REVIEW: SDCC12 Exclusive Hot Wheels MYSTERY MACHINE

[JeffSaylor]

Scooby Dooby Doo!...

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At last year's San Diego Comic-Con, Mattel offered an exclusive Hot Wheels Fraken Berry Car that came packaged in a box that tempted with the sound of crunchy breakfast cereal inside (read our review HERE). It was an extremely clever concept, one that raises the question: How could Mattel top that idea for Comic-Con 2012? The answer is they couldn't, but Mattel sure did their best to mimic the cool gimmick.

Sold during the event July 11-15, the Hot Wheels Scooby-Doo! THE MYSTERY MACHINE mixes the wacky world of Hanna-Barbera's popular animated series with the world of collectible cars. Sold for $20 at the show, the exclusive's price was enough to send Scooby and Shaggy running scared, but passionate Hot Wheels' collectors were in for a real treat. A Scooby treat, that is.

Similar to the Fraken Berry Cereal Car, The Mystery Machine Van comes parked in a package that resembles boxed foodstuff, in this case Scooby's favorite snack - the Scooby Snack. A quick shake of the box alludes to the snacks rattling inside; though whether or not actual dog treats were used is anyone's guess. I'm not tearing this prized box up to find out, as much as my two dogs would love me to.

The back of the box lists the humorous ingredients ("100% All Natural Courage Inside") while one side panel states "Feeding Instructions" and "Guaranteed Analysis". Charming little touches that go a long way in making this exclusive special.

Opening up the Velcroed-shut front flap finally reveals our "Special Offer": a slick Hot Wheels replica of The Mystery Machine. It's all very ironic how this vehicle plays second seat to the awesome packaging. But is it $20 worth of cool packaging? THAT depends on how much of a Scooby-Doo/ Hot Wheels fan you are. For a follow-up to the Franken Berry Car, I think this year's exclusive came out "Scoobilicious".


Review and Photos by Jeff Saylor

Review Sample Courtesy of Mattel

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