Questions for January 10, 2005
Q&A Archive

Well, it's been far too long since the last edition, but it was also a far busier holiday season than I had expected. I hope everyone shared plenty of cheer with their friends and family, and that Yoda Claus paid a special visit. There's certainly lots of excitement ahead as we count down to Celebration III, Midnight Madness, and of course Episode III, so let's get to it.

On with the show:

1
Do you think that we will more distribution of the ESB and ROTJ waves of the VOTC? Distribution here is Seattle has been so thin while the ANH was so thick wave warms pegs everywhere. -Chris Henggeler (Seattle, WA)

Just in the last several weeks I've seen both waves heavily re-stocked at Target, Wal-Mart, and Toys 'R' Us. If you haven't found them already, I'm sure you will soon.


2
We've got the Super-Poseable Clone Trooper, which costs about the same as any other basic figure at retail. Then along comes the VOTC Stormtrooper, which is essentially the same figure, with slight sculpting changes, but it costs about twice as much. Now, if all that VOTC packaging were taken away, "Star Case" and all, could the VOTC Stormtrooper figure be sold on a standard card at the same price as the other basic figures? Any chance of that happening? -Beedo Sookcool

There are times when Hasbro will price items by wave; that's to say they can fudge a little on price/cost per figure as long as there's something else in the case that makes up for it. I suppose there could be a scenario that would allow Hasbro to pack the VOTC Stormtrooper as a basic carded figure and ship it along with, say a R2-D2 repaint or some other simple figure, but there has been no indication this would happen anytime in the near future. Personally, as impressed with this figure as I am, I wouldn't wait for it to be released at a lower price point, but I can easily see where someone with army building on their mind would want to.


3
Do you or anyone know information on the AMT/ERTL Star Wars kits [that] are being re-released by Racing Champions? Entertainment Earth has several listings of Star Wars model kits coming out in February from RC2 and CultTvman.com has a small article on them. I have not seen anything about them on collectible sites. -Jimmy Daresta

Aside from the information available at those two sites there doesn't seem to be much more to tell at this point. Basically, they are what they are, re-releases of the earlier/vintage model kits, with a couple new kits coming based on Episode III vehicles. I could have sworn mention was made of this back when the EIII licensees were announced, hopefully we'll have more details once the sets are finally released. Stay tuned…


4
I'm not sure if this question has been asked before, I didn't see it, but do you have any idea if Hasbro is planning to sell multiples of the new VOTC Stormtroopers like they did the past Stormtrooper and Sandtrooper army builder sets? -Scott

No plans have been announced so far, nor rumors for that matter, and I honestly doubt we'll see that figure associated with anything like those sets. For the most part the army builder sets were a WOTC Fan Club 'special' and after the club changed hands Hasbro and Piazo simply moved away from that model. The remaining sets that were already boxed up were eventually distributed to the on-line shops. Considering the cost differential between the earlier figures and the VOTC Trooper, I have a hard time seeing Hasbro going in that direction; I think we'll likely see the VOTC Trooper again, but not bundled by four in white mailer boxes.


5
What are the chances of Hasbro re-releasing the OTC plastic carded figures at the nice price of $10.00 on regular cards? -Jason

I would be very surprised to see VOTC figures re-released on basic card backs at half the price they're currently selling for. A lot of the cost associated with these figures is directly related to the figure itself, not just the package. Even if you took away the clamshell and standardized the card, I doubt Hasbro could get the cost down to the basic figure level. Chances: slim to none.


6
Given the popularity of the 12 Vintage Original Trilogy Collection action figures, do you know if Hasbro plans on continuing with the idea of releasing new sculpts (or even old sculpts to save money) of characters on vintage-style card-backs?

It would be wonderful to see more of these from the original trilogy! Not only could they release figures of characters that were done back in the day (Greedo, Lobot, Palpatine, etc...), but they could also release figures like Grand Moff Tarkin, Princess Leia (Slave Girl), Darth Vader with Removable Helmet that were never done in the vintage line for the first time ever on vintage-style cards. They wouldn't even have to sculpt new figures... just create new cardbacks for previously-released figures!

Continuing with the theme of making previously-released figures available on vintage-style cardbacks, Hasbro could even do this with core characters from Episodes I, II, and III. Wouldn't it be great to see Anakin or Padme or Count Dooku on an official Hasbro vintage-style cardback? -Jason Pearce

When we asked Hasbro that question at Comic Con they said it was an option, but that there were no current plans to follow up the line after these twelve figures. Considering the line appears to have been well received, I would imagine Hasbro might take a good look at it again for 2006. It's not the type of line that would include a lot of minor characters, but there are a few more figures I'd like to see made with that level of detail and articulation. What I'd really like to see would be the original Power of the Force card style worked into the line, complete with minted coin. While some might complain, I'd even like to see some of the current figures re-released on alternate reproduction cards; like the Stormtrooper on an ANH "Star Wars" card… Just a thought, but if it put that figure back into circulation why not?

As far as putting previously released figures into this line, or creating new figures in the VOTC style; it kinda flies in the face of what the VOTC is all about. True, it would be cool to some degree to get a highly articulated Tarkin in the collection, but it wouldn't quite have that connection to the past. I would absolutely hate to see Hasbro take advantage of the line by using it to re-release less than VOTC standard figures. In my opinion if they did that it would ruin the line completely.

While I wouldn't mind Hasbro mimicking the vintage cardback for new basic figures, I think maintaining a clear link between the original line and VOTC is the key to making the VOTC a worthwhile collectible line.


7
Two questions, when is the release date for the Clone Wars DVD? Secondly what are Hasbro's standards for the people who work in the factory? Is there a website that I can find all this out. I want to make sure that I am not feeding an ugly corporation.

The release date for Volume One of Star Wars: Clone Wars is March 22nd in the U.S., and April 23rd in parts of Europe.

Conditions in Chinese factories, hmmm… I have 'heard' that conditions are better than what one might expect, but depending on your 'expectations' that could mean anything. Being in manufacturing myself, and seeing many companies turn to Chinese labor as an alternative to the high cost of manufacturing here in the States, I have learned a few things. Chinese labor is paid pennies on the dollar compared to their U.S. counterparts. They work long hours, and there is very little regard for workplace safety. I think those three things alone should be enough to give anyone an idea of what conditions must be like. Another acquaintance of mine traveled overseas in relation to a separate Episode I item; he said he couldn't believe the conditions workers were expected to endure. He brought back a small sample of paint used in part of the finishing process, said there were dozens of work stations with much lager cups of these open. One small whiff of this stuff was enough to put spots in my eyes, and stink up the room for the rest of the evening. This was some seriously potent stuff, in no way good for anyone to be exposed to for any length of time, and these workers were swimming in the fumes hour on end… So is there a Hasbro website detailing conditions in the factories they deal with overseas? No. Can I fault Hasbro for taking advantage of inexpensive Chinese labor, not as long as want basic figure prices to stay around $6.00…


8
It appears from the rumor list that there's going to be a sh-load of clone troopers available to us next year. Why did it take Hasbro so long to figure out that people love the imperials? For as long as I can remember they always been some of the hardest figures to track down. You think Hasbro realized this and finally righted the problem?

Off the cuff I'd say, based on the rumor lists, that the Clones play a much larger role in this next movie, even more than they did in Episode II. Considering that, I suppose it just make sense that we would see more Clone figures in 2005, but it remains to be seen how well they're distributed. I wouldn't say Hasbro has ever had a problem producing Imperial trooper figures; the problem has been in the fact that many people just want to have multiples of these figures for armies, or dioramas, or play time. We may very well run into the same problem next year if Hasbro hasn't figured out a way to get these to the shelf in a more collector friendly ratio. Let's face it; nobody's going to be happy with just one Clone Trooper.


9
I was just curious but on the Episode III figure lists Ki-Adi-Mundi is listed, is it just me or did he die at the end clone wars micro series. Also I saw a picture (think it was Star Wars Insider) that had him on the counsel as a holograph, so is he going to be a spirit or just badly injured by Grievous?

Also everybody (including me) seems to want the Tonnika sisters figure so why doesn't Lucasfilm stick two background characters in episode III that just happen to be the same species, that just happen to be wearing the same outfit, but have different names then boom we have Tonnika sisters.(comments) -Austin

Actually we don't know for sure what happened to Ki, the action ended with him about to square off with Grievous. Not that I want to get into spoilers, but I suppose the hologram image you saw 'could' be early in the Ep. III plot, and could be Ki's report from that encounter. Time will tell.

First, I seriously doubt Lucas is even aware of the fact that there are fans out there desperate for these figures. Second, unless there is a clear spot for them, it seems like a lot of trouble just to be able to make two action figures. A good place to do that would have been in the Episode II club scene; obviously if he didn't think of it then, there's not much hope he would think of it this time around. For my money, I'd say fans have a better chance of approaching the actresses on their own and getting a release signed than Lucas including substitutes for them in the last Star Wars movie.

10
What's the best way to get Hasbro's ear about multi-packs? It seems that if they start surveying now about what figures were the hardest to get and what figures one would want the most of they could make use of existing molds and make a bunch of money while making the fans happy too.

I gotta think the best way to get Hasbro's ear these days is to post in our Dear Hasbro forum section. I know for a fact the people making the toys visit the forums to see what people think, if they repeatedly see requests for, or fans talking about, certain characters or toys they usually pick up on that. I suppose you could go the official route and send word through Hasbro Customer Service, but you have to wonder if requests and ideas like that actually make it to the people that count.

11
First, I was wondering if there is a way to get a display stand for my Master Replicas Anakin F/X Lightsaber. Later versions came with one. I emailed MR and never got a reply. Second, What do you think the chances are we will see a Darth Maul F/X Lightsaber? This thing would be massive and by far, the coolest. So what do think, slim to none or none?? -Jamie, from Michigan

Master Replicas had the stands for sale on their site, but they now appear to be sold out. A quick check of eBay turned up one or two, and I've noticed that some on-line dealers still have them in stock so all is not lost yet. Depending on your level of need, I'd check around for the best price and go with what works best for your pocketbook. While you may or may not come across a deal on eBay, it might be worth it just to buy online and have it done with.

I'm sure Master Replicas recognizes that a Darth Maul F/X Saber (double bladed) would be quite popular, but also realizes it would be quite costly to produce and market given the current parameters of the line. The F/X sabers are no doubt a popular, but would a double bladed version at twice the price do as well? A much safer play, and one I've hoped Hasbro would pick up on, would be to design a saber that could connect to a second saber; sell it as a single bladed damaged version, but allow those that want and are willing to pay for the full double bladed version to connect them. Short of that I'd rather see them hold off until they could perfect a removable blade version of the F/X. The saber hilt is big enough as it is, I can't imagine them ever trying to ship out an F/X version with two blades attached. So what are the chances? With MR anything is possible…

12
With the VOTC line, some French Collector regrets that there will be no Meccano or Tri-Logo VOTC line. You (American people) don't know how lucky you are!!! Could you give us a cheklist of all the vintage Star Wars Action Figures who were put in a Meccano square card or help us to find one? -Antoine Bardet (Paris, France)

Well, being a North American and not savvy with details on the Meccano line, I ran this one by our Paris operative, Stephane Houvion. According to Steph, Meccano never published a complete list of the figures they released. While a list could be cobbled together from various personal collections, it quite possibly could omit one or two figures that never made it into a carded collection. We'll stay on this, between Steph and Dave I'm sure we could come up with something that would be close enough.

13
I was wondering would Hasbro consider producing a toy line for Knights of the Old Republic? -John Deschenes, (from good old Canada eh?)

Consider, maybe. Would they, no. Anything Expanded Universe has big recognition issues to overcome, while some fans may know/like these characters, the majority of those shopping for Star Wars toys will not. Unless Hasbro was willing to market these figures specifically through game stores/outlets/comic shops, I can't see them developing a KOTOR line. I hope I'm wrong, I'd love to collect them, but at this point I'm confident Hasbro will never produce these toys.

14
With the recent announcement/rumor posted on starwars-universe.com that there will be a Clone Trooper AT-TE Gunner (from Episode III?), I was wondering what your thoughts were now, on the chances of Hasbro producing a Republic AT-TE. -Vallis

Well, Hasbro produced a Twin Pod Cloud Car pilot this year and we still don't have that vehicle… I would like to that the 'large vehicle' that keeps showing up on various product lists is in fact the AT-TE, but at this point we can't say for sure. It's lookin' good, but I'd hold my celebration for more details and/or an official announcement. Fingers crossed…

15
Like many collectors who open their toys, I'm only really interested in obtaining an item if it is actually different from what has been released before. It only needs to be a small difference: an different accessory, slight retooling, different paint-job.... but a difference nonetheless.

In the OTC basic range there 31 re-issued figures. How many of these are different to the previous releases (even slightly different) and how many are exactly the same? I know that some figures like the Hoth Darth Vader, the Imperial Trooper and the Jawas have been given a different paint job but is this the case for any others. Is the General Madine, for example, any different from last year's SAGA release?

There was a time when I'd just have bought the lot, but there are only so many Commtech Han Solos that I can take. Could you possibly give me a list of those figures that have been slightly altered and those that only a MOSC completist would buy? -Neil.

Dan did a fantastic job of noting the differences in our own OTC Photo Archive and OTC Check List. If I were you I'd sit down with a pen and paper, skim through the Archive, and make a list of the ones you feel you'd most like to add to your collection. While there are a lot of simple repacks that probably won't offer much, most of the repaints are definitely worth tracking down.

16
The Gentle Giant C-3PO sculpts that are soon to be released- can you compare and contrast the differences between the mini-bust and the 12" full body figure? Are these the same sculpt, and are they the same scale? I focus some of my collection on Goldenrod so I plan to buy both- I'm just hoping they're not going to look nearly identical. -Campbell Evans / Sabacc, (Orlando, FL)

We asked Gentle Giant this question during last week's GGS Press Chat; turns out both pieces utilize the same scanning data and are the same scale, 1/6. Gentle Giant did say however that the arm positions are slight different from one to the other. Hope that helps!

17
With all the new pictures of ROTS figures do know anywhere I could get a list of all the figures revealed so far? I recently saw the ROTS Grievous figure and noticed his body seems to be a yellowish color rather then the gray silver color I thought he originally was. Did I miss something or is a reason for this change? - Cory

Again, Dan has done a great job of pooling the latest information skimmed off eBay cardback images and early product lists and put them in our ROTS Archive/Check List section. If you don't mind spoilers, be sure to check it out. As for a possible Grevious color change; I wouldn't worry about such a thing yet. With early images you don't always get the best picture, and at time images can be based off sample figures that are not necessarily the final version we'll eventually see in stores. Then again, the yellowing may come into play at some part of the film we don't know about. This far out I'd just sit tight; once the figures are released and the film has opened there'll be plenty of time to wonder why Hasbro did this or that.

18
What's up with that crazy Blue Ball Blast accessory that comes with the R4-G9 sneak preview figure? -Paul Trap (Cortez, CO)

It's a hologram of one of the planets in Episode III. Obi-Wan's astromech projects just like R2 projected Leia in A New Hope.

19
I am trying to find out the history on a piece that I found in a flea market. It is a slightly metallic looking, presumably porcelain R2-D2. When I bought it, somebody had crammed a Xmas light into it...very tacky. I hope you can help me identify this piece! -David Lang (Tallahassee, FL)


From the looks of it, this appears to be a non-licensed R2 look-a-like item, most likely sold through ceramics or craft shops, possibly a bootleg. Off hand it looks like something you could use as a candleholder/lantern, incense burner, or as you discovered a lamp lit with a string of Christmas lights. There are also similar lamps for Yoda, Vader, 3PO, and Chewbacca, and all sell for about $10 - $20 USD. Hope that helps.

20
I was wondering since Kmart and Sears are merging, what will it do for any more exclusive figures or toys for next year and beyond?

Assuming the merger would strengthen the two, I would consider this a good sign. Without a doubt Star Wars will be a hot property in 2005, it's a movie year, I would be shocked if at least Kmart didn't have some kind of exclusive. Following that, as long as the Star Wars brand remains strong, I think a Kmart/Sears combo would continue to see the value in offering exclusive toys/collectibles.


Until next time...


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