NYCC '08: THE DC/MATTEL PANEL

[MattBrady]

by Brendan McGuirk

In attendance; from Mattel- Scott Neitlich, Jim Murphy, Brandon Sopinsky. Julian Montoya, Warner Brothers Custom Design, and Cheryl Rubin of DC Comics.

The panel opened with a slide show of the upcoming Justice League figures, also to go on display on the convention floor later in the day. Notable was the Lobo figure, complete with dog, which will be this year's San Diego Comic Con exclusive figure. Following the brief presentation, the panelists went on to take questions from the audience.

The discussion begun with the hopes of an online store for all DC Mattel figures. There are plans in the works, but no announcement yet.

There will be no per customer limit for the Lobo figures, but first come first serve.

An audience member suggested that Doomsday would make a great Collect and Connect figure, everyone agreed.

Are there plans to dig into the DC archives and release some Golden Age figures?

We have Golden Age figures on the drawing board. Plus fun things like Wonderpig.

There will be more fan-demanded accessories in fan-line, new accesory to Superman

Would you do variations on classic characters, like an Indian Batman, or a Chinese Superman?

Mattel redirected to DC comics, who responded somewhat reluctantly, 'probably not.'

Is the Target line dead?

The Target line/ JLU line is not dead as long as Target continues to place their orders. For the first time, the fate of JLU line is completely in fan's hands.

The next question was about the lack of availability for big time characters like the Flash.

Mattel has license for long term, through 2012, so patience is necessary. If we do because if we do all the major Justice League guys first, we'll be lacking new material later on.

With there be a JLU Blue Beetle?

Since the fans have requested it, it'll probably happen sooner rather than later. The panel then asked which Beetle was most desired, and the answer was “all three.”

DC works close with Mattel and DC Direct to coordinate which characters are coming out when. So find new stuff at wal mart, but also different stuff at comicbookstores.
Looking for variety to extend your collecting experience.

Why are so many figures so garishly colored?

When the JLU line was youth-focused, bright, loud colors are important for attention-grabbing. As the line has become a fan-oriented one, the priorities shift to more faithful comics influences.

The panel took a question about potential Legion of Superheroes figures, stating that they are still searching for the proper venue for these characters.

With regards to how long between wave releases, a new waves will be released every 3-4 months.

The brown Man-Bat action figure, formerly a San Diego exclusive, will be made available to all.

An audience member asked if they could expect similar release of the SD exclusive crudded up Solomon Grundy, but was told it would remain an exclusive.

This prompted a discussion about how SD exclusives are chosen. Lobo is an exclusive because he's an adult oriented figure, not very mom-friendly. The character is inherently mature rated. Mattel looks for figures that don't have a space in regular lines for SD exclusives. This makes Lobo an exception.

The panel asked the audience about their interest in DC movie figures…

The audience requested Christopher Reeves Superman, Terrance Stamp's Zod, Jack Nicholson's Joker, and even John Wesley Ship's Flash. There could be no Adam west, but almost all others.

Is The Batman line dead?

Is there interest in The Batman? What about the new Batman series? (The audience applauded, despite not having seen the new show yet).

Are there plans to do figures based on the DC Direct to DVD films?

Yes, there plans in works awaiting announcement.

An audience member expressed frustration in dealing with geographic scarcity.

The suggestion was go to K-Mart, because they often generate less traffic.

There will be a Volcana JLU rerelease.

Possibility of Black/ White Raven splits?

Good idea!

Collect n connect, huge Anti-Monitor in the roto-line, fix size issues.

Nightwing is coming?

Nightwing will be released in Green Lantern Wave 3.

A lone audience member expressed his desire for a Mortal Kombat vs DC. No one expressed similar desires.

Any chance of Vertigo in the DC Classics line?

No, that's DC Direct territory.

The panel asked if fans would want themed stands for DC Classic. They agreed they did, and someone suggested flight stands to much applause.

Will there be Batman Black & White figures?

Yes, but via DC Direct.

The panel ended with special thanks to Cheryl Rubin from DC/ WB, for her encouragement and concepts.

The second thanks was to the fans. Working for them dream come true for us all and you make it possible.

[paptschik]

Originally Posted by MattBrady

Are there plans to do figures based on the DC Direct to DVD films?

Yes, there plans in works awaiting announcement.

Sold!
I'll be so buying some New Frontier figures. Or some of the Batman anime style. But now I want the TT movie to come out even more...the world needs more TT figures.

[beetlebabe]

Oh man, JLU Blue Beetle(s)? I am there.

Now maybe my JLU Elongated Man will have somebody to hang out with.

[wonderfish]

The thought of a JLU Dan Garrett fills me with unbearable glee.

[Lay109]

Oh yeah i am so there for the Blue Beetle fgures

[comic lounge]

I'm so tired of the big box stores getting exclusive action figure lines. I was under the impression that these lines where made for fans who help support their favorite hero. I cant even count how many times I hear that a new shipment arrived at my local Targets, just to see the whole section picked empty. Gross.

[chrishaley]

I really do hope that we eventually get to see the figures from the animated Legion of Super Heroes that Mattel had in the works.
And in case anyone from Mattel is reading this, when I say "see" I mean "purchase".