Here we are, on the eve of Toy Fair. I know we’ve had topics similar to this, but they were pretty much limited to specific companies or lines. I’d like to put here, in a place you do not need to register to post, an opportunity.
If you were at Toy Fair this week, in person, and got to talk directly to the marketing folks for any company, 1) which company would it be and 2) what would you want to say to them or ask them. I’ve been really thinking about my collection, what I feel is missing from it, and what I want to see added soon. With this is mind, here is mine.
Company: DC/DC Direct.
Comment/Question. JLA Classified. This was such a great concept in a comic, allowing writers to tell stories from any era of the Justice League history. I’d like to see Dc Direct go in this direction for the toy line and give us artist specific characters for Justice League members they created definitive looks for.
#1. Zauriel. Grant Morrison/Howard Porter – 1996-2001. When told he could not use Hawkman because of the continuity mess around the character at the time, Morrison created his own version. "A big winged character is part of the classic line up of the JLA." I’m paraphrasing here. I believe in the interview I read that Morrison said he intended to have Zauriel meet and fight the current Katar Hol, defeat Hol, and take the Hawkman name. While this did not happen, what we did get was a new awesome "winged wonder". Porter designed this character twice. JLA #6, and then again in JLA #16, wearing "golden eagle armor". This Golden Eagle armor became the definitive look of the character. That is the version I would like Dc Direct to make AND the sculpt should be directly taken from Porter’s work.
[Interesting note, I was unable to find a picture of Porter's art with Zauriel in it on the internet..., so this one will have to do to get the point across]. Grant Morrison has a role to play here, too. If Brad Meltzer, who only penned 12 issues of Justice League can influence Dc Direct enough to get a brand new character, Dr. Impossible, turned into an action figure, then I charge Morrison with using his influence at DC to get a Howard Porter inspired Zauriel in golden eagle armor figure created.
#2. – Zatanna. George Perez – JLofA.
#3. Huntress. Ed Benes.
#4. Rocket Red – JLI/Europe – Bart Sears?
Would they consider implementing JLA Classified as a toy line like this. That is what I would ask Dc Direct.
What about you?
Mattel:
Find a way to make Swamp Thing happen in DCUC.
I would have to go directly to Mattel and question them for hours about JLU haha.
I want SWAMP THING!!!
i would ask Mattel why they do not look at just trying to get the okay for vertigo characters to be added to DcuC. with Swamp thing being the first one they should do then. i would ask them about just releasing the characters that did not win the fan polls as their own assortments with of course Ragman being the first of such wave.
Not sure why the sudden interest in Swamp Thing, but he was in the first batch of DC Direct heroic figures way back when.
(and Zatanna was on Smallville this evening!)
First….I also saw Zatanna on Smallvile Friday evening. Was a pretty cool episode.
I have a friend that is interested in joining an Action Figure Club in or around the Rochester New York area. He is interested in a traditional club that has meetings and events. Can you point me in the right direction. You have my e mail address and if you do this it would be appreciated. Thanks, Art
For DC Direct: Pick a scale and stick to it. It’s been almost 10 years since the first scale issues were raised and they haven’t perfected it.
As for characters, everything on this list is a must. The JLI line and the Justice League of America line were in scale with each other, stick to that one and keep working on the line-up. Also, more Flash Rogues!
For Mattel: I’d say that outside of the horrid distribution, I think they’re doing a good job. Keep JLU and DCUC coming! But also, revisit guys like Sinestro, and Kid Flash who are out of scale. (Even Captain Cold) Whlle we’re on the subject… More Flash Rogues!
I like to see some more women in the mix of figures from Mattel in the DC Universe line: Batwoman, the Question, Manhunter, Sasha Bordreaux, Amanda Waller, Scandal Savage, Knockout, Grace Choi, Thunder, and Cameron Chase to name a few.
Zauriel – I still prefer his toga look.
Rocket Red – I still want the Brigade armor for army building. I’ve been asking for this with #d stickers and a few swappable heads.
Huntress – I hate that ‘peekaboo’ belly with a fiery passion.
I’d like to see a Super Friends version Bizarro in the DC Universe Classics line.
Hi,
My name is Art am attempting to find an Action Figure Club (somewhat traditional type club with meetings, events, etc.) in the Rochester, New York area or close by for a friend of mine. If you can point me in the right direction with an e mail address or website it would be appreciated. My e mail address is artthomasartthomas@yahoo.com.
Thanks, Art