As far as scarcity goes, yes, the "Episode One" Texted Yoda is the tougher of the two pieces to find. Since the new cardback shipped long after the initial shipment of the figure, there are fewer out there, although we do have reason to believe this are holed up in a warehouse awaiting future shipment, but even then it'll still be tough to locate. I wouldn't call it a rarity because it's not genuinely rare, or for that matter, especially interesting compared to a lot of other stuff out there, but it is one of the neater E1 cardback changes since there were so few of any significance.

Another similar short-shipped variation (although nobody gives a crap about this one) is the flat-bubble E1 R2-D2. What makes it interesting is the normal figure has the "wheels" on the botton of the feet painted, while this one typically does not. But hey, it's a weird hobby where a lot of genuinely hard to find items are ignored while a new flavor-of-the-week costs a small fortune on ebay.

It is true that as of today, these are not shipping, but then again, no CommTech-era figures are at this point. But there are more out there that have yet to visit retail, so don't freak out.

If this was a roundabout way to get a price estimate (which, by the way, isn't very subtle when people write in "hey, what's my 'xx' worth?"), well, three bucks seems to be the going rate for E1 as a whole right now...

6
Has there been any word on the fate of Tiger's Finger Fighter line (both SW and Batman Beyond) or the Naboo and Sith games with figures? Have these been cancelled or just arriving late in the year?
  -turtle

I am currently unaware if these were canned-- I assume someone, somewhere would've mentioned it if they were. But then again, this is the internet, and odds are this very post will spark a ton of cancellation rumors and they'll show up in a week. If anybody knows (and by knows, I don't mean "my brother who works at Target said"), please, write in and we'll clear this up ASAP. Tiger also had two altered Hasbro figures to be included with their games, but these were on the same level of excitement as the now $4.99 Anakin with helmet/Naboo fighter game. (Still, something nifty to look at.)

7
I recently picked up the Mega Action Maul which is a pretty nice figure in my opinion. Are there any plans for "classic" Mega Actions, especially Vader, Boba Fett, or a stormtrooper?
  -Ray

While nothing has been announced officially on the future of these figures, it's a safe bet that there's some classic items on the backburner should the demand arise. But right now, unless something changed, there are no immediate plans for Fett.

8
Do you think there's any chance of Hasbro (or another company) revamping the Star Wars line? I would love to see a line of figures based off the manga released a while back.
  -Val

Oh, I can assure you Hasbro's been informed of the interest of Manga-based figures of select characters. But, as the saying goes, "no plans exist at this time."

As far as revamping the line goes, well, I think most collectors would rather the line stick with the 4" and 12" figures for now. I don't think many people would be as excited for a new size Maul as they would be for... well, anything else new in the 4" size. However, if they could do a few figures as a sort of "New Visions*" in plastic, I think fans would be pretty receptive.

*=New Visions is the subset of cards in the amazing, spectacular, and otherwise wonderful Star Wars Galaxy card sets from Topps in the early 1990s.

9
I recall seeing a picture in toyfare a while back before the release of the Vader with removeable helmet and next to it there was a picture of a boba fett w/ removeable helmet. I know they never released it but can you tell me why?
  -Mike

While I can't flip out an issue and check for sure, I'd say with about almost total confidence that this was another great customized action figure. Since he has yet to appear on screen sans helmet, one would assume Hasbro would not make a figure of him (although with the shirtless Maul figure rumor, this could change.) So while this Fett interpretation is definitely a neat piece of art like most custom figures, there is in all honesty no reason to make one, and to date there have been no plans inside Hasbro to produce one (that I've heard of, which isn't saying much.)

10
I've been seeing the Gungan Scout Sub and Sith Attack Speeder sold at some online sites for some time now, but I have read almost no information about them found at major retail stores, nor have I seen them in any store whatsoever. My question is that are these being produced at limited quantities and that major retailers are not ordering them? Or should I just wait a while until these are out at retail?
  -Patrick

Well, right now, no plans exist to ship "Episode One" bedecked toys to stores anytime soon. So I'd grab these now if you want them and can find them at a fair price. Since they're part of a $10-$13 assortment, and that's what they're typically selling for, you should have no problem getting them if you want them. (The Attack Speeder is loads of fun, BTW.)

So right now, I would guess there are a decent number of these sitting in warehouses since Amazon seems to be getting them in on a regular basis. But you never know-- sometimes an item shows up again, and sometimes it doesn't. So at the current prices, if you want them, passing seems like a bad idea.

FIN
Got questions?

Oh, by the way: in answer to last week's Q&A regarding the pronounciation of "Jacen", it is, in fact, pronounced like "Jason." Thanks all who wrote in!

1
With the likely emphasisin 2001 on original Trilogy figures in general and aliens in particular, do you think that there are many more versions of the main characters that Hasbro can make? I can see some possibilites for Leia but I'm not sure about the rest of the gang. Or would Hasbro go completely insane and do revamped versions of previously released charcter, such as what happenned with Han Sol and Chewbacca(Chess Board)?
  -Randy

If the resculpts are good, I have no problems with it. I mean, CommTech Han Solo is one of the best figures out there, and easily the best Han they've made so far.

While official announcements have not been made, yes, there are more classic resculpts on board for 2001. And one of them is the most foul of foul characters, although you'll be pleasantly surprised when you hear what the final product turned out to be. Actually, now that I think of it, there are a fair number of resculpts, but not resculpt as in "new legs" so much as "redone from the ground up so now it's really cool." Or so I'm told.

Theoretically, Hasbro could redo a lot of characters in "soft goods" versions. I don't really want to see a new Tatooine Luke, but if they sculpted the figure (and head) from the ground up and gave him a fair range of articulation, I could go for it.

2
The AT-ST came out a LONG time ago (1995-96?) amd I wanted to know, how articulated is it ? I've asked several people, but the answers a re less than clear.

Why does Bo Shek suck?
  -OGWAMO2

Perhaps it is because your question is less than clear. How articulated is it? What, how many points of articulation does it have? Was this a typo and you wanted to know how articulate it is? While the AT-ST does have a limited vocabulary in German and Latin, it does not change the fact that it can move at the exact points as its vintage counterpart. (It has two big legs. And they move.)

BoShek sucks because it's what he does. A bee buzzes, a bear growls, and BoShek just plain ol' sucks.

3
i know hfsolo from yakface.com. i ran into him at a local toy show and asked him about the jedi points on the back of the merchandise na dhe said throw them away because hasbro doesn't have plans for them. i'm still hanging onto them just incase. what is the real truth behind them? keep them or throw them?
  -Randy

wel lhfsolo is a prety knowledgeable gu.y he isr ight, their r no plans to use them in the USAa t this time, but you neve rknow what the future holds. there doing a promo in australiaia. so, its up to yoo.

4
I noticed in an earlier q and a session you mentioned that "no episode 1" bedecked toys would ship to retail stores anytime soon.  Does this include the latest set of 12" (boss nass, etc)?
  -Mike

I made a mistake.

Virtually no E1 toys are planned on being shipped anytime soon. There's the 12" Maul/Speeder, the 12" figures, and a few others (mostly 12") that continue to trickle into stores. There are many items that may show up again someday, but when that is, we don't know.

5
Is there any chance you might do another Q&A session with Hasbro any time soon?
  -jcavie

Sooner than you might think.

6
While dusting my Cantina diorama today, I noticed that the legs of Takeel and Wuher were very similar. I was wondering if Hasbro reuses sculpts for their figures, just as other toy companies do? Also, can dust accumulation degrade SW toys?
  -WattsJacob

A lot of parts have been re-used or modified slightly when creating a new figure. For instance, take a look under Bib Fortuna's cloak and compare it to the first version of the POTF2 Jedi Luke. Parts of Tarkin were modified for the AT-AT Commander, and well, yeah.

As far as dust goes, I don't see how. Still, it's best to keep your toys clean... you never know what dirty toys can lead to. (You're a dirty ewok! Dirty! Dirty ewok!!!)

7
After reading all about and seeing the weekly custom figure feature on your site, I have decided to try my hand at it. My questions are: Do custom figures retain their articulation or do most people glue the limbs on when making a new figure and in effect make a new custom "statue"? When pulling the limbs apart, do they break?
  -Scott

Well, my stance on custom figures is that they're art. As the artist, it's up to you to decide what your art looks like. Some customizers will make sure the figure is just as playable as any other figure, although many will make a statue that looks like a figure to improve the appearance of the figure. As to breakage, it varies by the toymaker.

If it were me, I wouldn't worry about articulation if I was going to package the custom figure, but if I were going to put it in a diorama, I'd want the range of movement available.

8
I recently had some luck finding the R2-B1 and TC-14, and then the Battle Queen Amidala, at Kmart of all places. These are the first Episode I figures I've found since a Holo Sidious in January, that's 7 months between finds, incredible. Anyway, should I hold out any hope that I'm going to EVER find Sio Bibble, Swimming Jar Jar, 2nd Destroyer and the rest of the POTF Commtech wave?
  -David

Like you, I've seen a lot of the newer guys at K-Mart. Why, I'll never know. (Even got a Pit Droids set off of them for three bucks.)

As evidenced by the clearances of early '00, never say never. While we have heard rumblings regarding certain figures shipping again (Holo R2-D2), we have heard a few rumblings that some figures might not. (Who they are, I ain't saying.) Personally, I'd keep checking your local toy holes (where ever they may be) until you find what you need, because it's anybody's guess. If Power of the Jedi really takes off and stores want SW for the holidays, you can bet your sweet bippy (whatever that is) that stores will consider ordering older cases of figures just to have something around, assuming the option is available.

But I wouldn't hold my breath.

9
when are the power of the jedi figures suppose to be out i know that they have been out for awhile but when will they be massed released? and is the ewok on the speeder bike a real varient or was that a joke?
  -Brimstone247

POTJ figures will be widely available when everybody who wants them, has them. Until then, keep checking your local stores.

The variant was a gag.

10
Why are the new SW: POTJ figures (Mas Ameeda, EP1 Sandperson, etc.) $7 at stores like Target, Wal-mart, and TRU when Hasbro specifically stated about 2-3 months ago that these figures would go down $1 (from $7 to $6) because there were no more Commtech chips? I can see Target charging more for the figures (since the May 3, 1999 EP1 figures were initially $8 at Target), but I don't understand why Wal-Mart, TRU (and probably K-mart) are doing the same thing - will these figures stabilize at $6 at some point in the near future?
  -Hi Tech

Since Hasbro worked long and hard to get those prices down, you can bet that the slow trickle of price drops are a sign of things to come. I think the lowest non-clearance price on POTJ has been $6.19 or so.

Why are they more expensive? Well, since 1995, Target stores have randomly messed with the price. When they were $4.99 everywhere, once in a while a few Targets would bump them up by a buck for a few weeks, then back down again. It didn't make sense, but they did it. Right now, it's possible Target knows they've got them first, but it's more likely the price drop is just going to happen there later. Since only two chains have gotten the figures that we're aware of, well, it's a real wait-and-see situation.

FIN
The answer to "why is the new CD ROM Bespin Luke gonna be $26" is simple. He isn't gonna be $26. More like $13. (Entertainment Earth lists the set of both Luke and Vader for $26, and most price lists have been in the sub-$15 range. So you can stop freaking out, unless you really wanna keep going.)

The answer to "Where are the POTJ figures?" is most likely "In someone's collection where someone has better timing than you." I've found *two* so far, only bought one.

Plans still call for a Friday update if the questions are there. Asking the previous question, even in jest, is not reccomended.

Questions for August 30, 2000

1
Are there any current plans to continue making single figures of the Classic 12-inch line? The most recent line was the Chewie/ Slave Leia/ Endor Han (The worst case breakdown EVER), and since then, other than the Dewback and Speeder bike, no concrete news or prototype pics have surfaced. Is the line dead? I'd really want a 12-inch General Veers....
  -Matt

While the chances of a 12" General Veers are about the same as meeting the woman of one's dreams at the toy store, there are at least two assortments of standard 12" figures due out next year. These include a wave of three bounty hunters, another of three denizens of Jabba's Palace, plus a rumored 2-1B. Check out our soon-to-not-be-out-of-date checklists area for the latest release lists.

2
Hi, do you know if Hasbro has any plans on making a Bespin Leia where she wears that long red - maroonish gown? That is a classic figure! Also, I heard once that a female figure is harder to make than a male because of the, well "curves". Is there any truth in that?
  -Dave

Curves? Heck no. Been to a comic shop's figure area? I've never seen so many half-naked princesses/queens of death in one place before. They typically don't sell well, which is the case for so many female characters in the male action toy biz. There are exceptions, of course, but more often than not, the chicks go on clearance unless they're shortpacked.

Bespin Leia was made as a vintage figure and with a cloth gown for the Princess Leia Collection. At this time, no plans have been made public regarding a regular carded POTF2 Bespin Gown Leia, although it does look like the Bespin Escape Leia is not at all far off.

3
I'm sure this question has probably been asked before, but with people asking the same Holo R2 question five or six times I figured what the heck? I've recently started buying the transforming Micro-machine heads at TRU and KB. So far I've found them all except for Chewie, C-3PO, and Luke. I've seen Luke before, but never the other two, were they released or just harder to find?
  -Jack

C-3PO was part of the first wave of head playsets, and the first one phased out of the assortments (he tended to sit around a lot.) Chewie came later on, and seemed to not be around for too long, but Luke is around every now and again. I've got 'em all on a shelf, so they definitely exist, and all three are pretty good, but I like the Cantina best (sentimental reasons [*sniff*]).

4
in your opion whats better to buy the 400th resculpt of a main character or the ones that are new i.e. mas amedda ,sandtrooper,etc and get the resculpts later
  -Brimstone247

It depends.

Like most things in life, there's no easy answer. If I could buy a new sculpt of a Jedi Luke with no less than 14 points of articulation, a real-life-perfect-looking head, a saber that can be attatched to his belt with a removable blade, and a cloth cloak, I'd want that over just about anything (except for the new Boba Fett, that is.) But if it's going to be another slightly-altered resculpt instead of an all new one (CommTech Luke and Han, respectively) I'd much rather have a new character. And in most situations, I'd rather have a new, obscure droid or alien (in that order) than anything else, as long as it's done well. None of this "Anakin With Droid" stuff.

5
I've been picking up the Battle Packs at TRU for $1.97, cool little items, the dewback, ronto and landspeeder look cool on my desk at work. My problem, they are different from the photo archive at Rebelscum...there are figures missing in each pack that I picked up...The dewback is missing IG-88, the Desert Skiff is missing Barada, Jabba is missing Weequay and the landspeeder is missing the Gonk droid. Why did they change this? And which is more rare...the new ones or the older ones?
  -JohnOB1

Rare matters about as much as a price guide. Ultimately, the fans decide what something is worth.

The first release of the first 8 battle packs have one figure more than the later ones. Which figures are missing? Check out our checklists area, they're all nice and marked and stuff. Since the first releases haven't shipped for a while, they are currently harder to find, but there's no way to know for sure what's harder to get until Galoob's paperwork gets out or the secondary market matures to the point where we can tell.

6
1) What is your favourite pre POTF2 3 3/4" star wars toy? 2)Have you ever faked a question in the Adams Q&A column? 3)If so, did you fake the question so you could disclose something that no-one was asking you? 4)Do you have something to disclose now that no-one is asking you? (star wars related of course!)
  -question guy

FOUR?!? What am I, a mule?

1. Death Star Space Station Playset. 2. Not after the first day over a year ago because we had to have something to put up, and they weren't faked... just made-up. 3. No. 4. You betcha. (And if you asked, I still couldn't tell you.)

7
This is something I noticed right away, but haven't thought to ask about until now: Is the current Max Rebo figure an exact duplicate of the vintage one, except for the turned hand and new paint?
  -czahr

The figures are actually quite different when compared closely, with the new edition blowing the older one away. It's a nice big improvement, ditto with Droopy, but not so much with Sy Snootles, only because I like the older one more.

8
Supposedly, the new POTJ Chewbacca was originally going to be a CommTech figure, with chip # C10 (or so it was listed all over the web). Now that he has a Force File instead, what happened to the chips, if they were ever made? I was dying to find out if they messed up Chewie's growl as badly as all the human voices.

Hey, we would also find out what Steven Hawking's Wookiee impersonation would sound like! ;)
  -Brian

Quite true, early Hasbro photography showed a CommTech chip with Chewie. As far as we know, the chip was never programmed/finalized/whatever, so there most likely is not a bin of them sitting in Hong Kong awaiting our finding them.

9
I know I am beating the dead horse, but I am growing impatient. I am missing just two figures, and except for army builders, I buy just one of each figure. I am missing R2-D2 w/Leia Hologram and Swimming Jar-Jar. I have bought and purchased every item except for Mynock Hunt at retail (thanks Fan Club). But, I have never even sniffed those two figures at retail. What is a fan-boy to do?
  -Eric

A fan boy is to wait, because blah blah blah unsold cases blah blah blah retaillers didn't order blah blah blah pacific northwest blah blah blah Rosebud.

10
Hey Adam, I just went to collectstarwars.com and it had a pic of Darth Bane. My question is, who is he?
  -mike

He is, until further notice, an expanded universe character. His first appearance was in the marvelous (although not exactly dead-on to the film in some cases) novelization of Episode One from Terry Brooks, which you should read if you haven't already. While rumors abound about future film appearances to instruct the living Sith lords (ala Tales of the Jedi comics), I wouldn't hold my breath. Of course, there are instances of Lucas picking ideas out of the novels and comics and sticking them in the movie, like the name Coruscant and the double-bladed lightsaber.

More specifically, he's the character in the mythos that created the notion of two Sith-- a master, and an apprentice. If you haven't hadn't had this beaten into your heads by the trailers and the film itself, well, consider yourself lucky. So however many thousands of years before E1, this guy comes around when the Sith have all but killed eachother off and decided endangered beats extinct.

While it would be cool for him to appear as some form of apparition, I wouldn't hold my breath given how little we see of really really old things in Star Wars. Heck, I'm still amazed they didn't finally tell us WHAT THE HECK YODA WAS LIKE THEY'VE PROMISED THESE PAST FEW YEARS, but I digress.

FIN
Just so you know-- we do have a back archive of Q&A. While I don't expect a reader to read every last question before sending me an email, I would like to ask that you check at least the previous two or three editions. I understand many of you are busy... but then again, aren't we all. I mean, I'm gonna puke if I hear the words "Holo R2-D2" one more time unless it's follwed by "unsold dozens at Kay-Bees everywhere at $2.99 a pop." Thank you for reading. (And those of you who glazed over this part, well, this the explanation of why you won't be getting a new answer to the above question.) Purple monkey dishwasher.

See you on Monday... if youse sends ins thes questions.

Thank you Los Angeles!!! Good night!