Captain Action get's DC license and expands Marvel characters

[warlock664]

Again, more flawed logic. Both my 3-year-old son and 6-year-old daughter like the Captain Action superhero figures (my daughter's disappointed there're no females). Given the pricepoint and the fact that they're carried at TRU and stocked with the Marvel figures, I think you're off in who you think is the target audience. In your narrow view, I understand what you're saying, but if you take a step back and look at the bigger picture, you'll see how flawed that narrow perspective actually is. That's not even addressing the cross-playability with boys having a 12" alternative to their sister's Barbies. And yet even more so when you factor in that a single figure has the ability to dress up as any one of the hero-kits they're providing. These have mass-market appeal to a vastly broader audience than you're giving them credit for because you're stuck in the high-end collector mentality.

I'll concede there's a strong possibility that younger audiences might find the figures appealing, but how likely is mom or dad to purchase these to be played with when the minimum outlay of cash necessary is $50 + tax ? Way easier to justify $15-20 for a Marvel Universe or Marvel Legends figure. Were your kids drawn to them independently, or because you (someone already interested in these types of toys) bought them?
Plus, I know in the case of my local TRU, we received the costume sets before Easter but never (yes, I'm serious, never) got the basic CA figures. I would imagine that's at least partly responsible for so many sets remaining unsold. I mentioned at least twice to store personnel that the costume sets were basically worthless without the base CA figure, and they seemed to be unaware that the costume sets weren't complete in and of themselves. A casual buyer noticing the sets might be lured in for $20, but when they got home and realized they needed a $30 figure to put it on, they might be less enthusiastic.
And no, I'm not stuck in the high-end collector mentality; I appreciate many lower-cost lines. I have a complete set of Marvel Legends and DC Universe Classics, and I supported the Mattel Retro-"Mego" line until it died. But if those couldn't survive as complete-in-themselves figures at $20, what hope is there for CA to thrive and survive? I hope I'm wrong, it would be encouraging to see kids play with this type of toy again, but it doesn't seem likely.

 

[thenammagazine]

I'll concede there's a strong possibility that younger audiences might find the figures appealing, but how likely is mom or dad to purchase these to be played with when the minimum outlay of cash necessary is $50 + tax ? Way easier to justify $15-20 for a Marvel Universe or Marvel Legends figure. Were your kids drawn to them independently, or because you (someone already interested in these types of toys) bought them?
Plus, I know in the case of my local TRU, we received the costume sets before Easter but never (yes, I'm serious, never) got the basic CA figures. I would imagine that's at least partly responsible for so many sets remaining unsold. I mentioned at least twice to store personnel that the costume sets were basically worthless without the base CA figure, and they seemed to be unaware that the costume sets weren't complete in and of themselves. A casual buyer noticing the sets might be lured in for $20, but when they got home and realized they needed a $30 figure to put it on, they might be less enthusiastic.
And no, I'm not stuck in the high-end collector mentality; I appreciate many lower-cost lines. I have a complete set of Marvel Legends and DC Universe Classics, and I supported the Mattel Retro-"Mego" line until it died. But if those couldn't survive as complete-in-themselves figures at $20, what hope is there for CA to thrive and survive? I hope I'm wrong, it would be encouraging to see kids play with this type of toy again, but it doesn't seem likely.

It's $30 for the basic Captain Action figure itself. He comes with accessories to have an action hero playing right out of the box which is actually cheaper than your average well-equipped Barbie release. Then with follow-up b-days and X-masses, it's $20 a pop for the hero costumes. That's a more than reasonable investment for continued playability as long as they release new kits.

 

[warlock664]

It's $30 for the basic Captain Action figure itself. He comes with accessories to have an action hero playing right out of the box which is actually cheaper than your average well-equipped Barbie release. Then with follow-up b-days and X-masses, it's $20 a pop for the hero costumes. That's a more than reasonable investment for continued playability as long as they release new kits.

Right. I realize that (I myself actually bought the deluxe sets online, they were $40 for the figure, $30 for the costume sets, with more accessories). Trouble is, you know most kids would want a figure for each of their sets, so they could play with all of them at the same time. In that case it would effectively be $50 a pop.
When I was growing up in the late 60s, my mother bought each of us a Captain Action figure and 2 costume sets on closeout. I got Superman and the Phantom, my brother got Superman and Batman, and my sister got the Phantom and Tonto (?!). Luckily, neither of them had any interest, so they all became mine eventually. Since Tonto was pretty lame without the Lone Ranger, I was able to suit up the 3 figures as Superman, Batman and the Phantom. My mom actually stuffed the extra Superman & Phantom costumes with stuffing and the head and shoulders mannequin that came with them, sewing up the ends of the sleeves so they could also be played with like rag dolls !

 

[thenammagazine]

Right. I realize that (I myself actually bought the deluxe sets online, they were $40 for the figure, $30 for the costume sets, with more accessories). Trouble is, you know most kids would want a figure for each of their sets, so they could play with all of them at the same time. In that case it would effectively be $50 a pop.
When I was growing up in the late 60s, my mother bought each of us a Captain Action figure and 2 costume sets on closeout. I got Superman and the Phantom, my brother got Superman and Batman, and my sister got the Phantom and Tonto (?!). Luckily, neither of them had any interest, so they all became mine eventually. Since Tonto was pretty lame without the Lone Ranger, I was able to suit up the 3 figures as Superman, Batman and the Phantom. My mom actually stuffed the extra Superman & Phantom costumes with stuffing and the head and shoulders mannequin that came with them, sewing up the ends of the sleeves so they could also be played with like rag dolls !

Even combined, $50 is still not that much of an investment. The next up pricepoint for 12" superheroes would be what, DCD's $100 figures? And Marvel fans are ****ed, unless they like semi-static soundmakers.

 

[warlock664]

Even combined, $50 is still not that much of an investment. The next up pricepoint for 12" superheroes would be what, DCD's $100 figures? And Marvel fans are ****ed, unless they like semi-static soundmakers.

I agree, but it isn't as if there's even been a market for 12" superheroes at mass retailers for a long, long time (there were some pretty lame attempts by ToyBiz in the 90s, but not much else since Mego closed shop in the early 80s). I may be wrong, but I just think 3-4 Marvel Universe figures would win out over one CA + costume set with most kids and parents. If the line thrives, I'll be glad, I just don't see it happening.

 

[thenammagazine]

I agree, but it isn't as if there's even been a market for 12" superheroes at mass retailers for a long, long time (there were some pretty lame attempts by ToyBiz in the 90s, but not much else since Mego closed shop in the early 80s). I may be wrong, but I just think 3-4 Marvel Universe figures would win out over one CA + costume set with most kids and parents. If the line thrives, I'll be glad, I just don't see it happening.

I'd say it's there. Mass-market 12" just hasn't been given quality product for quite a while and all but ignored in the Superhero genre since MEGO's 12-inch. Hell, even Hasbro bailed on it with Joes for a long while, came back with a small line of 25th Anny stuff, then bailed again and only recently came back with their "Heroes" (police/fire/military) line.

 

[DiFabio]

If the Batman and Superman are as good as Cap and Spidey, I'll pick them up.

These are really nice figures that have that nice throwback charm. They're done really well.

 

[Collector47]

I think one aspect of Captain Action that gets lost on those looking back on the concept is he was ONE figure that could transform into MANY heroes. Hence the original slogan of the "9-in-1 hero". So this belief that a Captain Action figure has to be purchased for each costume is really overshooting that original idea. Obviously collectors want everything displayed. Kids? Not so much. Whatever their into at the moment is what their into. So Captain Action gives parents that flexibility of buying the figure once and then only having to purchase the costumes of their favorite heroes thereafter. I think that idea is still in play today.

Now a figure like this is clearly not intended to compete directly with Hot Toys merchandise. But it does have collector appeal. So it can certainly tap into the wallets of those who enjoy the larger scale variety who may desire a more economic alternative that has nostalgic ties. It doesn't mean they'll be making a decision between brands so much as expanding their collection to include a variety of different product.

I also think it's best that product like Captain Action only have limited distribution. This product line has never enjoyed mass appeal, even during it's initial run with Ideal in the 60's. The intent may have been to compete with GI Joe, but in truth, it never did. When Playing Mantis tried mass distribution in the late 90's, it was met with modest results. This third go around is taking the lessons from those attempts and manufacturing less to go hand in hand with demand. I think Round 2 is absolutely catering to that collector market while pricing it to build a new base through TRU stores. It's introduction was highly successful, ranking as TRU most popular collectible during that initial release. So with controlled volumes and distribution in line with market share, I think this line has hit it's target and can go on for some time. And with Round 2 nailing down licensing in both Marvel and DC, I think it's ability to thrive are highly likely with the added success of films pulling in the newest generation.

 

[Ironman1188]

And lets not forget Dr Evil! Cap gets his own bad guy to battle in whatever style the buyer/player/child wants. This encourages imagination. Something sorely missing from most toys. Its open a box and play. And its better than having them sit around with video games. Not to mention the one big PLUS that we, the children that grew up with the original Cap, did not have. Enemy outfits for Dr. Evil!!. Yes, Playing Mantis broke the ground with this idea, but they weren't big names like Marvel or DC. Loki was for sale at NYCC and I couldn't pass him up. Same goes for Thor and the new Dr. Evil. Even scored a Khem for the (soon to be?) Action Boy. Till then my old Action Boy can partner with him.
Keep 'em coming Captain Action Enterprises!! And here's to hoping you guys do well enough to maybe brach out into some sci-fi properties from the older days (Space:1999, Planet of the Apes, Buck Rogers in the 25th Century, etc...)

 

[Niltusk]

This would make a great all encompassing retro line, would love to see them pick up some of the stuff out of that ad. (especially Flash Gordon)
Also wouldn't mind seeing alot of the older sci-fi stuff done.

 

[Ironman1188]

80's Flash Gordon would work well, and, I hate to keep repeating like a well used 45 from the 60's, Planet of the Apes (classic) is almost made to fit in with Captain Action. Simple uniforms and masks for the apes. Yes I would suggest making the masks a bit "tighter" but I think it would work very well. And if the detailing of the outfits were there as well as well sculpted masks that captured the characters likeness....... Excelsior!

 

[blue devils]

I just picked up the Thor and Loki basic sets. I think they are great! If I had to keep only one toy line, it would be the new Captain Action. Why? you may ask. Because it brings me back to a simpler time, when the only limits were your imagination. I hope this line continues for many years to come. There is such a vast library of heroes and villians to cover, along with vehicles, accessory sets, and hopefully... Action Boy and Lady Action!

 

[jungle jom]

80's Flash Gordon would work well, and, I hate to keep repeating like a well used 45 from the 60's, Planet of the Apes (classic) is almost made to fit in with Captain Action. Simple uniforms and masks for the apes. Yes I would suggest making the masks a bit "tighter" but I think it would work very well. And if the detailing of the outfits were there as well as well sculpted masks that captured the characters likeness....... Excelsior!

Excelsior?... I-man?...

Are you a Jean Shepherd fan, by any chance?

 

[Ironman1188]

Excelsior! is something Stan Lee used to say a lot in the old Marvel comics.

Jean Shepard? No, I'm not.

 

[jungle jom]

Jean Shepherd was the author of the holiday classic, "A Christmas Story". You are the right age and from the New York area so I thought you may have listened to him on the radio in the seventies and eighties like I did.

https://www.flicklives.com/index.php?pg=317

 

[Ironman1188]

I recall him from being on WOR but I never listened. I think my mom may have.

 

[teemu]

The Thor costume set rocks! highly recommended

 

[blue devils]

Thor does rock! My favorite is still Captain America!

 

[Collector47]

For Christmas they essentially parted out the Deluxe Thor set so you can buy the variant mask in the basic set. They also put out an Arctic Adventurer version of Captain Action in limited quantities. I kind of like that because it's very reminiscent of the old GI Joe A.T. days when you had adventure-themed figures. Round 2 is really developing some good ideas that not only feed that old nostalgia base, but also helps recycle some existing product in creative ways that work. I think this company is building a descent following.

 

[Ironman1188]

I hope so.
Can't wait to see the DC offerings. And am hoping on a Christmas star that other, sci-fi characters might be forthcoming.