Arm Chair Quarterbacking Toyfair 2011 Part 2: The Heavy Mattel Years
Okay, the Mattel stuff is starting to come up onto the shelves so I’m putting together another Toyfare post:
DCUC
- Okay, DCUC is the greatest collection of DC super heroes (or any heroes for that matter) since the Super Powers Collections. That said, here’s hoping they can finally get some of the quality control issues dealt with (and maybe put some more “meat” on their female figures).
- Last year it was announced we could expect a 10 piece Legion of Super Heroes package (sadly with only Saturn Girl for women characters). Sunfire is the best of what is going to be awesome set!
- The Crime Syndicate looks like another great set, even if it means getting a second (albeit modified) version of Ultra Man for those who picked up two pack with Alexander Luthor. But it does means another Power Ring for the collection. Sweet!
- Other notable figures? Mr. Freeze (referenced earlier), the White Lantern Hal Jordan and Orange Lantern Lex Luthor. And Black Vulcan and Samarai! Now if only there was a better picture of Catman…
Green Lantern
- The only surprise about Green Lantern is the relatively limited numbers of figures that are coming. In the movie-style that is. Given some of the designs, that might be a good thing.
- However, there is a better Kilowag, even if the Guardians still looks stuck in the 1970s. And thankfully more DCUC-style Lanterns, even if they have pretty much already been revealed.
- And because it is Mattel, there is even a Barbie as Carol Ferris. I wonder if her Star Sapphire costume is included. Dear God, do not let Ken be Hal Jordan!
- However, Mattel can do no wrong after this - original costume Kyle, Sinestro Corp Sinestro, Guy Gardner and John Stewart, Mego Style!
Other Figures
- How unexpected is it to find a 12″ Movie Luthor (looking more Kevin Spacey than Gene Hackman actually) to go with the already available 12″ Zod?
- Young Justice looks like it is going to be an interesting line. From the Speedy package, catching the figures to build a Hall of Justice might just be in order. But if Black Canary is any indication, the articulation is not going to be great. Also, while it makes sense, it’s so strange to see Arthur Curry with barefeet.
- It is astonishing to me that Mattel continues to keep the JLU alive for collectors. I am sure it has a lot to do with price point and the ease in changing characters, but if only Hasbro did that with Titanium. Or Alternators… Anyway, the highlight of the group is clearly S.T.R.I.P.E. for me.
- The Brave and the Bold line, which was really really cool, seems to be going the way of all Batman lines, which is to say All Batman All the Time. So it is nice to see they found a way to work Superman into the line at least. And look at the cute Lanterns! And Kilowag done right!
- Last but not least is the incredibly good Masters of the Universe line. Some high points? Check out King Hiss and what looks like Pre-Eternia She-Ra. I’m afraid they will have to come home too. Unfortunately, Mattel is still rockin’ the pop-out battle damage shield for its third release (Skeletor), which is upsetting because they can clearly do turning motions as evidenced by Man-E-Face right behind his skeletonness. This to me is the biggest disappointment of a line I shouldn’t be this excited over.
- But to end on a high note, check out this groovy two-pack tied into everyone’s favourite Vancouverite-wielding-a-power-ring! He has the power!
(Thanks to ASMzine for all the great links.)