The inevitable Mattel Variants

[samurainoir]

I think it's realistic to expect as the Retro Cloth line continues, that there will inevitably be variants of the Big Guns produced.

What do you think would be a good way to handle retro-style variants of characters like Batman and Superman?

Artist-based figures? Neal Adams Batman and Curt Swan Superan?

Media-based figures? Adam West and Christopher Reeve?

Classic stories like Superman Red and Superman Blue?

Batman w/out removable cowl?

[Delusional B]

I don't know what issues are keeping companies from producing characters from the 60s BatmanTV show... but if ever there was a figure format ripe for doing the Batman TV characters, the Retro Action line is it. With so much bottled up demand for these versions of the characters, it could be a gold mine for whichever company breaks through whatever red tape is keeping companies from putting figures based on the show into collectors' hands.

At any rate, I think that media based versions of the characters would be a fun way to go. Kind of like what DC Direct is doing with their 13" line. Most are from the comics but they stray into movie territory every now and again. Can you imagine how cool Mego inspired movie packaging could be on a Reeve Superman (and think, Mattel already has the license...presumably) or Adam West Batman?

I definitely don't want artist specific figures. I thought it was kind of cool idea when DC Direct started doing it. However, I'm burned out on the concept now. I don't think it would work very well in this format either since they all share the same base body and there's only so much you can do to the soft goods to make them look artist specific. It would come down to headsculpt, pretty much.

I'm all for a non-removable cowl Batman. I have a feeling that one is probably in the works already, though.

[jwyblejr]

Sooner or later I would like to see Golden Age versions of figures show up.

[Captain]

Hopefully, bi-lingual CANADIAN packaging will be the next variant!!

[Meule]

I don't know what issues are keeping companies from producing characters from the 60s BatmanTV show... but if ever there was a figure format ripe for doing the Batman TV characters, the Retro Action line is it. With so much bottled up demand for these versions of the characters, it could be a gold mine for whichever company breaks through whatever red tape is keeping companies from putting figures based on the show into collectors' hands.

That's why I'm customizing them myself

[The Bat]

I think it's realistic to expect as the Retro Cloth line continues, that there will inevitably be variants of the Big Guns produced.

What do you think would be a good way to handle retro-style variants of characters like Batman?

Artist-based figures? Neal Adams Batman?

Batman w/out removable cowl?

I LOVE your thinking...but I've learned not to get my hopes up to high, the greater the disappointment. I don't want to blow another Gasket, and make you Guys dislike me.

[LadyZod]

*IF* Mattel would do variants, they would have to be cost effective (read:easy and cheap to make).

Since these figures do not really lend themselves to repaints (every company's favorite variant direction) I would say packaging variations would make most sense.

Boxed sets with a sampler DVD of Superfriends or Ruby Spears cartoons exclusive to certain other stores? Two packs of hero vs villain or a World's Finest (Superman and Batman, Green Lantern and Green Arrow.)

Maybe for Batman, different color cowl, boots and gloves. Superman in his Black and silver regeneration suit... if they went that far.

[geoffdude]

I think Doc already noted there would be NO variants.. of course I could be remembering wrong.

g.

[kingdom warrior]

Get a George Reeves Black and white Superman and I'm in.....that's my kind of Retro..

[HardyGirl]

I don't know what issues are keeping companies from producing characters from the 60s BatmanTV show... but if ever there was a figure format ripe for doing the Batman TV characters, the Retro Action line is it. With so much bottled up demand for these versions of the characters, it could be a gold mine for whichever company breaks through whatever red tape is keeping companies from putting figures based on the show into collectors' hands.

Probably the same issues that are keeping the show being released on DVD. When that's resolved, it would be easy for some company to follow suit and release the figures too. Wouldn't it be cool if they were released together? I can dream, can't I?

[vulcan2074]

Probably the same issues that are keeping the show being released on DVD. When that's resolved, it would be easy for some company to follow suit and release the figures too. Wouldn't it be cool if they were released together? I can dream, can't I?

Now thats my kind of Dream.
Sammy

[trekman101]

I think changing the costumes would work the best....it definitely would help Mattel sell more figures

[samurainoir]

Would you want this guy to show up for retail at your local Toys R Us rather than Matty Collector?


It makes a great deal of sense since he's currently appearing like this on Brave and Bold in animated and toy form.

[boynightwing]

I just don't want day glow orange Batman or anything like that. I to this day can't figure out why they make all those crazy Bat variants.

Based on stories would be cool. Knightfall Batman or the like.

[MIB41]

Would you want this guy to show up for retail at your local Toys R Us rather than Matty Collector?

http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_uKUJj9VMJpA/SgOO5DnxhyI/AAAAAAAAEtA/iO3C1Fv_hqA/s400/ga.bmp

It makes a great deal of sense since he's currently appearing like this on Brave and Bold in animated and toy form.

Great idea, but Hasbro already did that version years ago (quite well too), but collectors complained it wasn't the classic version. I doubt Mattel will go that route, although I think it's worth doing myself. We can always hope!