So many questions, so little space... Many other
Star Wars collecting sites also submitted questions you need answered, so if you want to know the latest answers from this week's Hasbro
Star Wars Weekly Q&A Session, here's a handy guide to help you get all the info.
From Action Figs: 1) You were recently quoted as saying that in the 2007 basic figure line, the "alien slots" for that year were already full. Could you tell us what these various slots are (possibly something like "core character slot", "imperial character slot", "droid slot") and how many of each would be in that group? If not exact numbers, how about by approximated percentages?
2) Any plans for releasing the Geonosian Cannon that was on Display with the Arena playset during Toy Fair in 2002? With all of the Clones and Jedi in the arena it'd be nice to give the Sepratists some firepower.
3) Although we have what many consider to be the definitive ROTS Obi-Wan figure in the super articulated Obi-Wan Pilot figure, we still lack super articulated versions of Obi-Wan from TPM and AOTC (both of which also need better head sculpts), what about either/both versions of that?
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From FFURG.com: 1) Early in the POTF2 line, Hasbro included extra guns and accessories for, as you've mentioned before, additional playability. Figures like Grand Moff Tarkin used to be great for customizers who would get an extra stormtrooper blaster to arm their customs. Where did these extra accessories go in the modern line today? Please bring them back!
2) We've seen a few answers in the Q&A recently, both at FFURG.com and other sites, that mention tooling costs. What emphasis during pre-production is placed on the ability to re-use some existing molds to create a new figure? Does the re-use of some molds/parts allow for you to have additional accessories, paint apps, or articulation that we might not see if a character is "all-new"?
3) Has any thought been given to creating more realistic battle damage to vehicles and ships? Many customizers have placed dents and holes in pre-existing parts of vehicles/ships to add to the lived-in, worn-down feel of George Lucas' universe. Getting an updated Battle Damaged TIE Fighter to round out the vintage TIEs would be great, wouldn't it?
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From Galactic Hunter: 1) Is there any toy in the 3¾" line, that you regret making or releasing? My thoughts go to the Cruise Missle Trooper. I know Kenner was responsible for that, but what would you say is the most regrettable toy in the line?
2) There were some mixed signals at Comic-Con on this one. Will 2007 3¾" Battle Packs come in the new concave packaging similar to the upcoming Galactic Heroes Cinema Scenes Assortment?
3) Is the Wal*Mart exclusive wave from The Saga Collection going to come and go as quickly as the Separation of the Twins sets did? Is there a possibility of this wave being offered elsewhere once Wal*Mart is finished with it?
4) ...and I've been reminded by the forum-dwellers that no one ever got back to us about whether or not the Titanium General Grievous is properly scaled (i.e. taller) than basic figures?
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From Jedi Defender: 1) The plain white Clone Trooper from Attack of the Clones hasn't seen retailer shelves a whole lot lately, but it seems like the kind of army builder that should see a regular rotation in the basic figure line. Is the Super Articulated format of this figure due out at retail again in the near future? We know that the Green AOTC Sergeant is on his way this Fall of course, but I'm sure many out there would love more of the AOTC grunts for our armies.
2) Were the scene specific bases that came with some of the 2002/03 Saga figures or the 2004 OTC Dagobah figures designed with anything specific in mind? It seems like they were designed to be a part of something larger as most of them look like they could connect with something else.
3) In an answer last week, you said you were planning 9 waves for 2007. Will there be a specific "Expanded Universe" wave or will the EU figures continue to be peppered into the movie themed waves they were this year? And since you can't talk about specific 2007 figures yet, can you at least give us a hint on the themes for those 9 waves?
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From POTF2.com: 1) What does the Blue Sticker and "A" on the datestamp of recent case assortments mean?
2) The Collection numbers are noticeably absent from TSC line. Will we see them return, or are they gone forever?
3) Why do some bubble changes exist? They don't seem to have any effect on the stability of the figure or any cosmetic/noticeable effect.
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From Sandtroopers.com: 1) Why did you release an Official Star Wars Figure Protector Case and advertise the use of it with the current Saga line, illustrated in its instruction flyer that comes with the cases, if it pinches the top of the current Saga line cards, thus damaging the collectable? I can only assume this was an oversight in marketing or in design. Is this something that will be corrected soon?
2) Why does it seem with the re-release of the Boba Fett and Greivous Unleashed and the New Dagaboh X-Wing we are paying for the packaging and assembly? Sure the Unleashed look really cool displayed as the figures are actually in full display mode, but just a few years ago these were released in standard packaging and we had to put the figures onto each base/stand for $5-$6 dollars cheaper.
3) The Galactic Hunt promotion for this year was immensely popular, especially the Silver-Foil figures. However, they seem to have vanished off the radar. Does Hasbro plan to do a similar promotion later this year or next? Perhaps a Gold Foil carded chase figure set?
4) For decades, Hasbro/Kenner had made small, EU type vehicles for Star Wars characters. From the MTV-7 and the likes from the Vintage lines to Obi-Wan Kenobi-s scout sub from Episode 1. Do these sell well enough to think on making more of these, or are there already plans to make something of this nature?
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From Sir Steve's Guide: 1) Recently you were quoted as saying that Hasbro had subcontracted the 12" figures to Sideshow as the smaller business model allowed them to manufacture collector-quality 12" figures in a more cost effective manner. Given the rabid fan base the 7" Unleashed line has generated among collectors, and Hasbro's struggles to generate a profit on this line, is there any chance that a similar arrangement could be considered for future Unleashed offerings, whether it be Sideshow or another smaller company?
2) Given that Ewoks are well-known, somewhat popular (especially with kids), sell fairly well, and were a deciding factor in the final battle of the Star Wars saga, why have the Ewoks been so short-changed in the modern action figure line (8 figures, 3 of which were inaccurate Wicket repaints, in 11 years)? And, are there any plans to correct this in the future?
3) Titanium Series 3" Vehicle collectors are concerned over the packaging which, while quite attractive and eye-catching, has trouble with the J-hook being easily damaged and the bubble being very difficult to open. How did this unusual packaging design come about in the first place, and is there any plan to make it stronger and easier to open? (If not, please consider doing so, thank you.)
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NEW: From Star Wars Action News: 1) In Tuesday's Q&A you mentioned how you partnered with Sideshow for the 12" line of figures. Is Hasbro happy at the way Sideshow has handled the 12" line, and if it remains as successful as it has been can we look forward to more great Sideshow 12" dolls for many years to come?
2) Recently we have been noticing a reduction in Star Wars product line offerings from Hasbro, with the most recent removal being the Deluxe Titanium vehicle collection. Are there any new lines being planned for 2007 and, if so, are any vehicle specific as the Titanium vehicles were?
3) Hasbro has repeatedly said that there are no immediate plans for new playsets. Barring new playsets, some collectors and diorama builders were wondering if Hasbro has any plans for diorama-friendly items, such as you did for the last few deluxe figures like the Wampa cave, ewok glider, escape pod, and the bacta tank! For example, the turret from the battle on Hoth would be a good addition to the objects previously released.
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From SW Collector: 1) What are the chances of ever getting a Z-95 Headhunter in the Starfighter line?
2) Is there any word on when the Target-exclusive Imperial Shuttle will be out on shelves? The product's DPCI# is 087-06-0483 and it's saying its $59.99.
3) We had a great year for astromechs in 2006, but none have yet been announced for 2007. What are the chances for some new OT astrodroids next year - especially ANH ones such as R5-A2, R5-K6, and R3-O1 to coincide with the 30th anniversary?
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From The Jawa: 1) Will you be using the TSC Endor C-3PO mold (including all the articulation) for any future protocol droids that you release?
2) Will the R2-D2 that's being released next year that's using the R4-G9's mold come with a Trade Federation Crusier, the Invisible Hand hologram that attaches to Artoo's dome?
3) We already know that the entire line for 2007 is being called the 30th Anniversary line, but can collectors expect offerings that are similar to the 25th Anniversary 2-packs we got in 2002?
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From Yakface: 1) Dear Hasbro, In a recent Q&A response, you said that most of the figures from the cancelled TSC Battle of Yavin wave will be released in 2007. Does that include the Death Star Trooper? If so, will this be a newly-sculpted version or just a re-release of the POTF figure?
2) How about one good playset in 2007. Please Hasbro.
3) I've heard rumours about a 3 3/4 scale Sith Infiltrator? First of all, is it true? And secondly will it be scaled like the 'real' ship [ideally with space for a couple of probe droids and a Sith speeder or is it going to be a modified TIE fighter with room for one pilot?
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