Q&A's 2001 Run Begins For The Second Time
1 Based on your last Q&A, not too many fans are happy with 12" Legacy Asst. 2 content. So how's about rebelscum doing this for an upcoming poll? What 12 inchers do WE(the fans) want to see from Hasbro? They listened(finally!) to us last time-the bounty hunters-and it's selling like gangbusters! And if rebelscum.com gives them the results, maybe they'll listen-again! Whaddaya think? -Mark
Well, while fans typically have good taste, sometimes loud, vocal groups get together and make things happen that are basically retail suicide. (Which is why I'm all for letting us pick out exclusives. :)
I think it'd be awesome if Hasbro had, say, a dozen figures for us to choose from (along with "none of the above" options). But I gotta say, I'm a little tired of this whole "let's reissue another one" and "we can use that C-3PO body again" stuff...
2 What would you like to see in future 12" figures (i.e. any resculps, any certain characters on your 12" wish list)? -CSH
I'd put a one-year ban on resculpts in ALL of POTJ if it were up to me. New outfits, fine. Expanded Universe, no problem. And if it's different enough (i.e., Mechanic Chewie, Lando) that'd be OK.
With the 12" range, they make a lot of decisions that just rubs me the wrong way. But I would like to see the Gamorrean Guard (very much so, if it was halfway decent I'd probably buy two or three), Zuckuss & Dengar (because they need to finish the set), and I wouldn't mind seeing a really good figure of a ho-hum character. A nice Naboo Royal Security guy would be cool, maybe a genuinely new droid (12" FX-7 would rock), but please, no more retreads.
3 Have you ever noticed all the hands on the Lego minifigures are upside down when you first open them? Why is that? -Brian
Actually, it's just random. I've had hands in all sorts of positions over the years, upside-down and not.
4
As far as I know (I missed a couple of issues at the end), that was the only Hasbro poster they did for the magazine. I'm hoping Hasbro will start doing posters for the entire line (maybe by year or something), but right no, no such plans have been made known.
5 what's an 'Amanaman'? Sounds like it's a creature from Jabba's palace? It took me quite a while to get who Boshek was until some one finally talked about him in context of the movie instead of a toy (I think some one asked you point blank afterwards as well).
I consider myself a pretty loyal fan and have a small collection of action
fig's, but can't tell for the life of me who some of these minor characters
are by name unless they were highly touted like Aura Sing. I think there
should be others in the same boat as me. Another factor to my ignorance is
probably the fact that I live in the country just north of yours but get
about 10% the SW toys available to you guys, well I won't rant anymore about
that.
Amanaman is a big alien that looks like a green and yellow vegetable whose entire fame is based off of his appearance in the 1980s POTF line at the end of the vintage figure series.
To keep up on your aliens, there's two things you should do. First, read up on the vintage line. Collecting Star Wars figures and not having a firm grasp on what the vintage guys are is like going into second grade and being unable to read. (Possible, but don't be surprised if somebody makes fun of you.) Second, for the times when something really obscure comes up, check out Decipher's web site. Their customizable card game features a bunch of aliens from the films (and some not), and the vast majority of the cards are pictured online. (I'd say "get a set of the cards," but the whole rarity thing turned me off of them after the premiere set.)
6
Don't jinx it, you fool!!!
As of today, three Lukes are on tap for POTJ. The first is an X-Wing Luke modeled after his appearance in ANH, complete with removable helmet. The second is a Bacta Luke in the deluxe assortment, release unknown. #3 is the ill-fated CD-ROM Bespin Luke, which I believe I hear will be inserted in the 2001 assortments. The last carded Luke was released to stores in September (or so) 1999.
Frankly, I think they've done Luke to death and short of "perfect resculpts" or Expanded Universe outfits, they should cut him out of the line for a while.
I really like the first Bespin Luke and the CommTech Luke, and would very much like to have a Jedi Luke which I can call my favorite, as soon as they do a new one.
7
According to various sources, the item was simply not ordered by US retaillers, and therefore, not produced in large numbers. US boxes of the toy showed up in Asia with stickers, and trilogo versions were issued as well, but everything I've heard leads me to believe the item will most likely never show up in US toy stores.
I got mine from a UK online toy store for around $30 or so (and that's pretty pricey, considering how little the toy actually does. But it does look cool.)
Your best bet is to trade with somebody, otherwise... well... don't be too hopeful.
8
One for Leia, one for somebody else. Chewie, maybe. Or a stormtrooper.
9
The ball joints (heck, just about *any* joint) adds next to no cost to the figures. My guess is they usually aren't done because they don't add to what the figure did on film. If Mas Amedda just stands there, that's all the figure's gonna do. But there's a lot of things to argue this, so ignore that.
10
I realize that my problem could be solved with a "master list" but, I still
need an effective way to have access to them as well as store them. I'm just
wondering if you have found anything useful or if you could point me in the
right direction for some info on this topic.
First, you're right, you definitely should have a list of some sort to keep track. I update my carded figure spreadsheet every summer because... well, I usually have the time then. (My loose figure sheet, however, is always up-to-date.:)
As far as storage goes, I use discarded Hasbro cases, because they were readily available to me for quite some time. If you have access to them, they're great. If not, comic book boxes are the next best alternative, maybe even better depending on how your storage rooms are set up. But you do have to pay for those.
FIN That's all for now, keep those Qs rolling in!
Sorry. It's a bunch of questions. First: Why can't I find any POTJ in my local Canadian department stores such as Toys R US and The Bay? What's wrong with Hasbro Canada? Have they forgotten that Star Wars fans live in Canada too? Or is it cause I live on the west coast? I've bought a couple POTJ figures from comic shops at decent prices but I'd really like to just walk into my local toy store and have a plethora of figures. What's going on? Will this ever end? Hopefully by Episode 2 someone will figure something out. -Dan
Maybe I've never made this very clear, so here goes. I don't live in Canada. I don't know what Hasbro Canada's problem is. But I do know that they're allegedly wary over the unsold figures given what happened with Episode One.
In Japan, sometimes toys are given release dates, and more often than not, toys are ready to meet those dates (or close to them.) If anybody's been in this hobby for more than a few weeks, they can probably cite at least three or four instances of figures being given a release date-- by a retailler or otherwise-- and failing to meet that date.
Unfortunate as it may be, importing is probably the way to go. (Until you guys cave and become the 51st state, at which point you will get some pretty good toys and slightly lower prices on comic books.)
Episode 2, well, it's a long ways off. We know that they've got some fancy scan stuff, and we know there will be new assortments. Rumor has it there could be multiple preview figures salted into the POTJ line, so there's one possibility of distro. Another thing to keep in mind is if history repeats itself, interest in and quantities of E2 merch will be smaller. I doubt that the next big push will be ignored in Canada (at least for the first few waves), but let's face it, Canada's almost always gotten the shaft when it comes to... well, just about everything toy related.
2 Since the upcoming Episode 2 action figures will be made with real scan technology to make them look like the actual actors,do you think all of the classic figures like Luke and Leia will be re-made AGAIN the same way?I kinda hope not.This is getting expensive. -Eric
Considering the ages (and deaths of) some original trilogy actors, I have serious doubts that we'll be seeing scanned likenesses of the human characters anytime soon.
3 What does a Palm Talker do? Does it play voices of our favorite characters? Is the sound quality better than the Commtech Chips? -Zeusdad
The Palm Talkers are basically nifty deformed non-articulated Star Wars figures. As far as sound quality, me speaking through a kazoo after sucking on helium can be more convincing a character voice than most CommTech chips.
4
In the late 1980s, West End Games released an RPG which named just about anything that wasn't named earlier. The names became more or less "official" when the toys were named accordingly.
I'm of the "if it ain't broke, don't fix it" mindset. Names like Saelt-Marae and whatnot... well, they're not all that great. Tessek sound decent, at least.
5 How's this for an idea? Hasbro should make a Weequay II. There were two on the skiff. Use the same body from the first one, just change the head/hair, arms and paint job. It probably wouldn't sell great (since the first was a pegwarmer). But collectors would love it. So we do it as a mail in. 100 Jedi Force file points and $1.99 shipping and handling. What do you think? -Scott
As neat as it would be, well, I have doubts that we'll be seeing something like that anytime soon. Mail-ins seem like a thing of the past, and personally, I'd like to see it heavily resculpted because while the first one was one of the best figures ever, a new one could be much, much better.
6
Actually, all Jawas would have this marking.
The letters stand for General Mills Fun Group, Inc. Basically, this is one of many companies that have owned Kenner prior to its complete and total anihilation last year.
Finding fakes is difficult, because some fairly convincing reproductions have been made. If you've seen a lot of real ones, it's easier to spot fakes... especially if they're the old hacked-up Obi-Wan cape trick.
7
In the comic Shadows of the Empire: Evolution, Guri's fate was explored in five issues with some of the weirdest covers in the Star Wars canon. Dash Rendar also shows up later on, so yeah, they aren't dead. The series wasn't my favorite, but it was far from my least favorite. (Oh, I've got a list of least favorites. What were they thinking with Vader's Quest? What a piece of junk...)
As far as introductions in new chunks of literature, anything's possible. It seems like they're trying to avoid mention of SOTE, but hey, every story needs a twist...
8
I have yet to hear of any busts being made for the consumer market, but I have heard the technology is still being planned for a variety of Hasbro action figure products.
9
I never saw this one for the longest time... then I saw a couple, then I saw a couple more, and that was it. I'd like to get more, but it seems Hasbro has no plans to ship more especially soon. I'd be astounded if they never shipped more of this figure, so keep watching the pegs.
10
In the past you could write pretty much everybody care of the SW Fan Club... but until new management sets in and all, odds are that won't work too well. As far as addresses, well, I don't have 'em and I'm not a big fan of posting that kind of information, so I'd say stick with the Fan Club or another intermediary.
FIN The Real Scan busts (or whatever the term they're using) turned out pretty nicely, and it should be interesting to see what happens between now and the time they're released. I'm amazed that they were shown almost a year and a half before the next prequel. Hopefully this means our preview figures will be on their way a wee bit sooner. So whaddyall think of the new stuff? I was hoping for more, frankly, but it might not be the worst of all outcomes to have a light year, given the hopes I have for the new TransFormers range, as well as the plethora of Simpsons goodies. As expected, I liked the new Obi-Wan. (It just looks cool. [Sorry, accidental pun.]) The new guys-- from the shots I've seen-- look pretty good. I think we're going to be in for a great year, folks. Considering the rumored vehicles, I'm surprised nothing was posted in that department. With the TIE Interceptor showing up in TRU's computers and others... still unspoken of, maybe there's something left to show this weekend. Or maybe not. More Friday.
Hey Mr. Pawlus! We've all known that originally Lando dies with the second Death Star at the end of Jedi. But, due to a pre-screening, it was changed becuse it was disliked by the audience. Do you know if this scene exists anywhere? Will it be available to us, maybe with the DVD release? (If that ever happens!) -RT, Jedi Knight and friend of Captain Solo
Actually, that's one of the most persistent myths regarding the trilogy. I'm fairly sure I've got a quote in a Star Wars Insider somewhere that has Billy Dee Williams talking how that scene was never filmed. Actually, I've never seen any evidence of it existing that was anything near official.
Which isn't to say it might not be real. But there's zero evidence of it happening. (For everyone that says "my friend saw it," how many of you have friends who've had Rocket Firing Fetts as kids?)
2 Do you ever think Hasbro will consider making anymore Expanded Universe figures based on the Novels? Especially considering the popularity of the New Jedi Order series I think some Yuuzahn Vong figures would be great. As well as Jacen, Jaina and Anakin of course. Im sure youve been asked this before but Id much rather see a Nom Anor figure than a Obi-Wan Cold Weather Outfit figure.. -Chris
While the young 'uns were rumored for some time, we've yet to see anything to confirm it. I question the "popularity of the New Jedi Order" series as well... while I used to hear stuff constantly about the older novels, I don't think I've gotten a single email on the new books since Chewie got iced.
I'll take what I can get when it comes to decent figures, and Obi-Wan looks pretty good. Now, if it was crap, I'd be with you 100%. But hey, anything new and good is A-OK with me.
3 Now that Amanaman is coming out,is it worth my time and frustration to put my 3-D Jabba's Palace together? -ABarra9721
I think the Cantina is both easier to assemble and better looking, but the Jabba's Palace set isn't half bad once it's assembled.
4
While I have yet to see an official monniker, it appears to me like some sorta 3D projected Death Star or Yavin or something.
5 We'll never give in and become the 51st state....well not at least for a couple years. Well one thing is for sure, McFarlane Toys (being founded by a Canadian name Todd) has never given Canada the shaft. I've found any toy (by them) I've looked for up here. At least I know for sure I'll be able to find my SHREK toys in April/May! Do you think it would do me any good to track down a Hasbro Canada address and write my frustrations to them? -Dan
Anything's better than the "hey, it's coming out this week, really" stuff that seems to be going on with Canada. Letters are good. As far as an addy... um... got any Canadian toy boxes?
6
Blah blah blah...
7
Ketwol was an alien spliced in to the Special Edition Cantina Scene. The mask was used twice, with different accessories and clothing, to produce two distinct aliens-- one that looked like an elephant, one like a frog.
I don't know if I like the figure or not yet. The little thumbnail on the official site is kinda... well, hard to really ogle. Maybe it was me, but the snout looked a little long...
8
So you're saying paying for one figure and getting two is a bad thing? Are you insane?
I think it's a law I answer one of these questions every week or two, so...
1. I do not care how the packaged figure looks. You might say this is selfish. And you'd be right. I want a lot of my toy for my money, and if an extra droid looks goofy, well, pfeh. Your problem. It's not gonna happen, so why worry?
2. Any bonus goodie is a nice bonus if we're not paying for it. It could be in a plastic bag stapled to the card, you'd love it and you know it.
3. You may have a sufficient army. I don't. (Five pit droids does not constitute an army.)
4. If an extra bonus will sell the figures to kids, I've got news for you: there are more kids than there are collectors. Hasbro's better off catering to them than to us, if they'll bite.
Unless I missed a memo, plans still call for nothin' but Force Files for the forseeable future.
9
You'll have to excuse me on the next part as in the UK we appear to get a worse deal than the Canadians on availability of Star Wars figures generally, but I don't recall ever seeing this figure advertised in any trade magazines or specialist/comic shops. Do you know if it was a custom job, prototype or an exclusive?
A 12" scale Artoo with booze and a Action Fleet version have been made, but no official 4" scale figure (prototype or otherwise) has surfaced. So bet on a custom.
10
Also, how do the 12"-scale versions of R2 stack up?
I think the best sculpt of R2-D2 is the Power of the Jedi version (available now at finer stores everywhere. Except the UK and Canada until you give yourselves to the USA.) The figure doesn't do much, but he's missing the ugly eyeport, has a great sculpt, and has none of the labels that muck up the CommTech R2.
Favorite features? Probably the CommTech one, just because of simplicity-- lots of articulation and the li'l Leia. Cool stuff.
The 12" ones are all pretty much the same mold just barely changed, so it depends on what you want-- booze, tools, nothing, or a light.
FIN Toy Fair starts reeeeeaaaaaal soon kiddies, so stay tuned to Rebelscum for the latest developments on Star Wars toys and such. Considering how much stuff has leaked early, though, I'm not expecting to see much in the way of brand-spankerin' new goodies. But a few aspects of Simpsons are reportedly unreported (yes, that's what I meant to type) so who knows? |