Mattel’s DC Universe Classics SDCC Exclusive (and a rant)
I’m full on board supporting DC Universe Classics and as soon as they make a figure that I really want, I’m buying one. I love the variety of figures Mattel is making and I also enjoy the fine sculpts from the Four Horsemen, so I was looking forward to seeing what the San Diego Comic Con exclusive was. Well it’s DC’s resident bad boy, Lobo (You can find a full pic of Lobo here):
I don’t like Lobo. I don’t find him entertaining in the least (see my feelings on Lobo in this review). However, I think releasing Lobo as a convention exclusive is a mistake. He’s an interesting enough figure that you don’t need to be a die-hard fan to appreciate him. Mattel has stated that he’s not appropriate for mass release because of his violent nature. Bull crap, there’s toys out there that are much more violent that are on store shelves (see a lot of McFarlane’s original sculpts). Lobo even appeared in the kid friendly Superman animated series and kids didn’t devolve into killing machines from the episodes he appeared in. It’s not like this figure is covered in blood or has a a decapitated head on a pike as an accessory. He just looks scary and dare I say, tough. While I still hate Lobo, I think it’s a shame that’s he’s a convention exclusive.
I can almost hear you asking, “Okay, Mr. Sexy Man, what makes a good convention exclusive?” My answer is simple, look no further than Mattel’s JLU Comic-Con exclusive for this year:
It’s a two pack featuring Giganta, whose power is to grow larger (thanks to TNI for the pic). She’s a character that would be a horrible, horrible choice for retail, but is a character that collectors would want. Another good example of a good exclusive this year also comes from Mattel, King Greyskull from the He-Man line. He’s a fringe character that appeals to hardcore He-Man fans and isn’t a figure that would be missed from the main He-Man line up.
Please toy companies, carefully think through your choices of convention exclusives. Most of most desirable and widest appeal figures will end up in the hands of those looking to turn a quick profit and only works to create resentment with your fans.
Link: For another take on convention exclusives, check out Poe Ghostal’s thoughts.
April 26th, 2008 at 8:39 pm
If companies would just make sure that non-attendees had a chance at the figures, then it wouldn’t matter as much if they released some of the more popular characters.
April 27th, 2008 at 2:14 am
HasbroToyShop.com is a good way to get hasbro ones.
April 28th, 2008 at 8:40 am
While I disagree with their reasoning, I understand where DC and WB are coming from on the maturity issue. Lobo isn’t just violent–he’s sort of representative of a whole host of things, the whole sex, drugs and rock ‘n roll stuff. And he looks kinda like Charles Manson.
But the whole “maturity” thing may just be a red herring anyway–Lobo makes for a really awesome exclusive and will provide plenty of buzz for the line at the convention.
All that said, I agree with you that I prefer convention exclusives to be more obscure characters or repaints that some, but not all, collectors might want. The recent Mr. Freeze repaint at the NYCC is a good example, and as you mentioned, King Grayskull is, too (btw, I’m pretty sure he’ll turn out to be a retool of the basic He-Man from that line).
April 28th, 2008 at 4:52 pm
Shit on a biscuit, I want that Mr. Freeze.
April 29th, 2008 at 11:32 pm
“HasbroToyShop.com is a good way to get hasbro ones.”
No it’s not…