The final first look at TheFwoosh.com this week is a double-shot of DC Universe. They take a look at the upcoming DC Universe Classics Fists of Clay 2-pack, featuring a muddied black and gray Batman (a repaint of DCUC wave 1) and Clayface (a re-release from the DC Superheroes line.) I was more interested in the Giants of Justice Flash, a continuation of Mattel’s 12-inch rotocast line that so far has included Batman, Superman, and Killer Croc.
I have not been collecting these due to price – at close to $30 it just seems too high, especially for a rotocast figure. But Flash looks pretty good. He’s going to be on sale at the Toys R Us booth at San Diego Comic-Con.
DC Universe Giants of Justice Flash
I like this figure for what it is. He is a scaled up version of the Four Horsemen’s DCUC sculpt (so it is kinda like getting one of their amazing prototypes) with some of the articulation of his smaller counterpart cut out. His points are as followed- ball head, partial ball shoulders, hinge elbows, waist swivel, cut t-hips and knee hinges. So, not as much articulation as we get in DCUC, but still quite a few point. He is, like the Giants figures before him, a hollow figure with fantastic paint applications, I cannot find one bit of bleed or slop.
Battle for Earth 3 - Alexander Luthor and Ultraman
Call me a sucker for these things, or maybe something even worse, because when they first announced the Battle for Earth 3 two-pack, I swore I wasn’t going to get it. First off, I want, no, I need a modern Crime Syndicate. This Ultraman is based on the classic design, and as much as I like the classics, the modern designs are much cooler. And Luthor, where to begin? This version of Luthor was featured for a couple of panels in Crisis on Infinite Earths, a couple of decades ago. Talk about digging deep, Mattel.
Still, June 15th came around and there I was, waiting for the Mattycollector.com site to refresh – the ordering experience on a heavy day, because of MOTU Classics Hordak sales, was much improved. And a couple of days later, this set is in my hands.
This time of year we’re usually so busy gearing up for San Diego Comic-Con that we tend to overlook Wizard World Philly, which is this weekend, Friday, June 19 – Sunday, June 21. The Four Horseman, who have their hands in many of the top action figure lines, will be present and have sent along a list of their activities at the show.
If you’re in the neighborhood and haven’t seen the work the Horsemen do before an action figure goes into mass production, you’ll be in for a treat.
TheFwoosh.com has posted an early look at the DC Universe Classics Earth 3 two-pack featuring Alexander Luthor and the Crime Syndicate’s Ultraman. The first allotment of these figures went on sale on June 15th and sold out within a couple of hours. We’re waiting to hear back when the final allotment of figures will be available on Mattycollector.com.
This set makes me very hopeful for obscure character selection for this line going forward- it looks as though the sky’s the limit. I really hope we hear further news of Crime Syndicate/Earth-3 figures soon, having them all together will make for a great spot in the display.
UPDATE: Before we get to the Q&A, Toy Guru just posted a Facebook update on MOTU Classics Hordak and DCUC Luthor and Ultraman – both products sold out within two hours this morning. DC fans – more of that two-pack is on the way, but Hordak fans will need to wait for a reissue. Here’s the full text:
Update on Hordak and Alex Luthor/Ultraman sale
Today at 4:43pm
Hey toy fans,
Just to give everyone the latest info from today’s sale of MOTUC Hordak and DCUC Alex Luthor and Ultraman two pack!
1: Ultraman and Luthor (much like Mer-Man) came over on two different shipments. We sold through our first shipment pretty quick, but never fear DC fans, more are on the way – most lilkely by the end of next week. We’ll keep you updated as we confirm an on sale date for this second batch.
2: As for Hordak, well he has been our most successful figure yet. We produced as many Hordak’s as we did Zodac and Mer-Man, but he also sold out faster than any other figure! Just goes to show the power of the Horde lives!
We will continue to increase numbers and adjust as needed on a figure by figure basis. We are well aware of which figure are more popular (i.e. Zodac vs. Hordak) and will continue to do our best to adjust production without the dreaded line-killing over-production option. And yes, in time Hordak will be back for a second run much like we are doing with He-Man and Skeletor in the fall.
And keep in mind that the full 12 figure MOTUC subscription for 2010 will be available in July starting at SDCC (you can even sign up right in our booth if you are at the show!). This is the best method to guarantee you get every figure. And as a bonus, the 2010 subscription will include extra items only available to subscribers (and there will be a nominal fee to cover this). more details will be revealed in San Diego.
Next up is Man-At-Arms on July 15. After that, see you in San Diego!
Now, here’s the latest round of Q&A with Mattel. Thanks again to Toy Guru!
We know SDCC is almost upon us and you’ll be saving up reveals for the show, so we’ll keep our questions light for this session. We’ll start with a couple of questions about the DC properties.
1. Of the figures that have made it or will make it to the shelves, which ones are your favorites and why? (If your favorite is in production but hasn’t been announced yet, feel free to give us a hint.)
DCUC Green Arrow
DCIH Anti-Monitor with giant SDCC Anti-Monitor Giveaway
JLU Blackhawk (credit: ActionFigureInsider.com)
JLU Amanda Waller
DCUC: Green Arrow tends to be a favorite around here. The new hand articulation really works for Ollie!
DCIH: The SDCC 3 ¾” Anti Monitor is way cool. And you can get one free with 50 AntiMonitor points at the show.
JLU: Blackhawk and Amanda Waller are both personal favorites. To get them both in JLU style is just a thrill.
