Are POP/NA Fans asking for too much?

[kamen_kahlil01]

No, POP or NA fans are not asking for too much. If I had more resources, I would love to complete everything. So far, all the figures coming out are really nice and updated! I hope that at the end of the day, everyone will be happy.

[mykan]

I cannot even fathom how anyone would say NA fans are asking for too much, we have 3 figures in almost 4 years

POP benefits from having the Horde so "technically" it will always get more attention then some would like, but anyone claiming NA fans are asking too much either really dislikes NA or just does not want to be fair.

I am asking for 2-3 figures a year, that won't hurt anyone and so far the 3 NA releases seem to have went over pretty well amongst fans.

I'm right there with you, markatisu. Hopefully going forward, we can expect at least 2 NA a year - 1 Galactic Protector and 1 Space Mutant. I think vintage MOTU character numbers are down to a point where we HAVE to start seeing more of the other factions to be sure we're not burning through everything. In 2011, POP got 2 monthly slots, 1 beast slot and 1 random slot. In 2012, POP got 1 beast, 1 random, 1 monthly, and hopefully another unrevealed monthly. It would be great if NA got a good year: 2 monthly (1 GP & 1 SM), 1 random (Darius SDCC or Sub exclusive), and 1 beast (Sagitar).

[JonWes]

I'm way more greedy. I'd really like things to even out to pretty much even ratios - 3 NA, 3 POP, 3 Vintage and 3 Filmation/200X. Although I could see it going to 2 NA, 4 POP, 3 Vintage and 3 Filmation/200X if it had to since POP has more to get through at this point.

[Hordaiquiri]

Nope.

Going by the supposed "roadmap to 2017" plan, we should have been getting a minimum of 2-3 Great Rebellion toy characters per year (2012 has just Frosta; Weaver and the Sisters were not released in the 80's toyline) in the monthly slots to cover all the bases of an "all-inclusive" line. Just like at this point, NA should be getting 1-2 minimum figures a year, if we're staying on track to getting around to every vintage toy character (all-inclusive, remember). A nicely balanced year would go far in the way to ease minds and erase panic.

Several people have mentioned this, and I will too: It's far more exciting to see a character that has not had an update in a long period of time rather than the expected. This holds true for all the factions, but imo, none more so than POP and NA.

[JimPansen]

Honestly,by now i don´t care what they release as long as its not screwed up through switching arms or so. I have to agree that 2012 is really vintage heavy, but maybe they wanted to celebrate the 30th that way?

[bribri4u]

http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-hehrBwgUAb...600/demand.jpg

Amen. I really hope we see these factions completed.

[DisneyBoy]

I think that bringing in more POP and NA figures to the line in the remainder of 2012 and in 2013 will really only boost it's appeal. People seem to have really liked what little of them they've seen thus far, and as others have said, some MOTU fans will bolt once they've gotten their cast of core characters.

Switching it up and giving MOTU 3 figures, POP 3 figures, NA 3 figures and Horde 3 figures would really offer a nice variety to the line. The bottom line is, Mattel ISN'T going to run out of POP and NA characters at the rate they're going...so put some more of them in the line!

Here's a suggested line-up I posted elsewhere for 2013. I think it would please everybody...

Jan – New Adventures He-Man (NA)
Feb - Glimmer (POP)
March – Filmation Hordak (Horde)
April - Lord Masque (MOTU)
May – Snake Face (MOTU)
June – 200X Illumina (200X)
July – Sea Hawk (POP)
August – New Adventures Darius (NA)
September – Horde Trooper (MOTU)
October - Octavia (POP)
November – Ram-Man (MOTU)
Decemeber – New Adventures Skeletor (NA)

I know Mattel already has their own plans, but if they stop and look at a list like this, I think they'll see how they can draw new customers in.

[Slave2Evil_Lyn]

I don't think those of us who are fans of POP and/or NA are asking to much at all. We just want equal representation in MOTUC. I don't think that is much to ask at all.

I'm way more greedy. I'd really like things to even out to pretty much even ratios - 3 NA, 3 POP, 3 Vintage and 3 Filmation/200X. Although I could see it going to 2 NA, 4 POP, 3 Vintage and 3 Filmation/200X if it had to since POP has more to get through at this point.

Jon I love your idea here. Even if it was only for one year this would really help bolster the ranks of TGR and NA.

[JVS3]

I feel we're overdue for more POP and NA. I definitely understand the focus on vintage MOTU, as it's the biggest draw. But we're through a lot of the "heavy hitters" that appeal the average fan. So I'd love to see more POP and NA heavy hitters.

Heck, if the interest is there and they could do it, it would be cool to have something like a 6-issue subline in 2013 for just Filmation characters. I think that would be a definite seller.

Then for the regular 12 fig sub line, have something like 4 vintage MOTU, 4 POP, 2 NA and 2 random figs from comics/goldenbooks/etc.

Who knows. Scott may already have something like that planned. *shrugs*

[Slave2Evil_Lyn]

I feel we're overdue for more POP and NA. I definitely understand the focus on vintage MOTU, as it's the biggest draw. But we're through a lot of the "heavy hitters" that appeal the average fan. So I'd love to see more POP and NA heavy hitters.

Heck, if the interest is there and they could do it, it would be cool to have something like a 6-issue subline in 2013 for just Filmation characters. I think that would be a definite seller.

Then for the regular 12 fig sub line, have something like 4 vintage MOTU, 4 POP, 2 NA and 2 random figs from comics/goldenbooks/etc.

Who knows. Scott may already have something like that planned. *shrugs*

I really hope the Filmation mini-sub becomes a reality, there are so many great characters from the cartoons.

Now that things are becoming more equal on the number of figures left from each of the 3 eras it only makes sense for the figure break down for the year to also become for equal. With a few 200x/comic/concepts (ILLUMINA) thrown in for good measure.

[mykan]

A Filmation mini-sub would make a lot of sense - (1) It would be a hot seller, (2) It could be necessary to keep from derailing Toy Guru's supposed well-in-advance planned schedule anyway.

And I will also go on the record as saying I am more excited to see characters that haven't had updates in 25 or so years, or never had a figure at all. The MOTUC line has been an exciting and awesome line, it just goes up several notches when we get figures of characters that we never really got before.

[zodak74]

Heck, if the interest is there and they could do it, it would be cool to have something like a 6-issue subline in 2013 for just Filmation characters. I think that would be a definite seller.

Then for the regular 12 fig sub line, have something like 4 vintage MOTU, 4 POP, 2 NA and 2 random figs from comics/goldenbooks/etc.

See, this is the sort of line-up for 2013 that would please just about everybody... (even though I'd like a Filmation subline be 12 figures, personally).

You would have something like this:

Bi-Monthly Filmation Subline:

Shokoti
Madame Razz & Broom
Lizard Man
Sea Hawk
Batros
Scorpia

And then the regular 2013 sub consisting of something like:

Mantenna
Hydron
Double Trouble
Blade
Goat Man
Castaspella
Rio Blast
Quakke
Lodar
Netossa
Snake Face
Glimmer

with an amazing "best of both worlds" sub incentive exclusive figure such as: Evilseed (which would be a combo figure with 2002 and Filmation heads and a removable cloak featuring the 2002 body underneath).

And if they are still going to do 4 quarterly variants in '13:
NA He-Man
Classic Toy Costume Catra
2002 Sorceress
NA Skeletor

4 quarterly beast/multi-pack slots:
Mantisaur
Sagitar
Horde Trooper Army Builder
Night Stalker

It gives a nice balance of a little something for everyone...

[markatisu]

Honestly,by now i don´t care what they release as long as its not screwed up through switching arms or so. I have to agree that 2012 is really vintage heavy, but maybe they wanted to celebrate the 30th that way?

That is how I am understanding it, its the 30th so celebrate it with more vintage then usual. Only downside is that really makes it hard to space out a lot of the rest of vintage without using them as carrots to dangle over peoples heads for the remainder of the line.

[Angel-T]

I feel we're overdue for more POP and NA. I definitely understand the focus on vintage MOTU, as it's the biggest draw. But we're through a lot of the "heavy hitters" that appeal the average fan. So I'd love to see more POP and NA heavy hitters.

Heck, if the interest is there and they could do it, it would be cool to have something like a 6-issue subline in 2013 for just Filmation characters. I think that would be a definite seller.

Then for the regular 12 fig sub line, have something like 4 vintage MOTU, 4 POP, 2 NA and 2 random figs from comics/goldenbooks/etc.

Who knows. Scott may already have something like that planned. *shrugs*

I hope you are right Val. A Filmation sub would surely sell well and I like your idea for the breakdown of the 12 monthly figures.

Scott does seriously need to start bringing real balance to the line IMO or certian groups of fans are gonna start falling away.

Mattel said everyone needed to be at the table and put their money down for dinner or no one was getting served any figures. It's turned out to be a feast for some fans but a famine for others. I personally hope balance in the representation of the different factions moving foward will now be the focus for MOTUC.

[Firefly]

Although I like New Adventures, given how long it took a big gun like Slush Head to sell out, I wonder if Matty will be apprehensive to do any more than what they are currently doing for NA in a year.

[Scorpia]

With NA, they need to start with the likes of Flogg and Hydron. They're logical. Then they need to take a leap of faith with Lizzor and Sagitar, who are the two most in-demand secondary characters.

The interest in the rest will bloom once they've released these popular guys.

[Angel-T]

I agree there are some great NA characters. Master Sebrian, Mara (both versons), Critta, Flogg, Hydron, Staghorn and others. I'm more excited for NA now Mattel has access to the cartoon chartoon characters as well as the toys.

[Swifty]

There is no way that NA fans are asking too much. The "He-Man" line was pretty expansive and I can't see how every figure will get a release in MOTUC at this rate. I'd really love to see them eventually get to things like the variants of characters like Hydron but it seems like a long shot.

As for POP I think the representation has been pretty good and will probably be increased in the coming years. I think the way some fans are approaching this is a bit of a problem. Several recent posts on Ask Matty have come off more as temper tantrums and have spun facts to fit their own opinions. I do not feel this helps to open up dialogue and it definitely undermines the credibilty of these individuals as well as any pro-POP efforts.

[Vlcan]

I'm ready for some more POP/Horde characters. Not at all an NA fan but I understand more are going to be in the mix. Let's make everyone happy. I love the idea of a Filmation sub. But as some have mentioned Vintage will always be the biggest hitter. And I think most vintage fans are huge Filmation fans as well. So I think putting in more Filmation figs in the regular sub will keep those fans around to keep buying the sub & what not. But I could be wrong. I just want this line to go on forever.

[yeahthatsme1973]

Love the NA characters - my favorites of the line so far and we definitely need more of them. I don't think they'll do a Filmation only sub though (unless it's variants only). They're going to have to use the Filmation characters to sell the sub in future years.

[Delthaindia]

I want cstaspella too! from here to 2015 - the year of the 30 per cent projection increase price:

castaspella
madame razz broom
peekablue/sweetbee/double trouble )one of them)
queen angella
glimmer + kowl
sea hawk

NA:
flogg
hydron
vizar
sagitar
artilla
nocturna (announced)
karatti

thats all. if you lisetn to teh last Roast Gobble dinner episode TG spoke about the differences betwen listed characters in the different factions (example Jitsu - c list for motu and to be produced for sure and a POP c list who got some problems instead)

[Swanmarsh]

Not sure where this latest bout of faction-envy has come from - or that it's merited in the current economy.

With Tallstar, Starla, Jewelstar, Shadow Weaver, Horde Prime and Frosta set for 2012, and possibly one other yet to be revealed, I think this has been an exciting year for POP releases, even if it is more targeted at the fans of the POP cartoon than exclusively fans of the POP vintage toyline. 6 (maybe 7?) POP releases in one year is still quite healthy - albeit I recognise the concern that only 1 reveal is of a vintage POP toy.

Sure, I would have thought with Sorceress, Fisto, Kobra Khan and Spikor this year Matty could have held off Mekaneck until next year. I guess the reality is Mek is a low cost to produce character to help balance out costs this year relative to most of the other remaining vintage MOTU figures - just needs a new head, weapon and necks.

Given many of the remaining vintage MOTU figures need significant additional and unique tooling (Dragstor, Modulok, Multi-bot, Horde Trooper, Stonedar and Rokkon, Two-Bad, Saurod, Gwildor, Energy Zoids, Mantenna (4 legs), Snake Face, Extendar, Rio-Blast) I think it is a safe bet POP and Filmation characters will be needed in future years to help keep overall tooling budget down. On top of this, like yeahthatsme1973 says, Filmation characters will be needed to help sell the Sub as low-tool vintage figures start to dwindle.

When it comes to POP, Mattel has already released most of the natural non-80s POP toys (Prime, Weaver, Adora, Star Sisters) that rank in importance with 80s POP figures. it stands to reason that future years releases will be more POP toyline heavy. If we got 5 POP 80s figures next year plus 1 Filmation POP that would start to make a reasonable dent in the POP faction.

NA is a trickier concept. At the moment, considering time difference between Flipshot and Slush Head, the NA figures are spaced out about 3 every 2 years. That is plenty IMO.

One thing we all need to think of is the importance of keeping the sub sales strong in 2013 (and beyond) to help MOTUC get through this current troubling economy. Sadly, reducing the number of vintage/FILMation MOTU offerings for relatively unknown NA figures will not support sub sales at this stage.

[Zodach]

Mattel you've burnt through TOO many vintage MOTU characters already.

Mykan - this quote from your "fairness in the factions" image tells me all I need to know. Some (but not all) fans who are calling for more POP and NA figures are afraid that figures from those factions aren't strong enough to stand on their own. They are afraid that if they don't have enough vintage figures to sprinkle into the next 5-6 years they aren't going to get all of their most wanted POP/NA figures. That is true, but I think Mattel should be giving subscribers what they want with a majority of the spots, which are the vintage MOTU figures.

[Darkspecter]

Although I like New Adventures, given how long it took a big gun like Slush Head to sell out, I wonder if Matty will be apprehensive to do any more than what they are currently doing for NA in a year.

I read a bunch of people passing on him because his head couldn't turn and/or the plug on the back ruining the sculpt. So, it might not be that Slush Head wasn't as popular as other releases...it could be that fans weren't happy with design choices on him. *shrugs*

[Zodach]

Design choices didn't hurt Stinkor's sales one bit though. I just don't think NA is all that popular, even if the Horsemen have made excellent figures out of them.