[Snowflakian]

Quote:

Originally Posted by thewriteguy

This is a greater issue affecting the overall toy industry that was recently reported in the business press: The toy biz isn't doing so well (due in part to video games), and both Hasbro and Mattel have been having a tough time selling toys in recent years.

In the action figure market, both are trying to find a balance between selling to kids and collectors. Personally, I happen to like the "evergreen" Batman line of 4" figures because of the fact that they're supposed to be played with. For me, that's the charm and appeal -- they're actual child playthings. (I really hope they make a Batmobile for the evergreen 4" Batman.) But we may be entering a time when little boys in the coming years won't be interested in action figures at all (unless they can be interacted with digitally, such as via augmented reality), so it will be up to the adult collector market. Will Mattel be able to step up, that's the question. And this could conflict with DCC's offerings.

Anyway, I just learned that Hot Toys also sold a snap-together 4" pose-able Batman action figure from Batman Begins several years ago, which is near impossible to find for sale now new or assembled. So Hot Toys can also be added to the alternative DC 4" action figure category.

If anyone could manage to collect all the DC 4" figures sold by DCC, Takara (Microman series), Bandai, and MEGO, then you get props by me for being a hard-core collector.

Funny you mention the interaction digitally. Disney is experimenting with that, and Skylanders has proven successful. I've honestly started wondering how long it'll be before it's integrated into stands for Hasbro similar to the star wars voice ID chip ones they did before or if Mattel might try to find a way to integrate that feature into the figures themselves in future offerings. It's an interesting blend of play factor to re-playability.

Would especially be interesting if they managed to include DLC to some games via this method. You buy the figure, and bam, you get to play as them in certain games with an additional "that character only" bonus mission too.

That's always been my minor complaint to Skylanders. I love the concept, but wish the little figures themselves were more interactive and poseable when separate from the game. (Like finding a way to combine the mega bloks versions with the current video game statue ones.)