Jump to content

Power-Con 2018 - ThunderCats Classic Figures From Mattel Set To Return?!?


JayC

Recommended Posts

The big Masters of the Universe themed convention Power-Con is taking place this weekend out in Los Angles, CA and Pixel-Dan is on hand who has already gotten a scoop about the possibility of Mattel's Classic ThunderCats figures making a return.


As we told you earlier, Mattel is on hand this weekend for the con and has some new Masters of the Universe product on hand that they are showing off, but apparently they also brought some ThunderCats stuff with them as well with these prototypes of Classic ThunderCats Jaga and Grune figures. According to Dan, Mattel has informed him that they do have plans for these which will likely be revealed later this weekend during the convention which officially kicks off later today.

You may recall Mattel began doing Masters of the Universe style Classic ThunderCats figures a couple years ago but then canceled the line after only releasing one wave which included Wiley Kit, Wiley Kat, Lino-O, Jackalman, Pumyra & Mumm-Ra in Mummy Form. The abrupt cancellation of the line understandably angered many fans who were looking to at least be able to complete the core team of ThunderCats and villains. Rumors then circulated that Super7 who took over the Masters of the Universe license from Mattel might take over but then never did.

With a new ThunderCats animated series which is done in a totally different style than the original show that is clearly made for kids coming from Warner Bros, it may be Mattel has decided to push forward with the Cats again, however I feel that if Mattel wants to get many fans who felt left out to dry after the initial cancellation was done on board with these, they better plan on doing at the very least the remaining core team members (Tygra and Cheetara) in the first wave, otherwise I doubt fans will bother figuring the line will be canceled again before those characters are produced.

Let us know in the comments if you will be on board for new Mattel ThunderCats Classic figures in the comments section below whether they do Tygra and Cheetara initially or not.

See Dan's video and images below where he talks about his initial conversation about these figures below and check back throughout the weekend for more coverage from Power-Con where we should get more details about this stuff.

Power-Con-ThunderCats-Classics-Grune.jpg

Power-Con-ThunderCats-Classics-Jagga.jpg

Link to comment
Share on other sites

2 hours ago, mako said:

Are these actually gonna be a thing, or just something for us to think about while pouring over pegs of dusty TDKR Armored Batman and Jailbird Lex figures?

Still waiting for details, but my guess at least these two will be a thing. My hope with the new cartoon coming this will give Mattel the leverage they need to get these on to regular retail shelves but who knows. For now we have to wait and see what they say.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Here is an update to the story and my thoughts on it.

 

Pixel Dan talks with Brandon Sopinsky from Mattel at Power-Con 2018 to get the scoop on what's going on with ThunderCats Classics and Masters of the Universe!
 



The below is just my (JayC) opinions about what was said in Dan's interview and has no reflection on what Pixel-Dan's own personal views might be:

So it seems like Mattel is pretty wishy-washy here giving somewhat conflicting information. In one sentence Brandon who I appreciate has taken the time to talk with Dan indicates they have plans for ThunderCats and MOTU, but then goes on to say they need to see the support from the fans first making me feel like this is just a bunch of stuff that had already been made when the plugs on these lines had been pulled. The idea being to show off this stuff at the convention and online in order to gauge the waters of how much demand might be out there, asking fans to use things like hashtag #tellmattel and indicating "the burden is on the collector".

This is just my speculation but I am guessing that their are those inside Mattel like Brandon who very much want to get these things released for fans, but that Mattel is a large corporation and in the overall scheme of things despite Brandon's words about how great of sellers these things are, they really aren't for a company the size of Mattel, and getting the bean counters and executives to sign-off on something like this is really where the challenge is. I don't blame Brandon here at all and I hope the internet doesn't take their anger out on him for being the face of these things, but I do feel that it's ridiculous to say the burden for these is on the fans.

Despite whatever the reasons where, Mattel essentially burned the fans on ThunderCats the first time around starting a line and the canceling it quickly after one wave. Yes Brandon, people gave up hope because they were told the line was done by Mattel. Several years of nothing is a pretty good indication there is no hope. If Mattel has decided perhaps with a new cartoon in the works now is the time to try again, I can certainly get behind that, but I think the burden here is all on Mattel to convince us they will get us all the main characters, and not just dangle a few prototypes in our faces and say what do you think. There is a saying I can't help but think here that says, fool me once shame on you, fool me twice shame on me.

As for the MOTU 5.5 Classic stuff, I think Mattel needs to make up their mind. Do they want to do Masters of the Universe themselves or do they want to let someone else do it like Super 7. Is their truly enough demand from the adult collector market to support two companies doing these things with such obscure characters, only the most die-hard fans will recognize or re-releasing ones that have been done multiple times??? I personally don't think so and think if Mattel starts doing MOTU figures again, its only going to take away sales from Super 7. I don't know the particulars about the deal Super 7 and Mattel have for MOTU, and I seriously doubt Super 7 would ever publicly express anger or displeasure if Mattel started making MOTU again even if they weren't happy about it, but I just don't see how this as a good thing for them and could hurt the line overall.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

I agree. Mattel basically had nothing to show, so they just grabbed some stuff they had laying around. The evasive answers and double-speak pretty much confirms that.

And I don't care WHAT anybody says. We all know Mattel, and there's no way they're gonna pour money into a license that's shared with another company. If they had any real plans for He-Man and Co., they would never have broomed 'em off on Super 7. Don't expect anything MOTU from Mattel until (or unless) the movie comes out.

Forget Thundercats.

  • Thanks 1
Link to comment
Share on other sites

16 hours ago, mako said:

 

Forget Thundercats.

Forget Thundercats?  No way!  I'm trying to build up my vintage LJN collection right now!  I have Lion-O complete, I have Tigra, Wiley Cat and Wiley Kitt, Panthro with half his nunchucks (anyone have the red half willing to sell?)......

OH....you're talking about NEW Thundercats,.  Yes, forget them, AND forget Mattel.  I've never regretted not getting into their subs, be it for Thundercats or MOTU.  I don't need that headache at all, and I'd be perfectly happy trying to track down vintage figures from either line ranter than deal with their BS.

"The burden is on the collector?"  That's been their policy since way back in the days of that Toy Guru guy, there's nothing new here.  Hard pass.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Almost a decade later and Mattel is still playing the "Everybody's Fault But Ours" game.

Here's an idea: Concentrate on the lines you ARE producing. If you put half the effort getting your product into stores that you put into sending bored looking reps and old prototypes to conventions, you'd run this industry.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Your article is off by a long shot JayC. These aren't toys that were already made that the plug got pulled on. Mattycollector made the Thundercats line but went out if business. They bought the license for MOTU from Mattel and also procured the license for Thundercats. When they went out of business, Super7 bought them out and kept the MOTU Classics line going but couldn't get the licensing for Thundercats. Reason being (I believe) is that Mattel beat them to it. The toys you are seeing are prototypes that have been sculpted. They are not actual produced figures. They are one-offs that are meant to be used as a feeler for whether or not the toy will be a lucrative investment. Being as Mattel was not a part of Matty's dealings, they don't have the data to support the launch of the line. This is Marketing 101 and EVERY toy maker does this. Mattel did this with Masters of the Universe from day one, as well. Research has to support the investment. Since the Thundercats line wasn't their baby initially, they're having to out feelers out so that they can pitch the concept to the higher ups. The 'burden' has ALWAYS been on the buyer. If there's not enough interest, a toy can't be launched. That's bad business. Toy fairs have done this from day 1 but it's only recently that buyers have had the privilege of "voting" via social media. It's a win-win for both sides. Toy makers don't waste money filling shelves with unwanted products, and toy buyers get to invest in toys they actually like. As for the Thundercats line, I personally hope that Mattel sees a lot of interest and produces the line. I have the original 7 characters that the 4horsmen sculpted through Mattycollector and I was very disappointed when the line died. Matty was a TERRIBLE business with shotty Customer Service and horrendous business ethics. If Mattel launches the line, I will be able to finish out the collection and do it through a well established company that produces quality toys. This is an amazing announced and an incredibly smart way for Mattel to go about it.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

2 hours ago, Coreyharmon said:

Your article is off by a long shot JayC. These aren't toys that were already made that the plug got pulled on.

Watch the video. Bored looking Mattel guy literally says that's EXACTLY what these are. They were made for the second series of T-Cats Classics, but the line was discontinued.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

In my mind I think Dan is over excited and too hopeful. Brandon clearly stated that the collectors have to request and they will think about it. 

I'ts not like at Super7 that you preorder  and they are done.  The big company doesn't want to spend money and resources on something that has a niche and have to be made in very little numbers or otherwise will not sell or get so expensive to make that they have to change t to larger numbers and then will sell well at the beginning, but then will go to he discount bin. 

Mattel is trying to cut losses right now and is not willing to risk. That brings the question: Why not release the license to like Super7?

That does not make sense at all. 

Link to comment
Share on other sites

My take on it was these were prototypes that were shelved for a later wave and then the line got cancelled, it's what they have at the office still, to set up and surprise people saying, "look what we're trying to work on bringing back". I also got the vibe that they're kinda stuck (the collector, boys section of Mattel that MOTU, She-Ra & Thundercats fall under), they have a small budget and have to work on word of mouth, but I agree with Jay, I bet money they already have a handful of classic waves planned if not already in production and whatever they have planned(if they are doing anything for ROAR), I bet money, they're planning on launching these when ROAR hits as a collector line for the collectors. My hopes is they will rerelease an older figure or two in each wave, it'd only make sense to help people get them if they got rid of their old ones... and how can you launch a line without Lion-O, lol....I guess time will only tell and Toy Fair 2019 should be interesting.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

On 8/27/2018 at 12:17 PM, Coreyharmon said:

Your article is off by a long shot JayC. These aren't toys that were already made that the plug got pulled on. Mattycollector made the Thundercats line but went out if business. They bought the license for MOTU from Mattel and also procured the license for Thundercats. When they went out of business, Super7 bought them out and kept the MOTU Classics line going but couldn't get the licensing for Thundercats. Reason being (I believe) is that Mattel beat them to it. 

Sorry man but it looks like you don't have any idea what are you talking about. Mattycollector didn't made Thundercats o MOTU, Mattel did; Mattycollector was just the online store that Mattel was using to sell some toylines aimed to adult collectors. Mattel sold the MOTU Classics license to Super7 because Mattel was the owner of it but in Thundercats case, if I'm not wrong, the owner is Warner and Mattel just hold the license for toys and can't be transfered without owner approval.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

I’ll believe these are coming out once they’ve come out, and not a moment before... If only the originals were actually affordably attainable, though. Then we’d be talking.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

4 minutes ago, Belmont13 said:

That guy sounds like he literally drew the short straw and had to be there against his will, sheesh!

Think of it this way. You're the guy who feeds the animals at the zoo. They've just sent you into an enclosure full of hungry lions with an empty bucket but smelling of fresh meat. Would you be happy to be there?

  • Haha 1
Link to comment
Share on other sites

4 minutes ago, mako said:

Think of it this way. You're the guy who feeds the animals at the zoo. They've just sent you into an enclosure full of hungry lions with an empty bucket but smelling of fresh meat. Would you be happy to be there?

True, in all of honesty I'm not very familiar with this line and what went on between the fans and Mattel or whoever.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

  • 3 weeks later...
On 9/20/2018 at 8:33 PM, dchimpy said:

 

Heck, I'd settle for just a Tygra and Cheetara two pack just to finish the main team at this point.

This is my thoughts exactly, if they can do at least one wave with these 2 in it I'll be happy.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

On 8/27/2018 at 8:44 AM, mako said:

Almost a decade later and Mattel is still playing the "Everybody's Fault But Ours" game.

Here's an idea: Concentrate on the lines you ARE producing. If you put half the effort getting your product into stores that you put into sending bored looking reps and old prototypes to conventions, you'd run this industry.

THIS.

I’m still holding a bit of a grudge over the whole ‘Matty Collector’ subscription thing, to this day. All I’ve wanted, and all I’ve ever asked for, is the availability to pick up the figures that I want, at somewhat of an affordable price. Not having to go through a paywall, or subscription service, or wade through the aftermarket scalpers.

I mean, I’m not the smartest guy on the block, so maybe I’m missing something here, but it seems to me that that particular business model isn’t the best way to go. And, to my thinking, maybe that’s what the real issue is — not that the consumers aren’t willing to shell out everything including their first born, just at the privilege of owning a couple of their figures.

  • Like 1
Link to comment
Share on other sites

Im not holding my breath for this line to be revived (specially because its Mattel), dont get me wrong I really really wish the people at mattel see that there are a lot of people who want this to happen, myself being of them, if this line is revived and goes on Id support it as far as I could (hell I put up with matty collector and they awful service for a while, not looking forward for a repeat but Im just saying), Id buy as many figures as they make from this line (if they are done right and are accesible to most collectors) but if the line is just a complete the teams deal Id still be ok with that, give us 2 waves at the least.
Wave 1: Tygra, Cheetara, Mummra The Everliving, Monkeyan, Grune & a 2 pack of mini figures with Snarf & Snarfer
Wave 2:  Linx-O, Bengali, Slythe, Vultureman, Jaga & a 2 pack mini figures with Ma-mutt & a Bearbil maybe

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Create an account or sign in to comment

You need to be a member in order to leave a comment

Create an account

Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!

Register a new account

Sign in

Already have an account? Sign in here.

Sign In Now
  • Find Action Figures on Ebay

×
×
  • Create New...
Sign Up For The TNI Newsletter And Have The News Delivered To You!


Entertainment News International (ENI) is the #1 popular culture network for adult fans all around the world.
Get the scoop on all the popular comics, games, movies, toys, and more every day!

Contact and Support

Advertising | Submit News | Contact ENI | Privacy Policy

©Entertainment News International - All images, trademarks, logos, video, brands and images used on this website are registered trademarks of their respective companies and owners. All Rights Reserved. Data has been shared for news reporting purposes only. All content sourced by fans, online websites, and or other fan community sources. Entertainment News International is not responsible for reporting errors, inaccuracies, omissions, and or other liablities related to news shared here. We do our best to keep tabs on infringements. If some of your content was shared by accident. Contact us about any infringements right away - CLICK HERE