It's incredible what can transpire in the course of a year. When we went through our 2011 in (Cool Toy) Review write ups we didn't have much nice to say about Mattel. In fact, you can say we didn't pull our punches and let it all out unfiltered. We would never presume that last year's article was responsible for what came afterwards, but it became apparent that Mattel knew there was a problem and in the months that followed they bent over backwards to turn the tides of collector discontent.
Despite economic factors all toy making companies had to deal with, Mattel addressed every single collector's concerns and steamrolled over the competition with superior products, honest and articulate disclosure of all relevant production matters, and most importantly, by listening to their customers. You'd be hard pressed to find a valid complaint from a collector of any Mattel line.
Mattel did something very important in 2012 by proving that their online business strategy can work, and in doing so, they found a way to directly offer the products collectors want without the support of the big brick & mortar chains. When it comes to single mid-price action figures that is a serious accomplishment; when it comes to a massive playset like the upcoming Castle Greyskull, it is unprecedented.
In 2012, Mattel managed to turn the game around, and they took the ball and ran with it. We hope that other companies will take note and find a way to get their products directly to the people that want them. Mattel stuck to their guns and made a risky endeavour into a massive success, and we all get to reap the benefit.
Funko proudly announces the exciting new licensing super team of Domo + DC Comics in Blind Box Vinyl Figures. 2.5 ” Vinyl Figures coming in February 2013 with a suggested retail of $5.95. Funko’s take on the ‘Blind Box’ Each PDQ Assortment Includes 24pcs Collect All 14 Unique 2.5″ Domo DC Characters Each Domo DC [...]
Thanks to the Transformers facebook page who have posted an interview with Transformers Prime: Rage of the Dinobots artist Agustin Padilla. Get the artists insights on working the Transformers comics and what Agustin has to say about working with the Transformers and the Dinobots. Read the full interview below.
