Toy Guru at Mattel checks in with the most recent round of answers to your questions. Check out the latest.
1.Thanks for taking the time to associate with collectors. It’s immensely appreciated. My question is about DCUC specifically. How has the Batman, then DCSH, and now DCUC fared in regard to children? Obviously, while selling to adult collectors is great, my understanding is that it’s kids who make or break most mass-market toy lines. Are the DCSH/UC figures tracking well with children?
Both the DCSH and the new DCUC lines have been popular with both kids and adult collectors alike. It is the continuing interest from the adult collector that is really pumping the line up. Because adult collectors are not as price sensitive and are more interested in authentic details and articulation it has allowed us to really concentrate on providing the adult collector, not just kids, with some amazing product in 08. I think you will see a nice blend of toys aimed at both groups throughout the year.
2. Is it true that WalMart is not initially carrying the line (DCUC)? I’ve heard a line’s success depends on that retailer immensely and WalMart not being on board seems like a bad omen. Should we worry?
It is true that Wal-Mart is currently not ordering the DCUC line. This does not mean fans should “worry” at all. The line is available at most other major retailers and online sellers.
3. DCUC Series 3 looks to be the best wave yet, everyone looks perfect. Any chance on revealing the variants for this wave? There are a lot that would make sense but knowing for sure would be great!
The variants will be Sinestro in his Sinestro corps uniform (complete with a new sculpted belt) and Deathstroke the Terminator without his mask on. Pictures are currently available on Actionfigureinsider.com and will be shown in Toy Fare magazines in February.
4. Have there been any characters discussed for the DCUC line yet that have been a "hard sell" either to upper management or DC? While everyone wants the "big guns" lots of obscure characters are demanded as well. Are there any characters in particular that have been proposed that will have an uphill struggle to make it to the pegs?
Honestly, not really. The upper management has put trust in the talented designers and marketing reps who work on the line closely with fans to understand just which characters they are asking for.
5. Wanna give any hints about the DCUC series four or five line-ups as a little New Year’s gift? Now that series 3 has been revealed to be so cool I am dying to hear more about the future!
These waves have not been locked down yet so we don’t have the information to reveal just yet.
Again, thanks to Toy Guru for answering all of our questions. Don’t forget to submit a query if there is something specific you would like to know.
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