Should the 200X elements be only limited to 200X variants?

[MegaGearMax]

For those of you that haven't heard....

Actually, a "head pack" is one of the least likely things to happen. We did propose this and management did put the definitive kabash on it feeling it was a bit morbid to have a group of heads in a package without a "body" as well as feeling it was not the best use of resources. (on the second part I agree knowing what limited resources we have and how intensive heads can be with so many paint ops)

Originally we actually talked about making Prince Adam's extra head the SDCC give-away (like Gleek) but much like a "head pack" this was also thought to be a bit morbid (a head in a bag...yeah, I can see that)

If we do 200X heads they will be with a figure. After all, we need to save things for key refreshes down the line.

So for those wanting 200X heads, keep the chant going. For those wanting a head pack, that I can pretty much tell you will never happen.

TG

Some fans want the MOTUC figures to be updated versions of their vintage counterparts.

However, since Toyguru mentioned that 200X variants of characters (same figures, only with the 200X head instead of the vintage head) could possibly happen, some of the fans who originally favored a head pak think buying a new figure with a different head is overkill and want more of an excuse to re-buy figures than simply a new head.

Should the regular releases of MOTUC omit the 200X influence entirely, so that any possible 200X variants of those characters could be a better sell? I know the vintage fans would be okay with this, but how about the rest of the fans? Should 200X weapons, heads and accessories be limited to their variants, while the vintage version only comes with the vintage weapon?

"200X heads, weapons and accessories should be exclusive to 200X variants"

The 200X variants would be the only figures with the 200X elements. Meaning, the regular Club Eternia Sy-Klone would only come with his vintage shield and vintage head, while a 200X variant of Sy-Klone has his 200X head in place of his vintage head and his Big Red Ring, as well as the yellow shield (since he had a yellow shield in 200X). Grizzlor would have his vintage head and green crossbow, while the 200X variant would have a metallic colored crossbow, all of those extra weapons and would have his 200X head on, instead of his vintage head.

"200X variants should have exclusive 200X heads only"

The 200X variants would be the same figures as the regular release, except for the 200X head in place of the vintage head. No other new additions. For example, Sy-Klone would have the Big Red Ring with either version, but while one version has a vintage head, the 200X variant would have the 200X head.

[General Hawk 7]

Which choice means we want more 200X stuff throughout the line?

ie. Any of the figures that can, should have 200X heads and or elements?

The choices seem unclear to me.


"200X heads, weapons and accessories should be exclusive to 200X variants"

So, only variant figures would have 200X stuff? Not regular figures?


"200X variants should have exclusive 200X heads only"

So, we only get 200X heads? Exclusive to what? The variants or to the character that has a different head in 200x?


What about choice.... Any characters that have a 200X figure/style should have those elements included somehow? Be it heads or accessories.


Sorry man, I want to support more 200X style elements being incorporated, but I just don't understand the choices for the poll. I think they could need some clearing up? Maybe its just me.

[Lay Ze-Man]

I'm not really sure how to vote here.
I don't really want either.

What I want is for the 4H to have creative freedom to include whatever accessories and swappable heads they feel makes for the coolest figure with the most bang for the buck.

All I know is that I don't care for the creeping element from Mattel that apparently wants to preserve the vintage designs in amber as if they are some kind of holy relics.

If MotU truly is an "avatar of the imagination" it shouldn't be held hostage to kid-friendly aesthetics of 30 years ago, nor of 10 years ago.

It should be allowed to grow.

[General Hawk 7]

I'm not really sure how to vote here.
I don't really want either.

What I want is for the 4H to have creative freedom to include whatever accessories and swappable heads they feel makes for the coolest figure with the most bang for the buck.

All I know is that I don't care for the creeping element from Mattel that apparently wants to preserve the vintage designs in amber as if they are some kind of holy relics.

If MotU truly is an "avatar of the imagination" it shouldn't be held hostage to kid-friendly aesthetics of 30 years ago, nor of 10 years ago.

It should be allowed to grow.

I agree. A combination of 200X elements with vintage, WITH maybe NEW elements as well, of the 4H's imaginations to make the Ultimate Versions of the characters. Let the creativity flow!
I prefer the 200X style, but I would be very happy with them letting the 4H just do their thing without ANY restrictions (size, style, or other)
I think most everyone would be happier all around with that.

[MegaGearMax]

"200X heads, weapons and accessories should be exclusive to 200X variants"

The 200X variants would be the only figures with the 200X elements. Meaning, the regular Club Eternia Sy-Klone would only come with his vintage shield and vintage head, while a 200X variant of Sy-Klone has his 200X head in place of his vintage head and his Big Red Ring, as well as the yellow shield (since he had a yellow shield in 200X). Grizzlor would have his vintage head and green crossbow, while the 200X variant would have a metallic colored crossbow, all of those extra weapons and would have his 200X head on, instead of his vintage head.

"200X variants should have exclusive 200X heads only"

The 200X variants would be the same figures as the regular release, except for the 200X head in place of the vintage head. No other new additions. For example, Sy-Klone would have the Big Red Ring with either version, but while one version has a vintage head, the 200X variant would have the 200X head.

[Lay Ze-Man]

I understand your options, MGM.
I just think it would be a disaster, artistically.

And I feel the "vintage copy" figures that feature no improvements, nothing fresh, won't sell as well either.

I agree. A combination of 200X elements with vintage, WITH maybe NEW elements as well, of the 4H's imaginations to make the Ultimate Versions of the characters. Let the creativity flow!
I prefer the 200X style, but I would be very happy with them letting the 4H just do their thing without ANY restrictions (size, style, or other)
I think most everyone would be happier all around with that.

"Ultimate versions of the characters" is exactly what the goal should be.

Sometimes that should be heavily vintage toy-inspired, sometimes it should nod to Filmation, sometimes it should take from packaging or comic artwork, sometimes it should borrow some of the execution from the 200x line, and sometimes it requires some small touches that are altogether new.

To say "Remake the vintage figure and that's it" is a horrible policy, and it's NOT what made this line such a success.

[Count Marzo]

I don't know what to vote for either.

While I like some of the 200x throw ins like various weapons adding to the accessories of characters, I don't want straight up 200x figures.

I would buy figures again of characters I really like if they were tweaked a bit with 200x stuff. I say just save some characters for refreshes. They recently said they could do more tooling on quarterly bonus figures and I believe that's what 200x refreshes should fall into. Like what they SHOULD do with an Evil-Lyn refresh. I'd totally buy a slightly retooled/repainted 200x purple costume/pale skin Evil-Lyn as a quarterly bonus figure. All she needs is the skirt in the back and a new paint job and that would make for a HOT quarterly bonus figure!

I would pick and choose though. Some characters I prefer a more vintage look. Take some of the Snake Men for instance. I LOVE classic King Hiss and Rattlor but don't really care for 200x's "King Hssss" and "The General". While Tung Lashor I like both the vintage look AND the beastly-sized 200x staction look.

I say do em up as quarterly bonus figures that way everyone will be happy. Maybe repaint some of their weapons a little bit to make them a bit different from the same old weapons as their regular, more classic releases.

Same thing they've been doing all along with Keldor and Zodak (with a k).

What do ya say, MGM?

[General Hawk 7]

I understand your options, MGM.
I just think it would be a disaster, artistically.

And I feel the "vintage copy" figures that feature no improvements, nothing fresh, won't sell as well either.



"Ultimate versions of the characters" is exactly what the goal should be.

Sometimes that should be heavily vintage toy-inspired, sometimes it should nod to Filmation, sometimes it should take from packaging or comic artwork, sometimes it should borrow some of the execution from the 200x line, and sometimes it requires some small touches that are altogether new.

To say "Remake the vintage figure and that's it" is a horrible policy, and it's NOT what made this line such a success.

Cool. That's what I want. Ultimate version (incorporating whatever elements from whichever medium the 4H want) So which option would best cover that? Would that be the first option? (sorry, a bit dense I guess)

[MegaGearMax]

I understand your options, MGM.
I just think it would be a disaster, artistically.

And I feel the "vintage copy" figures that feature no improvements, nothing fresh, won't sell as well either.

I dunno....there are alot of vintage fans out there who really do want carbon copies.

"Ultimate versions of the characters" is exactly what the goal should be.

Sometimes that should be heavily vintage toy-inspired, sometimes it should nod to Filmation, sometimes it should take from packaging or comic artwork, sometimes it should borrow some of the execution from the 200x line, and sometimes it requires some small touches that are altogether new.

To say "Remake the vintage figure and that's it" is a horrible policy, and it's NOT what made this line such a success.

I wish that were so. I'm of the mind where only an alternate head was all that was truly needed, not re-buying the same figure to get a new head. But Mattel would rather sell a bunch of $20 figures than a $20 or $30 head pak.

I don't know what to vote for either.

While I like some of the 200x throw ins like various weapons adding to the accessories of characters, I don't want straight up 200x figures.

I would buy figures again of characters I really like if they were tweaked a bit with 200x stuff. I say just save some characters for refreshes. They recently said they could do more tooling on quarterly bonus figures and I believe that's what 200x refreshes should fall into. Like what they SHOULD do with an Evil-Lyn refresh. I'd totally buy a slightly retooled/repainted 200x purple costume/pale skin Evil-Lyn as a quarterly bonus figure. All she needs is the skirt in the back and a new paint job and that would make for a HOT quarterly bonus figure!

I would pick and choose though. Some characters I prefer a more vintage look. Take some of the Snake Men for instance. I LOVE classic King Hiss and Rattlor but don't really care for 200x's "King Hssss" and "The General". While Tung Lashor I like both the vintage look AND the beastly-sized 200x staction look.

I say do em up as quarterly bonus figures that way everyone will be happy. Maybe repaint some of their weapons a little bit to make them a bit different from the same old weapons as their regular, more classic releases.

Same thing they've been doing all along with Keldor and Zodak (with a k).

What do ya say, MGM?

Definitely bonus figures and definitely an OPTIONAL purchase.
These shouldn't be Club Eternia figures. Not everyone likes 200X.

Cool. That's what I want. Ultimate version (incorporating whatever elements from whichever medium the 4H want) So which option would best cover that? Would that be the first option? (sorry, a bit dense I guess)

Both choices give you the same thing.
Fans are going to buy BOTH versions to mix and match between the two figures to create a composite whole.

The thing I wanted to see is how different should these variants be from the originals.

[DO4M]

I'm not really sure how to vote here.
I don't really want either.

What I want is for the 4H to have creative freedom to include whatever accessories and swappable heads they feel makes for the coolest figure with the most bang for the buck.

All I know is that I don't care for the creeping element from Mattel that apparently wants to preserve the vintage designs in amber as if they are some kind of holy relics.

If MotU truly is an "avatar of the imagination" it shouldn't be held hostage to kid-friendly aesthetics of 30 years ago, nor of 10 years ago.

It should be allowed to grow.

This is why I can't vote for this poll.

[MegaGearMax]

I'm not really sure how to vote here.
I don't really want either.

What I want is for the 4H to have creative freedom to include whatever accessories and swappable heads they feel makes for the coolest figure with the most bang for the buck.

All I know is that I don't care for the creeping element from Mattel that apparently wants to preserve the vintage designs in amber as if they are some kind of holy relics.

If MotU truly is an "avatar of the imagination" it shouldn't be held hostage to kid-friendly aesthetics of 30 years ago, nor of 10 years ago.

It should be allowed to grow.

This is why I can't vote for this poll.

Don't feel bad. I haven't voted either.

However, there are others who might like the choices that I've presented. One is probably what Toyguru suggested. The other is what the fans might want. Somewhere in the middle is including heads with the regular figures, but good ol' fashioned Mattel greed stops the most practical choice.

[Met-Hild]

I'm not really sure if anyone wants either of the options available here. First of all, I'd like to point out that many of us are more interested in new tooling for the body than exclusive weapons and accessories. This means possibly changing hands, loincloths, legs, or whatever is necessary to include the design elements relevant to the 200X design (not style, we know that is retired! )

On the other hand, I don't want to rob the vintage purists of new stuff either, whether it be weapons/accessories or other additions. I understand that Mattel might not be willing to spend the money on two sets of identical accessories to include with both variants, so there would have to be sacrifices, probably on both sides.

Personally I would be OK with an option where only the 200X variants get stuff that is based on the 200X designs, and not the weapons/accessories of the vintage version. The Zodac/Zodak situation essentially. The weapons after all can be included in weapon paks as repaints for anyone who passed either version. But there should definitely be something completely new for the vintage version as well. This might be something completely new that the 4H come up with, and we might have to accept that some or even all of these elements would in turn be absent from the 200X variant.

This wouldn't be the perfect way to solve the problem, but at least it would be an attempt at a compromise that might be workable. All I know is that the last thing I want is for the 200X variants to be the exact same figure with a new head. That would be a total rip-off. So I'm going with the first option then, I guess?

[MegaGearMax]

So far, fans want any theoretical 200X variants to be more than a 200X head on the figure that's already released.

I'm not really sure if anyone wants either of the options available here. First of all, I'd like to point out that many of us are more interested in new tooling for the body than exclusive weapons and accessories. This means possibly changing hands, loincloths, legs, or whatever is necessary to include the design elements relevant to the 200X design (not style, we know that is retired! )

On the other hand, I don't want to rob the vintage purists of new stuff either, whether it be weapons/accessories or other additions. I understand that Mattel might not be willing to spend the money on two sets of identical accessories to include with both variants, so there would have to be sacrifices, probably on both sides.

Personally I would be OK with an option where only the 200X variants get stuff that is based on the 200X designs, and not the weapons/accessories of the vintage version. The Zodac/Zodak situation essentially. The weapons after all can be included in weapon paks as repaints for anyone who passed either version. But there should definitely be something completely new for the vintage version as well. This might be something completely new that the 4H come up with, and we might have to accept that some or even all of these elements would in turn be absent from the 200X variant.

This wouldn't be the perfect way to solve the problem, but at least it would be an attempt at a compromise that might be workable. All I know is that the last thing I want is for the 200X variants to be the exact same figure with a new head. That would be a total rip-off. So I'm going with the first option then, I guess?

Yup. You're option#1.

Crazy question, but do the vintage fans really WANT these new things?

I'm probably stereotyping, but I would think any new stuff is more of a desire from the 200X fans to spice up the old vintage figure, whereas the vintage fans are happy with the old figure and weapon and don't really care about any new elements.

[Met-Hild]

Crazy question, but do the vintage fans really WANT these new things?

Not everyone falls into two neat categories where others are vintage purists and others want all the new stuff. There are people who want 200X versions of some characters and are uninterested in the vintage ones, yet want vintage versions of other characters and are not interested in their 200X variants. Vintage doesn't always have to mean a slavish remake of the old figure either, because there are alternative designs from style guides, minicomics and even cardbacks, not to mention all the completely new stuff the 4H manage to work in.

Are there really people who don't want any of the new extra stuff that isn't based on 200X or the vintage toys? If there are, I'm betting they are a minority.

[MegaGearMax]

Not everyone falls into two neat categories where others are vintage purists and others want all the new stuff. There are people who want 200X versions of some characters and are uninterested in the vintage ones, yet want vintage versions of other characters and are not interested in their 200X variants. Vintage doesn't always have to mean a slavish remake of the old figure either, because there are alternative designs from style guides, minicomics and even cardbacks, not to mention all the completely new stuff the 4H manage to work in.

Are there really people who don't want any of the new extra stuff that isn't based on 200X or the vintage toys? If there are, I'm betting they are a minority.

It would be cool if we can hear from some vintage fans. I wonder if they would support getting rid of that "pesky 200X influence" from their figures once and for all.

[kylun flac]

I want them to keep doing what they have been doing. Including some 200x influence were it is appropriate. A few detail add on's like weapons, armor & heads. I like the figure how they are. When they have a 200x element like Webstors extra limbs you have the option of not displaying him that way. you get the idea. I personal like having the option of displaying my figure vintage or 200x. Thats very fun & its good swap change them when you get bored or want extra variety in your collection.

[MegaGearMax]

I want them to keep doing what they have been doing. Including some 200x influence were it is appropriate. A few detail add on's like weapons, armor & heads. I like the figure how they are. When they have a 200x element like Webstors extra limbs you have the option of not displaying him that way. you get the idea. I personal like having the option of displaying my figure vintage or 200x. Thats very fun & its good swap change them when you get bored or want extra variety in your collection.

Yeah, me too. But it's more like I wish they'd go back to what they were doing before the ban, but since that isn't happening, I guess these 200X variants would be the way to go to get that variety BACK.

[Darkspecter]

Well, I was really torn how to vote. Before I say how I voted, I just want to say that I personally think Mattel had the right formula earlier on in the line when it was new and TG and the 4H had more control. When things start to become a success and the "big wigs" get their claws into them...they usually screw it up and things fail. This is historically the case for MANY things. Too many rules change, too many restrictions are imposed, customers and fans get upset and stop buying because things become too political or a pain in the rear end for them.

Anyway, earlier we got hybrid figures: mainly vintage with some 200X elements added on (usually small), but we got the 200X weapons AND a 200X head. This is PERFECT and what I want to come back.

However, for the case of this pole, I chose the first option which keeps all 200X stuff with 200X figures. If the big wigs plan on releasing the exact same figures with a NEW 200X head as the only difference "Malibu Stacey sales strategy), I think it will be a cold day in hell before anyone takes kindly to that. I also think sales will tank. So, some newly sculpted body pieces, accessories, etc. would be great.

I'm just very uncomfortable with the whole topic, to be honest, because I really think 200X fans might get even MORE screwed in the end.

At the moment at LEAST we still see some 200X influences (like Sy-Klone's red ring, Buzz-Off's axe, etc.). If they go by the solely 200X figures get that stuff and then the first 200X figure TANKS, we will no longer get anything.

So...yeah. My whole post can be summed up in 4 words: scared to be screwed.

[Donimo]

I like what they've been doing all along - adding 200X influences here and there to vintage designs when appropriate. So neither of the options presented in this poll are appropriate for me. Hence the reason I'm not voting.

But, if there was a choice "C" for keeping things the way they are (and have always been) with 200X influences in MOTUC, then that would be my choice. We are still getting the 200X influences that we've gotten all along.

I am a huge 200X fan but I understand their place and what the purpose was for those designs. I don't think this poll provides a fair representation of thoughts on the subject.

[Bulkhide]

Well, I was really torn how to vote. Before I say how I voted, I just want to say that I personally think Mattel had the right formula earlier on in the line when it was new and TG and the 4H had more control. When things start to become a success and the "big wigs" get their claws into them...they usually screw it up and things fail. This is historically the case for MANY things. Too many rules change, too many restrictions are imposed, customers and fans get upset and stop buying because things become too political or a pain in the rear end for them.

Anyway, earlier we got hybrid figures: mainly vintage with some 200X elements added on (usually small), but we got the 200X weapons AND a 200X head. This is PERFECT and what I want to come back.

However, for the case of this pole, I chose the first option which keeps all 200X stuff with 200X figures. If the big wigs plan on releasing the exact same figures with a NEW 200X head as the only difference "Malibu Stacey sales strategy), I think it will be a cold day in hell before anyone takes kindly to that. I also think sales will tank. So, some newly sculpted body pieces, accessories, etc. would be great.

I'm just very uncomfortable with the whole topic, to be honest, because I really think 200X fans might get even MORE screwed in the end.

At the moment at LEAST we still see some 200X influences (like Sy-Klone's red ring, Buzz-Off's axe, etc.). If they go by the solely 200X figures get that stuff and then the first 200X figure TANKS, we will no longer get anything.

So...yeah. My whole post can be summed up in 4 words: scared to be screwed.

This sums up all my thoughts. I agree 100%. And for me if Mattel is going to go to separating Vintage and 200X more and more, then by all means go all out and make 200X figures with all the bells and whistles (like Carnivus but with already done characters like Evil-Lyn, Adam, etc...).

[Judeh Simon]

I want fat whiplash! (not just a fat head on a skinny body)
I want crab shell clawful!
I want pale evil-lyn not in teela's outfit!
I want young adam!
I want Cardback Ram-Man!
I want Cardback Man-E-Faces!
I want Madame Razz!

I'm very particular as to what look I want for each character, I don't see 200x or vintage, just the best interpretation of the character for me.

How do I vote?

[Uki]

Honestly, I don't care about "200X variants." I like how things are going with the line now, as there is quite a bit of 200X present, with a larger focus on Vintage.

I would like to see more fleshed out areas, as the Horsemen did with MAA's armor in the back.

Still, given the qualifiers for the poll, I voted that 200X variants should have the heads, because I like that the figures we've gotten so far have included 200X accessories, features, and such.

[SAMURAI36]

Which choice means we want more 200X stuff throughout the line?

Co-Sign. I just want morre 200X, period.

[vadersfist]

Since I don't like being left out I am picking what everone else is picking so its A-vote.

[baronterror]

I cant vote in this one. Because we dont get "200x" heads so I disqualify that as a part of the quiz. I cant vote but I can say that I want 200x weapons and details incorperated into MOTUC as it has been done.