Re: FIRST LOOK: New Spring 2012 THUNDERCATS Action Figures

Mumm-Ra and Claudus look cool, but Panthro and Lion-O look like scheiße. The super-deformed are not my cup of tea either. If Slithe's arms have to stay up for the barrel gimmick, I will be pissed and will not buy it.

FIRST LOOK: New Spring 2012 THUNDERCATS Action Figures

All-new Stylized, 4" Basic and Deluxe. New images and interview inside...

New 4" Animated ThunderCats w/ ThunderLynx Embedded Magnet System (Left to Right): Mumm-Ra, Lion-O, Claudus, and Panthro (SRP $7.99 each)

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Following our Bandai ThunderCats story earlier this week (see HERE), we bring you an exclusive look at even more Spring 2012 action figures. These include new additions to the 4 inch Basic lineup, two all-new 4" Deluxe figures and a cool new 6-pack featuring stylized collectible figures of all your favorite characters.

Scroll on to check out these exciting new 2012 ThunderCats toy offerings and to read our exclusive interview with Amanda Burns, Marketing Brand Manager for Bandai America.


FIGURES.COM: Can you explain why the decision was made to reduce the size of the Classic ThunderCats figures from 8 inches to 6 inches after just one wave? Also, will the new 6" Lion-O be made available with a closed mouth as well?

AMANDA BURNS: The Classic line in 8" scale has been a great success for us and the fan reaction has been overwhelmingly positive. The move from 8" to 6" was a carefully considered decision that has also been met with positive feedback from the collector community. We will not abandon the 8" scale and will continue to distribute this line in a limited capacity. At this time the new 6" Lion-O will not be made with a closed mouth, but that doesn't mean down the road we won’t have a closed mouth version.

FIGS: Now that all the collector ThunderCats figures will be made in the same scale, are there plans to beef-up the Classics figure assortments to include at least three new figures per wave?

AMANDA: Currently both 6" lines have 2 new characters per wave.

New Collectible Stylized ThunderCats: 6-Pack Set Includes Lion-O, Mumm-Ra, Tygra, Panthro, Cheetara and Slithe (SRP $24.99)

FIGS: It is great to see the new selection of 4" figures, especially Claudus, however there are so many unique characters yet to be made so why are you including variants of Panthro and Lion-O instead of some additional characters like Jaga perhaps?

AMANDA: Lion-O and Panthro are part of the core ThunderCats team so they will always be included in the line. The changes in their look in the toy line correspond to the storyline and we've worked closely with WB on the timing of their release. But don't count Jaga and other characters out just yet, we do want to build out the world of Thundera!

FIGS: Both the 6" and 8" ThunderCats figures had mismatching colored joint pegs which stood out significantly. Is this something that is being corrected going forward and will a corrected version of the Classics Lion-O and Tygra be made available in the future?

AMANDA: We truly believe that our 6" line is one of the highest quality out there. We have taken measures on our 6" line to correct just those issues.

New 4" Deluxe ThunderCats: Slithe w/ barrel smashing action and Panthro w/ spinning nunchucks (SRP $12.99 each)

FIGS: We are very excited about the upcoming 12" Armor of Omens figure. Can you elaborate a bit more on this piece in regard to the articulation/features and when can we expect an Armor of Plundarr release to go with this great figure?

AMANDA: The articulation of the 12" Armor of Omens is mostly in the arms for posing with the Sword of Omens. The limited articulation in the lower half of the figure is due to the electronics needed for the lights and sounds; The included exclusive Lion-O figure unlocks these features using the ThunderLynx magnet activation system. Every hero needs a villain - One most likely will see The Armor of Omens' nemesis towards the end of 2012.

FIGS: Will we see Lion-O or the rest of the ThunderCats undergo significant changes by the end of season one?

AMANDA: The characters are always growing and evolving. We are working closely with Warner Bros, to ensure that we deliver what the fans are seeing in the show

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FIGS: Could we eventually see some vehicles for the 6" collector figures or will those SKU's be strictly reserved for the 4" line?

AMANDA: There are no current plans to have vehicles produced for the 6" scale figures.

A very special "Thank You" to Bandai and Amanda Burns for the early reveal and interview opportunity! Check out our gallery below for even more images!

Interview by Jorge Pelaez

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