Re: Non- Vinyl American toys
Since we were talking about the BAF collection, you know one [other] thing that really pisses me off? The friggin' accessories that come with some of these toys. I don't know if Hasbro was reacting to some negative feedback from parents or consumer groups about some of their earlier stuff, but the move away from 'weapons' is just utterly ridiculous.
Example, take the Winter Soldier action figure. I don't think you could probably ask for more realism in a toy, on-screen accuracy, and incredible sculpting and detail. Pretty decent, amirite?
But then, I would like to highlight the 'accessory' that comes with Bucky,
What the ever-living-f? What is that thing supposed to be? And the WS isn't even the only figure that comes with a monstrosity like that; just check out some of the others from the Mandroid seris. I've highlighted the whole set to show how incredibly stupid it is both in design and proportion to the actual toy. There is really no way these figures can hold these weapons, nor does it look like they were ever designed to. I would not be surprised at all if this was changed later on in the development. Look, I can fully appreciate that they want to go away from the whole 'guns' thing, but including this ridiculous giant plasma rifle (or whatever it is) is hardly any better. The physics of it don't make any sense, it doesn't match something in the movie or comics (that I know of) and doesn't even work with the toy it is sold with. And if they are really concerned with the violent aspects of it, why have the figure marketed in this way (i.e. directly from the film) in the first place; because it is clearly a violent movie and character. If impressionable kids are seeing that movie, than that is a whole separate issue about exposure.
This is comics right, so all stuff is fair, but it just seems so far-fetched to have these weird weapons included that are lifted straight out of the horrible '90s action figure packages, where everything bigger was better, and has absolutely zero connection to the character they are included with. I am pretty certain I would rather have no weapons with such a toy, or some shield or tire iron or ...
something.... instead, if they are going to just never put in any 'realistic' looking gun. It seems against what they have themselves set up this line to be about. These are also not really average action figures off the shelf for most kids; not the way the line is marketed and priced anyways. I actually have no problem whatsoever with limiting things to be 'appropriate' but this seems almost trying to have it both ways, which is what gets me.
Anyhow, I don't really care, I just think it is sort of silly looking at it why this decision was made. Silly designs amuse me. /rant