Questions for August 10, 2004
Q&A Archive

Well the email is rolling as fast as ever so I guess I better keep going if want to have any chance of keeping up. Thanks to everyone for your questions and continued support for the column, I usually edit out all the kind words and such, but they are appreciated. I’m not making any promises, but if time permits I hope to have at least a couple more updates before the end of the week. Enjoy, and by all means keep those questions coming…

On with the show:

1
I have a question regarding some of the Hall of Fame figures. Which was the first released version of the figures? Was it with the clear base or the black base? -Justin Zampardi

The Hall of Fame figures originally shipped with clear bases; figures with the clear stand would be the first release version.


2
Ok ok, I hate beating a dead horse regarding the Tonnika Sisters/Twins... (ok, you probably just deleted this email, but I'll go on anyway.) BUT, I find it hard to believe that Hasbro has not been able to make figures of these two characters when in the past their likeness has been on other products licensed by Lucas. I'm attaching a photo of the cantina model kit, which clearly has them on the left hand side of the packaging. If it were simply a licensing or model release issue, how would they be able to use the likeness in the past, but not for a figure? -TK2012

Honestly I’m at a loss to explain it, but I don’t get the impression Hasbro is pulling my leg about it. Who knows, maybe so, but I don’t think that’s the case. There’s a good chance things like package art or trading cards are a completely different issue. One of the other examples that has come up before are the Galoob mini-figures, but it’s not like you can claim “likeness” issues with those. It could just be that action figures being what they are, and Hasbro being a deep pocket company, they just want to avoid the risk of there being an issue until they have a signed release. I guess I can’t blame them with the way our legal system is today.


3
I am a huge fan of the New Jedi Order series, and would love to see an action figure line of characters from the series like Vergere, Jacen Solo, Jaina Solo, Nom Anor, Luke, Mara, Han, Leia, Danni Quee etc. I'm sure many people would buy them. Is anything planned? If not, perhaps rebelscum.com could start a petition for a line? -Matthew

There don’t appear to be any current plans for figures based on the New Jedi Order books, and little chance we’ll see anything EU until at least 2006. Keep your fingers crossed, Hasbro is aware there’s demand for some of these figures; hopefully they find an opportunity to release them. As for a petition, I think we’ll wait and see what the program turns out to be like in ’06 before we jump into that arena. It is a good thought though…


4
I'm a bit confused as to the color of C-3PO in Episode 2. By viewing the film, he appears to be a dull steel color, with slight differences here and there. However, Hasbro has painted him to appear gray, dark brown and metallic sea green, with some other random colors thrown in. Is Hasbro taking an "artistic license" here, or am I missing the true color scheme?

I would guess the figure was probably planed before the final call was made on 3PO’s appearance in Episode II. Hasbro probably got a decent description from LFL and ran with it. I actually think the figure turned out pretty good, considering they went with plastic instead of metallic paint. While the final product may not look exactly like the character on screen, I think most would agree its close enough.


5
So, how much will each of the basic OTC figures cost? I've heard $10...is Hasbro sticking it to us again? -Tom

Basic figures are still right around five bucks, the vintage style (VOTC) figures will retail at roughly $10 because of their added articulation and detail.


6
Can you please provide some information on the Star Wars Insider Fan Club? I have been a member for over 5 years and I don't really even know what the benefits are other than getting the magazine. What is their contact information (email and phone number) so I can at least talk to someone to learn how many issues I have left before I have to renew---a live person would be great to talk to and yet it is a mystery when you want to contact anyone their, you just get bounced around and nobody takes any responsibility. Also, any word on the Star Wars Celebration next year--when tickets go on sale, dates, etc.?

StarWars.com posted a fairly extensive FAQ on the new Fan Club a while back, you should probably check it out here if you haven’t seen it already. According to what’s posted there, any questions you have as a previous subscriber/member should be directed to either swicustserv@cdsfulfillment.com or by phone at (866) 205-0034. Other than that I’m really at a loss to tell you what’s going on. I’ve been a Fan Club member for round-a-bout twelve years now and I still haven’t had a chance to sit down and figure all this change-over stuff out (and at this point I’m not exactly sure I want to…).


7
I was reading in the latest Question Mark that it is thought that the Bust-Ups will not be identifiable in the boxes. While I have heard that, I have also seen the pictures over at www.action-figure.com from their US TOYFAIR coverage that seem to indicate pictures on the boxes. While the pictures on the individual boxes may not be representative of the contents, my question is; which is it: contents pictured or mystery? -Roger Ward

It’s our understanding that the package art will vary by wave; you’ll know you’re getting wave 1 because of whom/what’s pictured on the box, but that may not be exactly what’s inside. There will be a small window on the box that may provide enough of a glimpse to see what you’re getting, but it’s not guaranteed. So, I guess in a way, it’s a little bit of both… It will probably be easier to explain/understand once the product is released, at least let’s hope so.


8
I just bought the 12 Hall of Fame figures off eBay. My question: The figures have no numbers on them and have no Rebel or Imperial insignias, so are these figures different from the ones that will be released with the retro line? Did Hasbro screw us again by releasing figures under the "Hall of Fame" heading just to re-release them with different cards/numbers later? As a collector I can tell you I only need so many C-3PO's and I am getting really tired of paying for the same figure over and over and over again. I'm venting but damn enough already - give us a GOOD R5-D4! -Chris

Yes, in some cases the new OTC figures are re-releases of the same figures offered in the Hall of Fame assortment, as well as from the late ’03 Saga line. Dan’s done an excellent job of highlighting exactly which ones came from previous lines, for more information and links back to their preceding archive entries be sure to check out our OTC Basic Figure archive page. While Hasbro has made a few changes here and there for the OTC release, for some this is the third go-round in as many years.


9
How about taking a poll as to how many people would actually buy a re-released Death Star playset if Hasbro put it out, or has this been done by rebelscum already and I missed it ?

I don’t think we’ve actually asked the question quite that way, but we did run this large playset poll back in 2000 that pretty much put the Death Star at the top of the heap. I suppose it’s high time we revisit this topic, though Hasbro has been quite clear on cost issues regarding large vehicle and playsets in today’s market. I suppose if Hasbro were to consider releasing such a set, collectors should be prepared to pay accordingly, and support whatever company ends up with it as an exclusive. Watch a new Probe Droid on this soon.

10
I asked a question a short while back about if the Hall of Fame line would actually be hitting the market now that the OTC line is just about to be released. The next day I was able to find some of the Hall of Fame figures at Target and Wal-Mart, which answered my question obviously. In the newest Question Mark section, my question has been answered as well. However, Mark says that the Hall of fame figures will be absorbed by the OTC line.

So, does this mean that all of the figures that were supposed to be released in the Hall of Fame lineup will be released on OTC packaging now?

Can you tell me which Hall of Fame figures have actually been released on Hall of Fame cards? The figures I found were Chewbacca, Stormtrooper, Luke Tatooine, Han Solo, Leia, and C-3PO. What about the other figures? Did I just miss them? -Bryan K. Day

As far as I know, the Hall of Fame assortment was shipped complete in two waves, and was followed up by a third wave containing all twelve figures. While “Hall of Fame” isn’t necessarily continuing, OTC is picking up where it left off by reintroducing previously released figures into the market place. Several, but not all, of the figure released in HOF will be re-carded for OTC. HOF figures re-appearing in the OTC line are: Han Solo (OTC #07), Chewbacca (OTC #08), Princess Leia (OTC #09), R2-D2 (OTC #12), C-3PO (OTC #13), Stormtrooper (OTC #16), and Darth Vader (OTC #34). As for the figures from the HOF assortment you have not found yet, they are: Anakin Skywalker, Darth Maul, R2-D2, Yoda, Obi-Wan Kenobi, and Darth Vader. You can find a complete list and images of all twelve HOF figures in the Hall of Fame section of our Saga Archives. Hope that clears things up.


Until next time...


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