2013 MOTUC Subscription Exclusive speculation

[cbomb23]

So I've seen this talked about in some other threads and other places, just wondering what others are thinking? The Mattel MOTUC team is probably looking to the future and may have already decided on this figure and what can sell subs. I really think the line of thinking that this will be just another variant figure (supposedly Snake Man-At-Arms was the original 2012 sub exclusive? at least I thought I read that) and not a demanded popular character is over. Mattel is determined to sell subscriptions to guarantee the sales of all the items throughout the year. So looking to next year I really feel that Ram Man will be that figure. And then possibly in 2014 it would be Two-Bad.

I know many will be up at arms if this happens, because they wanted multiples, don't want a sub., only buy vintage, etc. From a business point of view this makes complete sense to me, because collectors will want Ram Man and it will sell the rest of the entire years figures. I plan on getting the sub going forward until the end (unless I just can't afford it anymore) so it probably won't affect me. Also next year could (and probably will) see a price hike. If Ram Man is the sub exclusive do you buy the sub? And if it's not Ram Man who will it be, could Snake Armor He-Man sell subs?

[NastyNate]

please NOOO MORE heavy hitters as sub exclusives Matty! On the other hand, I think a demanded figure like SNAKE ARMOR HE MAN or even TERROR CLAW SKELETOR would be an awesome (fair) choice. These "popular" type-variants would be a great way to sell subs in 2013.

[Eternian Poet]

Ram-Man

[Prince Adam's Dad]

The point of the sub (and sub figure) was always supposed to be to cater to the ultra-completist. I honestly think that making more heavy hitters as the exclusive will serve to alienate a significant part of the consumer base.

Does that mean they won't try it? Of course not. But this is what happened when the sub became the focus of the line. They began making more obscure characters and variants to extend the life of the line, and had to start resorting to what I call "parlor tricks" like Shadow Weaver as the exclusive to drive sales.

Ideally, I would like to see someone like Callix as the sub exclusive. Cool enough to be an incentive on its own, but not a core character that non-completists would feel like was a "must own".

[Thrawn29]

If Shadow Weaver as the subscription figure and lazy variants like Snake MAA and Battle Ground "Repaint" Evil Lyn are any indication of where their heads are at, I'm saying Ram Man is the 2013 sub exclusive.

I'll restate - I actually kind of like Snake MAA, but that doesn't mean he isn't a lazy figure.

They began making more obscure characters and variants to extend the life of the line, and had to start resorting to what I call "parlor tricks" like Shadow Weaver as the exclusive to drive sales.

I'm happy that despite some fans claiming making Shadow Weaver the sub figure was a brilliant move and would drive up sales...that particular move, for whatever reason, failed. Toyguru and Eric Treadway screwed up on that one.

I thought that was a stupid move. I said so at the time, I didn't think it was right, and I'm glad it didn't work out for them. And to be clear, I have multiple subs.

I believe it was revealed that Horde Prime was the original sub exclusive correct? He was a much better choice in my opinion.

You do not need a Horde Prime, but as collectors you need a Shadow Weaver.

I honestly think that making more heavy hitters as the exclusive will serve to alienate a significant part of the consumer base.

I wholeheartedly agree.

[Eternian Poet]

If Shadow Weaver as the subscription figure and lazy variants like Snake MAA and Battle Ground "Repaint" Evil Lyn are any indication of where their heads are at, I'm saying Ram Man is the 2013 sub exclusive.

The new pitch at Mattel:

Buy a heavy-hitter for $1000 & get a bunch of lame variants/lame new characters for free!

[orbles]

It wouldnt surprise me for Mattel to do this. I also would not be surprised if they didnt give you the sub figure until the end of the year. As many people have said they will cancel the sub after getting Shadow Weaver.

[cbomb23]

I'm happy that despite some fans claiming making Shadow Weaver the sub figure was a brilliant move and would drive up sales...that particular move, for whatever reason, failed. Toyguru and Eric Treadway screwed up on that one.

I thought that was a stupid move. I said so at the time, I didn't think it was right, and I'm glad it didn't work out for them. And to be clear, I have multiple subs.

I believe it was revealed that Horde Prime was the original sub exclusive correct? He was a much better choice in my opinion.

You do not need a Horde Prime, but as collectors you need a Shadow Weaver.

I would disagree, sure sub sales are down from last year but if the sub figure wasn't Shadow Weaver they would have been dismal. I would have considered not getting a sub this year if it were like 2011, not because I don't want everything I do. But because when buying extra things (I collect DC stuff also) and the GB sub shipping seperately this year (I have 3 MOTUC subs so no the combo would'nt work) I would have saved on shipping by getting it all at once together, and there wasn't a time this year where I wouldn't have been able to do that. Plus I've picked up extra Pre-Eternia Disguise He-Mans for basically regular figure cost.

The dip in sales has a lot to do with lack of resellers buying subs next year as they have been hung with product this year not making any money. Matty has had it available so no one has had to pay more than regular cost for most of the releases this year.

And with the lowered production in 2012 we'll see if we are back to instant sellouts like 2010 and figures like Sorceress, Fisto, Kobra Khan, Stinkor, etc. are sought after on the secondary market. If this happens and Mattel continues to not issue re-releases on figures past Claw-Ful, these resellers could be back in 2013 if there is money to be made? And a Ram man exclusive would be big dollars, just like Shadow Weaver will be.

[zodak74]

I'm thinking a Battleground Marlena figure for the 2013 sub, which would essentially be her "battle armor" look and accessories from the MYP series when she went up against some of the Snake Men. She would feature the same gimmick as the SDCC 2011 Marlena, with a switch-out-able outfit so that she can be presented with the white dress and a second head to round her MYP normal appearance.

[Prince Adam's Dad]

Problem is that it is too easy to go to a secondary sale site and drop $100 on a single figure to avoid buying several figures you would not have purchased. The idea of a single figure driving sales is flawed.

[Arkangel]

I think a demanded figure like SNAKE ARMOR HE MAN

demanded figure? are you sure about this one?

[rhea]

Well, there is the possibility of Darius from The New Adventures line...that would bring all the boys to the yard!

[Thrawn29]

I would disagree, sure sub sales are down from last year but if the sub figure wasn't Shadow Weaver they would have been dismal.

I disagree. I firmly believe sub sales would at worst be what they are now if Shadow Weaver wasn't the sub figure.

I believe it was mostly the overall price of the sub that did some subscribers in was well as some other factors (economy, etc.)

My main point was that the subs are going to mostly sell regardless of the sub figure so it was not smart to make her the sub figure and irritate some fans. Like I said, I'm a multiple subscriber and that irritated me.

Either way, we'll have to agree to disagree on that point.

[Uki]

My top picks:

Strobo
Dekker
Slime Pit He-Man
Oo-Lar
Vintage Toy She-Ra (although I hope we get this with Starburst SR)
TE Scope: Bounty Hunter (Pre visor)
He-Ro; son of He-Man
Skeletor's son
Illumina

[Thrawn29]

The idea of a single figure driving sales is flawed.

Also agree. I think the overeall offering of figures is close to perfect with a little something for everyone.

However there is still a niche or two of the property that aren't being tapped. They certainly haven't done very much to reach out to some of the more hardcore 200x fans who by and large would have been satisfied with a 200x head for Clawful, Buzz-Off, Snout Spout, and Grizzlor.

By the end of 2012 we will be four years into the line and there has yet to be a 200x variant to appeal to those fans. That's stupid in my opinion.

I think if you want to grow and expand the line you need to hit all the fans. Mattel is not doing that by choice.

BG Evil Lyn was a golden opportunity to please those fans and they didn't.

The 200x variant got bumped in 2012 for Filmation while that will please a lot of Filmation fans (myself included), as a 200x fan I'm not happy that we will be going four years without a variant.

I just don't think that's smart and I do think that's played a part in the lowered sub sales. As much as I was looking forward to Shadow Weaver she is not enough to drive sales.

Sorry to derail the thread.

[bcrduke]

Snake MAA was not the originally intended 2012 Exclusive.

TG said that Horde Prime was supposed to be that figure.

Though, I suppose they would have called him "Horde Supreme," since the Filmation rights weren't in place then.


My guesses for the exclusive?

Scorpia or Ram Man or Spikor

[Thrawn29]

My guesses for the exclusive?

Scorpia or Ram Man or Spikor

Of course since we got Blonde Bikini Teela I wouldn't mind Bathing Suit Sorceress as the sub exclusive either

[Dark Sorceress]

i think it will be Veena but with no wings and in Teela's dress for that MOTUC "charm" we all love

[Eterniandreams]

demanded figure? are you sure about this one?

Snake armor He-man is a VERY popular variant

[ksensor]

My guesses for the exclusive?

Scorpia or Ram Man or Spikor

I could see Scorpia or Octavia. I'd be happy with either.

Maybe Lodar or Geldor?

[NastyNate]

demanded figure? are you sure about this one?

OK maybe thats kinda a stretch. (lol) But as far as He Man variants, he seems to be on the top of the list around these parts. As for lil brown riding hood He Man? .....not so much.

[Slave2Evil_Lyn]

I could see Scorpia or Octavia. I'd be happy with either.

I really hope that is not the case. Mattel has already made the most wanted Filmation character a sub exclusive. To make the 2013 sub figure another one the most wanted Filmation characters would kinda be unfair.

I'd be fine with a Filmation character just not one of the top 5 from the Filmation Top Ten thread:

01 Scorpia
02 Octavia
03 Shokoti
04 Sea Hawk
05 Batros

Maybe someone like Hawke, Huntara, or even Lizard Man.

[jdscissorhands]

I wouldn't be surprised if the exclusive was Filmation Hordak with a few arm attachments and Imp (and an Imp bio)....

Mind you, we could get this before as a 2012 SDCC Exclusive as well....

[kylun flac]

make the sub exclusive ram man. that would increase sub sales.
and no reissues of ran man just for the sub exclusive only.
that would make fans happy.

[TrimmTrabb]

Battle Ground Star Sisters