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Flatt World Figures made a triumphant debut at Toy Fair last year. This has been a very busy year for the toy maker who emphasizes quality over quantity. Flatt World's first release was Bela Lugosi as Dracula, a figure heralded by many as one of the best figures of the year. Furthermore, Flatt World's collector-friendly and stylish packaging won best packaging of the year. With credentials like these, you know that the future is bright for the young company.
Calvin Weaver at Flatt World's 1999 Toy Fair Display So what about Toy Fair 2000? Guess what. Flatt World won't be showing at this year's Toy Fair. Quite a surprise, eh? Well, we spoke with Calvin Weaver, President of Flatt World Figures to get the entire scoop.
"We are incredibly busy right now developing new product and we have been working very hard all year long to open up new markets for our current an future products. The Toy Fair show is very prestigious, but for a company like ours, we feel that we can get a better return by dealing with vendors more individually. That has worked tremendously well for us this year," said Weaver.
Apparently, that approach has worked very well indeed. Flatt World recently announced that Spencer Gifts would be carrying the Bela Lugosi as Dracula figure. This is a great step toward the mainstream market for Flatt World's high-end poseable character figures. These are not kids' toys. These are much closer in category to high end sculptures, with the added bonus of nearly limitless poseability! Flatt World did note that they intend to display at next year's Toy Fair show with new products. it should be noted that the Toy Fair show is a tremendously expensive show to do for manufacturers, so it is easily understandable how Flatt World might want to apply its resources in other areas that may be more beneficial to them in the long run.
Mr. Weaver also filled us in on the revised release schedule for the year. First and foremost, the Phantom figure, a highly anticipated rendering of the classic comic character, is currently being resolicited in Diamond Comics' Previews. However, due to a mix-up, the most current information and photography was not used in the solicitation. But never fear, we have the real lowdown for you that demonstrates just how hard Flatt World works on improving its products all the way through the actual production. The Phantom figure has gone through numerous changes since its debut last year...all for the better! With the revision of the head, tinkering with the costume to make it just right and the addition of even more interchangeable hands, this could well be one of the best figures of the year 2000 already!
Here are some additional photos and information provided by Flatt World's Calvin Weaver:
Flatt World Figures has made several improvements to our upcoming figure of The Phantom, which contributed to our delays in getting it into production. Unfortunately, these details were not pointed out by Diamond in their resolicitation for the figure. Please note the following: Instead of the Phantom coming with pre-posed hands (one to hold a gun, and the other in a fist), the figure now comes with TWO SETS of INTERCHANGABLE hands, so collectors can pose their Phantom holding both guns, or ready to do battle with both fists, or with one of each, at their preference. The Phantom's rings (one on each hand) were laser etched, achieving incredible detail. The Phantom's costume color has been changed from a deep, dark purple (inspired by paintings featured on Avon paperbacks and shown in the photos above) to a brilliant, explosive, comic-book purple, shown in photos on Flatt World's web site, at www.flattworld.com. Lastly, the Phantom's guns and belt emblem, originally planned to be die cast metal, are now going to be poured pewter, which captures far more detail. All of these elements combine to make Flatt World's figure of The Phantom more desirable than ever to his fans, and to legions of comic and super hero fans and figure collectors across the country!
Check out the Flatt World web site for more Phantom photos, especially those showing the new costume color and close-ups of the head. It will definitely be worth the click!
The Phantom's throne is a accessory to be sold separately. This addition will definitely add to any display of the figures as demonstrated by the photos above. Devil, the wolf, comes with the figure and is an awesome accessory all by itself.
So what else does Flatt World have in store? Well, the Antonio Banderas as Zorro figure has been approved and many improvements have been made to the figure as it is prepared for production.
Unapproved, Working Prototype
of Dr. Frank N Furter FigureJoining Zorro will be the lovely Elena as portrayed by Catherine Zeta-Jones in the motion picture "Zorro." This figure is currently in development and is scheduled to be released around Christmas of 2000.
Of course, Rocky Horror Picture Show fans already know that Flatt World has the license and is going full steam ahead with a completely rocked out line of figures based on this cult classic. Dr. Frank N Furter will lead off the assortment with his compatriots Riff Raff and Magenta. These iconic characters lend themselves perfectly to Flatt World's style.
A second set will follow, tentatively slated to hit stores near the end of 2000. The second set of figures is set to include Oscar-Winner Susan Sarandon as "Janet Weiss," Barry Bostwick as "Brad Majors," and Little Nell in the role of "Columbia."
And what about those awesome Astro City figures shown last year? Well, you can't rush perfection and Flatt World has decided to push those back until early 2001. But just in case you missed the boat last year, RTM will give you a replay of the photos taken at last year's Toy Fair. Check out the awesome Astro City character figures shown below.
Early, Unapproved Prototype of Hanged Man Early, Unapproved Prototype of Samaritan Astro City Toy Fair Display 1999
