Questions for July 7, 2005
Q&A Archive

1
I was just looking at the upcoming Unleashed figures that were just unveiled. They look really good, but don't they all look pretty similar to other figures that have already been released? It looks to me like the new Chewbacca is pretty similar to the old one, except it may have a new face and new arms. The clone trooper looks the same as the old, except with a new head and new paint job. And the Han looks like the old Stormtrooper with Han's head. Is it just me, or do you see these similarities as well? Like I said, they look good, but I'd like to see something completely new. Any chance that these pics are just prototypes and we'll see something different later? -Greg in Maryland

It certainly looks like Hasbro is getting good use out of old molds on this wave. All three figures do indeed appear to be based on earlier sculpts, with some slight modifications. While this really isn’t anything new to the line (Hasbro did pretty much the same thing with the Empire and helmet-less ROTJ Darth Vader) it is the first time we’ve seen the treatment applied to an entire assortment. Considering the recent reports that Hasbro may be phasing the 7” figures out, I suppose it makes more sense for them to avoid investing money in all new molds. If rumors hold true, it sure is a shame; it seemed like the Unleashed figures were really starting to catch on, I doubt 2” figures will do the line justice.

Any chance these pics are prototypes…? There’s always that chance, but unfortunately it’s highly unlikely. For better or worse, these are the figures we’ll see on the shelf.


2
I live in Tampa, Florida and at a nearby Target they had 3 Han Solos with a cup (no Yoda or Boba Fett) an there was no price tag so I went to scan it and it said no info available so I asked a guy and he said he would go and check in the back when he came back out he took the rest and said they needed to be sent back to Hasbro. What Happened?

Also, I still haven’t found any of the Tarkin wave but I have the whole Bacara wave. Do you think they just skipped them or I missed out?

Lastly, do you think Wal-Mart will bring in any more replicas?

Not sure what to say about the Target Cup & Figures sets, I know several Target stores have not had the SKU or price listed at check out, but this is the first I’ve heard of a potential recall. I’ll double check with a few of our Target friends and see what might be up, but for now I’d just chalk it up to confusion over the missing price and their previous exclusive, the ROTS clamshells.

There’s a very good chance the Tarkin and Bacara waves came and went before you spotted them, but the good news is the figures will re-ship in later assortments. I’ve only seen them once myself, and am still trying to track down a Tarkin to open, so you’re definitely not alone. Give it time, as more cases make their way to the pegs, all these figures should be easy to pick up.

Assuming you mean the Code 3 vehicles, I think it will be a wait and see situation. If Wal*Mart does well with the Falcon, we could see other vehicles offered; if not, we probably won’t. At this point only time will tell.


3
I know that the Unleashed line is continuing for a while yet at least. Do you know if they are planning to introduce some of the more popular Jedi from the clone wars such as KI ADI MUNDI or KIT FISTO? I would love to see a COLEMAN TREBOR he was my favourite background character from AOTC. It seems they have done AAYLA SECURA and haven’t bothered with any of the others yet.

On the subject of the CLONE WARS. There are a lot of animated figures they have yet to produce.
DARTH SIDIOUS / PALPATINE
KI ADI MUNDI
KIT FISTO
SHAAK TI

-Phil (Bedfordshire UK)

Well, if what we hear is true (the Unleashed becoming a 2” line), there’s probably a better chance we’ll see some of these characters covered. Will they have the same impact as the 7” figures? Probably not. At this point I’m not really sure what to say; we’ll certainly see what Hasbro has to show off at Comic Con, and definitely ask about Hasbro plans for the line in 2006.

There are a lot of animated Clone Wars figures Hasbro could release, but so far they’ve only committed to three more, due later this year and only minor resculpts at that. With Lucas working on a new CG Animated Clone Wars series, we may see some of the characters you listed above, but they may not have the same look as the Cartoon Network variety. While the ones you listed certainly deserve consideration, it’s hard not to include Padmé, R2, and 3PO in the mix as well…


4
I'm starting to regret holding off on buying much of the Revenge of the Sith product. Perhaps this is an isolated case, but my Chicago-land stores are not restocking early Sith items. Figures, deluxe, shirts, even M&M dispensers… Is this a conscious effort by Hasbro to avoid the Episode 1 catastrophe? I now feel that when I see a desired piece, I have to buy it immediately or am faced with a bidding war on eBay. Maybe you have an answer? -Matt (St. Charles, IL)

Yeah, it certainly looks like someone was a little too gun-shy with the Revenge of the Sith line. Hard to fault them after what happened in ’99, but I do see A LOT of empty pegs and hear a lot of frustrated moms and kids commenting that there’s nothing to buy. Hasbro must be missing out on potential sales at this point, sales they may or may not pick up once they’ve had a chance to catch up. With that in mind, it’s hard to tell at this point what Hasbro, or any of the licensees, will put back out on the shelf. The end result for collectors: if you see it and you liked it, buy it – don’t wait. While it would have been nice to know this back in April, going forward it’s certainly something to keep in mind.


5
I was an avid collector of the 3 ¾” figure (every figure produced from 1995 until the dawn of the OTC). The upcoming birth of my daughter coupled with my frustration with Hasbro’s umpteenth release of Cantina Han helped me close the book on my collection. I’ve always thought of my collection as an investment as well as a labor of love. Now that I’ve been out of the game for almost a year I’ve began thinking about selling it off. What suggestions would you have as far as avenues for sale of an entire collection (Single carded figures, Multi-packs, vehicles, etc…) other than eBay? -Bikerscout

Other than eBay your choices are slim. Garage sales and collector shows are one option, but can take time. Hitting up some of the more popular collector forums might pay off, but keep in mind you’ll likely be advertising to fans that already have most of what you’re looking to sell. Working out a consignment deal with one of your local toy/collector shops could be your best alternative. If you haven’t tried it already, you may want to shop your collection around to several of the on-line toys sites. If they’re selling Star Was toys already, they may be interested in acquiring your collection for resale. After ten years a complete collection can be a daunting purchase; finding someone new to the hobby with the cash to drop all at once is the real trick. EBay really does give you the best exposure, but if you set against going that route, these are just about your only alternatives.


6
I have a ROTS Anakin Skywalker figure, but I was confused. It comes with a Darth Vader lightsaber. I've heard of many variations of this figure, but I don't know how many there are.

Without the benefit of a picture I’m going to have to assume you’re talking about Anakin #2. So far there have been three versions of this figure, although technically none of them have come with a Darth Vader saber. The first version was packed with an alternate hand/saber combo of Anakin’s hilt with a red blade. The second version included a Dooku saber in place of the alternate hand/saber combo with a deep red blade. The third version also included a Dooku saber, but this time the blade was almost clear pink in color. The only Anakin figure that I’m aware of that has come with a Vader saber was one of the Deluxe/Action Assortment figures. Anakin Skywalker with Darth Vader tunic and armor shipped with the accessories displayed along the left side of the bubble, and hidden behind the insert image, each version included a Vader saber as well as a blue Anakin saber. You can find examples of most all of these variation in our Revenge of the Sith photo archive.


7
Have you heard of any plans to re-cast the R5-D4 droid figure? I know this is a long shot, but the missile-firing R5 was dreadful! Is it time to break out the dremel and customize one, or will we forever have to use the vintage R5-D4 for "Purchase of the Droids?" Will we ever see a human B-Wing pilot? Nothing against Ten Numb, but it would be a cool figure to have. What are Hasbro's plans for Christmas? With the DVD releases of Clone Wars and Sith, will they re-release Sith figures that are now becoming hard to find (Battle Droids, C-3PO), or will we see new assortments supporting these DVDs? -Richie A. Comia

There were plans a few years ago to release a new R5-D4 action figure, but somewhere along the way Hasbro changed their minds and released R4-M9 in its place. The decision most likely had something to do with the fact that the Star Tours line was set to include a similar looking R5-D2 the same year. Since then R5-D4 has been a persistent rumor that’s just never developed. I have to think Hasbro will eventually release this figure, there’s just no telling exactly when that will happen; maybe next year…

No word on a remake of the vintage B-Wing pilot yet, but I have to assume it remains a viable candidate. Hopefully Hasbro will get around to it at some point, no word yet though.

Hasbro’s plans for later this year should be revealed next week at Comic Con, or at the very least hinted at. I would assume we will continue to see older ROTS figures mixed in with newer assortments, but if Hasbro plans to roll out a new line before the end of the year that many not happen. At this point we’ll just have to wait and see, but with the DVD release and the Holiday shopping season, I doubt Hasbro will be that quick to abandon the Revenge of the Sith line. We’ll see…


8
Can you tell me where I can buy Expanded Universe figures for a reasonable price over the net?

At this point the best I could do would be to suggest one of our sponsors or eBay.com. Availability on these is scarce; eBay may actually be your best bet. Good luck!


9
I'm taking a EuroTrip with some friends in early August, and we were wondering if there was anything we should be on the lookout for? Anything really awesome that's exclusive on the other side of the lake? -DDDR

Other side of the pond… There are a number of little things that are exclusive to overseas markets, but nothing jumps to mind as a must have. I suppose the closest would be the European version of the Target Clone Trooper, same figure but without the little Target logo on the package… The Star Wars Battle Game from Di Agostini might be another something to watch for as well as any of the Kubrick sets from Japan. If I’ve overlooked anything hopefully I’ll get a nasty email from Jeremy reminding me of that fact. I’ll be sure to follow up if I do hear of more.

10
In question mark #167, you said Hasbro had released the same Vader lightsaber as before. Are you sure? All the ones I've seen have been the color-changing variety and have Anakin Skywalker pictured on one side and Darth Vader on the other side. -Glenn

Yep, I’m sure. At this point I’ve seen pretty much all of the previously released electronic sabers repackaged for the Revenge of the Sith line, Darth Vader’s included. They haven’t stuck around for very long, but they have been out there.


Until next time...


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