Questions for September 28, 2005
Q&A Archive

1
Are the two new Clone Wars multi packs due out in November repacks or new figures? I personally would love to see an armored Saesee Tiin like we saw in the series. I was a big fan of the Clone Wars figures from two years ago and I think it would be great to see the line revived. -Cory

According to what Hasbro stated way back at Celebration III, these sets will be comprised of slightly retooled figures. How much 'retooling' Hasbro intends to do is unknown at this stage but it's clear we shouldn't expect six all-new figures. While I was expecting the various clones, Anakin, and Obi-Wan, I was pleasantly surprised to find Saesee Tiin on the list. We still don't know what form Master Tiin will take, new sculpt or retooled Mace Windu, but at least that's something to look forward to. As for the line making a come back I wouldn't hold out much hope. The Volume II DVD will pretty much cap the Cartoon Network run and without ongoing support I don't see Hasbro putting much effort in that direction. Once the new LFL animated adventures begin we'll probably see toys in that style, but that's not until 2007.


2
I was wondering about Target exclusive LEGO Ultimate Space Battle set. I already have bought the Anakin's starfighter set, and the Droid Tri-Fighter set. So do you have to buy the whole $60 set to get Obi Wan's starfighter or will you be able to buy just Obi-Wan's starfighter. -Casey

Unfortunately at this point it looks like you'll have to buy the whole set… There's been no indication that Obi-Wan's fighter will be made available separately; at least not this year.


3
Has there been any more word on a Battlefront 2 incentive figure? I had heard it might be a Super Articulated 501st Clone…

There's been no confirmation that I've seen and we're pretty much getting down to the wire here. As nice as it would have been, it's beginning to look like this was merely wishful thinking. If a figure is announced we'll be sure to note that immediately, but for now I wouldn't get my hopes up.


4
I keep thinking about this, and I'd hope Lucasfilm or Fox, or whoever is doing the Revenge of the Sith DVD will realize that many (ie probably 90% of Star Wars fans) have the first two DVDs already and would really like a box to go with this final DVD to make it look nice and purdy-like along with their OT DVDs. Right?

I mean someone even had the sense to give fans of the Jurassic Park films a chance to just buy JP3 and then send away for the bonus disc AND the box in case you'd bought the first two films already. It was a fantastic idea, and one I'm proud to say I took part in. I know there isn't much info about the DVD yet, but has there been any word of something like this happening at all anywhere? Just thought I'd ask though. -John Brumit

From all reports, it looks like LFL is going to take things nice and easy with this DVD release. So far there's been no word regarding special collector's boxes or other such gift sets; looks like we'll get the DVD and that's about it. I have little doubt we'll see something like a gift set eventually, but I imagine it will encompass all six films rather than each individual trilogy. If they were going to focus on each trilogy, rather than a box I wouldn't mind seeing Gentle Giant develop themed bookend to go with each set; Prequel on one side, Original Trilogy on the other... Who knows, maybe this is something we can hopefully look forward to for the 30th anniversary.


5
There are a zillion clone variants available across all the toy lines right now. My question is why has Commander Cody been totally ignored? He actually had lines in the movie, which puts him head and shoulders ahead of a load of toys that have been made. Enough of the Anti-Cody bias! -Brad Collier

One of the things we learned coming out of Comic Con is that a good portion of the Episode III line was developed immediately after Hasbro was finished with the Episode II line. As such a lot of what we saw this year was based on pre-production info. At the time Hasbro was busy putting the line together there's a very good chance that Cody was not the character he turned out to be. We know from the StarWars.com that Bly was originally clad in red trimmed armor like Clone Commander #33, I think it's safe to assume Cody also underwent a few changes through the course of filming and post production. It's possible by the time all the details were nailed down on Cody Hasbro felt it was too late to develop an action figure for this line.

Theory: Based on the fact that figures #54 - #68 are all repaints to a degree or more, Hasbro probably never intended to carry the Revenge of the Sith line this far into the year. Sith was a hit though, giving the line a tremendous boost in popularity, so the decision to keep things rolling into the DVD release and the end of the year made sense. The only draw back, if in fact Hasbro originally planned to shift gears mid year, is that they didn't have any more Episode III figures lined up - no Cody, no nothing - thus the repaints… I know, a lot of ifs and buts, but it would explain why Cody seems to have been ignored. The good news is Hasbro is now well aware of Cody's popularity and will hopefully take advantage of that in 2006. Sure, it would be great to have him this year, but there's nothing wrong with keeping the anticipation rolling into the New Year.


6
I just have to know, what is in the future for the Role Playing toys? I love the Electronic Lightsabers, but will we see any new ones in the near future, like maybe a more movie accurate Mace Windu Lightsaber (the one already released is based on his Episode 1 saber.)? And does Hasbro plan on doing anymore with the "Ultimate Lightsaber"? I own one, and thought it would be cool if they came out with an expansion, maybe with a purple lens. Thanks for the help! -John

In talking with them in San Diego it was pretty clear Hasbro is quite satisfied with their Role Play line, and have every intention of keeping it going as long as fans are there to support it. While it doesn't look like we'll ever see an Episode II/III Mace Windu saber, I understand there's a good chance Darth Sidious' saber will be added to the line. Originally planned as a stand-alone item, we've been told by Hasbro that there are no plans to offer an expansion set for their Ultimate Build Your Own Lightsaber. While it may seem like a great idea to us, Hasbro will probably need a little more convincing before they budge on this one. Personally I hope they follow up their Water Blaster line, my sons and I had quite a good time with the Wookiee blaster this Summer; it would be fun to see Hasbro add a new weapon to their arsenal.


7
I bought the ANAKIN's JEDI STARFIGHTER (Toys 'R' Us Exclusive) and I like to know how can I fit the R2-D2 (Droid Attack! Ep. III-7). The R2 can be placed to the bottom of the socket or the R2 unit didn't go all the way to the bottom?

While most of the astromech figures do fit into the slots on the ROTS Jedi Starfighters, they do not fit perfectly. I'm afraid the best you'll be able to do with any of the droid figures is to have it sit as it's pictured in our archives; which is noticeably higher than the astromech shaped plug that actually comes with the toy.


8
Are the bonus Wookiee Warriors that come with the Barc Speeder, and the bonus Clone Troopers that come with the AT-RT repacks or repaints? I'm hoping for repacks as I don't really want to buy the vehicles (again!) to get another figure. Also: the silver Vader that comes with the Collectors 9-pack. I can't seem to find a definitive answer as to whether it is exactly the same as the Saga version, or whether it has been kit-bashed from various Vaders. I looked at the set in Woolworths and I have to confess I couldn't tell - there are so many subtlety different Vaders out there it's hard to keep track sometimes. Any help would be greatly appreciated! -Neil

The bonus Wookiee Warriors and Clone Troopers found in the Kohl's sets are straight repacks, there's no difference between those and the other versions that have been released individually. As for the new Revenge of the Sith Collector Pack silver Darth Vader; the figure was originally offered as the Silver Saga Edition figure (TRU in the U.S.) which in fact uses parts from both the Power of the Jedi Dagobah Vader, and Emperor's Wrath Vader.


9
This isn't exactly about merchandise, but I'm hoping you might be able to help... I've recently got a PSP and it's a pretty special piece of kit. As I'm sure you know, it can play movies in the new UMD format. What do you think the chances are that we'll see any of the SW films on UMD in the future? The idea of watching ESB or ROTS on the train in the mornings is almost enough to make me look forward to going to work! The only thing is, we all know how picky George can be about how his movies are viewed (of course, he has every right to be)...and I'm not sure he'd be crazy about them being presented on such a small screen. What do you think? Have you heard anything? -Matthew Smart (London, UK)

I haven't heard a peep about any of the Star Wars films coming to that format, and for the reasons you pointed out I'd be surprised if Mr. Lucas allowed such a version. Who knows though, if the format becomes popular enough I would think anything is possible.

10
I was wondering if Hasbro is planning on releasing another Expanded Universe line like Shadows of the Empire or the POTF figures based on the Dark Empire comics? Like the Clone Wars (MORE FIGURES!!!), with Republic Commando figures because I am sure there are some people who would love to get their hands on them. Someone at Custom Alliance made some awesome figs.

Also I was wondering on any other upcoming multi-figure sets for the 2006 Saga line.

Are the figures presented at Comic Con for ROTS the final figs in the ROTS line? And are all of the Saga figures resculpts and not just repaints? -Nate

Ordinarily I would say there's been no news and there's really very little chance for more EU figures without some kind of media support, but there have been rumbling and whispers that the various non-movie clone troopers are in fact the prelude to a line focused outside of the six movies. There's been no confirmation of that, we'll have to wait and see, but it is interesting to note. Does it mean we may finally see Republic Commando and Quinlan Vos action figures… probably not. My guess is the first real chance that we'll see another EU line would be in conjunction with the Clone Wars Animated adventures in 2007. Time will tell.

There's an excellent chance we will see more multi-figure/battle pack sets in 2006, the theme appears to have done well for Toys 'R' Us last year, and is doing well in 2005, I see no reason so far why Hasbro would abandon the idea. However, we've gotten no indication regarding what set may be in store or which figures they might contain. We're just going to have to wait and see…

Yes, the Revenge of the Sith line will wrap with these last two waves, figures #54-68. After that we should start to see the Saga Collection take over. As for the new Saga figures, it looks like the line will follow a similar pattern set with the OTC line; bringing back some old favorites and sprinkling in a few all-new figures here and there. Until we see more on exactly what the line will offer it's hard to say what the ratio of new to repackage figures will be, but it's safe to assume at this point there will be a mix.


Until next time...


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