A Mattel Q&A & 2007 SDCC Event Schedule

Mattel's own Scott Neitlich (aka "Toyguru") had a chance to answer a couple questions for us about the recent news that Mattel is getting the DC Comics Master Toy License. Here is what he had to say:

TNI: With the announcement of Mattel getting the DC Comics Master Toy License, will you continue to have the 4 Horsemen work on the 6" DCSH line and if so, could you tell us or give us a hint as to what the first non-Superman/Batman related figure will be?

Mattel: The Four Horsemen have told us they are very excited about the new licensing deal and we look forward to working with them on future products. We’ll be unveiling our plans for future toy lines at Comic Con International in San Diego July 25th- 29th. Toys will be on display in our booth and presented at a fan forum on Friday July 27th at 11:30 in room 10.

TNI: Many DC fans seem excited about the recent news of getting the Master Toy License for DC, but some fans have expressed concern about case packouts of the characters and availability of less obscure characters that get made for the line. This has been a problem Mattel seems to have struggled with since the beginnings of the new MOTU line. Can you tell us, without a shadow of a doubt, that going forward this type of problem has been corrected and that collectors will have an easier time finding all the figures that get released?

Mattel: You can never say anything is sure beyond a shadow of a doubt in the toy industry! But I can let you know we are well aware of this issue and are relentlessly pursuing it with all our might! From what I’ve seen, I believe fans will be VERY happy with our distribution and pack out ratios in the future.

TNI: Some collectors are a bit concerend that they missed out on some of the already released DCSH figures and that these will make for big holes in their collections as you move forward with new figures. Are there any plans to re-release figures such as Supergirl (blue & red outfit)?

Mattel: We have discussed a few methods of re-releasing earlier figures. Options are still being considered but we know this is an issue with fans and are working on finding the best solution for everyone.

Also the folks at Mattel have sent along a schedule of events that they will be participating in at the 2007 San Diego Comic Con.

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Mattel Comic Con Events:

Thursday:

Action Figure Times Toy maker Q & A
5 – 6 pm
Room 4

Friday:

Mattel and DC Comics – a heroic partnership fan panel
11:30-12:30
Room 10

Cars Master Carton Raffle # 1
1:00
Mattel Booth

Four Horsemen Signing
1:00 – 2:00
Mattel Booth

Bruce Timm Signing
2:00- 2:30
Mattel Booth

AFI’s Behind the Plastic – the nuts and bolts of creating collectibles
5:30- 6:30
Room 4

Saturday:

Mattel Toy Maker Signing
11:00 -12:00
Mattel Booth

Cars Master Carton Raffle # 2
1:00
Mattel Booth

Four Horsemen Signing
1:00- 2:30
Mattel Booth

Master of the Universe DVD release fan panel
2:30-3:30
Room 10

AFIs Behind the Plastic: Creativity to Collectable
4:00- 5:00
Room 4

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