Questions for June 12, 2006
Q&A Archive

1
Hopefully you can help me. I am to the point of severe desperation here. I am a HUGE fan of the large Unleashed figures and I have seen that they are now making their way to retailers. Living in Southern California is a pain in this respect. I have finally quit collecting the smaller figures since the scalpers always get to them before I do (stores have even informed me that they see the same two guys come in each day at stocking and clear out all of the biker scouts, etc.) and the UGH only cemented that I truly need to get out now. I really do not want to give up on collecting the larger Unleashed line because between those and the Gentle Giant busts, they're all I collect now and I really do like their style. I have yet to even see one of the new waves of Unleashed (Han as Stormtrooper, Shock Trooper, and Chewbacca) on the pegs ANYWHERE in my area. I have visited and called pretty much every Toys R Us, Target, Wal-Mart, and K-Mart from Valencia to Irvine with no luck. I'm doing this on a daily/every other day basis. Do you have any tips for me? I can't logically see myself paying the same scalpers I despise so much to obtain them. I see you have mentioned the DCPI numbers every once in a while for the 3 3/4" line, but what are those? Will those help with this search? Is Hasbro taking notice of this at all, and do they even care for their fans/casual collectors?? I've never even seen Commander Cody, Scorch, or many other figures on the pegs, not even the interactive R2-D2 with its higher price. Even the non-chain toy dealers (such as Collectors Warehouse in Torrance) jack up the prices thanks to the scalpers. Something is really wrong with the market here. With their smaller availability the Unleashed line was always a bit difficult to get, but I fear that with the lines precarious and unknown future these may never be seen either. Please help me out, I'd really like to get these new Unleashed and put my mind at ease. -Scott S.

As much as I wish I had better news for you, right now the outlook on these new Unleashed figures is not all that great. I've yet to find a complete set on my own, and so far it looks as if only Wal*Mart is bringing this wave in. Hasbro has alluded to a sort of exclusive Unleashed Greatest Hits (four figures: two at Target, two at Wal*Mart) coming later on in new tube packaging, but I suspect these figures will not be included in the offering. Until this wave (Han, Chewie, and Shocktrooper) shows up at Target, their DCPI system won't include this set. All I can suggest at this point is patience and persistence; eventually you should come across these figures (maybe not all at once) and be able to add them to your collection. You may also want to keep an eye on Wal*Mart.com to see if they are offered there. As for what Hasbro has noticed, they've noticed the line does well, but does not performed exceptionally or should I say well enough for retail to maintain interest. I think they'd like to have more Unleashed figures out there for fans of the line, but can't seem to convince the likes of Wal*Mart and Target to commit to orders. As for distribution of the basic figures that's another story; obviously retail loves those, Hasbro just can't seem to get the ratio right on things like troop builders, Scorch, and Commander Cody…

Hang in there, hold out as long as you can, but in the end understand you may be forced to pay a premium price to add these particular figures to your collection.


2
All the recent questions about baggies vs. tackle boxes for storing loose figures has got me wondering: Do figures kept carded deteriorate faster because of lack of air flow to dissipate the gases? What about carded figures kept in plastic star cases to keep the cards in good shape? All that sealed plastic seems worse than a zip-loc bag...where does that leave and extensive carded and protected collection?

The big issues with the baggies are, once sealed you virtually have an airtight environment, and the type of plastic used for the bag itself is prone to deterioration. This traps any gases coming off the figures, and contributes to the 'soup' inside the bag. Figures left carded are sealed under the blister, but typically you'll have the cardboard backing, which can absorb and dissipate some of these gases. So what about the bubbles, can they cause damage? I've never read a scientific explanation, but the bubbles are probably in more danger from the figures than the figures are from the bubbles. Why does a bubble yellow, is it from the bubble, or the figure, or both? As for carded figures placed in clamshells, despite being encased, they're rarely sealed airtight. There may not be a lot of airflow, but there's enough so that a huge build up doesn't occur. Still, it's never a bad idea to change the clamshells every five to seven years, or at least open them up once a year to air out the pocket and make sure you're not trapping moisture (which can damage the cardboard). So where does all this leave a carded collection? As I've said none of these toys are designed to last forever. The intention is that they are to be opened and played with and discarded somewhere down the line. With proper care, kept cool, dry, and out of direct sunlight, you can keep your collection nice for a long period of time, but eventually you will start to see signs of deterioration. This is all just part of the process and in the end an inevitability we'll have to face.


3
My collection is almost entirely action figures and vehicles. I didn't collect the Action Fleet line, the Micro Machines line, or the Titanium line and I now wish that I had. My question is about the scale of these different ships. I can't seem to find a site anywhere where this is highlighted. Are the scales the same? Are they retooled / resculpted / re-hashed versions of each other? How big are they compared to the 3 3/4" line? One of the reasons I want to know is I'm looking for the correct size snowspeeder to smash with my 3¾" AT-AT. Oh what fun! -Knight

For all these vehicles, in both lines, the only scale that applies is the scale to package. In creating this line both Galoob and now Hasbro designed the ships to fit a particular box, not to be in scale with each other. While in some cases you can find examples of 'near to scale' likeness, it's certainly not intentional. Of the new Hasbro lines, the Titanium Series is basically a re-release of many of the old Galoob Die-Cast MicroMachines. There are some new vehicles in the line, but most are produced with the very same molds that Galoob created years ago. As for the Ultra Series, these vehicles being Die-Cast, had to have new tooling created, but are in fact near copies of the tools used for the plastic molded Action Fleet. How these lines relate to the vehicles in the 3¾" line is all over the place; the 3¾" doesn't necessarily follow a set scale either. If I were to pair up a 3¾" line AT-AT with the closest scale Snowspeeder, I'd put it with the Action Fleet/Ultra Series version. For best reference, take a good look at the scene where the Walker smashes Luke's Snowspeeder; how the speeder relates to the footprint of the AT-AT will tell the tale. Have fun!


4
Recently there was a post with scans of and advertisement for the Titanium Series. Under the Ultra section there was a Jedi Starfighter listed. Do you know if this will be the Episode II version that was never produced as action fleet but has a prototype? Or will it be the Episode III version that would offer them numerous variations on color schemes? -Jay

At this point I really couldn't guess with any certainty. Hasbro obviously has what they need to create tooling off the Episode II Action Fleet mold, but given the popularity and proximity of Episode III it might just make more sense to go with that design. Until we know for sure, it's anyone guess which fighter it will turn out to be. One thing is for sure, no matter which version it turns out to be, there are plenty of color options on both designs to keep the variations going.


5
What do you think is going to happen for Star Wars in 2007 from Hasbro? Do you think they will continue the same level of productivity or do you think they will downplay their focus on Star Wars to concentrate on the new Ghost Rider and Spider-Man movie?

It would be nice if they continue to do more VOTC figures since they're done very nicely. Heck, I'd like to see more Republic Commando figures, more ROTS, and any characters that haven't been done yet!

Honestly, I like how Hasbro handled the redemption for the George Lucas Stormtrooper figure. I thought it was a great idea and I hope Hasbro do more exclusive Star Wars figures like this. I know a few people are complaining of redemption sticker theft, but you can't make everything a foolproof situation.

I remember in one of the Q&A forum, someone was complaining about the price of the Saga and VOTC line. You're right that Hasbro has to call the shots on the prices, but not to forget the cost of gas has raised the price on everything we buy from day to day. If you don't like the price, you don't have to buy it.

Also, about the situation where a person was complaining about the redemption stickers for the George Lucas figure being removed at KB Toys. I'm not here to judge the situation, but all I can say is be thankful that you have a KB TOY store in your area. They've been closing several stores within a couple of years. Enjoy KB TOYS while you can! Thanks For Your Time, -Avery

You know what, I don't know what Hasbro might do next year. On the one hand I would think it's the 30th anniversary, they'll make a huge deal out of it. On the other hand the 25th anniversary sets didn't do so hot, do they really want to draw attention to the fact that the line is 30 years old (well, with a big hiatus there in the middle…)? I'm guessing they will key into this for collectors with some special items, but not go overboard with a ton of product… We'll see.

It certainly sounds like there are more vintage style figures in the works for 2007, I think it's dawned on Hasbro that this is a line they can add to a little each year and run for the remainder of the license. As for the rest of the Saga, I think we can certainly count on Hasbro to keep cranking out characters from all six movies, as well as a few Expanded Universe characters as well.

True, you can't make everything foolproof, but with the hassle the Lucas Trooper offer has become, I doubt we'll see another one like it anytime soon. Hasbro has been resistant to these offers based on cost alone for a few years now, this case just proves to them that there is a significant element within the hobby that only seeks to make matters worse. Honestly, I can't fault them; for all their efforts this situation only makes them look bad - it's PR they don't deserve.

We need to keep in mind to that as the price of gas rises, we're not the only ones paying the bills. Hasbro ships all over the world, what hurts us at the pump, hurts them as well - probably even more. Not to mention that plastic is a petroleum product… Yes we make the ultimate decision on what price we are willing to pay, but Hasbro doesn't always have the luxury of setting their costs.

Enjoy KB for as long as you can? How 'bout enjoy KB and Toys 'R' Us for as long as you can… I've seen closures of multiple stores in my area, roughly 4 KBs and 2 TRUs. This is not good news for the toy industry, or collectors. Can you imagine what kind of selection we'll have if all we're left with are a handful of aisles at Target and Wal*Mart? I sense dark times ahead toy fans…


6
I have recently been able to find some UGH figures (about passed out when the silver foil gleamed in front of me) when to my dismay the figure packaging was smashed. I have only come across 2 Snowtroopers (both in great condition and in 2 different Wal-Mart's except I only need one) 2 Han Solo in Carbonite (crushed), Boba Fett (packaging torn and bent) and Anakin (crushed again) although there were several Darth Vaders and Hologram Ki Adi Mundi that looked in pristine condition. What gives?? Is someone out there trying to make my life miserable?? Have you heard of this happening? Also how much longer will the UGH be shipping before EBAY starts to become my only hope to complete my collection?

While some of the damage you're seeing could happen during shipping, there are people out there that bring a type of 'scorched earth' policy to the hobby. Whether they are trying to increase the value of their mint condition figures in a local area, or attempting to deny scalpers sellable goods, the practice is just plain wrong. Since the line first debuted in '95 I've found figures with dog eared corners, as much as I'd like to say this a new trend that will hopefully fade away, it's been around for too long now.

Based on the latest info, it appears the UGH figure have stopped shipping. While there may be a few cases lurking around out there somewhere, we're quickly getting to the point where eBay is our only hope. I'd like to think Hasbro might put these same twelve figures back into circulation later this year, but at this point I really can't tell if they like us collectors well enough to do that or not…


7
Don't know if anyone has mentioned this (or even cares) I was watching revenge of the Sith and I noticed that one of the clone pilots have the same symbol as Boba Fett does on his armor (the one on his right chest plate that looks like an olive branch) its also on the helmet of the clone trooper who says "there all over me, get them off my . . . " at the beginning of the movie (4:10 minutes into the movie) just thought I would throw that out there to see if anyone else has
mentioned it I can't find anything -Jose G

Funny, I just noticed this myself a few days ago, and couldn't seem to come up with any mention of it anywhere either. It's a cool little Easter Egg to be sure; it's too bad Hasbro didn't pick up on that for their ROTS greatest hits release. As long as they're determined to put that figure back out there, I'd much rather see an alternate deco that was in the film than the black clad pilot that doesn't really have a ship to fly…


8
I have a question regarding upcoming DVD releases from Lucasfilm. With the success of the Clone Wars series and their subsequent DVD releases, why haven't we seen a release of the Ewoks and Droids cartoons in the same format, such as DVDs that have the entire series in one set? I know Hasbro released DVDs of each that contained multiple episodes (which I bought), but neither were the entire series, and left something to be desired... Any speculation or ideas on if/when we'll see the entire series of each cartoon on DVD?

I've never heard specifics, and nothing I've heard should be considered set in stone, but people in the know have indicated that it's only a matter of time. I would suspect that 2007 might be an optimal year to release such a collection; 30th anniversary, new cartoon series coming… With that kind of exposure the market should be right to release the classic animated tales, but who knows. All I know is that I hope they come out soon; my kids have burnt holes in their Ewoks, Droids, and Clone Wars DVDs, I'd like to think they'd get a shot at some new stories before they move on to the next big thing.


9
Just thought of something. With your story about being able to send in figures to Hasbro to get them swapped out if they have been tampered with, what's to stop someone from pulling the POPs themselves, and then sending to Hasbro for new figures. I have found a complete set of all 5 figures at Wal-Mart that had been tampered, so you can't argue that it can only be one figure. Just a thought. -tony

To be honest, nothing.

Strike that, the only thing that could possible keep a person from doing that would be a good conscience, if you don't have one of those you could certainly get away with sending off for a new sealed set. I would like to think that Hasbro will keep track of what's sent out, I don't imagine you could get away with doing this more than once, but since the offer was made Hasbro is bound by it. Keep in mind there are no guarantees the figures will be sent to back in mint condition, and anyone trying to take advantage of the offer could very well end up with a few dented clamshells. It's unfortunate that this has become such a huge problem, and that Hasbro's best solution still opens them up for more abuse, but at least they are trying. Now it's up to us to do the right thing.

10
I know you probably think I'm an idiot for asking this, but I don't know who else can answer my question (I can't find the answer anywhere else!). So here it is: when will the Fan Choice Poll end? I've looked all over the web for that answer, but I can't find it, and I'm getting impatient waiting for the results! So if you could help, that would be great!

Huh? There was a fan choice poll?? Oh yeah there was, wasn't there… Um, the poll closed on April 15th and the winner will be announced in an upcoming issue of Toy Fare magazine (not sure what number, but probably the next issue). Don't feel bad about not know what's going on; I didn't really even know myself until I started digging around. Hope that helps!


Until next time...


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