[prowlster]

I have been a collector for the better part of my life. I am in my early 30's and I have seen and heard this before so I am not worried. Look at legends they are back and it was only a couple of years with sparse exclusives to hold over legends fans. Mattel did it with their MOTU line and revamped it and got everyone to buy essentially all the same figures again.

Transformers fans have suffered through this for years. The classics line was meant to be temporary then it changed to a filler line in between movies. Te new generations stuff will cover the new video game as well as some choice repaints of existing CHUG molds.

Fans of all the different lines should know it is hasbros fault this is happening. They have atrocious distribution mainly because they over saturate the early waves with a ton of the main characters. There is a lack of understanding that only so much Bumble bees canand will be bought. The fact that say for instance the Prime bumble bee is poorly designed adds to the problem. The real problem lies within the hasbro leadership and decision makers. A simple case assortment change would go a long way in improving sales. If you couple that with the box office bomb battle ship you have a recipe for disaster.

Really who would put Rhianna in a movie and act like they were serious about making money. Taylor Kitchkiss was the main star and any big budget movie he touches are horrific failures. John Carter anyone? The terrible decision to kill off duke and then see test audiences panned the decision rattled them. The lie about converting to 3D is laughable at best. The reshoots are the reason they will never admit to. With the smash success that the transformers movies were in terms of dollars and the popularity of star wars and marvel license they should have been on cruise control. Instead we get absurd movies based on board games and Kreo rammed down everyones throats. Economy be damned this is all Hasbros fault and the share holders need to oust current decision makers. The staff is top notch and they do attract talent but they are hard pressed to keep them due to the boneheads in charge.

If MU goes away I will be sad but it willbe back one day. I will finally get a chance to catch up to the ones Im missing

[prowlster]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Autobot_Goldbug

I can't believe they haven't even tried to make some 4 inch D&D figures. They can't even get a good D&D movie made.

Along the same vein magic the gathering figures would be rediculous plus they own wizards of the coast!

[LORD MARVEL]

Marvel Universe will always be in my future!!!!!!!!

[Peteparker]

Quote:

Originally Posted by g1fanatic

Maybe we could start a thread to save the MU line. In addition, other sites should do the same. Once Hasbro sees the love of the MU line than maybe they will think otherwise to cancel it.

Somehow I feel like the decision has already been made, and any outcry from the fans will only result in helping to shape their future plans, i.e. more comic figures in the movie lines, or a different kind of 3.75" line setup other than going to retail.

Quote:

Originally Posted by bmorr

Without MU I WILL HAVE NOTHING TO COLLECT.

Me too. I don't even know what I'll do next. It's not like you can switch over to Legends, they're postponed until September too!

Quote:

Originally Posted by StarWarsPaul

...Don't get excited or expect to see/hear a lot at SDCC...

^THIS. Somehow I don't think we'll ever get an official announcement. IF the line is ending, there'll be hints (little to no new product, politician-style answers from Hasbro reps), but I seriously doubt they'll ever say, "Yup, we're doing these ones and then we're done." There's just too many people who would stop buying the line altogether with an announcement like that. Better just to slowly stop putting them out there, and let the people who refuse to believe it continue to buy them all in the meantime.

Quote:

Originally Posted by trebleshot

DST can't, because Hasbro holds the master license for that scale. Assuming DST even wanted to get into the 3.75-4" market with Marvel figures, they would have to wait another 5 years for the license to be up for grabs again (assuming it doesn't auto-renew with Hasbro) and then another year or two after DST gets it to release figures.

Why would they continue to hold onto the license and not use it? Wouldn't it benefit them more to sell the license to someone interested in making the toys themselves?



I personally believe the rumors. Too many different people with too much good history as far as releases go have said the same thing: Outlook not so good.

That being said, now's the time I have to start making hard decisions. My entire joy in collecting this line was hunting them down and completing a collection 100%. If the line ends, there's no more to hunt, and once I hit 100%, there's nothing left to do. With the end of the line, the future of my collecting looks just as bleak.

Not to mention the fact that prices will begin to decline (if they haven't already), and everything I have will begin to lose value. Part of the reason I switched from comics to figures was because I felt (at the time) that figures can and often retain their value longer than any comic put out today. But look at even the great 90's toybiz figures, most of those aren't worth what they originally cost. Why? Because no one is continuing to collect the line. It's a niche collection item now, mostly fueled my nostalgia. Even while the older ML figures continue to retain their value, it's difficult to believe MU will. Who will still be looking for these if they can't start their collections at the local retail store?

So if the line turns out to be over, and all we get is what we know is coming, when do I stop? When do I sell? What do I do next? Do I even buy the rest?

I didn't even get a full year of collecting under my belt...

[Tarooster]

I collect both MU and ML but my MU collection is a lot larger obviously due to availability, price, display space needed, etc. If they did cut out MU altogether I'd still collect ML if that line even continues past this year, that hasn't been confirmed either. If MU isn't making them money I don't see how ML could be doing that much better with a higher price tag and even worse distribution.

But I'd never be able to afford all the ML figures I'd want, one of the biggest pitfalls of that line in general.

[loublanco1976]

Dan curto has been on the inside of the mu line before most started collecting over at cool toy review he's trustworthy and so are his sources. This doesn't bode well

[zim]

Man, for all we know, this might be a ploy by Hasbro to boost MU sales. They do place teaser cases in select stores via their store reps. I have spoken to a few and they all confirmed it. They do this to create buzz. So to leak the rumor that its going away will only make people go batshit crazy and buy, buy, buy. Very few people cared about YJ figures but the moment they pulled the plug, people started buying and wanting more. Okay, i get YJ is not a perfect example but it is similar.

I agree that there might be some hesitation on big box stores because of all the repaints, kit bashing and peg warmers and all the discounting they have done but overall i think it was a solid seller.

TRU got handed a really bad deal with the base figures. All but the widow (kit bash) and extremis iron man were reissues and poor quality compared to their single or comic pack release. Then to sell it for $16.99 and at one point it sold a couple of bucks higher. Then since wv 17 all my local walmarts and targets have gotten wave after wave of wave 13, the apocalypse wave. My tru stores have not seen anything new since the iceman wave. As for comic packs my trus have not seen new packs since the taskmaster wave. I saw the sinister wave once at walmart, none at target. Also the xmen 6 pack which had 2 versions were so pricey and did not offer much and its going to happen again. The sentinel and galactus also did not do so well in short term and they should have released the other color (the sdcc one) at retail and made the one they released a online thing like they did galactus. In the long run, some still shelf rotted and some sold. The 3 packs are the worst. Horrible case pack and distribution. Like take the upcoming FF and Red hulk packs. We had to buy the FF pack 3 times to get different version of sue. The red hulk pack is basically a repainted wv 18/avengers 4 pack green hulk, the iron man was released as a single and still peg warms and the thor is a minor paint variation to the single/comic pack/light up base release.

The pricing went up, they got rid of the stands since wv 17 and from all the mu i've seen recently like the light up base and avengers 4 pack the quality of plastic and finish is really bad. $1 store bad. They have tried to improve case pack by making sure they have 2 of each of the characters but honestly they should use those remaining spots for demanded characters and put reissues on hts. Like with wv 17 done 3 psylockes or reissued vision. I have no clue what they have planned but i do hope that all the figs they showed at SDCC 2011 make it out and in good quantity.

I guess we shall see at SDCC and i hope it continues.

PS: forgot to add the unfairness of them selling the xforce archangel at NYCC for 9.99 without a sub and for selling the nick fury sub figure in tru in hong kong.

[Peteparker]

Did it work on you? Did you go out and buy a bunch of MU? I'm pretty sure with the pegs as they are and the prices as they are right now, it didn't work on anyone...


I remain convinced that something happened to the Vision mold. Something to prevent them from making the solid one ever again.

[bmorr]

i would be so friggen giddy if they reissued that.

[trebleshot]

Treat Hisstank like Vegas: what happens there stays there. Do not bring grudges or any other BS from HT here. That goes for ALL of our sister sites, too.

Consider this a warning.

Quote:

Originally Posted by pricetb

I saw the first wave of straight repaints of the Transformers Prime line today ( A Bumble Bee, WheelJack, I think, and one other)

Stealth Bumblebee is a redeco, but Dead End is a remold (new head, same as Hot Shot from wave 3) and Airachnid is a new mold.

Quote:

Originally Posted by D00MTR0N

being they produced 2 Dr.Dooms,I guess I cant complain too much,BUT if they could make an accurate secret wars armor Doom and a FF Doom then I would actually,perhaps,smile.

Like we'd be able to tell through that mask, even if you did.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ninjinister

Three Dooms.

Which is currently unreleased, and according to SWP, may not see the light of day beyond packaged samples on Ebay.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Peteparker

Why would they continue to hold onto the license and not use it? Wouldn't it benefit them more to sell the license to someone interested in making the toys themselves?

I have no doubt that Hasbro will continue to use the license whenever they can for as long as they have it. There are several other Marvel movies on the horizon that they can make figures for, so I doubt it would "collect dust on the shelf", as it were.

Also, we don't know the terms under which Hasbro licensed the Marvel characters. We can infer 3.75" scale figures due to the various lines they've put out since obtaining it (and the fact that no one else has put out any Marvel toys in that scale since then). Hasbro may not be allowed to sub-contract it to any other companies, assuming they even wanted to do something like that.

[FancyPants]

With all the sequels coming out and all that. it would be nice to see them continue. However, I really don't want to see my TRU shelling the same IM, cap, or thor figures

I don't even mind seeing stuff I already have at stores, but only if it's a good selection (when it is I usually pass on the finds to my arkers )

[SH0CKWAVE]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Peteparker

I personally believe the rumors. Too many different people with too much good history as far as releases go have said the same thing: Outlook not so good.

That being said, now's the time I have to start making hard decisions. My entire joy in collecting this line was hunting them down and completing a collection 100%. If the line ends, there's no more to hunt, and once I hit 100%, there's nothing left to do. With the end of the line, the future of my collecting looks just as bleak.

Not to mention the fact that prices will begin to decline (if they haven't already), and everything I have will begin to lose value. Part of the reason I switched from comics to figures was because I felt (at the time) that figures can and often retain their value longer than any comic put out today. But look at even the great 90's toybiz figures, most of those aren't worth what they originally cost. Why? Because no one is continuing to collect the line. It's a niche collection item now, mostly fueled my nostalgia. Even while the older ML figures continue to retain their value, it's difficult to believe MU will. Who will still be looking for these if they can't start their collections at the local retail store?

So if the line turns out to be over, and all we get is what we know is coming, when do I stop? When do I sell? What do I do next? Do I even buy the rest?

I didn't even get a full year of collecting under my belt...

Put the gun down, Pete!

What makes you think MU value will not go UP once this hypothetical change takes place? You said ML holds its value but yet MU won't because collections can't be started at retail? That makes absolutely no sense, Nate. Is ML available at retail? Does that affect its value? No.

If anything, MU value will only go up because of the decrease in retail availability. That makes the line limited in numbers therefore less avail = higher demand for existing product.

There is no way any of us are EVER completing an entire Marvel Universe! Lol. That day might not ever happen so what's the use complaining about an incomplete line? There are plenty of customizers and existing fodder out there that Marvel 3.75" will ALWAYS be around... just not in snazzy packaging for basement toy store completionists like yourself.

Did the lack of availability kill value in lines like TF, GI Joe, and MOTUC? Uh nope.

[tlasjr]

I waited more than 25 years for 1/18th scale superhero figures. MU hit the nail on the head. If they go I say thank you and I have no complaints with the enjoyment they have and will continue to provide me.
On a side note, its the guy in a suit thing right? Everytime a line comes out with a guy in a suit its TDOTL.

[Peteparker]

Quote:

Originally Posted by trebleshot

(in reference to the unmasked Doom)
Which is currently unreleased, and according to SWP, may not see the light of day beyond packaged samples on Ebay.

It better not be canned. I had the chance of getting one in NYCC '11, and I opted for an Archangel instead! Where's my gun...?

Quote:

Originally Posted by SH0CKWAVE

Put the gun down, Pete!

Lol.

Quote:

Originally Posted by SH0CKWAVE

What makes you think MU value will not go UP once this hypothetical change takes place? You said ML holds its value but yet MU won't because collections can't be started at retail? That makes absolutely no sense, Nate. Is ML available at retail? Does that affect its value? No.

If anything, MU value will only go up because of the decrease in retail availability. That makes the line limited in numbers therefore less avail = higher demand for existing product.

There is no way any of us are EVER completing an entire Marvel Universe! Lol. That day might not ever happen so what's the use complaining about an incomplete line? There are plenty of customizers and existing fodder out there that Marvel 3.75" will ALWAYS be around... just not in snazzy packaging for basement toy store completionists like yourself.

Did the lack of availability kill value in lines like TF, GI Joe, and MOTUC? Uh nope.

Okay okay, I'm just getting scared. I know there are people like Wolverine2281 who continue to buy and re-buy MOC ML, so there will be the same types of people who want the same from MU. I just get worried when I see my beloved 90's toys floundering.

What happened to those then? Why does no one really care about MOC 90's X-Men toys? Was it just that they were awful? Was it that the Marvel Universe line came in and did better?

Quote:

Originally Posted by tlasjr

On a side note, its the guy in a suit thing right? Everytime a line comes out with a guy in a suit its TDOTL.

Holy crap, is that a thing? I'd never heard of that before.

Of course, Men in Black figures both prove and disprove that theory in the same vein, since they both come out with Wave 1 figures in suits, and are soon thereafter clearanced out... lol.

[mikefavata]

Meh. I love Doom (have 1 single carded & 3 Secret Wars) but I just don't like the subscription one. Would rather have a Future Foundation repaint.

[mikefavata]

I still need Nick Fury though...

[MeLikeJinx]

Quote:

Originally Posted by SH0CKWAVE

If anything, MU value will only go up because of the decrease in retail availability. That makes the line limited in numbers therefore less avail = higher demand for existing product.

I kinda agree with this... unlike ME Joes (which do not retain their value, 25th Joes are pretty much worthless now I think)... Marvel is a whole other story since there will always be Marvel movies being made for the next decade or two. Other toys like Joes or even Transformers won't have that free advertising for their brands. Plus, I think for Joes... you had to like Joes as kids to like them as adults... not the same with Marvel. Thanks to the movies their will always be new fans.

Especially, Marvel at 3.75" scale, which were impossible to find before MU came along. Well, I guess maybe XMO Wolvie figs were first... but same smell. LOL. For Example... when Avengers 2 comes out and it has Thanos in it... everybody will be looking for MU Thanos since I bet the Avengers Thanos fig (if they even make one) will suck monkey butt. LOL. That's why I think MU has a chance to retain a lot of its value... nothing in that scale will every come along again to make them obsolete so MU might always be the definitive 3.75" versions of all those famous marvel characters.

I think Marvel at 6" scale will always continue in some form though as mainly a collector's line, but I think fully articulated Marvel at 3.75" scale will be very hard to come by except for like rare SDCC items or something.

Quote:

Originally Posted by tlasjr

I waited more than 25 years for 1/18th scale superhero figures. MU hit the nail on the head.

I 100% agree... Joes will always be my first love (actually, Tron was my first love, lol), but I never thought I would get 3.75" scale X-men figs to go along with my Joes too. And thanks to MU I will almost have all my fav mutants in 1/18th scale. If the end is indeed near... it was one hell of a ride...

[wolverine2281]

just wanted to throw out there what Mr. Vonner told me (nothing groundbreaking)

Quote:

...MU and Legends are both near and dear to my heart. I wish the lines nothing but success... Like all fans of the line, I would say wait, and see what the future holds. I worked on a ton of figures and packs before I left, so.... I guess we'll see if they come to light. Thanks.

[Autobot_Goldbug]

Quote:

Originally Posted by zim

PS: forgot to add the unfairness of them selling the xforce archangel at NYCC for 9.99 without a sub and for selling the nick fury sub figure in tru in hong kong.

It was Marvel that was selling them not Hasbro at NYCC.
This year at Chicago C2E2 they were HANDING them randomly for FREE! I didn't get one. *cries*
I don't get how TRU in Hong Kong (maybe it was Singapore) got to sell Nick Fury.

Quote:

Originally Posted by trebleshot

Which is currently unreleased, and according to SWP, may not see the light of day beyond packaged samples on Ebay.

Actually just like X-Force Archangel the year before they gave them out to Marvel Digital subscribers last NYCC.
Not to mention that Doom is just a repainted Steve Rogers head plus Infinity Gauntlet from Adam Warlock/Thanos comic pack. I guess if one were a MOC collector it would have more value.

[mikefavata]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Autobot_Goldbug

I don't get how TRU in Hong Kong (maybe it was Singapore) got to sell Nick Fury.

Perhaps the same way that BBTS was able to recently put them up for pre-order? $$$.

[StarWarsPaul]

Quote:

Originally Posted by StarWarsPaul

I have no idea the status of these items:
Goliath/Whizzer Gigantic battles set
Fin Fang Foom
Eric Masterson Thor w/frog
Death's Head
Black Knight
On-Line Sub Unmasked Doom

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ninjinister

Three Dooms.

Quote:

Originally Posted by trebleshot

Which is currently unreleased, and according to SWP, may not see the light of day beyond packaged samples on Ebay.

I can get into enough trouble on my own without others mis-quoting me, thank you very much.

"I don't know the status of the Unmasked Doom" is a far cry from "not seeing the light of day."

[mikefavata]

How about the rumored (posted on CTR's checklist) Secret Avengers Beast variant?

[D00MTR0N]

Quote:

Originally Posted by trebleshot

Like we'd be able to tell through that mask, even if you did.

ah,well played.

[Trainwreck]

I feel like this is the same doom and gloom as every year since I've started collecting. Look, toys are very scarce in the summer.

Transformers is feeling extremely bleak: everyone has everything they've released for months now. They have a couple of future waves announced, not unlike MU. ML is the same way. GI Joe is all together hosed because of the delay of the movie.

I could go on and on, but every Summer I tend to collect Japanese figures and Hot Toys imports or statues/comics to tie me over until the fall.

Let me put it this way. I'll be at SDCC in two weeks. The guys at the Hasbro booth have always been extremely conversational and forthcoming. Often times actual toy designers are working in the booth. I'll ask, but I think the answers will already be there when I arrive.

I predict many new marvel figures will be on display, just like last year. Marvel is huge right now. With the Avengers film they just hit their stride. IM3 and Thor 2 will be big hits again. The MU line may evolve, or change, but I find it so unlikely that 3.75" non-movie Marvel is dead altogether, even based on the aforementioned "evidence."

[quinten182]

Quote:

Originally Posted by prowlster

Along the same vein magic the gathering figures would be rediculous plus they own wizards of the coast!

My friends and I have said this for years. We stopped playing, but I'd still collect a set of all of the planeswalkers as figures.. a boxset Nicol Bolas? Yes please!