[TheBlueMarvel]

It's been said before, but without any ancillary TV/film media associated with street dated figures, the action feels completely arbitrary.

My first experience with a highly publicized street date may have been GTA 4 (?). I think the reasons Rockstar offered for the date was to prevent early reviews which might present spoilers ruining the experience, or, possibly, some concerns over piracy. I don't really recall. Whatever the reason, the 'spoiler' aspect has been the more recent rationale especially with merchandizing that arrives before or alongside a theatrical premier. Not being someone who is affected by spoilers, I have always thought the lengths to which people go to avoid them to be somewhat silly. However, I at least understand the rationale.

Street dating Rogue, Gambit, Negative Zone Spidey and Cyborg Spidey is comical in that the associated media (comics & toons) is from 30 plus years ago. There are obviously no spoilers involved here. The only reason I can think of to street date these items is to artificially heighten FOMO and drive store traffic for retailers. I've noticed this phenomenon with many of Hasbro's retail exclusives of late. Which, ironically (or maybe not so much so) often represent highly coveted comic canon characters. Sometimes, I wonder if marketing and merchandizing industries are where the more sadistic personalities go to hide after finding rejection in the pro-social professions. (/s)

About the American-worker-on-American-worker hate that just popped up - as happens here from time to time - workers at Target are simply doing what their managers told them to do. No more, no less - it isn't some conspiracy to mess with eager collectors. The scorn might make a little more sense were it focused on the managers, but not even because they are also following instructions. The fault lies with Hasbro and the retailers who are obviously playing games with these unnecessary street dates...

Happy Thanksgiving everyone.