DC Direct doing Batman The Animated Series figures!!!!!

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Re: DC Collectibles doing Batman The Animated Series figures!!!!!

I blame Mattel.
You have no idea how many times I’ve wanted to cuss Mattel out for the problems with this line. Until it dawns on me that this is DCC not Mattel that I’m dealing with now. I’ve spent soooo many years hatin’ on Mattel lol. I’ve got a pile of Mattel bashes in reserve once I start buying their’s and Super 7’s upcoming continuation on the original Masters of the Universe line. I already wish they would’ve kept their nose out of it and let Super 7 dish the line out their own way. And to think that Hasbro almost bought them last week. Scary times lol
 
Re: DC Collectibles doing Batman The Animated Series figures!!!!!

I think we'll never see a last 5 pack though Dcc could sell easily them:
1) Two Face
2) Scarecrow
3) Clock King
4) Grey Ghost
5) Ruper Thorne
and Batcycle as last vehicle.

:mad: I am so downhearted
 
Re: DC Collectibles doing Batman The Animated Series figures!!!!!

I think we'll never see a last 5 pack though Dcc could sell easily them:
1) Two Face
2) Scarecrow
3) Clock King
4) Grey Ghost
5) Ruper Thorne
and Batcycle as last vehicle.

:mad: I am so downhearted

That would be a MUST HAVE! :D

I would buy that pack.

I would too, the problem here is that DCC doesn't give a duck about the passion or the likness a collector have in a line/brand, they simply see numbers. They not even did the right selling programs because now they even starting cancelling items (Jokermobile is just the first IMHO). They had such as simple decisions to take to finish in a proper way this line but it looks like they "destroyed" it on purpose to me... Sad but it's what I can see since they show no effort in it.. DAMN... All I Wanted was BTAS main characters and now two of the best and most important villains like TwoFace and Scarecrow will never happen.. T.T
 
Re: DC Collectibles doing Batman The Animated Series figures!!!!!

Its a shame but DCC must have a flawed business model because things have just not panned out. There must not be a lot of support beyond our vocal bunch here.

Even I must admit, whilst I have picked up almost all of this line most have been on discount months after release.

Looking back its actually amazing that we have such a complete collection as is given DCC track record of bailing on ones after 2 or 3 waves.
 
Re: DC Collectibles doing Batman The Animated Series figures!!!!!

Looking back its actually amazing that we have such a complete collection as is given DCC track record of bailing on ones after 2 or 3 waves.

See, that's not entirely true, and also partly why I began collecting this line right from the start.

DCC haven't always been this bad. When they first announced this animated line, they'd already completed a Blackest Night line that had reached 5 or 6 waves I think. They were also still in full swing with their Arkham line which had about 8-9 waves in total by the time they were done with it. They were also releasing many new lines and didn't show signs of stopping. So therefore when they started this BTAS line, I had full confidence in them that we'd get lots of waves and a full line-up of characters.

Then as the line began, they even stated themselves in video interviews that we didn't have to choose between TNBA vs BTAS, that they'd do both versions of the characters. So that gave me even more confidence. We'd get all characters, and both versions.

So we as fans can't be blamed for anticipating a full character selection from this line. They themselves gave us the confidence that they would deliver just that.

I think clearly what has happened is the new management changing things up. That's when things started to change at DCC and things started getting cancelled. It's only figures too, not statues. This guy clearly has an agenda and it's obvious he wants to steer the company more towards collectibles than figures. My gut feeling is telling me their upcoming "Essentials" line won't happen at all. Not even one wave. From then on I'm guessing there just won't be any figures from DCC anymore.

I just hope they squeeze out at least one more batch of BTAS figures for us including Two-Face, Scarecrow, Grey Ghost etc. (basically the most fan demanded characters that they KNOW the fans want. They must be sick of messages from fans asking for them, so clearly they know there's demand there) before they absolutely pull the plug on this.
 
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Re: DC Collectibles doing Batman The Animated Series figures!!!!!

Here's why I'm thinking Mattel is a big part of this:

Mattel is the master toy licensee for DC. They pay big bucks for a certain amount of exclusivity and don't like having their toes stepped on, rightfully so.

Their agreement includes 6" scale figures, a scale that DCC had been avoiding, preferring 6.75" scale figures since the DC Direct days... until DCC launched this Animated line. Since Mattel wasn't offering product based on that particular property, isn't wasn't an issue.

Then DCC launched their Icons line, also in the 6" scale. At that point DCC was offering many of the same characters in the same scale as Mattel, even in some of the same markets, with the advantage of not having to pay any licensing fees at all.

Mattel finally put their foot down when they were planning to release movie and television figures at the same time as DCC. Reportedly, DCC's Legends of Tomorrow Atom figure was delayed only to give Mattel first dibs at getting their own version to stores months ahead of time. Of course everything was reported as being considerate and cordial but I suspect Mattel execs were getting pretty peeved that DCC was digging into their marketshare, offering competitively priced product to the same "adult collector" demographic.

Inexplicably, DCC decided to stop offering single figures in the Animated line at their opening price point. Collectors were told that #41 Batgirl was going to be the last single-carded figure and that they were leaning toward multipacks and deluxe offerings like the Expressions packs. None of those SKUs have an MSRP for less that $50, twice that of Mattel's opening price point. It seemed odd that DCC would suddenly choose not to offer in-demand characters like Scarecrow, Poison Ivy, Mister Freeze, and Killer Croc as single figures but they justified the $175 GCPD 5-pack by insisting it was the best way to get a character like Montoya to collectors.

But then they made the same decision with their 6" scale Icons line. They've gone from offering single figures in the $28 range to offering a multipack like The Death of Superman for $75.

All that leads me to believe Warner Bros. Consumer Products went to DCC and said, "Hey! You have to knock it off with the 6" scale figures! We can't have you pissing off our single largest licensee." DCC's decisions seem like a reaction. They've been reined back in, there are new rules in place, and they're offering product the best way they can. They've even resurrected the 6.75" scale Essentials line so they can offer figures in a scale that doesn't compete with Mattel's.

I'm actually expecting Mattel to take note of how much interest there is in this line and announce their own offering for Batman: The Animated Series in time for the show's Blu-ray debut.
 
Re: DC Collectibles doing Batman The Animated Series figures!!!!!

Then as the line began, they even stated themselves in video interviews that we didn't have to choose between TNBA vs BTAS, that they'd do both versions of the characters. So that gave me even more confidence. We'd get all characters, and both versions.

So we as fans can't be blamed for anticipating a full character selection from this line. They themselves gave us the confidence that they would deliver just that.
I’ve heard companies throw that line around about “going all out” before... I never really bought into it when DCC put it out there. I pretty much figure I’ll believe it when I see it because even with the best of intentions, things change. The line might be hot when they say all that and then a year down the road sales dwindle. Managers come and go all with their own agendas. Manufacturing cost go up. All kind of things can affect a toy line. I can’t blame people for getting excited when they tell us that their all in on a line but the fact that it doesn’t always pan out is nothing new sadly.
I just hope they squeeze out at least one more batch of BTAS figures for us including Two-Face, Scarecrow, Grey Ghost etc. (basically the most fan demanded characters that they KNOW the fans want. They must be sick of messages from fans asking for them, so clearly they know there's demand there) before they absolutely pull the plug on this.
A few more waves could go a long way towards tidying this whole thing up a bit. Nice old fashioned type of waves...

BTAS Scarecrow
BTAS Grey Ghost
BTAS Bruce Wayne (w/ Baby Doll accessory)
TNBA Mad Hatter

BTAS Two-Face
BTAS Clock King
BTAS Rupert Thorne
TNBA Batwoman

Very heavy on the BTAS side though lol
 
Re: DC Collectibles doing Batman The Animated Series figures!!!!!

I'm actually expecting Mattel to take note of how much interest there is in this line and announce their own offering for Batman: The Animated Series in time for the show's Blu-ray debut.

Thanks. Now I can feel ok about hating Mattel again :)

Omg I can only imagine their interpretation of TAS style after those god-awful Super Friends figures they recently put out. They retain soooo little of the actual Hanna Barbera Super Friends style:(

Excellent post btw and those are exactly the types of changes for example that take place within or surrounding a toy company that we don’t always see. And I’m certainly not a DCC or Mattel apologist but it’s kind of part of the business. Again they might have the best intentions going into a line but who knows what lies in store the following year with these companies. I guess we just have to hope they get out most of the things we want before significant changes start taking place.
 
Re: DC Collectibles doing Batman The Animated Series figures!!!!!

A few more waves could go a long way towards tidying this whole thing up a bit. Nice old fashioned type of waves...

BTAS Scarecrow
BTAS Grey Ghost
BTAS Bruce Wayne (w/ Baby Doll accessory)
TNBA Mad Hatter

BTAS Two-Face
BTAS Clock King
BTAS Rupert Thorne
TNBA Batwoman

Very heavy on the BTAS side though lol

Don't forget The Penguin from "The New Batman Adventures". He was one of the few characters whose new design was superior to the original "Batman: The Animated Series" one, along with Scarecrow (although in my opinion they really screwed up Scarecrow's 'TNBA' figure). That second Penguin should be an easy figure to get right since his design was so simple and straightforward (unlike Scarecrow), but you never know with this company.
 
Re: DC Collectibles doing Batman The Animated Series figures!!!!!

Mattel's Super Friends were criminally bad. They could have easily used one Alex Toth-inspired buck for the males but, no, they had to use what they had on hand. Not to mention there was no Wonder Woman. Please.

If Mattel decided to offer a 1/12 scale animated line, it wouldn't surprise me if they simply scaled up the old JLU figures, complete with 5 POA and Easy-to-Topple™ feature. Part of me would hope for the better, as always, but given their track record...

:gah:
 
Re: DC Collectibles doing Batman The Animated Series figures!!!!!

Don't forget The Penguin from "The New Batman Adventures". He was one of the few characters whose new design was superior to the original "Batman: The Animated Series" one, along with Scarecrow (although in my opinion they really screwed up Scarecrow's 'TNBA' figure). That second Penguin should be an easy figure to get right since his design was so simple and straightforward (unlike Scarecrow), but you never know with this company.
WOW! I bring TNBA Penguin up all the time and completely forgot to put him on the list LMAO! Ok Mad Hatter you’re out and Penguin you’re in lol
 
Re: DC Collectibles doing Batman The Animated Series figures!!!!!

Mattel's Super Friends were criminally bad. They could have easily used one Alex Toth-inspired buck for the males but, no, they had to use what they had on hand. Not to mention there was no Wonder Woman. Please.

If Mattel decided to offer a 1/12 scale animated line, it wouldn't surprise me if they simply scaled up the old JLU figures, complete with 5 POA and Easy-to-Topple™ feature. Part of me would hope for the better, as always, but given their track record...

:gah:

You’re making me hate Mattel more and more by the minute and they haven’t officially (as far as we know) done anything yet lol. Speaking of... it’s gonna be crazy if DCC hasn’t even canceled that Jokermobile for real.
 
Re: DC Collectibles doing Batman The Animated Series figures!!!!!

You’re making me hate Mattel more and more by the minute and they haven’t officially (as far as we know) done anything yet lol. Speaking of... it’s gonna be crazy if DCC hasn’t even canceled that Jokermobile for real.

That's an awful lot of product development to simply be discarded.

I can see them resoliciting it after adding a slightly modified Joker and Harley. Figures drive this line (as well as the vehicles, no pun intended). Adding Batman and Robin to the Batmobile had to be pretty cheap.

I hate to admit it but if they packed that Jokermobile with authentic variants of the Clown Prince and Princess of Crime, I'd be far more likely to order it.
 
Re: DC Collectibles doing Batman The Animated Series figures!!!!!

How about the Jokermobile packed with Two-Face and Scarecrow for no obvious reason??? :D
Perhaps I shouldn’t give them any ideas.

Pssst DCC ...I’d totally buy it!
 
Re: DC Collectibles doing Batman The Animated Series figures!!!!!

I'm actually expecting Mattel to take note of how much interest there is in this line and announce their own offering for Batman: The Animated Series in time for the show's Blu-ray debut.

Can you imagine how effing hideous Mattel's version of these figures would be?

For some reason Meltman from Action League Now comes to mind lolol :lol

Meltman.jpg
 
Re: DC Collectibles doing Batman The Animated Series figures!!!!!

FINALLY got some spare time to unbox the 5 pack and set up their display stands. Please don't underestimate how hard your child's teachers work.

Anyway, got Croc his favorite anto-Batman device!





 
Re: DC Collectibles doing Batman The Animated Series figures!!!!!

Was the shotgun on the show almost as big as Montoya?
 
Re: DC Collectibles doing Batman The Animated Series figures!!!!!

See, that's not entirely true, and also partly why I began collecting this line right from the start.

DCC haven't always been this bad. When they first announced this animated line, they'd already completed a Blackest Night line that had reached 5 or 6 waves I think. They were also still in full swing with their Arkham line which had about 8-9 waves in total by the time they were done with it. They were also releasing many new lines and didn't show signs of stopping. So therefore when they started this BTAS line, I had full confidence in them that we'd get lots of waves and a full line-up of characters.

Then as the line began, they even stated themselves in video interviews that we didn't have to choose between TNBA vs BTAS, that they'd do both versions of the characters. So that gave me even more confidence. We'd get all characters, and both versions.

So we as fans can't be blamed for anticipating a full character selection from this line. They themselves gave us the confidence that they would deliver just that.

I think clearly what has happened is the new management changing things up. That's when things started to change at DCC and things started getting cancelled. It's only figures too, not statues. This guy clearly has an agenda and it's obvious he wants to steer the company more towards collectibles than figures. My gut feeling is telling me their upcoming "Essentials" line won't happen at all. Not even one wave. From then on I'm guessing there just won't be any figures from DCC anymore.

I just hope they squeeze out at least one more batch of BTAS figures for us including Two-Face, Scarecrow, Grey Ghost etc. (basically the most fan demanded characters that they KNOW the fans want. They must be sick of messages from fans asking for them, so clearly they know there's demand there) before they absolutely pull the plug on this.

I think DCC has delivered on this line-and some. If we get anymore figures then its all gravy. Nobody is more sad than me that this appears to be the end. This has been the most complete Batman line ever, epic on the scale of DCUC given the number of figures and variety of characters. 6" scale vehicles, a playset and civilians even, characters most companies wouldn't dream of seeing in plastic.

Lets be honest, nothing has been confirmed but everything points to a new direction. The company model hasn't worked out, figures cancelled left and center. Looks like changes had to be made.
 
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