Time Codes for the Interview: 00:52 - Introduction and discussion on reveals 11:45 - Discussion on price point, manufacturing, and deep dive into the challenges of toy making 29:17 - ThunderTank Prototype reveal and discussion
Man, I was ready to mentally check out of this largely for size issues, but the presence of the payment plan and Brian's personality is really making me consider one. I hope the haters listen to this interview with an open mind and lessen their stance a bit.
Regrettably, I'll still pass on this. I won't have the space for this, given I still have a few big items either coming (Sentinel) or haven't opened yet (DX Voltes V).
Oh yes, an open mind...or just a "Three inches open door!" mind would be good enough. Even a few points I made with my initial comments pertained to all the previous interviews and videos from Brian; but this one has a very different tone to it. Their demeanor is just a lot more claim and relatable this time around. So I'm not going to nitpick any previous videos with Brian, just move forward with more positivity in my soul.
This is fascinating. I just came to see the tank and I've ended up with a lesson in the economics of toy production. This is the information that all the folk who just want to complain miss by assuming someone is keeping things from fans. Thank you Brian. Well done Dan, another great video!
Seems like less about the vehicle and more about the justification of the price. Having more toy production companies is amazing. From a marketing stand point, if you need to dedicate this kind of time to just the price... They may want to relook at the numbers again.
@@DoomedCustoms Sometimes the numbers are what they are though. "Looking at the numbers again" traditionally meant that a lot of stuff like this wouldn't be made at all. Personally, I couldn't afford to drop anywhere near that kind of cash for something like this, and probably wouldn't even if I could, but for those who really want it and can afford it, this seems like the one avenue towards making that happen.
I dunno man, for that price I was expecting light up eyes and mechanical elements. Glow in the dark paint for the eyes doesn't cut it, and it can't even rise and "pop-up" like the original toy could. Tbh, it just looks more like figure storage.
I think the "figure storage" is pretty much the problem I'm having with it as well. Seems like one of the generic troop carrier vehicles from older toy lines. Other than the overall size, I don't see how it's much different than the Scooby-Doo van at Walmart for $14.88 but I could buy 4-6 of those to equal the same amount of plastic and it wouldn't come close to $450 (plus it has electronics). I want to be able justify the cost of this but it just seems way off.
Maybe I'm wrong but it looks like it can kind of "pop-up". He already showed that the paws can be raised to reveal the guns and one of the professional images of the glow-in-the-dark headlights show the mouth being open. If it can't pop-up, I think it can simulate the look of it at least.
Comparing it to the only similar thing I have, the animated series Batmobile from a few years back, that thing was all lit up and had a bat signal and figures, and wasn’t it under $200? I don’t remember exactly, but I think so. Still want this though, haha.
I feel like I need to modify Brian's statement of "No one makes model kits" to "No one in America makes model kits." Model kits are still being made and sold, it's just they're usually made and sold in Asia.
You can go to Hobby Lobby and there's a huge section of nothing but model kits, like two full isles worth. You also got the Bandai Star Wars model kits you can get from Barnes & Noble, or even Target. Then you have hobby shops that sell even way more model kits than Hobby Lobby. So I _totally_ don't get the joke lol.
IT WAS extremely helpful to share the big picture of manufacturing collectibles for our small community! It helped me to understand why it is so important to buy-in and support Super7 and others to keep our community and to keep it growing. Thanks guys!!
Fantastic video Dan, thanks for sharing. I am pretty excited for the Thundertank mind you finding the space for it might be a bit of an issue. I appreciate that Super7 are making a vehicle that actually scales with their figures...still don't understand why Hasbro couldn't have done that with their Ecto 1 release. Im not sure though if Super7 are pulling the trigger too quickly on vehicles when maybe gauging the lasting appeal of their Thundercats figures might make better sense, hate for them to spend the money producing this and the line doesnt last past the ones we've seen pre orders for so far....but i am still pretty excited that finally after all these years we are getting a real beast of a Thundertank that actually can hold a good number of figures, great interview Dan!
4:38 - Woah! An additional Panthro head (w/seemingly pupilless eyes) AND three more guns...that's amazing! I certainly wasn't expecting anything beyond the two parts we were supposed to get at the end of last year, so that's pretty awesome they threw in some extra stuff. Man, this kind of stuff really goes a long way with respect...even when things go awry over and over.
I wish they would offer a bundle to get this plus figures in addition to just getting the tank itself - as an option for those who don't have the figures yet.
As always, GREAT interview @PixelDan. I will definitely be backing the ThunderTank. After this was announced I visited our San Diego Super7 store just to purchase Panthro and I will have my Lion-O shipped next week. Super7 did such an amazing job on bringing to life Classics Snake Mountain that without hesitation I would have backed the ThunderTank even without this interview. I already have Panthro displayed with my MOTU Classics figures doing battle on Snake Mountain.
I been collecting Super 7 MOTU and Thundercats without adding any of the playsets (Reason:space) or vehicles yet. I will consider buying the Thundertank at that price depending on how much details are going to be showing inside and outside the vehicle... Great video and great explanation by Bryan... Every time that I see Bryan talking about the different toy lines it give me confidence that he do his best to make these figure lines come to life...
I wish they had held off on this. An item this large and expensive is something you release towards the end of a line. We haven't even gotten the second Wave of figures yet and they're already starting pre-orders. They shouldn't have teased this until fans got all the original ThunderCats and all the Mutants in hand.
I think that may partially be due to Super 7 having limited holds on some licenses. They have to make what they can while they still can. Just a guess.
Great interview and getting behind the scenes info on development, costs and risks involved. The passion comes across and thank you for taking time to make and publish these videos. Thank you Brian for caring enough to make the products - grateful they exist.
Glad to see that its being released next year. This was a rough three months financially with Snake Mountain, DX Voltes V, and now possibly Unicron (PO'd with BBTS). So it has been an expensive time.
Brian Flynn’s transparency and directness is absolutely amazing. A great discussion as to why making toys has never been cheaper, but prices are also at record highs.
I would like to see the Thunder Tank having goals to decrease price based on number of orders. I think more people would be willing to purchase it knowing the more orders are in place the cheaper it could get. Based on what Brian said this could be possible... If he sells 28k units the price would be $300.
I asked him repeatedly and he won't answer it. And this was after he told me it could be $200 if he sold 20,000 of them, now he's changing the numbers. 😒
It's just a number he threw up I assume. Sales for these can be quite low consider to action figures that are smaller in size. Larger vehicles can maybe sell 3k unites. 28k.... unlikely
@@rupturefarms21 I think it's hard to calculate. Let's say there are 28k preorders but people end up not paying or canceling. It's a hit that Super7 can't take.
@@yauyuso Yeah, I think that people don't understand that small companies tend to operate on razor thin margins. If Super 7 were to gamble and lose, even 1 or 2 failed projects might be enough to put them under. It's totally understandable they want to minimize risk.
Just ordered 1 through super 7 and second one through BBTS I'm super happy thank you Brian my thundercats dream is coming true and thanks to the team at Super 7.
Love the insight and how Brian is willing to explain so much of what goes into making these toys. Still, while the business degree part of me understands the economies of scale explanation, the marketing part of me thinks this could be handled much better. If Super 7 did a Haslab-style offering of the Thundertank where additional accessories were offered as stretch goals and the price decreased when they hit certain units sold milestones, I think they would sell far more than just dropping what is essentially a $500+ vehicle and basically saying take it or leave it.
100% AGREE. Are they including Wily Kit and Kat and Snarf? From Haslab were getting an 18 inch sentinel with a load of extras. Super 7 is just selling the tank. The figures each cost $45, even though they lack articulation. Oh and they thing won't even drop till 2022. Not worth my time.
@@markhenrykern I think they just meant as an example, not a one-to-one comparison. Still, I think the reasoning that is given in this video is solid. 500 isn't bad IMO, though I'll likely pass as even if I had the money, the space needed would be an issue 😅
@@markhenrykern no, they don't but they add more goodies to the package, which they're able to do because of the lower cost of production of the actual figure. i.e. they relocate the savings as funds to produce the "freebies".
@@markhenrykern No, but stretch goals give buyers more stuff for the same price, which effectively decreases the price of each individual item in the bundle. The Razorcrest for example now includes 2 additional figures, the carbonite blocks and a stand, all stuff that could potentially be sold separately for significant money.
2 questions. How do you pre-order the thundertank? And I bought my wave one Thundercats through BigBadToyStore does that mean BigBadToyStore is going to send me the replacement parts or do I have to contact super7
To Dan and Brian: Thanks for this interview. I personally enjoy the discussions about the economics in making toys. Makes me appreciate more the work that goes into make toys, and why the costs are the way they are.
I haven't received my replacement parts, I requested my parts to toywiz but no answers. I have had bad experience with them and I'm not thinking to preorder and buy anything from them anymore! ☹
As an illustrator this is a must for me but more so for my inner geek. Yes there was a sticker-shock but how often does this ever happen for Thundercats. So worth it and the interview just solidified my purchase. Thanks guys! 🤩
I can totally live with that explanation, and thanks to Brian for taking the time (well, he wants to do business with us, so he better...). I was expecting 399$, so 450$ is not too far off. A lot of people seem to have a somewhat limited grasp on the complexity of such a project. And S7 is in it to make money, not to do anyone a favor (eventho no other company would likely even try something like that). Looking forward to the full reveal next week, maybe that will clear up a few more things.
Super 7 sending new replacement parts for free made me all in on super 7. I just preordered my Thunder Tank! Also I might be calling it quits on NECA, just because two of my toon Turtles broke trying to pose them and they are extremely hard to find at Target. I wish I could thank Brian Flynn in person lol No other company just sends out replacement parts out for free.
the Razor Crest target was 6,000 for it to get made not 28,000. So once it hit 6000 is was getting made no matter what. Razor Crest seem like it also have more part counts. I Still don't understand why ThunderTank is $450?
So, will we be able to get a booster pack if we ordered from Big Bad Toy Store or Entertainment Earth or something? I don’t even remember which I used.
This is awesome! I plan to get it, and I love the details in the thunder tank vehicle. I really hope Super 7 decides to make the Silver Hawks Maraj vehicle as well. I always wanted that vehicle.
I admire how transparent Brian is. I needed a video like this to sell me on the ThunderTank (because I am mainly a MOTU guy) and this video has done it. Thanks to you both!
I like that they didn't just scale up the LJN, not just because of all of the added details but also because of the overall look. The "arms" and treads look so much beefier and tank-like.
I think it would be very possible for way more ppl to get on board and purchase this (to bring the cost down), if _at least_ one brand new ThunderCats figure has been released by Super7. Considering it's been this long with three waves still on pre-order, and still no sight of wave 2. If only Super7 had a quarter of the influence that NECA does with the factories, things would be amazing. I'm still just not 100% convinced with this line making it past the Mattel re-releases. Brian reminds me of George RR Martin in that South Park episode telling the kids "Oh, the dragons are coming. Just wait...they're coming." Big time I want them to succeed, cause ThunderCats has been such a cursed franchise for so long. And even with the outdated He-Man bucks, I deal with it. I'll just be over the moon grateful if and when we start getting totally brand new figures. If only I could donate millions of dollars to a factory over there and light a fire under their asses lol.
I think £350 would have been a fairer price point for us collectors. For £500 I want the front eyes to lite up and thundercats logo to lite up for its price point.I know its huge but still alot for what it is. Im sure lots more collectors would like to have this,but will be priced out. I do like it alot and it will definately require alot of space to display. Imagine how huge the thundercats lair would be. That would be insane. GREAT CHAT GUYS,NICE TO SEE ALL. 👍😉
His logic is flawed. Hasbro only required 6,000 Razorcrests to be sold at $350 to make the product and meet their profit margins. He needs to stop comparing to the 28,000 number, that was in excess and a testament to a great product. Also Hasbro was able to do it with Star Wars huge licensing fees.
Yeah, a lot of their pricing makes no sense to me. Like, $55 for 7" Transformers Ultimates with no transformations? Are these made in the USA or something? If they're not making huge profits they must be losing massive amounts on their licensing and production facilities.
@@Chalor. No it doesn't, but the fact remains it's what the price is. There's simply no scenario where this is going to be made and sold for the much lower price some people wish it was, so it seems pointless (IMHO) to argue that fact over and over. If someone wants this and can afford it, great, if not, they shouldn't. It is what it is.
Brian from Super 7 making the impossible-> possible. Great interview Pixel Dan. I hope Super 7 gets the Inhumanoids license in the future and keep expanding their library.
“The Thundercats Ultimates line is rolling right along....”. Really?? We’ve gotten one wave. We’re three waves behind on preorders. Wave 1 was a cluster, with errors that were known beforehand (and promised to be fixed) being ignored, and new problems, and the replacement parts are currently 3 months behind schedule. Brian is full of crap. The goal is not to make it right, it’s to charge as much as possible for as little as possible.
Super great interview. Thanks guys! I do get what he is saying but the comparison to the Razorcrest doesn't fly. Razorcrest may have had many more buyers but Hasbro also has much larger costs as a company that go beyond the price of the mold. Super 7's operating costs are astronimically less than Hasbro.
One question that I was so wanting him to ask instead of acting like a little boy waking up to Christmas.... How does this Tank move? Any electronic devices (i.e. remote control to get it moving?) If the prototype is of a tank that basically only moves like a Hot Wheel toy and does not flip into battle move (like the LJN version), how does this version pass for that price? I looked at the RC version of the Batmobile by Hasbro and how it operates, was really hoping that the Thundertank can be implemented in that way. Prototype yes, I'm really hoping there is room for the tank to be made that way especially for that price.
Doubt there's any electronic components based on the video. Super7 stuff is always quite a bit more expensive than Hasbro- most likely has to do with production costs of producing less units. Some of the lower production runs for Hasbro HasLab items are about this price point though, but they still usually have a bit more value for the money. A lot of that has to do with stretch goals they set up so more people buy it- I imagine if Super7 could do the same there'd be a bit more value and a bit more people jumping onboard.
Who knew that when I clicked on this interview for an update on the Thundertank, that I would get an education on micro and macro global economics? I'm loving it! Thanks for making these nostalgic toys, Brian Flynn - despite the financial risks; makes me want to support Super7 even more! Good job, Dan w/ your content!
I've been following Super 7 since they were a magazine. The depth and breadth of Brian's passion and knowledge is inspiring and infectious. Someone give this guy a podcast!
I really like Brian. Like the fact they are doing Star Trek TNG reaction figures. Hoping that they carry on with Star Trek and give us an ultimates line and maybe even a $450 USS Enterprise D 😁
I just looked at it and the 1st wave is nothing but trash characters except for riker and picard worf and data. Who the hell wants an action figure of Wesley crusher and Guinan.
I've never been a huge fan of Thundercats or Masters of the Universe... it was slightly before my time, but I can understand the appeal for it, and I can see how cool this Thundertank is. With that said, I was born in '87, so TMNT was my first serious toy line, and I'm ALL IN on the Super7 TMNT line, they're AMAZING, and all I can say is if Super7 is pulling out all the stop for Masters of the Universe and Thundercats with the Snake Mountain and Thundertank, all I can assume is, with TMNT being WAY more popular than either of those franchises, that they'll eventually do either a Party Wagon, Mutant Module, Sewer Playset or, and I say this with giddiness, a Super7 scaled Technodrome!! They could offer up a 7in scaled Technodrome for $1k? Which according to Brian Flynns explanation of the cost per unit and how the more they'd estimate sales numbers versus consumer cost, the cheaper it'd be. So I'd assume a Technodrome(or TMNT related item) would be far easier to sell than a Thundertank, so perhaps the same price or cheaper? Depending on the complexity of manufacturing it and how many moving parts it has of course. Either way, I'd sign up for that puppy DAY 1... I don't even know where I'd find space for that behemoth, but I'd MAKE room for it! I just want Super7 to bring back updated versions of the entire vintage TMNT Playmates line... everything, I'd buy it all, vehicles, playsets, figures... everything... they're killing it so far.
I wouldnt say TMNT is more popular than MOTU, they were both massive hit toy-lines. NECA is producing lots of toys for TMNT and so is Super7 with the ultimate's range which are high end modern day versions of the Playmates line. If you watch Pixel Dan or ToyBro's videos you will see these figures.
@@SecretOfMonkeyIsland784 - I wasn't just commenting on their toylines, I mean the properties in general. MOTU is a massive franchise, that's unarguable, but TMNT surpasses it in spades when it comes to a general combination of Cartoon, Toyline, Live Action films, Comics, Merchandise... etc... MOTU had its time in the 80s just like TMNT did, but where TMNT continued to soar with popularity, MOTU has stayed kind of stagnant for decades. MOTU merch has always been around, but never again to the same levels that it had in the 80s, while TMNT has had its ups and downs throughout the year, but always staying relevant. To be clear, I'm not attacking MOTU, it's dope, and I can't wait for the Kevin Smith Netflix Cartoon that's suppose to continue where the original cartoon left off, but you can't argue that MOTU is more popular than TMNT, that's just objectively wrong... for now at least.
Definitely true about the market for Thundercats being quite small. So, why make something so pricey in the first place knowing you would shrink that number even more so when you mentioned the price?
Thanks for the interview @Pixeldan. I was surprised by the price tag but it was great to get some context. There’s a lot of whinging in the comments but we’re all adults here. If you don’t like the price tag you can walk away 🤷🏻♂️
It's all BS, for sure. It's Super7, so that's par for the course. Mattel is making vehicles RIGHT NOW for their Origins line. They actually MOVE and they're a tiny fraction of the cost of this hunk of crap they're trying to peddle.
Two of those brands you mention don't really do that in modern times and the big (and especially collector oriented) items for Star Wars and MOTU tend to sell in a similar price range now. I also don't think it's really fair to compare to something like origins which is doing vehicles more in line with the style and detail level of the original toys. I'm sure it would be cheaper to do a thundertank for 5" figures with minimal tooling and detail work, but people are already complaining about those aspects of this tank as it is. (plus who knows how long Origins will stick around? from everything I've seen and heard, it doesn't seem to be blowing off the doors at retail.)
If this goes up on BBTS I plan on pre-ordering and then funding this by stashing some cash each month until release in 2022, makes it much easier to finance. If anyone thinks this is expensive try collecting Hot Toys! One thing that I think needs improvement are the hinges for the cabin, these are a bit unsightly and should be hidden inside like the LJN (which I was fortunate to get for Christmas as a kid)
Instead of price gouging, do what McFarlane did (who made plenty of vehicles over the years by the way) and start a Kickstarter to fund a project like this at a reasonable price. I can't believe there are no electronics or light up functions at this price point, smh
Kickstarters still have to reach a minimum number of orders to go forward and the lower they set the price, the higher that number is going to be. For all intents and purposes, this is a kickstarter, they're just not making the order meter public knowledge.
Damn, I want it. I really want it! Really hope they are successful. Just wish I could afford it... $500! I might still just order it and pay it off little by little. It's a dream come true! Totally worth buying all the Thundercats just to get them in the Thundertank as a Display.
Saw the cartoon as a kid and a fan but ill stick to the media and just rewatch the media anytime i can. not sure ever had the toys but saw the cartoon and happy if i can atleast have that for a good price.
Time Codes for the Interview:
00:52 - Introduction and discussion on reveals
11:45 - Discussion on price point, manufacturing, and deep dive into the challenges of toy making
29:17 - ThunderTank Prototype reveal and discussion
awesome keep up the good news
Where’s the time code for you calling him out on things?
Great interview. 👍🏼☺️
If you are using Zoom, you can pin his video, so yours won’t show even if you are talking.
I can't afford this but I'm glad it's getting made. Can't wait wait to see the Turtle Van.
Man, I was ready to mentally check out of this largely for size issues, but the presence of the payment plan and Brian's personality is really making me consider one. I hope the haters listen to this interview with an open mind and lessen their stance a bit.
Regrettably, I'll still pass on this. I won't have the space for this, given I still have a few big items either coming (Sentinel) or haven't opened yet (DX Voltes V).
People always gonna hate. Just look at how Star Wars and Star Trek are being destroyed by the haters.
Oh yes, an open mind...or just a "Three inches open door!" mind would be good enough. Even a few points I made with my initial comments pertained to all the previous interviews and videos from Brian; but this one has a very different tone to it. Their demeanor is just a lot more claim and relatable this time around. So I'm not going to nitpick any previous videos with Brian, just move forward with more positivity in my soul.
@@iampoch01 Who cares.
Sadly logic has no place in a haters world.
This is fascinating. I just came to see the tank and I've ended up with a lesson in the economics of toy production. This is the information that all the folk who just want to complain miss by assuming someone is keeping things from fans. Thank you Brian. Well done Dan, another great video!
Indeed and like how something will cost more for something like this in a much more niche line than say a G.I. Joe line or Star Wars.
Seems like less about the vehicle and more about the justification of the price. Having more toy production companies is amazing. From a marketing stand point, if you need to dedicate this kind of time to just the price... They may want to relook at the numbers again.
@@DoomedCustoms Sometimes the numbers are what they are though. "Looking at the numbers again" traditionally meant that a lot of stuff like this wouldn't be made at all. Personally, I couldn't afford to drop anywhere near that kind of cash for something like this, and probably wouldn't even if I could, but for those who really want it and can afford it, this seems like the one avenue towards making that happen.
I dunno man, for that price I was expecting light up eyes and mechanical elements. Glow in the dark paint for the eyes doesn't cut it, and it can't even rise and "pop-up" like the original toy could. Tbh, it just looks more like figure storage.
100% fact. They're trying to rob people.
I think the "figure storage" is pretty much the problem I'm having with it as well. Seems like one of the generic troop carrier vehicles from older toy lines. Other than the overall size, I don't see how it's much different than the Scooby-Doo van at Walmart for $14.88 but I could buy 4-6 of those to equal the same amount of plastic and it wouldn't come close to $450 (plus it has electronics). I want to be able justify the cost of this but it just seems way off.
Maybe I'm wrong but it looks like it can kind of "pop-up". He already showed that the paws can be raised to reveal the guns and one of the professional images of the glow-in-the-dark headlights show the mouth being open. If it can't pop-up, I think it can simulate the look of it at least.
Comparing it to the only similar thing I have, the animated series Batmobile from a few years back, that thing was all lit up and had a bat signal and figures, and wasn’t it under $200? I don’t remember exactly, but I think so. Still want this though, haha.
Not, "I dunno" . . . HELL NO!
I feel like I need to modify Brian's statement of "No one makes model kits" to "No one in America makes model kits." Model kits are still being made and sold, it's just they're usually made and sold in Asia.
Agreed. Asia, particularly Japan, has a healthy model kit market. However, they are niche and aren't meant as mass market.
You can go to Hobby Lobby and there's a huge section of nothing but model kits, like two full isles worth. You also got the Bandai Star Wars model kits you can get from Barnes & Noble, or even Target. Then you have hobby shops that sell even way more model kits than Hobby Lobby. So I _totally_ don't get the joke lol.
There are Gundam nerds in America bruh.
@@iampoch01 Niche?? You have no clue about Japan.
IT WAS extremely helpful to share the big picture of manufacturing collectibles for our small community! It helped me to understand why it is so important to buy-in and support Super7 and others to keep our community and to keep it growing. Thanks guys!!
Fantastic video Dan, thanks for sharing. I am pretty excited for the Thundertank mind you finding the space for it might be a bit of an issue. I appreciate that Super7 are making a vehicle that actually scales with their figures...still don't understand why Hasbro couldn't have done that with their Ecto 1 release. Im not sure though if Super7 are pulling the trigger too quickly on vehicles when maybe gauging the lasting appeal of their Thundercats figures might make better sense, hate for them to spend the money producing this and the line doesnt last past the ones we've seen pre orders for so far....but i am still pretty excited that finally after all these years we are getting a real beast of a Thundertank that actually can hold a good number of figures, great interview Dan!
4:38 - Woah! An additional Panthro head (w/seemingly pupilless eyes) AND three more guns...that's amazing! I certainly wasn't expecting anything beyond the two parts we were supposed to get at the end of last year, so that's pretty awesome they threw in some extra stuff. Man, this kind of stuff really goes a long way with respect...even when things go awry over and over.
This is an amazing interview, that thunderthank is what dreams are made of 🤘😊 awesome!! So stoked by it!!!!
for $450 the eyes should light up not glow in dark
Yeah no battery operated feature or light up panels kind of kills it at this price point
For $450 it should stand up, sing & do a dance. 🕺🏼
@@juliusmaloney Hell yeah! Lol.
How do you know if you will get the replacement parts for Thundercats wave 1? I ordered my set from Big Bad Toy Store.
I'd like to know too. I remember I found out they were making the replacement parts, but information has been scarce. I also ordered from BBTS.
My order was also from BBTS. I hope getting the parts won't be a problem.
Mine too
Same here. Mine came from BBTS as well.
Curious, what are the replacement parts they're doing?
I wish they would offer a bundle to get this plus figures in addition to just getting the tank itself - as an option for those who don't have the figures yet.
As always, GREAT interview @PixelDan. I will definitely be backing the ThunderTank. After this was announced I visited our San Diego Super7 store just to purchase Panthro and I will have my Lion-O shipped next week. Super7 did such an amazing job on bringing to life Classics Snake Mountain that without hesitation I would have backed the ThunderTank even without this interview. I already have Panthro displayed with my MOTU Classics figures doing battle on Snake Mountain.
I been collecting Super 7 MOTU and Thundercats without adding any of the playsets (Reason:space) or vehicles yet. I will consider buying the Thundertank at that price depending on how much details are going to be showing inside and outside the vehicle... Great video and great explanation by Bryan... Every time that I see Bryan talking about the different toy lines it give me confidence that he do his best to make these figure lines come to life...
I wish they had held off on this. An item this large and expensive is something you release towards the end of a line. We haven't even gotten the second Wave of figures yet and they're already starting pre-orders. They shouldn't have teased this until fans got all the original ThunderCats and all the Mutants in hand.
I think that may partially be due to Super 7 having limited holds on some licenses. They have to make what they can while they still can. Just a guess.
I think Brian has always done a good job of explaining how things are done and why prices are high
Yeah, he sure is good at spinning BS.
Great interview and getting behind the scenes info on development, costs and risks involved. The passion comes across and thank you for taking time to make and publish these videos. Thank you Brian for caring enough to make the products - grateful they exist.
Glad to see that its being released next year. This was a rough three months financially with Snake Mountain, DX Voltes V, and now possibly Unicron (PO'd with BBTS). So it has been an expensive time.
Brian Flynn’s transparency and directness is absolutely amazing. A great discussion as to why making toys has never been cheaper, but prices are also at record highs.
Don’t stop here! We’d love an updated Cat’s Lair!
I would like to see the Thunder Tank having goals to decrease price based on number of orders. I think more people would be willing to purchase it knowing the more orders are in place the cheaper it could get. Based on what Brian said this could be possible... If he sells 28k units the price would be $300.
I asked him repeatedly and he won't answer it. And this was after he told me it could be $200 if he sold 20,000 of them, now he's changing the numbers. 😒
It's just a number he threw up I assume. Sales for these can be quite low consider to action figures that are smaller in size. Larger vehicles can maybe sell 3k unites. 28k.... unlikely
@@rupturefarms21 I think it's hard to calculate. Let's say there are 28k preorders but people end up not paying or canceling. It's a hit that Super7 can't take.
@@yauyuso Yeah, I think that people don't understand that small companies tend to operate on razor thin margins. If Super 7 were to gamble and lose, even 1 or 2 failed projects might be enough to put them under. It's totally understandable they want to minimize risk.
@@Tim85-y2q Yeah. it's business. They will take a profit. If they don't make money on these big projects. No point in making them. It's a lot of R&D.
Just ordered 1 through super 7 and second one through BBTS I'm super happy thank you Brian my thundercats dream is coming true and thanks to the team at Super 7.
For the price it still needs SOME form of electronics. Lights, mobility, bells, whistles...SOMETHING.
Love the insight and how Brian is willing to explain so much of what goes into making these toys. Still, while the business degree part of me understands the economies of scale explanation, the marketing part of me thinks this could be handled much better.
If Super 7 did a Haslab-style offering of the Thundertank where additional accessories were offered as stretch goals and the price decreased when they hit certain units sold milestones, I think they would sell far more than just dropping what is essentially a $500+ vehicle and basically saying take it or leave it.
Haslab doesn’t decrease the price with increased sales...
100% AGREE. Are they including Wily Kit and Kat and Snarf? From Haslab were getting an 18 inch sentinel with a load of extras. Super 7 is just selling the tank. The figures each cost $45, even though they lack articulation. Oh and they thing won't even drop till 2022. Not worth my time.
@@markhenrykern I think they just meant as an example, not a one-to-one comparison. Still, I think the reasoning that is given in this video is solid. 500 isn't bad IMO, though I'll likely pass as even if I had the money, the space needed would be an issue 😅
@@markhenrykern no, they don't but they add more goodies to the package, which they're able to do because of the lower cost of production of the actual figure. i.e. they relocate the savings as funds to produce the "freebies".
@@markhenrykern No, but stretch goals give buyers more stuff for the same price, which effectively decreases the price of each individual item in the bundle. The Razorcrest for example now includes 2 additional figures, the carbonite blocks and a stand, all stuff that could potentially be sold separately for significant money.
2 questions. How do you pre-order the thundertank? And I bought my wave one Thundercats through BigBadToyStore does that mean BigBadToyStore is going to send me the replacement parts or do I have to contact super7
Where can I get the booster pack from? I have Panthro and Jackalman and would like to have that.
Great interview! I really enjoy hearing about the business and manufacturing side of toy making.
To Dan and Brian: Thanks for this interview. I personally enjoy the discussions about the economics in making toys. Makes me appreciate more the work that goes into make toys, and why the costs are the way they are.
How do you get the extra/replacement parts if you picked up Panthro on the secondary or not directly from Super7?
I haven't received my replacement parts, I requested my parts to toywiz but no answers. I have had bad experience with them and I'm not thinking to preorder and buy anything from them anymore! ☹
I can’t say this enough...these interviews are THE BEST!!!!
Congratulations Dan for this interview an congrats to Brian for making this toy possible. You guys Rock man
Great interview! I love all the knitty gritty talk about manufacturing and costs!
As an illustrator this is a must for me but more so for my inner geek. Yes there was a sticker-shock but how often does this ever happen for Thundercats. So worth it and the interview just solidified my purchase. Thanks guys! 🤩
I'm from Germany and I got the replacement parts together with "Jakalman" and "Panthro" last week !
Great interview, Dan. I always enjoy Brian making time to discuss all this.
Then why do R/C cars have the same complexity in parts, but sell for $40-60 for the same size. It's like your Engineer teams needs an update.
I will pre order now to get soon ThunderTank looks amazing!
I can totally live with that explanation, and thanks to Brian for taking the time (well, he wants to do business with us, so he better...). I was expecting 399$, so 450$ is not too far off. A lot of people seem to have a somewhat limited grasp on the complexity of such a project. And S7 is in it to make money, not to do anyone a favor (eventho no other company would likely even try something like that). Looking forward to the full reveal next week, maybe that will clear up a few more things.
Awesome that the treads roll. That's what I was looking for
Super 7 sending new replacement parts for free made me all in on super 7. I just preordered my Thunder Tank! Also I might be calling it quits on NECA, just because two of my toon Turtles broke trying to pose them and they are extremely hard to find at Target.
I wish I could thank Brian Flynn in person lol
No other company just sends out replacement parts out for free.
Next time you need to ask him about the TMNT Party Wagon and if there are any plans on making one.
Awesome!!! Ok, now please make Filmation Attak Trak for MOTU! ha ha :)
Pre-order is locked in on BBTS- I can't wait! This will 2 first for me. 1st time buying a Thundercat or Super & product.
the Razor Crest target was 6,000 for it to get made not 28,000. So once it hit 6000 is was getting made no matter what. Razor Crest seem like it also have more part counts. I Still don't understand why ThunderTank is $450?
Also I’ve bought pantro 2.0 it will have the third head? I know the colors are going to be corrected but I want the pantro with yellow eyes
How do you get your extra parts if you ordered from BBTS?
You speak to BBTS
So, will we be able to get a booster pack if we ordered from Big Bad Toy Store or Entertainment Earth or something? I don’t even remember which I used.
This is awesome! I plan to get it, and I love the details in the thunder tank vehicle. I really hope Super 7 decides to make the Silver Hawks Maraj vehicle as well. I always wanted that vehicle.
I enjoyed hearing about the shipping and mold discussion it was really insightful and brings a better understanding of the whole process.
I admire how transparent Brian is. I needed a video like this to sell me on the ThunderTank (because I am mainly a MOTU guy) and this video has done it. Thanks to you both!
I like that they didn't just scale up the LJN, not just because of all of the added details but also because of the overall look. The "arms" and treads look so much beefier and tank-like.
for $500 better be have some diecast parts or the best paint possible and also made me breakfast
It's Super7. Expect Dollar Tree quality at Rolls Royce prices.
It does have steel parts, which I'm sure is a factor in the price.
@@RockandrollNegro Lol This comment was funny
Woot! I love it. Probably a pass, because I'm holding out for a S7 Tmnt Party Wagon! Turtle Blimp would be pimp!
Woot? Haven't heard that internet slang in a long time. Now let's bring "bio" back,
Yo man that be awesome we need some tmnt love
I would pay the cost of snake mountain, for a Technodrome!
I think it would be very possible for way more ppl to get on board and purchase this (to bring the cost down), if _at least_ one brand new ThunderCats figure has been released by Super7. Considering it's been this long with three waves still on pre-order, and still no sight of wave 2. If only Super7 had a quarter of the influence that NECA does with the factories, things would be amazing. I'm still just not 100% convinced with this line making it past the Mattel re-releases.
Brian reminds me of George RR Martin in that South Park episode telling the kids "Oh, the dragons are coming. Just wait...they're coming." Big time I want them to succeed, cause ThunderCats has been such a cursed franchise for so long. And even with the outdated He-Man bucks, I deal with it. I'll just be over the moon grateful if and when we start getting totally brand new figures. If only I could donate millions of dollars to a factory over there and light a fire under their asses lol.
I think £350 would have been a fairer price point for us collectors.
For £500 I want the front eyes to lite up and thundercats logo to lite up for its price point.I know its huge but still alot for what it is.
Im sure lots more collectors would like to have this,but will be priced out.
I do like it alot and it will definately require alot of space to display.
Imagine how huge the thundercats lair would be. That would be insane.
GREAT CHAT GUYS,NICE TO SEE ALL. 👍😉
Thank you for sharing. I feel very privileged to buy the amazing Super7 toys. They are incredible pieces of sculpture for a great price.
Great video, are there any updates on where the Thundertank is in production and what the release date looks to be at this point?
His logic is flawed. Hasbro only required 6,000 Razorcrests to be sold at $350 to make the product and meet their profit margins. He needs to stop comparing to the 28,000 number, that was in excess and a testament to a great product. Also Hasbro was able to do it with Star Wars huge licensing fees.
Fair points and I agree that it doesn't make any sense to compare it to the Razor Crest.
Yeah, a lot of their pricing makes no sense to me. Like, $55 for 7" Transformers Ultimates with no transformations? Are these made in the USA or something? If they're not making huge profits they must be losing massive amounts on their licensing and production facilities.
It’s cool but $450 is a ridiculous price
Did you watch the video. Brian explains why
@@automatticcomics yes I did
Yeah I get the explanation, it still doesn't negate the fact (all details aside) that it's an extremely high price for what it is.
@serick73 he did explain. You're just not very bright.
@@Chalor. No it doesn't, but the fact remains it's what the price is. There's simply no scenario where this is going to be made and sold for the much lower price some people wish it was, so it seems pointless (IMHO) to argue that fact over and over.
If someone wants this and can afford it, great, if not, they shouldn't. It is what it is.
Brian from Super 7 making the impossible-> possible. Great interview Pixel Dan. I hope Super 7 gets the Inhumanoids license in the future and keep expanding their library.
I'm really looking forward for this to come out. Looks amazing
Shame on Hasbro being the large corporation they are and can’t even make a properly scaled Ecto1 for their 6” plasma line
“The Thundercats Ultimates line is rolling right along....”.
Really?? We’ve gotten one wave. We’re three waves behind on preorders. Wave 1 was a cluster, with errors that were known beforehand (and promised to be fixed) being ignored, and new problems, and the replacement parts are currently 3 months behind schedule.
Brian is full of crap. The goal is not to make it right, it’s to charge as much as possible for as little as possible.
Yes. And that's why I talk about it on my channel: because Dan WON'T.
I wonder which parts will be screwed up and they’ll either ignore it or send us replacement parts.
Super great interview. Thanks guys! I do get what he is saying but the comparison to the Razorcrest doesn't fly. Razorcrest may have had many more buyers but Hasbro also has much larger costs as a company that go beyond the price of the mold. Super 7's operating costs are astronimically less than Hasbro.
Brian and Dan, great video and I hope to get my hands on this. Need to make this happen for myself.
Thank You guys!
One question that I was so wanting him to ask instead of acting like a little boy waking up to Christmas.... How does this Tank move? Any electronic devices (i.e. remote control to get it moving?) If the prototype is of a tank that basically only moves like a Hot Wheel toy and does not flip into battle move (like the LJN version), how does this version pass for that price? I looked at the RC version of the Batmobile by Hasbro and how it operates, was really hoping that the Thundertank can be implemented in that way. Prototype yes, I'm really hoping there is room for the tank to be made that way especially for that price.
Doubt there's any electronic components based on the video. Super7 stuff is always quite a bit more expensive than Hasbro- most likely has to do with production costs of producing less units. Some of the lower production runs for Hasbro HasLab items are about this price point though, but they still usually have a bit more value for the money. A lot of that has to do with stretch goals they set up so more people buy it- I imagine if Super7 could do the same there'd be a bit more value and a bit more people jumping onboard.
I think they've been fairly clear that it's just going to roll like a standard old fashioned toy.
Who knew that when I clicked on this interview for an update on the Thundertank, that I would get an education on micro and macro global economics? I'm loving it! Thanks for making these nostalgic toys, Brian Flynn - despite the financial risks; makes me want to support Super7 even more! Good job, Dan w/ your content!
This looks fantastic. I can't wait to get it
I've been following Super 7 since they were a magazine. The depth and breadth of Brian's passion and knowledge is inspiring and infectious. Someone give this guy a podcast!
I really like Brian. Like the fact they are doing Star Trek TNG reaction figures. Hoping that they carry on with Star Trek and give us an ultimates line and maybe even a $450 USS Enterprise D 😁
It'll be a dream of mine come true!
I just looked at it and the 1st wave is nothing but trash characters except for riker and picard worf and data. Who the hell wants an action figure of Wesley crusher and Guinan.
Make that strange unproduced Galoob playset Enterprise D.
Hail Brian and S7! Support!
So the pre-order still isn't up yet...smh...
Great video and discussion on the economics of making a toy happen, fascinating. I like the payment plan and will most likely get one.
I've never been a huge fan of Thundercats or Masters of the Universe... it was slightly before my time, but I can understand the appeal for it, and I can see how cool this Thundertank is.
With that said, I was born in '87, so TMNT was my first serious toy line, and I'm ALL IN on the Super7 TMNT line, they're AMAZING, and all I can say is if Super7 is pulling out all the stop for Masters of the Universe and Thundercats with the Snake Mountain and Thundertank, all I can assume is, with TMNT being WAY more popular than either of those franchises, that they'll eventually do either a Party Wagon, Mutant Module, Sewer Playset or, and I say this with giddiness, a Super7 scaled Technodrome!!
They could offer up a 7in scaled Technodrome for $1k? Which according to Brian Flynns explanation of the cost per unit and how the more they'd estimate sales numbers versus consumer cost, the cheaper it'd be.
So I'd assume a Technodrome(or TMNT related item) would be far easier to sell than a Thundertank, so perhaps the same price or cheaper? Depending on the complexity of manufacturing it and how many moving parts it has of course.
Either way, I'd sign up for that puppy DAY 1... I don't even know where I'd find space for that behemoth, but I'd MAKE room for it!
I just want Super7 to bring back updated versions of the entire vintage TMNT Playmates line... everything, I'd buy it all, vehicles, playsets, figures... everything... they're killing it so far.
I wouldnt say TMNT is more popular than MOTU, they were both massive hit toy-lines. NECA is producing lots of toys for TMNT and so is Super7 with the ultimate's range which are high end modern day versions of the Playmates line. If you watch Pixel Dan or ToyBro's videos you will see these figures.
@@SecretOfMonkeyIsland784 - I wasn't just commenting on their toylines, I mean the properties in general. MOTU is a massive franchise, that's unarguable, but TMNT surpasses it in spades when it comes to a general combination of Cartoon, Toyline, Live Action films, Comics, Merchandise... etc...
MOTU had its time in the 80s just like TMNT did, but where TMNT continued to soar with popularity, MOTU has stayed kind of stagnant for decades. MOTU merch has always been around, but never again to the same levels that it had in the 80s, while TMNT has had its ups and downs throughout the year, but always staying relevant.
To be clear, I'm not attacking MOTU, it's dope, and I can't wait for the Kevin Smith Netflix Cartoon that's suppose to continue where the original cartoon left off, but you can't argue that MOTU is more popular than TMNT, that's just objectively wrong... for now at least.
Great interview! Very insightful. I'm looking to see how the payment plans will work.
There goes my stimulus check!
I still think $ 450 is a price well above what I expected.
Ok.
Did you have to have bought the first wave from Super 7 to get the accessories?
Definitely true about the market for Thundercats being quite small. So, why make something so pricey in the first place knowing you would shrink that number even more so when you mentioned the price?
First look inside! You can always count on Pixel Dan to bring the gold!
Especially with the numbers shown for the Ultimate masters of the universe over the years
I really wish I had the space for this beautiful piece of art
Thanks for the interview @Pixeldan. I was surprised by the price tag but it was great to get some context.
There’s a lot of whinging in the comments but we’re all adults here. If you don’t like the price tag you can walk away 🤷🏻♂️
Thank you both! I love to hear these insights.
I call BS... "Exception of GI Joe" most brands don't make vehicles... Star Wars, MASK, Master of the Universe, Batman... So yeah... No.
Vehicles AND playsets were rampant back in the day. I mean those were toys for kids, so of course they made _everything!_
It's all BS, for sure. It's Super7, so that's par for the course. Mattel is making vehicles RIGHT NOW for their Origins line. They actually MOVE and they're a tiny fraction of the cost of this hunk of crap they're trying to peddle.
Two of those brands you mention don't really do that in modern times and the big (and especially collector oriented) items for Star Wars and MOTU tend to sell in a similar price range now.
I also don't think it's really fair to compare to something like origins which is doing vehicles more in line with the style and detail level of the original toys. I'm sure it would be cheaper to do a thundertank for 5" figures with minimal tooling and detail work, but people are already complaining about those aspects of this tank as it is.
(plus who knows how long Origins will stick around? from everything I've seen and heard, it doesn't seem to be blowing off the doors at retail.)
If this goes up on BBTS I plan on pre-ordering and then funding this by stashing some cash each month until release in 2022, makes it much easier to finance. If anyone thinks this is expensive try collecting Hot Toys! One thing that I think needs improvement are the hinges for the cabin, these are a bit unsightly and should be hidden inside like the LJN (which I was fortunate to get for Christmas as a kid)
The minute I saw the pictures on Instagram I was sold
Awesome, appreciate the passion and love of the franchise.
Instead of price gouging, do what McFarlane did (who made plenty of vehicles over the years by the way) and start a Kickstarter to fund a project like this at a reasonable price. I can't believe there are no electronics or light up functions at this price point, smh
Kickstarters still have to reach a minimum number of orders to go forward and the lower they set the price, the higher that number is going to be. For all intents and purposes, this is a kickstarter, they're just not making the order meter public knowledge.
They need to get out the action figures first. It's been 84 years.
😂🤣 yep!
Some are out
@@swayvacious1 Yeah I have Wave 1. It only took about a year.
Damn, I want it. I really want it! Really hope they are successful. Just wish I could afford it... $500!
I might still just order it and pay it off little by little. It's a dream come true! Totally worth buying all the Thundercats just to get them in the Thundertank as a Display.
we send love from Mexico City Brian
Can’t wait to see their Fistpounder! Lol
Saw the cartoon as a kid and a fan but ill stick to the media and just rewatch the media anytime i can. not sure ever had the toys but saw the cartoon and happy if i can atleast have that for a good price.
@28:38 absolute best part of the interview 😂😂😂
does this have any spring loaded action feature?
Getting 2, this is once in a lifetime.
I’m thinking about it too!
@@enriqueae7532 Do it, there's a 0% chance of loss here. Even if you change your mind about it just sell it for double.
By the way I'm buying a million dollar yaht tomorrow because this is social media 😆
@ Look up Super7 Snake Mountain, Classics Castle Grayskull, HasLab Razorcrest, Unicron, & Sail Barge. Just some examples.
@ Didn't say they're an investment, where'd you get that from?