Questions for August 10, 2005
Q&A Archive

1
Ok Fed Ex just dropped the 4 MIMB Leia figures at my house. I opened them up, and they come in these great cases to protect the figure. While the inside bubble looks like it was designed to hold the 2 guns that the regular non-holo figure comes with none of mine have guns. Are mine missing them or did they plane to put guns in this figure and then decided against it? -Jamie

From what I understand Holo Leia was originally supposed to come with the blasters, but since they didn’t make a whole lot of sense, they were dropped at the last minute. As it was a last minute change, there was apparently not enough time to alter the insert tray, which still has slots for both guns. It looks odd, but that’s exactly how they are supposed to be.


2
I've noticed that a couple of online retailers, including Entertainment Earth, have the next and final wave of Unleashed figures up for preorder. The interesting thing is, for the first time that I can recall in Unleashed history, the figures aren't evenly distributed in the case. There are two Shocktroopers, two Han Solo Stormtroopers, one Chewbacca, and one Darth Vader. Any word on which Darth Vader this is? My gut tells me that it's going to be the same one that's shipping now with Ventress and Yoda vs. Sidious, but wouldn't it be nice if it were the helmet less version? -Brian M.

It sure would be nice if it was the helmet-less version, but according to a few recent product descriptions it will be the version currently shipping with Ventress and Sidious. In a way it makes sense, the previous Chewbacca figure was not a fast mover when it shipped with the Clone trooper and Luke X-Wing Pilot. As this updated version is pretty much the same figure it probably won’t do much better. Vader on the other hand always sells well, so I suppose including it with the last wave will give those that missed out on the figure another chance.


3
So far with exception of Episode I version, we have not seen a decent or movie accurate Mace Windu action figure version. The one they released for EPII as lightsaber attack was decent but in the movie he fights without cloak, in Ep III we have an action figure with no cloak and the battle arena version also with no cloak, despite in the movie he fights with one. Is Hasbro ever going to make a definitive, soft cloak or even plastic (e.g. Agen Kolar) version of Mace figure? -Rodrigo A. Cruz Gómez

That’s a good question, it certainly doesn’t appear we’ll see another Mace Windu figure this year, but there’s always a chance Hasbro will revisit the character next year or beyond. I certainly wouldn’t mind seeing a super articulated version, something similar to the Obi-Wan pilot #55, with a soft goods or plastic cloak. If Hasbro sees Windu as a pivotal character there’s a good chance they’ll hit this eventually, If not… For now we’ll just have to wait and see, but if you ever have the chance to talk with someone on the Hasbro team, be sure to let them know this a figure you’d like to see made.


4
Any idea what the next set of cartoons will be based on? Personally, I'd like a more in-depth look into the various battles that took place during ROTS.

According to all reports, the new 3D Animated adventures will focus on the Clone Wars. I suppose it’s possible they could expand upon some of the Revenge of the Sith battles, but I kinda think that’s rather unlikely. Time will tell…


5
Regarding the Yoda & Mickey Star Tours set, does this mean that Mickey gets wiped out during the Jedi Purge? -Richie A. Comia

No, I think this set pretty much proves that Mickey was the ‘other’ hope that Yoda referred to in The Empire Strikes Back. At least that’s how I like to look at it. ;)


6
What do you think the chances are of Hasbro releasing an “Odd Ball” pilot figure in the near future? -Adam

Near future, not a chance. Hasbro has already repainted the Clone Pilot once this year, I sort of think that’s about all we’ll get for now. If Hasbro we’re considering it the easiest change would be a simple helmet deco alteration, but they might be afraid of doing that for fear of collector backlash. Asking fans to pay for such a simple change is a little risky. I’m sure collectors wouldn’t mind seeing a retooled figure with removable helmet, but that would probably be a little more involved than Hasbro is will to get right now. Who knows, maybe in a couple years Hasbro will re-release the figure with a new deco and some improvements, for now I just can’t see them doing that.


7
What's going on with the ROTS Republic Gunship, I've never seen it at a retail store? What store is going to carry the Plo Koon starfighter and when will it be out? I love the Galactic Heroes line, are we going to see a Darth Maul/Obi Wan 2-pack? The Unleashed line was the most creative line Hasbro has ever done, do they really think collectors are going to buy those junkie little figures?-WORST IDEA EVER -John Yagher (Dana Point, CA)

From what we’ve heard the Gunship is supposed to ship out again. I still haven’t seen anything on the shelf, but give it more time. Target will carry the Plo Koon Starfighter, we’ve been told to look for it in the Fall, but I suppose it could arrive at any time. No word on any Episode I based packs, but I wouldn’t mind seeing a Maul/Qui-Gon, Obi-Wan/Jar Jar, and Anakin/Amidala wave… Considering the ‘insane’ popularity of the Lord of the Rings Armies of Middle Earth sets, I think Hasbro is hoping the line will at least hold it’s own for the time being.

I have a theory about what’s going on with the Unleashed line that may explain what the change is all about. Wal-Mart bought into the line for the first time this year, up until 2005 they really didn’t carry the figures. I can’t speak for the entire country, but all I see in my local Wal-Marts are pegs full of the Bossk wave, tons of them. I don’t think it’s any secret that Wal-Mart is a MAJOR player in the toy industry, if they can sell a toy you’re good, if they can’t… Based on other ‘hiatus’ situations (Action Fleet) there’s a very good chance Wal-Mart showed zero interest in the line for 2006 and Hasbro had to either abandon the line completely or get creative. The mini-Unleashed line was probably the best way to keep the theme going for now. Depending on what changes can be made or how the market reacts, there’s a good chance Hasbro will wait it out and try in re-introduce the 7-inch figures at a later date. If the 2-inch line doesn’t do well it could spell the end for the Unleashed theme altogether, but it’s not like that that wouldn’t have happened without them.


8
My big question is...pretty short and sweet...when, oh when, will we get more Animated Clone Wars figures!? They were simply splendid, my favorite Star Wars figures ever! So stylized! I also LOVED the Gentle Giant maquettes, but I know we have a few more coming with regards to those. Back to the figures, I really would love to see some more Series 1&2 characters from Clone Wars, perhaps C3PO, R2D2 and Padmé? But I’d kill to see some Series 3 figures - longhaired Anakin with tattoo, Grievous, Palpatine and Shaak-Ti. Any word what so ever on these figures? -Ryan McDermott (Manchester, UK)

Hasbro mentioned we’d see another set of figures around the time the Clone Wars Volume II DVD is release, but that they will only be slight resculpts. My guess is we’ll see Anakin, Obi-Wan, and either a Clone or ARC Trooper. Hopefully we’ll have more news on this soon, other than that however, there’s no word on additional or new Animated Clone Wars figures.


9
Given the fact that the gray and white-suited clone pilots are featured in Episode III flying the ARC-170 ships, and the fact that Hasbro has released a black-uniformed action figure version of the pilot, is there any indication of what vehicles the black-clad pilots might fly? Are they, like the other clone variations, supposed to be different units with somewhat individualized armor and gear; are they supposed to be a later transition toward the TIE fighter pilots; are they just a clever marketing ploy by Hasbro; or a little bit of each? -Karl D. Wiggins

There’s probably more ‘clever marketing’ to the black clad clone pilots than anything else. The Attacktix line featured a V-wing pilot but the helmet was significantly different than the pilots seen flying the ARC-170. I don’t recall seeing this particular deco featured in the movie, but it’s certainly not beyond the realm of possibility. One thing is certain about the new deco, it does draw a clear connection to the TIE pilots we’ve known and loved for nearly thirty years, I think making that connection, and selling additional pilot figures, is what this deco is all about.

10
Is Hasbro ever planning on redoing or making any of the R5 astromech droids into action figures?

Hasbro had planned to release an updated R5-D4 just before Episode II, but switched it up in order to offer a totally new droid, R4-M9. While there’s been no definitive word on when this figure will finally be released, Hasbro is well aware of the demand for it and will most likely release it eventually. I have to think the figure looks good for 2006, the line will take a collector focus, the figure would be relatively easy to whip up… I don’t have any inside info, but I’d be shocked if it wasn’t released next year. After that, I think it’s only a mater of time before Hasbro starts to crank out the R5 repaints. I would have loved to see some offered in the Entertainment Earth Astromech packs (they do have the mold they used for the Star Tour droid – though not exactly correct), but I can see where Hasbro may have wanted to hold that back, especially if they had any plans to release R5-D4. We’ll just have to wait and see.


Until next time...


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