Even after a great showing of new Classics figures at their NYCC 2014 “Virtual Experience”, Matty Collector teased a new image today, and the internets are already abuzz. The general consensus is that this new picture teases an up-coming Classics Evil Seed figure, but you can see for yourself after the jump. If this is an indication that Evil Seed is coming, we have some thoughts on what needs to happen in order for the figure to be a success. Ready to agree? Disagree? Well, read on!
So, here is the picture that was teased via Facebook:
It certainly looks like it is an implement or weapon or snap-on part for Evil Seed, especially if you compare it to the this screen shot from the MYP cartoon:
Looks pretty spot-on, right? Often times these teases are not meant to be difficult to guess, so I am going to place myself in the camp of majority and say that I believe Evil Seed is indeed on the horizon. So, if that is the case, he presents some unique challenges to bring him to fruition, especially at this later stage of the Classics game. I want this figure to be the best it can be, and that means being accessible to the most people possible. So how do you do that aside from making sure he has day-of-sale stock? Well, there is one major requirement:
Give Collectors the Ability to Display both the Filmation and MYP Versions
Like Count Marzo and others, Evil Seed has had two distinct looks in his tenure and the Filmation and MYP versions are about as different as they can be. Remember them both? Here they are and as you can see, they are VERY different.
Filmation
MYP
It is my opinion that, in order for this figure to be a complete success, it must have the ability to “transform” from one look to another. I believe this is especially important due to the fact that Classics is getting long in the tooth and if we only get one version of Evil Seed with this release, it is likely to be the only one we will ever get. If that does happen, fans of one version will be very disappointed and many people like me, who really need BOTH versions will be sad as well.
I know what you are thinking: these looks are way too different to make interchangeable and on first glance, you might be right. However, if you really break them down, it becomes apparent that it can be done, and with only a couple of requirements. So here is how you do it:
Give Evil Seed Interchangeable and Snap-On Parts
This is the key to success with Evil Seed. One of the building blocks of MOTU Classics is, well, it is built on the same building blocks. So, starting with a normal base, say like the Skeletor or He-Man body will serve both versions fine. Then, these are the pieces that you need to make both versions:
- Base body (with Trap Jaw torso) with the MYP Evil Seed Deco
- MYP Evil Seed Legs (possible King Hsss partial re-use)
- MYP Head (swappable)
- MYP Collar/Chest Overlay (swappable)
- MYP Arms (swappable)
- Filmation Head (swappable)
- Filmation “sleeved” Arms and Hands (swappable, possibly Eldor’s)
- Fimlation Cloak (removable, a la Queen Marlena)
Supplying these pieces in the package would be what you need to make the figure completely interchangeable. It sounds like a lot, but if he was carded as the Filmation version, most of the big pieces would be on the figure itself. The Trapjaw torso already has the ability for interchangeable arms, so that exists already. Plus, the larger Orko/Marlena/Ram Man/Gwildor package already exists, so if need be, he can be packaged there. Does that sound like a lot of parts and that it could be more expensive than a normal MOTUC figure? Well…
Make Evil Seed a “Premium” Figure with a Cost Above the Standard MOTUC Figure
We should be used to it by now. SDCC figures have always been more expensive and Ram Man, Gwildor and Spinnerella have shown that the need to make certain figures more expensive in this line does it exist. The thing is, when the cost is justified, fans have shown that they are willing to pay for it. In the case of Evil Seed, the justification is there and I do not believe the majority of the collecting community will crow with an increased cost if the value is there. Make him $35.00-ish and you should be good to go.
See, it doesn’t seem too hard, right? Mattel I am imploring you: PLEASE GIVE US AN EVIL SEED THAT CAN ACCOMPLISH BOTH OF HIS LOOKS. The fans have been so supportive of the Classics line, this is the kind of execution that needs to happen to keep everyone happy and willing to spend their hard-earned dough on He-Man toys. I KNOW the Horsemen can do it. Please make it happen! Everyone deserves their change to get the Evil Seed figure that they want and I would bet that in most cases, fans will want the option to do both. I realize this figure is probably in some stage of production, so I hope we will get the ultimate version of Evil Seed!
Do you agree? Disagree? Sound off in the comments!
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