Toyguru talks Vykron!

[bango1]

This is just...horrible. Horrible is the best word I can use here because of the word police so...Horrible, Horrible, Horrible! I can't imagine a worse way to "celebrate" the nostalgia of He-man and the MOTU during a major reveal like SDCC than with a rejected concept. A classic is best memorialized by bringing to life the aspects of that classic which made it a classic in the first place. This design certainly didn't make He-man memorable. I mean, you don't see Ford making the latest Mustang in the vein of the 1962 concept! This would have been much better as a figure for the 30th sub but even at that its only slightly preferable to the blue knight we're getting and will never beat Drago Man! In my cannon, Draego Man will kill Vikron in cold blood but that's going to be hard for him to do if he's never delivered to my house. If I do get this figure I'm going to youtube a public execution of it by way of torch. Should have been a 30th anniversary sub figure and Modulok made into the SDCC exclusive or give us some more POP or NA for heaven sakes...I'm just being concepted to death here! Concepts for me are becoming the new Boomerang Blaster Skeletor or what ever the devil that was back in 2002

But you have to first realize this figure simply does not represent a failed or rejected concept, but infact the opposite. The He-Man trio was presented at a Mattel product meeting by Roger Sweet back in the early 80's as his suggestion for a new toy line. The He-Man trio in his mind represented a single line in which you could have barbarians, space rangers, and hi-tech military mutants all co-existing. And guess what... The CEOs loved it! Hence MOTU was born. Actually the main character, He-Man, was modeled after the barbarian figure, even his chest armor kept the same cross insignia. So unsuccesful or rejected concept seems a bit off the mark in this case because it's never been said that the He-Man trio was intened to be literal characters, but instead a suggestion for direction of a brand. So now... as fans we'll celebrate with this trophy which represents the conception of ALL things MOTU!! Cool, huh?

[scott metzger]

Now...I have read (for many years before MOTUC was around), that "R" doesn't exist in the Chinese language. For example, the Final Fantasy character "Rinoa" is known as "Linoa" in China. I'm sure the "L" and "R" might be confusing for them. Maybe they should just be labelled in Chinese?

You laugh there, but labeling the parts to be molded in Chinese since they are used in China is probably not a bad idea. Something has to be done to stop the never-ending switcheroo...

I'm still trying to like this figure, but the more I look at it, the harder it is. Had it been made as part of the original line with the kiddies as the main target market, I'd likely be okay with it. But for a bunch of adult collectors, somehow it's just too cheaply executed, especially after we've gotten figures like Trap Jaw/Kronis and Fisto. TJ is especially in this vein, as he's two figures in one, but he was done in a way that worked so well for this line. This...just doesn't. They established a standard early on that Vykron falls far short of.

[Skystalker]

But you have to first realize this figure simply does not represent a failed or rejected concept, but infact the opposite. The He-Man trio was presented at a Mattel product meeting by Roger Sweet back in the early 80's as his suggestion for a new toy line. The He-Man trio in his mind represented a single line in which you could have barbarians, space rangers, and hi-tech military mutants all co-existing. And guess what... The CEOs loved it! Hence MOTU was born. Actually the main character, He-Man, was modeled after the barbarian figure, even his chest armor kept the same cross insignia. So unsuccesful or rejected concept seems a bit off the mark in this case because it's never been said that the He-Man trio was intened to be literal characters, but instead a suggestion for direction of a bracd. So now... as fans we'll celebrate with this trophy which represents the conception of ALL things MOTU!! Cool, huh?

Exactly! I think we have these concept characters to thank, largely, for the fact that He-Man is not just a sword and sorcery line. Even if Mark Taylor came up with many of the original character designs, this trio set the stage for the inclusion of technology, guns, and more in what would have otherwise been a sword-and-sorcery line.

[scott metzger]

Exactly! I think we have these concept characters to thank, largely, for the fact that He-Man is not just a sword and sorcery line. Even if Mark Taylor came up with many of the original character designs, this trio set the stage for the inclusion of technology, guns, and more in what would have otherwise been a sword-and-sorcery line.

The concept is fine; it's the cheesy execution that seems to be the major objection here. Had we gotten a three pack of three actual figures rather than a bad Captain Action wannabe, the opinions might be different. And had the designs been given the usual Horsemen touch, the "oomph" they gave to characters like Bow and Flipshot, I think we'd be seeing a lot less frustration. I recall few having a problem with the switchable nature of Marlena because they actually did a good job with that; she looks good both ways without compromising the integrity of either look. That's definitely not the case here. The original concepts were lacking to begin with (not surprising as they were little more than a launching point for the then proposed line), and really needed an upgrade to fit in with this line. The idea is sound, and not a bad way to celebrate the 30th year, but we got a pretty cheap and substandard version of what could have been a memorable tribute to the line's origins.

[Grayskull's Heir]

I couldn't agree more!

[danielsan52]

Now I have something to do with that extra He-Man head that came with Prince Adam. I'm looking forward to removing the hair and putting it on Vykron's head for a classic looking He-Man. Hopefully it will fit and the skin tones will match.

[Scare Glow]

The concept is fine; it's the cheesy execution that seems to be the major objection here. Had we gotten a three pack of three actual figures rather than a bad Captain Action wannabe, the opinions might be different. And had the designs been given the usual Horsemen touch, the "oomph" they gave to characters like Bow and Flipshot, I think we'd be seeing a lot less frustration. I recall few having a problem with the switchable nature of Marlena because they actually did a good job with that; she looks good both ways without compromising the integrity of either look. That's definitely not the case here. The original concepts were lacking to begin with (not surprising as they were little more than a launching point for the then proposed line), and really needed an upgrade to fit in with this line. The idea is sound, and not a bad way to celebrate the 30th year, but we got a pretty cheap and substandard version of what could have been a memorable tribute to the line's origins.

slow clap

I think you've managed to summarize how I feel exactly. After days of feeling apathetic toward this release I can honestly say that it is not the concept of the Sweet He-Man trio that I'm indifferent to, but rather the execution Mattel chose to go with.

If these had been updated and made in the established style I am confident fan response world have been better.

[NorthCoast]

So now... as fans we'll celebrate with this trophy which represents the conception of ALL things MOTU!! Cool, huh?

Yeah, cool man! Can I borrow 30 bucks?

[dolfanar]

My only question is: Are hte extra bits/accessories going to work with other figures? Particularly the wrist pieces?

[He Man 12]

I´ll have to get one first.... And then decide if it is worth it or not. But the concept is good... that may work for the rock people also!!! That may be WHY TG had the poster at his offiece...He Man vs rock people...

[bango1]

Maybe the inclusion of the furry cape would've changed everything. Seriously though, I know personally more detailing to the Space Armor would've made me a little happier!

My only question is: Are hte extra bits/accessories going to work with other figures? Particularly the wrist pieces?

I would imagine so because the body or buck appears to be the standard used on a lot of other figures.

[Nekk-ra]

Now...I have read (for many years before MOTUC was around), that "R" doesn't exist in the Chinese language. For example, the Final Fantasy character "Rinoa" is known as "Linoa" in China. I'm sure the "L" and "R" might be confusing for them. Maybe they should just be labelled in Chinese?

Darkspecter's right, Bat-man!



Yay! I get to bore people with the limited knowledge I gained from the year of Japanese I took in college (and believe, it didn't take nearly as long to forget most of it ).

Chinese, and all the languages derived from it, such as Japanese, are worded as characters (kanji), so there are no letters, only pronuciations. Romanized, the closest in Japanese (and Chinese) you get to the letter R are the sounds rya, ryi, ryo, and ryu, which are pronounced with a "D" or hard "L" sound. My name's Erika, and it would be pronounced something like "Eh-dryi-kah."

Did everyone enjoy their nap?

[baronterror]

Thanks for the video presentation! It's such a tease though... I wanted that camera to zoom in to the box and show us the figure's tagline and to see the bio on the back... more to look forward to I suppose! I am pretty psyched for this figure- I can easily imagine some future He-Man and Skeletor variants (or even Catra) presented in this type of box with a bunch of variant armor, weapons, and pieces displayed on either side. Something like Laser Light/NA/NA TP He-Man, or Laser Power/NA/Discs Of Doom Skeletor. Or a classic toy costume Catra with elements to make Scratchin' Sound/Shower Power variants.

While I understand folks' criticism of the "one-sided boots", I find myself actually quite okay with the way they handled this element for this particular project. Sure, if each "look" for "Vykron" were treated as a single-carded regular release (in other words, three separate characters rather than one character with three appearances) they each would have gotten more bells and whistles... but with all of the figures that MOTUC needs to tackle in order to appease the rabid fanbase, I appreciate getting all three concepts in one package for $30. Sort of like The Star Sisters, I can see why they would choose to knock 'em out in one box set rather than trickle 'em out over the years. I am sort of expecting when the time comes for Rokkon, Stonedar, and Granita that we're going to see them handled similarly- in a single box set with snap on rock attachments and one weapon each. If this is the way it needs to be done in order to also get Entrapta, Double Trouble, Modulok, and Quakke into the line, I can get behind it.

yeah, thats about how i feel. when i saw that first pic, this is exactly what i expected. and 30 dollars is great. i know some want 3 and i myself just may. but then again heres a great way to use those spare bucks on the .org marketplace. this is excellent.

[Agent Gibbs]

What are you guys on about if they were sculpted by the 4h? they aren't?

[fball13z]

What are you guys on about if they were sculpted by the 4h? they aren't?

yes they did sculpt it, they confirmed it on Twitter today when I asked them, also assured fans they were never leaving MOTU.

people just like to start silly rumors

From me
@4HorsemenDesign did you guys sculpt Vykron? People are freaking out that u are leaving MOTUC (not me lol), either way Im digging Vykron

From 4HM
Lol. Yes we did & we're NOT leaving MotU... Ever.

[emboyd]

I still don't know about these. I WANT to like them, but they all look so ugly to me. I love the video though, it was nice to see the packaging and details on how they're put together.

I think I am with you! My other concern is what is the back of the figure going to look like? I mean not that it matters a lot but if there is no back to the snap on's wouldn't it look strange from other angles?

[Agent Gibbs]

Please just like to start silly rumors

From me
@4HorsemenDesign did you guys sculpt Vykron? People are freaking out that u are leaving MOTUC (not me lol), either way Im digging Vykron

From 4HM
Lol. Yes we did & we're NOT leaving MotU... Ever.

You mean people right? but yeah that was a silly rumour, i was reading through this noticing people saying stuff about not being 4H's work and getting very confused

[fball13z]

You mean people right? but yeah that was a silly rumour, i was reading through this noticing people saying stuff about not being 4H's work and getting very confused

yes I meant people lol, thanks

[LORD FALLEN ELDOR]

The concept is fine; it's the cheesy execution that seems to be the major objection here. Had we gotten a three pack of three actual figures rather than a bad Captain Action wannabe, the opinions might be different. And had the designs been given the usual Horsemen touch, the "oomph" they gave to characters like Bow and Flipshot, I think we'd be seeing a lot less frustration. I recall few having a problem with the switchable nature of Marlena because they actually did a good job with that; she looks good both ways without compromising the integrity of either look. That's definitely not the case here. The original concepts were lacking to begin with (not surprising as they were little more than a launching point for the then proposed line), and really needed an upgrade to fit in with this line. The idea is sound, and not a bad way to celebrate the 30th year, but we got a pretty cheap and substandard version of what could have been a memorable tribute to the line's origins.

You hit the nail on the head! The poor execution has me worried that One: the 4HM are overworked or Two: The 4HM didn't do the design work and just did the sculpting.

Like other dedicated fans, I appreciate the concept. I feel this would have been better in the Subscription, a non-sub item (like Windraider) or tacked on the 30th anniversary Sub line. I'm worried this will be another Mo-Larr/Star Sisters/TMS. How many of those FUBAR decisions can the line withstand considering the dwindling Subscriptions. I fear Lucy got some splannin ta do upper management!

I WILL stand up for clip-on parts though. My absolute favourite Batman figure I ever got was Total Armor Batman. He kicks ass. Even his SHIELD has removable armor! Interchangeable boots (instead of clip-on) would have been 1000 times better looking (same with loin cloths), but the rest is good and functional. I love the removability and interchangeability of clothes in MOTUC. It's one of the things I'm really missing with PoP in this line, that it had in its original toy line. Bubble Power She-Ra helped bring it back a bit. We need to see more of it, in my opinion.

I want to agree on principle because the example you gave is perfect and one of my favorite BTAs figures ever!
He's purple (2nd favorite color) and comes with a "screen accurate" batarang. Big points for him when I was twelve years old.
I didn't like the damaged look they gave his armor though. Years later when I finally was old enough to read Frank Miller's TDKR
(stupid older brother comic-blocked that read until i was 15!) I always think of that action figure when he fought Supes.

Back to my point, for an adult collector line, I find it lacking. Just like interchangeable lower legs, I think interchangeable lower arms or a more form fitting (completely wraps around the sculpt like Fisto/Trapjaw belts) design would fly better.

Darkspecter's right, Bat-man!

Yay! I get to bore people with the limited knowledge I gained from the year of Japanese I took in college (and believe, it didn't take nearly as long to forget most of it ).

Chinese, and all the languages derived from it, such as Japanese, are worded as characters (kanji), so there are no letters, only pronuciations. Romanized, the closest in Japanese (and Chinese) you get to the letter R are the sounds rya, ryi, ryo, and ryu, which are pronounced with a "D" or hard "L" sound. My name's Erika, and it would be pronounced something like "Eh-dryi-kah."

Did everyone enjoy their nap?

college smolledge your just quoting this dude. ]Additionally, there is a Sheng Long joke in here somewhere I just haven't figured it out yet!

[baronterror]

I was highly disappointed about the whole Stinkor mess but that aside, I appreciate the video made by Scott showing us all the SDCC excluisve, Vykron. I do like this figure even though certain aspects of it I find lacking and not perfectly executed. I'll gladly grab one set and use the spare parts on other bucks to create a trio of warriors (for my collection/cannon). I prefer this set to be the exclusive (would have preferred it in another year) over it being another Star Sister sub spot - which I've grown to like when I had to fight DR to get them finally shipped in early March
I will accept Vykron, Skykron, and Tankron come July.

and now you've named them, sir. I shall be using these names myself. Of course when we get the bio, I may be just fine having them all be the same guy, but until then, (and even after the armour needs identifiers) these are my guys!

Me too, I am absolutely on board with Vykron.
1) It was made by one of the original creators of MOTU
2) It has the goofy tank head for fans of Goofy Photog-type characters
3) It has the space man garb for fans of the more sci-fi aspects of the line
4) and the barbarian guy for the Sword and Sorcery fans

Plus you have customizability and a potential for army building; this thing is all WIN for me

should be win for everyone. Fans of MOTU at any rate, fans of MOTUC specifically.

Problem with the box? No there isnt.
Problem with the armour? Nope. Like Sorceress, some functionary things are what they are. Could have, but didnt, it's not wrong. It serves it's needs and works very well.
Looks too much like a toy? not even worth commenting on.
It's a sdcc item? of course it is, it should be. It's perfect for that. I've said as much already but I cant believe people still think it's a poor choice. perfect SDCC set considering 30th.

so when people dont like specific designs, cool. Of course when that's the case I wonder why they like this line at all (nostalgia) and that's fine however.

But everything about this is just great.

Thanks for the vid, Scott. Did seem rushed, but boy can people put conspiricies on this. Maybe he was just rushed, or nervous. Did seem so, but hey, it was awesome to do. As always a pleasure to get direct input from a fan and a rep.

[Robzy]

"... send your CV into Mattel, I'm sure there may be vacancies coming up.." The words, to a lesser or greater degree with which ToyGuru damned Emiliano, damned the most significant archivist of MOTU among fans if not all time. However, yet again with Vykron/Vykon, ToyGuru piggybacks onto Emiliano's findings and Emiliano's design.

How Roger Sweet it is - who doesn't deserve a figure given his deceit and tyrannical Gordon Geckoism during his tenure at Mattel - to pass off someone else's idea as one's own.

No wonder Emiliano isn't commenting - seeing the work he has done with love be used to try and win plaudits and fake "yeah, I've known about this for years" plaudits by a man who dismissed him outright with so little respect.

Add to this hw clearly uninvolved Four Horsemen were here and how they are being slowly but surely edged out of the picture for profit and the transition to "the dark side" is complete.

Well done, ToyGuru. Roger Sweet's crown is yours.

Very interesting post!

I'm surprised no one else has even commented on it.

[Toyguru]

Why do people think the Horsemen didn't sculpt Vykron? They have sculpted every MOTUC fig including Vykron and I can't imagine this will stop anytime soon. Let me put that rumor to rest

[mekaneckpain]

Because most find it hard to believe that the 4H would willingly make "HALF a boot" for an action figure. Unless Management at Mattel intervened and told them to make it like that to cut costs.

[SCB]

You don't think were given any instructions on how the figures would work?

[NorthCoast]

should be win for everyone. Fans of MOTU at any rate, fans of MOTUC specifically.

Wow, I have to thank you. Here I had this misconception that I was a MOTU and MOTUC fan. But I don't like Vykron, so now, thanks to you, I realize it, I'm not a fan!

Awesome, I just saved a ton of time and money! You guys are the best! See ya!