Written by In the 1980’s, the iconic Masters of the Universe toyline was not only known for their massive 5.5″ action figures but also known for their inclusion of stunning minicomics.
With writing duties initially by Don Glut and art by the legendary Alfredo Alcala, the minicomic was synonymous with vintage MOTU figures…. something the new Masters of the Universe: Origins action figure line aimed to recapture. Until now.
After the Vintage, Cartoon Collection and even the Turtles of Grayskull, Masters of the Universe x ThunderCats and Masters of the Universe x Transformers crossovers, the Cartoon Collection (200X) will be the first large Origins action figure line that will go without a minicomic.
This is what Roy Juarez, Package Design & Art Director at Mattel had to say when a fan inquired about minicomics being included in the new “Cartoon Collection” (200X) line.
Popularity certainly hasn’t dwindled among the fans for minicomics, so why the change? Could it be a cost reducing measure?
There has been rumblings that Mattel (and other toy companies) are still looking for creative ways to cut costs due to the sluggish toy industry… and to offset new U.S. tariffs implemented to discourage overseas manufacturing.
Could eliminating the minicomics from the new Origins “Cartoon Collection” (200X) action figure line be collateral damage of the current climate… an easy way for Mattel to reduce overhead?
Will Origins figures without a minicomic be the future standard, not just for this 200X line, but all Origins lines moving forward? While disappointing, it certainly is possible.
We shall see.
Thanks to Michael S. and Raúl for the ‘heads up’.
We’ll see you next time.
I would argue that if we have to choose between the toy itself and its accompanying narrative moving forward, we are in a relatively secure position. Of course, deviating from ‘the tradition’ would never have gone unnoticed.
My only interest in the comics were hints at upcoming releases. Tbh most of them are bland at best and garbage at worst because they were constrained by size and wave composition.
The mini comics never hinted at upcoming figures.
The original 200x figures were never packed with comics. Is that the reason?
@grantlok True! Let the story repeat itself, with all the convenient aspects of that. @sketchyskeletor Now that we’re talking about it, maybe the strategy should be to not venture too far either, just like they did with the few Filmation characters. Besides, this brand depends greatly on retailer demand — you get the picture.
Never were comics included with Filmation figures either until Origins.
Origins no more. Mattel should have made 200x a different line. The figures are tooled differently. There are no comics. We already got 200x Origins figs. These ain’t Origins.
I also want to know why they are still using the Filmation Cartoon Collection sticker on the 200x figures. Dumb.
This is undoubtedly another attempt to tug at the heartstrings. This time, the theme is completeness. Hmmm… Are we 100% sure about that?
You made a good point. At what point should it be called something else other than Origins. Is it what @onlyoneskeletor said which is to tug on a need for completeness.
I don’t care what anyone says, it is a huge disappointment to drop the mini comics.
No matter how you rationalize it. I never expected “crime and punishment” in these comics, but I’m kind of ticked off by responses that almost embrace this… but ya know, next time they’ll drop all the weapons again, and we’ll just say, “Oh fine, …”
Nope this sucks. This was something that sets apart Origins / MOTU from other bland toy lines. It was always a very special thing. Maybe it’s because i love comics just as much as i love toys?
MOTU is not just a plastic figure. It’s a world of stories.
I want them to exist and explore the world of Eternia, in whatever limited way. It’s our only current medium for storytelling in a Classic MOTU setting, outside a few Dark Horse releases.
If you happily let go of any kind of extra effort they do, you’re inviting them to make more cuts and more, squeezing out any charm and creativity, because honestly, who really needs the illustrations on the package? Just let go of the artist, boom, money saved.
Maybe next they’ll be sending these out in plastic bags to save costs, but hey who cares?
It’s not like we love this line because it reminds us of our childhood?
Perhaps next they don’t send us figures, it’s only an Instagram announcement? It’s ok, as long as they cut costs, it’s ok…
This sucks.