brethartfan97
Main Eventer
Joined on: Jul 10, 2006 0:59:31 GMT -5
Posts: 1,994
|
Post by brethartfan97 on Jan 14, 2011 22:49:58 GMT -5
Did Mattel over think their WWE Legends line? Short hair Rick Rude? Black pads on LOD? Snuka wearing boots? Sgt. Slaughter in blue tights?
I believe Mattel was trying to make their Legends unique and unlike anything JAKKS tried with their Classics, but I think in doing so, they have sort of alienated the casual fans who prefer those classic looks.
Obviously Legends are not performing as well as hoped (as shown by Mattel's decision to reduce the number of Legends per assortment from 6 to 4). I think Mattel needs to reevaluate their design choices and the Legends they are including in these limited assortments.
We still don't have a Bret Hart, but Akeem is the next assortment? The remaining 3 Legends in series 5 are stronger, but I don't think Martel will sell well and although I am a big fan, Bam Bam is not the strongest seller either. Mattel would be smart to pack Macho Man heavy in that assortment.
Mattel's Legends are far superior to JAKKS' Classics and I want to see this line continue for years to come, but Mattel needs to go less obscure with their designs and the Legends they include.
|
|
PVA
Main Eventer
Too hot to handle and too cold to hold
Joined on: Apr 12, 2004 15:33:20 GMT -5
Posts: 3,178
|
Post by PVA on Jan 14, 2011 23:00:36 GMT -5
I agree Bret Hart should of been made or should be in the works. Perhaps they are saving him for a Defining Moments release.
I liked that they didn't just remake all of the same looks that JAKKS already had done. If they did and the sales were the same, people would be complaining that it was because those attires were already done and no one wanted the same figure again. So it's a catch-22
I also think 4 Legends to a series makes more sense. Legends are somewhat a niche collector. Not going to appeal to every casual kid, the ones who buy most 'action figures.' Especially at a higher price point then other WWE figure options.
I hope they continue to come out with more Legends as those are the only figs I've purchased. But scaling back may not be a bad thing so long as they throw one 'big' name who can sell the series in each wave along with the others that the diehard fans want.
We'll see..
|
|
|
|
Post by slappy on Jan 14, 2011 23:03:23 GMT -5
I have been longing for the days of a short haired Rick Rude.
I was so glad to finally get one.
They are all classic looks, just because a causal fan doesn't know LOD with black pads doesn't mean they didn't have them nor does it mean that many out there would love to have them.
If they just did all the looks that people are more accustomed to then they'd be bashed for copying Jakks.
|
|
|
|
Post by juicewinslow on Jan 14, 2011 23:07:02 GMT -5
Last I heard, Bret Hart has not signed on yet.
|
|
brethartfan97
Main Eventer
Joined on: Jul 10, 2006 0:59:31 GMT -5
Posts: 1,994
|
Post by brethartfan97 on Jan 14, 2011 23:10:06 GMT -5
Last I heard, Bret Hart has not signed on yet. I find that hard to believe considering all the work he has done with the WWE as of later. I also thought that all HOF recipients signed Legends (WWE not necessarily Mattel) contracts. |
|
|
|
Post by ~*Young $ Money*~ on Jan 14, 2011 23:10:23 GMT -5
I think its the high price point too. People just aren't spending now a days and 15$ each isn't helping. Remember Jakks was 9.99 when first introduced. It also pisses me off they did away with the stands but i don't think it has anything to do with it.
|
|
Deleted
Joined on: Nov 15, 2024 20:39:36 GMT -5
Posts: 0
|
Post by Deleted on Jan 14, 2011 23:11:16 GMT -5
Rick Rude had short hair most of his career, LOD in black pads? Um you mean The Road Warriors, the best tag team in history (yes they were around before they came to the WWF. Bam Bam not a strong seller? Is he warming shelves in you area? Dude?
|
|
|
|
Post by gelatinoustapeworm on Jan 14, 2011 23:12:17 GMT -5
I also feel that one of the problems is some of the stores ordered way too many cases of series 1 and 2. I cannot tell you how many times my local TRU and Targets have restocked those two series. Everytime they would disappear, a few days later a fresh case would be put out. Not only that, the HOF set at Kmart was made up of rereleases of figures from these two series as well. It's been 6 months and those things are still collecting dust at my Kmart. This line is clearly aimed at collectors and the stores need to realize this and quit ordering so many cases. I don't think this is the only problem with the line, just something I've noticed locally.
|
|
|
|
Post by juicewinslow on Jan 14, 2011 23:14:52 GMT -5
I think the main problem is all these stores dont know how to order. Last I heard, Bret Hart has not signed on yet. I find that hard to believe considering all the work he has done with the WWE as of later. I also thought that all HOF recipients signed Legends (WWE not necessarily Mattel) contracts. Me too, but one of the Mattel people said it on here. |
|
|
|
Post by ~*Young $ Money*~ on Jan 14, 2011 23:19:25 GMT -5
Thinking about it i do think they don't know how to order. I mean series 1 sold well so stores reordered a crapload then they say there. Then series 2 came out and they anticipated strong sales again and ordered a ton. They need to order moderately instead of overly.
|
|
|
|
Post by The Assassin on Jan 14, 2011 23:30:09 GMT -5
personally i think it's nice Mattel is taking the Jakks Classic Superstars series into account, by making superstars, gimmicks and attires which Jakks didn't. it allows collectors to build on their collections (rather than starting over), and helps more memories live on. plenty of people have fond memories of the less well known superstars/gimmicks/looks. but of course the "defining"/most popular looks and superstars should be made too. I think it's good that mattel seem to be including a wide variety of superstars/eras/gimmicks etc in the legends line.
I think including a bit of all wrestling's history is good... from the most popular/important legends, to the mid-carders, to the most obscure jobbers... from the gimmicks remembered for being good, to the guys without much of a gimmick, to the gimmicks remembered for being bad... from the monday night wars, to the early 90s, the classic 80s, and beyond... from WWE, to WCW, to ECW, NWA, AWA, NJPW, and everything else.
Just like Jakks did with the CS line, the Mattel Legends line should be a celebration of ALL wrestling history. I'm looking forward to seeing what Mattel comes up with, whether it be their rendition of a true legend in an iconic attire, or an unexpected surprise of an obscure, gimmicky jobber. it all brings back happy memories and makes collecting fun.
|
|
|
|
Post by BuckDenaro7: Elite Trader on Jan 14, 2011 23:32:33 GMT -5
I believe the reason they released The Road Warriors like that is because of plans for a 2 pack of the red gear. At least I hope.
|
|
ToxicTwistOfFate
Main Eventer
Joined on: Nov 7, 2006 0:16:23 GMT -5
Posts: 3,576
|
Post by ToxicTwistOfFate on Jan 14, 2011 23:40:16 GMT -5
Thinking about it i do think they don't know how to order. I mean series 1 sold well so stores reordered a poop load then they say there. Then series 2 came out and they anticipated strong sales again and ordered a ton. They need to order moderately instead of overly. Series 1 definitely did not sell well around here. The only one who sold fairly quickly was Austin. All of the rest are still on the shelves collecting dust at TRU and Target. Which has really caused problems because I've only seen series 2 at one Target and series 3 at one Target. |
|
Deleted
Joined on: Nov 15, 2024 20:39:36 GMT -5
Posts: 0
|
Post by Deleted on Jan 14, 2011 23:41:25 GMT -5
I agree to an extent, they should get their most iconic attires out of the way first. But it's nice that they're putting the collectors first for a change.
|
|
|
|
Post by muccguy88 on Jan 14, 2011 23:44:12 GMT -5
while i do think u make a point of having more well known looks and guys im very happy with the legends line as it is. except for iron sheik's singles figure ive bought every legends figure. I got sheik in the 2 pack so i didnt get the single one. I kind of like the more obscure looks. i believe the line is meant more for collectors and not really for kids although they r acceptable for kids. the only attire im not really happy about is jimmy snuka. there is more well known attire and signature attire. snuka's usual attire was pretty much his signature attire. i could be wrong but i believe he wore tights and boots for only a brief time. i want bare feet on snuka. the figure does still look good but it just makes me feel like snuka is missing some of wat makes him unique. i do think the price is hurting sales a bit. especially with 2 packs being $30. I gladly pay the $30 for the 2 pack cuz i realize that its the same thing as buying 2 separate figures but i think the average buyer isnt going to think of that when they see them on store shelves. im not trying to say the average buyer is stupid but i think they would make that connection if they werent planning on buying them and they see the price. i think for the most part the legends line is mostly selling to buyers who had specific intent to buy them if that makes sense
|
|
brethartfan97
Main Eventer
Joined on: Jul 10, 2006 0:59:31 GMT -5
Posts: 1,994
|
Post by brethartfan97 on Jan 14, 2011 23:56:44 GMT -5
I think Mattel expected anything with the Legends name on it to sellout instantly. The KMart HOF figures are another example of overestimating sales. Most of those figures did not sell great in the normal Legends line, but Mattel thought they could sell a second version of the same figure by changing the carding slightly and adding a paper plaque.
They just need to be a little smarter about some of their choices. The design aspect is just about perfect - but the marketing - not so much.
|
|
buffdaddy88
Mid-Carder
Joined on: Jan 21, 2010 20:59:47 GMT -5
Posts: 205
|
Post by buffdaddy88 on Jan 15, 2011 0:02:59 GMT -5
I think what Mattel is doing is they are kind of releasing certain figures in the timeline they were in real life. Like Ultimate Warrior's Legend series 1 figure. Also with the Road Warriors before they became LOD. Legends series 5 Macho Man is wearing his classic 80's outfit. As time goes on I think we eventually see updates like Ultimate Warrior from Wrestlemania 6, More Macho Man's, Bret Hart, ect. But this line is mostly for collectors and is great! Keep it up Mattel!
|
|
|
|
Post by Next Manufactured’s Sweater on Jan 15, 2011 0:25:13 GMT -5
Did Mattel over think their WWE Legends line? Short hair Rick Rude? Black pads on LOD? Snuka wearing boots? Sgt. Slaughter in blue tights? I believe Mattel was trying to make their Legends unique and unlike anything JAKKS tried with their Classics, but I think in doing so, they have sort of alienated the casual fans who prefer those classic looks. I agree. Not necessarily about Rude (he had short hair during his most high-profile run, main eventing SummerSlam '90), but certainly about Slaughter and LOD. I'd have bought Sarge, Hawk and Animal without question if they were based on the 1991 looks. But figures based on their 1980s days, either before the WWF explosion or wrestling for regional companies? No thanks. I get that there are collectors who either watched wrestling in those days or like figures in more obscure gear (or designs that Jakks didn't make), but that's a minority of consumers. Evidently, the majority of wrestling figure buyers aren't going to be tempted by stuff like Sgt Whitevest and Men In Black Hawk at those prices. If the price point was lower, I'd still maybe get them and repaint them, I've seen a good custom red LOD on here. Demolition are a team that I kinda want, but not sure if they're worth the price to me. Akeem, Steele, Jim and Mr Wonderful -- again, figures I'd probably get if they were cheaper but not at the prices I'd have to pay currently. I've bought Warrior, Rock and Mr Perfect because I am a huge fan of them. I've bought the rest of series 3 because I got 'em relatively cheaply. I'll get Savage, Martel and maybe Bam Bam, too. I'm starting to think it was a wise decision of UK retailers to not order Legends. |
|
|
|
Post by Chewdeezy on Jan 15, 2011 0:58:24 GMT -5
Is Mattel struggling with sales of WWE figures? If not, I don't think they care. People fail to realize is that they need a few peg warmers so the casual shopper can pick it up, look on the back of the card and notice other figures that are part of the line.
|
|
|
|
Post by Ultimate Figure Collector on Jan 15, 2011 2:25:37 GMT -5
I think that they did. I know a lot of people here wanted different attire's than the Jakks figures which I understand completely. However, the Slaughter in Series 1 is just boring. Had Mattel done the same Slaughter Jakks did I would of picked it up for sure but I'm holding out for a better one. Same with The Road Warriors. Yes that is their original attire and I understand why people want them but with them being $15 a piece and me still trying to build a Mattel collection I passed. I don't even have everyone on the regular roster yet. I'm still missing a Cody Rhodes, Ted Dibiase, Chris Masters, Chavo Guerrero, JTG, Shad, Big Zeke & Luke Gallows.
I don't spend all of my money on Mattel figures as I have other things to pay and other things in life I enjoy so I really only get the guys I was a big fan of or that make for cool figures. Hell I think Kamala looks great but I just haven't felt like buying him because as cool as the figure looks he was never a favorite of mine and I've just always had to spend money on other things.
The Mattel price tag is the thing that is hurting Mattel the most. I'm not saying change the prices because then that would mean less detail on the figures but times are tough right now and not everyone is buying. It also doesn't help that when Jakks started making CS figures it was what? 2004 I believe? This generation now doesn't remember all of those guys. I understand these are aimed at collectors but with each passing year there are less collectors from that era because people are just getting older. Some stopped collecting, some got married and have kids, some lost interest and some didn't feel like starting over. There are plenty of Mattel's I myself want to get. I want Legends Kamla, Legends Iron Sheik, Elite 6 Cryme Tyme and I'd like to get all of Elite 7 except for Cena. However I have other things to pay and other things to spend my money on considering I'm 23 years old. I just can't manage to afford $15 for a figure I "kinda" want.
I'll be holding out for a 1991 era LOD and Sgt. Slaughter. Also as much as I'd hate to say it, if Mattel can't sign names that people remember right now like Bret Hart, Hulk Hogan, Ric Flair, Mick Foley and even some of the late Attitude era guys like Kurt Angle, RVD, The Hardy's and others because of TNA or other reasons then it might be time to make more guys like Shawn Michaels, The Undertaker & Triple H. There are plenty of attires they can make of those guys that both collectors and kids will buy. Also They have yet to do a Legends Kane and what about Eddie Guerrero? Collectors and kids remember him.
Even if Mattel isn't doing as good on the legends line as they thought they are doing good and making money so there is no way they will cancel it, they just need to be smarter with the line.
|
|
