EMCE - Any Chance of Ever Getting a Marvel License?

[HoldyourfireAl]

MEGO and Marvel, talked about before.. here.

Awesome if possible, but not gonna happen.

Why? There's customers with open wallets. It would be silly to ignore us!

[HoldyourfireAl]

I wonder if it would be worth us starting a petition to Marvel's licensing department?

You better believe they will be watching how these DC figures do!

[SciFiGuyLA]

Well, I think it has to be stated plainly and clearly that if, IF, there were going to be any new Mego-like Marvel action figures, they would be in a line totally, completely, 100% separate from Mattel's Retro-Action line.

In other words, Mattel WILL NOT be making any Marvel action figures, and Hasbro WILL NOT partner with Mattel to make any Mego-like action figures.

The question is this: does Hasbro's Marvel license cover something like Mego-style action figures? Is yes, discussion over. Probably not going to happen. If no, the next question is does Diamond Select's Marvel license cover something like Mego-style action figures? If yes, then there is the possibility of a Diamond/EMCE collaboration. If no, the door of possibility is still slightly ajar for Hasbro or Diamond to step up and make it happen. I just happen to believe that while Hasbro might have deeper pockets, Diamond would be more open to going for it. I guess a lot hinges on how well the Mattel figures sell.

Actually, has the good doctor said directly what's what in regards to the Marvel toy license, or the potential of Marvel Mego-like figures? I can't recall, but I may have missed it. It might help this discussion if we could separate speculation from fact.

[thunderbolt]

^^^ Hasbro already produced 9 inch cloth wearing figures, so yes the master liscense covers that. 12 inch figures as well, Legends Icons.

[LonnieFisher]

^^^ Hasbro already produced 9 inch cloth wearing figures, so yes the master liscense covers that. 12 inch figures as well, Legends Icons.

I think that cloth clothed dolls are in a different catagory from sculpted action figures.

[thunderbolt]

Right, so if Hasbro already did it, they have the ability to do it again. Hasbro holds the master liscense, they have first shot at anything Marvel action figure related. When Mattel got the DC liscense they passed on Teen Titans allowing Bandai to do it.

[Cosmicman]

These EMCE DC figures would have to sell pretty well to catch Marvel's interest in created something like this.
Most likely, they would do Marvel characters but hire someone else to do the characters "in likeness" but they would not be the same company that is producing DC.

[LonnieFisher]

Right, so if Hasbro already did it, they have the ability to do it again. Hasbro holds the master liscense, they have first shot at anything Marvel action figure related.

I think 1/8th scale is different from 1/9 scale. So it is possible that somebody could get the license, maybe.

[thunderbolt]

^^ Nahh, usually its broken down by size. The key word is master liscense. Hasbro has first shot at all Marvel toy product.

[LonnieFisher]

^^ Nahh, usually its broken down by size. The key word is master liscense. Hasbro has first shot at all Marvel toy product.

Toy: is a very broad category. I don't think they have the license to all toys. Dolls and action figures are different. Tonner makes dc and marvel dolls!

[thunderbolt]

here's the original press release. Tonner has to arrange things thru Marvel and hasbro.

Hasbro Awarded Five-Year Strategic License to Marvel's Library of Over 5,000 Characters; Product Inspired by Spider-Man 3 Movie to be Among the First to Market

Hasbro, Inc. (NYSE:HAS) and Marvel Entertainment, Inc. (NYSE:MVL), announced today a license under which Marvel has granted Hasbro toy and game rights to its renowned Super Hero universe that includes franchises such as Spider-Man, Fantastic Four, X-Men and Captain America. Through the agreement, Hasbro has obtained the rights to develop products based on Marvel's globally-known universe of over 5,000 characters in a wide range of toy and game categories -- including action figures, role play and preschool toys, board games and puzzles. The agreement covers both the "classic" comic book look of the characters as well as product lines inspired by Marvel-themed movies.

The five-year license gives Hasbro the rights to bring Marvel Entertainment-based toy products to retail beginning January 1, 2007. Hasbro's first full line of products based on Marvel properties is expected to center on Ghost Rider and the highly-anticipated movie event, Spider-Man 3, scheduled for release on May 4, 2007. Marvel has also agreed to provide services to Hasbro in connection with the licensed toys. The license guarantees Marvel $205 million in royalty and service fee payments, of which $70 million would be payable on the theatrical release of Spider-Man 3 and $35 million upon the theatrical release of Spider-Man 4. In addition, the license can be extended past the five year term, dependent on the number of other entertainment properties released during that timeframe.

[LonnieFisher]

Well, that doesn't specify dolls in the article. It says action figures but not dolls. Anyway their license doesn't cover Japan. And they have it until 2017.

[LonnieFisher]

We just need to find a company in Japan to make them! Then they can be imported in.

[thunderbolt]

Pretty sure male targeted dolls are covered under action figures. GI Joe is considered an action figure. As I've already said, Hasbro has produced cloth covered figures, irregardless of scale.

[MIB41]

I think EVERYTHING rides on how the DC batch does first. I don't see Doc going through the trouble and tribulation of getting a Marvel license if this line doesn't become at least as successful as EMCE's product. Plus he has taken a serious beating just on the Green Arrow figure alone, which I doubt he anticipated. So I would be surprised if his ethusiasm is up right now to consider anything else, until people solidly get behind the DC product. I for one feel bad that I picked so much on the card. Yes I think it could have been better, BUT it's plenty good to get a Mego-like Green Arrow in our hands. The trade off is hardly worth the complaining. I'm sorry I squawked so much Paul and I want you to know I do appreciate your efforts and those at Mattel who share our love of Mego. We collectors can be a picky breed at times. And some times we forget the work being down 'behind the curtains' to bring this show to fruition. I think I speak for many of us here when I say we are forever grateful for the hard work and sacrifice you have given so we can have this moment. Thanks Paul!!!