An open letter to Mattel

[The Batman Professor]

We fans are a vocal, hard to please lot, and I'm sure that scanning these boards, we come off as unreasonable at times. Here are some suggestions for DC Retro that I feel are perfectly legitimate:

Bodies that hold a pose (apparently addressed in Wave 3)
Emblems that do not peel with only the slightest manipulation of the figure
A more reasonable price point
Availability and distribution at retail that meets demand
A rethink of using fiberfill to approximate larger legs, arms, etc.

With regard to most of these items, your competitors are excelling, making Mattel appear uncaring at best, and substandard at worst.

Yesterday I was in two TRU stores (Winchester VA, Hagerstown, MD,) and the pegs were clogged with Sinestro and Luthor figures. Hagerstown had them at $24.99, and Winchester was closing them out at $17.99. I've never seen a sign of Wave 2 at these stores, and have no hope of seeing Wave 3. Yet I found
Wave 2 figures offered at $9.99 at TJ MAXX just this week. This looks like the same mistakes are being made that occurred with DCUC waves 1, 2, and 3.

As a Batman collector of 46 years, I've never experienced this level of frustration before in attempting to obtain items for my collection. I was committed to completing this line, but have decided to abandon it after Wave 3. The cost, combined with the substandard quality, have proven too much for me to continue, when my disposable income can be better utilized elsewhere.

[MIB41]

I understand your frustration and much of what you have mentioned has been discussed at length on these boards (with Paul and EMCE taking those concerns directly to Mattel). Since I am one of a few on this board to already have Wave 3, I can attest to the fact Mattel has listened and I believe you will be quite pleased with the improvements.

As far as distribution goes, I have a theory for Wave 2. Based on the fact Wave 3 already has the fix on the bodies, it's my belief that Mattel pulled production off line to fix this issue, since it's defect was being felt not only in the Retro Action line but in other limited edition figures like Ghost Busters. I think the criticism was loud and Mattel was smart enough to know that leaving this defect in place would permanently damage consumer perception for the 8 inch product line and seriously endanger all future projects. In doing this, I believe they considered it more cost effective to retool with Wave 3 and leave Wave 2 as a short lived line. Translation: Wave 2 may likely be the line that gathers the most aftermarket value since it's distribution was limited (something to think about if your a Batman collector ).

Of course this is all theory , but it makes sense to me since it would not be in Mattel's financial interests to make fixes in the line if they were going to discontinue it. And this would not have been something they would have shared with Paul or EMCE since it involves internal marketing strategies.

So I would pursue those deals on Wave 2 and prepare yourself for some nice surprises in Wave 3 as they come out. I feel confident they will populate TRU shelves very soon. I think once you hold these figures in your hands, you will be compelled to continue collecting the line. I have been quite vocal in my concerns every step along the way. But I'm a big believer you should dish out the praise as well when it's deserved. When Wave 3 comes out, toss aside what you thought about the previous waves and give this line another chance. I think you'll be glad you did.

[ScottA]

Why is this posted here. Do we look like Mattel?

[trekman101]

I understand your frustration and much of what you have mentioned has been discussed at length on these boards (with Paul and EMCE taking those concerns directly to Mattel). Since I am one of a few on this board to already have Wave 3, I can attest to the fact Mattel has listened and I believe you will be quite pleased with the improvements.

As far as distribution goes, I have a theory for Wave 2. Based on the fact Wave 3 already has the fix on the bodies, it's my belief that Mattel pulled production off line to fix this issue, since it's defect was being felt not only in the Retro Action line but in other limited edition figures like Ghost Busters. I think the criticism was loud and Mattel was smart enough to know that leaving this defect in place would permanently damage consumer perception for the 8 inch product line and seriously endanger all future projects. In doing this, I believe they considered it more cost effective to retool with Wave 3 and leave Wave 2 as a short lived line. Translation: Wave 2 may likely be the line that gathers the most aftermarket value since it's distribution was limited (something to think about if your a Batman collector ).

Of course this is all theory , but it makes sense to me since it would not be in Mattel's financial interests to make fixes in the line if they were going to discontinue it. And this would not have been something they would have shared with Paul or EMCE since it involves internal marketing strategies.

So I would pursue those deals on Wave 2 and prepare yourself for some nice surprises in Wave 3 as they come out. I feel confident they will populate TRU shelves very soon. I think once you hold these figures in your hands, you will be compelled to continue collecting the line. I have been quite vocal in my concerns every step along the way. But I'm a big believer you should dish out the praise as well when it's deserved. When Wave 3 comes out, toss aside what you thought about the previous waves and give this line another chance. I think you'll be glad you did.

You touch on a thought I have also had......If your thinking is correct it might make more sense that Mattel is dumping the original run of wave 2 and not getting it out to TRU because they will replace it with a second "repaired" run of wave 2.....but this is just thinking out loud.

[LonnieFisher]

I think wave two is long over...

[jimsmegos]

It's funny. The more the negative that seems to be rising for this line, the more I love it. I'm a sucker for the underdog I guess. But seriously I think that the possibility of the fixes having occured and all exisiting stock being liquidated makes sense. It's far more cost effective to move the inventory out in such a way versus "recalling" and causing a potential PR nightmare.

Like I said in my earlier post I'm just tickled that I could pick up a couple new Mego's at a store versus online purchasing. The magic conitinues to mesmerize me.

Still it does seem an interesting practice to release so much product and allowing the market handle QC duties. Either way it goes I'll buy every one of 'em and hope that the day willcome when I can add a new Robin to stand beside new Batman.

[enyawd72]

First of all, these figures are NOT difficult to obtain. I long since stopped wasting time and gas driving to TRU stores looking for stuff. I don't need to see these hanging on a store peg. OWNING them is the important thing. I bought both series one and two online and will do the same with series three.

Screw TRU...they have sucked for years. I can order and pay for these things online in less time than it takes me to clean the snow off my car.

[boynightwing]

I think wave 2 was sent to Canada. I know that I had NO trouble getting them. Which is a strange reversal.

I only saw wave 1 at comic stores which is why I was a little more choosy with the ones I got.

Wave 3 will be awesome. Hoping it comes to Canada. I did preorder Wonder Woman to make sure I at least got her.

As far as the bodies go. I think we've all talked about it to death and as it turns out, Mattel listened and made some fixes and I am sure they will continue to improve them as the line goes on.

[Doc]

Why is this posted here. Do we look like Mattel?

Well Doc and the others who work with mattel are here. Plus this probably is the largest such collecting community on the web which would make it prudent for the powers that be to stop by occasionally to get some feed back.

[Mr.Krusher]

This statement is in no way directed towards the peoples of EMCE toys, Paul Clark, or anyone other than specific folks at the Mattel Corporation -
I agree with some of your suggestions Batman Professor, but I'm afraid that they fall on deaf ears sir. Mattel just cant seem to get it quite right. My wife collects THREE of their (rather costly..) lines, and they ALL are plagued with negative issues. Rather its loose joints, errors in assembly, being flat-out UNavailable, sloppy manufacturing, etc., I dont personally see it changing anytime soon.
She also collected the 2002 Masters of the Universe figures, which were $9 or so at retail. They ALMOST nailed it with this line, only the plastic used to connect their thighs and biceps was as brittle as model car plastic.....oh well...

I'm not quite sure WHAT the deal is here, other than they know people will buy regardless and just dont GIVE a sh1t, honestly. I'm not out to 'attack' anyone working for Mattel, but damn guys, as a man that spends thousands of dollars per YEAR on your products, I have a right to be heard!!

Sorry. Seriously though, for a company that helped to ORIGINATE the concept of the 'action figure' with their Matt Mason line, what gives Mattel?? you have produced so many AMAZING toys,and you have 50 years of experience for F's sake!!