Better Class Of Toyline (Official: Movie Masters Thread)

[Nirvana]

Supposedly EVERY FIGURE MINUS Bank Robber Joker will make its way into TRU starting in the Spring.

Take this however with a grain a salt...as you can see how long it took Mattel to get off their asses and resurrect this series...

I sure do know. It's kind of why I gave up on this line (and thread). I use to post in here all the time, too.

 

[Hype_BEAST]

It's kind of why I gave up on this line (and thread).

Me too ...

I could go on for days about how this line was butchered to high hell.

I mean how did Mattel completely fumble the ball as bad as they did with one of the most popular movies of all-time, and for all intensive purposes the best comic book movie of all-time and surely the most popular movie of 2008?

First they didn't plan accordingly for this line as well as they should have.

How did they underestimate their supply for this film? Everything brewing in 2007 up until 2008 had TDK being one of the most hyped movies of all time. And this is before Ledger even passed away. Everyone came around and loved Batman Begins, the hype built from there with the established quality of the first movie then you add the Joker to the mix. It was sure to be the most popular movie of 2008.

The over satuation of the kiddified 5 inch figures. Why? Batman Begins and ESPECIALLY The Dark Knight was by far more adult oriented than many of its superhero film counterparts. If anything the emphasis should've bee on the adult / collector movie master line from the get go.

They should've had a line of MM pre-dating the release of The Dark Knight movie masters in May with a line of BEGINS MM. It should've come out in Dec. 2007 or Jan. 2008. All you need is 4 figures. Bruce (Prototype Suit), Batman (BEGINS suit), Scarecrow, Ra's Al Ghul ... and the hype would build from there.

Then we saw after the original wave of MM came out in high demand and SHORT supply, the figures themselves literally got pulled from shelves due to a ventilation problem with the packaging. So for the month of May and June of 2008 these figures were EXTREMELY hard to find building up to the release of the movie. What kind of marketing is that? As the kiddified 5 inch versions continued to sit on pegs and seemingly BUILD in numbers.

Then Mattel releases a BUTCHERED Batman Begins suit Batman in the 2nd wave of figures. Practically out of scale size and height wise with the rest of the line. And for a "collectors" figure, didn't even get the details right on the suit that the 5 inch figures seemed to get right (the gauntlets are on backwards) ... the "chase" figures were virtually IMPOSSIBLE to find.

Now? We get a vital collection of figures, cool ones at that releasing ... get this ... and wait for it

2 YEARS

After the original line hit store shelves. Two Face, Harvey, Prototype Batman, Bank Robber Joker, Jail Cell Joker, Scarecrow (in more movie accurate suit) ... WHY? Why couldn't this line and characters been planned for and released in June / July of 2008?

Mattel mega F'ed up.

I'm waiting for the day the liscense with Mattel expires and either DC Direct, NECA, Mezco pick up the rights to go balls to the wall and make a high quality 6 inch line and do it up for each and every character deserving to have a figure from Batman Begins and The Dark Knight.

 

[Hype_BEAST]

Because a Dark Knight fans only other alternative for high quality ACCURATE figures both in movie accuracy and scale would be Hot Toys AMAZING 1/6th scaled line of figures. But there is no way in hell I can justify spending $175 on a toy / collectible. Especially in today's market situation.

 

[MST3KPIMP]

put up some pics of your joker figs when you get em. I wanna see if the detail meaures up.

 

[BruceWayne]

Got me 2 Jail Cell Jokers earlier this morning!!! Cant wait to get the rest.

I got three of 'em. One for display, one for MIB and one for a head swap on the old Joker figure.

Let me tell you....it looks A MIIIIILION times better with the new head.



Also, I'm mulling over the idea of ordering another Jail Cell Joker and Bank Robber Joker to do a head swap on them as well.

 

[Pennyworth]

After intially deciding to wait on the Jail cell Joker, I went ahead and bought him anyway on Matty.com - he arrived yesterday.

The fact that this guy can't sit is a tad frustrating considering the 2 best display options would be sitting on the floor or at the table. But, and correct me if I'm wrong here, this Joker shares the same hip articulation as the original one...so I'm not that surprised that Mattel reused the ridiculously large crotch to waist design.

The paint on the face is ok. Not awful, but just vague/bland. It does indeed look like a new headsculpt - slightly smaller than the other Joker (a little too small actually) and different nose & lips. The shoes are less weathered than the coated version, and the pants and vest are brighter.

Other thoughts: The shirt is well designed, albeit a bit bright. The hands are well done, but would benefit from some touches of white/red/black. The rocket launcher is ok, however doesn't serve too much use with this outfit. For that matter, if I had a choice, I would've preferred his machine gun, hand gun or even shotgun instead. You can display the coated Joker with it however.

Despite sounding somewhat negative, I actually do like this figure and I'm glad Mattel has finally come thru with this wave. Making the jump to 1:6 scale has just made me more critical, I guess.

He is listed as "almost gone" on Matty.com, and IMO, you may as well just pick him up this spring at TRU if you really want him.

 

[The Gigs]

Here's a pic of the new sculpt I took today. I think the sculpt is pretty fantastic.

 

[sabetoonth]

bank robber joker is the only one NOT goin to TRU in spring right?
when iget mine im resculpting his hair a bit, i want that look the other has but in higher quality scuplt, im buying two, one for this version, the other for headswap, after ive repainted the original of course lol

 

[ManInTheNarrows]

bank robber joker is the only one NOT goin to TRU in spring right?
when iget mine im resculpting his hair a bit, i want that look the other has but in higher quality scuplt, im buying two, one for this version, the other for headswap, after ive repainted the original of course lol

Yup the only one not going to toys r us in the spring is Bank Robber Joker. I wonder if Toys R us will be getting a lot of these. On matty.com dent and proto suit bats are sold out and jail joker is almost gone. Makes me wonder how much they set aside for toys r us. I'll tell you right now that arkham scarecrow and sonar batman will not sell out on matty.com

 

[Hype_BEAST]

The paint on the face is ok. Not awful, but just vague/bland.

How is it vague/bland? It's a significantly better paint app to the fact then the original Joker, which matches his movie makeup much better.

It does indeed look like a new headsculpt

It is and always clearly was.

The shirt is well designed, albeit a bit bright.

The light purple lizard like patterned shirt in the movie was VERY bright as well.

Anyone got a pic of a head swap of Jail Cell Joker and the original Joker?

I want to see if the head swap matches and improves the look of the original figure.

 

[antsman41]

Does anyone have a prototype bruce or unmasked batman for sale?

I love my jail joker, going to paint him skin colored and do the white with a pastel again like my other joker though...

 

[Hype_BEAST]

One word?

EPIC

Two words?

REALLY EPIC

 

[The Gigs]

That is a really terrific custom job!!!! Is there a link to more pics of that on their site?!!?

 

[Pennyworth]

How is it vague/bland? It's a significantly better paint app to the fact then the original Joker, which matches his movie makeup much better.

I wasn't comparing it to version 1.
And comparing them straight up doesn't work since they are different versions of his makeup. You may prefer the look of one over another, but in terms of execution, they both have issues. One of the things I love about the entire interrogation sequence is the Joker's messy look. The way his black makeup is smudged in some spots, runny in others. The cracks of the white and the exposed skin underneath all help show him being worn. When I said bland, I just meant Mattel could've been a bit more specific with some of these characteristics. But again, maybe that's asking too much for six inch scale.

The light purple lizard like patterned shirt in the movie was VERY bright as well.

As for the clothes, in general, I just would've preferred a more muted look - more weathered and dirty. I'm actually pretty impressed with the detail of the shirt pattern, I just think it's bright. Compare it to the collar of the first Joker. That one's actually more screen accurate.

I'm not trying to rain on anyone's Movie Masters parade. I enjoy these figures for what they are and I'm glad we're finally getting them. I just am offering some areas they could've been different.

Also, after some finessing, I was able to work this guy into a somewhat seated position. I plan to display him seated on a chair with Batman standing behind.

btw, welcome to the Hype Beast.

 

[Hype_BEAST]

One of the things I love about the entire interrogation sequence is the Joker's messy look.

Joker's makeup in general is MESSY ... it's like that for a good duration of the movie. The look is supposed to be that of someone who just slapped it all on.

When I said bland, I just meant Mattel could've been a bit more specific with some of these characteristics. But again, maybe that's asking too much for six inch scale.

I think you just hit the nail on the head. That would be ASKING WAY TOO MUCH of a 6 inch MASS PRODUCED figure from a mainline toy brand. Way too much. Your expectations were set way too high. This isn't a NECA figure or a Hot Toys 1:6th scale piece for $175. LOL ...

As for the clothes, in general, I just would've preferred a more muted look - more weathered and dirty.

But you also want screen accuracy ... his shirt wasn't weathered OR dirty in any scene, especially the interrogation scene. They had just removed his jacket, his shirt was CRISPY.

I'm actually pretty impressed with the detail of the shirt pattern, I just think it's bright. Compare it to the collar of the first Joker. That one's actually more screen accurate.

Actually, it quite clearly isn't ... the Joker's collared shirt was made of a high sheen, light purple material. It was very bright, and it POPPED alot. The 1st version is too muted, but its understandable seeing that wasn't the focus of the sculpt and coloring.

I'm not trying to rain on anyone's Movie Masters parade. I enjoy these figures for what they are and I'm glad we're finally getting them. I just am offering some areas they could've been different.

The advice you're offering I just felt is misguided considering expectation level. There is much better offerings for room's of imporvement on the Mattel mm besides the ones mentioned here which are upset with details not to be expected on a 6 inch mass produced figure for only $10 - $12.

Some of the details you mentioned aren't even correct in terms of screen accuracy. Your shirt comment for example.

btw, welcome to the Hype Beast.

Thanks

 

[Pennyworth]

You are right Beast, my 1:6 scale collecting has spoiled me when it comes to details. However, just to clarify.

Joker's makeup in general is MESSY ... it's like that for a good duration of the movie. The look is supposed to be that of someone who just slapped it all on.

Yeah his makeup is messy, but over the course of the film, it does change somewhat: From the mob meeting scene, which the first MM Joker is based on -

to the interrogation scene which the jail cell Joker is based on -

I prefer the interrogation look, and just felt Mattel could've done it a lil' better.

But you also want screen accuracy ... his shirt wasn't weathered OR dirty in any scene, especially the interrogation scene. They had just removed his jacket, his shirt was CRISPY.

Check my quote - I said clothes. I was referring to the pants and shoes as well. My point was that the V1 Joker has darker pants and weathered shoes, and I preferred that look.

Actually, it quite clearly isn't ... the Joker's collared shirt was made of a high sheen, light purple material. It was very bright, and it POPPED alot. The 1st version is too muted, but its understandable seeing that wasn't the focus of the sculpt and coloring.

I'd say the 1st version was right on, but I guess we'll disagree on this one:

The advice you're offering I just felt is misguided considering expectation level. There is much better offerings for room's of imporvement on the Mattel mm besides the ones mentioned here which are upset with details not to be expected on a 6 inch mass produced figure for only $10 - $12.

Again, you're right. I hadn't realized how warped my perspective had gotten. That being said, I'll knock off the nitpicking with you.

Enjoy your stay Beast.

 

[ManInTheNarrows]

I agree with a lot of the different points you both bring to the table. I am just happy we got another version of the Joker. I like version 1 a lot but i do think that the head scultp is far superior on Jail Cell Joker then version 1. I am however still a bit disappointed that the final result of Jail Cell Joker couldnt look more like the 2 up prototype on the back of the card. But then again thats a 2 up proto and the horsemen have more room for better articulation and sculpting. I just hope they keep this line alive to give us a nurse and cop Joker!

 

[sabetoonth]

ok im SO adding some sculpt to jokers hair when i get mone come spring, if i get one befreo they get all bought

 

[BruceWayne]

ok im SO adding some sculpt to jokers hair when i get mone come spring, if i get one befreo they get all bought

Considering that this is Mattel that we are talking about and how they handled this line originally, I wouldn't really hold my breath for the TRU release. I have a feeling the line will teeter out towards the end and never make it to the stores.

Considering what they are doing to the Ghostbusters line, jerking everyone around, we'll be lucky to see the Two-Face figure.

 

[ManInTheNarrows]

Considering that this is Mattel that we are talking about and how they handled this line originally, I wouldn't really hold my breath for the TRU release. I have a feeling the line will teeter out towards the end and never make it to the stores.

Considering what they are doing to the Ghostbusters line, jerking everyone around, we'll be lucky to see the Two-Face figure.

Totally agree with you dude. I have a strong feeling that these will either just trickle into toys r us. Maybe a case here or there or not at all. And yes they are definitely jerkin us around with the Ghostbusters line. I love this line and am willing to fork over my hard earned cash for it but yet they just tease. Mattel is so damn focused on the He-Man classics line that they forget about the rest of the fans/customers. No offense to Heman fans what so ever, its just not cool what Mattel is doing. Mattel did however just release a statement on facebook that new ghostbusters figures will be available on matty.com starting in May i believe with lab coat Ray then June with Slimed Peter with new slimer. So hopefully they dont jerk us around for to long.

 

[sabetoonth]

if these dont come out i spring, im done with mattel

 

[sabetoonth]

if these dont come out i spring, im done with mattel

 

[BruceWayne]

Totally agree with you dude. I have a strong feeling that these will either just trickle into toys r us. Maybe a case here or there or not at all. And yes they are definitely jerkin us around with the Ghostbusters line. I love this line and am willing to fork over my hard earned cash for it but yet they just tease. Mattel is so damn focused on the He-Man classics line that they forget about the rest of the fans/customers. No offense to Heman fans what so ever, its just not cool what Mattel is doing. Mattel did however just release a statement on facebook that new ghostbusters figures will be available on matty.com starting in May i believe with lab coat Ray then June with Slimed Peter with new slimer. So hopefully they dont jerk us around for to long.

Yeah I saw that too, which ultimately just pissed me off. Like a week and a half before that, they said that Peck was getting pushed back to June, but they were going to move Venkman up to April. Then everything is pushed back to May. I just don't like how everything with them changes last minute and they can't seem to get their site under control. A lot of people end up walking away with nothing because the site always seems to crash on their release dates.

Let's just hope that everything works out in the end for all the lines we're interested in.

 

[sabetoonth]

these out yet?

 

[BruceWayne]

these out yet?

Nope. Apparently not "springy" enough for Mattel.