Questions for November 23, 2004
Q&A Archive

Well, I took this one down to the wire, but another 20 questions are posted for you reading pleasure. This will be the only update this week; I’ll be out of town visiting family from today until Sunday. Look for another update later next week, and for those of you that celebrate it, have a happy Thanksgiving!

On with the show:

1
Do you know if the original helmet of Luke Stormtrooper vintage is hard rubber or is it made of hard plastic?

The vintage Luke Stormtrooper helmet was made out of plastic. I’d hesitate characterizing it as ‘hard’ because there was a little give to it, but it was definitely plastic.


2
I love Star Wars Micro Machines and I want to know if these items are going to return next year. - Orlando Colmenares from Mexico.

While Hasbro is not calling them MicroMachines, Galoob’s line of Die-cast Micros is returning as the new Titanium Series. So far no new vehicles have been listed, just old ones, but we can assume Hasbro plans to add to the existing catalog. As for standard Micros, there’s been no definitive word, but Hasbro hinted the line may see some action in the European market where it is much more popular; time will tell.


3
On your site today in the collector's collections section was listed this photograph. I did not recognize the alternate packaging to the OTC Luke/Yoda on Dagobah scene. Was that an exclusive? If so to where? It certainly looks cool! -Grant Jones

Yep, it’s an exclusive and one of the cooler ones if you ask me. This set was made available at the 2004 Star Wars Encuentros Convention in Mexico. We have a full write up on it in our Archives, here, with plenty of pictures and details. The figures aren’t any different than the standard release, but the packaging is top notch.


4
I have seen various websites that sell replicas of vintage weapons and accessories. Does anyone know of anywhere that sells replicas of the new line (POTF2 and beyond)?

Because they’re still readily available, there’s really not much of a market for modern era weapon and accessory replicas. You can usually find auctions for the genuine article on eBay, and I’ve even seen some comic/collectible stores sell baggies of loose parts dirt cheap. I imagine we won’t see much demand for POTF2 knock offs for at least a few year after the modern line wraps up.


5
I know you have been asked this question before, but I will ask it again. Any word on Expanded Universe figs now that Battlefront is out and so far it seems like a success? I have really slowed down my collecting because nothing has been sparking my Star Wars interest lately. I read all the novels and I am getting very little satisfaction there. But Battlefront is a whole another story. This game is fun and interesting to play. So how about some figs to go with the game? New release of Dark Troopers would be great. -Matthew Hartmann

As a big fan of all the Star Wars games I’d like nothing more than to be able to say; yes, Hasbro has a full line just waiting to be released. Unfortunately that just doesn’t seem to be the case. The Battlefront figure worked out mostly because Hasbro already had the figure and with very little work made it fit perfectly with the game. Unfortunately I can’t see Hasbro creating new figures to add to this line, the most we could hope for would be kit-bashed re-releases or repaints. Although, the Darktrooper would be an excellent follow up. Hasbro already has the tools, but then the question turns to how do you market it? I can’t see Hasbro putting it in general release or on OTC/Transition card. It would probably work best as a LucasArts/game store exclusive on a Battlefront card, but could they move enough units to justify putting the figure back into production? That’s a big question mark. At this point I don’t see it happening, but if they go ahead with a Battlefront 2 game it might just work out.


6
When recently purchasing an OTC Slave 1, I noticed from all the 6 sitting on the shelf in the shop that the missile was missing from Boba Fett's backpack. I thought perhaps this may be inside the box, but then thought why would they do that if the figure is holding the other accessory in its hands (i.e. laser rifle) - anyway, suffice it to say I bought it & got it home, opened it (with great difficulty, trying not to damage the packaging, I might add) & nothing!

My question is, is this a factory error, or a conscious decision by Hasbro not to include this for safety reasons? If this is an error, is there a way to get a replacement? When these things are imported into the UK, they ain't cheap at £35.99 ($64.00)!

and…

I just purchased the Target exclusive Slave I and could not find Boba Fett's backpack missile anywhere in the package. Looking at the image on the back of the package I can clearly see the tip protruding from the backpack. Is anybody else missing theirs or did I just get a lemon? If so, who can I complain to to get the missing missile? -Dave

In answer to our question, Hasbro announced that the missing rocket is an error that occurred with the initial sets and has been corrected. We received word from one collector who had contacted Hasbro Customer Service and was sent a rocket to complete his set. More recently we’ve gotten word from another rocket-less collector that Hasbro is now informing people the rockets are not currently available, but they will notify him when they get more. Right now it looks like the best thing to do is contact Hasbro Customer Service and take a number.


7
I just got my Executor Transmission Palpatine and (of course) looked for the numbering on the package to see how low it was. I can’t find it!! I’m sure that when it was first available for ordering the press release made a point of mentioning that each would be individually numbered, on a first ordered, first served basis. Do you know where I can find the magic number? -Paul

Well, I’ve checked the original Hasbro announcement, the StarWarsShop listing, and our own news archives and I didn’t find any mention of individual numbering for this figure. It’s possible you’re confusing this figure with another toy/offer, but I can’t think what offer that might be.


8
This might have been answered in the past but I've yet to see an answer anywhere recently. I'm wondering after all these years why haven't the figures of Gargan(?) the 6 breasted Jabba dancer, Tonnika Sisters, Luke with the tan poncho (right before they escape from Tatooine aboard the Falcon), and the Rebel Technicians(w/grey outfits) been made? I know the Luke 12" version was made by KB Toys a few years back. Have some of these figures not been made due to the actors not giving permission to reproduce their likenesses(i.e.the sisters and gargan)? Also, what are your thoughts on the making an Imperial Council table w/chairs (from a New Hope) packing it in with a Tarkin figure seated in the big chair and new admiral (or re-hashed Motti since alot of collectors still need him? I think this item would be a BIG seller. Maybe it could be made in 2 parts like the Jedi Council, or AOTC scene. Look forward to hearing your thoughts on this and keep up the good work on your page! -Mario

While there seems to be copyright issue with the Tonnika Sisters, Hasbro is free and clear (as far as I know) to produce any of the other characters you listed whenever they see fit. The Technician almost saw plastic a couple years ago as a follow up to the Target Deluxe sets, and very well could be released at any time. Gargan was mentioned at one of the Hasbro Q&A’s a while back, didn’t get a huge response from the toy makers, but still stands out as good Jabba’s Palace figure. Luke with poncho is a good choice in my book, but with the run of Tatooine Luke’s we had for a while there probably something Hasbro would want to hold off on. It would be nice if it came with a training remote, hint, hint… I think a Death Star Council Screen Scene is a great idea for collectors, maybe not so hot for the general market. It would probably work best as an exclusive, maybe even a TRU Multi-pack, so keep your fingers crossed.


9
Just received my Holographic Emperor from StarWarsShop.com and noticed that the figure pictured on the back of the blister has painted white hands and face (like the regular Emperor figure) over the transparent plastic which gives it more of a look similar to Holographic Luke and Spirit Obi-Wan. Could this be a possible variation?

Not likely, either Hasbro did this to accentuate those features for photography, or the sample was painted that way and they chose to drop the deco for production. I haven’t seen any reports of figures being found with this painted hands and face and at this point I’d be shocked if they somehow surfaced.

10
Do you have any insight or idea where Gentle Giant is planning to take their Bust-Up line? The first wave is out there in stores now and all over eBay and the next two waves have been announced and look fantastic. But where are they planning to go from here? Do you think this will be a line that they continue to build upon? There are loads of cool characters they could do in this line. Or do you feel as though these first three waves will be all we get? -Dustin Wilson (Bloomington, IL)

I asked Gentle Giant that specific question a few months back when we talked, and while it should be prefaced with the assumption that fans will continue to support the line, they said they plan to take it as far as they possibly can. This is not a two or three assortment line, with all the characters in the Star Wars Universe, they feel there’s enough they could do to keep the line going for many years to come.

11
This is completely hypothetical, but let’s just say that I was a millionaire w/ an eye for Star Wars figures. As with almost anyone who has been collecting for a while I am dissatisfied with various aspects of where Hasbro has taken the line. Personally I was not to found of the crazy action stances of figures like Luminara and Shaak Ti that results in a nice pose but absolutely no play value (it could have been molded out of wood and wouldn’t be any less articulated). Using my massive and unlimited fortunes I approach Hasbro and offer them whatever amount of money it would take to produce a new version of these figures. So my question is, approximately how much does it cost to design and manufacture a new mold of a Star Wars figure? Wouldn't it be great if the collecting community could band together to special order figures how and of who they wanted? I would be first to sign up for that, even if the figures cost a little more, getting one Luke and knowing that he was the last one I would need to buy would be real nice. Now to work on amassing those millions.... -Christopher

For obvious reasons Hasbro doesn’t make a habit of sharing cost and production run information so it’s hard for me to say for certain what the overall cost on a single figure would be. However, I do have a friend with working knowledge of the industry and he feels the total cost, from concept to shelf, could easily exceed $50,000 per figure. So if you dropped $50 to $75K on Hasbro’s front porch with a note that read “please make…” would they make it? I suppose they could, but I tend to think they wouldn’t, simply out of principle. Large companies, especially publicly held companies, tend to stir clear of reckless endeavors – they’re usually bad for profit and nobody wants to get stuck explaining themselves to the shareholders. For integrity sake I think Hasbro and Lucasfilm would stick to their own resources before they took a penny from a group of wealthy collectors. I know a few stories where people have tried to get Hasbro to produce this or that exclusive for them and the deals typically turned south because it was always so cost prohibitive. I don’t know, I guess write back when you have the money to spend and we’ll see what Hasbro says…

12
I am eagerly anticipating Republic Commando for my Xbox. My question is like Battlefront do you think we will get an exclusive Clone Commando? Those Clones look kool as heck and I tell you if I had to preorder 2 games just to get an opener I would. Do you think Hasbro and or Lucasarts realizes the potential here and will make fans happy?

What is the story behind all this EU animosity? I think EU sheds interesting light on our favorite universe...I mean to say only the films "matter" is like saying everything that happens outside of my front door is a myth.

Here we are on the cusp of the most important SW film ever so why is Hasbro wasting opportunity with OTC? I mean it was great but I want more Clones and Jedi!! Do you think Hasbro will one day [grant] our (collectors) wish and give us all the army or miscellaneous figs we fans have long pined for (aliens, Ewoks, Clones and Stormies of all ranks and specialties, Jedi). What about a Clone Starfighter?

Are Episode III figs going to have those god-awful action features and "action" poses? I still look at my Luminara Unduli fig and shake my head at wasted potential due to her static pose.

As ‘kool’ as it would be to see a figure offered with the game, we certainly haven’t gotten wind of anything like that yet. Considering the game will be out a month prior to what we’ve heard the universal merchandising release date is (April 1st), I tend to think they won’t do something like that. Who knows, hopefully I’m wrong because I would like nothing more than getting what amounts to a fifth preview figure with this game. Keep your fingers crossed.

I don’t think I’d go so far as to call it animosity, there just seems to be a general apathy among many Star Wars fans towards the EU. Sure there are those that enjoy it or an aspect of it, but there’s also many that don’t have the time or inclination to follow what’s written, nor do they have any interest in investing their money on EU collectables. While that may seem short sighted to EU fans, it likely stems from the opinion that nothing in the EU so far has captured the excitement of the original films.

OTC by design was implemented to capitalize on the release of the Original Trilogy DVD’s. Hasbro wanted product on the shelf that would be immediately recognizable to kids and parents that had picked up these films. Without question, Hasbro did this with a very clear thought in mind that Clones and Jedi would dominate the line in 2005. I think Hasbro will touch on these army-building themes in the years to come, but I don’t see it becoming the main thrust of any product year. The Star Wars line will always center on the central characters of the saga, with as much supporting characters as the market will bear. We’re just going to have to exercise patients and wait for these figures over time. Clone Starfighter from the Animated series; it would be nice, but I’m not holding out much hope.

Yes, Episode III collection 1 figures will have action features, but from what we’ve see so far they appear to have been toned down quite a bit compared to the Episode II line. Collection 2 figures on the other hand will not be stuck in drastic poses as before. Based on the information/images that have surfaced so far, the line will offer more articulation. It remains to be seen if the added articulation will allow us to put these figures in action poses, but at least it looks like it will be optional this time around.

13
I collect to try and have one of every 3 3/4" figure, carded, mint. With that said, I am avoiding repacks. My question is regarding the red battle droid that comes in the Deluxe Saga 2-pack with Mace Windu. Has this red battle droid been released elsewhere, in other packaging or is this one different from all the others? -kidhell

A similar Battle Droid (white) was release with the Episode I Theed Hangar playset, but it’s not the same sculpt. Since the Deluxe Mace Windu set was released, the same basic figure was reissued with the Clone Wars Droid Army multi-pack, though it varies slightly when compared side by side. Can you buy it individually, no; is it worth picking up just to have, probably so.

14
I was just wondering if you might be able to find out an answer to my question regarding the new Star Wars Jedi Force figures. I just picked up one of each at my local Target today and opened them up and on inspection I found out that the light up functions of some of the toys include batteries that "are non-replaceable". My question is this: how long will the batteries work for and when they are used up or in the package, will they corrode and destroy the toys? -Mike Abraham (Naperville Illinois)

Depending on the type of battery and usage, it should last anywhere from six to nine months, maybe a year. I base that on how long similar cell batteries have lasted in other Star Wars items. Will they leak at some point? There’s a very good chance this will happen; though cell batteries aren’t usually as bad as regular alkaline batteries, they have been know to rupture. While I understand the reason behind building the batteries in the way they did (child safety), it’s a shame that fact will overshadow these toys collectable future.

15
In seeing all of the reissues with the OTC line, do you think it possible that we might see repacks of the super poseable Clone Trooper or the Red Arc Trooper? These two are impossible to find. I have seen them reissue hard to find figures previously (Jango and Obi-Wan Kamino Showdown ring a bell?) In seeing the recent mockups on potf2 with a super poseable Clone Trooper, maybe we could get lucky. Your thoughts? -Timponobi

I haven’t seen anything associated with the Red Arc Trooper, but the appearance of the SA Clone Trooper is at least a good sign there. I don’t know how many Darth Vader carry cases we all need to have, but one more Clone is a start. Hasbro indicated in San Diego earlier in the year that we’ll see plenty of Clone Troopers in 2005. I’m guessing the bulk will be Episode III related, though clearly anything is possible at this point. I also think once we get beyond the 2005 line, we’ll almost certainly see the SA Clone Trooper again; the figure is just far too good not to reissue over and over again.

16
Everybody gets a re-packaged lightsaber. Luke gets one, Vader gets one, Anakin gets one. What about Darth Maul? His was the coolest saber around, and he doesn't get a repack. I don't get it! -Charlie

Yeah, poor Darth Maul; he really got the shaft – literally. I would imagine we haven’t seen a re-pack of the Maul saber for some cost reason; either it cost more to produce, or the box was bigger than the standard electronic issue and they can’t justify shipping in full cases. Keeping the bottom line in check is most likely what’s preventing a re-release of that saber, but there’s an option Hasbro could consider. What I’d like to see is a battle-damaged version of the toy that really lights up. The original double bladed release featured a day-glow blade with ‘crash-n-flash’ action. I guess it worked at the time, but the saber really deserves a light up version. Now if Hasbro could work in an attachment feature with the battle-damaged version, I’d be more than happy to buy two of these in order to “rebuild” a double bladed Maul saber. Sounds like a slam-dunk but we’ll just have to wait and see if Hasbro picks up on that idea.

17
With the next season of Cartoon Network’s [Animated] Clones Wars series only a couple of months away, will we see more clone wars figures/vehicles? New or repacked? -Nick

Yes! While we probably won’t see anything in the traditional ‘basic figure’ sense, there are tree new Animated style figures; Grievous, Arc Trooper, and Anakin (Yavin IV), and three new Clone Trooper repaints; red, blue, and yellow. Hopes for an R2, 3PO, and Padmé seem to be fading, but I suppose they’re still possible. Unfortunately, no new vehicles have been mentioned.

18
Would you able to give me the order of the Jedi Council, as seen in Episode 2 (going clockwise)? I know Yaddle and Yarael Poof are not there, but I'm not sure where Coleman Trebor and Shaak Ti fit into the new lineup. -Arthur

There’s a great shot on the Episode II DVD right at the beginning of chapter 9 that shows the entire council. It’s a little hard to tell exactly who some of the characters are, but Trebor and Shaak Ti are clearly visible. So, running clockwise this is what I come up with: unknown/(Depa Billaba?), Eeth Koth, Colman Trebor, Adie Gallia, Oppo Rancicis, Even Piel, Shaak Ti, Sae See Tiin, Ki Adi Mundi, Yoda, Mace Windu, and Plo Koon. So, if you are looking at it as a clock face, Trebor would be at 3:00, and Shaak Ti at 7:00. Hope that helps!

19
Isn’t the OTC tie fighter pilot slightly different from the ones previously released? I haven't been able to purchase it yet, but the few that I saw seemed to have a bigger helmet and something different about the breathing apparatus.

The figure is the same as the one that was released earlier in the year, but yes it is completely different than those released prior to 2004.

20
In the Phantom Menace product deluge, there was an electronic game from Tiger
that featured an exclusive Anakin figure.

The reverse of the card advertised a similar Darth Maul toy, which I have
managed to get hold of.

The reverse of the Darth Maul card advertises another electronic game with an
exclusive Naboo pilot.

I never see the Darth Maul toy listed in any figure guides, nor do I see the
Naboo pilot toy.

Is the Darth Maul figure something people just forgot about (the figure is a
bit lame, but it is in scale with and the same design as standard Hasbro
figures), and was the Naboo pilot ever produced?

Finally, does anyone have any tips for removing sellotape from their toy
boxes? The tape yellows over time and ruins the box, but removing it can make
the damage worse if you get unlucky and it tears into the box. -Jonathan Osborn

I noticed we have the Maul figure listed in our archives but no pictures of the game; I’ll have to dig mine out and see if we can’t get that added… FAO offered these at one point, but they sold out quickly. As for the Naboo Pilot game, as far as I know it never went into production. I do recall an eBay auction for a prototype version back in 2000 or 2001, I think I saved the pictures but I couldn’t find them in time for this update. I’ll keep looking and add them as soon as I can. The figure was nothing special as I recall, just a Ric Olie figure with a little added deco.

For you tape situation, try using a blow drier to soften the adhesive. That usually loosens the tape enough so that it just peels right off.


Until next time...


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