Masters of the Universe Release Dates and Cyber Monday Sale
Mattel posted product release dates through November 2010 for Masters of the Universe Classics last week. It mostly matches up with what they said at Comic Con, except with no mention of the Eternia Palace Guards 2 pack. I’m guessing since they don’t mention the 2 pack here, it will be pushed back to another month. Here is the schedule they posted.
SEPTEMBER
Masters of the Universe® Classics Chief Carnivus™ (Club Eternia™ monthly figure)
Masters of the Universe® Classics Gygor™
OCTOBER
Masters of the Universe® Classics Roboto® (Club Eternia™ monthly figure)
Masters of the Universe® Classics Zodac®
NOVEMBER
Masters of the Universe® Classics Grizzlor® (Club Eternia™ monthly figure)
Masters of the Universe® Classics Grayskull™ (with Orb)
Masters of the Universe® Classics Weapons Pak Great Wars Assortment
Mattel also announced a Cyber Monday sale set for November 29th, the Monday after the Thanksgiving holiday, but offered no other details at this time. Here is the quote.
We’re working on plans for a serious Cyber Monday sale on November 29th at 9 a.m. PT/Noon ET and it’s gonna be BIG!
2010 SDCC – Hasbro/Marvel Information Round-Up
Hasbro news from San Diego Comic Con on Iron Man 2, Spider-Man, Super Hero Squad, Marvel Universe, Thor, Captain America and Marvel Legends for 2010 and 2011.
2010 SDCC – Masters of the Universe Classics Information Round-Up
Here is a round-up of information from this year’s San Diego Comic-Con for Mattel’s Masters of the Universe Classics line.
- September will see the release of the Chief Carnivus figure along with the oversized figure, Gygor.
- In October, we will see the release of Roboto.
- In November, we will see a release of the second weapons pak (Great Wars).
- Also in November, look to see the Horde henchman Grizzlor released, Eternia Palace Guards 2 pack ($40) and King Greyskull redeco figure released.
- In December, we will see the release of Buzz-Off.
- Starting things off for 2011 in January, She-Ra fans will get another nod with the release of Bow.
- The first over-sized figure for 2011 will be of Shadowbeast.
- In February we will see the release of Vikor, He-Man of the North.
- Also in February will see the release of the next quarterly figure which will be of Battle Armor Skeletor.
- King Hiss will get his Classics debut in in March.
- The 2011 Club Eternia figure will be Preternia Disguise He-Man.
- Greyskull stands will be offered again in Q1.
- Reissued figures almost every month.
- Small diorama pieces in Q2 like a Castle Greyskull weapons rack.
- $25 SDCC exclusive item in Q3.
- First vehicle in Q4 like a Battle Ram.
The Cost of a Masters of the Universe Classics 2011 Club Eternia Subscription
$627.40 minimum.
Here’s how you get that number.
12 monthly figures x $20 = $240
4 quarterly figures x $20 = $80
3 oversized figures x $30 = $90
1 oversized figure x $40 = $40
Subscription cost = $20
Total = $470
Mattel charges me shipping of $8.70 on each figure. So at least you are looking at $8.70 per month in shipping but probably more. We’ll go with the minimum for this example.
$8.70 x 12 = $104.40
Total = $574.40
Mattel also charges sales tax. By my calculations, they are charging tax on the sale and the shipping cost at 9.23%.
9.23% x $547.40 = $53.00
Total = $627.40
These numbers are coming from Mattel’s MOTU panel this week at Comic Con. The numbers from my post a month ago were right on. If you divide this up by 12, it doesn’t seem that bad at $52.28 a month. You may want to start saving now. I will be taking my chances on trying to get only the figures I actually want.
P.S. This total doesn’t include the non subscription items announced at Comic Con for 2011, including more Grayskull stands, reissued figures (almost one a month), SDCC exclusive, weapons pak, dioramas and a vehicle.
3.75″ Iron Man 2 Classic Iron Monger & Arctic Iron Man Revealed
A European site has posted more images of upcoming Iron Man 2 figures. Included is Iron Monger from the comics.
The Iron Monger is based on his appearance in the comic booksas opposed to the movie. Arctic Iron Man appears to be just a repaint of the Mark VI armor figure or what they perhaps are calling the “Modern” Iron Man figure for this assortment. These figures are slated to be released in the 3rd series of “Comic Series” Iron Man 2 figures
3.75″ Spider-Man – Carnage Closer Look
Thanks to eBay, we have a better look at the upcoming Spider-Man 3.75″ figures, including Carnage.
Spider-Man 3.75″ Carnage And Ben Reilly Spider-Man Figures Revealed
While I don’t like the scale, I like that you can supplement your Marvel Universe collection with the Spider-Man line, the same way you could supplement your Marvel Legends collection with the 6″ Spider-Man line.
Entertainment Earth has released images for Hasbro’s 4th wave of 3.75″ Spider-Manfigures which includes Carnage and a Ben Reilly Spider-Man figure.
G.I. Joe Pursuit Of Cobra Hits TRU Stores
The G.I. Joe 25th Anniversary line was phased out and replaced by the Rise of Cobra movie line. Now, the Rise of Cobra line is being phased out and replaced by the Pursuit of Cobra line. It seems the new line is starting to show up at Toys R Us in the US. At least the vehicles are showing up anyway, according to this report.
I found the new Wolf Hound and H.I.S.S. Tank v5 today at a local TRU here in Maryland today. They cost $24.99 each.
Iron Man 2 3.75″ TRU Exclusive Fury Of Combat 4-Pack – Nick Fury
Iron Man 2 Samuel Jackson Nick Fury is on eBay. Samuel Jackson. Nick Fury. No word from Hasbro on when we will see this, but I’m guessing we will see it again at SDCC.
We have our first decent look at the Nick Fury that will come in the upcoming Iron Man 2 3.75″ TRU Exclusive Fury Of Combat 4-Pack. Check out the image below. The set will include: Ground Assault Drone, Iron Man Mark VI, Nick Fury and Ground Assault Drone.
More Iron Man 2 Drone Figures Carded
More Iron Man 2 Drone figures on eBay, now in package.
We have a look at some carded and loose images of the upcoming 3.75″ Iron Man 2 Air Drone and Weapon Assault Drone figures from Hasbro.
She-Ra and Lobo Will Be at SDCC
According to Toy Guru on the Mattycollector forums, Masters of the Universe Classics She-Ra and JLU Lobo will be sold at Comic Con in very limited numbers. So scalpers, you now have more chances to buy these figures. You’re welcome.
Disney Consumer Products Announces TRON: Legacy Toy Line from Spin Master
From this press release, the Tron toys look good on paper, but as with all summer movie toys, we need to wait and see them before we pass judgement. I am not hopeful due to the fact that they are being produced by Spin Master, who is producing the Last Airbender toys, which will likely end up on the clearance shelves at the end of the year.
Both the 12-inch and 7.5-inch figure lines will feature facial images that are projected into / onto the heads. The prototypes for the smaller figures include some nice articulation for a toy with a lot of electronics – perhaps that accounts for the non-standard size.
Marvel to Introduce Characters in Short Films?
There is a rumor making it’s rounds today, that Marvel will begin introducing characters in 10 minute short films in front of other movies. Who knows how this will play out and whether it will be a good thing or a bad thing. It sounds good to me.
Got a scoop from a well trusted source that Marvel/Disney are looking at doing 10 minute short films in front of their feature length movies that will introduce secondary characters like Black Panther, Luke Cage, Dr. Strange, etc.
Masters of the Universe Classics Production Numbers
Speaking of Masters of the Universe Classics edition sizes, I had forgotten that She-Ra was the first monthly figure with an increased edition size since Adora first sold out very quickly at the beginning of the year. Now that She-Ra has sold out within minutes, will Mattel up the production numbers again?
Here is a thread on the Mattycolletor forums where Toyguru commented on this issue.
We are constantly adjusting production numbers but for a variety of reasons we are unable to share specifics with the public.
We may find out something at Comic Con or even before then, but it looks like right now, Mattel isn’t telling us, as they have in the past.
Mattycollector.com: It is Gygor day
See the official pics of Gygor from Mattel, in and out of package with size comparison.
Gygor will be the third oversized beast in the 2010 line and will go on sale September 15th. He will not be part of the subscription (but the beasts will be added to the subs in 2011 per fan demand!)
Also, Mattel gives info on the fan panel at SDCC where they will reveal the first army builder 2 pack.
The final oversized beast/pack for 2010 will be an army builder two pack shown off at our fan panel at SDCC on Friday July 23 at 1:00 in room 29ABC. See you all at Mattypalooza 2010~!
Hot Toys Blade Trinity Abigail Whistler Press Pics
Hot Toys is at the top of their game, doing excellent work. But Blade III was a terrible movie. Other than the fact it’s Jessica Biel, why make this figure? It’s pre-ordering right now for $150.
With this release, Hot Toys shows thanks to Jessica Biel for saving Blade Trinity from being a completely forgettable movie and a stake through the heart of the Blade franchise. I think the likeness is pretty serviceable – working better from a 3/4 view than straight on. This will make a great companion to the Blade II MMS figure.
Marvel Ultimate Quarter-Scale Deadpool Action Figure
Ultimate Quarter-Scale Deadpool looks like a huge turd for $50. This doesn’t look good for the kick-off of a new line from Diamond Select.
It’s the Ultimate Quarter-Scale debut of the Marvel Universe! Who better to kick of this line than the “Merc’ with a Mouth”, Deadpool!? This character has never been hotter, and Diamond Select is ready to give the fans what they want — a full-sized, 19″ figure with full articulation, an authentic cloth costume, and loads of weapons for dealing with any situation. Please note that the Marvel UQS line will not have sound chips but will have all the costuming and sculpt details fans have come to expect from this line. SRP: $49.99
Masters of the Universe Classics Chief Carnivus Prototype Pics
Let’s be honest here. Most of the die hard Masters of the Universe Classics collectors did not know who Chief Carnivus is before this announcement. I would say that Chief C. is a mistake by Mattel and that this figure will be the first one this year not to immediately sell out. But, those in the subscription program are already sold, so that leaves any overrun on this figure left. Now, Mattel may know that he will not be popular and make less, making a sell out still likely. On the other hand, this is still MOTU Classics, so it could sell out anyway. Who knows.
Here are the official pics, I think of the painted 2-up prototype, from Mattel.
Masters of the Universe Classics 2011 Club Eternia Subscriptions
Last weekend at Wizard World Philly, Mattel announced details of their Masters of the Universe Classics 2011 Club Eternia subscription program. More on that in a minute, but first let’s look at the 2010 Club Eternia subscription. If you signed up for the Club Eternia 2010 subscription program, you got 13 figures, 1 figure a month plus the exclusive bonus figure. Since the club costs $20 to join, you pay $20 for every figure, plus $8 in shipping and handling, separate from anything else you buy in the store at the time the figures go on sale by the way.
So let’s add up the cost. 13 x $20 = $260. I didn’t order it, so I’m not sure, but it may be the case that the bonus figure shipped together with that month’s figure. So let’s calculate shipping on 12 figures instead of 13 just to be safe. 12 x $8 = $96. The total is $260 + $96 = $356. That’s a lot of cash to be a completist. This also doesn’t count the quarterly bonus figures plus the oversize figures or the weapons pak. And that’s only if you buy one of each, which many buy more than one, and the limit on each figure by Mattel is 10.
Also as a result of this program, every figure this year has been hard to get because the genius’ at Mattel figured everyone that wanted the figures bought a subscription, thus they didn’t produce very many figures outside what they would need to fill the subscription program.
But the bonus figures and the oversize figures have also been hard to get. And Mattel claims that collectors who signed up for the subscription program want a way to get those figures as well. So for 2011, Mattel is including all those figures in their subscription program. Not as a separate option mind you, as part of the new program.
So to recap, in 2011 to ensure that you are able to get the figures you want, the only way to get them is to get one of everything. If you thought $356 was a lot, get ready to pay a lot more. Now, they may ship the figures together every month to save on shipping, but the shipping costs will certainly not go down from $96 for the year. So let’s look at how much it will be exactly.
The subscriptions will include 12 monthly figures, the 4 “A-List” quarterly figures, beasts, army builders and oversized figures that are offered in 20011 (3 at $30 and 1 $40). There will also be a subscription only figure like Wun-Dar. This figure will be from the comics and a new map for this year.
4 bonus figures is $80. Now what Mattel means by “beasts, army builders and oversized figures” isn’t very clear, but they do give us some details, “3 at $30 and 1 $40.” So $90 + $40 = $130. So the total now is up to $566 without adding in any additional shipping cost, which there is sure to be some. Is anyone still interested in joining the 2011 Eternia Club for $566 at a minimum? Note that this still excludes SDCC exclusive figures, stands, weapons packs or re-issues.
My guess is that Mattel will sell a lot less 2011 subscriptions than for 2010, with a cost increase of at least $210 more. The good news is that Mattel will know ahead of time exactly how many subscriptions they sold, so they will have to make enough to fill those orders. Plus, by now they should know or at least be getting close to knowing how many figures they need to make every month for the figures to last for at least a day or 2. So with less subscriptions being sold, more collectors will be in the boat of having to fight on pre-order day to get the figures, but hopefully, Mattel will be able to better ensure that everyone who wants one can get one.
Of course, I could be completely wrong, and Mattel could sell more subscriptions than ever before. Or they could still underestimate sales, and people will still be pissed as hell at them that they can’t get the figures they want. Anyway you look at it, the line is a success. The only way it can fail is if the figures stop selling out month after month. I don’t think Mattel is going to let that happen at this point. A year from now, we may be telling a different story.
Wizard Word Philly Masters of the Universe Classics News
Here are some news items that I missed from Masters of the Universe Classics at Wizard World Philly.
- MOTU fans can look forward to a second weapons pack in October called the “Great Wars” set.
- Gygor will be an oversized figure in September.
- The Quarterly figure for November will be King Greyskull (redeco) along with an Army Builder 2-pack.
- For those who have missed out on previously released MOTUC figures, look for a re-issue figure to be sold each month in 2011 on Mattycollector.com.
- The 2011 Club Eternia sign-ups will begin on preview night of the SDCC and last for 2 weeks afterward. There will be a $20 sign up fee. The subscriptions will include 12 monthly figures, the 4 “A-List” quarterly figures, beasts, army builders and oversized figures that are offered in 2011 (3 at $30 and 1 $40). There will also be a subscription only figure like Wun-Dar. This figure will be from the comics and a new map for this year.
- Subscriptions will not include SDCC exclusive figures, stands, weapons packs or re-issues.
- The max order limit will remain at 10 figures.
Convention Exclusives
Something’s been bothering me about the SDCC exclusive Plastic Man post from TheFwoosh.com that I linked to the other day. It was that quote about “THIS is how you do a convention figure.”
I can think of 2 convention exclusives that Mattel itself has done better, the Orko with included Prince Adam with 2 headsculpts to be released in 2010 and the DC Universe Classics Wonder Twins from 2009. Both of the afore mentioned exclusives have 2 figures included and the Wonder Twins exclusive available at the con came with Gleek. Plus, while the Plastic Man packaging was cool, the Wonder Twins packaging was better, in that when you put the 2 sides together, it played sound and activated lights.
I’m ignoring the fact that none of these are really exclusives since they are available outside of the convention. The real exclusives are the ones available at the conventions themselves. SDCC Plastic Man has little comic book replicas included. SDCC Orko changes color which is significantly better. The SDCC Wonder Twins had freaking Gleek, a whole other figure.
I agree that Mattel does really good exclusives, and that the way they are doing Plastic Man is really cool. But to hold that up as the best example, does not make sense. It would be better to say that this is the way to do Plastic Man, as all that they did for this figure was specific to that character.
Marvel Universe Giant-Sized X-Men Boxset Images & Review
Another example of unannounced Marvel Universe figures from Hasbro, a detailed review with photos in fact. I hope Hasbro has a lot in store for Comic Con.
Though not yet officially confirmed by Hasbro, Marvelous News reader Yenmaster has gotten his hands on what appears to be a 3.75″ Marvel Universe Giant-Sized X-Men boxset.
Masters of the Universe Classics Whiplash Carded Images
Whiplash is one of my favorite MOTU figures. I think it is great that they are including both the original and 200X headsculpts. Hopefully, I will be able to order one of these.
Mattel has released carded images for their upcoming Masters of the Universe Classics Whiplash figure which will go on sale at Mattycollector.com on August 15th.
Hasbro Marvel Universe Colossus, Juggernaut and A.I.M. Soldier
I have also noticed that Hasbro is really stepping up their work on this line. Sculpting and articulation have improved recently. If you have been holding out because of that, now is the time to check out the Marvel Universe line.
If these figures are a taste of what Hasbro has in store for the future of the Marvel Universe line, then I’m excited! The quality and execution of the these three remind me of the Marvel Legend days, and I do hope Hasbro keeps this up.
Mattel’s MOTUC Grizzlor Revealed
Well, his back was anyway.
We told you on Friday, how Mattel after debuting their September Masters of the Universe Classics figure as Chief Carnivus, they slipped in a teaser for another upcoming figure as being the Horde Henchman Grizzlor.