Mezco ThunderCats toys in 2015

Hi all,

Well, I'm one of the many people that has been sending Mezco communication after communication to get back to Thundercats. After a year of doing this on their Facebook and site I'm glad it worked!

However, I must disagree with the notion of a new line. Sure, a 6" line sounds good but it's just not realistic. Thundercats are not a hot franchise anymore. We got a little traction back in 2011, but that faded out quickly. The show is not on TV so no new fans are made and the collector market is just not big enough to sustain a new line. Just look at the last 5 years. We got starts of several lines of figures and statues. None really lasted with a lot of shelf warmers in stores. Classic and 2011 figures ended up on many clearance racks. The simple reality is that there is just not enough support to sustain this franchise for a full line.

Mezco mega scale line is the best chance we have. We have Lion-o, Panthro, Cheetara, Snarf, and Mumm-Ra. If we can get Tygra, the kittens (as a two pack perhaps), and Jaga (translucent sculpt similar to the limited edition Mumm-Ra) we would have the main cast. And these can be released in a limited quantity or as ComiCon exclusives. It would not cost as much as a full line and would give collectors a chance to own the main cast.

I believe that's our best bet. A new line would be too risky to start given the flop of several Thundercats lines the last few years. But finishing up the mega scale line is very reasonable. They can do it in two releases. Tygra can be packaged with Jaga (no articulation on Jaga, similar to Mumm-Ra) and a two pack of kittens. I think this is the safest bet from the business side. Let's face it, if these figures were selling the companies would continue making them.

"LeoTigris, post: 98100" said:

Hi all,

Well, I'm one of the many people that has been sending Mezco communication after communication to get back to Thundercats. After a year of doing this on their Facebook and site I'm glad it worked!

However, I must disagree with the notion of a new line. Sure, a 6" line sounds good but it's just not realistic. Thundercats are not a hot franchise anymore. We got a little traction back in 2011, but that faded out quickly. The show is not on TV so no new fans are made and the collector market is just not big enough to sustain a new line. Just look at the last 5 years. We got starts of several lines of figures and statues. None really lasted with a lot of shelf warmers in stores. Classic and 2011 figures ended up on many clearance racks. The simple reality is that there is just not enough support to sustain this franchise for a full line.

Mezco mega scale line is the best chance we have. We have Lion-o, Panthro, Cheetara, Snarf, and Mumm-Ra. If we can get Tygra, the kittens (as a two pack perhaps), and Jaga (translucent sculpt similar to the limited edition Mumm-Ra) we would have the main cast. And these can be released in a limited quantity or as ComiCon exclusives. It would not cost as much as a full line and would give collectors a chance to own the main cast.

I believe that's our best bet. A new line would be too risky to start given the flop of several Thundercats lines the last few years. But finishing up the mega scale line is very reasonable. They can do it in two releases. Tygra can be packaged with Jaga (no articulation on Jaga, similar to Mumm-Ra) and a two pack of kittens. I think this is the safest bet from the business side. Let's face it, if these figures were selling the companies would continue making them.

The various statue lines failed because the vast majority of fans have no interest in purchasing expensive statues.
The Bandai line failed for two reasons, the quality of the show and the quality of the toys Bandai made which were awful.
I honestly think decent made toys will sell very well.
If Mezco make Tygra and let people that collected the mega scale line finish the main line up that will be good, but even as cool as some mutants in that scale would look I hope they call it a day and move onto a 6" line of toys that the diehard and casual fans can collect and enjoy.

Well, I think both posts above are very logical, even in differents points of view...

What LeoTigris said is right...it's very easy to Mezco release the remaining mega scale statues...

On the other hand, Mark M is hoping for a real ThuderCats classics 6" toyline to celebrate the 30th birthday...I can say I hope too !

So, in my opinion, mega scale statues are awesome but wast money and space; a new classic 6" toyline is what I really dream to celebrate 2015 !!!!

Unlike TMNT, Transformers and GI Joe, there is no new TC show and the 2011 cartoon failed in reach the hearts of the new generation....

"Glasslite4ever!, post: 98103" said:

Unlike TMNT, Transformers and GI Joe, there is no new TC show and the 2011 cartoon failed in reach the hearts of the new generation....

That's it right there. There is no mainstream support for this line. There are no new fans being made. Why would a company invest in a full line of toys for a series that doesn't have a wide following?

In regards to the failed lines, I disagree. The Bandai figures looked very good, especially Tygra. Naturally something along the lines of Neca quality would be great, but can you really feel safe starting a new collection? If they go the 6" direction and release three characters, what guarantee do you have the line will continue? Given the lack of mainstream presence and a poor recent history of toy lines I just don't see Mezco taking that chance.

Hi, LeoTigris !
Welcome !!! :D

Well, I was refering to 2011 cartoon show...I really think it failed in reach a new generation of fans...something like 200x MOTU !!!
The 2011 Bandai figures means nothing to me...but I agree they are cartoon's accurate....
'Nostalgia' is the word, my friend ! :cool:

US Bandai wrote one of the worst pages in action figures history....what they did with promised ThunderCats Classic line was a punch on fan's face...It's a shame !!!
They released 2 figures and 2 con exclusive variants from the same character...then, beg your pardon, changed the scale, and released more 2 figures, being one the same as previous released (with opened mouth)...CRAZY !!!! :lionomad:

I know we can not compare with MOTUC (since Mattel does not need to spend money with licenses) but, if a toy company release an accurate 6" TC classics line (all-vintage versions) from the main characters, I still think the sales would be great !!! :thumbsup:

But why did Bandai stop after only two characters in each scale? Simple, they didn't sell. And I know that because several toys r us and targets near me had tons of them on shelves until they eventually went on clearance. They would've made more if the sales were good enough.

"LeoTigris, post: 98107" said:

But why did Bandai stop after only two characters in each scale? Simple, they didn't sell. And I know that because several toys r us and targets near me had tons of them on shelves until they eventually went on clearance. They would've made more if the sales were good enough.

I need to disagree with you...I think Bandai did an overproduction of the first two figures...

Lion-O and Tygra were released in 2011 so, on the top of MOTUC sales !!!
What Bandai should do ? At least, produce their nostalgia toyline compatible with top hit MOTUC...what they did ? 8" figures ;)
Anyway, almost all collectors I know have both figures...so, I'm sure they sold well...but were overproduced by Bandai !

Then, they cancelled the 8" series...so, if you are not an heavy TC fan (but liked the show and the vintage toys and consider to buy them), would you consider to start a collection that could be cancelled any time ?

Look, I am saying nothing about paint applications and other controversal awful things on the figures...

Now, just imagine an accurate ThunderCats line, exclusive of a virtual store, one figure per month, with several points of articulation, great sculpt and colors, weapons, compatible with MOTUC, DCU and ML, including the 20 main characters...I am sure the sales would be crazy !

"LeoTigris, post: 98107" said:

But why did Bandai stop after only two characters in each scale? Simple, they didn't sell. And I know that because several toys r us and targets near me had tons of them on shelves until they eventually went on clearance. They would've made more if the sales were good enough.

Welcome LeoTigris.

The obvious reason they did not sell very well is simple, they were not very good toys.
Lion-O was really good even with the awful soft weapons and unpainted joints. Tygra's face sculpt was off and suffered the same faults as Lion-O.
The 6" versions also suffered from bad sculpts and poor engineering.
The 2011 series figures were even worse.

I am afraid it is a bit like the line in that film 'Field of Dreams', ''If you build it they will come''.
Fans will not buy poor toys in hopes that a company will continue making the characters they like as crap toys.

NECA started making Street Fighter a few years back but they didn't keep making them as the more the toys looked good etc they were plagued with quality control problems.

If Mezco made even a couple really good Thundercats toys the fans and casual fans would buy them then they could make other characters.

I do hope that the more obscure characters from the original "ThunderCats" will be part of the new Mezco line.

"Daremonger, post: 98111" said:

I do hope that the more obscure characters from the original "ThunderCats" will be part of the new Mezco line.

I do hope that the main characters from the original "ThunderCats" will be part of the new Mezco line. ;)

Same here. I just hope Mezco will include the "ThunderCats" characters that're secondary. :3

This news even made it to Topless Robot.
http://www.toplessrobot.com/2015/01/mezco_will_have_new_thundercats_toys_at_toy_fair_2.php

"Glasslite4ever!, post: 98112" said:

I do hope that the main characters from the original "ThunderCats" will be part of the new Mezco line. ;)

Why are you so certain that there will be a NEW line? I don't think it's wise to get so excited about something that's a long shot. The reality is that the most likely scenario is a mega size Tygra so they can get upset fans off their back.

"LeoTigris, post: 98118" said:

Why are you so certain that there will be a NEW line? I don't think it's wise to get so excited about something that's a long shot. The reality is that the most likely scenario is a mega size Tygra so they can get upset fans off their back.

I only rewrite what our fellow Daremonger said before...please read carefully...

Believe me I am not excited about a new line. I agree the most likely scenario is maga size figures...unfortunately ! :(

"Glasslite4ever!, post: 98120" said:

I only rewrite what our fellow Daremonger said before...please read carefully...

Believe me I am not excited about a new line. I agree the most likely scenario is maga size figures...unfortunately ! :(

Unfortunately? The mega scale line is fantastic! They truly feel like a tribute to an iconic show instead of just a toy. Granted, they can't maintain a line like that with secondary cast, but i think the main characters are enough. If we got Tygra, kittens, and Jaga the full display would be breathtaking.

At this stage it is just speculation, but either or both lines are possibilities.

The other problem though, if thy continue the 14" line, is the space they will take up.

"LeoTigris, post: 98121" said:

Unfortunately? The mega scale line is fantastic! They truly feel like a tribute to an iconic show instead of just a toy. Granted, they can't maintain a line like that with secondary cast, but i think the main characters are enough. If we got Tygra, kittens, and Jaga the full display would be breathtaking.

I know my English is not so good...maybe your Portuguese is bettler ;)

Again, where I wrote the mega scale line is not fantastic ? They are !
But I prefere a new (accurate) action figures line...on the other hand I respect you opinion, whichever it is...

I have all MOTU NECA statues but the best homage to the brand was a Classic line with almost 200 action figures so far...do you understand my point of view now ?

Since Bandai has no longer the TC license, the doors are open to Mezco or other company !
Let's wait...

"Glasslite4ever!, post: 98133" said:

I know my English is not so good...maybe your Portuguese is bettler ;)

Again, where I wrote the mega scale line is not fantastic ? They are !
But I prefere a new (accurate) action figures line...on the other hand I respect you opinion, whichever it is...

I have all MOTU NECA statues but the best homage to the brand was a Classic line with almost 200 action figures so far...do you understand my point of view now ?

Since Bandai has no longer the TC license, the doors are open to Mezco or other company !
Let's wait...

Good point! I have a sense more announcements will be revealed for the brand this year and not just Mezco will be making headlines.

I really believe WB wants to see what this brand potentially has,based on success from companies like Mezco.

I really hope they announce something other than just a continuation of their massive scale figs. The sculpts on them are OK (except for Lion-O which sucked), but they are just too big. I got the Mumm-Ra 2 pack, because he is awesome, but getting them all just isn't doable.

It's a shame that the Thundercats item's I would buy get ****-canned before they see production. I would have been all over the Jaga and Jackalman staction figures, and the mummy Mumm-ra and Ma-Mutt statue that was announced.

If Mezco can offer some items in a a decent scale, and a well priced, they can have my money. I'm not sure what the market is for Thundercats would be, but hopefully Mezco or another company will give it a try.

Right now we only have evidence to show that as far as Thundercats goes, high priced statues and poorly produced action figures don't sell well. I would like to see if that was the case for some well produced, reasonably priced action figures. If we got them and they didn't sell, then fair enough, point proved, and let's never speak of getting new Thundercats action figures again. But until I see something really well made get snubbed by fans and collectors, I'm going to kep my fingers crossed that people are waiting for the right product.

The minimates look to have done well. I think this is down price point, scale, and also people knowing it's likely they will get a full line-up of the main cast before the line is cancelled. It's the uncertainty that puts me off the bigger stuff, statues in particular.