Wave Four hits Canadian TRU

[HardyGirl]

Not still, Hugh. This is the first time I've brought this up in 4 waves of figures. I know these figures are expensive. I own 1 or 2 from each wave so far. Superman was bought at a comic store, Manhunter at Wondercon, Batman, Aquaman and Wonder Woman online. I get postage, and all of that. But I guess it boils down to A) what you can afford, and B) how bad you want the figures you like. And I'm not saying everyone does this, but some folks will wait til they find them in the wild, just for nostalgia's sake. And yeah, it sucks that TRU's aren't carrying them. But I'm just saying that it's good that they're available online or at your local comic shop, or maybe if you're lucky, at a toy show, so there is a way to purchase them.

And now I'll drop the subject.

[jemboy2004]

I'd love to see Wave 2...let alone Wave 4. Distribution here on Long Island just plain old SUCKS. I've basically given up on the line...Not trying to knock it, but the truth is I can't see trying to catch up when I'm 3 waves behind. Mattel has really got to do a better job getting these figures into the stores.

I think it's TRU and not mattel. I have asked every TRU in my area and either they have no clue what I'm talking about or get me someone who does and they tell me they are no longer carrying these.

[huedell]

Not still, Hugh. This is the first time I've brought this up in 4 waves of figures.

Apologies... there's an extra "is" in there, and regardless I meant that
"still" in way that "still HG brings this up", eh? No intention of multiple
times meant.

I guess it boils down to A) what you can afford, and B) how bad you want the figures you like.

...and then there's "C" "How much you're into letting somebody else pick
out your figure for you in a line that's been frought with figure assembly
mistakes."

And I'm not saying everyone does this, but some folks will wait til they find them in the wild, just for nostalgia's sake. And yeah, it sucks that TRU's aren't carrying them. But I'm just saying that it's good that they're available online or at your local comic shop, or maybe if you're lucky, at a toy show, so there is a way to purchase them.

I apologize if I missed the thing about "comic shop" or "toy show",
but even so... I have nowhere near me to be able to peruse the figures
as far as any of those choices.

There are pervading attitudes @ the Museum sometimes... in this
subject's context, it's something like:
"We should be so grateful for these figures that we shouldn't
complain when they aren't where they are expected to be in a
given area of the country."

I don't accept that... and I never will. The reason I'll bring this up
occassionally is not only as retort to posts like your own, but also
because it seems that those of us in my position are just supposed
to accept that this is the way it is... but I'm hoping that if enough people
keep squeaking, maybe eventually, the wheel will be greased.

[thunderbolt]

I don't get why folks get so mad about not being able to find these in stores. I mean, sure it would be nice, but they've been on sale ONLINE since the waves began. I mean, not wanting to buy them online just for the thrill of finding them in your local TRU is, in my opinion, like cutting off your nose to spite your face. If you're behind on the waves, don't blame the toy stores.

Personally, I'd rather pick out a good one than get a Flash like I did on line. One leg longer than the other. Not to mention saving the 8 dollars or so on shipping.

[samurainoir]

I think it's TRU and not mattel. I have asked every TRU in my area and either they have no clue what I'm talking about or get me someone who does and they tell me they are no longer carrying these.

Jemboy is absolutely right. Mattel is the manufacturer and they hand them over to tru who distributes and sells them (along with diamond).

And despite tru treating this like a niche product (which it kinda is), it's really hard to fault them since they are the one major retailer which decided to support the line. Which is why they exist in the first place.

[EMCE Hammer]

I think it's TRU and not mattel. I have asked every TRU in my area and either they have no clue what I'm talking about or get me someone who does and they tell me they are no longer carrying these.

It's hard to make an informed choice on who's to blame for the spotty brick and mortar availability. If I knew there were cases and cases of these sitting in Meijer and TRU warehouses, I'd blame them. Unfortunately all I see is empty pegs. It seems to me the stores would fill them if they could, but who knows?

I'm not surprised that most TRU employees are unfamiliar with the line. If I worked in a store with thousands of items, I'm not sure I'd make myself an expert on something that we got a case or two of and never saw again.

[trekman101]

It's TRU's fault more than Mattel's.....I have inquired more than once and the fact is Mattel sends the figures out to TRU and comic distributors until they have no more...TRU is very very hit and miss on sending them out to the stores....even the individual TRU stores have no clue to why TRU distribution sends them the retro stuff the way they do.....TRU is just fine with selling them on line and blowing them out to other sources at christmas rather than keep them in the stores...this is why I gave up getting them from them...I get them from Amok Time...they work with you on the price....guarantee you for pre orders....will pick good figures....ship for free from time to time and are very helpful

[MEGO_SUPERMAN]

I am new here on the board...but has Wave 4 made it to the TRUs in the states yet. Only thing I saw in my area (Central Florida) was 1 Capt Cold.

Thanks!

[samurainoir]

I'm just ridiculously happy we got in wave 2 and 4 and Superman to our TRU within the $20-$22 range. At least this way they will likely end up in the hands of a few kids north of the border since I'm pretty certain the folks who do pay $28+ at the comic shops would likely be grown up collectors.

One thing I've noticed is that there is a sticker of multilingual warnings placed on the back of wave 4 at TRU as opposed to the international ten language packaging variation we got for Superman/Wave 2 around Christmas.

It will be interesting to compare the distribution of the Captain Action Marvel stuff.

[bizzaro megomauler]

I haven't found anything past wave 2 on Long Island. My brother works next to a TRU which he visits daily, and is chummy with the employees. They have not seen any come in (according to manifests) since wave 2!

[boynightwing]

It seems Canada gets every other wave. So I hope Robin is wave 6.

I don't buy them all, just the characters I really want. I've bought 2 from Matty Collector (Green Arrow, Sinestro), 2 from Big Bad Toy Store (Green Lantern and Wonder Woman), 2 at a comic store (Lex and Flash), 3 at Toys R Us (Batman,Aquaman, and Manhunter), and 1 at a con (Two Face).
For me, it seems the easiest ones to get are the Matty Exclusives. On average I think I've paid about $25 a figure. Some cost more, some less. I'd buy more if I could get them for $15 or so but since the 3 3/4 figures are 10 bucks now...that wont happen.

[samurainoir]

^^^
I've noticed Big B out in your neck of the woods was generally pretty good at carrying the Retro's at a decent price (trek's and apes too). Also one of the better comic shops in southern ontario IMHO. Clean. Well stocked. Kid Friendly. Helpful staff.

After teaching my kickboxing class this morning at Vic Park/Lawrence, I wandered into the TRU and noticed a big empty space in the DC section. Either the retro's flew out due to the $18.37 sale, or they are coming in?

[drogge]

Joker and Penquin

I am going to bet Joker and Penquin are coming because Dr Mego knows how closely his words are followed and I don't think he would mislead us. You know, this is a dream come true. I often thought about a rebirth of Mego and new characters. To think a new generation will come to enjoy this franchise as I once did and still do stirs up a lot of warmth and excitement within me. It's so crazy and sureal. I know July is around the corner, but I can't wait to see whats new.

[Blue Meanie]

Again, my complaint is that I haven't seen anything past Wave 1. From what I gather, space in stores these days is paid for by the toy companies...Endcaps etc. IF that is the case then I would be really ticked off if I was a Mattel rep. You're material is not making it to the shelf space that your company is paying for. Hell, it's not even getting to the store. That should set off alarms if you are a rep for Mattel. I have noticed that Toys R Us has their own ebay account and have been trying to sell cases or 4 figure assortments on ebay...which is really disturbing. If you are going the ebay route or are trying to be an Amazon type of store...then you should just close up shop now. Why pay the tremendous overhead for your stores??!!?? In my opinion Toys R Us doesn't have any competition and has done exactly what Best Buy has done...they don't care about the consumers any more. When was the last time you've seen CD's at Best Buy below $13? When was the last time you've seen your non new release DVD at Best Buy for less than $14? They just don't care about the consumers anymore. Same goes for Toys R Us...I've seen the same McFarlane "MiracleMan" figure on the shelf for 3 YEARS...and it still hasn't been discounted below $9. Are you kidding me?? They just have a really F'd up system with how the stuff get's to the shelves. I blame both Toys R Us and Mattel.

I'm probably going to the Big Apple Comic Con next weekend...maybe I'll stop in at the Toys R Us in Manhattan and see if I can find anything at all Retro Action Figure wise.

[thunderbolt]

So are these officially not going to be at TRU or not? Mine's still got 3 Flashes and a Sinestro.