Questions for July 12, 2005
Q&A Archive

1
Why [does the ROTS] c-3po come with detachable limbs (is their something I missed) and are you finding that a lot of the figures like the Wookiee Warrior, clone pilot, are made kind a crappy? My son is always bringing me his figures because the upper limbs keep coming off. -ty jeff

Three potential answers: One) the figure is based on a preexisting mold that included that feature. Two) a plot line that included C-3PO being dismantled was originally planned but later cut from ROTS (we never did find out why 3PO’s head was part of the junk pile that came with R2 #7 Droid Attack!). Three) Hasbro may have just designed it with the thought in mind that it may be useful in some later version. As far as I know a clear explanation has not been announced, maybe that’s something we can ask at Comic Con…

It seems the quality of plastic used in the last few years has steadily declined. This coupled with Hasbro’s attempt to include more articulation with each figure has lead to the situation with limbs unintentionally falling off the figures. Now it may be that the addition of all these extra points necessitates use of softer plastic, but the end result is still the same. Great looking figures, a good amount of articulation, pieces that fall off too easily… You win some, you lose some.


2
I noticed that Obi Wan refers to "Vos's troops moving" in Sith, Vos is also one of the most popular EU characters. Any chance we will be getting a Quinlan Vos figure from Hasbro any time soon? -Tracy Baerg

Hard to say, for this reason alone there’s never been, nor is there likely to ever be a better excuse to release this figure. If there was talk at one time of including the character in Revenge of the Sith Hasbro may have worked up a figure, but there’s certainly been no mention of one being released yet. When it comes to random Jedi I don’t understand what the big deal is. I know Hasbro likes to have that clear connection to the films when releasing figures, but Vos has been one of the top most requested figures ever since he graced the pages Dark Horse’s comics. No word yet, but there’s always hope…


3
Is Hasbro planning on making Stormtrooper dolls again, and also Sand Trooper dolls and, Snow Trooper dolls? When the non animated TV show comes out next year (if it is next year) are there going to be star wars figures for that series and is Lord Vader going to be in the series?

Without a doubt there will be more Stormtrooper, Sand Trooper, and Snow Trooper figures (dolls) in the future. As troops go there’s no way Hasbro could possibly retiring these essential characters.

Current news/rumors regarding the live-action TV show put it on the air in ’07 or ’08. At this point the story appears to be based on the early adventures (or lack there of…) of young Luke Skywalker. As such, I would not expect to see Vader as part of this series. Will there be figure from the show? I would imagine Hasbro will take a wait and see position on the series, possibly producing figures IF it proves to be a hit. Only time will tell…


4
What figures figure into the tally giving us 500? I mean, for instance, do the Battle Arena figures count in the final total? I picked those up because I assume they figure into the final number and I have the goal, as many do, to collect all 3¾ scale figures. But if they don't "count" than I may reconsider adding figures like that to my collection. Another example might be the Geonosian pilot included with the Geonosian Starfighter. -Tom Mundy (Topeka, KS)

As of the 300th figure: Boba Fett, Hasbro was only counting basic carded figures. I assume they have done the same leading up to the 500th figure: Darth Vader, but I can’t be 100% sure… I think some fudging has gone on behind the scenes, not to really detract from the milestone (500+ figures is pretty significant for any toy line), but depending on who you talk to the actual count can vary. To answer you question though, it doesn’t sound like Hasbro was including the things like the Battle Arena figures or vehicle pack-ins.


5
I was just wondering if Lucas does decide to make episodes VII-IX will he by chance base it on the Thrawn Trilogy (those three seem like the only books they could possibly base the next three movies on) or would he just write them himself and include Mara and other characters in it? Because if she and others aren’t included it will severely mess up the EU. Any thoughts would help, thanks.-Nate

If for some bizarre reason Lucas was to turn a big 180° and decides to produce Episodes VII, VIII, and IX in the Star Wars Saga, I’m relatively confident they would be original works. More likely than not they would take place well after the events in the Thrawn series, leaving more than enough room for explanations to be written between the periods. Not to say that I wouldn’t like to see a Thrawn Trilogy mini-series (a real mini-series, not just a two hour made for TV movie), but it’s the last place I think Lucas would take us.


6
I know that whenever TOPPS releases a new card set there's a Hobby and a Retail version. Now, I've had no trouble finding the hobby sets at my local comics shop, but where can I locate the retail box? -Des AKA jedisoose

These sets are usually found at Target, Wal*Mart, Toys ‘R’ Us and other retail chains. They may not be the best at keeping the cards stocked all the time, but they usually do carry the retail sets.


7
What do you think will be the possibility of seeing loose carded versions of Anakin in his pod racing outfit, Captain Typho in his security outfit from AOTC, a Red Leader done in a manner similar to the Saga Gold Leader, and Chief Chirpa of the Ewoks. -Rob

Anakin (Pod Racer): Slim, as far removed from Episode I as we are, I don’t think this is tops on Hasbro’s list of things to do. It’s always a possibility, we know they have the molds to do it, but I have a hard time envisioning it. With my luck it will be on display in San Diego… Okay, might not be such a bad thing if it included another Pod Racer.

Captain Typho (Naboo Security): If memory serves, the other Typho figure sat for a pretty long time, I don’t see where anything has changed to make Hasbro believe a second version would sell any better. Perhaps if he’d had ‘visible’ screen time in Revenge of the Sith it could be a different story, but… Again, with my luck he’ll be one the twelve remaining figures this year.

Red Leader: I like this guy’s chances; simple head resculpt, use the existing Gold Leader body, had a rather significant role in A New Hope, what’s not to like? This one is just screaming to be made.

Chief Chirpa: Probably the most noteworthy Ewok left to make, I don’t see how Hasbro can ignore this one for much longer. I know Ewoks have a bad name, but they are essential to any Return of the Jedi display. I say make ‘em all!


8
Any ideas on where to find the 13th wave of unleashed figures (i.e. the new Darth Vader, Yoda v.s. Sidious, & Ajaa Ventress)? The only place I see offering them so far is from people on eBay, other than someone reporting earlier on this site getting them at a Target in San Diego. I've repeatedly checked at a Target where I live (Las Vegas) and it shows none for any of the stores in the state. I would like get them before the next wave comes out, without the added cost of S&H preferably.

Hang in there, retail is in a bit of a flux right about now, once they’ve cleared out old stock and rest for the Fall we should see more of these figures on the shelf. Keep checking Target, and add K-Mart and Toys ‘R’ Us to your search. With any luck you’ll catch these before too long. Happy Hunting!


9
I was making my wish list the other day now that Comic-con is just around the corner, and here are some of my top “Must Have” figures: Emperor Palpatine (StarwarsShop.com Exclusive), Holographic Yoda (Toys “R” Us Exclusive), Lava Reflection Vader and the Clone Trooper (Target Exclusives). I would like to know your opinion, estimation, advising, suggestion, guidance, counsel and recommendation (hehe) on the $$$ I should pay for them or when stop looking for a better price and just buy them. I know you can say “If you like it that much, just buy it” But I don’t want to pay too much, just the fairest price. Thanks. – Darth Noel

Yeah, I’ve got a bit of a shopping list of my own (thanks to one of my two year olds) and a few overseas items I’d like to pick up. What I did, considering I’m not going to find any of these items at the corner toys shop, was to check current and closed auctions on eBay. Add in shipping costs and figure out what maximum, minimum and average eBay price is and you should have a good indication of what a fair price will be at the con. Looking at your list and what I could find on eBay, here’s what I’d suggest:

Emperor Palpatine (SWS.com) - $30 to $40
Holographic Yoda (TRU) - $15 to $25
Lava Reflection Vader (Target) - $50 to $65+
Clone Trooper (Target) - $$15 to $20+

Please note I did a very quick run through, for a more comprehensive comparison you should investigate these prices yourself.

10
I am interested in acquiring the most recent wave of Disney Star Tours figures. Aside from
going to the parks, is there a way to order them? I recall ordering the other waves from the Disney store via phone, but I don't see them on their website. Can you help find a way to order them? Thanks! Secondly, with new paint variations of clones coming out, do you think these will be released in large quantities, or will these be hard to find? -Steven Renner

I looked into this the other day after we ran the news; it appears (according to the agent at Disney Delivears, CA) this wave of Star Tours figures will be exclusive to Disney World (FL). I’m not 100% sold on that, but I was told Disneyland did not have them nor were they expected to get them. Hopefully that will change but that was the story the other day… So, then I called Disney World at 407-363-6200 and the agent there was more than happy to process an order for, $10 per figure. Shipping UPS, delivery within 10 to 20 days. Thankfully it appears so far that we won’t have to contend with the previous park only limitation, but that could change at any time.

Colored Clones: Well, if the case assortments are correct, and these will be shipping at the rate of one per case with new figures, I’m afraid they’ll be quite hard to find. Something like this really should be released two per case, but for some reason we just can’t seem to get Hasbro to come around to that idea…


Until next time...


Got Questions?