Hot on the heels of the release of DC Universe Classics series 5 at Wal-Mart, packed pictures of DCUC series 6 and the unveiling of the DCUC series 8 line-up comes Matty and Toy Guru to answer our questions. Whew, it has been a busy week or so!
1. In general, distribution has been the major problem/concern with the DC Universe Classics line this past year. Now, we understand that there are MANY factors that come into play with this, but for the sake of forecasting- will 2009 be any better on that front? Are retailers cementing their support with the line? Have the sales number been strong enough for retailers to jump in fully after the first year?
Distribution will likely be much better in 2009 for several reason. 1: We are offering figures open stock for online sellers to order by the figure. 2: Retail stores tend to over order wave 1 of any toy line in order to set their planogram and have inventory. While this works great for a kid line, in a collector line it tends to backfire for them and they wind up with too much of Wave 1. We have spoken to all of our retailers about ordering light but ordering often in 2009. This should help see fresh product make to shelf faster in 2009.
2. We know that Toy Guru and Matty cruise the message boards to try to gage fan interest in certain characters and/or teams to be made in DCUC. Are their any characters in particular that seem keep popping up with interest that you have noticed? Is there a character that always surprises you in terms of popularity? Who is Matty pulling for right now?
What we tend to see the most on the boards quite honestly are requests for A and B level characters (like Martian Manhunter and Green Arrow) Of course we are going to get to the big guns! What we are more interested in which D and F level characters fans want to see. If we saw a huge wave of support for someone like Freedom Beast, that would definitely get our attention. Personally, Toy Guru is pulling to add characters like Kamandi and Ambush bug to his collection and Matty is big on Blackhawk, Captain Marvel Jr and Jonah Hex. (now that Shazam, Hawkman and Dr Fate have been announced!)
3. Do you have an update for the shipping times for announced DCUC product?
Series 2 with Jason Firestorm- Nov 2008
Series 5- Nov 2008
Series 6- Late Dec 2008
Toys R Us two packs- Oct 2008
Series 7- Feb 2009
Look for more up to the minute info coming soon to the brand pages on MattyCollector.com!
4. With the announcement of Faker as the Masters of the Universe Classics New York Comic Con exclusive figure, have you been able to improve the ordering process on mattycollector.com for those that want him, but cannot make it to the show? Last summer ordering King Greyskull was a challenge, to say the least.
Yes. We learned a lot from some issues surrounding out sales of the SDCC product in July. We hope this will be resolved when fans order the new product in December (When He-Man and Beast Man go on sale!)
5. Can we expect to see a roll out of some "civilian" characters in DCUC in 2009? Commissioner Gordon, Lois Lane and Alfred are just a few of the less-super but absolutely essential characters in the DCU. Has the line built itself up enough now to allow for some of these guys (and girls)?
We are looking into these characters and hope to have at least one out before 2009 is over.
*Thanks again to Toy Guru and Matty for answering our questions. Please note that due to the holiday season the next round of answers will be on December 15, 2008.
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