Wednesday May 1, 2013
It's always nice to get insights into a company's inner workings and future plans. Mattel regularly offers that opportunity to fans as a part of the "Ask Matty" program, and I've decided to take part here on About.com Action Figures. Here are the answers for this edition, straight from representatives at Mattel.
1. Will any new Filmation subscription characters be making an appearance at SDCC this summer?
Definitely!
2. The $4 shipping coupon offered with May sales is a nice gesture. Is there any chance this could become a regular feature for subcribers purchasing non-subscription items?
Definitely not. We simply can't afford it!
3. Any word on the success of the Watchmen line and the chances of getting additional characters (i.e., the Minutemen, Bubastis, etc.)?
The Watchmen line is doing good but will not have a second year at this time.
I'm sad to see that Watchmen isn't performing well enough to continue, and it's a shame that future breaks on shipping costs for MattyCollector.com items aren't on the table. But the Filmation line continues to move forward, and that's always a good thing. Come back in a couple weeks for more answers when we "Ask Matty"!
Read More: 6 Action Figure Manufacturers You Need to Know
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Photo © Mattel
Tuesday April 30, 2013
Mattel's San Diego Comic Con exclusives are often the hottest and most popular action figures at the annual event for action figure collectors everywhere, and the hubbub is just now starting as Mattel begins to reveal their exclusives for the 2013 convention.
Their first big piece of news is that Rokkon and Stonedar will join forces in an SDCC exclusive two-pack in the Masters of the Universe Classics (MotUC) line. You can read the announcement and see more photos here. I'm a huge fan of the vintage figures of the same name, and think these updated versions will spice up a line that's gotten a bit boring as of late.
If you're going to San Diego Comic Con, then you'll be able to pre-order a voucher for these two Comet Warriors in June. If you're not attending the convention, there will be some available for sale later in August. I think these may be the most popular SDCC Exclusives in the MotUC line yet.
Read More: Top 10 Masters of the Universe Classics Figures
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Photo © Mattel
Tuesday April 30, 2013
Children have always dreamed of creating their own Transformers characters to fight in the eternal struggle between Autobots and Decepticons. Thanks to a new promotion celebrating the brand's 30th anniversary, Hasbro is finally helping to make that happen.
You can now check out the Transformers Fan Built Bot Poll and help shape the latest Transformers character to your specifications. It might not end up exactly how you want it, nor will it likely be one of the top Transformers characters in a few years, but it's still a lot of fun to participate. I know I've been voting everyday.
I voted for a grumpy blue and silver Autobot Tank with a mace, and I'd love to hear how your Transformer turned out too! Just be sure to get yours votes in before May 5th when the event ends.
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Photo © Hasbro
Tuesday April 30, 2013
If you're exploring action figure collecting for its speculative and investment opportunities, then there's one thing you'll need to understand more than anything else. This month's tip will make sure you have all the knowledge you need.
April's Tip: Familiarize yourself with grading and valuing action figures based on the industry standards. It's important to understand how packaging and figure quality affect price and demand in the market. You can consult professional grading services like the Action Figure Authority, read outside grading and valuing guides, or learn how to value an action figure right here. It's important to understand and commit to the industry standards for grading and valuation to make sure that you can communicate with other collectors and be fair when buying and selling.
If you're looking for more advice on the monetary side of action figure collecting, be sure to check out my 10 Tips for Selling Your Action Figures on eBay, 7 Tips for Trading Action Figures, and my 6 Tips for Buying Action Figures Online. You'll be buying and selling with the best of them in no time.
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