[Black Arbor]

Quote:

Originally Posted by TheBlueMarvel

Yes, I'm cognizant of the depth and breadth of "collectable interests" out there. I'm not poo-poo'ing that at all. My issue is with the toy line, not those that buy its offerings.

Many a DC Universe/Superhero fig. enthusiast has offered complaints (on this very site and most other "toy-centric" forums) about the re-use of "bucks" in the Mattel line (any line really, but Mattel abused this more than the average 6" scale producer-- and yes, I understand why companies do this, but it doesn't prevent the phenomenon from being a "flaw", "blemish", or whatever pejorative you want to use...). As a fan, I couldn't really gripe with complaints of this kind given that the lack of buck variety was undeniable. Some people might even point to this fact as a possible reason for diminished interest in the line as time plodded on...who really knows? I don't crunch numbers; my math skills aren't that great and I'm no actuary or statistician.

When I look at the Total Heroes line, I see the potential for the same "buck-abuse" (damn, I coined a term right there) with one additional (huge) problem. The sculpts are not very impressive (I'm expressing this as nicely as I can). With the DC Universe, yes, we were often getting the same arms/legs/torsos...but at least the sculpts were impressive. When there was variety, it was a thing to behold. Total Heroes, IMO (internet caveat alert! lol does it even need to be said anymore?), will have all the failings of DC Universe (repetitive sculpts/multi-Bats/Multi-Supes) and be an "ugly-duckling" to boot. I know beauty is in the eye of the beholder, but I think we can all agree that the aesthetic ceiling is considerably lower with this franchise. Its early yet with TH (maybe it will "swan-out"), but with a focus on a younger audience and Tonka-toy(like) designs...I don't see being surprised that TH is selling as a "stretch."




I respect that you are a moderator here, which may make you privy to more of the back-room conversations and gossip/rumors revolving around these companies (although, I have noticed at times, your comments seem to be just as "in the dark" as our own lamentations...at least as it regards when things are coming out). Having said that, I don't believe that these lines are as mutually exclusive as you maintain them to be (unless of course, you have some inside information or journalistic-quotes to share...)

I'm no MBA, but I am well aware of the power of the "wallet." "Buying power" is the only language that makes companies listen. Historically, in America, we have seen the power boycotts (I'm not suggesting this for Mattel) can bring to bear on corporations...industries even. What you call "spite" on my part, is a cold and calculated leveraging tool to me. Obviously, I can't predict exactly what Mattel might do if TH tanks. But like nature, the "market" abhors a vacuum. With a fresh black-eye from a failed TH line, Mattel executives will naturally try to fill the gap. Companies in general don't like to re-invent the wheel (ever wonder why McDonald's and Burger Kings are often near each other?--Whomever came second never needs to re-do the research on whether their business will thrive because the fore-runners have already proven there is a market in that location by virtue of simply being there) and with a ready made fan-base of DC Universe collectors, retuning to said line is not so far fetched. And similar to what I mentioned about the fast food franchises, Hasbro and Marvel Legends have proven that you can indeed go back to your ex-lover and reignite that old flame....the same could easily be true for Mattel and DC Universe.

Hey look, I'm not trying to be contentious with any of this. I'm old enough to remember when pet rocks were sold in stores. If you want to buy rocks (not a diss of TH, just an allusion to "My Pet Rock" collectors)!?! Knock yourself out! I'm (as is everyone) entitled to my opinions....and as much as I like Marvel Legends/DC Universe toys, I also enjoy greatly the freedom to express my opinions/takes/and desires about the direction of these toys (and the lines they are part of) on forums like this one.

Very well said, and as you say, I think the "Triumphant Return of Marvel Legends" or whatever they called it proves that a company can always breathe new life into a dormant/dead line.