SIAP...Mattell Toy Guru says RA line is over...

[rodkeith]

As a collector of other Mattel DC Universe stuff, I think Toyguru's heart has always been in the right place to do the best he can with what he's given. Unfortunately he has people to answer to, and is forced to strike a difficult balance of pleasing the hardcore fans while keeping the higher-ups happy. Ultimately, no matter what he does for the prickly, argumentative, and passionate fanbase, it's the latter he has to please.

And I've said it elsewhere, but my five-year-old son was absolutely in love with the Retros. So much so that I bought several vintage Megos from other members here to fill out his collection and keep him happy (Joker, Robin, Penguin, and several Marvel ones). Part of me cringes to see those get played with, costumes switched, and thrown around but he enjoys them so much, they've been well worth it.

And because Mattel is not following through, I've got several Brian Leitner, Doc Mego, and Castaway pieces to keep customizing for both of us for a while. Thanks to Doc, the sculptors, and everyone who made this line happen... because not only was I thrilled to see new Megos on the pegs, but to be able to share that with my son and re-live the experieince with him was an invaluable treasure.

(Still wish we'd gotten Supergirl and Bizarro, though... )

[ctc]

>it was announed that he was leaving Mattel to go to a job at a major retailer. That was around the same time the attitude changed towards the line.

That's possible. I've heard from friends who work for big companies that sometimes when one guy leaves the others will diffuse (or intentionally stomp) their pet projects so's they don't interfere with other people's pet projects. (FUN FACT: I've been told the only reason "Captain Planet" wouldn't die was 'cos it was one of Turner's personal pets. So there's good and bad to the process....)

Don C.

[Dirtshot Mahoney]

I still want to get some of these just to put them on a Mego Repro bodies.

[The Bat]

That IS a definite improvement. You pin-pointed a big part of the problem. My other critique is the ear-wings...they need to be longer or something? I don't know.

Nothing a little bit of Plastic Surgery (Pardon the Pun) can't fix by Virtue of the old Dremel tool......Sorry guys i'm a "Perfectionist" when it comes to my figures.
Instead of Jimmy Durante as the Flash, now my Flash looks more like Barry Allen is in "Da House."

Mattel Flash after RhinoPlasty....3/4 look....

Profile look.........

[The Bat]

I also think the mask should have cut in and followed his jawline.

Like this:

[MIB41]

I'm just really sick of toy companies starting Mego-like lines and then quitting on them before we get tons of them. I've gone through the Hasbro offerings, both DC & Marvel, Famous Covers and now the Retro-Action. I'm kind of sick of having to switch formats. I just want a permanent, uniform line. How hard is that? Do it or don't, but if you're going to do it, do it seriously.

Don't forget EMCE, BBP, Castaway, or Zica. The eight inch line is alive and well. But the hero license will always get kicked around as companies acquire them. Unfortunately it looks like the 6 inch plastic figures will always be the hip format for today's generation.

[livnxxxl]

>it was announed that he was leaving Mattel to go to a job at a major retailer. That was around the same time the attitude changed towards the line.

That's possible. I've heard from friends who work for big companies that sometimes when one guy leaves the others will diffuse (or intentionally stomp) their pet projects so's they don't interfere with other people's pet projects. (FUN FACT: I've been told the only reason "Captain Planet" wouldn't die was 'cos it was one of Turner's personal pets. So there's good and bad to the process....)

Don C.

It sounds like we need a new higher up insider working for us at Mattel to get what we really want from that company as it pertains to the RAH. Especially someone that will not only listen to Dr. Mego, but act and follow through with his suggestions.

[ctc]

>Unfortunately it looks like the 6 inch plastic figures will always be the hip format for today's generation

True; but take heart: "today's" generation is nearing the point of moving on, so we'll see something new for the next generation soon. 'Course, we'll also see a resurgence of the 6" format in 10-15 years.... so make of that what you will.

Don C.

[wonderfan32]

I'm so very sorry to hear this! I was hoping for at least the last of the prototypes sent. That's business as usual. No different in the old model of the recording industry where the product (the artist) gets side tracked once the point person (A&R rep) is fired or leaving for another position.

I was hoping for just a few more females to add to the collection. Oh well. I thank all involved who got us this much. Looking forward to the Six Million Dollar Man line!

[MegoMark71]

When are you guys legally allowed to say what figures didn't get made?

[MEGOMAN]

Yes, what characters and are there any pictures of the protos???

[Steeler80]

I've been reading through this thread and have to agree with a lot of posters that Mattel dropped the ball with this line in terms of early quality and, especially, distribution. But Mattel frequently drops the ball (again, especially with distribution) so that's nothing new.

At least we got a few more figures to display and that nostalgic joy of seeing these on the shelves again!

[MEGOMAN]

I've been reading through this thread and have to agree with a lot of posters that Mattel dropped the ball with this line in terms of early quality and, especially, distribution. But Mattel frequently drops the ball (again, especially with distribution) so that's nothing new.

At least we got a few more figures to display and that nostalgic joy of seeing these on the shelves again!

I'm with you!

[MIB41]

When are you guys legally allowed to say what figures didn't get made?

As long as Mattel holds the rights, Doc isn't allowed to mention what they are.
It's considered product confidentiality that can't be made public unless Mattel allows it.

[jetzjungle]

It seems Matty is having trouble with all of their product lines YJ JLU Green Lantern etc! Its nice to see that Karma does catch up! I hope one day we see these remaining figures just like they did for other lines! Fan pressure can make a big difference if we keep asking! The only point Matty ever makes is that fans vote with their dollars even though they lie about the end results! I can't believe they say CORE characters don't sell after Batman and Superman with fixed bodies were gone within a half hour! I wished I had the chance to get em!