teen Wonder" version of Robin.

This concept for Robin was first introduced in the 2 Columbia Pictures Serials where the actors playing Robin were considerably older than what Bob Kane introduced in the pages of The Batman comics: Douglas Croft, was a mature-looking 17 years old when he played Robin, and Johnny Duncan was no younger than 26 when it was his turn.

This concept of an older Robin only solidified for the mainstream public in the 1966 Batman TV series (when the producers cast 19 year old Burt Ward in the role). Afterward, the concept was adapted in the comic books all throughout the 70's (Re: Robin attending Hudson University et al).

Meanwhile, I believe that it was a departure from Bob Kane's original concept which did not improve Robin in any way.

In fact, I believe that Robin's entire classic costume design (green shorts and pixie shoes) is logically based on an outfit that a swashbuckling little BOY might wear... not a college aged teenager!

As for MEGO, with the exception of the two hair curls on the 8 inch version, it could definitely be argued that the company only produced the older version of the character... despite the packaging indication of a "Boy Wonder". He was, after all, just as tall as The Batman... and the larger-scale figures depicted him with the 'Teen Wonder" hairstyle.

No. My vote will always go to a properly proportioned action figure of Robin the way he was originally intended... as a BOY Wonder!

[The Bat]

Not being a comic reader, whenever I think of Robin I always think of Burt Wards version --- which would be a young grown man.

Which when you think about...closely resembles the Neal Adams Robin(same Hairstyle).

[Mikey]

Not being a comic reader, whenever I think of Robin I always think of Burt Wards version --- which would be a young grown man.

Any Robin younger then that, to me seems a little creepy because I keep thinking of child abuse on Batman's part ... Not necessarily sexual abuse ... just the idea Batman would condone and encourage a child's involvement in something dangerous and life threatening as crime fightng.

[thunderbolt]

I don't really care about the hairstyle, but I would like to see him on a slightly shorter body.

[JediJaida]

I like the side parted late teens version myself.

As to the material for the clothes, NO NYLON MATERIAL EVER!

Sorry, I was channeling Faye Dunaway as Mommie Dearest; but I think that they should use knit fabrics, like they did for the other characters.

The old nylon was more like plastic than anything else, and the newer types of nylon blends that are available today, would be better for capes and things.

They'd have more drapability, for one thing.

[The Bat]

My feelings certainly wouldnt be hurt if Mattel put out a Earth 2 adult Robin? Other than that, I would be happy with a younger, spit curled, shorter kid version, or a taller, side parted, teen Robin.

So basically....you don't care which version of Robin they put out.

[Captain]

My feelings certainly wouldnt be hurt if Mattel put out a Earth 2 adult Robin? Other than that, I would be happy with a younger, spit curled, shorter kid version, or a taller, side parted, teen Robin.

[The Bat]

Ok I did just look it up and the 2 larger sizes do have the side-parted hair so what am I not understanding?
Isn't this the look you guys are referring to?

Yeah...that 9" Mego Robin isn't bad(HATE the 12" one!). I rather see a new Sculpt...but "re-using" Heads is a VERY Mego thing to do...and it could easily be shrunk down to 8" Mego size.

[david_b]

The Stan Weston connection between Captain Action and WGSH may have been a factor. But the curl look had been abandoned for 3 years by the time Action Boy debuted. Of course there was still the opening animated sequence of Batman that featured the curls, and some merchandise culled from old artwork.

Chris

Y'know, that opening sequence is probably it.. I was trying to think about the '68 animated Batman series, but I'd agree it's most likely the Batman series (live-action) that was rerunning like crazy that influenced it.

david_b

[Earth 2 Chris]

The funny thing is.. neither the post-Carmen '60s Robin nor the '70s Robin had the cowlicks, so I don't know where the cowlick suggestion even came from, other than perhaps the 'Action Boy' version 5yrs prior..

The Stan Weston connection between Captain Action and WGSH may have been a factor. But the curl look had been abandoned for 3 years by the time Action Boy debuted. Of course there was still the opening animated sequence of Batman that featured the curls, and some merchandise culled from old artwork.

Chris

[david_b]

A Robin "Teen Wonder" based on the pics above would be a HUGE hit with collectors. I hope Mattel is listening.

Great pics..! I just bought that top Super Powers pinup a few months back, and I've always loved the '76 DC calendar.

The funny thing is.. neither the post-Carmen '60s Robin nor the '70s Robin had the cowlicks, so I don't know where the cowlick suggestion even came from, other than perhaps the 'Action Boy' version 5yrs prior..

Perhaps if the goal was to show a 'distinctive' face sculpt, they still could used the 'side-part', especially if using the same adult 8" body type as Supes, et al.. It would have still be identifiable to kids buying the 'First Four'.

I'm hopeful with Earth 2 Chris about a new EMCE/Mattel look, but I remember the 9" one a few years back STILL had the SAME retro cowlick.

david_b

[Earth 2 Chris]

Yeah, thats the look. The "Teen Wonder" look. Most of just don't want the double curl, younger Robin look on the new EMCE/Mattel figure.

Chris