Yesterday’s announcement from Mattel on their upcoming collector’s website was a bombshell of joy for most collectors, but now the questions arise on how it will work and what does it mean to all of us rabid collectors?  I know I had quite a few questions and I was seeing more on our message boards, so I gathered them all together and sent them over.  Mattel’s Toy Guru was kind enough to squeeze in our 20 Questions before we all head off to our 4th of July weekends.  

Q1: Is the site primarily for MOTU product with some DC items or will it always be a good mix?

A: It will be a smorgasbord. MOTU, DCU and CARs will just be some of the many Mattel brands and toy lines offered on the site. We have some new exciting lines we haven’t even announced yet!

Q2: Will older/rare and current Mattel collector product be available on the site?

A: Not at this time. For the immediate future the product on the new site will be all new collector product available no where else.

Q3: If so, will Mattel be able to sell full cases of current product (like DCUC wave 2 or 3 for example)?

A: Not at this time.

Q4: Will information like Q&As and news updates still be filtered out through the various collector sites, or will it now mainly be featured on the new Mattel site?

A: Both! We will still work closely with all of the collector sites. The new site will just be in addition to.

Q5: Can we expect to see exclusives for all the DC properties - DCUC, JLU, DCIH, and Super Friends?

A: We’ll announce that at SDCC, but there is a very good chance all of your favorite Mattel collector lines will be tied into the site whether through exclusives and/or dedicated sub-pages for that brand with the latest news, information and photo archives. Some of these pages however will not be complete at launch but will roll out before the end of 2008. 

Q6: Will future exclusives be limited to single figures, or will it include 2-packs and box sets?

A: All of the above.

Q7: Will there be a per-person limit on the online portion of the SDCC exclusives (and future exclusives as well)?

A: No. There will be no limits on anything we sell through the site.

Q8: Will there be any sort of fan-polls (like the upcoming Wizard DCUC one) or contests on the site?

A: Absolutely.

Q9: Can people set up accounts in advance of the product offering?

A: Possible. We are exploring this and hope to have more info by SDCC.

Q10: Will the SDCC exclusives be the first items offered on the site or will there be other exclusives available on opening day?

A: The SDCC exclusive will be the first items offered with new product for the MOTU, DCU, CARS and "other" Mattel brands coming out in the fall. The first new product (after the SDCC figures) will be around Oct. But after that there will be a new item (if not more) for at least one brand every month. Once we really get rolling in 2009 there will be a ton of very exciting product for many brands in many scales. Some exclusive to the site (like MOTUC), others will compliment retail store collections (like DCU brands).
 
Q11: Is the site live as of the SDCC announcement or will it not be available to order anything until the morning of the 28th?

A:Some pages will go live the Wednesday of SDCC. The store page will open on Monday after the show at 8:00 am Eastern.

Q12: What payment methods will the site be accepting? credit cards? Paypal?

A: We are still working out the details for this.

Q13: Will the site ship goods internationally?

A: Yes, with the exception of King Grayskull. The electronics in his package are not available to ship outside of North America.

Q14: Is there any chance any amount of OLDER SDCC exclusives will be available to order from the website?

A: Not at this time. The older SDCC exclusives are sold out and will not be going back into production at this time.

Q15: What safeguards are in place to stop scalpers and hoarders from ordering big piles of exclusives?

A: Although we can’t always control the secondary market, there should be more then enough product available to discourage this type of behavior. Why would someone buy figures from a "scalper" when they can just buy it straight from Mattel? We will adjust product runs accordingly based on interest in each item. Our goal to to make sure every fan who wants product from the new site can get it.

Q16:  Will the 2008 SDCC exclusives be the same price on the site as they were at the show?

A:Yes, but there will be an additional charge for shipping and we will only have a limited number put aside for online sales.

Q17:  Are you planning and JLU exclusives for the website or will that line stay exclusive to Target?

A: You’ll have to wait until SDCC to learn more about what DCU product/brands will be on the site.

Q18:  Will the new MOTU line be exclusive to the site or will it also be available on store shelves?

A: It will be exclusive to the site with a new figure every month after Oct.

Q19: 8:00AM eastern time is REALLY early for west coast people!   Is that what time all new exclusives will be posted to the site when it’s time to order them?

A:No. This is just what time the site goes live for the first time.

Q20: Is this site going to run "in house" by Mattel employees?

A: The content and news updates will be run in house be brand managers at Mattel but the distribution of product will be handled by a well established online shipment center. (and they have been trained by Mattel on how to ship things "MIP" and will adhere to the high standards we set with other online stores like Americangirl.com, Redlineclub.com and Barbiecollector.com).

Thank you to Toy Guru for squeezing these in before the long weekend. 

Hey toy fans of all ages,

Well it is that time again. Mattel is gearing up for our really big show down in San Diego at the annual Comic Con July 23-27^th 2008.

We’ll be there in full force with the largest booth presence we’ve ever had to meet and greet toy fans of all ages. There will be some fantastic give-aways, fan panels and huge reveals from all your favorite Mattel lines include DCUC, JLU, Infinite Heroes, CARS, Batman the Dark Knight and more. Plus we guarantee a few surprises to help kick off our new Masters of the Universe Classics line- you won’t want to miss out!

And don’t forget some amazing unique exclusives at the show. Details about Lobo, Grayskull, Giganta, McQueen and a few other surprises are below. And be sure to stick around for the biggest news of them all… Starting the Monday after Comic Con, because you demanded it, Mattel will be launching a brand new Collector Website with the latest news, updates, previews and – the big one – EXCLUSIVE action figures from your favorite Mattel toy lines like CARS, DCU and more! Wait – you want more? – this new site will also be the EXCLUSIVE home of Masters of the Universe Classic action figures with a new character available EACH MONTH starting this fall!

Of course we’ll have more details including the URL name at San Diego Comic Con, but we wanted to make sure to give online toy fans the scoop first. Oh – and to kick off the new online store, we’ll be putting aside a very limited number of each of this year’s SDCC exclusives which will go on sale on the new collector web site at 8:00 am Eastern Standard Time on July 28th.

Check out below for more details and we’ll see you in San Diego!

San Diego Comic Con Exclusives

Master of the Universe Classics King Grayskull™ $30.00

At long last, the original most powerful man in the universe is coming to toy shelves as a Comic Con exclusive! King Grayskull™ is the inaugural MOTU Classics highly detailed fully articulated action figure sculpted by the Four Horsemen. Grayskull comes in a brand new package featuring lights and sounds which transforms into a mini Castle Grayskull™ playset. A randomly packed variant chase version shows Grayskull as a “statue” as Prince Adam first encountered him. Both versions include Power Sword, shield and battle ax accessories.

He-Man and the Masters of the Universe™ DVD Vol 3 – Exclusive King Grayskull™ Cover! $25.00

Complete your collection of the most recent MOTU animated series before the street date with this exclusive variant cover featuring non other than King Grayskull himself. Available first at San Diego Comic Con, be sure to relive the final season of this groundbreaking series before any one else!

DC Universe™ Classics Lobo™ - $25.00

About fraggin time Mattel made an action figure outta the Main Man! Lobo comes complete with big mutha guns, chain and his faithful pet dawg. Also includes 3D packaging with glasses for both you and Lobo~! Not to be missed!

DC Universe™ Justice League Unlimited Giganta™ -$20.00

At long last one of the most requested female villains from the JLU animated series is available in the Mattel action figure line. Comic Con exclusive features not only a 4” scale Giganta, but a larger 8” version as well to play out her super growth powers! Comes complete in window box packaging.

CARS LIGHTNING STORM LIGHTNING McQUEEN™ $15.00

Premiering at Comic Con San Diego LIGHTNING STORM LIGHTNING McQUEEN™
is ready for the big time complete with missiles, wings and rockets. Complete your CARS die cast collection this summer. Comes with exclusive stand and window box packaging.

Funkeys Exclusive Ladybug - $10.00

A brand new Funkeys experience with unique online play. Still not consumed by the Funkey’s world? Stop by and pick up a starter kit as well and get your Funkey in full gear!

Mattel Events:

Thursday:

11:00 – 12:00 Frank Varela Signing
Come get your packaging signed and meet up with Mattel’s own Frank Varela, graphic/concept artist on popular SDCC exclusives like Grundy, Man-Bat and this year’s Lobo.

Mattel Booth

12:00 – CARS Reveal
Come for an unveiling unlike anything in this galaxy for the CARS line.
Mattel booth

1:00 – 2:00 Four Horsemen Signig
Meet and get your DCUClassics and MOTU figures signed by the premier sculptors of action figure culture, the Four Horsemen! Members of the sculpting team will be at the Mattel booth and will be happy to sign any current or past Mattel product they have worked on.

Mattel Booth

2:00- 3:00 - Keith Giffen Signing
Appearing courtesy of DC Comics, Mr. Giffen, creator of Lobo will be on hand to sign your Comic Con Exclusives.
Mattel Booth

3:00 - 5:00 – Emiliano Santalucia Signing and Sketches
Emiliano, the talented cover artist on the recent MOTU animated series and a slew of comic books will be at the Mattel booth to sign your Grayskull DVDs and do one-of-a-kind sketches of your favorite MOTU characters!

5:30 – 6:30 – Action Figure Times Panel
Members of Mattel’s team will be on this panel to discuss the latest in toy culture.
Room 3

Friday:

11:30 – 12:30 Mattel and DC Comics – a heroic partnership. You’ve been a fan of Mattel’s popular DC toy lines, now find out the latest news, sneak peaks and behind the scenes scoop on your favorite Mattel/DC action figures including DC Universe Classics, Justice League Unlimited, The Dark Knight, Infinite Heroes, plus exciting new lines like Batman Brave and the Bold as well as the world premier of brand new action figures. Join Mattel toy designers, DC Comics and Warner Bros. Entertainment for an insightful Q&A. Not to be missed! Room 8. And as a bonus, Matty, the Original Mattel Toy Guru will appear live in person to unveil for the first time his exciting new plans for DC action figure collectable web site from Mattel
Room 8

1:00 – 2:00 Four Horsemen Signing
Meet and get your DCUClassics and MOTU figures signed by the premier sculptors of action figure culture, the Four Horsemen! Members of the sculpting team will be at the Mattel booth and will be happy to sign any current or past Mattel product they have worked on.

Mattel Booth

2:00- 3:00 - Keith Giffen Signing
Appearing courtesy of DC Comics, Mr. Giffen, creator of Lobo will be on hand to sign your Comic Con Exclusives.
Mattel Booth

5:00-6:00 – Masters of the Universe Classics Toy Line Update Mattel is ecstatic to announce a brand new action figure line featuring highly detailed fully articulated characters from the entire MOTU world aimed at the discriminating collector. Come help celebrate the return of He-Man to toy shelves everywhere with a special screening of Episode 35 –The Power of Grayskull featuring our San Diego Comic Con exclusive King Grayskull in his first starring roll.

Then stay for an insightful Q & A with Mattel designers, marketing managers and special guests the Four Horsemen for the latest news on this exciting new toy line.! As a special bonus, Matty, the original Mattel Toy Guru will appear live in person to reveal his plans for new MOTU collectable web site from Mattel!

Room 8

Saturday:

11:00 – 12:00 Frank Varela Signing
Come get your packaging signed and meet up with Mattel’s own Frank Varela, graphic/concept artist on popular SDCC exclusives like Grundy, Man-Bat and this year’s Lobo.

Mattel Booth

1:00 – 2:00 Four Horsemen Signing
Meet and get your DCUClassics and MOTU figures signed by the premier sculptors of action figure culture, the Four Horsemen! Members of the sculpting team will be at the Mattel booth and will be happy to sign any current or past Mattel product they have worked on.

Mattel Booth

1:00 – Spirit of Grayskull raffle
You must be present to win!
Mattel Booth

3:00 - 5:00 – Emiliano Santalucia Signing and Sketches
Emiliano, the talented cover artist on the recent MOTU animated series and a slew of comic books will be at the Mattel booth to sign your Grayskull DVDs and do one-of-a-kind sketches of your favorite MOTU characters!

Mattel Booth

4:30 – 5:30 Action Figure Insider: Plastically Incorrect
Members of the Mattel team will be at this panel on the state of the toy industry.
Room 30AB

As we enter the home stretch toward SDCC 08 the Marvel Team from Hasbro updates us on the answers to our  burning questions that AFI readers have posted in our forums:  

Q1. What are the chances of a 3 3/4 Iron Man in the Hulk movie line? Are there more 3 3/4 figures planned for the Hulk movie line then we’ve seen so far?

 A1) There are a couple of additional 3.75" Hulk movie figures that have yet to be announced.

Q2. Several of the Superhero Squad 2 packs released last year were extremely difficult to locate…especially Rogue/Gambit, Spidey/Kraven and Spidey/Vulture. Are there any plans to re-release any/all of these guys in an upcoming wave/set?

A2) We do have some plans to source some (but not all) of these again in 2009.

Q3. Will Marvel Legends singles return to all retailers or are they just going to be exclusive waves from now on until the line is phased out?

 A3) For 2008, mass retailers will be carrying the Hulk Legends Fin Fang Foom Wave and the Legends 2 packs.

Q4.  I’m new to the Marvel collecting (I’m a DC guy at heart, sorry Hasbro, besides, you get my cash from IJ and Star wars, so don’t feel to bad…) Seeing Fin Fang Foom is what converted me, I cannot wait to get him! (More money for you!) That leads me to my question; Toybiz Build a Figures are expensive on ebay (Apocalypse, Galatctus and the sentinel) what are the odds that they will be re released from the 12" Icons format?
And when might we see more X-Men like 90’s Jim Lee/Animated Jubilee and Jean Gray and hover chair Charles Xavier? Can you make Morph from the show, the new Forge/wolverine body is a great start!

A4) Hey, we all have our favorites, no need to apologize.  Welcome to the Marvel Universe!  We realize that these guys are still sought after by collectors.  There is definitely a chance…make sure to tell your local retailers that this is something you’d like to see! 

Q5. What is the status of the Wizard poll characters that didn’t win? FA Storm, Northstar/Aurora (hello 2pk!), Silver Samurai, etc?  also, what is the status of the (Dark) Phoenix and Nightcrawler Icons?  (HTS exclusives?)

A5) They are still in the archive awaiting a good home!  AOA Sunfire will be available in a couple of months (he’s already available for pre-order) and at that point we’re hoping to kick off another installment of the
Fan’s Choice.  The Icons are already scheduled for a couple of retailers in Spring of 09…specific details and timelines will be disclosed at SDCC.  As for the other characters, those names have definitely arisen in our character selection discussions…so there’s a strong chance you’ll see a couple of them.

You can find our past Q&A’s here. And you can discuss the answers at our Hasbro board.   

Iconic STAR WARS™ Starship Toy Undergoes Major Overhaul

 Pawtucket, Rhode Island, July 1, 2008 – Updating the fan-favorite MILLENNIUM FALCON for the first time since its introduction in 1979, Hasbro is launching the largest MILLENNIUM FALCON toy to ever travel the galaxy.  The new STAR WARS LEGACY COLLECTION MILLENNIUM FALCON includes electronic lights and sounds, and is approximately 30% percent larger than the original version of the toy.

Over the last 30 years, ever since it was introduced on the screen in 1977 and to toy enthusiasts two years later, Han Solo’s signature starship, the MILLENNIUM FALCON, has become one of the most recognizable “characters” in movie history and one of Hasbro’s most popular STAR WARS toys.  Last year, the toy’s steel production mold – which was used to create hundreds of thousands of MILLENNIUM FALCON toys – suffered a crack that rendered the tool damaged beyond repair. 

When creating a new mold, Hasbro used the opportunity to improve its toy’s play value by increasing the ship’s size (which now accommodates 18 action figures, sold separately) and adding authentic lights and sounds, making this the most exciting Corellian freighter in the galaxy. 

“We’ve always wanted to make a bigger MILLENNIUM FALCON.  When we literally “broke the mold” we seized the opportunity to fulfill ours wishes as well as the fans.  Legions of young STAR WARS fans have grown up playing with the original MILLENNIUM FALCON toy,” said Derryl D. DePriest, director of marketing for STAR WARS at Hasbro.  “In designing the new MILLENNIUM FALCON for a new generation of fans, Hasbro’s design team succeeded in adding new features that will both excite kids and thrill our devoted collectors.”

The new STAR WARS LEGACY COLLECTION MILLENNIUM FALCON will soar onto retail shelves on July 26 with an appropriate retail price of $149.99.  Fans attending San Diego Comic-Con (7/23-7/28) will have a chance to see it first hand a few days before the toy arrives in stores.

SIZING THEM UP…

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Applehead Factory’s introducing its newest product, Tofu, the Vegan Zombie, with an exclusive, 7”, “white” vinyl version of the action figure. Created by a scientist looking to cure zombie-ism, Tofu is a friendly, undead vegan. “White” Tofu boasts 5 points of articulation, a fully sculpted produce base, apple crate-like window packaging and a removable tofu block.

WARNING: Removal of block can cause Tofu to revert to eating flesh!

Limited supply of ONLY 200!!! They’re offering and exclusive all white version for $35. Stop by and see them at booth #4329.

An extremely rare Karen Cooper Living Dead Doll has been donated to Heaven Sent Bulldogs for a charity auction. Karen Cooper is the name of the young girl who becomes a zombie in the groundbreaking Night Of The Living Dead film.

Mezco Toyz, makers of the Living Dead Dolls, had produced a limited number of prototypes of the figure before the idea was shelved. Only two of the figures, which were never released or sold, are in private collections.  The Living Dead Dolls are one of the world’s best selling limited edition collectible doll lines and will release their 16th series of dolls, featuring a mask theme,  in October 2008. Mezco has also announced a Captain Spaulding, of Devils Rejects and House Of 1000 Corpses, Living Dead Doll as part of the immensely popular Living Dead Dolls Presents series.

The eBay auction # is 180259406248. It can be seen at:
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAP I.dll?ViewItem&item=18025940624 8&ssPageName=ADME:L:LCA:US:1123

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As we enter the home stretch toward SDCC 08 our pal Toy Guru from Mattel updates us on the answers to our  burning questions that AFI readers have posted in our forums: 

Q1A: I would like to know if there are any plans for alternate masks for the joker goons in the Dark Knight Movie Masters line, and if so are there any chances to see them come with weapons?

AA: We’ll be addressing the future of Dark Knight Movie Masters at Comic Con. Doing a second version of the Joker’s goons in the cards…  

B: I would also like to ask if there any chance in seeing a Batman with a working utility belt? Sorry the new 12 inch movie Bats makes me want a six inch black and gray Bat with working utility belt.

QB:A great suggestion and a fun way to plus up and make Batman a little different. We’ll pass this on to our design team.

Q2.  If the DCUC Modern Red Tornado gets released, can we expect better paint applications for the figure? Most of the production run of the Classic version has suffered from sloppily painted yellow lines that bleed with the red on the costume.

A: We are always working on improving our toy lines and will do our best to make sure when and if modern Red Tornado gets released he has the best paint job possible.

Q3.    a. Whatever happened to the gray-striped JLU Batman that is pictured on the back of the package for Zatanna, Blue Devil and Mirror Master? There was a packaged sample on display at Comic-Con last year, but it’s not shown up at retail. Was it ever produced? Is it cancelled?

Aa: He did ship, but the case he was in changed very quickly to a more collector oriented case with increased numbers of secondary characters like Blue Devil.

Qb. Whatever happened to the TRU-exclusive DCSH Batman and Nightwing two-pack that was supposed to follow the TRU Batman/Robin two-pack? It’s pictured on the back of the box for Batman/Robin. Was it ever produced? Is it cancelled?

Ab:This pack has shipped to TRU stores across the US for several months now. It is a chase pack so that might be why you have not seen it yet!

Q4. My local Target recently stocked their shelves with The Dark Knight movie product, but there is no space for the Movie Masters line. will they be carrying this line at all?

A: Mattel product is available to ship to any of our customers. If your local Target orders Movie Masters we will ship them. If you do not see your favorite Mattel toy line at your local retailer be sure to mention this to the toy department manager and let them know what product you want to buy.

Q5.  Regarding Infinite Heroes:

A) Since this line seems to be focusing on the modern/current DCU if/when we see any Fourth (now Fifth) World characters, such as Darkseid…would they be sporting thier new, redesigned (as of Final Crisis) looks?

AA: That remains to be seen! We’ll plead the fourth, er fifth, er, you’ll have to wait and see!

B) Speaking of Final Crisis, might we expect Libra to show up in Infinite Heroes relatively soon?

AB:Not in 2008 at least, but as Libra takes a more active roll in the DCU he is clearly getting a lot of collector attention…

C) Will characters come with accessories (where appropriate)?

AC:Yes.

You can find our past Q&A’s here. And you can discuss the answers at our Mattel board.  

AFI is pleased to unveil our first (but by no means last) Custom Action Figure Jam: The DCUC Custom Showcase!

Shepherded by longtime AFI stalwart Ryan "The Superfly" Prast and ably assisted by Peter "Vader" Go, this debut gallery uses the Mattel DCUC line as a base for all sorts of crazy custom figures that are truly impressive.

We’re still hashing out some of the details on where this is going, but we can say that for this initial custom contest that everyone is a winner: each entry will get a prize of some sort, many supplied by Mattel themselves! And we’ll have a few extra special prizes to give out in categories still to be announced. It’s good stuff, so those of you that didn’t enter this time start sharpening you knives for our next go-round!

And keep watching this space for more details. But for now, go check out the Showcase!

Frisco, Texas — June 28, 2008 – Hasbro announced the results of the online poll to determine the top 10 figures in the G.I. JOE vs. COBRA 3 ¾” single carded line, today at the annual International G.I. JOE Collectors Convention.
Over the past 1 ½ years, 62 individual figures have been created in celebration of the wildly popular storyline, as part of a collection commemorating the 25th Anniversary of the legendary G.I. JOE VS. COBRA saga that has captivated kids and fans since it’s introduction in 1982. After 77,000 online votes were cast, the winning figures to be inducted into the G.I. JOE “Hall of Heroes” are:

1 Snake Eyes and Timber (2007 Wave 1)
2 Firefly
3 B.A.T.
4 White Storm Shadow (2007 Wave 4)
5 Beach Head
6 Cobra Viper (2008 Wave 3)
7 Crimson Guard
8 Flint (2007 Wave 1)
9 Zartan (2007 Wave 3)
10 Snake Eyes in All Black (2008 Wave 1)

“The Hall of Heroes not only celebrates what the fans like most in the G.I. JOE vs. COBRA saga,” said
Michael Ritchie, Director of Marketing, G.I. JOE, “it is a bridge between the celebration of the storyline’s
25th anniversary and the kick-off to one of the most exciting years ever in the history of G.I. JOE”
With induction into the G.I. JOE Hall of Heroes comes a new version of the top ten figures. Each will be
released with unique deco and commemorative packaging. The “Hall of Heroes” line will be released in
spring 2009.

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Ok, this is what you’ve been waiting for.  Prototype pictures are one thing, packaged shots are closer, but what about the finished product, out of the box? In the midst of work and the midnight Wall-e screening I went to last night, I managed to snap some loose shots of the figure from the first DCU Infinite Heroes boxed set.   This is a Flash based boxed set. 

Say what you will about style and articulation for this line… but the fact that we got The Flash and FOUR of his Rouges Gallery in the FIRST WAVE of Infinite Heroes speaks volumes about where Mattel plans to go with this line.

These three figures are all based on the same "buck" body with some variation where the costume dictates.  Some times the variation comes from additional parts glued on such as Mirror Master’s belt and collar, and some times it is newly sculpted pieces such as Flash’s boots. 

The articulation breakdown is: Swivel neck, ball jointed shoulders, pin elbows, swivel waist, hip swivel and pin knees. 

THE FLASH 

MIRROR MASTER 

WEATHER WIZARD

The finished product is much better than the early prototypes shown at Toy Fair back in February.  The paint is not glossy, the articulation more apparent, and the "Crisis" theme intriguing. It’s still a little hard to see Mattel’s vision for the line as the first wave seems a bit of a smattering of eras.  With the finished product figures I have here it looks like they have more of a unifying style to them now as well.   I’ve heard some talk of their plans and it does sound really good for DC fans. I’m sure we will get a lot more answers at a better look at the future of this line in a few weeks at Comic Con.

A couple of comparison shots, starting with a few other like-scaled figures-

Indy, IH, Dark Knight, IH, Star Wars, IH 

Super Powers Flash and Infinite Heroes Flash 

 A comparison shot of the MiniMates Flash SP Flash, IH Flash and JLU Flash.

Infinite Heroes Professor Zoom and Flash

Look for more updates with loose pictures of the single carded figures coming soon!