Masters of the Universe: Will Third Party Manufacturers Fill the Void?
With the Masters of the Universe Classics series in danger of ending (first mentioned here, Four Horsemen ask for help here) I have to wonder if we’re going to see the same sort of activity hit the Masters of the Universe camp that we’ve seen overwhelm and almost dominate the Transformers series: The rise of third party manufacturers.
Third Party?
In the Transformers circles there have been a surprising number of completely unofficial toys and expansions to official toys that are “inspired” by various Transformers sources. From classic toys to comics to cartoons the manufacturers have created toys that Hasbro never brought us, reimaginings of classics, and even add-on kits that improve a Hasbro release with new parts. And while Hasbro and Takara have both grumbled about these unofficial toys the manufacturers keep releasing toys.
Some examples of Transformers third party products include:
- Mini-Warrior Rager – Produced by iGear, this little transforming truck is an updated and modern version of the 1984 Huffer toy. And it’s a great piece! (Review here.)
- Kup Head Kit Set – This add on for the Hasbro Transformers Generations Kup* replaces Hasbro’s head with two completely new heads. This is a fantastic kit and really helps Kup look much cooler. (Review here.)
- Corbot V Carnage Axe – Here’s an example of an accessory that simply gives an existing Transformers toy a weapon. Inspired by the War for Cybertron game, this weapon is pretty basic but works well. (Review here.)
And those are only scratching the surface of what has been released. The prices are usually a bit high, the quality varies greatly, and availability is questionable at times, but Transformers fans have been getting some great toys without Hasbro being involved.
And it’s Happening to Masters of the Universe!
While not anywhere near the level of the unofficial Transformers toys, we’ve already seen some modern unofficial Masters of the Universe accessory sets on the market. Manufacturer Spy Monkey Creations (see the spy monkey tag at Poe’s site) has brought us handcast weapons and accessories and even Glyos compatible factory-produced weapons. And while pricey, all of these weapons have really helped Masters of the Universe Classics fans upgrade their action figures.
And Spy Monkey isn’t alone. Artist Joe Amaro has released a hammer (shown at Poe’s site) that is perfect for Masters of the Universe Classics giant action figures. And I suspect there’s more to come.
Will There be More?
So let’s say that Mattel does cancel their Masters of the Universe Classics action figure series. Okay, let them. If watching the third party Transformers manufacturers tells me one thing it is that experienced, dedicated fans of a line can do a better job than the big companies. And at the moment I don’t see how some of those Transformers third party manufacturers aren’t keeping an eye on Mattel and making plans to step in when Mattel stumbles.
I suspect it’s only another six months to a year before we start seeing more accessories and, then, a completely new and original action figure that’s inspired by some piece of Masters of the Universe lore that Mattel has overlooked. The question at that time will be:
Will the Masters of the Universe fans follow unofficial toys as rabidly as Transformers fans do?
NOTE: “Biker Skeletor” illustration by Shane McDermott (blog), found in Superhero Cocoa’s Skeletor redesign post). Check the post for more cool Skeletor illustrations!
Related articles
- Does Matty Collector Need Kickstarter? (battlegrip.com)
- What Was the Best New Masters of the Universe Classics Action Figure Revealed at San Diego Comic Con? (battlegrip.com)
- Masters of the Universe Castle Grayskull Business Card Holder up for Pre-Orders (battlegrip.com)
I just can’t see Mattel restraining themselves as long and as much as Hasbro has regarding the third party vendors. Years later, Hasbro is only now really taking a stand and only then because their hand was more or less forced because the third party vendors have become blatant and arrogant biting the hand that feeds them. Mattel, on the other hand, is one of the most litigious companies I have ever read about. They will sue you into oblivion if you start a company and name it after yourself if your name is Barbie. If the 3rd party vendors start making full figures instead of just accessories, they will be waking a sleeping dragon.
I Would say there are so many motu like lines out there that could be upgraded. Look at Arco’s The Other World, the trademark and all for that line and all it’s characters has long since died.
It could be easily re-built in motuc style, or even some old Remco KO lines. Take the Pirates of the galaxseas line for example, especially the skeleton dude.
Not to mention how rabid the motu fan base is, would not take much to get the ideas flowing.
Although I do agree with the comment about a sue happy mattel, they don’t own the “style”
No one has to bootleg anything or even make characters that resemble actual designs from motu.
Great example of the vast amount of KO lines one could pull from, http://www.flickr.com/photos/22809088@N04/
Cram Man by Igear.
@Crazy – I think the problem Mattel will face is if the third party makers are well hidden behind middle men AND if the third party makers do a good job of skirting the line.
Capitalizing on things Mattel has publically said they do not own — some concept art, for example — coud also work out for a manufacturer looking to capture MOTU fans while avoiding Mattel.