This year I've decided to point the bright beam of my resolution proposition machine on the toy companies.  They're big, they're tough, and they can handle it, unlike Uncle Lou who didn't appreciate my suggestion that he resolve not to eat like a pig every time he waddle up to the table in 1998.  Sensitivity seems to run in my family. I don't go to a lot of family reunions any more. 

So here's my suggestions for the top companies in 2002.

McFarlane Toys - McToys is doing an awful lot right these days, at least to the casual observer.  They have a ton of fans of their core product, and they seem to have the ears of the entertainment industry.  So what could they improve on?

My suggestion is pretty simple - get back to the basics.  While recent licenses like Shrek might make them appear to be doing well, I think it would be a mistake to get into that business too much.  Todd made the company on cool toys based on his own ideas.  Stick with that.  The new monsters series is a good example, but I'd like to see more of that and less licensed product in 2002.

Sideshow Toy - Switching to specialty shop sales and limited editions seems to be working for Sideshow, and they've certainly managed to produce plenty of cool and unique figures this year.  In 2002, their resolution is pretty straight forward - make the James Bond series the finest they possibly can.

Tons of fans are looking forward to this release, and unlike Reservoir Dogs, the press won't just treat it as an oddity to report.  This should get the media's attention because it's such a classic license, and if Sideshow can put a lot of effort and time into getting it right, they could make a major break through in 2002.  This is your big opportunity, so realize how crucial it is and give it all the attention you possibly can.  If necessary, consider it a loss leader, a chance to become one of the big names and open new doors.

Toybiz - The Lord of the Rings license is going to carry Toybiz through the next couple years.  I can't see them having the resources to do much else major, considering that the Spiderman movie has to be eating up a big chunk.

I'd like to see Toybiz improve their 12" offerings.  Both the Spidey and LOTR line could do well with sixth scale figures, if they were better than what we've been given so far.  The LOTR aren't as awful as some think, but they head sculpts need work.  And the previous 12" superheroes that Toybiz has produced have been simply awful.

Resolve to work in your sixth scale offerings in 2002, when you have two terrific licenses to showcase them.

Playmates - Right now, Playmates only big line in the action figure world is the Simpsons.  I'm sure we'll see some other licenses announced at Toy Fair, but if they are as bad as Tomb Raider was, I think that if it isn't yellow, most folks won't be buying.

Rather than focus on your shortcomings in 2002, focus on your strengths and exploit them.  2002 can be the big year for the Simpsons line, or it could be the beginning of the end.  Resolve not to let 2001 be the peak for this series, and be careful with your releases.  Let's see the characters that fans are clamoring for, and avoid the over use of exclusives, particularly those that are impossible to get.

Mezco - Mez is kind of the new kid on the block, although he's been involved in this gig for several years now.  Mezco has proven they can get great sculpting, imploy great articulation, and do great figure design.  Now let's think about licensing.

Popeye or Nemo aren't going to be the kind of big sellers you need, and while Reservoir Dogs got a lot of press, it was mostly because of the sheer oddity of action figures from a movie like that.  Your Dick Tracy should sell well this year, and I am happy to see you going toward the 9" size.

What you need is a really cool license in 2002.  And I even have a suggestion for you.  I tried to get Flattt World to do this one, and I had this idea long before McToys did the Tortured Souls.

Talk to Stephen King.  Get in touch with his agent.  Do a line of figures based on his interpretations of his greatest monsters.  There's plenty to do, and the fan base is HUGE.  You'd get tons of media, and mainstream people that normally don't buy action figures would be interested.  Think about it.  My bill is in the mail.

Art Asylum - Art Asylum is like Sideshow in 2002.  They have the opportunity to capitalize on a major license.  Their resolution must be to do just that - take the Star Trek license and use it to take their company to the next level.

To do that though, they'll have to resolve not to lose focus. Doing the Star Trek license isn't like doing a couple of figures for one license and moving on to the next cool thing.  They will need to be consistent, focused, and willing to work through the boring aspects of managing a line and license the size of Star Trek.  Very few companies can do it, and if Art Asylum is successful, they'll take themselves to whole new heights.  If they fail, they'll go back to being a chop shop for other companies.

Playing Mantis - 2002 could be the year for Playing Mantis to make their big splash back into action figures.  Coming off the great success of the Rudolph toys these last two Christmas's, we should see great things with the Peanuts line.  Lots of folks are looking forward to them, but PM needs to resolve to produce the best quality, with excellent accessories, for $6 or under.  Follow the lead you've already set with the Rudolph toys and you'll be tremendously successful.

2002 proves to be an interesting year all around.  I have to say I'm looking forward to news from Toy Fair this year, and hope to see some very exciting licenses and figures announced from companies like Mezco, Playing Mantis, Palisades and Sideshow.  We should get to see the first look at the Peanuts line, the Muppets, the new Star Trek from Art Asylum, and Bond from Sideshow.  I can't wait to see what the prototypes look like, and I think 2002 will be a very good year for collectors.

So that's my top resolutions for these top companies.  Do you have any suggestions? Let me know your thoughts by email!