When Mattel announced plans to cancel their Young Justice line, I was fairly upset because the company had yet to release a few characters (or do so properly). I couldn't help but feel that they had completely bungled the line yet ultimately the fans were paying for it. As such, I was pleasantly surprised by Mattel's plan to amend two of their biggest omissions (Miss Martian and a normal-costumed Superboy) as a MattyCollector exclusive.

Unlike previous Young Justice releases, the two will be sold as a pair (rather than individually) and include no extras except an alternate short-haired head for Miss Martian (as opposed to a playset and bunch of accessories). Both figures were on display at Mattel's SDCC booth following their panel announcement.

The catch? Rather than just being a sale item this is an actual pre-order and if Mattel doesn't meet their unspecified minimum number of orders then the figures don't get made at all (and Mattel issues refunds since apparently it's collecting prior to production). Supposedly once the sale starts on August 1st, the product page will be updated with a little meter or something to let you know how the orders are progressing (and I expect that it'll work as well as every other meter they've used...).

Pre-orders will be open from 8/1 to 8/15 (meaning you don't have to be there the moment it opens like a Matty sale) and the set will run you US$50 (before shipping, tax, etc). While it's even pricier than the line was at retail (which came with a lot more), Mattel more or less has fans over a barrel on this one. I really dislike the price but I'll be buying the set regardless since this is likely the only time Miss Martian will ever see a release. Anybody feel the same way?