Zur En Arrh Batman (Target)

[Jango_Fresh]

How are we checking stock on these? Target's site?

[PopGoestheJess]

How are we checking stock on these? Target's site?

http://brickseek.com/target-inventory-checker

DCPI: 058-02-0701

[odnar]

How are we checking stock on these? Target's site?

I've been looking on brickseek.

http://brickseek.com/target-inventory-c ... 65-15-5380

The code is 058-02-0701

As I understand it shows all the suicide squad pops not specifically the exclusives though.

[RobinBear177]

Here's an article I saw posted today with someone from Funko. The guy gets into the Zur Batman deal if you read down a little bit.


http://www.dccollectors.com/2016/06/fun ... squad-box/

[Megacam]

Here's an article I saw posted today with someone from Funko. The guy gets into the Zur Batman deal if you read down a little bit.


http://www.dccollectors.com/2016/06/fun ... squad-box/

yup, seems they wanted it to be hard to find and very limited...and sounds like they're gonna keep doing it with other pops, which IMO is kinda cool.

[Brutesquad]

Went by my Target by my work (never go in there) and they had about 5 Jokers, no Batman though..people still need the Boxer Joker...? Maybe i can go again after work to see if theyre still there...

[Strending625]

I checked brick seek and the target numbers jumped at my 2 stores. The one I checked on the way home from work had 5 jokers on the shelf so they are getting restocks of boxer joker so don't give up people!

[snapcracklePOP]

Sure hope they get a second wave out...

[Princess]

Here's an article I saw posted today with someone from Funko. The guy gets into the Zur Batman deal if you read down a little bit.


http://www.dccollectors.com/2016/06/fun ... squad-box/

I think it is a problem that affects all of collecting and honestly if we as collectors are willing to go to eBay and pay those prices, then that is going to continue. I am not sure that the answer is to have manufacturers flood the market with it because it won’t work

This just made me even more irked to be honest. Maybe it's just me, but Mr Robben doesn't seem to understand that to some extent Funko are creating the secondary market with such limited exclusives like this Batman because people like international collectors have absolutely no choice but to buy off EBay. Funko gave us no choice but to go to the secondary market. They gave no choice to some American collectors but to go the secondary market. Then they seem to think this was something we were happy to do. Some people did it for this exclusive as they collect batman and wanted their collection to e completion but hoped it would be a one off circumstance. if this is how some exclusives will be handled in the future (which is what the article seems to suggest) then I believe some international customers will rethink the hobby. I will wait and see how things play out, but this disregard to international customers in particular really disappoints me.

I guesss I better start saving to be able to afford the next USA only exclusive on eBay and pay someone $130+ if it's one I need like Spiderman or Wonder Woman. We can all be sure that after people have seen what happened with this Batman, the flippers won't sell future exclusives with similar limited numbers at a lower price (even on day one), but Mr Robben doesn't seem to see a problem with that.

Edit: I do know I am sounding like a broken record, and I won't be posting any more about this. I'm just really put off by this approach.

[Spiffythedog]

I understand why Funko does limited releases. I also totally get the notion of not feeding the flippers, a position I personally advocate, because if we as collectors dis-incentivize them they will mvoe on to other more lucrative quick money schemes. BUT, I also totally get your position, Princess. The fact that this wasn't even offered internationally is I feel the unfair bit about this whole thing. Since its Batman we know it couldn't have been because of licensing issues in regard to the character. Must have been in the deal with Target.

Furthermore, I get why Target wanted to create some new hype around their new Funko section and maybe regain some love and trust from Funko collectors who have struggled to get their exclusives in the past. Now, given all of this feedback, Im not sure they were successful in that goal?

[Indy Viper]

In case anyone doesn't feel like reading the whole article, I copied the pertinent bits.

FROM THE ARTICLE:

DCCollectors – Do you monitor the web and here the concerns about fans not being able to find things like the recent Batman of Zur en arrh and Joker Target exclusives? What are your thoughts on the outrage some fans have?

Mark Robben – I absolutely hear that. My response is we work carefully with the retailers to develop these programs. There is a fine line between making something exclusive enough that people will want it versus just making so many of them that they’re not exclusive anymore. That is always the struggle.

Frankly its the same math that goes into our calculating of how many of a certain item we bring to Comic-con or another event. If we made enough for everyone that wanted one, my guess is that less people would end up wanting them, because they wouldn’t be exclusive anymore.

We are always playing with what that math looks like, and what the proper ratios should be. I will say that the intention for the Batman of Zur en arrh program was to make it extremely limited and hard to find. And it certainly is. Will there be other programs where the item is in higher quantities than that? Absolutely.

The Suicide Squad Joker shouldn’t be any less quantity than any other unit that they have. It’s their exclusive and they didn’t order any less of that than anyone else did of theirs, like Hot Topic exclusives or anyone else’s Suicide Squad exclusives.

I hear the people saying, “oh the employees are stealing them”, but I don’t really buy that. I know you probably get scalpers that go in and grab the stuff and put it on eBay, but I am a Star Wars collector, and damned if I have been able to find Ahsoka Tano on the pegs. She is not even an exclusive, just a regular release, but I have to turn to eBay and Amazon for that.

I think it is a problem that affects all of collecting and honestly if we as collectors are willing to go to eBay and pay those prices, then that is going to continue. I am not sure that the answer is to have manufacturers flood the market with it because it won’t work. Invariably someone is going to have a warehouse full of them, whether it is us, Target, or whoever. I agree that maybe the math isn’t always right in the way that we are producing, but I will also say the more that we as collectors are willing to pay into the secondary market, then that is were the demand is and that is what is setting the prices.

DCCollectors – I totally agree. I don’t get the whole complaining about the flipper mentality. If I went to Target and found two of those Batman figures, I would buy both. I would keep one, and use the other to help me find something bigger and more expensive for my collection.

Mark Robben – Sure, so would I. Absolutely.

DCCollectors – I just don’t get the hand out mentality, and the “save one for the true fan” idea.

Mark Robben – Well it would be nice if it all worked out that way. You know all of this can be tweaked. We did Emerald City Comic-con, our home town con, and admittedly our quantities on some of the stuff we sold was too low. That can be tweaked and we are adjusting for San Diego. We are adjusting for New York. When we go back to Emerald City next spring, it will be different. We are always learning, so we can take the feedback to Target and say for the next promotion we do, we need to adjust this math.

You also have to understand what the goal of the program is. The goal of that program was not to make sure everyone that walked into Target got a Batman of Zur en arrh. The goal of that program was that it was a treasure hunt. The goal was, it is going to be hard to find, and it is almost like a chase piece. Maybe you are going to find it, but you are probably not. It’s not going to make everyone happy, but it was a different goal, than just have this item be proliferate on every shelf at every Target.

[Fawny]

Huh. Okay. Really don't know how to respond to that.

[jester00]

if someone buys say...2 of the batman's from target. And then sticks them on eBay because it's their best chance at buying something way more expensive. Is that wrong? Or is that just simply being an intelligent collector?

I totally understand the "hey think about the other collectors" mentality. But wouldn't it just be plain stupid to only buy one KNOWING the potential to further your own collection. Especially with con season upon us, it may be the best chance to get those exclusives they may want more?

Always a tough topic, but honestly there is no right or wrong. Yea it sucks for someone to go in and buy up an entire stock of say 15 hot topic exclusives (that will show up elsewhere). But a super limited pop that funko even admitted would be rare. You gotta be crazy to not want to buy multiples if you can

[poppetmaster]

It's funny that DCCollectors and Mark Robben are both basically "promoting" the "flippers", saying they'd do it themselves, and basically "eff the other collectors". Meh. I'm over this.

[Fawny]

Wait, I do know how to respond to that. Okay, fine, make the Target and Walmart exclusive, all for it. But if you want to help us out a bit with the hunt, at least give us a date on when they will hit the stores! Give us a fighting chance to out-shop the flippers.

[JBeard]

Very very interesting article my guess is this will drive ZERBatman prices even higher.

[poppetmaster]

And then there were none....basically what came to mind when I see only 30 of these on ebay currently. Next time I run into a new exclusive, I am going to wipe them all out around my area and go straight to listing them on ebay. I feel sorry for anyone within 50 miles of me. But it's all about me and adding more to my own collection.

[EvilDeadpool]

I guess there must be something wrong with me because I use the "save one for a true fan" mentality and I'm not trying to make a quick buck off of somebody

[Indy Viper]

Wait, I do know how to respond to that. Okay, fine, make the Target and Walmart exclusive, all for it. But if you want to help us out a bit with the hunt, at least give us a date on when they will hit the stores! Give us a fighting chance to out-shop the flippers.

I thought they did?

I could be wrong, but wasnt there a blog post funko made the weekend before he came out saying ZEA Bats would be "extremely limited" or something like that?

[Indy Viper]

Found it. Posted on June 6th.

http://funko.com/blogs/news/131765059-introducing-targets-funko-shop

Cameron wrote in the blog:

"Get to Target early enough and you might even find the ultra-rare and extremely limited Zur En Arrh Batman Pop!

Each Target store will receive these rare Batman variants, but they're extremely limited! Happy hunting!"

[emk194]

That's an absolute slap in the face to collectors outside of the U.S. It's getting ridiculous - I should not have to be forced to go to the secondary market and pay a stupid amount of money for something Americans get for like $10USD. That's ticks me off. Funko already set me off with their online shop being U.S. Only, and now this.

[Fawny]

Found it. Posted on June 6th.

http://funko.com/blogs/news/131765059-introducing-targets-funko-shop

Cameron wrote in the blog:

"Get to Target early enough and you might even find the ultra-rare and extremely limited Zur En Arrh Batman Pop!

Each Target store will receive these rare Batman variants, but they're extremely limited! Happy hunting!"

Huh, so they did. Now did they say when the Walmart SS exclusives are hitting stores?

[Indy Viper]

That's an absolute slap in the face to collectors outside of the U.S. It's getting ridiculous - I should not have to be forced to go to the secondary market and pay a stupid amount of money for something Americans get for like $10USD. That's ticks me off. Funko already set me off with their online shop being U.S. Only, and now this.

I know it's frustrating, but sometimes it happens the other way where we don't get every exclusive. I'm still trying to find a Materializing Tardis at a decent price. There was also unmasked Cyclops and the few exclusives Popcultcha got, not to mention Pop Asia like someone else mentioned. There's thousands of American Street Fighter fans that would love a chance at those Pops, but so far no word on releasing them in the US outside of SDCC.

Fawny- not sure on the WM exclusives. Maybe someone else heard something?

[MyLittleFunkos]

So if they told everyone when these exclusives would hit the shelves, what stops the "flippers" from buying them first? If we know, wouldn't they know as well?

I guess I just don't understand since I'm cool with not getting a cool, limited run piece. I really wanted this Batman and I could not find it. I just move on to the next piece.

[JBeard]

So if they told everyone when these exclusives would hit the shelves, what stops the "flippers" from buying them first? If we know, wouldn't they know as well?

I guess I just don't understand since I'm cool with not getting a cool, limited run piece. I really wanted this Batman and I could not find it. I just move on to the next piece.

Very nicely said I agree.

[clashcityrocker33]

So if they told everyone when these exclusives would hit the shelves, what stops the "flippers" from buying them first? If we know, wouldn't they know as well?

I guess I just don't understand since I'm cool with not getting a cool, limited run piece. I really wanted this Batman and I could not find it. I just move on to the next piece.

Everyone had the same chance (relatively speaking) to get these figures as everyone else. There were no special badges, no lines, no sneak previews. I'm guessing some staked out Targets and some just got lucky. It sucks. Just like it sucks when you get sniped on eBay constantly. I won't say it's not fair, it just is.

And I don't think Mark or the other gentleman are promoting flipping by any means. If they stumble on two of the Target Batman figures and feel that an extra will help them further their collection, more power to them. I understand people's frustration, but the sheer vitriol and divisive anger directed towards Funko and Target is undeserved. They clearly stated its rarity in the release and when to look out for it.

I've seen Funatics proudly display 2, 3, 4 or 9 of the same item in pictures here. I'm sure a lot go to other Funatics but based on the trades and sales I've seen here, I'm guessing some go to further the owner's collections as well. I get the feeling that some people (and not necessarily anyone on this forum, but other comments I've read elsewhere) feel entitled to anything and everything for no other reason that they want it.

I do understand the frustration with it only being available here in the US, but like someone pointed out, other exclusives have been unattainable here as well. I had to buy the Unmasked Cyclops on eBay because I couldn't order it. In the end, I know this is easier for me to say because I don't collect Batman or DC but I have lost out on my fair share of exclusives or limited edition items. It sucks, but it does make that next victory that much better...though again I know that's not much consolation.

[Chase Variant]

In case anyone doesn't feel like reading the whole article, I copied the pertinent bits.

For the purposes of this thread, I think this is what you should have highlighted:

Mark Robben – Well it would be nice if it all worked out that way. You know all of this can be tweaked. We did Emerald City Comic-con, our home town con, and admittedly our quantities on some of the stuff we sold was too low. That can be tweaked and we are adjusting for San Diego. We are adjusting for New York. When we go back to Emerald City next spring, it will be different. We are always learning, so we can take the feedback to Target and say for the next promotion we do, we need to adjust this math.

[Chase Variant]

Everyone had the same chance (relatively speaking) to get these figures as everyone else. There were no special badges, no lines, no sneak previews. I'm guessing some staked out Targets and some just got lucky. It sucks. Just like it sucks when you get sniped on eBay constantly. I won't say it's not fair, it just is.

All anecdotes and hearsay, but there are reports of this thread of managers or staff hiding the figures so they could buy them later. I wouldn't call that the same chance.

I understand people's frustration, but the sheer vitriol and divisive anger directed towards Funko and Target is undeserved. They clearly stated its rarity in the release and when to look out for it.

I've seen some frustration and annoyance, but little vitriol or anger. It's so weird coming to this board from other collector boards where people REALLY get angry.

In the end, I know this is easier for me to say because I don't collect Batman or DC but I have lost out on my fair share of exclusives or limited edition items. It sucks, but it does make that next victory that much better...though again I know that's not much consolation.

Part of the issue is character selection. For Batman fans, ZEA Batman is not just some weird, random paint variant. Although he's a minor, one-off character, he's still iconic enough to be recognized by long-time Batman fans and referenced in multiple media. Any Batman, even one in weird colors, sells very well, so there's no need to make him a chase figure. They could have done a metallic (for example) ZEA Batman as a chase and a regular release, and Funko would still have that ultra-limited figure creating buzz while providing a ZEA Batman for Batman fans that wanted one.

[Indy Viper]

In case anyone doesn't feel like reading the whole article, I copied the pertinent bits.

For the purposes of this thread, I think this is what you should have highlighted:

Mark Robben – Well it would be nice if it all worked out that way. You know all of this can be tweaked. We did Emerald City Comic-con, our home town con, and admittedly our quantities on some of the stuff we sold was too low. That can be tweaked and we are adjusting for San Diego. We are adjusting for New York. When we go back to Emerald City next spring, it will be different. We are always learning, so we can take the feedback to Target and say for the next promotion we do, we need to adjust this math.

Thanks- I meant to have that part in there, but I guess I missed it. I was in a hurry and I'm using an 8 year old iPhone, so I'm surprised I managed to post anything at all.

[poppetmaster]

[Prateek0]

because people want it to?

[Chase Variant]

Thanks- I meant to have that part in there, but I guess I missed it. I was in a hurry and I'm using an 8 year old iPhone, so I'm surprised I managed to post anything at all.

It still works?! I thought I was toughing things out when I waited three years to upgrade.

[Shinfo13]

Part of the issue is character selection. For Batman fans, ZEA Batman is not just some weird, random paint variant. Although he's a minor, one-off character, he's still iconic enough to be recognized by long-time Batman fans and referenced in multiple media. Any Batman, even one in weird colors, sells very well, so there's no need to make him a chase figure. They could have done a metallic (for example) ZEA Batman as a chase and a regular release, and Funko would still have that ultra-limited figure creating buzz while providing a ZEA Batman for Batman fans that wanted one.

I agree with you here. They should've done a regular release and then metallic chase to make it more fair for Batman fans. They really should've done a different character altogether since Batman has to easily be one of Funko's best selling figures and there was no way it never occurred to them the amount of upset fans it would create. At the same time though I'm sure Target pushed for the super limited run and Funko obliged because they now have a permanent display in most stores.

As for the interview with Mark Robben, I can definitely agree with both of them when they talk about picking up multiples of something rare to further your own collection. I get the whole "help out true collectors" mentality and I have started using Instagram to post locations of extra exclusives for other collectors in the area to see and FB Messenger to direct message a few local trading pals. But there have been a few times when I've run across something vaulted that can be traded for a more valuable Pop I've been looking for. It may be considered flipping by some people, but I'm just growing my collection so it doesn't bother me. I have a hard time believing anyone when they say they'd pass up buying a 2nd grail-level piece to leave it for another collector. People are inherently selfish and thinking otherwise is simply naive.

[Indy Viper]

Thanks- I meant to have that part in there, but I guess I missed it. I was in a hurry and I'm using an 8 year old iPhone, so I'm surprised I managed to post anything at all.

It still works?! I thought I was toughing things out when I waited three years to upgrade.

Mostly- . The Internet only works when hooked up to wifi and most of the apps stopped functioning about 2 years ago, but aside from it freezing up and going black every 10-20 minutes, it pretty much "works".

[JBeard]

Quite an interesting turn this thread has taken.

[ks082091]

I don't get the whole international thing. I don't mean this in a bad way, but it's not meant for international people. Its a us exclusive. Yeah, a lot times other places get it like forbidden planet or popcultcha, but this one is truly a us exclusive. That's like me complaining that I can't get a pop Asia piece at retail. It's meant for Asia, not the US.

[Princess]

I don't get the whole international thing. I don't mean this in a bad way, but it's not meant for international people. Its a us exclusive. Yeah, a lot times other places get it like forbidden planet or popcultcha, but this one is truly a us exclusive. That's like me complaining that I can't get a pop Asia piece at retail. It's meant for Asia, not the US.

The "international thing" is because we are collectors too. We don't get ANY exclusives. Pops like the Supernova "exclusives" like Patina Wonder Woman end up as an exclusive in the USA. It's not just this one ultra exclusive pop. We can't buy from the Funko shop. We can't subscribe to Legion of collectors. We can't subscribe to Smugglers Bounty. We can't get past boxes of Marvel Collector Corps. We can't get Walmart exclusives. We don't get Pop Asia either. We have to go to eBay and pay inflated prices for all of those exclusives, plus horrendous shipping on top of that. We pay $3-4USD more for each regular pop. Approx $15 more for a pop ride.And now we are told there will most likely be even more exclusives that we are shut off from and won't have access to and people seem to think we should be fine with this.Does that sound like a company encouraging its international customers to buy their product?
Other than pop Asia, USA gets pretty much every exclusive. It is easy for people who don't have to bear these frustrations month after month, to say suck it up and just deal with it or move on and stop collecting. But if people do walk away, then it's not just those collectors who miss out on a great hobby, but Funko who start to restrict their market. I understand some people thinking people should just get over it...it's easy to think that way when you aren't affected by it. People seem to think missing out on a pop every blue moon is the equivalent. Or not being able to buy pop Asia, which we also can't obtain. We seem to be being shut out of exclusives more and more, and for some, this pop was the last straw and are voicing their concern at the direction that things are going.
On a positive note, it is encouraging that Funko seem to be listening and will be suggesting numbers change for the next one. USA collectors find it easier to obtain next time. I can only hope that translates to cheaper eBay prices and internationals might be able to pay $100 instead of $130+.

[Valde]

The point of this Batman wasn't to make it a treasure hunt, nor was it to help flippers. It was to promote the new Funko section at Target. People who normally wouldn't go there did, in fact a lot of people are going to multiple Targets in the same day. Think everyone one of them are walking out empty handed? The trap set by Target has worked like a charm to keep new patrons walking through those automatic doors. These events will also have a ripple effect, for at least a few months every Target exclusive will be "bought out" by the community.

[BeefyPenguin]

I don't get the whole international thing. I don't mean this in a bad way, but it's not meant for international people. Its a us exclusive. Yeah, a lot times other places get it like forbidden planet or popcultcha, but this one is truly a us exclusive. That's like me complaining that I can't get a pop Asia piece at retail. It's meant for Asia, not the US.

The "international thing" is because we are collectors too. We don't get ANY exclusives. Pops like the Supernova "exclusives" like Patina Wonder Woman end up as an exclusive in the USA. It's not just this one ultra exclusive pop. We can't buy from the Funko shop. We can't subscribe to Legion of collectors. We can't subscribe to Smugglers Bounty. We can't get past boxes of Marvel Collector Corps. We can't get Walmart exclusives. We don't get Pop Asia either. We have to go to eBay and pay inflated prices for all of those exclusives, plus horrendous shipping on top of that. We pay $3-4USD more for each regular pop. Approx $15 more for a pop ride.And now we are told there will most likely be even more exclusives that we are shut off from and won't have access to and people seem to think we should be fine with this.Does that sound like a company encouraging its international customers to buy their product?
Other than pop Asia, USA gets pretty much every exclusive. It is easy for people who don't have to bear these frustrations month after month, to say suck it up and just deal with it or move on and stop collecting. But if people do walk away, then it's not just those collectors who miss out on a great hobby, but Funko who start to restrict their market. I understand some people thinking people should just get over it...it's easy to think that way when you aren't affected by it. People seem to think missing out on a pop every blue moon is the equivalent. Or not being able to buy pop Asia, which we also can't obtain. We seem to be being shut out of exclusives more and more, and for some, this pop was the last straw and are voicing their concern at the direction that things are going.
On a positive note, it is encouraging that Funko seem to be listening and will be suggesting numbers change for the next one. USA collectors find it easier to obtain next time. I can only hope that translates to cheaper eBay prices and internationals might be able to pay $100 instead of $130+.

Getting a bit off topic here but...

Being international has its advantages too doesn't it? You say you don't get exclusives but you get most of them they just don't have stickers... Yes it does suck you cant get the boxes and I hope for you and all other internationals they change that, but the fact is you can walk into a store and could buy a TON of fugitive exclusives (not all but most) Vaulted pops that are harder to find pop in the states that are ALOT easier to find international and other exclusives that are being bought by flippers. JUST RECENTLY people were buying john diggle on ebay for $40 and then you see people from the U.K posting they found him in store for $15. And THERE ARE A TON of cases similar to that one.

I remember few days after the SDCC people were posting how they found unmasked jasons, robot devil with fiddle, the SDCC repunzel and others at there local FP just sitting on the shelf... GOOD LUCK with that in the states. Im not saying you have it better off then us but if you really think about the advantages and weigh it against the disadvantages is it really that bad?

[ks082091]

I don't get the whole international thing. I don't mean this in a bad way, but it's not meant for international people. Its a us exclusive. Yeah, a lot times other places get it like forbidden planet or popcultcha, but this one is truly a us exclusive. That's like me complaining that I can't get a pop Asia piece at retail. It's meant for Asia, not the US.

The "international thing" is because we are collectors too. We don't get ANY exclusives. Pops like the Supernova "exclusives" like Patina Wonder Woman end up as an exclusive in the USA. It's not just this one ultra exclusive pop. We can't buy from the Funko shop. We can't subscribe to Legion of collectors. We can't subscribe to Smugglers Bounty. We can't get past boxes of Marvel Collector Corps. We can't get Walmart exclusives. We don't get Pop Asia either. We have to go to eBay and pay inflated prices for all of those exclusives, plus horrendous shipping on top of that. We pay $3-4USD more for each regular pop. Approx $15 more for a pop ride.And now we are told there will most likely be even more exclusives that we are shut off from and won't have access to and people seem to think we should be fine with this.Does that sound like a company encouraging its international customers to buy their product?
Other than pop Asia, USA gets pretty much every exclusive. It is easy for people who don't have to bear these frustrations month after month, to say suck it up and just deal with it or move on and stop collecting. But if people do walk away, then it's not just those collectors who miss out on a great hobby, but Funko who start to restrict their market. I understand some people thinking people should just get over it...it's easy to think that way when you aren't affected by it. People seem to think missing out on a pop every blue moon is the equivalent. Or not being able to buy pop Asia, which we also can't obtain. We seem to be being shut out of exclusives more and more, and for some, this pop was the last straw and are voicing their concern at the direction that things are going.
On a positive note, it is encouraging that Funko seem to be listening and will be suggesting numbers change for the next one. USA collectors find it easier to obtain next time. I can only hope that translates to cheaper eBay prices and internationals might be able to pay $100 instead of $130+.

I agree with you, everything you're saying is true. I mean, I live in the USA and funko shop still won't sell things to my state. I just don't think making more in the USA is necessarily the fix. They should be more proactive with their exclusives in other parts of the world. If target or Walmart has an exclusive deal here, funko should work on having some type of similar deal with the target or Walmart equivalent in other parts of the world. That way everyone has an equal shot.