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 Bi-Weekly Q&A Session, here's a handy guide to help you get all the info.
Don't forget to check
Rebelscum's Q&A Session as well!
From Action Figs: 1) From your Comic-Con slideshow image, it's impossible to tell, so what's the articulation like on the upcoming Legacy Collection ANH Obi-Wan Kenobi? Some fans fear it will be a repeat of the under-articulated VOTC Ben Kenobi. And might there be any way to release the TLC Obi-Wan's table accessory through alternate means, perhaps in a "Viewing of Leia's Hologram" battle pack with Obi-Wan's foot locker accessory, or maybe bribery & blackmail?
2) We're aware that Hasbro's license for Battlestar Galactica expires at the end of the year, and many collectors are saddened because the BSG ships are often highly thought of (and most are highly sought-after!). Might Hasbro pursue future BSG licenses? Has the BSG Titanium line been doing as strongly as hoped? How did it rate compared to Star Wars Titaniums? We've seen listings for the BSG Titanium Basestar, will this piece be released before the license is up, and will there be any other new BSG Titaniums released (like Hasbro's previously-mentioned Cylon Heavy Raider)?
3) While your Comic-Con display showed new Star Wars Transformers with Grievous' Starfighter, the TIE Bomber, and the V-19 Torrent (which didn't have the correct tag on it in the display unfortunately, and we've yet to see the vehicle mode - could we get a photo of that?) with their minifigs inside the cockpits, it appears the newly repackaged SWTFs have no minifigs at all. Have you guys really removed the minifig concept from the line, and if so, why? Doesn't that detract from the whole point of the Star Wars characters piloting mechs aspect? Will the minifigs displayed with the 3 new SWTF molds displayed at Comic-Con not be included with those sets?
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From Galactic Hunter: 1) Seriously, no joking here, how much fan noise do we have to make to get the "smiley faced" Luke Skywalker that was originally set for the Hasbro/Wal*Mart Droid Factory 2-packs? Some of us thought it was a refreshing change of pace in all honesty. We'd happily mail away for it!
2) Will the Force Unleashed Darth Vader be updated to reflect the character's "younger" look from the video game. (Fans love the older Darth Vader, but the younger version is more game-specific. It would be welcomed.)
3) If "The Team" at Hasbro had one wish for a big box toy under the tree this year, would it be the new Millennium Falcon or something newer like The Death Star?
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From Imperial Shipyards: 1) As I'm sure you are aware, there are a significant number of fans of the earlier Star Wars TV programs, such as the Holiday Special, Droids, Ewoks and the Ewok movies. Your response in various Q&A's has been that if any figures are ever to be made from these shows, that they would most likely have to be exclusives. That is very understandable, since the characters from these shows from the 70's and 80's may not be as familiar to younger collectors. Now if these could only work as exclusives, how about this for an idea: Make a 4 or 5 pack of figures, one figure from each of the above mentioned shows, possibly with the inclusion of the original Clone Wars, and sell them online at the Star Wars Shop. It could be like an 'Evolution of Star Wars on TV'. Maybe a collecting website (I know we would be more than happy to host such a poll!) or websites could run a poll for fans to select their top figure choices for each show. Sure, a set like this> wouldn't appeal to every single collector, but it would sure make each and every fan of these classic Star Wars shows very happy, plus it would be giving something to all of us nostalgic old-timers in one swoop! Please don't forget the fans of classic Star Wars TV!
2) Will we be getting a figure of General Whorm Loathsom in the Clone Wars line?
3) Although you have said you highly doubt Xandel Carivus Bodyguards seeing plastic, I was interested in your reply to a question on rebelscum that said...
"We feel the Crimson Empire storyline and its sequel, Crimson Empire II, written by Mike Richardson and Randy Stradley, is an exceptional, lasting storyline worthy of attention. CE not only tells a great "origin" story for the Royal Guards, explaining why they are supremely skilled and unfailingly loyal to the Emperor, but also introduces important and memorable characters in Kir Kanos, Carnor Jax, and Mirrith Sinn."
So my question is can we continue to see more figures from the Crimson Empire series, and if so will I finally see the light at the end of the tunnel to see Xandel's Bodyguards made?
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NEW: From Jedi Defender: 1) Any chance you could give the "ICMG Fan Club" at JediDefender an update on the staus of their beloved Willrow Hood? Any truth to the rumor that he'll share a body with the Rebel Tech in the Scramble at Yavin BP that was shown at SDCC?
2) rough the Q&As this year, we've had a few hints about the 2009 Return of the Jedi wave - new DS2 Luke, New Leia, New Ewok, New Malakili. They all sound great… but they are all resculpts (yes, most of those are badly needed resculpts, but they're still resculpts nonetheless). How about giving us a little scoop on a NEW figure in the wave? And will we finally see a modern version of Wooof (aka Jabba's Palace Klaatu) in this wave?
3) Since we didn't see anything announced on them at SDCC, I guess we'll have to ask - what's the deal with the three new deluxe figures that are popping up for pre-order at a few on-line shops: Deluxe Indy with Map Room, Deluxe Indy with Soul Trap, and Deluxe Indy with Rocket Sled. True or False?
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From Jedi Insider: 1) I was always a fan of your Action Fleet line; it provided scale models of most of the vehicles without all the work of painting and gluing a model. Is there any chance of bringing back the Action Fleet line, and if so is there any chance of getting re-releases of some of the later parts of the line, such as the Tie Defender and E-Wing that got very limited releases? Right now they go for over 150 dollars on Ebay.
I am very happy that the titanium line is starting to see releases of more Expanded Universe vehicles, a lot of fans do appreciate it. Especially the Tie Defender that is due out soon.
2) Yes, I've been debating about this thought and possibility for days. I was just wondering if there was a possibility of Clone Commanders from Episode III being developed into “The Clone Wars” line (i.e. Commander Gree, Commander Bly, etc.?) Because if the Commander Cody character is being developed into a Clone Wars character, wouldn't that mean others would be as well?
3) On the 'Disturbance at the Lars Homestead' playset that debuted at Comic-Con, is there some other way to access the inside of the house part of the set other then the front door entrance? And is there anything inside the house like a table for Luke and company to sit and discuss things like going off to the academy or staying and working another season on the farm?
Also any plans to offer charred figure versions of Uncle Owen and Aunt Beru. So people can re-create the scene from ANH where Luke returns home to find he's been visited by Imperial Stormtroopers?
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NEW: From JediNews.co.uk: 1) This question comes in two parts... a) The '1st Day of Issue' figures don't appear to have made it to the UK; can we assume then, that we won't be getting them since the implied first day of issue has now passed? b) Were the '1st Day of Issue' only for wave 1 of The Legacy Collection, The Clone Wars and the Greatest Hits repacks or will we be seeing them for subsequent waves?
2) So the Sarlacc pit isn't a playset... it's an Ultimate Battle Pack. Might we be getting similar playsets, I mean, Ultimate Battle Packs in the future? :-) Also, will this be coming over to the UK (along with last year's Ultimate Battle Packs that we missed out on)?
3) The Galactic Heroes are getting a lot of love at the moment, especially the upcoming vehicles - Darth's Vader TIE Fighter is enormous! Seeing as we're getting a Snowspeeder soon and we've already had at AT-AT Driver and Commander, will we be seeing an AT-AT to complete the scene anytime soon?
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From Jedi Temple Archives: 1) In previous Q&A sessions we saw confirmation that an Obi-Wan Kenobi Evolutions 3-pack had been in development, but the set was split up and the Obi-Wan figures were to be divided out into the Basic Figure line. We saw the EPISODE 4 version in the San Diego Comic Con presentation, and would appreciate any further updates or imagery on that figure. But what can you tell us about the other two Obi-Wans from that Evoltions set? When might we expect them, and is a sneak peek a possibility?
2) The Millenium Falcon passengers Battle Pack looks like a great way for both kids and collectors to enjoy the new BMF Millenium Falcon. The addition of the oxygen masks, blast shield helmet and cargo containers is icing on the cake. But what about some of the other major players in the Millenium Falcon? Some obvious characters come to mind that would go great with our new Falcons, such as a Bespin Han Solo, Princess Leia in Hoth gear, and Nien Nunb. Is there any chance that we'll see updated versions of any of these three characters in the near future by way of the Basic Figure line?
3) We asked in a previous Q&A session about the Clone Wars era Y-Wing, and Hasbro's response seems to have been pretty positive. Since that session, the DK reference book STAR WARS: THE CLONE WARS - THE VISUAL GUIDE has been released and shows Anakin and Ahsoka in some intense action in a Y-Wing. Does this give the Clone Wars Y-Wing a better shot at being in next year's vehicle lineup? And if it comes to pass, how about a functional droid socket?
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From Raving Toy Maniac: 1) Now that we have a good SA Tie Pilot mold will we finally get a basic carded SA Tie Pilot?
2) An Astromech Droid question... After waiting over half a decade for a better R2-B1, many fans were very disappointed with the way the 2007 TAC R2-B1 came out. While he utilizes a superior body to the original version, the dome paint came out terrible. His dome is a dull, slightly purple, flat gray-colored plastic that doesn't look good and is out of place with every other astromech droid; the movie version had a silver metal dome only slightly duller than the average R2-D2 figure's (such as the silver paint on TAC #04 R2-D2, or R2-KT). Was the deco on the R2-B1 figure done so oddly on purpose, and if so, why? Is there any chance that we will ever get a better R2-B1 with a more metal-looking dome, perhaps as a build-a-droid?
3) Will there ever be a Galactic Heroes Jango Fett with removable helmet?
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From Sandtroopers.com: 1) In every Hasbro Q&A I have seen, every site complains about wanting more playsets, more playsets, MORE PLAYSETS!! Now the Sarlacc Pit and the Lars Homestead playsets are coming out and most people are underwhelmed by these offerings. To be honest, they're rather lame and have very high price tags. What kind of marketing research was done for these playsets? I really don't see the Lars Homestead set as being a good seller at all. Shouldn't playsets be based on scenes of major action in the movies therefore making it an exciting piece that children as well as collectors would want to buy? The Lars Homestead is not. Our fear is that these are test items. So my question comes down to this - If the Sarlacc Pit and Lars Homestead playsets don't sell well, will we see a further turning away from Hasbro manufacturing playsets?
2) On every single galactic marine I have cannot stand straight without me fiddling with it for 5 minutes. How was this able to get past product testing, or does Hasbro even test it's product?
3) I appreciate that the sculpting and articulation in the modern figures is improving so dramatically, however swivel elbows are still a problem. My son purely hates them because they pop apart so easily whenever you attempt to pose the figure during play, especially with a lightsaber weilding figure. On the forums I hear constant complaints about the swivel elbows. Has Hasbro not realized that this is a problem?
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NEW: From Snowtroopers.ca: 1) Has Hasbro given any consideration to creating downloadable PDF files of their sticker sheets, similar to those available for the instructions sheets?
2) Are there any plans for Clone Wars themed army builder sets, available online or otherwise?
3) Has a date been finalized for when HasbroToyShop.com will start shipping to Canada?
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From Sir Steve's Guide: 1) Many folks feel the big Millennium Falcon to be a true masterpiece in Star Wars toys, but speaking with the designer at Comic-Con, one of the things learned was that the original design for the toy was even bigger than what we got before budgetary realities found its current size. Were there arguments about what features could be packed into the final version? Did Lucasfilm have any specific requests of ideas to do or not to do? What features were on the bubble and barely made the cut? What features (beyond voice recordings, as we know Leia and Lando didn't make the final results there, along with about 40 more minutes of "vital" Falcon dialogue that was originally considered), if any, didn't make the final cut?
2) Back in November of '06, you answered a question about the canceled Yavin Accessory set and its Rebel ground crew tech by saying that you liked him but he wasn't exciting enough to do at the time. Now with the Scramble on Yavin battle pack, you have a new, much better version of that Ground Tech coming out, but the original pack's ladder, crates, lights, and direction baton accessories are still missing in action. Those accessories seem like they'd fit perfectly with this new "Scramble" battle pack, but alas no. Did you make molds for those accessories, and if so, could you run them and find a way to get those awesome and much-desired accessories into fans' collections in the near future?
3) In the event that Hasbro collaborates with ToyFare Magazine or another outlet on a new open-entry official Fans' Choice poll, could you provide the voters a short list of characters that Hasbro absolutely cannot do - such as the Tonnikas - to ensure that the poll results are as useful as possible rather than having unusable entries? Hypothetically, if you were to do that, what characters might go on that list?
4) Follow up from the last round, the Y-wing Droid Slot Q&A exchange (see the previous round below -JT) left us a little confused as the bomb-dropping gimmick has been on that toy since its inception in the Kenner ROTJ line when it had the aforementioned droid slot, and were hoping to get clarification on what happened here...
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NEW: From Star Wars Action News: 1) From what we saw in the SW presentation at SDCC, there is a new Luke Stormtrooper (along with a Han Stormtrooper) scheduled as part of the Legacy Collection for 1/15/09. Is there any possibility we might see a dianoga accessory included with the Luke Stormtrooper figure? The last dianoga we saw, other than the original vintage green rubber figure in the Death Star Playset, was a two-piece dianoga - each piece of which came with the Death Star Trash Compactor Playset/Screen Scene from the 2002 Saga line. Perhaps have one piece come with Luke and the other piece come with Han?
2) We noticed on the Galactic Hero Jedi Starfighter set, as is typical with these large sets, along the back of the box are cartoon pictures of the figures/beasts/vehicles included. One of the pictures on this set is of a Battle Droid. Also, on top of the box where it list the names of the figures/beasts/vehicles included are the words Battle Droid. But when the pack was opened, there is no Battle Droid. I know it wasn't just mine that didn't have the droid as none of the boxes on the shelf did, nor is there a designated place for one in the pack. I know how sometimes colors can change from pictures on the box to what the actual product looks like...but this pack is missing a whole figure that is advertised to be included. Should we return this set and wait for a new, complete version to be released?
3) Several of the paint jobs for the build-a-droids are not movie accurate (such as R4-P17 and R3-T2) will there be any running changes to correct this? If not, how about future releases?
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From The Private Universe: 1) If retail stores down the line decide to discontinue ordering Indiana Jones Figures, what would the chances be of Hasbro continuing to offer new Indiana Jones figures through various On line stores, such as Hasbro Toy Shop, Entertainment Earth, etc? I know that collectors would most definitely continue to support this line and if you already had new figures sculpted (but not released) it would be such a shame for it to go to waste! We would LOVE for this line to go on as long as possible! Keep up the great work!
2) So now we have seen that a Queen Organa figure is being released, along with the previously confirmed Willrow Hood, when will Cliegg Lars, Prequal Owen and Beru finally see the day of light? They had way more screen time then the Queen and Hood and are pretty important characters.
3) With the success of the new Build A Droid parts coming with figures, is it possible that an actual Droid Factory playset, much like the one in the vintage line, could be made giving various parts to make Astromech Droids and other droids. It would be popular with collectors and children as it would allow customising potential and playability.
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From SW Collector: 1) We pretty much now know the bulk of the figures and vehicles being released in 2008 and early-2009. Fans suggesting figure ideas now would have to wait until late-2009 or even 2010 to see them on the shelves. In a fantasy world where all deadlines are met, what's the fastest you can possibly take a brand new figure from design to prototype to production to store shelves?
2) Looking at the pictures from SDCC of the Infinities #3/4 Leia and Vader Comic Pack, although we never see his lightsaber ignited in the comic, wouldn't it seem more likely that an all-white armored, redeemed Vader would also change his lightsaber blade's color from red to, say, Anakin's original blue?
3) Some other STAR WARS licensees ran with the look of the CLONE WARS micro-series and created animation-style designs of Original Trilogy characters. Has Hasbro considered applying the new, CGI-animation style of THE CLONE WARS to figures of Luke, Princess Leia, or Darth Vader?
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From TheJawa.com:1) Any chance that the forthcoming SA eps2 Obi-Wan will have two heads (one with normal hair, another with the "wet hair" look from his outdoor Kamino scenes) that we can choose from?
2) Even on the many rumor lists that I've seen online, there's been no hint of Hasbro giving us a new fully SA Princess Leia from ANH. Given we still haven't gotten the definitive ANH Leia yet (though the VotC one is decent, but my vintage Kenner Leia still remains the best overall especially because of the great face sculpt) will she be coming soon?
3) If Hasbro made a Torryn Farr figure, is there any chance she might come packed with a large set piece (similar to Torture Rack Han and Vaporator Luke). Obviously the hope would be for her to sit down at her Ion Cannon control station and issue out orders to fire the cannon.
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From Yakface: 1) Some collectors, after initially swearing off the Clone Wars line, have started to come around to really like the figures once seeing them in person and now they want them all - including the mailaway Captain Rex. Since the TAC line assortments are all but dead, is there a way to mail off for the Rex using the UPC codes from the Animated Clone Wars (84638 asst.) figures instead?
2) I, like many, was sad to hear that the tables that are pictured with 2009 ANH Kenobi and Brainiac will not be included, everyone was very excited when we saw these tables they're brilliant and are the type of pack-ins we love! Is there anyway you could rethink putting the tables back in? Also, do you have a breakdown of which figures will include which B.A.D. (R2-N5 and R5-A2 astromechs) part for this wave?
3) First off, thank you for revisiting the playset/environment segment in 2008/2009. Many collectors have questions regarding the Lars Homestead. What functionality does the homestead itself have? What level of detail does it have on the interior - table/seating? Is the dome removable to place figures inside? Are there foot pegs to aid in the posing of a couple of those unstable POTF2 era pack-in figures. Is a re-release a possibility with an EII era Beru, Lars with Anakin and Lars Homestead Padme (from 2003)?
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From Yoda's News: 1) Have sales of the AT-TE and new Falcon been strong enough that we can expect more large vehicles and/or play sets in the near future?
2) When can we expect more Greatest Hits figures? Who will they be and what waves will we find them in?
3) The Stocking Stuffer Galactic Heroes sets look fantastic! Any thoughts to bringing back the Holiday Edition figures for the 3 3/4 inch line? And Can we expect to see some Deluxe figures soon from the Clone Wars line? This seems like the perfect line to bring them back!
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INDIANA JONES Questions
From Cool Toy Review: 1) Hasbro, the overabundance of figures on the pegs (especially Mutt Williams, either version,) and your relatively small display of figures at Comic Con, fears have popped up that the line is dying, and dying fast. We know that there is another Club Obi-Wan themed wave coming, could you maybe reveal that wave or at least not an Indy figure from it? Anything you can do to quell fears of premature death for the line.
2) If, hypothetically, you were to make the Rocket Sled from KOTCS, what price point would you place it in and what figures or features would it include? I would love to see this "vehicle" in the 20 dollar assortment with some track and maybe some spring loaded ejecting seats!
3) With all the deluxe figure sets we've had for the first two waves (Raiders and Crystal Skull), why are there no deluxe figure assortments to accompany the Last Crusade and Temple of Doom waves? Sure, we have the German motorcycle and rider, which is a STUNNING set at that, but the Indy/Henry Jones Sr. motorcycle and sidecar sets are sorely missing to complete that great action sequence. Also, Indy on the stallion seems like a given since the horse tooling already exists.
For the Temple of Doom wave, fans have been clamoring for the mine cars for years. Not only is the tooling minimal, but it could also be used twice to cover both the hero and villain deluxe figure sets. A Thuggee sacrificial pit cage with Willie Scott also seems like a natural fit for this assortment.
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From Indiana Jones Collectors: 1) First a quick follow up to the one of our questions from last session if we can. The question was asked about a Marcus Brody action figure. The response was "It is unlikely we will do a Marcus Brody figure". Did you mean for next year or did you mean ever? And if so, is there a "list" of the characters that won't be made?
2) Can we expect a 3.75" Belloq in white suit and Panama hat or a 3.75" Toht and German Mechanic in 2009?
3) Weeks ago you confirmed you confirmed that an Ark Ghost was coming in a deluxe set next year. Last Q&A session you changed your answer to no Ark Ghost was planned. Can you please clarify?
4) What is the status of the Dietrich figure that was confirmed months ago in a Q&A? He was missing from the new Raiders wave announced at Comic Con.
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From Toy News International: 1) Are we going to get a Young Indiana Jones (Sean Patrick Flannery) figure from the TV show?
2) Are the deluxe figures going to continue into 2009? Or will the lack of support from a new movie end this line? Thanks.
3) We got our first glimpse of the Toht figure and its variant at SDCC. Will it be released in equal numbers as the regular figure, or is this similar to a chase variant where it will be limited to something like one per case? In other words, how hard will this version be to find for collectors?
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From Well of the Souls: 1) Since the Indiana Jones Temple of Doom wave of figures should be hitting retail around the time that the mail-away offer for the Crystal Skeleton figure expires, will the mail-away offer be extended to allow for the lateness of that wave relative to the offer? Many of us plan to army-build from this wave and would like more crystal skeletons!
2) Will you be making an Ark Ghost in the 3.75 inch lineup?
3) Do you remain confident about and committed to the long term success of the line? It would be very unfortunate if poor planning helped speed the line to a premature end. The products themselves are consistently terrific and the overwhelming majority of collectors are very happy with the actual figures, just not with availability and distribution. What steps is Hasbro taking to ensure the future viability of the line?
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