Are POP/NA Fans asking for too much?

[mykan]

As diverse as the MOTUC line is, the fans themselves are just as diverse - if not more. Some collectors demand for Ram-Man NOW. Others want more Great Rebellion or Galactic Protectors or Space Mutants. This is all fine. Some folks consider the "demanding" as wasteful and whiny, but I believe that it's the fans' duty to let Mattel know what the fans want. If Fans didn't continually and incessantly ask for Filmation characters, I don't think the pursuit of the Classic Media rights would have panned out the way it did. The Filmation rights have changed the nature of the line from many aspects - particularly story concepts, character design, and the very quantity of figures. Horde Supreme IS Horde Prime.

I don't know how much influence Great Rebellion fans had on Mattel in the last 2 years, but it CAN be said that 2011 and 2012 upped the ante when it came to Great Rebellion product. Though the coming years will likely show more and more Great Rebellion and NA characters showing up in monthly slots in the sub year, I don't think fan demand should subside. It's CLEAR that demanding Shadow Weaver caused her to be the first Filmation character to be released.

[MISSILE-TOE]

HOORAY!!!!!!!!

I DEMAND MORE "SON OF HE-MAN" ERA FIGURES PLEASE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

THAT MEANS-

AIR-BAG
MISSILE-TOE
SAW-TOOTH

AND THE REST!!!!!!!!!!!!

(i'm not sure if i'm being serious or not! )

[krosfyah]

Character support is awesome, whiny nitpicking sucks.

[MldMnrdReporter]

I agree you Mykan as always.

[bamf1980]

HOORAY!!!!!!!!

I DEMAND MORE "SON OF HE-MAN" ERA FIGURES PLEASE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

THAT MEANS-

AIR-BAG
MISSILE-TOE
SAW-TOOTH

AND THE REST!!!!!!!!!!!!

(i'm not sure if i'm being serious or not! )

I have to wonder if those characters are better suited for multi-packs. They strike me as Star Sisters-y, where if you want one, you'll want them all...or none at all.

Not knocking your wish list. I'd totally buy 'em up. I'm just sayin'.

[enoch]

I too want son of he-man figures. To me the mighty spector belongs in that era also.

[mykan]

I agree you Mykan as always.

Someone that agrees with me? Who are you? Are you real. lol

- - - Updated - - -

I have to wonder if those characters are better suited for multi-packs. They strike me as Star Sisters-y, where if you want one, you'll want them all...or none at all.

Not knocking your wish list. I'd totally buy 'em up. I'm just sayin'.

Hmmm. Interesting. Perhaps as time goes on and Great Rebellion and NA fans are satisfied, it'll be the SOHM fans that will have to become more vocal. I say be vocal for as long and consistently as you can. Mattel may then decide to put more focus on SOHM than they are.

[Squishy Duck Man]

Character support is awesome, whiny nitpicking sucks.

This sentiment I could not agree with more.

[He-Dad]

Character support is awesome, whiny nitpicking sucks.

^^^^^^^^^What he said

[MISSILE-TOE]

Hmmm. Interesting. Perhaps as time goes on and Great Rebellion and NA fans are satisfied, it'll be the SOHM fans that will have to become more vocal. I say be vocal for as long and consistently as you can. Mattel may then decide to put more focus on SOHM than they are.

If I can be serious for a second (which I can!)...the reason I like the idea of SOHM figures is because they represent the most unknown and obscure faction, that only the really hardcore fans would actually care about...this makes them perfect for MOTUC, but I do not mind if they come later rather than sooner!

I always like D-list and E-list characters in any media...as I feel you can judge a true fan by their knowledge of such obscure trivia, as opposed to the more mainstream stuff (like Ram Man etc).

Anyway, it doesn't matter what I think, cause it looks like they are already on the master plan road map anyway!


(however when they are released, I'm going to move on to the even more obscure era .... TEZ, SHALDA and MOONSPINNER figures from the WHITMAN "LIFEMOLD" ERA!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!*)

[vertigoink]

Mykan I support your ideas 100% and it's good to see someone think so openly minded. As for SOHM, the one real glaring issue I have with it is there was a reason it was rejected in the first place- horrible character design, 90's X-TREME style, uninspired story if you've read all of the script synopsis including some of the storyboards , and just overall really lazy crafting. Now what I would be ok with personally is if they take the Dare idea and adapt it to MOTUC, but pull a NA and not make it happen when it would have originally. I think they will save King-He-Man for either a sub-exclusive or the figure to END the line eventually; being the opportune time in which characters like Dare should really be released.

As far as being "fair", even the most obscure of concept characters at least had roots in the property whereas SOHM was pretty much a bomb before it ever got off the ground. There is also the problem of current canon not even supporting the SOHM premise as it were anyway so they would be forced to make some drastic changes to the story structure- it's pretty clear TG isn't going to scratch the whole continuity just to fit in SOHM lol!

EDIT:

I will totally take Two-Man-E-Faces, Kayla, and Airbag though as "concept" characters.

[phantom1592]

If I can be serious for a second (which I can!)...the reason I like the idea of SOHM figures is because they represent the most unknown and obscure faction, that only the really hardcore fans would actually care about...this makes them perfect for MOTUC, but I do not mind if they come later rather than sooner!

To me, MOTU has always been about HE-MAN. The Twins of prophecy and wielder of Grayskull's power...

THEY are the ones that the world had been waiting for, and THEY are the ones that will save the day.


NOT their kids...


I've never been a fan of stories that go on TOO long... Sooner or later they just have to put a cap on it and say 'and they lived happily ever after'. Adam can become king... He can rule from Grayskull... but the moment he passes his sword on to another, I lose interest fast.

Honestly, I'd like to see more development with the Oo-lar and/or Fighting Foe-men then I would 'Son of He-man' era

[enoch]

Mykan I support your ideas 100% and it's good to see someone think so openly minded. As for SOHM, the one real glaring issue I have with it is there was a reason it was rejected in the first place- horrible character design, 90's X-TREME style, uninspired story if you've read all of the script synopsis including some of the storyboards , and just overall really lazy crafting. Now what I would be ok with personally is if they take the Dare idea and adapt it to MOTUC, but pull a NA and not make it happen when it would have originally. I think they will save King-He-Man for either a sub-exclusive or the figure to END the line eventually; being the opportune time in which characters like Dare should really be released.

As far as being "fair", even the most obscure of concept characters at least had roots in the property whereas SOHM was pretty much a bomb before it ever got off the ground. There is also the problem of current canon not even supporting the SOHM premise as it were anyway so they would be forced to make some drastic changes to the story structure- it's pretty clear TG isn't going to scratch the whole continuity just to fit in SOHM lol!

EDIT:

I will totally take Two-Man-E-Faces, Kayla, and Airbag though as "concept" characters.

I disagree. I think the bios are setting up the sohm continuation. We have mention of it in spectors bio and bg evil lyns.

[Jon-O]

To me, MOTU has always been about HE-MAN. The Twins of prophecy and wielder of Grayskull's power...

THEY are the ones that the world had been waiting for, and THEY are the ones that will save the day.


NOT their kids...


I've never been a fan of stories that go on TOO long... Sooner or later they just have to put a cap on it and say 'and they lived happily ever after'. Adam can become king... He can rule from Grayskull... but the moment he passes his sword on to another, I lose interest fast.

Honestly, I'd like to see more development with the Oo-lar and/or Fighting Foe-men then I would 'Son of He-man' era

I can see where you're coming from, as the story seems to be about the culmination of their power and epic battle. However, someone has to be around one day to live up to the legacy, and pass on the tale. I wonder who in fact Dare does face, if not Skeletor, but with time travel, anything is possible.

[mykan]

Mykan I support your ideas 100% and it's good to see someone think so openly minded. As for SOHM, the one real glaring issue I have with it is there was a reason it was rejected in the first place- horrible character design, 90's X-TREME style, uninspired story if you've read all of the script synopsis including some of the storyboards , and just overall really lazy crafting. Now what I would be ok with personally is if they take the Dare idea and adapt it to MOTUC, but pull a NA and not make it happen when it would have originally. I think they will save King-He-Man for either a sub-exclusive or the figure to END the line eventually; being the opportune time in which characters like Dare should really be released.

As far as being "fair", even the most obscure of concept characters at least had roots in the property whereas SOHM was pretty much a bomb before it ever got off the ground. There is also the problem of current canon not even supporting the SOHM premise as it were anyway so they would be forced to make some drastic changes to the story structure- it's pretty clear TG isn't going to scratch the whole continuity just to fit in SOHM lol!

EDIT:

I will totally take Two-Man-E-Faces, Kayla, and Airbag though as "concept" characters.

Yes, SOHM was passed over to make way for NA. And some of the story elements are derivative and boring. BUT, I wouldn't totally count it out. There's definitely work involved in honing it - EVERY era has been "tweaked" to fit into MOTUC, but if it's an opportunity at some point to keep the line going, it'll happen. I kinda wouldn't mind seeing what He-Ro, II and King He-Man figures would look like.

[man-at-work]

The origin of this controversy is what Mattel did with lines: they mixed two different target markets into one... POP toys and MOTU toys... i'm gonna be clearer: toys intended for girls and toys intended for boys. I think they should have remained as 2 separated lines. So, any collector who has both interests could buy figures from both lines, and we would not have slots wars.

Though the difference stated above was inherent to vintage lines (as someone said in the forum: you would go to the boys isle or the girls isle in the toy store), the forum seems to provide evidence that there are still 2 well differentiated markets.

I don't think NA has the same characteristics than POP, and this is precisely the distinction between a faction and a line.

However, Mattel mixed both, based on (my guess) the mythos shared by both lines: it makes sense from that point of view (and IMHO only from that point of view). Well, then we have to live with the "balance" established by the manufacturer (and they will keep the mix that is profitable for them, not the mix that seem fair to this community).

[imperialmyrth]

The origin of this controversy is what Mattel did with lines: they mixed two different target markets into one... POP toys and MOTU toys... i'm gonna be clearer: toys intended for girls and toys intended for boys. I think they should have remained as 2 separated lines. So, any collector who has both interests could buy figures from both lines, and we would not have slots wars.

Though the difference stated above was inherent to vintage lines (as someone said in the forum: you would go to the boys isle or the girls isle in the toy store), the forum seems to provide evidence that there are still 2 well differentiated markets.

I don't think NA has the same characteristics than POP, and this is precisely the distinction between a faction and a line.

However, Mattel mixed both, based on (my guess) the mythos shared by both lines: it makes sense from that point of view (and IMHO only from that point of view). Well, then we have to live with the "balance" established by the manufacturer (and they will keep the mix that is profitable for them, not the mix that seem fair to this community).

This is a great point. I really don't feel that PoP fits in with what I like as MOTU, but I love the line, so I buy all the figures and display the PoP stuff in the back of my collection and am happy for those that like them. For me, the biggest issue is when She-Ra is pushed to have the same significance in the line as he-Man. He is the most powerful man in the universe, not one of two most powerful twins, separated at birth in the universe. She-Ra has her place, and is a good faction leader, but he-man should always be the most powerful and the main focus. I'm sorry, but the heart and soul of MOTU is He-Man. Trying to put She-Ra at the same level of importance is what really turns me off to PoP, not the figures.

[kolobosrexx]

...(DUCKS THE FLAMING ARROWS FROM POP FANS...)

[He-Dad]

This is a great point. I really don't feel that PoP fits in with what I like as MOTU, but I love the line, so I buy all the figures and display the PoP stuff in the back of my collection and am happy for those that like them. For me, the biggest issue is when She-Ra is pushed to have the same significance in the line as he-Man. He is the most powerful man in the universe, not one of two most powerful twins, separated at birth in the universe. She-Ra has her place, and is a good faction leader, but he-man should always be the most powerful and the main focus. I'm sorry, but the heart and soul of MOTU is He-Man. Trying to put She-Ra at the same level of importance is what really turns me off to PoP, not the figures.

While I'm not a Great Rebellion collector, I have to disagree with you about the importance of She-Ra. From the beginning duality played an important part in He-man. 2 halves of the power sword to make it whole. That's how I see She-Ra. The second half to make the power whole. In the ultimate battle I don't see He-man being able to defeat Skeletor and the Horde on his own, but with the help of his twin the power is there. He is the most powerful MAN in the universe, but even that has its limitations. Just my 2 cents.

[imperialmyrth]

While I'm not a Great Rebellion collector, I have to disagree with you about the importance of She-Ra. From the beginning duality played an important part in He-man. 2 halves of the power sword to make it whole. That's how I see She-Ra. The second half to make the power whole. In the ultimate battle I don't see He-man being able to defeat Skeletor and the Horde on his own, but with the help of his twin the power is there. He is the most powerful MAN in the universe, but even that has its limitations. Just my 2 cents.

One thing to keep in mind, however, was that the original two halves of the power sword came with He-Man and Skellator, one silver and purple. Implying a good and evil relationship, especially when one considers where they came from. This was the original duality, not twins of power.

[He-Dad]

One thing to keep in mind, however, was that the original two halves of the power sword came with He-Man and Skellator, one silver and purple. Implying a good and evil relationship, especially when one considers where they came from. This was the original duality, not twins of power.

Right, but then in the Secret of the Sword the duality of the twins was introduced. It makes sense because the Sorceress would have known that the Ultimate Battle would return when Hordak and the Horde did. With them on Etheria, Etheria needed someone to weaken or stop them and He-man can't be in two places at once. The twins share the power and together are unstoppable. So I think she is important to the line and not a stretch in the grand scheme of things.

[imperialmyrth]

Right, but then in the Secret of the Sword the duality of the twins was introduced. It makes sense because the Sorceress would have known that the Ultimate Battle would return when Hordak and the Horde did. With them on Etheria, Etheria needed someone to weaken or stop them and He-man can't be in two places at once. The twins share the power and together are unstoppable. So I think she is important to the line and not a stretch in the grand scheme of things.

Given the media we have seen she is defiantly important. Same as any faction leader such as King Randor, King Hiss, Hordak, etc, but not at the same level of iconography or importance as He-Man. If she is so beloved that there is a need to place her just as important to the brand as He-Man, then I truly feel it should be a separate line with only a fleeting story tie in with MOTU.

[MegaGearMax]

While I'm not a Great Rebellion collector, I have to disagree with you about the importance of She-Ra. From the beginning duality played an important part in He-man. 2 halves of the power sword to make it whole. That's how I see She-Ra. The second half to make the power whole. In the ultimate battle I don't see He-man being able to defeat Skeletor and the Horde on his own, but with the help of his twin the power is there. He is the most powerful MAN in the universe, but even that has its limitations. Just my 2 cents.

I think it ultimately depends on who's telling the story. Some eras have made use of POP, such as Filmation, MVC comics and MOTUC. Other times, She-Ra is nowhere to be seen such as the vintage mini-comics, New Adventures and MYP (She-Ra had a 200X convention figure, but wasn't in the cartoon).

I think the problem was that the boys marketing department at the time didn't want POP in MOTU, so bunch of fans never needed to acknowledge She-Ra or POP. To these fans, they had He-Man without She-Ra. In alot of MOTU media, there are no rebels on a very barren looking Etheria.

[He-Dad]

I think it ultimately depends on who's telling the story. Some eras have made use of POP, such as Filmation, MVC comics and MOTUC. Other times, She-Ra is nowhere to be seen such as the vintage mini-comics, New Adventures and MYP (She-Ra had a 200X convention figure, but wasn't in the cartoon).

I think the problem was that the boys marketing department at the time didn't want POP in MOTU, so bunch of fans never needed to acknowledge She-Ra or POP. To these fans, they had He-Man without She-Ra. In alot of MOTU media, there are no rebels on a very barren looking Etheria.

I agree....but I have to wonder, if MYP would have continued and with the introduction of the Horde, would She-ra NOT have appeared?

(I don't think the Great Rebellion would have of course, they're not integral to MOTU, just PoP....but I think She-ra would have on Eternia)

**note I'm not downplaying the Great Rebellion in collector terms. I think as a customer who bought a subscription as many of you did under the pretense that it was all encompassing you deserve to have your characters made. I'm talking strictly in storylines as the two are not fully blended and are still essentially seperate properties and adventures.

[EtherianChronicles]

I agree....but I have to wonder, if MYP would have continued and with the introduction of the Horde, would She-ra NOT have appeared?

I'm far from a 200x expert, but I do believe that she was to be introduced in the 3rd season, should they have done one.