Sir Laser Lot Discussion Thread

[MasterCollector]

Greetings, friends. My name is Brandon Jenkins (bwjenkins here on the forums, as you can see off to the left there) and I host a website called My Masters of the Universe Memories (mymotumemories.com). I usually stick to the vintage figure forums, since that is what I concentrate on over at my website, but recent events from NYTF have tickled my ire and I felt I had to rant into a webcam about it.

I just got done watching your rant and I agree with many of the views you have on this. MOTU was founded on Sword and Sorcery Fantasy. Along came Filmation and they added a rated G element to it that was okay back when I was a child, not now.

I always refer to the "1986 Heroic Warriors" as the Heroically Lame Warriors because I thought they were the absolute worst batch of figures the line had ever seen. I understand that there were several fans who at the time were younger than myself so they saw these as awesome figures because they were looking with younger eyes than mine since I was already a teenager by then. I can accept these characters in the line now because of the FACT that they are part of the 30 year history and lore of MOTU. As a matter of fact, some characters that I absolutely hated back then like Stinkor(accidentally typed Snout Spout.) and Sy-Klone are some of my favorites now because of their origin stories from MYP.

For the 30th I would have preferred the character designs were made by Mark Taylor, Roger Sweet and Earl Norem. Or at least by someone who understood that MOTU wasn't founded on, nor should it now be based on goofy.

[bwjenkins]

I just got done watching your rant and I agree with many of the views you have on this. MOTU was founded on Sword and Sorcery Fantasy. Along came Filmation and they added a rated G element to it that was okay back when I was a child, not now.

Thanks for watching it. I wasn't sure if all of the thoughts I had floating around in my head last night and this morning would translate well to my voice when I decided to talk about it so I hope the ideas are clear enough to be processed by the listener.

The main point I wanted to convey was the feeling I get when they put out a figure like that; I feel as if they are making fun of me, or maybe that I am being taken advantage of because I am a collector. I get a sense of "These idiots will buy anything as long as we slap a MOTU sticker on it." The worst part is it's hard for me to have these feelings because I am such a big fan of the brand.

I feel betrayed, but I feel worse that I have recognized the betrayal. Does that make sense?

[Stratos*Major]

lol They went ahead with TMS and you think they would think anything different about SLL?
He is unimaginative and poor execution.
They will tie him in as a time traveling Knight....
But now...you can "own the worst action figure" ever created.
Made fun of...I don't think so, taken advantage of absolutely!

Frosta...you KNOW could be better...it's cool, just say! lol

[bwjenkins]

lol They went ahead with TMS and you think they would think anything different about SLL?
He is unimaginative and poor execution.
They will tie him in as a time traveling Knight....
But now...you can "own the worst action figure" ever created.

I guess that is one good side to the story. "I had to buy SLL and survived."

[MasterCollector]

I feel as if they are making fun of me, or maybe that I am being taken advantage of because I am a collector. I get a sense of "These idiots will buy anything as long as we slap a MOTU sticker on it." The worst part is it's hard for me to have these feelings because I am such a big fan of the brand.

Truth be told, there are some who WILL buy anything they slap an MOTU label on. Meteorbs come to mind and I have no doubt that most if not all completionist would buy them. With SLL, it seems like very little thought went into the process. Kind of like okay, I've got 5 minutes to spare, so I'll just put a Knights head on a Superman figure and call it a day.

I could see how you and many others would feel like you're being patronized.

[krosfyah]

I have to disagree with SOME of what you said, it seems to me you're saying ALL the MOTU are bad characters but they are only loved by us because of nostalgia.

if you don't buy into the world of ANY fantasy, then it's rife with bad characters, GI Joe, Superman, Batman, Green Lantern LOTR, Harry Potter etc, don't buy into the world and the characters are essentially all stupid, because the stories are unrealiztic. we buy into fantsy because they are larger than life, and larger than life, in the real world is RIDICULOUS.

Characters are only as good as you write them, so long as you buy into the world they live in.

Now outside of that I agree with your rant, but for me, and maybe i'll make a thread about it, I don't expect ANYTHING that I love to be 100% perfect. but yeah Spector and SLL do suck and it's a missed opportunity for something great, and it sucks for those who bought the 30th blindly. it does feel like you were duped, seeing spector though was the lynch pin for me to NOT subscribe to the 30th, I'm very happy I didn't., it's a LOT easier to not be bothered by these crappy 30th figures. (note I LOVE Draego-Man and again I TOLERATE Photog)

[enoch]

I disagree. You have kings and queens, why not knights? And corny names is what this line is all about . You have a problem with a midevil knight but not a ninja or a western cowboy? Seems like when we grow up we forget what the line really is

[mjharwood]

but yeah Spector and SLL do suck and it's a missed opportunity for something great, and it sucks for those who bought the 30th blindly. it does feel like you were duped

Please don't presume to speak on behalf of a whole group of people, let alone one of which you are not a part... I bought the 30th sub blindly before Spector was even shown, and I don't feel duped in the least. Are these the best characters ever created in MOTU? No... but not everyone feels they are the worst, either. A number of fans like myself happen to like TMS and/or SLL. We're not as vocal as the negative nellies, but that's the way human nature goes. I respect your feelings for not liking the figures but you (and others) disrespect folks like me when you make generalizations that imply nobody disagrees with your point of view.

[bwjenkins]

I have to disagree with SOME of what you said, it seems to me you're saying ALL the MOTU are bad characters but they are only loved by us because of nostalgia.

Actually, I think most of the characters are great. I do feel, however, the characters got worse as the line progressed (as action figure lines are prone to do as time progresses and ideas dry up. That is, unless they just keep reissuing variants and new versions of old characters, like GI Joe and Transformers has done). However, I feel we tolerate the bad characters because we didn't recognize their "badness" in our youth and they have become nostalgic to us now as we try to recapture the feelings we had then.

PS - I also share your feelings on Draego-Man and Photog.

I disagree. You have kings and queens, why not knights? And corny names is what this line is all about . You have a problem with a midevil knight but not a ninja or a western cowboy? Seems like when we grow up we forget what the line really is

But I do have a problem with the ninja and the cowboy. Didn't I say that in the video? The difference is Ninjor and Rio-Blast have a nostalgic quality that permeates from memories of childhood whereas new bad figures don't benefit from selective remembering. As adults now, we recognize bad figures and can't rationalize away their poor qualities because of fond memories we have.

[Inhibitor]

Hey, I understand how you feel about these things being substandard. The 30th anni line is more like a celebrity guest line. Neither Scott, Geoff or Nathan are huge stars, but it's a fun little nod to them. As far as I know, each of those designs was a first attempt. Draego-man is the only one designed by guys who make a living off of designing toys. Big difference.

The MOTU universe contains parts of various genres. MAA's, Extendar and Ram Man take alot of cues from medieval armor. The only requirement is that you are somehow able to make it look cool for most people.

As far as I'm concerned, thank god for scalpors or I'd have no option but to buy a sub which I haven't bothered with since 2010. You save money, space and sanity in the long run. Sorry you got sold on the sub though.

[bwjenkins]

Please don't presume to speak on behalf of a whole group of people, let alone one of which you are not a part... I bought the 30th sub blindly before Spector was even shown, and I don't feel duped in the least. Are these the best characters ever created in MOTU? No... but not everyone feels they are the worst, either. A number of fans like myself happen to like TMS and/or SLL. We're not as vocal as the negative nellies, but that's the way human nature goes. I respect your feelings for not liking the figures but you (and others) disrespect folks like me when you make generalizations that imply nobody disagrees with your point of view.

I hope you don't feel I am disrespecting you. I commented in my video that if you like SLL than that's great for you. I, however, do not and I hope I was able to convey that without offense.

[Stratos*Major]

I guess that is one good side to the story. "I had to buy SLL and survived."

Hilarity...you MUST do this one as a toy review...****...hillarious! Title for the SLL figure review... "I had to buy SLL and survived"

I won't even TM it...it's yours.

Hey, I understand how you feel about these things being substandard. The 30th anni line is more like a celebrity guest line. Neither Scott, Geoff or Nathan are huge stars, but it's a fun little nod to them. As far as I know, each of those designs was a first attempt. Draego-man is the only one designed by guys who make a living off of designing toys. Big difference.

But did the 4H not sculpt him? Dude is like I have NO idea what to create...so he goes with SLL, okay, but why not let them atleast make him cool by letting the
4H have "their way with him".
Did they not do that with Fearless Photog?
They should have made it so they came up with the "idea" rather than the final direction of the figure.

[bwjenkins]

Hilarity...you MUST do this one as a toy review...****...hillarious! Title for the SLL figure review... "I had to buy SLL and survived"

I won't even TM it...it's yours.

Great idea. Although I concentrate on the vintage figures with most of my stuff, this is too good to pass up. Maybe Sallah and I can team up on this one.

[Skeletortilla]

When oh when will people ever learn that their own personal tastes do not dictate whether or not a figure can, should, or is being made?
If you don't like a figure's design, that's fine, but that doesn't make said figure "goofy" "lame" "poorly designed" "substandard" "bad" etc, etc. It's like saying, "I don't like red cars, so red cars are lame and should never be made." Can you see how nonsensical that is?

If you want to rant about something, rant about ACTUAL problems with MOTUC, such as quality control, customer service, etc. instead of design aspects that don't meet your individual tastes.

[Eternian Poet]

Skeletortilla - you're talking to a bunch of tyrants. Expect to be executed

[bwjenkins]

If you don't like a figure's design, that's fine, but that doesn't make said figure "goofy" "lame" "poorly designed" "substandard" "bad" etc, etc.

Yes, it does. Although I agree with you that my opinion doesn't affect the figure's production, I can assure you that if I don't like it, the figure is terrible. Because I like everything. I'll embed my video here so you can see how nonsensical I am again.

<3

[Stratos*Major]

When oh when will people ever learn that their own personal tastes do not dictate whether or not a figure can, should, or is being made?
If you don't like a figure's design, that's fine, but that doesn't make said figure "goofy" "lame" "poorly designed" "substandard" "bad" etc, etc. It's like saying, "I don't like red cars, so red cars are lame and should never be made." Can you see how nonsensical that is?

If you want to rant about something, rant about ACTUAL problems with MOTUC, such as quality control, customer service, etc. instead of design aspects that don't meet your individual tastes.

Actually, for that person, it does make it lame goffy and poorly designed. I don't doubt people who don't like red cars think they shouldn't be made. lol

It's kind of the same thing when some people think DR is horrible and shouldn't be allowed to handle the MOTUC line...to that person DR should not be handling MOTUC line...for others they have had 0 problems and everything is fine.

I don't think he posted it as "factual" just a matter of opinion. What's really nonsensical is when people attack another for having an opinion. Had he presented the infromation as factual I think it would warrant more scrutiny.

[Skeletortilla]

Skeletortilla - you're talking to a bunch of tyrants. Expects to be executed

I'm ready...bring on the bad guys!

Seriously though...the MOTUC 30th Anniversary collection is (IMO) doing exactly what it should. It's introducing new, diverse characters that are what MOTU is all about. So far we have a cyborg camera guy, a superhero, a laser knight, and a dragon man. If ALL FOUR of those aren't representative of what MOTU is, then I don't know what is. There are only so many ideas out there. I'm sure if a few certain beloved figures were pitched today intead of 30 years ago, we'd be looking at the same reaction.
Imagine if Scott announced:
A simple Beastman repaint flocked green with pine scent. Cries of "Cheap! Cheap!" would fill the air...Or, He-Man painted blue with a different bio making him EVIL! Oh the torches would be out on that one, I assure you.

See where I'm going with this?

Yes, it does. Although I agree with you that my opinion doesn't affect the figure's production, I can assure you that if I don't like it, the figure is terrible. Because I like everything. I'll embed my video here so you can see how nonsensical I am again.

No it doesn't. You're confusing your opinion with fact. And you can repost your video and blow kisses all you want. It doesn't change the facts. Let me explain it to you this way, and I do not mean this literally, just as an example...
After seeing your video, if I said you were goofy looking, and poorly designed at the genetic level, does that make it true? Does that mean there is actually something WRONG with your appearance? Of course not.

That is my point.

[Prince Adam's Dad]

'Tilla is 100% right.

I really didn't like TMS. I thought it was boring, uninspired, and not a great fit. I was a little warmer on SLL-even though I really think the colors don't work.

Do my opinions make these things fact? Of course not.

[Stratos*Major]

Seriously though...the MOTUC 30th Anniversary collection is (IMO) doing exactly what it should. It's introducing new, diverse characters that are what MOTU is all about. So far we have a cyborg camera guy, a superhero, a laser knight, and a dragon man. If ALL FOUR of those aren't representative of what MOTU is, then I don't know what is. There are only so many ideas out there. I'm sure if a few certain beloved figures were pitched today intead of 30 years ago, we'd be looking at the same reaction.

So you've decided not to stop collecting I take it?

[Skeletortilla]

I'm undecided at this point...I still have the remainder of this year's sub stuff coming. I'm a little more hopeful now that TG has addressed the vehicle issue, and it seems like they're at least TRYING to make some positive changes to the website.
I'm still not 100% convinced though.

[Vahn]

Brandon, I have to admit, I felt the same way when I saw Sir Loser-Lot. People love to complain about how SPECTOR doesn't fit the look of MOTU, but (while this is a matter of opinion) at least he adds something new to the line. We didn't have any spandex-clad super hero looking guys before, but we didn't have any cowboys 'til we got RIO BLAST.

.... You have kings and queens, why not knights? And corny names is what this line is all about . You have a problem with a midevil knight but not a ninja or a western cowboy? Seems like when we grow up we forget what the line really is

Sir Craps-A-Lot is supposed to be a knight (I guess) mixed with tech, but not only do we already have a knight mixed with tech (EXTENDAR), but Sir Takes-Your-Money doesn't even look like a knight! Oh yeah, he has a plume on his helmet, but the helmet itself looks more like that contraption from Saw, and on top of that, he's not wearing any armor; he's in a blue spandex suit with his Christopher Reeve boots and Captain America gloves. He's awful! And Geoff Johns wants to put some red on the trunks too? Why!? To make him even more reminiscent of Superman? I thought about getting this figure and repainting and sculpting a bit (which I'll be doing to make SPECTOR better) to make him look good, but there's just no way! Not without starting from scratch, and I just don't want to waste the time on this when I could be doing minor paint touch-ups on the Alcala SKELETOR head and giving FACELESS ONE a new cape, or twenty other things to improve other figures that would take half the time. The fact that they revealed this figure at the same time as the amazing Snake Men Army Builders gives me mixed feelings; such a giant leap backward with a good step forward.

I don't know where the line is going, but if this figure is any indication they'll be losing me as a customer.

P.S.: Brandon, I'm in Rocklin, so we're practically neighbors.

[kolobosrexx]

...Wow, some read, all of this Love and Hate! Passion, for better or worse, truly drives this line, 'tis true. And money, of course! I can get why some folks are down on the design. Personally, I think it looks pretty nifty! It COULD use a bit more texture, like maybe Man-E-Faces or Kronis shoulders, so it looks a bit more "armored" as opposed to a guy in tights with a helmet, cape & boots... That He-Ro waist-piece would have been nice too! But, too late, as they said. I can see however, that the MACE is definitely potential for re-use as Lodar's mace! (Whom, by the way, we need to get to at some point soon, along with Geldor, please!!)

[mjharwood]

I hope you don't feel I am disrespecting you. I commented in my video that if you like SLL than that's great for you. I, however, do not and I hope I was able to convey that without offense.

Oh, the comment was not directed at you. I hoped my quoting krosfyah made that clear. While you clearly allow for differing opinions, the post in question presumes that everyone who bought the sub should feel duped. I have no problem with different sides of the fence, as long as folks don't speak for everyone assuming there is no fence.

And I hope the other 2 figures meet the expectations you and other disappointed fans have. I think Mattel kind of shot themselves in the foot by leading with Draego-Man... I think many fans may have assumed that since he represented new design and Photog represented a design from back in the day that maybe more of the figures would be closer to the Draego-Man aesthetic. But I could be wrong on that.

[Moominsthenmotu]

I just got done watching your rant and I agree with many of the views you have on this. MOTU was founded on Sword and Sorcery Fantasy. Along came Filmation and they added a rated G element to it that was okay back when I was a child, not now.

I always refer to the "1986 Heroic Warriors" as the Heroically Lame Warriors because I thought they were the absolute worst batch of figures the line had ever seen. I understand that there were several fans who at the time were younger than myself so they saw these as awesome figures because they were looking with younger eyes than mine since I was already a teenager by then. I can accept these characters in the line now because of the FACT that they are part of the 30 year history and lore of MOTU. As a matter of fact, some characters that I absolutely hated back then like Stinkor(accidentally typed Snout Spout.) and Sy-Klone are some of my favorites now because of their origin stories from MYP.

For the 30th I would have preferred the character designs were made by Mark Taylor, Roger Sweet and Earl Norem. Or at least by someone who understood that MOTU wasn't founded on, nor should it now be based on goofy.

I think MOTU is what it is now due to all its influences. That's what's great about the line. No one individual is its "George Lucas" and nor should the line have one leader like that. MOTU has mythic rustic fantasy as well as sci fi fantasy along Star Wars or John Carter lines. It is goofy and strange and it needs those elements.