Questions for March 16, 2006
Q&A Archive

1
A while back there was a report of some of the older Titanium series being re-released in buy one get one 2 packs. I haven't been able to find these yet. Do you know when and where these were or will be available? -RT (Tucson, AZ)

As far as I know there’s been no further word on the Titanium Series 2-packs posted in this report. Considering the Mega Buy sets Toys ‘R’ Us has been offering, I have a feeling the Titanium 2-packs may show up there, but they could actually show up anywhere for all we know, even back at Wal-Mart. There’s also a good chance they may not show up at all. While this may have been one of Hasbro’s plans for the line, those plans could have easily changed. Until they appear, or Hasbro makes their plans known, I’m afraid we’ll just have to wait and see…


2
I'm going to be moving soon and I'll be living in a smaller place until I find something bigger. I've got a very LARGE collection of loose figures (POTF2 and up) that will remain boxed up for an indefinite time until I have the room to display them again. My question is, how can I store them and not damage the figures? I was thinking of using baggies, but I'm not sure if they will effect the plastic in any way. -James

While baggies will be the best use of space, be sure you don’t use standard grocery store Ziploc or Glad type bags; these can actually damage and/or discolor your figures rather quickly. Not that other baggies won’t cause the same damage over time, but there are action figure type bags on the market that ‘should’ protect your figures adequately. You’ll typically find these for sale at comic/collectible stores, or on-line where action figure cases are sold.


3
I am wondering. Can a store refuse or stop selling Star Wars figures. I know a lot of stores cancelled the GI Joe line. I have asked some store employees at the 2 main players Wal-Mart and Target and get "oh we aren't going to carry Star Wars anymore”. Can a store just cancel something for no reason? -Chad

Technically they can, but rarely does this ever happen. On the store level, if a buyer sees that a particular line just doesn’t move, they can stop ordering that item. However, unless there’s a very clear reason for doing so (poor sales or the product is causing safety problems: scalpers running through the store as soon as the doors open…), I can’t imagine a store dropping the Star Wars line completely. I would guess the persons telling you this are either misinformed, or are simply pulling your leg.


4
Will the Separation of the Twins figures be re-released in 2006 to Wal-Mart? Also, has there been any of the new 2006 Saga figures that are more rare or harder to find? –Chad (a different Chad, trust me…)

As far as I know there are no plans to re-release the Separation of the Twins figures this year. Again, this is a Wal-Mart exclusive that came and went last year leaving a lot of collectors wondering what the heck was going on. As nice as it would be to see these figures out there again for fans that missed them the first time, it just doesn’t look like Hasbro or Wal-Mart care enough to make it happen.

As for the harder to find figures of 2006; Scorch and the Utapau Clone Trooper (at one per case) are currently topping the chart. This will likely improve, I understand there are cases out there with 3 of each, but we’ll have to see how things go. All the other figures so far have been fairly easy to find. Troopers aren’t around for very long, it took me a while to track down my Hoth Power Droid, but all in all I’d say distribution and availability has been decent (when there are figures on the shelves…).


5
What are the chances of Hasbro making a Titanium Ultra Imperial Star Destroyer? Has Hasbro thought of making more astromech droid sets? I would like to see a set of all the droids found on the Naboo Royal Starship along with their harnesses. I also saw a few new astromech droids in Episode III in one of the hangers and was wondering if there is a listing online of all astromechs seen in the movies. Is there any chance of the Naboo Royal Cruiser (episode III) coming out as a Titanium ship? -Jeremy B.

I’d think the chances are pretty good that Hasbro will release a Titanium Series Ultra Star Destroyer. An Action Fleet version of this ship has been on the drawing board and was almost released back in 2000, we got close to seeing one released a few years ago when the line was brought back for Episode II, but line cuts held it up again. I have to think Hasbro is aware of the considerable interest in seeing this vehicle released; it should only be a matter of time before they add one to the collection.

As far as I know there are no plans for more Entertainment Earth type astromech sets. While there are a number of droids I know I’d like to see repainted, it seems as if Hasbro is content with what’s out there for now. A couple of the Naboo droids are included in the EE sets, but with one of them being an R5, I imagine Hasbro probably wanted to avoid using that mold until after R5-D4 was released later this year. Anything is possible in the future, a set of Naboo droids would be a nice way of making R2-B1 available again, but right now it doesn’t look like anything is in the works.

As for Padmé’s Episode III cruiser coming to the Titanium line; I’d like to think Hasbro will offer this eventually, but there’s been no word yet. Stay tuned.


6
Hi, just a quick question, on my MR Darth Maul full size saber, the black rubber rings on it have cracked and split and 2 have snapped was just wondering if:
You have heard of this before?
Were can I get any replacements?
What can I do to stop this happening again?
Any information would be most welcome. -robby.

No, I have not heard of this before, but I’m not at all surprised – and after asking around I guess it is a known problem. Rubber dries and cracks and splits, it’s just the nature of the material. I would think your best shot at replacement parts would come directly from Master Replicas through the Customer Care section of their website. If that doesn’t work out, try your local hardware store, seriously. The part is a simple rubber ring; your hardware store probably carries them in all shapes and sizes. Unfortunately, there’s a good chance you’ll be faced with this same problem again, and again, and again. As I said, rubber is not the most stable material and tends to deteriorate rather quickly. While there are products out there that can extend the life of the rubber parts on your Maul saber, I wouldn’t necessarily want to put them in direct contact with the rest of the piece. I suppose at this point this could be considered a design flaw, from what I understand it is a ‘known’ issue, but it’s one collectors are just going to have to work with.


7
I was thinking about all the different figures there are for the main characters. It seems like every time they change their underwear there's a new figure for that. So I was determined to find a point in the movies where either Luke or Leia were not represented with a figure, (I ruled out Han because he always wears the same thing, as well as the droids and Chewie for obvious reasons).

So far the only thing I think I have come up with is at the very end of Empire as Luke and Leia are watching the Falcon leave for Tatooine. Here is a link to a pic on the Official Site. So basically my question is there such a figure for these outfits? And are there any other outfits Luke and Leia have worn that have not reached it to figure. -Anthony B.

So far these are the only movie versions of Luke and Leia (that I can think of) that have not been ‘immortalized’ in plastic. While there has been a lot of talk about these two in collecting circles, they aren’t exactly the type of figure Hasbro likes to produce. Sure, they’re main characters, but on-screen they do little more than stand there – not quite the ‘action figure’ figure. It’s hard to imagine Hasbro ever adding these to the line, but I guess anything is possible.


8
Will subsequent waves of Saga figures include figures from earlier waves? It seems like once a wave is gone, which is pretty fast where I live, they’re gone. The shelves are empty for weeks at a time. Plenty of Star Wars choppers and Unleashed Battle Packs though… If Hasbro is so concerned with the bottom line, why do they waste money designing toys no one buys? (Unleashed Battle Packs, Choppers, Transformers) I like the direction the Saga collection is going, but the supply is not meeting the demand. -Jay Busby, Mankato, MN

I have to agree, there does seem to be a shortage of basic figures out there; I can’t tell you how many empty pegs I see these days. While it doesn’t look like Hasbro will be including any figures from previous waves with their newer assortments, I have seen a few instances where older cases are put out along side new ones. I suppose there’s at least some hope for those that may have misses a few of the earlier figures. There’s also a chance that come the end of the year Hasbro will put out a few make up/refresh cases; cases of figures from different waves that were a little harder to find throughout the year. They did this to some degree last year – I have to think Hasbro may try it again in late 2006.

Hold that thought; just this morning I found a case of figures that included characters from the first three waves. It does look like Hasbro is already sending out refresh cases; this should certainly help fill any holes in your collection.

As for why Hasbro would waste time and money on lines that don’t do well; I guess they’re just trying to see what might catch on. I’m sure the folks at Hasbro watch what market trends are hot and what’s not – there are companies out there doing well with similar products and Hasbro is probably trying to ride a little of that wave. The Custom Choppers and Unleashed Battle Packs fall in line with other products that have been fairly well received by consumers; the Spiderman and Friends Choppers and Lord of the Rings Armies of Middle Earth lines are good examples. As for the Transformers, there’s a very interesting reason why that makes perfect sense, but we’ll discuss that later in the show…


9
I have purchased all of the ROTS Jedi starfighter variations except for the green Anakin TRU Exclusive. I was strapped for cash at the time and couldn't bring myself to pay $10 more than the other starfighters were going for. Big mistake. Now, Anakin's green starfighter is going for close to $100 on eBay.

With news at Toy Fair that there would be a purple Mace Windu's starfighter released in 2006, and the fact that Anakin's yellow starfighter will be re-released in saga packaging this year as well, what is the likelihood of a reissue of the green starfighter?

Also, can you recommend a good 'trading' website? I have a Padmé Unleashed in the original packaging and I'm wondering if I might swap it somewhere for a green starfighter. -Grendelspyce

I guess anything is possible, I did notice Target is now selling some of the Wal-Mart “exclusive” Titanium vehicles from last year, I would assume if Hasbro offered those up for grabs they could certainly offer up Anakin’s Green Starfighter. It’s probably a good idea all the way around, but nothing has indicated Hasbro plans to follow through. If something doesn’t turn up beforehand, we’ll ask at Comic Con.

The only trading site I’d recommend would be the trading section of the Rebelscum Forums. You could certainly try other forums, but I wouldn’t know enough about them to recommend one over the other… Hope that helps!

10
I really enjoy your column and this is my first time writing. I recently purchased an Early Bird Package on clearance at my local Wal-Mart. This particular package is the second release version with the extra stickers on the outside showing the actual four figures and the extended postmark date of March 31, 2006. I am certainly happy to have the opportunity to receive the figures, but much to my disappointment the Hyperspace Trial Membership code included in the package has apparently expired. Does Hasbro have any plans to extend this part of the promotion as well? If so, is there some way to activate this "expired" code? It seems to reason that the entire promotion of the Early Bird Package should be extended. -Tim

The extension of the Hyperspace offer is out of Hasbro’s hands, that’s completely up to folks at Hyperspace and it appears they’re not interested in making that happen. As far as I know there is no way to reactivate an expired code, you’ll just have to wait for some other trial offer to give Hyperspace a test drive.

11
Any chance Hasbro will make the rest of the Republic Commandos, or any other Expanded Universe figures in the new saga collection? Maybe a Quinlan Vos figure?

Do you have any dates for the releases of the new mini busts by Gentle Giant?(Darth Maul, Qui Gon, Grievous, ...) Also the new animated statutes?

Does Hasbro have any plans to make the clone from Utupau with the strange looking helmet (not sure what that clone is)?

I’m confident Hasbro will eventually release additional Republic Commando figures. I seriously doubt they would have gone to the trouble of sculpting Scorch if they didn’t at least have it in the back of their minds that they could get another couple figures out of the effort. As for other Expanded Universe figures, there are a few in the mix already, very likely more will follow, no telling at this point whether Quinlan Vos will make the cut.

According to Gentle Giant, the Qui-Gon Mini Bust is slated for July, Maul’s release has not been announced yet, and the release date for the General Grievous bust will be October! As for the Animated style Maquettes, Boba Fett will hit retail in September, still no word on the others.

Hasbro hasn’t said much about this figure; it doesn’t look like it’s planned for this year, but may be in the works for 2007. Officially it’s known as an Utapau Airborne Clone Trooper (as featured on StarWars.com’s Sith Snapshot from December 23rd) and according to most fans would make one awesome addition to the line. Should be easy enough, but we’ll just have to wait and see if Hasbro agrees.

12
Is there a date for the Target release of the Demise Of Grievous figure? -Mike

As far as I know there’s no particular street date for this Target exclusive, but it is expected to hit retail this “spring.” Stay tuned, we’ll likely have to wait for the first store report, but that shouldn’t be much longer.

13
Hi, I have a question. Has their been any up dates on the Fans Choice Figure? I haven't heard any thing since the first report. I hope you can answer my question. Casey

Yes, we finally have some word on this and it looks like we’re down to the top 25 finalists. The latest issue of Toy Fare magazine (#105) lists the top contenders, but if you simply can’t wait, check out Dan’s post from yesterday!

14
Is Hasbro going to correct the spelling on the Chief Chirpa base? They have it spelled "Chief Chipra" right now. -Tim

We can only hope. You'd think with all the access they have to the Lucasfilm archives and source material, they could at least get the characters names right... We’ll just have to wait and see.

15
I noticed on the New VOTC figures, the "Galactic Hunt" George Lucas Stormtrooper offer is only valid in the U.S. Since there will be Canadian packaging, will their be a Canadian offer? -Christopher

I haven’t heard anything on this lately, but at the time it did not look like this offer would be extended to the Canadian market. It looks like some other markets will get this figure by alternate means, but so far I haven’t heard of any details regarding distribution in Canada.

16
i usually have pretty good luck in my local area finding 3 3/4" figures. the new saga line has been a tough one so far with exception to the carkoon wave which i found all of so far and i didn't buy every figure available, they had plenty extra. i never saw a vader from the hoth wave either. the attack of the clones wave has alluded me,even though i know it was released in my area and i have seen evidence with one or two yoda's or poggle's. my question is what's the deal with the lack of distribution? it seems that there is only one case sent to a store at a time, and if you're not present when the figures hit the pegs your out of luck. i dont know the case assortments, but this has been pathetic. to top it all i only find figures at target, walmart hasn't restocked since carkoon and when they have it was only with titanium series and attactix. is there hope coming soon or will i have to resort to e-bay or entertainment earth? -jason

Hope is coming soon. Cases are shipping now with a mixture of figures from the first couple waves. These should help you fill any gaps in your collection, give it a little more time before heading to eBay or buying by the case.

17
M&Ms plush M-pire C-3PO: I didn't see this item in the Jedi Archives. I was wondering if one was made? Could you please tell me any information if possible? -David A.

Good question, as far as I know they did not make/release a C-3PO M-pire plush figure, at least not that I recall seeing. There was an R2-D2, and a handful of others, but no 3PO that remember seeing.

18
What is the deal with Hasbro being so adamant about merging the Star Wars and Transformers lines/genres together? I thought the actual SW Transformers were bad enough, but now Star Wars vs. Transformers Attacktix. The two lines do not even come close to belonging together. I can see each line having their own Attacktix game, but this is ridiculous...come on!!!!!!!! -Brandon K

Ah, the wonders of marketing genius. Let’s say you have one of the top selling boys toy lines, but it’s for a blockbuster franchise that has just seen its final theatrical event. Then, you have an existing toy line with a new blockbuster movie coming up… Yep, what better way to ‘prime’ the pump for the Transformers movie/product onslaught than to ease kids into it though the very popular Star Wars line? Hey, it’s only a theory, but one that makes perfect sense for Hasbro and explains the why’s and how’s over these puzzling Star Wars/Transformers crossovers.

Other than that, they’re cool toys and certainly a good way for Hasbro to cross-promote both lines.

19
What's the scoop with the Attacktix figures that come on chrome bases? I've got Greedo both regular and chrome as well as some others that way. I assume the chrome ones are more difficult to get but I don't get the significance of the chrome base. The package & instructions say nothing about it (although, I must admit that I did only skim over them). Also, I don't really understand how to tell on the actual figures/pieces if they're common or uncommon. The package has this little scale thing that gives numbers to what's common & not but the numbers on the figures/pieces don't really correspond to said scale. Am I just not hip with the times? -Fraggle

Aside from the obvious, there is no significance to the chrome bases on the Attacktix figures; it’s a flashy variation, basically creating a “Wow” subset with the line. If you search hard enough, you could potentially find a complete set of chrome based Attacktix figures. There’s really nothing mentioned in the instructions about the chrome based figures, they simply are what they are. The first two series came with booklets that listed the figures by rarity, unfortunately for Series 3, Hasbro chose not to include a Series 3 booklet. As near as I can tell the scale follows the figure numbers; the first five figures are common, the next ten are rare, and the last fifteen are super rare. I suppose it could be a little confusing if you are new to the line, but if you’ve been following it for a while the pattern has stayed pretty much the same.

20
Are there any plans from Master Replicas to make a Stormtrooper helmet? I've heard rumors that they might make one but I was disappointed not to see one in the 2006 toy fair photos. -Jeff

From what I hear there are definite plans, but MR didn’t have anything ready to show at Toy Fair. I would look forward to Comic Con if I were you, there’s probably a very good chance we’ll see that helmet there.


Until next time...


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