there was a very recent news story that showed it's adult collectors doing the bulk of the toy buying these days lol
The bulk of the GROWTH anyway. I did a lot of digging on that story, talking with IRL friends and elsewhere. It's more like the majority of Millennials buy an average of 1-2 toys for themselves a year. But it's probably still a minority of the market. And it's a source of growth. The article kind of ran with "Millennials are saving toys" from a more conservative "Maybe toy makers would benefit from courting Millennials and late Xers a bit because they're more curious about toys than older people and kids are shrinking as a market." It's more like we went from 10% to 15% during the pandemic and actually continued growing. Toy collecting is officially normal now. But almost nobody is doing it at the level folks like us are. It's probably impulse buys.
That nude stratos... These toy people making decisions on what should be made choose that over oh let's say... A DIFFERENT COLOR VARIANT OF HORDE TROOPER!? Because that how you make money!
The Target I went to yesterday had 2 Pig Heads and a Scare Glow. No other Origins. I have Mekaneck preordered with Walmart but its delayed as you know. If I can find it at Target that'd be nice; I don’t see a listing on their website though.
It's considered "out of stock" and therefore not visible to a regular search. here's the link, tho: Masters Of The Universe Origins Ground Ripper & Mekaneck Action Figure : Target In my area it's "limited stock" at the store I was at on Saturday, and at the one up the highway that'll cost me $2.50 in tolls just to go check on lol
It seemed like they didn't include actual adult collectibles in their research. Like, the high end statues and whatnot that you can't pick up at Target or Walmart.
You may joke, but a chance to get another female, and a red head at that, I'll go for it. Also the bald guy could use the giant buck so there's that too.
If Mattel has any long term strategy in mind for the MOTU I.P. and an expanded universe not limited by established history..... this "new Trefixa" is quite the blank slate to work with. It can literally be whatever they want it to be (assuming the legal right to do so isn't an issue) and can add whomever they want. They'd be fools to waste this opportunity. I think people would accept new risks and creative triumphs and be less antagonistic of failures in this "associated" universe compared to breaking perceived tradition in the prime MOTU universe. Mattel legitimately has a chance to get creative without severe backlash. Even Etheria from She-Ra has more established history and would thus face more backlash for straying from established lore. Someone remind me again if Lost World of The Warlord is an option (or if DC still owns the rights)? I really like the CGI MOTU animated series but it is not the "traditional" MOTU that most grew up with. If Mattel is going to continue to support the 80's He-Man and the MOTU universe in "media (narrative) form" while also trying to branch it out..... this is the ticket (along with some stories regarding classic Zodac's travels and back story). On that note..... Gym Time
One of these, a ko neca(?) From aliexpress, bought for the boy (no pun intended). When he came the arm was broken, but we quickly found that the head was a perfect fit on an origins body. Stripped him for the armour, repainted a spare prince adam we had and there we go.
Rumors say that wave 13 will consist of Slamurai, 200x Randor, Snake Trooper and Snake Teela, while both DB Skeletor and Snake Face will be deluxes. The inclusion of Slamurai and the Troopers makes me hope that they will do more of the 88 figures this year (as they are either snakes or snake-adjacent characters)
My Thunder Punch He-Man and King Hiss arrived today. Outstanding figures. I personally think TP He-Man captured the essence of the vintage figure better than any other He-Man in the Origins line. I like how King Hiss' snake form looks much beefier and more menacing. If I can find another one at retail, I'll pick it up so I can display both looks.
I was tempted earlier today to pick up a spare Thunder punch He-Man and 40th Anniversary Masterverse and do a custom combining them. Only really need to paint the bracers and the boot tips.
I got a bunch of figures from BBTS this week, it was nice to finally crack some new Origins open. I am sad to say though that the re-issue of She-Ra did not include the comb weapon as BBTS stock photos originally depicted which is most unfortunate as I was hoping to get that particular variant of the weapon. Oh well, at least I have a She-Ra extra and I think I have both knee variants now. Where, in Canada, is that Roton and Rulers of the Sun 3-Pack supposed to show up dang it? I want to get them already!