Questions for August 7, 2004
Q&A Archive

No time for small talk, got the barbeque fired up and the margaritas mixin’, but here’s the latest edition of Question Mark for your weekend reading pleasure. Some of you may recognize having sent these questions in awhile ago, this is actually the first of the ‘mail bag’ editions I spoke of last time. I’ve got about three of these in process right now and hope to get completely caught up on all my mail in due time. Look for another all new update Monday, and by all means please keep those cards and letter comin’. Have a great weekend!

On with the show:

1
Is the new model of the Falcon by LEGO going to be released in retail stores or is it just going to be offered through LEGO Direct? -Brad

I found a couple of them at my local Target (So. California) the other day, so yes it looks like this will be a retail item as well.


2
I was at a sports card store the other day and saw 3 vintage carded figures hanging on the wall. One of the figures happened to be a Boba Fett 77 back (I believe it was) unpunched card. The owner said it is one of a very few in existence. From what I could from seeing it on the wall, it looked to be very close to mint. Asking price is $1700. Since the owner said there are very few of these in existence, could it be a fake? -masterjay

Without seeing it first hand or at least having a few pictures to examine, it’s hard to say whether it’s a fake or not. Just because it’s rare, and an unpunched 77 back Fett certainly fits that bill, it doesn’t necessarily send up any red flags. Considering the guy runs what I assume to be respectable card shop and has been in business for a while, the odds increase that it’s legit. If you had been offered the figure buy someone selling it out of his truck or at a flea market, it would be a little more suspect, but that’s not the case. If I were you I’d talk to the guy about the possibility of getting it authenticated, or at the very least having a few pictures taken to send for advice. At that price, unless the money is burning a hole in your pocket, I’d think you’re well with your rights to expect some cooperation from the seller.


3
First off I would like to say, Horay Hasbro! I have really been enjoying the new figures that they have put out recently. I must admit that I am not thrilled with the HOF line, but there are some nice looking figures in there (MMC C-3PO, Vader, Stormtrooper w/o BD). I am a variation hunter and do enjoy that aspect of collecting, 805 carded figures and counting. I was not too happy to buy the new HOF w/ the black bases in them. And by the way, so far I have found Vader, Maul, Luke, Leia, Han, and 3PO, leaving only R2 to find w/ the black stands. And I am not happy that some of the same HOF figures are getting the OTC treatment, but I can guarantee you that I will get them all! I love collecting these damn little guys and will keep it up until the end. I feel bad that everyone does not live up here in the Great NW, I have one chief competitor to deal with. I have been able to find just about everything since '95. I have thought about helping out my fellow collectors by buying the pieces I find here that they cant find. I figure this would help both of us, it would clear the pegs for new figures and it would get them what they want. Well enough of that for now!

My question is this, with Hasbro having the rights to produce Star Wars until 2023, I think, how long do you truly think they will continue to produce figures? I know it depends on how long the support is there, but I ask in your opinion. I would continue to buy new figures for as long as they were affordable and they continued the quality that we have today. I would imagine there are at least 20,000 more out there like me. Do you think this is enough to warrant Hasbro to continue the line, even if in a diminished production? Do you think, with some recent comments pointing toward the possibility, that we will see an expanded (longer) version of the Clone Wars cartoon or maybe a new cartoon altogether? How about a live action series? I think with a bit of a harder edge to it, like Buffy or Smallville, this would be an excelent idea. All you need to do is follow a Master and Padawan around as they encounter different situations on different worlds. Make it good enough to appeal to the mass market and not just the geeks and I feel this would be a gold mine and a way to keep the franchise alive. Thanks for hearing me out and I always look forward to your newest edition of Question Mark!

The future of Hasbro’s Star Wars line will depend greatly on two things: fan/collector interest, and how Lucasfilm plans to support the franchise. There was a lot of talk about the future of Star Wars in San Diego. One prevailing theme to most of the comments from official LFL spokesmen was, Star Wars is forever. While I don’t think they even know exactly what will come next; they do seem sure another big screen movie is out. Still, the door is very much open for more animated adventures or a live action television series in addition to the comic, novels, and video games. If the toy line has that kind of support, I’m sure Hasbro will have no a problem continuing production for many many years. I don’t think we should expect to see the same volume as we do in a movie year, but a consistent flow of product along the lines of what we usually find in a non-movie year is not beyond the realm of possibility. Aside from that, it will be up to Hasbro to keep the line fresh if they want to keep things going. Judging by what they did in the first part of this year, I believe they understand that now. Prior to OTC we saw several new characters added to the line, as well as more than a couple old favorites that hadn’t seen plastic since the vintage days. Saga ’04 was a very good mix, direct in scope, and seemed very well received by both fans and retail; Hasbro could produce that kind of line for as long as they like in my opinion.


4
I recently got a Yoda collectible bust, it looks exactly like the one pictured on your site but it does not have the certificate of authenticity and the number on the bottom is ps/50. Is this worthless or what? -erik

Sounds to me like you may have ended up with a promotional sample (PS ?) and seeing as there should be far fewer of those floating around than the standard numbered busts, it should be worth more. How much more is anyone guess, I usually don’t got there, but sales on other limited run versions (like Artist Proofs) usually fetch a higher price. If I were you I’d keep an eye out for Star Wars related price guides, I think Toy Fair magazine was putting out an issue with Gentle Giants prices some time soon. Other than that, see what you can learn from eBay, I don’t recall seeing any AP or PS Yoda mini-bust auctions, but you never know what might turn up there…


5
Hey! Now that the "Official" OTC basic list for ' 04 is out, it begs a few questions.

1. The Luke Bespin figure is clearly the Luke Bespin Duel mold, but it looks like it doesn't have the "Battle damage" paint application. The picture was too small to tell for sure. Any word on if this will be a "Clean" version?

2. Is that a POTF 2 Snowtrooper? And if so, why use that when you have the SAGA version that is so much better?

3. I have been searching for some sort of release schedule for the OTC basic waves with no luck. I would like to know so that I can plan/budget accordingly. I think the Bespin wave is set for June, but what about after that? Will it be a new wave monthly until the end of the year? -Anthony

OTC Bespin Luke: Yep, it’s a clean version.

OTC Snowtrooper: Nope, it’s not the POTF2 version; it is in fact the Saga version re-carded with the same accessories.

OTC release schedule: I’ll see what I can do about a more defined schedule, but it looks like line will be released one or two cases a month until at least November. Of course, depending on how quickly retail can get these cases out to the individual stores, we may not see them until December/January. My advice, keep checking the latest case updates from sites like Entertainment Earth, and you should be able to plan your attack. Good luck!


6
My main question for Hasbro is this...will we ever get a better R5-D4 than that rocket firing piece of crud? I've customized three R5 units so far using modern bodies and vintage heads. You'd think that as popular as droids are, they would have fixed this by now. We got an R3, an R4, and even an R1...and more R2 units that we can count! Why not R5? -Chris Campbell (SandtrooperElite)

Hello I would just like to know if they are going to make a R5-D4 droid .

By channeling the Great Spirits, I predict they will make a proper R5-D4, and I can tell you now they will release it in 2006. Actually I can’t tell you that, but I can tell you I will e-mail them everyday telling them that I told you that and that they can’t make me into a liar and not release it since I told you they would. Actually, I can’t do that either because they would probably just block all my e-mails after a week, maybe sooner. Honestly, they came close to releasing an R5-D4 back in 2002, but changed it up in order to offer something totally new, and probably because of the Star Tours R5. I have to think it is on the list, and I honestly think 2006 looks good for this, but we’ll just have to wait and see. I’ll ask them about it next chance I get, but if you want to make your case directly to Hasbro, email customer service and ask them to forward it to the Star Wars Team.


7
I just read your Q&A...Regarding the Jedi Counsel sets, who are Chema and Sta Sta?

Probably fake names that somebody threw out there to confuse and perplex us collectors… On occasion Hasbro will abbreviate or substitute names on certain products prior to the product/packaging details being finalized. In this case I think these were names that made it onto retail product list and we (the collector community) just stumbled across them. In the end the actual figures turned out to be Agen Kolar and Stass Ali from Jedi High Council sets 3 and 4. Hope that helps.


8
With continuing rumors of the TRU 4-packs, so far I’ve heard of two coming out and I have a question for each.

The Battle of Endor set- I heard it’s coming with a speeder bike. Is the biker scout that is included in the set being resculpted so it can sit on it?

The Battle for Naboo set- This is the first TPM related item since ’03’s Maul reissue! What package design will be used? Will it be a Saga type design? If it will be in the same package as the useless Jedi set, it will be the last Saga item released!

Also, are you as frustrated with the Han Solo figures as I am? We DESPERATELY need a new Carbonite Han and a new Han with camouflage trench coat! The last Han was a HUGE disappointment! –Zuckuss, da Gand

Battle of Endor: Turns out a resculpted POTJ Scout Trooper (and more accurate Saga Speeder Bike) was just too much to hope for. I mean why would Hasbro Direct (or should I say the department formerly known as Hasbro Direct) go to all that trouble when they have a perfectly good version from the POTF2 line? Yes, I am being facetious.

Battle of Naboo: This set, as seen in San Diego, will feature a simple black and silver package – similar to the OTC line – without the OTC logo.

Han Solo figures: As long as they space them out, I have no problem with Hasbro continuing to update the Han Solo collection. Frankly, I’d like to see a real kick a** Han Carbonite with lights, a clear pedestal stand, and alcove from Jabba’s Palace. You can forget the actual figure if you have to, but I wanna be able to display the “Slab Solo” as Fett escorts him to Slave 1, and/or on display in Jabba’s hall. As for Han Endor, I’m all for a soft goods version, just don’t give me more that two Hans in one year…


9
I recently have given up collecting 3¾” SW figures; it was after I saw the 12" Gamorrean Guard. Well anyway I have got my 12" Jabba’s Main Audience chambers underway, and have customized a 12" Jabba. All I need is the Max Rebo Band and Ree-Yees. I’ve heard rumors and seen prototypes, but we just keep getting remakes and I’ve heard the line is coming to an end due to poor sales or something (and after looking at some of the new head sculpts who can blame em). The other one I need but don’t want to pay on eBay for is the 12" Scout trooper. I want one of these guys, but never got a chance to get em. Yet there always seems to be plenty on eBay (thanks jerks), is there going to be a re-release scout trooper? Are there any plans for that? I saw on starwars.com he is offered in a case assortment, but I’d like to get my scout trooper without paying $50 to $100. He is cool, but even I don’t think he is $50 -$100 cool. -Scarrack

The Rebo Band has been rumored as a 12” exclusive for the last couple years, of course it’s never gone beyond that stage. I don’t recall there being any mention of a Ree-Yees 12” (may have missed that one) but likewise it’s never been released. While both of these sound like excellent choices for the 12” line, it’s impossible to say if either will ever be made. I asked Hasbro about the 12” line at Comic Con this year; basically the line works best for them in a movie year, not so well in an off year. Oddly enough, the chances of getting Prequel figures in the 12” line are actually better than getting Trilogy figures. Unfortunately the Trilogy figures we do get seem to be more of the same for the most part. Of the last few assortments, the majority of the characters released have all been released previously in one form or another. While Hasbro insists these are the figures that sell, collectors moan about the lack fresh characters. The line has gotten stale, and the number of figures offered per year has been reduced. It’s hard to say exactly what the problem with the line is; poor sales or poor selection, but it’s clear there’s trouble there. For now we’ll just have to see how the line plays out, it sounds like Hasbro has plans for the line in 2005 so who knows. If the line does well, maybe Hasbro will follow it up with some new Trilogy characters, and hopefully breath new life into the collection.

One of the ‘other’ problems plaguing the 12” line is distribution. As it stands, Toys ‘R’ Us and on-line specialty sites are about the only places you can find the 12” figures offered anymore. Both Target and Wal-Mart (at least in my area) no longer have shelf space dedicated to the line. Take that into account, add sluggish sales, overstock, and what you end up with is a situation that keeps the new figures out of site. To this day I’ve yet to see the 12” Scout Trooper wave at retail. Strike that, I think I spotted one or two Jedi Luke’s on two separate occasions, but that’s about it. I’m still looking for the two figures in that case that were short packed (Scout Trooper and Ewoks), but who knows if I’ll ever find them. Judging by the way it’s gone with other 12” assortments, I have to think more cases will eventually make their way to the shelf, but that may just end up being wishful thinking. So far no additional assortments have been announced that contain the Scout Trooper, but that doesn’t mean it will never happen. If I were you I’d wait for it to show up at retail, or the price to drop on eBay, buying a case just for the one figure seems like such a waste – though if you do, I’ll take the Ewoks. Good luck!

10
Do you know if the OTC figures are going to come with the stands that hold them up? I already know the Dagobah ones do. -Bryan K.

I was looking at the OTC lineup from the Hasbro site. Do you know why each figure has a blue box with a number versus a red box with a number next to their name? -Bryan K. Day

OTC Stands: From the looks of it all the OTC figures will come with a stand.

Blue/Red number code: The colored boxes identify figures with their affiliation, Blue for Rebel Alliance – Red for Galactic Empire. It appears to be based on the color of lightsaber used by either side; blue for good guys, red for bad guys.

11
I was going to write in about that hole on Rappertunies butt, but forgot to. Another funny, quirky thing to look for is on the Padme Amidala Secret Ceremony figure. Look up her dress and you will find she is wearing a garter belt around one leg, just like in most wedding dresses.

I do have a question or two for you though. If Hasbro says that it didn't have enough time in advance to prepare new figures for the release of the movies on DVD, then what the fart do they call the new-vintage line they're coming out with? It looks like those figures would take a lot longer to manufacturer than a basic figure.

If fans are always so hungry for a new EU figure, why can't Hasbro offer us a poll every few months like the fans choice thing for a new EU figure?

I think if they were going to rerelease 38 figures from the past for the OTC line, they could've picked better ones. Instead of some of the characters coming out, why couldn't they have used Princess Leia Commtech version, Han Solo POTJ Death Star Escape, Admiral Motti, R2-D2 With Holo Leia, Jorg Sacul, 4-LOM, Zuckuss, EPHANT MON, J'Quille, Tanus Spijek, etc.
Give the collectors back the figures we never found! I hope they at least put a little snow deco on the Hoth Vader. -RollaJedi

I would assume the Vintage line was already in some stage of development when word came down about the DVD’s. While it may seem like they had time to prepare for that line, it probably would have been too much to ask for both that and a full line of basic figures. Keep in mind to that once the announcement was made on the Trilogy DVD’s, Hasbro was already knee deep in product development for 2005 and Episode III. Putting those plans aside just to backtrack into 2004 again could have really messed things up. In the end, had Lucasfilm coordinated things earlier with Hasbro, the toy maker probably would have had a better chance at producing a full line of new toys rather than the mass release of “old favorites.”

The problem with EU is that there simply aren’t enough fans familiar with all the different characters to justify dedicating a portion of the line to them. Hasbro did offer up an EU character (Nym from the Starfighter series of games) in their Fan Choice #4 Poll, he did okay, but didn’t win. While many of feel they should at least be able to sneak in one or two a year, Hasbro obviously feels otherwise. Who knows though, the topic did come up at Comic Con and the panel seemed a little more open to the idea than in years past. While I wouldn’t get my hopes up for anything in 2005, but 2006 is a totally new ball game and I have to think that IF Star Wars comes to the small screen in any way shape or form this would open the door for EU in a big way.

I would think the figures Hasbro picked for the OTC line were chosen primarily for a) cost, and b) recognition. I’m not sure about some of the others you mentioned, but Hasbro did comment on the cost of producing Ephant Mon. Bottom line, I doubt we’ll ever see that figure offered again at the basic figure price point. Likewise, I’m sure of the figures you listed were probably more costly to produce than the figures currently being offered, and I couldn’t blame Hasbro for trying to maximize their dollar. As for some of the other figures you mentioned, it very easily could have come down to them just not have a broad enough appeal to both fans and kids. If Hasbro were in a position where they had to put a line out there consisting of figures many collectors already have, why not at least try to appeal to younger collectors or kids that may not know, or many not be interested in figures like Motti or 4-LOM. As for J'Quille and Tanus Spijek, I still see those waves showing up at Wal-Mart and Target, so I doubt it made good sense to add those to the OTC while the Saga versions are still out there.

And for Darth Vader Hoth; you’ll be happy to know (in case you didn’t know already) that the figure will come with light dusting of “snow” on the cape and boots. Nice touch, huh?

12
I know this might not be news but I was hoping you or your readers can help me. Let just say I never miss a day with out checking your site for all my Star Wars news. My problem is I'm having trouble displaying my Star Wars auction figures, I've got 3 sloped ceilings that I use to display my figures, the figures are only being held by the plastic push pins I use. The cards are starting to warp, I was wondering if anyone can come up with a way of still using the space but make it better so my figures don't warp more. If you could give any ideas it would be helpful. -Shawn

Well, the first thing I’d want to know is if the cards are warping from the weight, or the heat? If the ceiling in question is basically the underside of the roof, radiant heat could be causing your problem. It doesn’t take a lot to affect the thin cardboard, and if that could be the problem I’d strongly suggest looking for an alternate place to display your collection. If the cards are bending from their own weight, you might try looking into using some kind of display case (like a star case) that will give the card more even support. Another option would be to devise some king of track system (double sided v-strip) that would support the full length of the card from either the side, or top and bottom edges. Still, the cardback is strongest when displayed vertical, any deviation from that and you really run the risk of letting gravity take it’s toll on the cardboard. Hope that helps.

13
I recently purchased a loose Watto's Box cinema scene on Ebay and the Graxol Kelvyyn figure's head arrived a little bent at the top. I was wondering if you knew of any remedies for this problem or if where I might [find] them? -Phil

For the most part the plastic used to make these figures has a quality referred to as memory. Given the right conditions it will/should go back to it’s original molded shape. Try holding the part of the head that’s bent under hot (not boiling) water and see if that does the trick. The plastic should get soft enough that it’s memory takes over and straightens itself out. Although, depending on how long the head has been bent it could take more than a couple times before it’s completely successful.

14
The new Master Replicas Obi-Wan saber says "as first built" but as seen in EP III pics, his saber was first gold, unlike the master replica design... Why is that?

Also, the new Boba Fett 12" toy has his clothes underneath his armor a darkish blue - which is the worst and most inaccurate color I’ve seen! Why the color change?

Despite looking similar to the saber seen in some early Episode III shots, the Master Replicas “as first built” Obi-Wan saber is only intended to be the “clean” version of the Episode IV prop, not an Episode III preview piece. Basically it’s the saber MR designed prior to undergoing the weathering process. I suppose they thought it looked so nice all clean and shiny, they decided would offer that one as well, limited edition that is.

While initial reports indicated this was a simple mock up and not the final product, we’ve learned quite a bit more since your original email. Eventually images of the 12” Fett surfaced with a more accurate costume, supporting the thought that the blue Fett was a mock up. Then K-Mart started to receive their 12” figures early, including the blue Fett, and the thought then turned to some kind of error that would be corrected. Now, as of Comic Con, Hasbro states the two versions are intentional, and that one represents Fett from Empire, and the other represents Fett from Return of the Jedi. In all of this though, I have yet to see any version of Fett with the red gauntlets (from ROTJ), which makes me wonder if we may in fact see a third version of the figure before everything is said and done. Stay tuned, this story ain’t over yet…

15
I just picked up the Ewok w/ Glider at my local Toys 'R’ Us, and upon opening I noticed the figure itself had no peg holes in the feet. Is this something they overlooked, or maybe something we'll see corrected in the future? Also, on the heels of all the figures being re-done, could we see another Grand Moff Tarkin or maybe 4-LOM and Zuckuss? I'm still hoping for more droids........

I doubt it’s something they overlooked; considering the figure is suspended from the glider, they probably thought it looked better/more accurate to have the feet ‘finished’ with no peg holes than cut to stand with holes. I don’t expect we’ll see a change/correction here. As for continuing the OTC, I wouldn’t expect anything along those lines until at least late 2005 or 2006. Hasbro has said the line will wrap with the 38/39 figures announced already for this year, we’ll see a mixed line early 2005, then they’ll roll out the Revenge of the Sith line around April ’05. There’s always the chance Hasbro will revisit the characters you mentioned, or re-release previous version of them, but right now it looks like we’ll have to wait.

16
With the announcement that the SAGA line is ending and the OTC is it, does this mean that we will not see anything new released from TPM and AOTC?

AND

What figure ends the SAGA line? Is it Lando Calrissian #04-21?

AND 1 just for fun, if you are willing to speculate a bit...

ROTJ was released in 1983 and the figures from the vintage line petered out in 1985. Do you think the market will sustain that kind of life today or will the figures be lucky to make it to the end of 2005?

Aside from a few exclusive items going to Toys ‘R’ Us and the likes, the OTC line is dedicated strictly to Original Trilogy toys. 2005 is another matter though, as Hasbro recently announced several figures that come from both Phantom Menace and Attack of the Clones for early ‘05. Following that we’ll see the majority of product coming from Episode III, but should see a return the mixed “Saga” type line later in the year. 2006 is a whole new ball game, and we should again see figures/toys from all six Star Wars films in the line.

Yes, Lando Calrissian (Death Star Attack) ‘04-#21 is the last “Saga” figure.

As was stated many many times at Comic Con, Star Wars is forever. Depending on how Lucasfilm decides support the property, the Star Wars toy line could easily go on for several more years. Even without major support, like a television show, TV miniseries, or cartoon, Hasbro has the license through something like 2018 and could produce a moderate size line as long as collectors were there to support it. These days I think more adult collectors are there for Hasbro than Kenner had back in the day, and that should translate into longer life for the line. We may not see the volume of items offered per years as we’ve seen before, but I have to think a focused, “fresh” line up would do well for at least another three to four years or more. Time will tell…

17
Would the possible cantina 3-pack including Wuler, Dr. E and the mantis looking creature be included in the Original Trilogy Collection, considering it comes from a New Hope? I'm hoping this great item is not long lost forever as with the Jawa Sandcrawler.

As seen in San Diego, the Cantina 3-Packs will come in black and silver packaging reminiscent of the OTC line, but apparently will not feature the OTC logo. On the other hand, the OTC logo is clearly present on the package for the Diamond exclusive Jawa Sandcrawler. Either way, for many it’s just nice to see these items finally being offered – no matter what the package.

18
I have a question relating to an answer you gave during [a previous] Question Mark. You were mentioning which figures were numbered as the mild stone figures and you made the statement that you were excluding the re-carded figures. Do you have any idea of how many figures total including the variations and re-carded ones that have been put out in all? I am a completest so I'm wondering how many decades it will take me to grasp every figure. -Jester

A list I do not have handy, nor an accurate count, but Dan has been doing a bang up job of trying to compile all the re-cards/variations in our Photo Archives and the best I can suggest now is to dig through the basic figure files a section at a time and see what you can find. Looking back, repacks can be found here and there in the line as early as Power of the Force II up to the OTC line, and throughout the vintage years as well. If you’re honestly going to try and go after all of these, I wish you the best of luck.

19
I just got back from Target and saw the new (old) figures, Darth Maul (Theed Hanger Duel) and Han Solo (Flight to Alderaan), Luke, Leia, Vader and such, and noticed that all of these are packaged with a clear stand except for a Maul and Solo and they had the old black stand. Is this an error or variation? -Chris

This would be considered a variation as Hasbro intentionally changed from one stand (clear) to another (black/grey).

20
Did Starwarsshop.com have any limit on how many of the exclusive Clone Trooper busts you could order? It looks like they were sold out before they even opened on the 14th. I was on the sight searching for it 30 seconds after they opened. Could they have sold all 2500 pieces in the short time that they were open on March 10th? I got the free patch which means that I was one of the first 500 customers. Even assuming that I was number 500, the 499 people before me would have had to order 5 busts each! Was it a scalpers’ paradise on March 10th or what? These exclusive mini-busts are really starting to make me mad.

If I remember correctly, when Star Wars Shop re-opened on the 14th, they held back the Clone Trooper Mini-Busts in order to give people that placed orders for them on March 10th a chance to confirm their order. The mini-bust was later put back on the site once all existing orders were either confirmed as good or deleted. I know the Busts sold fast, by no mean were all 2500 sold in the short time the site was up on the 10th, but SWS.com did what they could to honor those early orders. As for a limit, I believe it was two per order pre day, which is more than fair by any measure.

21
Would you happen to know of an e-resource that has an archive of G.I. Joe figures from the 1970s? A friend is trying to track down a particular figure from childhood, and so far he has been unsuccessful. Any advice you may have would be appreciated. -Mason

Unfortunately I don’t know of a site with that kind of info, but hopefully one of our readers will and pass that along. If I find anything out, I’ll be sure to mention it in a later update.


Until next time...


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