[cortez42]

I believe there are 3 factors which have put this line in jeopardy, and none of them have anything to do with the great design and sculpts from the 4H. They continue to provide authentic and true-to-vintage figure sculpts that make this collector and fan very happy. That being said, here is my opinion as to why subs have fallen off:

1) Digital River: It took these guys 3 years to get there act together, and along the way, they probably frustrated 90% of people who bought through Mattycollector.com. Their customer service is terrible and I don't appreciate having to deal with people who are halfway across the world, and who do not have an appreciation for the collector.

2) Increased costs and exorbitant shipping fees and tax: I have a hard enough time dealing with figures that cost more than $20. Last year, they upped it to $22 and I could stomach that. This year, $25. See ya! Add that to the unreasonable shipping fees that I pay and the > 8.75% tax imposed on me as a CA resident, and it was simple for me to say 'pass' on this year's sub. If I buy two figs, it ends up costing me close to $70. That's stupid.

3) Quality of subscription: I think many of us have felt burned by buying a full year and really getting only 5 or 6 characters that we really want. As a fan of the original vintage line, I look for the Ram Mans or the Mekanecks of the Masters Universe. Yet, I end up paying outrageously (see above) for characters like Bow, or Slush-Head, or Scott's vanity figure. Trick me once...well you know the rest.

I'm not at all surprised that the line is in danger in light of all the comments (including mine) above.