ASK MATTY: MATTY ANSWERS 4/1/10

Well, it's April Fool's Day & Mattel decided to have some fun the Q&A this time around.

We at Pendragon's Post are not amused at all.


1. Toyguru and Matty confirmed several times that the hyper-stylized, so called 'anime" look of the 200X figures, should be retired for good. And also that POP/NA/200X figures that didn't have an action figure in the '80s MOTU line would be introduced in MOTUC, sculpted in the same way as if the figure was going to be made in the '80s but with added detail and improved articulation. However She-Ra and Count Marzo were sculpted with static body parts that are entirely reminiscent of the 200X line and NECA statues (windblown hair for both and windblown cape for Marzo). This is a very modern approach to action figure sculpting that didn't even exist in the '80s. Although it might make head movement easier it actually limits pose-ability in the sense that the figures can only be posed in display settings that allow for blowing wind (it's impossible to place them in settings like the indoors of Castle Grayskull or Royal Palace where there is supposed to be no wind). Online polls done on the Mattycollector forums show that collectors would prefer "vintage style" neutrally positioned hair and capes. Why have Mattel and/or the Four Horsemen opted for such a modern approach for these two figures, in a line that is supposed to be strictly classic?

As I see it yes.

2. We know you can't comment on specific characters that haven't been announced, but are "civilian" "historical" DC characters like Sgt. Rock or Jonah Hex being considered for a DCU treatment?

My sources say no.

3. On Mattycollector.com, you explained what the status descriptions meant, but you forgot one. Can you explain when it says "Currently Unavailable"?

Reply hazy try again.

4. With all the constant problem there are every month with Digital River, are you looking into change to another provider?

Cannot predict now.

5. Back to the Walmart issue, you keep saying Mattycollector is listening to the fans. But doing another wave exclusive to a store that has proven time & time again that they don't care about the DCU line, doesn't seem like you are listening to the fans. The fans are frustrated & just about had it with Walmart Waves. We do not want another exclusive wave. We want all waves available everywhere.

Yes.

We'll keep trying to get some real answers for these questions.