CriticalMess.Net Mattel Q&A for November 1st, 2009

Haterade asks:

"In terms of the DCUC action figure design process and the look or costume that's selected for a character, how much is generated by Mattel internally and how much are you reliant on DC for control art?  For example, if you decide to make a "Mr. Bones figure," and DC sends you control art of Mr. Bones in a suit versus his Infinity Inc./Helix garb, and you want to make the latter, is that an issue?  Or let's say you want to make a classic Flash Rogue the Trickster, who had two very different classic costumes.  Does Mattel have sole discretion as to which version gets made,  or does DC licensing weigh in?  Can you give us any insight into that process?"

We discuss ahead of time with DC exactly which version of each character we intend to do for each slot. DC will provide feedback, and together we decide on the final roll out each year.


Abstract Harmony asks:

"Do you have any plans to take a new look at Bravestarr? I for one LOVE the series and own the toys (which as far as size and artic were concerned seemed to be miles ahead of the rest when they were released)  but would LOVE to see these re-visited with modern toy-making capabilities."

Sorry, no plans for Bravesrarr at this time.

Multiple members ask:

"Are any classic DC characters non-starters?  For example, Captain Nazi fought Captain Marvel Jr. and fought on the side of the villains in CRISIS ON INFINITE EARTHS.  The Ubermensch of AXIS AMERIKA in Young All-Stars was creepy but like Captain Nazi, sported a swastika as part of his costume.  Would versions that did not include the swastika be possible?  What about the Iron Major, the Sgt. Rock villain?  Or Per Degaton?  Or Red Panzer? Or are villains that are closely associated with the Nazis in World War 2 off the table as figure possibiities?"

We have said many times that Captain Nazi will not be made by Mattel. As for other World War II villains, we’ll treat them on a character by character basis and make appropriate choices.


Hyperion asks:

"There are, without a doubt, dozens if not hundred characters on the possible-pending list.  Most, if not all, have had costume modifications over the years.  What is the likelihood of, when a character (such as Legion founders Cosmic Boy or Saturn Girl) is selected (without giving a specific wave where s/he will appear) that the fans who will be the one actually buying the figures, get an opportunity to vote on which costume they wish to appear- with top vote gaining selections being considered for variants? Plus, what are the chances of a Flight Ring being included with Legion figures?"

We have some really cool plans for the Legion. When we do get to them, it is likely they will be in their most iconic costume for their initial release. But that does not preclude them from being re-released later in different incarnations.



Haterade asks:

In the past, it has been suggested that despite many, many crossovers with the mainstream DCU (including Crisis) that Swamp Thing and his family of characters (Arcane, Constantine, Floronic Man, Cain and Abel, etc.) and others like the Unknown Soldier were "off the table" as far as figures because they were under the Vertigo imprint.  With the recent changes in DC editorial, are you hopeful to be able to make Swamp Thing one of these days?  Because a Bernie Wrightson Swamp Thing would all kinds of rock.

Although Swamp Thing has been part of the DC Universe, at the moment he is in the Vertigo world. If he once again becomes an active member of the DC Universe proper, he would be added to our list of available characters.

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