Amazing, we actually hit two Q&A’s in a row!
Thanks to the folks at Hasbro for answering this set of questions.
1. What are plans for tooling and the timing of release for the Winners of the Fans Choice vote? When will we see protos or photos? At SDCC?
All 5 winners (and a couple of runner ups) will be released as single carded figures in 2010 and they will be spaced throughout the year.
You’ll get your first glimpses in San Diego!
2. Can you tell us why international collectors still can’t purchase through your online shop? I’m sure that would help boost your sales at least somewhat.
We’re still working to open the Toyshop up to more global consumers and hope to have some new news for you soon.
3. For those of us who want a little piece of the 70’s, what are our chances of seeing more “classic” versions of characters (i.e. Dazzler and Power Man) in the Marvel Universe line? What’s the general approach to costume selection for the line?
This is a very strong possibility as this era is among our favorites as well. Typically, our team will first sit down together and vigorously debate the wave lineups. Sometimes the character comes first, sometimes the costume is the driving force behind the selection. For example : “We really need to do a Disco Dazzler with removable skates!” has often been blurted out in our character debates.
4. Why have there been so many difficulties getting the Nemesis wave to collectors? This wave was originally scheduled for early 2008 and while some people in Canada have found some recently, the US is still waiting for this line. Why hasn’t Hasbro simply made the wave an online exclusive through hasbrotoyshop.com in order to get them to collectors?
We also want to get these figures to you as soon as possible but we’ve experienced some unfortunate delays in releasing this BAF wave. Much like the most recent wave of Icons, they’re taking longer than planned to get to retail shelves…but they will get there! As this wave is technically an exclusive offering we can’t offer it on HTS.com at this time. More details to follow as the specifics develop….
5. Is there any involvement between Hasbro and Diamond for Marvel Select? We know that they are independent and release items (often with some movie tie-in) according to their own plans and schedule. It seemed that ToyBiz had some interaction (limited character overlap, figures that seemed to fit in-scale with Marvel Legends). The change in articulation used by Diamond after the Marvel license changed hands from ToyBiz to Hasbro would suggest some level of involvement between you and Diamond. Just wondering if there would be any plans to coordinate with them to produce figures in-scale with either the Marvel Legends or Marvel Universe lines in the future.
No involvement here. Hasbro and Diamond are totally separate licensees.
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