Voltron Force by Mattel...and other signs of the apocalypse You guys have probably already heard this by now, but hot on the heels of the news of [url=http://toyboxdx.com/phorum/read.php?5,217992]Thundercats' return[/url], Voltron's back, too: http://www.collectiondx.com/news_item/06102010/new_voltron_tv_series_and_toys_in_2011 Could be good. :/ http://toyboxdx.com/phorum/read.php?5,218402,218402#msg-218402 Tue, 18 Jun 2013 21:53:34 -0400 Phorum 5.2.18 http://toyboxdx.com/phorum/read.php?5,218402,248065#msg-248065 Re: Voltron Force by Mattel...and other signs of the apocalypse http://toyboxdx.com/phorum/read.php?5,218402,248065#msg-248065 [www.youtube.com]]]> repairtechjon The OT Thu, 22 Nov 2012 00:05:50 -0500 http://toyboxdx.com/phorum/read.php?5,218402,248046#msg-248046 Re: Voltron Force by Mattel...and other signs of the apocalypse http://toyboxdx.com/phorum/read.php?5,218402,248046#msg-248046 fujishig The OT Wed, 21 Nov 2012 13:21:53 -0500 http://toyboxdx.com/phorum/read.php?5,218402,248012#msg-248012 Re: Voltron Force by Mattel...and other signs of the apocalypse http://toyboxdx.com/phorum/read.php?5,218402,248012#msg-248012 [www.collectiondx.com]

It doesn't look bad, but as usual, there are QC issues here and there. And VERY questionable design choices.]]> Sanjeev The OT Tue, 20 Nov 2012 10:15:29 -0500 http://toyboxdx.com/phorum/read.php?5,218402,248010#msg-248010 Re: Voltron Force by Mattel...and other signs of the apocalypse http://toyboxdx.com/phorum/read.php?5,218402,248010#msg-248010
Its pretty massive.

In fact the size reminded me of a jumbo, and that's basically what it is. A jumbo combiner.]]> eitlobsaboo The OT Tue, 20 Nov 2012 06:24:11 -0500 http://toyboxdx.com/phorum/read.php?5,218402,244569#msg-244569 Re: Voltron Force by Mattel...and other signs of the apocalypse http://toyboxdx.com/phorum/read.php?5,218402,244569#msg-244569 Apart from the neck the only other downside is how big the cockpit door is. IT's HUGE.. and then the seat is too small.. Well the corners near the shoulders make it tough for Hunk to squeeze in. He fits. Just.

I like the spring loaded trap door for where Black's leg goes in. Nice touch. Also the tail isn't spring loaded like Reds too.

This release makes me feel better about this toy. After Red I thought is was going to be a bit dodgy, but Matty has redeemed himself with this one. Lets hope Black is the same if not better.

My package was perfect too, so unfortunately can't opt for a replacement :P]]> eitlobsaboo The OT Thu, 10 May 2012 03:12:30 -0400 http://toyboxdx.com/phorum/read.php?5,218402,243936#msg-243936 Re: Voltron Force by Mattel...and other signs of the apocalypse http://toyboxdx.com/phorum/read.php?5,218402,243936#msg-243936
Hunk and Yellow should be coming in the next couple weeks too.]]> eitlobsaboo The OT Mon, 16 Apr 2012 03:43:12 -0400 http://toyboxdx.com/phorum/read.php?5,218402,243121#msg-243121 Re: Voltron Force by Mattel...and other signs of the apocalypse http://toyboxdx.com/phorum/read.php?5,218402,243121#msg-243121 -------------------------------------------------------
> You're from Australia, so they trust you.

Well in that case I hope there is something wrong with every release that way I get 2 voltrons for the price of 1 *evil laugh*]]> eitlobsaboo The OT Wed, 21 Mar 2012 04:06:58 -0400 http://toyboxdx.com/phorum/read.php?5,218402,243112#msg-243112 Re: Voltron Force by Mattel...and other signs of the apocalypse http://toyboxdx.com/phorum/read.php?5,218402,243112#msg-243112 >
> I then replied with does this still apply if I'm
> in Australia. Next thing I know I get an email
> saying "they've replaced my order with new order"
> then I get an "order is confirmed email" which has
> a 100% discount on the invoice. Followed by an
> order sent email.

You're from Australia, so they trust you.]]> asterphage The OT Tue, 20 Mar 2012 17:01:43 -0400 http://toyboxdx.com/phorum/read.php?5,218402,243101#msg-243101 Re: Voltron Force by Mattel...and other signs of the apocalypse http://toyboxdx.com/phorum/read.php?5,218402,243101#msg-243101 -------------------------------------------------------
> Posted a thread on the matty forums then same time
> I sent them an email and got this reply from user
> "Toyguru" today:
> "You can return the figure for a new one through
> customers service. Yeah, sometimes human error
> happens in China at our vendor. Sorry about that.
> It is not intentional and I am sorry to hear about
> your figure. Always breaks my heart when anything
> is not perfect. We work really hard on this
> stuff!"
>
> Return? Screw that. I should not have to pay MORE
> for something that's not my fault.
>
> For instance, a couple weeks ago I bought a letter
> set off an ebay store in the states. It had a
> duplicate letter and was missing another. I
> notified the seller and without having to return
> the whole item, they sent out the missing letter
> USING EXPRESS POST and NOT at my own expense.
>
> Really what benefit do they get for getting me to
> send back the figure. To prove that it is indeed
> missing? I'll happily send it back IF they refund
> postage costs and not charge me to send out the
> new one.
>
> Also "working really hard on this stuff". HA! Good
> one.
>
> Also for some reason I can't reply to my OWN
> thread on the matty forums.. WHAT.
>
> UPDATE:
> Was reading a few other threads of people who have
> the same problem. This is what one said:
> "You need to send back the full toy including the
> lion for a replacement. We can't just send out
> parts."
>
> INCLUDING THE LION?! I think I might just put up
> and shut up and hope future releases are fine.


Welcome to the wonderful world of dealing with Mattycollector! You are not alone in all this, given what I've read over the past couple of years.

'Toyguru' is actually the brand manager, Scott something or other. He is at once all-powerful and completely helpless if you read all he's written in response to problems and questions.

Yeah, you'd think the solution to a known problem would be get a couple of boxes of replacement parts and just drop the part in an envelope and mail it, right? That's what they used to do, but in those days the factories were in the U.S. and customer service was actually a bunch of people in an office who could just walk down the hall and talk to someone to solve a complaint.

Not in the 21st Century!]]> SteveH The OT Tue, 20 Mar 2012 11:01:47 -0400 http://toyboxdx.com/phorum/read.php?5,218402,243099#msg-243099 Re: Voltron Force by Mattel...and other signs of the apocalypse http://toyboxdx.com/phorum/read.php?5,218402,243099#msg-243099
"We apologize for the damaged and/or incorrect product you received. In
order for us to send out a replacement we will first need to pick up the
damaged and/or incorrect item. Please reply with the information below
so that we can arrange the pickup with UPS.

When we create the pickup, we will email you with the tracking number.
UPS will arrive with the shipping label in hand, all you will need to do
is have the product packed in a box which they can put that label on.

We can have UPS pick it up at a different address from the delivery
address, if it is more convenient. Upon receipt of your e-mail, UPS will
be attempting to pickup the product on up to three consecutive business
days if necessary. The first attempt may be as early as the next
business day. Please have your package ready for pickup."


I then replied with does this still apply if I'm in Australia. Next thing I know I get an email saying "they've replaced my order with new order" then I get an "order is confirmed email" which has a 100% discount on the invoice. Followed by an order sent email.

So they're sending me out a new one without picking up the old one? :|]]> eitlobsaboo The OT Tue, 20 Mar 2012 04:45:10 -0400 http://toyboxdx.com/phorum/read.php?5,218402,242990#msg-242990 Re: Voltron Force by Mattel...and other signs of the apocalypse http://toyboxdx.com/phorum/read.php?5,218402,242990#msg-242990 "You can return the figure for a new one through customers service. Yeah, sometimes human error happens in China at our vendor. Sorry about that. It is not intentional and I am sorry to hear about your figure. Always breaks my heart when anything is not perfect. We work really hard on this stuff!"

Return? Screw that. I should not have to pay MORE for something that's not my fault.

For instance, a couple weeks ago I bought a letter set off an ebay store in the states. It had a duplicate letter and was missing another. I notified the seller and without having to return the whole item, they sent out the missing letter USING EXPRESS POST and NOT at my own expense.

Really what benefit do they get for getting me to send back the figure. To prove that it is indeed missing? I'll happily send it back IF they refund postage costs and not charge me to send out the new one.

Also "working really hard on this stuff". HA! Good one.

Also for some reason I can't reply to my OWN thread on the matty forums.. WHAT.

UPDATE:
Was reading a few other threads of people who have the same problem. This is what one said:
"You need to send back the full toy including the lion for a replacement. We can't just send out parts."

INCLUDING THE LION?! I think I might just put up and shut up and hope future releases are fine.]]> eitlobsaboo The OT Fri, 16 Mar 2012 04:56:54 -0400 http://toyboxdx.com/phorum/read.php?5,218402,242935#msg-242935 Re: Voltron Force by Mattel...and other signs of the apocalypse http://toyboxdx.com/phorum/read.php?5,218402,242935#msg-242935 -------------------------------------------------------
> eitlobsaboo Wrote:
> --------------------------------------------------
> -----
> > It took Matty Collector exactly a week to get
> back
> > to me about my missing Lance head and this is
> what
> > they respond with:
> >
> > "Thank you for contacting the
> MattyCollector.com
> > online store.
> >
> > We have contacted the shipper on your behalf
> for
> > detailed information
> > about your order. You should be contacted back
> > within 72 hours with
> > further information about your request. We
> > appreciate your patience.
> >
> > *sigh*
>
> I've been lucky enough to have no problems with
> any of my orders with them, but this seems like
> par for the course with them. There are any
> number of online retailers who could handle this a
> whole lot better. Why not contract with them to
> distribute the merchandise?


Because Digital River... I don't know what the hell. I can only assume that they lowballed a turnkey fulfillment operation (that may or may not have involved under the table kickbacks to someone, just saying) because Mattel management must feel this whole internet thing is a passing fad and it's not worthwhile to invest the capital in creating a permanent ordering/warehousing/shipping department. Seems to me such a thing turns out to be cost effective because you don't get hit with hidden additional costs like CLEANING UP THE MESSES OF OTHERS and such like.

But Digital River doesn't even ship direct, they outsource THAT to some bulk mailer agency.

arrgggh.

Don't mind me, I don't have skin in this game, just some online friends are Masters of the Universe collectors and the stories I read about-were I the head of Mattel there'd be a lot of people fired over the crap Digital River has pulled. And the crap the Chinese factories pull as well. But I'm a crazy man. :)]]> SteveH The OT Wed, 14 Mar 2012 20:14:54 -0400 http://toyboxdx.com/phorum/read.php?5,218402,242911#msg-242911 Re: Voltron Force by Mattel...and other signs of the apocalypse http://toyboxdx.com/phorum/read.php?5,218402,242911#msg-242911
Why are there 2 entities? Seems silly. If anything, don't confuse your customers and just give us a direct answer, not the ring around.

I wonder what the product run was like? In the hundreds? Thousands? It's obviously not anything in the scale of toys that hit the retail shelves.. So it puzzles me why quality control is so low.

Oh and I got another email today (not directly related to my problem but) which further confuses me:

"As a MattyCollector.com subscriber, we'd like to make sure you're aware of how to update the payment and address information for your subscription(s).

If you need to change your subscription information (credit card, shipping address, email) please call 1-877-GO-MATTY. Be sure to tell the agent you're changing your subscription information, not just your regular store account (they're separate). If you change your information in the My Account section at MattyCollector.com, your subscription information will NOT be updated! My Account is only for standard purchases made in the shop during the month, so you will need to change your information both there and at 1-877-GO-MATTY.

Thank you for being a valued MattyCollector.com subscriber - we appreciate your business!"

I don't need to change my details, but I'm confused as to why we'd have to do this.. We don't set up our account with the "agent".. The matty website does this for us.. WEIRD.

As I'm thinking about this, I can't help but wonder: Do we have to UNsubscribe once all the lions/pilots have been delivered? Or does it automatically end.. I guess there's no news of any new releases like their other lines..]]> eitlobsaboo The OT Wed, 14 Mar 2012 05:39:56 -0400 http://toyboxdx.com/phorum/read.php?5,218402,242870#msg-242870 Re: Voltron Force by Mattel...and other signs of the apocalypse http://toyboxdx.com/phorum/read.php?5,218402,242870#msg-242870 -------------------------------------------------------
> It took Matty Collector exactly a week to get back
> to me about my missing Lance head and this is what
> they respond with:
>
> "Thank you for contacting the MattyCollector.com
> online store.
>
> We have contacted the shipper on your behalf for
> detailed information
> about your order. You should be contacted back
> within 72 hours with
> further information about your request. We
> appreciate your patience.
>
> *sigh*

I've been lucky enough to have no problems with any of my orders with them, but this seems like par for the course with them. There are any number of online retailers who could handle this a whole lot better. Why not contract with them to distribute the merchandise?]]> fujikuro The OT Tue, 13 Mar 2012 08:02:01 -0400 http://toyboxdx.com/phorum/read.php?5,218402,242868#msg-242868 Re: Voltron Force by Mattel...and other signs of the apocalypse http://toyboxdx.com/phorum/read.php?5,218402,242868#msg-242868 eitlobsaboo The OT Tue, 13 Mar 2012 05:48:29 -0400 http://toyboxdx.com/phorum/read.php?5,218402,242867#msg-242867 Re: Voltron Force by Mattel...and other signs of the apocalypse http://toyboxdx.com/phorum/read.php?5,218402,242867#msg-242867
Mine had gotten lost in the mail, and it took them an exceedingly long time to deal with it. On the plus side, they just went with shipping me an entirely new one at no extra charge, so I can't say I'm exactly outraged by the result.]]> MaidenLili The OT Tue, 13 Mar 2012 03:03:40 -0400 http://toyboxdx.com/phorum/read.php?5,218402,242866#msg-242866 Re: Voltron Force by Mattel...and other signs of the apocalypse http://toyboxdx.com/phorum/read.php?5,218402,242866#msg-242866
"Thank you for contacting the MattyCollector.com online store.

We have contacted the shipper on your behalf for detailed information
about your order. You should be contacted back within 72 hours with
further information about your request. We appreciate your patience.

*sigh*]]> eitlobsaboo The OT Tue, 13 Mar 2012 01:46:11 -0400 http://toyboxdx.com/phorum/read.php?5,218402,242796#msg-242796 Re: Voltron Force by Mattel...and other signs of the apocalypse http://toyboxdx.com/phorum/read.php?5,218402,242796#msg-242796 exactly what I said about Toynami's standard-size Voltron III vinyl:
[www.collectiondx.com]

But then someone pointed out to me that if you actually watch the cartoon, when combined, you really *don't* see the legs! Go back and watch the intro or something--it's totally true! :P


]]> Sanjeev The OT Sun, 11 Mar 2012 00:34:56 -0500 http://toyboxdx.com/phorum/read.php?5,218402,242780#msg-242780 Re: Voltron Force by Mattel...and other signs of the apocalypse http://toyboxdx.com/phorum/read.php?5,218402,242780#msg-242780 -------------------------------------------------------
> I dunno, Seems to me the 'Blazing Sword' Voltron
> action figure is more what the market wanted, and
> OH! LOOK! On sale!
>
> [www.mattycollector.com]
> splayProductDetailsPage/productID.234245300
>
> And where's Sven? Howcome nobody has their Sven
> yet?


Heh, I finally noticed what's wierding me about that figure...the lions have no legs molded on! Kind of a Fisher-Price little-people-body effect going on there.]]> leMel42 The OT Sat, 10 Mar 2012 16:07:59 -0500 http://toyboxdx.com/phorum/read.php?5,218402,242653#msg-242653 Re: Voltron Force by Mattel...and other signs of the apocalypse http://toyboxdx.com/phorum/read.php?5,218402,242653#msg-242653 Supersentai The OT Thu, 08 Mar 2012 12:22:42 -0500 http://toyboxdx.com/phorum/read.php?5,218402,242643#msg-242643 Re: Voltron Force by Mattel...and other signs of the apocalypse http://toyboxdx.com/phorum/read.php?5,218402,242643#msg-242643
Hey, that upcoming Hoverboard? Don't try to actually stand on it and slide on the floor! It's ONLY a 'prop replica' and not meant AT ALL to be stood on!

yeah, Mattel can't engineer a pretend skateboard to actually withstand being stood upon.]]> SteveH The OT Wed, 07 Mar 2012 22:50:47 -0500 http://toyboxdx.com/phorum/read.php?5,218402,242618#msg-242618 Re: Voltron Force by Mattel...and other signs of the apocalypse http://toyboxdx.com/phorum/read.php?5,218402,242618#msg-242618 >
> what is basically a toy designed for kids, young
> kids, that in a rational world would sell in a
> store for about $20 each. Maybe.

"in a rational world"

aaaaaaaaaahahahahahahahahahahahahaha]]> asterphage The OT Wed, 07 Mar 2012 13:58:38 -0500 http://toyboxdx.com/phorum/read.php?5,218402,242616#msg-242616 Re: Voltron Force by Mattel...and other signs of the apocalypse http://toyboxdx.com/phorum/read.php?5,218402,242616#msg-242616
For a high-end collectible, specifically designed for an adult market, one is paying $50-$65 (plus shipping)(plus the subscription fee) per part for what is basically a toy designed for kids, young kids, that in a rational world would sell in a store for about $20 each. Maybe.

I dunno, Seems to me the 'Blazing Sword' Voltron action figure is more what the market wanted, and OH! LOOK! On sale!

[www.mattycollector.com]

And where's Sven? Howcome nobody has their Sven yet?]]> SteveH The OT Wed, 07 Mar 2012 13:24:24 -0500 http://toyboxdx.com/phorum/read.php?5,218402,242611#msg-242611 Re: Voltron Force by Mattel...and other signs of the apocalypse http://toyboxdx.com/phorum/read.php?5,218402,242611#msg-242611 fujikuro The OT Wed, 07 Mar 2012 09:23:58 -0500 http://toyboxdx.com/phorum/read.php?5,218402,242609#msg-242609 Re: Voltron Force by Mattel...and other signs of the apocalypse http://toyboxdx.com/phorum/read.php?5,218402,242609#msg-242609
A disclaimer - I'm not really much of a Voltron/Go-Lion fan, so much as I have some very garbled memories of watching the cartoon earlier in life and some knowledge of the rather venerable status it seems to have acquired.

With that out of the way, I have to say I really am just a little disappointed. Not crushed, just not impressed the way I'd hoped to be.

Assembly seems fine enough on mine; none of the joints are excessively loose or tight, the awkwardness of the spring-loaded legs notwisthstanding. I can happily turn all the joints in arm-mode without any legs or tail coming loose, and the blade weapon and sword hilt both seem to fit nicely. Stickers suffer from decidedly shoddy application; it'll be nigh impossible to keep the canopy from causing rubs or tears in them due to bad placement.

Really, though, aside from the stickers, it functions fine. My disappointment stems more from the fact that the toy just seems questionably designed. The spring-leg gimmick 'works', but it's just not that cool - I rather wish that it did what the package claimed (auto-transform to arm mode) rather than going the opposite way. It also gets in the way of posing in a huge way. I also share others' sentiments about the lack of a swiveling elbow joint and the fact that with a toy this large, it feels like they could have fit more into it, especially at the price they're charging.

I still don't think I'm ready to say I feel swindled, though. After all, this thing is going to be downright enormous once it's done, and the things they designed into it do work alright, even if they aren't spectacular gimmicks. It does make me kinda wonder, though... would I have been better off just tracking down one of those huge old trendmasters monstrosities? I've never seen one in person, so I guess I have the 'benefit' of not knowing what I'm missing out on.]]> MaidenLili The OT Wed, 07 Mar 2012 03:20:25 -0500 http://toyboxdx.com/phorum/read.php?5,218402,242577#msg-242577 Re: Voltron Force by Mattel...and other signs of the apocalypse http://toyboxdx.com/phorum/read.php?5,218402,242577#msg-242577
And I'm a bit disappointed, but for different reasons than what everyone else has said.

For starters. Lance. My box didn't contain the alternate helmet head :| SERIOUSLY how could it not be in the box. Anyone hear of this happening?
I'm going to contact Matty quick smart and get them to send one out to me *fingers crossed*
Also I don't like the material the figure is made of.. its like sofubi or something.. It doesn't have the same solid material I remember figures used to have.. but then, maybe things have changed. I haven't bought an action figure in like 18 years.

As for Red Lion, apart from a scratch along one side of the crest on the head (touched up with a red felt pen) and a build up of white paint on lower jaw, mine is pretty great. The stiff neck is non-existant and the legs don't pop out when clicking the waist joint or nothing.. but the springy leg joints really are useless..
Handle it wrong and you'll push the buttons and FWIP! Legs pop out..
Also I found it doesn't really stand with all feet flat. It's kind of lopsided..

Another thing.. once I've taken it all out of the box and had a bit of a play, I put it back in the box.
I'm not regretting the purchase as with the sheer size of the arm I'm really excited to see it as a complete figure. But until I have all lions I find the lions and pilots by themselves a bit useless..

Maybe I should have just put the cash towards a jumbo..]]> eitlobsaboo The OT Tue, 06 Mar 2012 02:04:31 -0500 http://toyboxdx.com/phorum/read.php?5,218402,242576#msg-242576 Re: Voltron Force by Mattel...and other signs of the apocalypse http://toyboxdx.com/phorum/read.php?5,218402,242576#msg-242576
They f**ked this thing up because they ignored the basics, pure and simple.

I would expect at a little attention to detail. I would expect that a transformation well illustrated by the show and previous versions of the toy would be held as immutable.

In fact, they could have SAVED money, and made a better product, by removing the “spring” gimmicks and just allowed the legs to transform correctly. The gimmicks add nothing because they don’t even work. They add cost and detract from the design of the toy.

Let’s put it this way – who would have been happier with this toy if the spring gimmicks were removed, simple click joints added to the legs which transform correctly, and there were some really nice, high quality stickers that could be applied to the toy to mimic the vintage Godaikin?

I think it would have turned this from basically a fail into possibly one of the coolest toys, and probably saved Mattel a few $$ as well (I can tell you that a set of stickers would have cost less than 1 of the springs in the legs does)]]> Corellian Corvette The OT Tue, 06 Mar 2012 00:50:48 -0500 http://toyboxdx.com/phorum/read.php?5,218402,242575#msg-242575 Re: Voltron Force by Mattel...and other signs of the apocalypse http://toyboxdx.com/phorum/read.php?5,218402,242575#msg-242575
As for what we got, or at least what I got (it seems I got a different toy than what some unhappy souls got), it's a solid, strong plastic toy with clackity joints, durable enough for a child to throw at the wall and an articulated pilot figure that looks like it stepped out of the cartoon. I can take or leave the spring loaded legs, but they don't really bother me. Yeah, it looks like and is made like a child's plaything. That's the whole point. No different from the He Man figures, or the DC figures.]]> eriku The OT Tue, 06 Mar 2012 00:32:07 -0500 http://toyboxdx.com/phorum/read.php?5,218402,242570#msg-242570 Re: Voltron Force by Mattel...and other signs of the apocalypse http://toyboxdx.com/phorum/read.php?5,218402,242570#msg-242570 repairtechjon The OT Mon, 05 Mar 2012 22:28:16 -0500 http://toyboxdx.com/phorum/read.php?5,218402,242566#msg-242566 Re: Voltron Force by Mattel...and other signs of the apocalypse http://toyboxdx.com/phorum/read.php?5,218402,242566#msg-242566

DSCF3156 by MicroBry, on Flickr
]]> microbry The OT Mon, 05 Mar 2012 21:36:19 -0500