filmation sub-line is OFFICIALLY CLASSICS... a new rant.

So now the idiots saying that it's a new line can shut the hell up! It's a part of Classics, so complaining about the removed "Classics Level" details is reasonable... But I'm saving that for Later.

Let's give you a quick rundown before I officially start the rant.

10/05/2015 - 11/02/2015 that's the time to sub up. If you're into it, I posted the link so you can click it!



Here's Mattel's official announcement by Tara Z.

These are the figures that’ll take you right back to Saturday morning, sitting in your PJs, bowl of cereal in hand, face ten inches from the TV. Get ready for Classics 2.0!

This is the subscription that’ll give you all the feels, with a lineup of “A” list characters in the style you remember from the animated series. These newly-designed Filmation-style figures come in 6” classics scale to fit in perfectly with your existing collection, but they’re not Classics… they’re Classics 2.0!
This bi-monthly 2016 subscription brings six of the most-wanted characters, newly-designed in Filmation style, plus a club-exclusive Evil Seed™! Scheduled releases include*:

• He-Man® (2/16)

• Trap Jaw® (4/16)

• Skeletor® (6/16)

• Evil Seed™ (Subscription-only figure, 8/16)

• Beast Man® (8/16)

• Evil-Lyn® (10/16)

• Clawful® (12/16)

The subscription period will be open 10/5/15 through 11/2/15 at 11:59 PT. Along with guaranteed delivery of these new Filmation-style figures, subscribers get Early Access beginning in February 2016. That means you’ll have first shot at figures like the 2016 chase figure and our annual San Diego Comic-Con After-Party Sale. Click here for all the details and to sign up for the Classics 2.0 subscription!
*As always, names and release dates are subject to change.

Mattel is calling them right out of the bat a part of Classics... Classics 2.0 is the term they chose. They are still clinging to the success of MOTU CLASSICS.

These newly-designed Filmation-style figures come in 6” classics scale to fit in perfectly with your existing collection, but they’re not Classics… they’re Classics 2.0!

Problem is that they DO NOT FIT PERFECTLY WITH CLASSICS! The Reduced Detail on furry areas... Beastman I'm looking at you, makes them IMPERFECT!! Also there is a small text hidden between the lines. If they "are perfectly compatible with Classics" that means that we can scratch off our lists of "more Filmationized PoP", Eternos Palace Randor 2.0, Non-Fat Suit Sea Hawk (although they could always do a Pre-Anchor's Aloft version with Blade Boots, new sword, and a normal left hand.)  This 2.0 Subline may not last as long as the Classics line, who survived thanks to the MOTU fans, despite Mattel's blunders. (During the Neitlich era and AFTERWARDS)

Along with guaranteed delivery of these new Filmation-style figures, subscribers get Early Access beginning in February 2016. That means you’ll have first shot at figures like the 2016 chase figure and our annual San Diego Comic-Con After-Party Sale.

Unless Mattel decides against it, like they did in 2015. Now let's tackle the sub itself and the costs:

Benefits of Classics 2.0 Subscription

Pay $25 for a membership now and in 2016 we'll automatically ship and bill you for every Classics 2.0 release. That brings us to…

Subscription-Only Evil Seed™! This fan-favorite figure now in Filmation style is available only with a Classics 2.0 subscription, and will never be sold on MattyCollector.com. The best way to ensure you own this must-have figure is with a subscription.

Lower Prices, Guaranteed Products:The price for figures is $20 each when shipped through a subscription. These figures will be $25 each when purchased during All Access on regular monthly sale days. They may sell out quickly so a subscription is the only way to guarantee you'll get every club release. And remember, only subscribers to Classics 2.0 will automatically receive the exclusive Evil Seed™ figure directly from Mattel.

Early Shipping: Subscription orders generally begin shipping three business days before non-subscription orders, so subscribers usually get their orders before non-subscribers.

Early Access to Non-Subscription Products: Beginning February 2016, all Classics 2.0 subscribers get Early Access to most non-subscription products! That means you'll have the chance to purchase hot items not available through subscriptions before they're released to the general public, like our 2015 "traveling convention" offering, the Hover Robots™ three-pack! Availability is first-come, first-served during Early Access and some quantities may be limited, so if products sell out to subscribers during the Early Access period, that's it – no additional product will be made available to non-subscribers at that time.

Sub figure is $25, which is reasonable... What I have to call crap is that the figures are $20!
This means that those who remain faithful to the Main Line MOTU Classics: Collector's Choice, are paying MORE PER FIGURE than these figures.

On the other hand, cheaper figures may mean even LESS QC from Mattel. Point Dread Teela, anyone?

I know some dillweed will say: But the 2.0s are only a new head and armor, that's why they are cheaper.
To them I say: General Sunder is one new head and Armor. He's $24. Same with a LOT of MOTUC Figures. Not to mention that Filmation variant figures get new heads, armor, forearms, hands, loincloths, boots. In some cases new arms and thighs,

My opinion on this matter is that Mattel is desperate to get new blood. That may be why the low price on the variants, but they are not doing things right.
Yesterday while I was doing some arrangements for Mom. I overheard a guy talking about toys and we started talking. He had no idea about MOTUC, or this upcoming sub-line. I pointed him towards it and once again, another anecdotal evidence of Mattel's piss poor work of marketing these toys. Dude nearly fainted there when he saw ALL the MOTUC and the upcoming Filmation sub-line. He'll get the sub-line, because secondary market prices for MOTUC are insane. It begs to remind everyone that the HUGE LACK OF PROMOTION OF THESE TOYS BY MATTEL does them a lot more harm than good. WE, WHO ARE IN, KNOW ABOUT THESE GUYS. John Q. Public does not.
This Mattel silence combined with the assorted blunders are detrimental to Mattel. Honestly, these variants should have been made for retail and hook people into Mattycollector for the Expanded Universe.