Ask Matty 3/3/1/09

1) Has anything more been developed on a street date for the Ghostbusters line?

We are doing everything we can to get a figure out by SDCC. After that figures will come out every other month only on Mattycollector.com.

2) We've talked about distribution before, but what is your distribution deal with Diamond? In Diamond's publication Previews, it seems like they are months behind what comes out in the larger stores.

We don’t have any particular “deal” with Diamond. They are one of several B to B and online customers and have access to all the same product that larger big box stores do. We do not control how they promote product. But we have offered them open stock figures for the 6” line.

3) How do you determine which version of a character's costume to use? I see on DC Universe Classics that you used Robin's current costume, but are you're using Green Arrow's classic look. What goes in the determination of which look?

This is a combined effort between Mattel design, suggestions from DC comics, and ultimately the design concept of the Four Horsemen.

4) With the Masters of the Universe line selling well, any plans for more figures in that line and larger distribution?

We are going to increase production going forward as well as offer additional figures certain months. But the line will remain, at least for now, exclusive to Mattycollector.com. We actually consider MOTU having the widest distribution of all of our toys since they are available to anyone with a mail box and an internet connection. You don’t even need to leave your house. Once we get production up to meet demand (it seems we underestimated demand for Stratos and Faker) the figures should be on sale for a few weeks).

5) Finally, I gotta ask, any hint about the DCUC Joker slide that "slipped" through in your presentation at NYCC?

Not yet. Stay tuned.