QUESTIONS FOR HASBRO - round 79

[JediTricks]

Please post your VOTE for up to 6 {six} of the questions provided in this thread, letting us know which ones you most want to see asked on February 5th. Keep in mind that your votes in round 78 do not count in this round, so if your question is still on the list you may want to vote for it again.

Also, feel free to post new questions. For reference, here are Hasbro's answers to previous SSG questions (http://www.sirstevesguide.com/index.php?categoryid=13&p2_articleid=1934); and from other sites (http://www.sirstevesguide.com/index.php?categoryid=13&p2_articleid=1936). The questions we asked last round can be found here (http://forums.sirstevesguide.com/showthread.php?p=710036#post710036).

Current questions (vote for up to 6):


- In a recent Q&A, you mentioned that "[Hasbro] will continue working with Sideshow on their 12" figure program." As we know, Sideshow sub-licenses their 12" Star Wars through Hasbro's Star Wars license, but the intricacies of this relationship are not fully understood. With your recent comment above, collectors are ever more curious as to how exactly Hasbro and Sideshow work together on that 12" figure line. What types of input and interaction does Hasbro have into the Star Wars items that Sideshow produces?
- Beyond Star Wars, many other franchises have tried their hand at Titanium Series - Battlestar Galactica, Indiana Jones, Marvel, Transformers, even Stargate was floated as being in some level of planning - yet they all eventually faded away from Titanium Series' light. What lessons has the Titanium Series team taken away from those other licenses' lines and their passings? For example, how did the Stargate line not come to be? Or you put off the wave with the BSG Basestar and couldn't find a slot for this new tooling before the license ran out, yet you released a Starbuck repaint of the Viper mk 2 at the proverbial 11th hour (and didn't hit shelves until the 13th hour), an unusual distinction which fans don't really understand, and could use more behind-the-scenes insight into - why didn't that Basestar tooling get shoehorned into a later wave before the license with Universal ran out? Why release a repaint vehicle that won't satisfy fans as much, rather than an all-new mold which fans have been clamoring for?
- What was the decision making process behind creating a Jabba the Hutt animated figure instead of a Ziro the Hutt figure? Ziro has appeared in the Clone Wars series more than Jabba so far, and his animated behavior fits the Clone Wars animated series better than Jabba. Was it merely the character recognizability of Jabba, or the fact that you had existing accessories for him, or was the idea of an evil Truman Capote Hutt just too out-there for ya?
- Has there been any thought to creating a repaint of Clone Wars C-3PO in his "Droids" cartoon coloring? This mold is already fairly cartoony in design and realization. It would make a nifty collectible for fans of the classic cartoon, yet also could work for new collectors unfamiliar with the series as an alternate protocol droid with a unique color scheme. Any chance of seeing this happen from Hasbro, or would it have to show up in the new cartoon first to even be considered?
- The Clone Wars line has been a boon for its droid designs, but is following suit from the realistic lines with the sagging leg problems. This is especially noticeable on Clone Wars Battle Droids and General Grievous. Yet in the same line, IG-86 and the Commando Droid don't suffer this, the difference being that they have ankle joints while the BD and Grievous figures do not. It seems like the joints take stress off the thin leg elements helping cope with wilting issues, and that's a pretty big deal. Obviously including either knee or ankle articulation on them isn't a cheap undertaking, but it seems like a necessary one in the scheme of things since if a figure can't stand up, it's going to be far less fun. Any possibility of including one type of lower leg articulation or another on future versions of these figures as this partial solution to this long-time problem?
- One of your answers in the September 10th round mentioned that R2-X2 is a corrected version of the droid that came in the Entertainment Earth Exclusive set. Another figure in one of those sets, R3-T2, was also painted incorrectly in comparison to its onscreen counterpart. The version you released had a white dome with a metallic brown stripe, while it should have a red dome with white panels. Are there any plans to release a corrected version of R3-T2 down the line?
- Have you considered sealing magnets into figures' feet and including metal stands to avoid the numerous problems that have come up with footpeg holes over the years? Kotobukiya is doing that with their new ARTFX+ line of statue kits to great success, and although 3.75" figures are a smaller medium, magnetic feet would go well with your action figure line with all its challenges keeping figures standing.
- We've now seen Hasbro imagery of deluxe Anakin with Desert Sport Skiff, and us old-fogey collectors who have been around since 1996 are quite surprised to see that accessory's return. It wasn't exactly popular back in the day, its styling wasn't that Star Warsy, and its wobbly guns didn't help much, yet now we have it back for a whole new generation of Star Wars collectors. The other 1996 deluxe releases - Crowd Control Stormtrooper, Han Solo with Flight Pack, and Boba Fett with Mega Jetpack of Doom - weren't exactly crowd-pleasers either, but will we be seeing any of them re-released? Though the idea of a small vehicle for Anakin makes sense, re-releasing this piece seems like such an odd choice. Could you guide us through the thought process on this one? Did the failure of the original influence the decision at all?
- With the Wedge Antilles X-wing Fighter set, you have a great-looking boxed set there, but it's marred by one odd choice: the nifty kill-marks are printed on white paper stickers rather than clear transparent ones, which look terrible on the ship. Why go with the white-backed stickers over the transparent ones? If this was a factory error, and we're hoping it is, will there be a reissued set of stickers on clear backing?
- On the latest TIE Interceptor's packaging, the box art on the front has a highly-detailed ship which is not actually representing the toy, the back of the box imagery does that. However, while the new cockpit pod is a great improvement, that art highlights the wings being the same existing designs we've had for the last 3 decades, and their size and lack of detail really shows compared to the new pod. Granted, you've just released a TIE Interceptor so it's not like we're going to see new wings next week. But hypothetically, how far in the future might fans have to wait to get a set of updated TIE Interceptor wings to match the quality of the new pod?
- With the 2008 Medical Frigate Luke figure, the figure almost fits the bill for Echo Base recovery scene Luke, if not for the open mechanical arm, and the different likeness with scars and Hoth hairstyle. That scene also has 2 other characters whose figures are in dire need of updating: Leia Hoth, and 2-1B, both of which haven't seen new figure designs in over a decade. With a Recovery Luke figure, it'd just be a new head required (the body and undamaged forearm tooling already exists from the VOTC figure) so you could also include the mask he wore in that scene's less-infamous cut footage (we're not asking you to make kissing Luke & Leia, you'll have to decide if you're twisted enough to go there ;-) ). So, any chances of knocking the Echo Base Recovery scene out of the park by making new 2-1B, Leia Hoth, and Luke recovery figures?
- The Resurgence of the Jedi battle pack has a new ANH Luke Skywalker and already fans are enjoying the new likeness and the torso design, but the other elements have some issues. The VOTC Luke's legs were used here, and they seem too small for this figure, under proportion compared to the upper body. Also, the plastic "skirt" is rather stiff, preventing the figure from sitting down, extra frustrating since this scene he's sitting down most of the time. And the head deco is odd, cast in white plastic and then painted. Might a future ANH Luke figure address these problems while still using the head and torso sculpts?
- As you now know, the recent Commander Cody figure has left the factory with his belt upside-down, an occurrence which has proved far too common over the last 5 years of ROTS phase 2 trooper armor figures. This is a relatively small thing, but common enough that it warrants asking about. So, would it be possible for you to redesign the trooper belt system so that there was some sort of offset notch or directional block which forces assembly on the belts to work only in the proper orientation? That way, the factory workers wouldn't need to see the visual minutiae that defines the belt as right-side-up or not.
- Don't think we haven't noticed that some of your exclusives are playing a color-scheme war. Target, whose company logo is a big red bulls-eye, gets a red-accented TIE Fighter vehicle; Wal-mart, whose logo has been blue lettering for decades, gets a blue Octuptarra Droid vehicle. Wal-mart gets a blue 501st role-play helmet; Target gets a red Clone Trooper helmet with flashlight. Target gets Commander Fox, a red-hued Clone figure; Wal-mart gets the 501st Clone Trooper, a blue-accented figure. Confess! You're creating some of these exclusives with coloring themed to its specific retailer, aren't you? "Payola!" they'll all yell to the heavens as they learn of such treachery. Busted! So, are you guys doing this on purpose, and if so, how did it come up? Do your retail partners know that they're getting specially-tailored exclusives as are their rivals, and what do they think of it?
- Regarding the head on the Cloud City Wing Guard figure, the cardback bio suggests this is supposed to be Sgt. Edian, yet while the coloring is a black person's and Edian is a black man, the sculpt is clearly that of a white guy. Everything about the head sculpt, even the part in the hair, is a different guy given a dark brown deco. While it could be seen technically as an update to the vintage black Bespin Security Guard on skin tone alone, the features and cardback on that Kenner figure were clearly Edian and were differentiated from the other Kenner white Bespin Guard figure. In fact, there is some similarity to another guard, Sgt. Merril, an older white man. Was the original idea to produce a Merril figure and that looked too similar to the planned Utris M'Toc so his ethnicity was changed? Why was this new Edian figure given a white guy's face sculpt? Any chance we'll see this head sculpt again as Sgt. Merril, and a new, more accurate Sgt. Edian sculpt in the future?
- Mace Windu has been represented in action figure form for 11 years now, and a large portion of those figures were released with some unique, non-standard aspect. Mace has been the first "sneak peek" and a mail-away in the modern line, the first hard-shell "choco" robe, AOTC had a deluxe before basic which has a smiling face and a second figure, AOTC basic had the screaming face, 2003 AOTC basic had the "ultimate lightsaber control" stick gimmick, ROTS had the Force Lightning throw-off gimmick, and now the Clone Wars version with removable armor and saber-swinging waist. While there have been a few normal Mace figures, and even a super-articulated one finally, it seems as if Mace Windu has been tapped by Hasbro to be the sculpting and gimmick guinea pig. Is this pattern intentional, do you think he can't sell without these sorts of things, is it just happenstance, or does someone there subliminally not realize they keep picking Mace to be the test guy?
- It's been 6 years since the last Luke Hoth Gear figure. While that was a nifty item for its time, its sculpt and articulation is specific to 1 part of the movie. Any chance of us getting an updated Luke Hoth, perhaps with a swappable likeness to represent before and after the Wampa attack? We know you usually would prefer to do this via a running change, but after the myriad of running-change-figure problems you had recently, it seems like a troubled route to take, especially with such an important character such as this.
- Most of Emperor Palpatine's scenes from ROTJ feature him seated in his throne, which hasn't been released in 13 years. That release, the "Final Jedi Duel" Cinema Scene, suffers by comparison with newer items in its relative lack of detailing and permanent attachment to the extended base from that set. Have you considered, or would you consider now that we brought it up, an improved version of the throne which would ideally have more detailed controls, a swivel base (that's not several inches long), and Luke's lightsaber hilt (with a spot to put it on the arm)? Oh, and while we're at it, what about an Emperor who can sit in it as well as he stands?
- Usually, the only figures whose heads are painted rather than cast in flesh-tone plastic are those with a sculpted helmet, hood or large hair so the plastic matches the majority of the head. Though understandable, those painted faces aren't always that successful, noses are rubbed off by packaging, paint masks miss targets and either over- or under-shoot, and the facial features don't look as crisp. Recently though, this has crept onto regular figures without hoods or the like. Evolutions Jango Fett is supposed to be a premium figure but has this - yes, it's likely a costing issue since it'd be the only flesh-toned part on the figure, but this is supposed to be a definitive version. Col Dyer from the Battle for Endor battle pack has flesh hands yet a painted head. And now Luke Tatooine from the Resurgence of the Jedi pack is the same way, that's an iconic figure with an impressive new sculpt, yet its sullied by the painted head syndrome. Maybe it's fine for kids, but these are collector-themed figures we're talking about, and it's sloppily applied and prone to the problems mentioned above, not to mention it softens the sculpted facial features you guys work hard to produce. So why use painted heads on those sorts of figures? Will there be a focus to lean on this less in the future? Might those Jango and Luke figures get cast instead of painted heads on their next runs?
- Although the Cruisemissile Trooper vehicle has its share of detractors, including those at Hasbro, the concept and design have some fun and interesting toy merits, though not fully realized. Perhaps the original design could be embellished and resized to fit into either the current Deluxe Figure & Vehicle pricepoint or a Battle Pack or other another medium (maybe even a Starfighter pricepoint perhaps). And of course, this time around it could have a removable pilot and cooler features to make it a fun new vehicle with unique Star Wars credibility. Would Hasbro ever consider making an update to this vehicle with design and features befitting the modern line? With the Deluxe Figure & Vehicle line seemingly doing well and taking other weird risks like the Desert Sport Skiff, would you think that the right place for it?
- While we know that the readership of ToyFare Magazine and its parent company, Wizard, are not chiefly a Star Wars collecting-oriented group which can give weird results like the 2006 EU-centric Fans Choice poll, it seems like the most recent Fans Choice poll results are arousing even more raised eyebrows and suspicions among the collecting community. Certain characters seem to have come out of nowhere to claim top spots, and the website which ToyFare ran the poll seemed to have no obvious safeguards against ballot-stuffing. To quell fans suspicions on this, where there safeguards in place to prevent overzealous fans from flooding the poll with votes? We know it's just a toy line, but obviously collectors take it seriously, so what can you tell fans to satisfy their concerns about the poll's veracity, that this is truly all of their choices, and not just the choices of a few unscrupulous fanatics?
- Many collectors are reporting their local stores' Star Wars pegs clogged with slow-moving Saga Legends figures, stagnating and choking out Legacy Droid Factory basic figures. Recently, Wal-mart and Target stores have been selling "blockbuster value" buy-1-get-1-free 2packs of Saga Legends basic cards alongside the 2packs of Legacy basics. And now your site is offering a promotion where the purchase of many of the Role Play toys will get 3 free Saga Legends figures. Is the future of Saga Legends perhaps not as bright as had originally been forecasted? If not, why the incidents mentioned above? We already know that the main line in 2010 will be more a mix of Greatest Hits and have vintage-themed packaging which will help differentiate it from Clone Wars, so how will Saga Legends fit into that, and will it be scaled back so as to not overwhelm the pegs? Will we see a quicker rotation of product so to avoid pegwarmers like Saesee Tiin or character crossovers into Clone Wars and Legacy like Plo Koon?

Vote now, and suggest new questions too. Thanks for participating!

[vger]

4, 6, 12. That last round was quick, are we supposed to get another set of answers before the end of the year?

[mtriv73]

2,10,9,and 6 for now

[JediTricks]

4, 6, 12. That last round was quick, are we supposed to get another set of answers before the end of the year?
In theory, we're supposed to get a round of answers today. The last round's answers were delayed so long though that they only came in 8 days ago. At this point, I really don't know what to expect.

[sebillba]

I think I'd need more main line examples [of painted faces] to make a case that it's a common problem. Unfortunately, the multi-figure sets often do have to shave budgets, that Mara one drove me nuts, but even in those sorts of things there aren't that many. LMK what else you come up with.

I could give you a few more from comic packs or battle packs, but not from basic figures - the only one I can cite is General Veers (http://www.rebelscum.com/photo.asp?image=/TSC/TSC007veersattn.jpg), who's not exactly new.

I didn't actually say it was a common problem, just that it was starting to creep into regular figures (not necessarily from the main line) - I guess it's just unfortunate (for me) that two important figures, ANH Luke and Jango, which should be definitive versions (finally, after 14 years of substandard Lukes) were marred by painted faces. Well, I'll know for sure about the Luke this time next week, so I'll let you know.

I'll also be able to get my hands on all the figures from waves 8, 9, 10 and 11 next week, which were all hidden away from me as soon as they arrived, so I'll check for any more offenders then (though I don't think there are any from pics I've seen).

[JediTricks]

I misunderstood what you meant by "regular" heads, I think of the main line of basic figures as "regular", but I do grant your terminology makes sense in light of the "cowled/non-cowled" discussion. I guess go ahead and craft a question, but keep in mind, we need to bulletproof it from the reality that it's cheaper for them to paint it than cast it when it's not a mainline basic; oh, and that it doesn't seem to be the case that Luke Resurgence has a painted head.


Just got word that we'll be receiving answers to round 77 next week instead of today. As for when 78 gets answered, no news yet.

[sebillba]

I really hope you're right about the Luke, but I'm still not totally convinced. I'll try and put a question together, but will probably wait till I know for sure about Luke, since that's my main bugbear right now, and I reckon it will make my question stronger if it involves such a pivotal figure.

[JediTricks]

Question 13 added.

It's mine, based on something they said in the last round to another site about Cody's belt being upside-down yet again. I won't be surprised if it doesn't get much traction with you guys though.

[RENDAR LIVES]

I vote for 7, 10, and 13 for now.

Does anyone know if Cad Bane's head will fit on a trooper body? I really like the head sculpt but dislike Cad's anorexic body. This is really holding me back from picking up this figure. I'd really like to use the head sculpt on a movie/legavy body but CW woiuld suffice. Maybe Hasbro could cobble up a future release of him in clone armor if the head doesn't fit another body.

[JediTricks]

It will fit on a clone body that has a removable helmet, but the helmet won't fit over the head due to the hoses sticking out of the cheeks.

[El Chuxter]

New question proposal, and I'm not sure why it never occurred to me before now:

"Understandably, Hasbro has to balance the desires of adult collectors, who usually want accuracy over play value, and kids, who love rocket launchers. And you did a great job with the interchangeable cannons on the recent AT-ST. Considering that alternate parts might not always be cost effective (or, in some cases, fit in the packaging), has the Star Wars team considered something like the feature on the artillery cannon from the GIJoe: Resolute 5-pack, which conceals the rocket inside a trapdoor when not in use?"

Here's two pics of the piece I'm talking about:
http://www.yojoe.com/action/09/cobratrooper16.shtml
http://www.yojoe.com/action/09/agu/cobratrooper16.shtml

Unfortunately, in the "geared-up" photo, I'm not sure if the person taking the pic wanted to actually show the rocket, or wasn't aware the cannon is designed to conceal it when not in use, but fires perfectly well when the hatch is closed. (I have two of them, and both work quite well--I'm not sure why this feature wasn't more widely adopted in GIJoe, either, to be honest.)

[JediTricks]

Look at the Geonosian Starfighter or the upcoming Cloud Car, they have hidden launchers. But for figure accessories, that Cobra Trooper is representing a realistic style of rocket launcher, something like a Dragon anti-tank weapon has the rocket behind a breakaway panel, and that Cobra figure is merely emulating that, it's not properly "hiding" it, it's protecting it from the elements. The closed picture still looks like a missile launcher. Plus, it's extra parts and extra breakage testing, which adds cost. So, having said all that, what's the benefit? What are you trying to get out putting it behind little doors?

[El Chuxter]

Well, though it's not quite as common lately, I don't like the huge honking rockets sticking out. I'd think a slightly fatter-than-necessary rocket launcher where the rocket is concealed (and I'm referring to fully external launchers, kinda like the cannon on the AT-ST, only not interchangeable). I also didn't know that was based on a feature of a real rocket launcher, so forget I asked. :D

[Gothiczartan]

I have a question

will Biggs Darklighter X-Wing pilot have better articulation on the body like ball jointed neck to ankles with a use of body parts of evo Tie Fighter Biggs head and a body of Target X-Wing Fighter Wedge Antilles? Why did they use the Dutch Vander body in a first place?

http://www.rebelscum.com/photo.asp?image=/TLC/Evolutions/ImpPilots1/TLC-2200.jpg
http://www.rebelscum.com/photo.asp?image=/TLC/Vehicles/XwingWedge/LC-258.jpg

I like what they did for Wedge Antilles like he has more articulation and they did an excellent job on him. I would like to see Biggs get the same thing too.

[JediTricks]

Question 14 added.

It's another one of mine, I've been mulling it around for a while but figured with such a large delay in the line coming up, better to put something fun out there now while we still can.


Well, though it's not quite as common lately, I don't like the huge honking rockets sticking out. I'd think a slightly fatter-than-necessary rocket launcher where the rocket is concealed (and I'm referring to fully external launchers, kinda like the cannon on the AT-ST, only not interchangeable). I also didn't know that was based on a feature of a real rocket launcher, so forget I asked. :DI just can't imagine where else it could go, but I don't hate the idea, I just want to refine it a little before it gets to Hasbro so they can't merely dismiss it easily. But that means I need to understand it better. What vehicles or figures are you thinking about with this one, which ones are examples of the problem?

[Cane_Adiss]

There is one accessory that we haven't seen in the line since the POTF2 days: The Emperor's Throne. The one included in the POTF2 battle pack was pretty awesome for it's day and with a possible repaint could be the foundation so to speak for a new battle pack featuring the Emperor, Jedi Luke, Vader and an Imperial Guard. Or even an Imperial dignitary. The pegged base the original set came with that was attached to the throne itself would be a good thing to keep with an updated battle pack as it would ensure display-ability. Has Hasbro considered bringing this item back out, in a battle pack format as suggested?

[El Chuxter]

Weird request here, JT: can we tag a comment to our Q&A questions for next round? Having had my first experience with opening Barbies, I think Hasbro deserves some real kudos for making their toys easy to remove (and I'm not forgetting the number of twist ties and such--the insane way Barbies are packed makes Hasbro look like they sell their toys in paper bags... really, they have frickin' twist ties through their heads!), as well as doing a remarkable job with balancing display and play value (I don't think a single damn crown or shoe stayed on once the unsafe-for-kids twist ties were removed).

I swear, if I ever complain about Hasbro packaging again, someone just respond with the word "Barbie," and I'll retract my comment. I am going to have nightmares about that crap for weeks.

I dunno if it's appropriate to just send them a comment or not, but having seen the alternative from Mattel, I think they deserve some thanks that most SW (and Joe, TF, and Marvel) collectors don't realize are in order.

[JediTricks]

I'm not generally one for suck-uppery, but I'll try to work that into the next Q&A email without using up a question slot, unless you want a response from Hasbro, then we can try to craft a question and see if it gets the votes. Or you could wait until July and tell them yourself. ;)

Hasbro has been doing ok by me with packaging lately. The vehicles using the paper binding is great, and the figures are using less clearbands. I can't imagine why Mattel would make Barbie so much of a pain in the bum to de-package though, it's a dollie. Hasbro with Transformers is still pretty twist-tied, but they are lowering it little by little. Apparently there will be a whole thrust in 2010 at Hasbro towards greener AND simpler packaging.

[El Chuxter]

I'm guessing both SW and Barbie appeal to kids who will play with them until they fall apart and adults who want them to look perfect in the package. Barbie, I guess, has Mattel putting more emphasis on the MIB collector than the kids.

Sad, really, because this was the Target exclusive set of seven Disney princesses. What little girl wouldn't want that? (Also sad that it plays up the supposed uniqueness of Tiana being the "first" minority princess, but leaves out Pocahontas and Mulan. Obviously, they always leave out Kida, though it kinda makes sense since she's not a singing princess from a musical with talking animals.) It took me an hour to get them out, and she still was finding twist ties and rubber bands two hours after that!

[JediTricks]

Ugh, that is super lame. I usually resort to wire-cutters for that much twistie madness, but sometimes they'll pull some cheap crap where they'll thread it through the toy the way you had, or they'll tie it to a second portion of the packaging that you can't get to from the back.

I had to look up Kida, I don't remember if I even finished watching Atlantis or not, that's how little impact it had on me. I guess Tiana is the first "black" princess and that's the big deal, and Disney for some reason doesn't count Pocahontas & Mulan as Disney Princesses. However, one character they DO count as a Disney Princess is Jasmine from Aladdin who is both an authentic princess at the beginning of the movie (half the princesses start out as commoners) and Middle Eastern, so clearly there's already a previous ethnic princess.

[sebillba]

Ok, I can now say with 100% certainty that the Resurgence Luke has a head molded from white plastic and painted with flesh tones. This bugs me more than anything about this figure - more than the dwarf legs, more than the inability to sit, and more than the square elbows. And there's no reason for it - I can understand with the Jango, as there were no other flesh parts on the figure, or in the entire Evo set, but Luke has flesh molded hands, so why couldn't his head have been cast at the same time?

I'll put a question together, but I'm doubtful it will get much support, as this issue doesn't seem to bother others as much as it does me, and I'm reluctant to vote for the existing question as is, as it gives the impression the head is now perfect for future releases. Perhaps we could squeeze in a little disclaimer, something like:

"Might a future ANH Luke figure address these problems while still using this head (preferably cast in flesh coloured plastic rather than being painted with flesh tones) and torso?"

I'll come back later with the new question.

[morpheus282]

Weird request here, JT: can we tag a comment to our Q&A questions for next round? Having had my first experience with opening Barbies, I think Hasbro deserves some real kudos for making their toys easy to remove (and I'm not forgetting the number of twist ties and such--the insane way Barbies are packed makes Hasbro look like they sell their toys in paper bags... really, they have frickin' twist ties through their heads!), as well as doing a remarkable job with balancing display and play value (I don't think a single damn crown or shoe stayed on once the unsafe-for-kids twist ties were removed).

I swear, if I ever complain about Hasbro packaging again, someone just respond with the word "Barbie," and I'll retract my comment. I am going to have nightmares about that crap for weeks.

I dunno if it's appropriate to just send them a comment or not, but having seen the alternative from Mattel, I think they deserve some thanks that most SW (and Joe, TF, and Marvel) collectors don't realize are in order.

You forgot to mention the fact that their hair is sewn between two sheets of plastic. I don't think I've ever gotten that completely loose without tearing some of the hair loose. On the bright side, my daughter tends to cut their hair much shorter than in the package so it's not noticeable. She actually does a great job too. Might have her cutting my hair soon.

In case anyone was going to make a comment, the Barbies are in fact for my daughter.

Back to questions, I'm still in favor of question #9. I want a clear background for my kill mark stickers!

[clone157]

Could we amend question 14 to include TRU's new orange color? Maybe also try to squeeze in a further question as to whether or not they will get exclusive troopers in that color. It's a good way to turn it into a 2-parter.

[Gothiczartan]

I have a question

Will we see all those Imperial Officers from ROTJ get made with use of figure that i list?

Admiral Chiraneau with Jerjerrod body
Admiral Firmus Piett with Needa body
Captain Godherdt with Jerjerrod body
Captain Sarkli with Jerjerrod body
Colonel Davod Jon with Jerjerrod body
Commander Gherant with Jerjerrod body
Commander Igar with Jerjerrod body
Commander Merrejk with Jerjerrod body
Lt. Endicott with Jerjerrod body
Major Hewex with Jerjerrod body

[Gothiczartan]

I would vote for 13

[bigbarada]

I have a question

Will we see all those Imperial Officers from ROTJ get made with use of figure that i list?

Admiral Chiraneau with Jerjerrod body
Admiral Firmus Piett with Needa body
Captain Godherdt with Jerjerrod body
Captain Sarkli with Jerjerrod body
Colonel Davod Jon with Jerjerrod body
Commander Gherant with Jerjerrod body
Commander Igar with Jerjerrod body
Commander Merrejk with Jerjerrod body
Lt. Endicott with Jerjerrod body
Major Hewex with Jerjerrod body

Please, no. :rolleyes: That Jerjerrod body needs to be permanently retired. The Admiral Thrawn body from the recent comic pack should be the new standard SA Imperial Officer body.

However, the last few years have already proven that unique Imperial Officers don't really sell that well; so, aside from Piett, your entire list just screams "pegwarmer-city."

[Gothiczartan]

Please, no. :rolleyes: That Jerjerrod body needs to be permanently retired. The Admiral Thrawn body from the recent comic pack should be the new standard SA Imperial Officer body.

However, the last few years have already proven that unique Imperial Officers don't really sell that well; so, aside from Piett, your entire list just screams "pegwarmer-city."

Thrawn body would work ok for these imperial officers

[Gothiczartan]

I got an question about there is a short man who seems to wear an same uniform and hold a white case like those ugnaughts (as figures) was seen walking by with some ugnaughts in the Cloud City

I was thinking if he should he can get a figure made to add those Legacy Collection Ugnaught figures.

[bigbarada]

I got an question about there is a short man who seems to wear an same uniform and hold a white case like those ugnaughts (as figures) was seen walking by with some ugnaughts in the Cloud City

I was thinking if he should he can get a figure made to add those Legacy Collection Ugnaught figures.

Yeah, I've always understood that guy's appearance to mean that Ugnaughts weren't a specific race of beings, but were from different races who all just suffered from the same physical side effects of prolonged exposure to the gas mines. Thus the term "ugnaught" would be a derogatory term, similar to how the term "redneck" originated.

Regardless, he's not important enough to waste a question on. Since all we would get is a "maybe" or a "not at this time."

[Mr. JabbaJohnL]

I don't remember any short humans wearing the Ugnaught gear, but there is an average-height man in the outfit. I always assumed that "Ugnaught" was indeed a species (though there are about three different subspecies as defined by their tusks and noses) and that the human guy was just another mine worker.

[Tycho]

NEW QUESTION FOR HASBRO FROM TYCHO, RESIDENT FRINGE LUNATIC:

How many 3 3/4" Star Wars figures are there now?

Please specify what was counted (but it's preferred you count all):

POT2
SOTE
Episode One
POTJ
SAGA
Clone Wars
Clone Wars Micro-Series
OTC
VOTC
Revenge of the Sith
Saga 2
TAC
Legacy
Clone Wars Animated
vehicle, beast assortment, and playset pack-ins
exclusives
bonus figures
build-a-droid constructs

[morpheus282]

I'm pretty sure they lost count sometime around 2002.

Since you specified 3 3/4", does that exclude those that are shorter or taller? :D

[RENDAR LIVES]

Thanks for the info on Cad Bane. I picked him up. The head is a tight fit on the CW clone body but fits great on some other figures. I'm still working it's way around my realistic collection to see where it might best fit and look good.

I have another question. I really like the V-wing designe but I hate the black TRU colors. I've seen pics of a CW red one online but have not seen this one in stores. What gives? Also, is the cockpit roomy enough for a rebel pilot?

I vote for 5, 7, 10, 13.

I don't know if it's worth asking but I'd really like to know if we will see a re-issue of the AOTC Slave-1 in iether color sheme. What about a new Naboo fighter with droid socket or a re-tooled V-wing with droid socket?

[morpheus282]

The V-wing should fit a rebel pilot without any problems. I had the female Twi'lek pilot in it before and she didn't have any issues and the evolutions clone pilot fits just fine.

The red colored one was the previous release, and I think it was at TRU packaged with a figure earlier this year. I can't remember for sure, too little sleep due to 3am feedings...

[Old Fossil]

I would like to know about Hasbro's planned case assortments for their Saga Legends 2010 line. Can they tell us anything specific about what figures we can look forward to seeing?

[RENDAR LIVES]

Thanks for the info Morpheus. I'm gonna try online for the red one but may settle for black if I can't find a good buy.

Hopefully we'll be seeing Bane and Revan in that Legends assortment next year.

[RENDAR LIVES]

Awsome. The red V-Wing is a Target exclusive. The online store is sold out but says all 10 locations near me has them wich I know is bogus. I will still look though.

Along the same lines of the R2 with lightsaber question from last round, how about a new Hoth Luke with swapable heads from before and after the Wampa attack. It's been awhile since we last got a Hoth Luke and we don't have a SA one to hang out with the vintage style Hoth Han.

[Mr. JabbaJohnL]

Awsome. The red V-Wing is a Target exclusive. The online store is sold out but says all 10 locations near me has them wich I know is bogus. I will still look though.

Along the same lines of the R2 with lightsaber question from last round, how about a new Hoth Luke with swapable heads from before and after the Wampa attack. It's been awhile since we last got a Hoth Luke and we don't have a SA one to hang out with the vintage style Hoth Han.
The first V-wing (http://www.rebelscum.com/TACvwingfighter.asp) was released in early 2007 as part of the $19.99 starfighter assortment and wasn't an exclusive to anywhere. In 2008, it was sold as a $39.99 TRU exclusive with clean deco and a clean version of Oddball. The current $29.99 Imperial version is also a TRU exclusive.

[RENDAR LIVES]

The first V-wing (http://www.rebelscum.com/TACvwingfighter.asp) was released in early 2007 as part of the $19.99 starfighter assortment and wasn't an exclusive to anywhere. In 2008, it was sold as a $39.99 TRU exclusive with clean deco and a clean version of Oddball. The current $29.99 Imperial version is also a TRU exclusive.

Yeah. The first version (anniversary collection) I have found online for about $26 plus shipping. However there is a red clone wars version that must have been pretty recent. It's listed as out of stock on target.com but said it was available in store at 10 locations near me. I went to 3 of them and had them scan it but all vehicles are listed under the same #ASIN: B0015R4XR1 DPCI:087-06-1337. I've even seen online pics of it. Maybe it's a future release? The TRU exclusive one is $26 in the Twin Cities here.

[morpheus282]

Are you talking about the V-wing or the V-19 Torrent?

[RENDAR LIVES]

I was talking about the V-wing. It's in a package similar to the TRU Oddball one minus the figure. Target has a picture on their site.

The Imperial TRU one I was wrong about. I went to get it and it WAS $29.99. At the 2 locations near me they have never put out a tag saying so. The employees apparently just put them with all the $24.99 fighters. I'm really getting frustrated with all the problems I've been finding at retailers like Walmart and TRU. It's utter B.S.

After tax on this TRU one I could have gotten the red anniversary collection one for $4 more after shipping at BBTS.

[morpheus282]

The reason I asked if you were talking about the V-wing or V-19 is because I haven't seen the red V-wing at retail for months. The V-19 is currently in the starfighter rotation and I saw one just the other day. The only V-wing I'm aware of that's currently being sold is the Imperial paint scheme.

[Cane_Adiss]

JT have you read/reviewed my question?

There is one accessory that we haven't seen in the line since the POTF2 days: The Emperor's Throne. The one included in the POTF2 battle pack was pretty awesome for it's day and with a possible repaint could be the "foundation" so to speak for a new battle pack featuring the Emperor, Jedi Luke, Vader and an Imperial Guard. Or even an Imperial dignitary. The pegged base the original set came with that was attached to the throne itself would be a good thing to keep with an updated battle pack as it would ensure display-ability. Has Hasbro considered bringing this item back out, in a battle pack format as suggested?

[JediTricks]

Question 12 modified.


Ok, I can now say with 100% certainty that the Resurgence Luke has a head molded from white plastic and painted with flesh tones. This bugs me more than anything about this figure - more than the dwarf legs, more than the inability to sit, and more than the square elbows. And there's no reason for it - I can understand with the Jango, as there were no other flesh parts on the figure, or in the entire Evo set, but Luke has flesh molded hands, so why couldn't his head have been cast at the same time?

I'll put a question together, but I'm doubtful it will get much support, as this issue doesn't seem to bother others as much as it does me, and I'm reluctant to vote for the existing question as is, as it gives the impression the head is now perfect for future releases. Perhaps we could squeeze in a little disclaimer, something like:

"Might a future ANH Luke figure address these problems while still using this head (preferably cast in flesh coloured plastic rather than being painted with flesh tones) and torso?"

I'll come back later with the new question.Ok, I'll add something to the existing question.



Could we amend question 14 to include TRU's new orange color? Maybe also try to squeeze in a further question as to whether or not they will get exclusive troopers in that color. It's a good way to turn it into a 2-parter.I'm going to hold off, as there's not enough to support it, and TRU's colors are a rainbow with just 1 letter being orange.



Please, no. :rolleyes: That Jerjerrod body needs to be permanently retired. The Admiral Thrawn body from the recent comic pack should be the new standard SA Imperial Officer body.

However, the last few years have already proven that unique Imperial Officers don't really sell that well; so, aside from Piett, your entire list just screams "pegwarmer-city."Needa is the new standard, that's why it has the interchangeable rank badge. But I agree, that is a whopper of a list of pegwarmers.



I got an question about there is a short man who seems to wear an same uniform and hold a white case like those ugnaughts (as figures) was seen walking by with some ugnaughts in the Cloud City

I was thinking if he should he can get a figure made to add those Legacy Collection Ugnaught figures.Background guys are going to be focused on less, the Ugnaughts sold poorly so there's not a lot likelihood of it happening, and it's super specific, so it's a pass for now.



NEW QUESTION FOR HASBRO FROM TYCHO, RESIDENT FRINGE LUNATIC:

How many 3 3/4" Star Wars figures are there now?

Please specify what was counted (but it's preferred you count all): ...They already answered this, said they stopped counting about 8 years ago.



I have another question. I really like the V-wing designe but I hate the black TRU colors. I've seen pics of a CW red one online but have not seen this one in stores. What gives? Also, is the cockpit roomy enough for a rebel pilot?That is a straight re-release of the TAC V-wing in Clone Wars packaging, it had a short release and is now sold out. It'll probably get another re-release down the line, but it's 3 years old so it's been out there for a while. The cockpit is standard, should fit anything of that sort. I don't really see the need to ask this.


I don't know if it's worth asking but I'd really like to know if we will see a re-issue of the AOTC Slave-1 in iether color sheme. What about a new Naboo fighter with droid socket or a re-tooled V-wing with droid socket?Slave 1 asked about on October 23rd:
CreatureCantina.com: Is the 3¾”-scale Slave I on the block to be re-released (or retooled BMF-style) anytime soon? You know anything Fett (especially ESB Boba) is almost as big a moneymaker as Clones.
Hasbro: It is high on our wish list, but sorry to say that we would not do it based on the merit of the EpV Slave I alone. We would only consider something like this if there was substantial new Clone Wars entertainment with Jango or Boba to support a release of the Slave I. If it shows up in future seasons in a heroic role, we'd certainly consider it.
And we asked about the droid socket idea and new Naboo Fighter idea in the past:
Dec 19, 2008:
CollectionStation.com: For vehicles that must have dedicated, non-removable astromech droid domes - such as the Ep 2 Jedi Starfighter, Y-wing, V-wing, and Naboo Fighter - might it be possible to get future revisits to have at least removable droid domes? Thanks to Build-A-Droid, we now have lots of different droid dome molds available, so if they were interchangeable on those dedicated droid slots it would add considerable play and display value for kids and collectors alike while taking advantage of existing elements and decreasing manufacturing costs slightly (it's gotta be cheaper to just pop a peg into a hole than to screw a dome permanently into a ship).
Hasbro: Interesting suggestion - we'll take that into account next time we look at updating those vehicles. Thanks!
Oct 27, 2006:
SSG: Might you re-release the Naboo Fighter vehicle (last seen in Episode 2, for which there was no toy release) with appropriately-chromed aka vacuum-metallized sections? A: At some point, we will probably take a look at the Naboo Fighter, but we haven't yet. The specific issues you mention (vac metal) are not as easy to solve as it seems, and depends on the nature of the parts. It's a good suggestion for something to look at for next time. Thanks!
And a more recent answer on the Naboo Fighter, Sept 26, 2008:
YodasNews.com: Any plans to release the Naboo Fighter again? This awesome ship has not been released since the Episode 1 line!
Hasbro: We do not have it in the lineup anywhere, but agree that it's time is overdue. We will be looking for opportunities down the road to make it available again, perhaps in the Starfighter Vehicle assortment.

I would like to know about Hasbro's planned case assortments for their Saga Legends 2010 line. Can they tell us anything specific about what figures we can look forward to seeing?We're going to be finding out in a month at Toy Fair, so let's just wait until then.



Along the same lines of the R2 with lightsaber question from last round, how about a new Hoth Luke with swapable heads from before and after the Wampa attack. It's been awhile since we last got a Hoth Luke and we don't have a SA one to hang out with the vintage style Hoth Han.This is another one I would rather wait to ask after Toy Fair, on the chance that they might have one there already. But if they don't, remind me and I will add the question.



Yeah. The first version (anniversary collection) I have found online for about $26 plus shipping. However there is a red clone wars version that must have been pretty recent. It's listed as out of stock on target.com but said it was available in store at 10 locations near me. I went to 3 of them and had them scan it but all vehicles are listed under the same #ASIN: B0015R4XR1 DPCI:087-06-1337. I've even seen online pics of it. Maybe it's a future release? The TRU exclusive one is $26 in the Twin Cities here.ASIN is the Amazon number, so that's not much help. DPCI number is the Target number, and that's the standard number for the Clone Wars vehicle assortment, that's why it's showing available, everything in that line is under that DPCI. The V-wing on the Target site has been sold out for a year, it's just a bit of old data. Here's a pic of one on ebay: http://cgi.ebay.com/Star-Wars-V-Wing-Starfighter_W0QQitemZ310192753188QQcmdZViewItemQQp tZLH_DefaultDomain_0?hash=item4838edca24



JT have you read/reviewed my question?

There is one accessory that we haven't seen in the line since the POTF2 days: The Emperor's Throne. The one included in the POTF2 battle pack was pretty awesome for it's day and with a possible repaint could be the "foundation" so to speak for a new battle pack featuring the Emperor, Jedi Luke, Vader and an Imperial Guard. Or even an Imperial dignitary. The pegged base the original set came with that was attached to the throne itself would be a good thing to keep with an updated battle pack as it would ensure display-ability. Has Hasbro considered bringing this item back out, in a battle pack format as suggested?I missed it.


I can't get behind a recycling of the POTF2 cinema scene version, it's quite outdated and lacks key sculpted detail, is permanently attached to its awkward base. Also, battle packs just got slimmer packaging, won't fit an accessory that large unfortunately. I can see asking for a new throne and a new Emperor to go with it, but I think the hindsight factor would overwhelm this question if we were just recycling the original. Thoughts?

[El Chuxter]

I think a question of some sort about the Throne is a good idea, though. It's been over a decade, and he does most of his memorable scenes in ROTJ while seated. Maybe not a POTF2 re-release, but some sort of throne.

[JediTricks]

You want to seed the question then? What features should it have? IMO, it absolutely must have the sculpted controls so it can sit the Luke saber hilt on it. So that, and rotation are all I can think of. Oh, and an Emperor to sit in it.

[El Chuxter]

How's this for a start:

"Most of Palpatine's more memorable scenes from Return of the Jedi feature him seated in his throne, which hasn't been released in any form in more than a decade. The last release of the throne, from the Final Duel Cinema Scene, suffers by comparison with newer figures and accessories in its relative lack of detailing and permanent attachment to the extended base from that set. (The less said about the permanently-seated Emperor, the better.) Have you considered, or would you consider now that we brought it up, an improved version of the throne, which would ideally have more detailed controls, a swivel base (that's not several inches long), and Luke's lightsaber hilt (with a spot to put it on the arm)? Oh, and an Emperor who can sit in it as well as he stands."

Oh, and, on a complete tangent, there's not been a single cloaked Emperor figure since 1999 to top the Darth Sidious from that year. Their hoods always look silly.

[sebillba]

Question 12 modified.

Ok, I'll add something to the existing question.

Thanks, I totally support that question now. And I've finally come up with my own question about the painted face issue. It's kind of long winded, and goes over some of the same ground as Q12, but I'm sure you can pick the bones out of it...

It has always been a standard in your human figures for their heads to be cast in flesh coloured plastic, with painted details, unless they are wearing a hood or cowl, or have long hair, when it makes sense for the plastic to match the bulk of the head, with the face painted on with flesh tones. Although the latter is understandable, the results are not always that successful - nose tips are often rubbed off in the package, and paint apps can appear very substandard - see the comic pack Mara Jade for a prime example, her painted face looks terrible, and ruins an otherwise excellent figure.

Recently the painted face syndrome has started to creep into regular figures, that don't have hoods, etc. For example, Jango Fett from both the Evolutions and Geonosis Arena sets has a head molded in purple plastic with painted skin, yet it is similar to all other clone heads, which have always been made with flesh plastic in the past. Ok, this was undoubtedly a costing issue, as there were no other flesh parts on the figure, but it was disappointing since this was intended to be the definitive Jango - the premium price of the Evo packs reflects that, and should cover the extra expense of delivering the highest quality possible. Then came Col. Dyer from the recent Battle for Endor set, who had a cheap-looking painted head, even though he has flesh-molded hands, and his predecessor, Lt Renz, from a similar BP had a superior flesh-cast head. And now, the biggest disappointment, farmboy Luke from the Resurgence of the Jedi BP - a classic, iconic figure that fans have craved for so long to be on a par with the modern standard. He has an amazing sculpt, but it's spoilt by the paint - it doesn't seem to make any sense, since he has flesh hands, and there are other flesh parts in the same set, so why was his head molded in white plastic then painted?

This may seem picky, as it doesn't bother a lot of collectors, but for others it is quite an issue, and can be a deciding factor in buying another figure that is supposed to be an upgrade. The flesh paint is often applied unevenly or sloppily, it is prone to chips and scuffs, and it disguises and softens sharp details in the sculpt. Generally, painted faces don't have the same aesthetic quality as other figures - at best they resemble old fashioned bisque dolls, at worst they look like cheap dollar store knock-offs.

Please could you bear these issues in mind when considering which plastics are used in future figures, and if Luke and Jango are released on basic cards somewhere down the line, could you ensure the heads are re-cast in flesh plastic, so they match the quality of their contemporaries.

[morpheus282]

I may be the only one that really cares, but I think if we're going to ask question #9 at all we need to do it while the Red 2 X-wing is still on the shelf. Otherwise the motivation to make correct kill marks will be minimal.

[RENDAR LIVES]

Question 12 modified.

That is a straight re-release of the TAC V-wing in Clone Wars packaging, it had a short release and is now sold out. It'll probably get another re-release down the line, but it's 3 years old so it's been out there for a while. The cockpit is standard, should fit anything of that sort. I don't really see the need to ask this.

Slave 1 asked about on October 23rd:

CreatureCantina.com: Is the 3¾”-scale Slave I on the block to be re-released (or retooled BMF-style) anytime soon? You know anything Fett (especially ESB Boba) is almost as big a moneymaker as Clones.
Hasbro: It is high on our wish list, but sorry to say that we would not do it based on the merit of the EpV Slave I alone. We would only consider something like this if there was substantial new Clone Wars entertainment with Jango or Boba to support a release of the Slave I. If it shows up in future seasons in a heroic role, we'd certainly consider it.
And we asked about the droid socket idea and new Naboo Fighter idea in the past:
Dec 19, 2008:

CollectionStation.com: For vehicles that must have dedicated, non-removable astromech droid domes - such as the Ep 2 Jedi Starfighter, Y-wing, V-wing, and Naboo Fighter - might it be possible to get future revisits to have at least removable droid domes? Thanks to Build-A-Droid, we now have lots of different droid dome molds available, so if they were interchangeable on those dedicated droid slots it would add considerable play and display value for kids and collectors alike while taking advantage of existing elements and decreasing manufacturing costs slightly (it's gotta be cheaper to just pop a peg into a hole than to screw a dome permanently into a ship).
Hasbro: Interesting suggestion - we'll take that into account next time we look at updating those vehicles. Thanks!
Oct 27, 2006:

SSG: Might you re-release the Naboo Fighter vehicle (last seen in Episode 2, for which there was no toy release) with appropriately-chromed aka vacuum-metallized sections? A: At some point, we will probably take a look at the Naboo Fighter, but we haven't yet. The specific issues you mention (vac metal) are not as easy to solve as it seems, and depends on the nature of the parts. It's a good suggestion for something to look at for next time. Thanks!
And a more recent answer on the Naboo Fighter, Sept 26, 2008:

YodasNews.com: Any plans to release the Naboo Fighter again? This awesome ship has not been released since the Episode 1 line!
Hasbro: We do not have it in the lineup anywhere, but agree that it's time is overdue. We will be looking for opportunities down the road to make it available again, perhaps in the Starfighter Vehicle assortment.
We're going to be finding out in a month at Toy Fair, so let's just wait until then.



That first question about the V-wing was to my peers Jt. Thanks on digging up the answers on the droid sockets and Naboo fighter though.

I'd also like to support the question of getting a new emporer throne. I don't like battle packs much but I'd spend $25 to get that item in particular. Swivel base and control panel.

[Cane_Adiss]

I just had out my old Cruisemissile Trooper yesterday and I think we should give this question another shot:

Although the Cruisemissile Trooper vehicle has its share of detractors, including those at Hasbro, the concept and design have some fun and interesting toy merits, though not fully realized. Perhaps the original design could be embellished and resized to fit into either the current Starfighter Vehicle pricepoint or a Battle Pack or other smaller medium (deluxe?). And of course, this time around it could have a removable pilot and cooler features to make it a fun new vehicle with unique Star Wars credibility. Would Hasbro ever consider making an update to this vehicle with design and features befitting the modern line?

I reason that since the Freeco Speeder and the rest of the deluxe figure/ vehicle line seem to be doing so well, a revamped Cruisemissile would be just as well received in the line.

[Mr. JabbaJohnL]

Before I forget, howsabout 6, 8, 11, 12, 13, and 14.

[JediTricks]

Just wanted to let you guys know that I'm not ignoring this thread or anything, I'm a little busy these days and without a deadline to shoot for, I'm taking a little more time with this thread than usual. But please don't feel like I'm ignoring your questions.


As to the cruisemissile trooper question, we had one in the past, never got the votes, but I'll probably add yours soon.

[JediTricks]

Ok, we have a schedule again, the deadline we got was for today, so we're assuming the questions we sent in last aren't going to get answered and resent them. Thus, this round will extend until the next deadline, Feb 5th.

Also, due to a program change, the Q&A has been changed from 3 questions per site to 2, so I'll be kicking back 2 of the questions that got voted in last time when I am done with my day (I am about to run out of the house). Then I will catch up with the rest of this thread.

Finally, in the next round, votes will be limited to just 4, down from 6, for obvious reasons.

[Mr. JabbaJohnL]

Bah, switching from 3 to 2 sucks, as now 50% of the questions from other sites will all be the same inane crap (as opposed to just 33% as it is now).

[bigbarada]

Okay, trying to reword my Fan Choice poll question:

The results of your most recent "Fan Choice" figure poll have aroused some suspicions in the Star Wars community. Certain characters seem to have come out of nowhere to claim the top spots and the fact that there seemed to be no way to prevent multiple votes from individual Star Wars fans has many people claiming shenanigans. Where there any safeguards in place to prevent fans from flooding the poll with votes? If not, then how was this in any way a truly accurate and fair "fans' choice" poll if it was designed to favor only those few unscrupulous fans who have nothing better to do but vote hundreds or thousands of times for a character that only a few people really want?

[El Chuxter]

Can we add to BigB's question, "Except for Jaxxon. We're sure there was no ballot tampering there, because he is TEH AWESOMES! and we hope to have a figure of him soon. We just need to keep all the female figures away, or the other male figures will get jealous of his mad skills with the ladies."

[sebillba]

I totally support bigb's question, the so-called Fan Choice Poll was a complete farce.

[Mr. JabbaJohnL]

Here we go:

*Is it perhaps time to concede that Saga Legends is not doing as well as you hoped? Many fans are reporting finding clogged store shelves with non-moving Saga Legends product, which is stagnating as long as or longer than some seemingy unpopular Droid Factory figures. Recently, Walmart and Target stores across the country began selling "Blockbuster Value" sets with repackaged figures from both the Saga Legends and Droid Factory lines, selling two figures for the price of one. The Nahdar Vebb redemption certificates mention new assortment numbers for The Clone Wars and basic vintage-packaging figures, but Saga Legends is only listed with 87995, the number it has had since July 2008. And perhaps most tellingly, the official Hasbro Star Wars site is currently running a promotion that offers three free Saga Legends figures with the purchase of selected role-play items. Is the future of Saga Legends perhaps not as bright as had originally been forecasted? If not, then what's up with all of these incidents? If so, then how will things differ in the future? We already know that the main line will feature vintage packaging to differentiate it from The Clone Wars, and that the "Greatest Hits"-type figures will also be featured in the main line, so how will Saga Legends figure into this? If the line continues, can we expect a quicker rotation of product so as not to see more duds like Saesee Tiin and Plo Koon on the shelves far past their expiration date? And if Saga Legends - which has been apparently outselling Droid Factory since its inception - isn't doing well, then does that spell doom for all realistic figures?

[JediTricks]

Questions 15 - 20 added.

Questions 15 and 16 are questions we had voted in before the rule change to 2 questions per site, so they got squeezed out.


There is one accessory that we haven't seen in the line since the POTF2 days: The Emperor's Throne. The one included in the POTF2 battle pack was pretty awesome for it's day and with a possible repaint could be the foundation so to speak for a new battle pack featuring the Emperor, Jedi Luke, Vader and an Imperial Guard. Or even an Imperial dignitary. The pegged base the original set came with that was attached to the throne itself would be a good thing to keep with an updated battle pack as it would ensure display-ability. Has Hasbro considered bringing this item back out, in a battle pack format as suggested?



Weird request here, JT: can we tag a comment to our Q&A questions for next round? Having had my first experience with opening Barbies, I think Hasbro deserves some real kudos for making their toys easy to remove (and I'm not forgetting the number of twist ties and such--the insane way Barbies are packed makes Hasbro look like they sell their toys in paper bags... really, they have frickin' twist ties through their heads!), as well as doing a remarkable job with balancing display and play value (I don't think a single damn crown or shoe stayed on once the unsafe-for-kids twist ties were removed).

I swear, if I ever complain about Hasbro packaging again, someone just respond with the word "Barbie," and I'll retract my comment. I am going to have nightmares about that crap for weeks.

I dunno if it's appropriate to just send them a comment or not, but having seen the alternative from Mattel, I think they deserve some thanks that most SW (and Joe, TF, and Marvel) collectors don't realize are in order.As much as I wanted to include this, they sent out an edict with a new, much more strict style of Q&A email which didn't have room for such comments. It's part of Hasbro's global attempt to make me have a stroke.



Along the same lines of the R2 with lightsaber question from last round, how about a new Hoth Luke with swapable heads from before and after the Wampa attack. It's been awhile since we last got a Hoth Luke and we don't have a SA one to hang out with the vintage style Hoth Han.This one I have changed my mind on and will craft a question right now. Added, vote counted.



How's this for a start:

"Most of Palpatine's more memorable scenes from Return of the Jedi feature him seated in his throne, which hasn't been released in any form in more than a decade. The last release of the throne, from the Final Duel Cinema Scene, suffers by comparison with newer figures and accessories in its relative lack of detailing and permanent attachment to the extended base from that set. (The less said about the permanently-seated Emperor, the better.) Have you considered, or would you consider now that we brought it up, an improved version of the throne, which would ideally have more detailed controls, a swivel base (that's not several inches long), and Luke's lightsaber hilt (with a spot to put it on the arm)? Oh, and an Emperor who can sit in it as well as he stands."

Oh, and, on a complete tangent, there's not been a single cloaked Emperor figure since 1999 to top the Darth Sidious from that year. Their hoods always look silly.Good, good. Let go of your hatred... ;) I've added it, counted your vote.



Thanks, I totally support that question now. And I've finally come up with my own question about the painted face issue. It's kind of long winded, and goes over some of the same ground as Q12, but I'm sure you can pick the bones out of it...

It has always been a standard in your human figures for their heads to be cast in flesh coloured plastic, with painted details, unless they are wearing a hood or cowl, or have long hair, when it makes sense for the plastic to match the bulk of the head, with the face painted on with flesh tones. Although the latter is understandable, the results are not always that successful - nose tips are often rubbed off in the package, and paint apps can appear very substandard - see the comic pack Mara Jade for a prime example, her painted face looks terrible, and ruins an otherwise excellent figure.

Recently the painted face syndrome has started to creep into regular figures, that don't have hoods, etc. For example, Jango Fett from both the Evolutions and Geonosis Arena sets has a head molded in purple plastic with painted skin, yet it is similar to all other clone heads, which have always been made with flesh plastic in the past. Ok, this was undoubtedly a costing issue, as there were no other flesh parts on the figure, but it was disappointing since this was intended to be the definitive Jango - the premium price of the Evo packs reflects that, and should cover the extra expense of delivering the highest quality possible. Then came Col. Dyer from the recent Battle for Endor set, who had a cheap-looking painted head, even though he has flesh-molded hands, and his predecessor, Lt Renz, from a similar BP had a superior flesh-cast head. And now, the biggest disappointment, farmboy Luke from the Resurgence of the Jedi BP - a classic, iconic figure that fans have craved for so long to be on a par with the modern standard. He has an amazing sculpt, but it's spoilt by the paint - it doesn't seem to make any sense, since he has flesh hands, and there are other flesh parts in the same set, so why was his head molded in white plastic then painted?

This may seem picky, as it doesn't bother a lot of collectors, but for others it is quite an issue, and can be a deciding factor in buying another figure that is supposed to be an upgrade. The flesh paint is often applied unevenly or sloppily, it is prone to chips and scuffs, and it disguises and softens sharp details in the sculpt. Generally, painted faces don't have the same aesthetic quality as other figures - at best they resemble old fashioned bisque dolls, at worst they look like cheap dollar store knock-offs.

Please could you bear these issues in mind when considering which plastics are used in future figures, and if Luke and Jango are released on basic cards somewhere down the line, could you ensure the heads are re-cast in flesh plastic, so they match the quality of their contemporaries.Holy crap that's a long question! I've reworked it to punch a little more directly. And I don't do multi-paragraph questions, as I find they don't convey the idea fast enough for a Q&A situation.



I just had out my old Cruisemissile Trooper yesterday and I think we should give this question another shot:

Although the Cruisemissile Trooper vehicle has its share of detractors, including those at Hasbro, the concept and design have some fun and interesting toy merits, though not fully realized. Perhaps the original design could be embellished and resized to fit into either the current Starfighter Vehicle pricepoint or a Battle Pack or other smaller medium (deluxe?). And of course, this time around it could have a removable pilot and cooler features to make it a fun new vehicle with unique Star Wars credibility. Would Hasbro ever consider making an update to this vehicle with design and features befitting the modern line?

I reason that since the Freeco Speeder and the rest of the deluxe figure/ vehicle line seem to be doing so well, a revamped Cruisemissile would be just as well received in the line.Haw! I'll re-add the question despite cutting it in early '09.



Bah, switching from 3 to 2 sucks, as now 50% of the questions from other sites will all be the same inane crap (as opposed to just 33% as it is now).
I must say, I too feel like this is a huge bummer.


I had to stop at post #55, I have family errands to take care of. I will take care of the rest when I get back this evening.

[Mr. JabbaJohnL]

I'll probably end up switching my votes, since several interesting questions have been added (or re-added - those two were mine, dammit! :D ). But the fact that the Cloud City Wing Guard question is back means I want to modify it a little more after making another discovery:

*Regarding the head on the Cloud City Wing Guard figure, the cardback suggests this is supposed to be Sgt. Edian, yet while the coloring is a black person's and Edian is a black man, the sculpt is clearly that of a white guy. Everything about the head sculpt, even the part in the hair, is a different guy given a dark brown deco. In fact, it looks more than a little bit like Sgt. Merril, the white guard who pushes Han in carbonite alongside Edian. While it could be seen technically as an update to the vintage black Bespin Security Guard on skin tone alone, the features and cardback on that Kenner figure were clearly Edian and were differentiated from the other Kenner white Bespin Guard figure. Why was this new Edian figure given a white guy's face sculpt? Any chance we'll see this head sculpt again as another ethnicity, perhaps as Merril, or a new and more accurate Sgt. Edian sculpt in the future?

Here (http://images1.wikia.nocookie.net/starwars/images/5/5b/Wing_Guards_Fett.jpg) is an image of the two of them. I'm thinking, perhaps, that they sculpted him to look like Merril but wanted to make him more different from Utris M'Toc and painted him to look like Edian.

[DarkJedi5]

6, 9, 11, 17, 18 & 20

[RENDAR LIVES]

I'm pretty satisfied with the fan choice poll results given the 30 figures there were to choose from. It gave some much needed support to the EU. I do have to wonder how in the world they would prevent ballet stuffing though.

Since we have submitted questions about the accuracy of Scout troopers and Bespin guards as well as *****ed about the unnecessary update on the At-At driver why not ask for a Stormtrooper with updated hips like on Commander Gree since the current Imperial grunt looks like those tiny thighs couldn't support it's weight.

[JediTricks]

Questions 21 - 22 added. Question 15 modified.


Bah, switching from 3 to 2 sucks, as now 50% of the questions from other sites will all be the same inane crap (as opposed to just 33% as it is now).Oh, and I'm not sure I mentioned this before, but it went from tri-weekly to monthly.



Okay, trying to reword my Fan Choice poll question:

The results of your most recent "Fan Choice" figure poll have aroused some suspicions in the Star Wars community. Certain characters seem to have come out of nowhere to claim the top spots and the fact that there seemed to be no way to prevent multiple votes from individual Star Wars fans has many people claiming shenanigans. Where there any safeguards in place to prevent fans from flooding the poll with votes? If not, then how was this in any way a truly accurate and fair "fans' choice" poll if it was designed to favor only those few unscrupulous fans who have nothing better to do but vote hundreds or thousands of times for a character that only a few people really want?This is a bold question, and I'm still not ready to make us "that guy" on paper. I'd ask this in person, where I can massage it or speak off the record, but on paper (proverbially) it's still a very pointed question in multiple directions at once. It's a hand grenade. That said, I consulted with Steve and he says it's ok to add it, but he feels what's done is done and it'd be a waste of a question. Added, vote counted along with Sebillba's.


Can we add to BigB's question, "Except for Jaxxon. We're sure there was no ballot tampering there, because he is TEH AWESOMES! and we hope to have a figure of him soon. We just need to keep all the female figures away, or the other male figures will get jealous of his mad skills with the ladies."Chux, do you really believe Jaxxon got in the top 5 due to his general appeal? I honestly don't think even the biggest fan could argue that with a straight face.



Here we go:

*Is it perhaps time to concede that Saga Legends is not doing as well as you hoped? Many fans are reporting finding clogged store shelves with non-moving Saga Legends product, which is stagnating as long as or longer than some seemingy unpopular Droid Factory figures. Recently, Walmart and Target stores across the country began selling "Blockbuster Value" sets with repackaged figures from both the Saga Legends and Droid Factory lines, selling two figures for the price of one. The Nahdar Vebb redemption certificates mention new assortment numbers for The Clone Wars and basic vintage-packaging figures, but Saga Legends is only listed with 87995, the number it has had since July 2008. And perhaps most tellingly, the official Hasbro Star Wars site is currently running a promotion that offers three free Saga Legends figures with the purchase of selected role-play items. Is the future of Saga Legends perhaps not as bright as had originally been forecasted? If not, then what's up with all of these incidents? If so, then how will things differ in the future? We already know that the main line will feature vintage packaging to differentiate it from The Clone Wars, and that the "Greatest Hits"-type figures will also be featured in the main line, so how will Saga Legends figure into this? If the line continues, can we expect a quicker rotation of product so as not to see more duds like Saesee Tiin and Plo Koon on the shelves far past their expiration date? And if Saga Legends - which has been apparently outselling Droid Factory since its inception - isn't doing well, then does that spell doom for all realistic figures?Man, what is with you guys lately? It's right for the jugular on these! But your point is well taken, you saw my post suggesting it and made a solid argument. I'll rework it to be a little less serrated.



I'll probably end up switching my votes, since several interesting questions have been added (or re-added - those two were mine, dammit! :D ). But the fact that the Cloud City Wing Guard question is back means I want to modify it a little more after making another discovery:

*Regarding the head on the Cloud City Wing Guard figure, the cardback suggests this is supposed to be Sgt. Edian, yet while the coloring is a black person's and Edian is a black man, the sculpt is clearly that of a white guy. Everything about the head sculpt, even the part in the hair, is a different guy given a dark brown deco. In fact, it looks more than a little bit like Sgt. Merril, the white guard who pushes Han in carbonite alongside Edian. While it could be seen technically as an update to the vintage black Bespin Security Guard on skin tone alone, the features and cardback on that Kenner figure were clearly Edian and were differentiated from the other Kenner white Bespin Guard figure. Why was this new Edian figure given a white guy's face sculpt? Any chance we'll see this head sculpt again as another ethnicity, perhaps as Merril, or a new and more accurate Sgt. Edian sculpt in the future?

Here (http://images1.wikia.nocookie.net/starwars/images/5/5b/Wing_Guards_Fett.jpg) is an image of the two of them. I'm thinking, perhaps, that they sculpted him to look like Merril but wanted to make him more different from Utris M'Toc and painted him to look like Edian.Hmm, ok, I'll add that, there's another pic on Wookieepedia that suggests it from the side as well.



I'm pretty satisfied with the fan choice poll results given the 30 figures there were to choose from. It gave some much needed support to the EU. I do have to wonder how in the world they would prevent ballet stuffing though.

Since we have submitted questions about the accuracy of Scout troopers and Bespin guards as well as *****ed about the unnecessary update on the At-At driver why not ask for a Stormtrooper with updated hips like on Commander Gree since the current Imperial grunt looks like those tiny thighs couldn't support it's weight.I don't really like the way any of the armored figures have looked with those hips, they stick way out. The only one that escapes my distaste is the ARF Trooper, and its odd angle of movement is frustrating. In any case, I'll consider it, but you'll need to write more of a question and it'd help to cite a second example, since I'm not personally feeling the issue enough to write it myself.

[Mr. JabbaJohnL]

I originally voted for 6, 8, 11, 12, 13, and 14; I'd like to switch to 15, 16, 21, 22. Wait, so votes are limited to 4 in THIS round, or NEXT round? If it's next round, then I'll also vote for 18 and 19; if it's this round, then no, I won't. :D

[sebillba]

Holy crap that's a long question! I've reworked it to punch a little more directly. And I don't do multi-paragraph questions, as I find they don't convey the idea fast enough for a Q&A situation.


Yeah, sorry, I knew it was too long, but figured it would be better to throw all my points at you in one go, then you could pick out what was most usable. Thanks for adding it, I like what you've done with it.

I think I've only got one vote left now, so will go for #18.

[Cane_Adiss]

My final votes:

12, 15, 18, 20, 21, 22

Thx!

[Darth Marco]

I will vote for #3,12,17,18 and 22.

[El Chuxter]

Chux, do you really believe Jaxxon got in the top 5 due to his general appeal? I honestly don't think even the biggest fan could argue that with a straight face.

No, which is why I worded it that way. :p I did vote for him (and only once) just to show Hasbro there's some support, but outranking Cliegg by miles? No way.

Maybe their next fan choice poll should go on for a year, with a lot of support maybe on inserts in the toys or something, and not be run by Toyfare. Worth wasting one of our increasingly rare questions on, or not?

(Any reason given as to why they cut both the questions and frequency? Bored with answering the same question ten times a week and hoping to make other sites put more work into the questions asked, or just not wanting to communicate with geeks? Figuring it's gone from three to two questions, and from tri-weekly to monthly, that's exactly a 50% cut in the number of questions, which is pretty major.)

[bigbarada]

No, which is why I worded it that way. :p I did vote for him (and only once) just to show Hasbro there's some support, but outranking Cliegg by miles? No way.

Maybe their next fan choice poll should go on for a year, with a lot of support maybe on inserts in the toys or something, and not be run by Toyfare. Worth wasting one of our increasingly rare questions on, or not?

(Any reason given as to why they cut both the questions and frequency? Bored with answering the same question ten times a week and hoping to make other sites put more work into the questions asked, or just not wanting to communicate with geeks? Figuring it's gone from three to two questions, and from tri-weekly to monthly, that's exactly a 50% cut in the number of questions, which is pretty major.)

If Hasbro cuts the frequency to bi-monthly and/or the number of questions to 2, then I think the next step for them would just be to eliminate the Q&A altogether. That seems to be the direction they're headed.

However, considering some of the inane questions that other sites ask, I really don't blame them.

[sonofsokol]

14,16,19,& 22
Thanks

[JediTricks]

I originally voted for 6, 8, 11, 12, 13, and 14; I'd like to switch to 15, 16, 21, 22. Wait, so votes are limited to 4 in THIS round, or NEXT round? If it's next round, then I'll also vote for 18 and 19; if it's this round, then no, I won't. :DIt's still 6 votes for this round. I'll change your votes to those 6.



Yeah, sorry, I knew it was too long, but figured it would be better to throw all my points at you in one go, then you could pick out what was most usable. Thanks for adding it, I like what you've done with it.

I think I've only got one vote left now, so will go for #18.No prob, I know how it is.



My final votes:

12, 15, 18, 20, 21, 22

Thx!Ok. In the future, please remember that when you add a question, I count a vote for it at that time, so don't include it in your other votes as well. It could cause the question to get scrubbed if I don't catch it early enough.



No, which is why I worded it that way. :p I did vote for him (and only once) just to show Hasbro there's some support, but outranking Cliegg by miles? No way.

Maybe their next fan choice poll should go on for a year, with a lot of support maybe on inserts in the toys or something, and not be run by Toyfare. Worth wasting one of our increasingly rare questions on, or not?I don't think it's worth it to ask them to do it a specific way, and the existing question already says there's a problem. If they agree, then we can ask them to do SOMETHING, but they need to figure out all the ins and outs, not us, because they have more behind-the-scenes stuff than we know about.


(Any reason given as to why they cut both the questions and frequency? Bored with answering the same question ten times a week and hoping to make other sites put more work into the questions asked, or just not wanting to communicate with geeks? Figuring it's gone from three to two questions, and from tri-weekly to monthly, that's exactly a 50% cut in the number of questions, which is pretty major.)Work load maybe? It was 60 questions every round before, that's a lot of stuff to respond to. We could ask, but I won't add something like that before Toy Fair in case they address it there.


If Hasbro cuts the frequency to bi-monthly and/or the number of questions to 2, then I think the next step for them would just be to eliminate the Q&A altogether. That seems to be the direction they're headed.

However, considering some of the inane questions that other sites ask, I really don't blame them.You guys have it all wrong, the inane questions are the EASY ones, it's questions like ours where we crack the whip, those are the ones that take up the time and energy. And that's how it should be! We're nearly to 8000 questions, it's amazing but let's face it, that's a LOT to deal with even without managing the brand full time. We should wear it like a badge of honor that we're wearing them out. ;)

[JediTricks]

Question 22 modified.

I don't know how I let this one get away from me, I knew the whole time that the Saga Legends SKU was staying as-is:

...the red/white Legacy Droid Factory line will end after Spring of 2010, and will be replaced in the Fall by a new SKU. This SKU will concentrate on the movies (no EU for a while) and will have a good quotient of "greatest hits" type figures to balance out the collector-targeted small release batch figures. Saga Legends will still continue on as its own SKU, though.
That's the problem with being forgetful, sometimes you forget that you're forgetful.

[Mr. JabbaJohnL]

I still felt it was worth mentioning since The Clone Wars is getting a new SKU.

[Devo]

My votes

6, 12, 15, 17, 19, 21

Its still 6 for this round am I right?

[Droid]

14, 15, 18, 21

[El Chuxter]

Okay, I really don't remember: have we asked about a resculpt or reissue of the Naboo N-1 Starfighter? Seems like it's been about eleven years or so....

[pbarnard]

Here's a new one: How does Hasbro feel having WotC drop (or really not be part of the renewal) the Star Wars license? Will there be anything Hasbro does to fill the gaps of the miniatures/Starship Battles type collectibles/games?

[JediTricks]

I still felt it was worth mentioning since The Clone Wars is getting a new SKU.It would have been, but they confirmed it's continuing so there's nothing to it.



Its still 6 for this round am I right?Yes, still 6.



Okay, I really don't remember: have we asked about a resculpt or reissue of the Naboo N-1 Starfighter? Seems like it's been about eleven years or so....Yes, but it's been 3.5 years since we implicitly asked for one. We asked for one in a roundabout way a year ago as well.



Here's a new one: How does Hasbro feel having WotC drop (or really not be part of the renewal) the Star Wars license? Will there be anything Hasbro does to fill the gaps of the miniatures/Starship Battles type collectibles/games?Hasbro owns Wizards of the Coast, so I'm not sure what the point of asking this question is. I'm not saying we shouldn't pursue a question along a similar vein, but I don't see how this is the specific question to ask.

[pbarnard]

Hasbro owns Wizards of the Coast, so I'm not sure what the point of asking this question is. I'm not saying we shouldn't pursue a question along a similar vein, but I don't see how this is the specific question to ask.

I'll take editing/revisions/suggestions. And yes, I know they own them. So they knew apparently for years that WotC was going to drop SW this year while it was "news" to everyone else last week. Unfortunately, no matter how it is worded I think Hasbro would say "not bringing back Unleashed or Titaniums/Micromachines at this time."

[JediTricks]

Here's my votes, while I'm at it:


5 cw legs
12 luke resurg
13 cody belt
14 colors
15 guard
20 cruise

[pbarnard]

23, 18, 14, 8

[El Chuxter]

Dunno if it'd be pointless, but can we ask them to reconsider the non-re-releasing of any BAD droids, especially given how the HTF YVH-1 figure is a potential army builder and the oft-requested BG-J38 is now going to be a retailer exclusive? Maybe those two could be re-released in themed Battlepacks in the future... even the HK droids could be re-released with the KOTOR figures they released a while back. (I still haven't played KOTOR, but, every time I mention that, I'm told that it's more popular than Pac-Man, Pong, Mario, the Beatles, and Jesus all combined. :))

Also not sure if it'd be beating a dead horse, but any way you can think of that we can follow up on this week's collectionstation.com question about pricing, pointing out that collectors will get more selective about what they buy and less willing to buy two or three rehash figures to get one new one? (I know it seems contradictory to the suggestion that the droids wind up in packs, but, eh, I'm feeling contradictory.)

[JediTricks]

Their statement isn't a policy of not re-releasing them, merely that they don't have plans to. I suppose we could ask a new question about it, but I think it'd need to be a little fattened up as a question from what you have there right now.

KOTOR wasn't that big, it was only on 1 system after all.

I don't really understand the point of the second question suggestion. What's done is done, what do you hope to accomplish asking them if they've considered BAD to be the downfall of the line? I don't believe it for a second, BTW, but I'll entertain your idea if you can expand on it further.

[El Chuxter]

No, I meant they've said that, as collectors get pickier, they have to raise prices more. Trouble is, that's only going to make collectors even pickier than before.

[bigbarada]

No, I meant they've said that, as collectors get pickier, they have to raise prices more. Trouble is, that's only going to make collectors even pickier than before.

I would agree with this. The price jump to $7.44 a figure back in 2008 made me extremely selective over which figures I actually bought. It put an end to about 90% of my impulsive buying, which turned out to be more than 60% of the figures that I bought overall.

It turns out that $7 is my hump for Star Wars collecting. Below that and I'm willing to entertain figures like a new Plo Koon, Owen Lars, and the Utai. Above that and I can't justify spending the money.

I even bought several EU figures when everything was around $6.50 a figure and $10 for the comic packs.

Now that the price is going up to $8, then I foresee becoming a strictly OT collector with a primary focus on ROTJ.

If the prices go up even further, then my focus will likely narrow again to mostly Jabba's Palace figures and maybe a few other OT figures here and there.

[RENDAR LIVES]

Okay, I really don't remember: have we asked about a resculpt or reissue of the Naboo N-1 Starfighter? Seems like it's been about eleven years or so....

Yeah. I asked this in the last round. JT didn't want to use it and posted some previous responses. They said it was long over do and that they would look into a droid socket for it on the next go around.

[JediTricks]

No, I meant they've said that, as collectors get pickier, they have to raise prices more. Trouble is, that's only going to make collectors even pickier than before.How is that EXPANDING on what we said earlier though? It's what the question said, that's the downward spiral of raising prices. A follow-up can't just be repeating what they already responded to. Am I missing something still? LMK in the next round.

---------

Speaking of which, that's it for this PAINFULLY long round. Thanks to everybody who participated!

Here are the questions we're submitting this round:


Questions from CollectionStation.com:
1) Most of Emperor Palpatine's scenes from ROTJ feature him seated in his throne, which hasn't been released in 13 years. That release, the "Final Jedi Duel" Cinema Scene, suffers by comparison with newer items in its relative lack of detailing and permanent attachment to the extended base from that set. Have you considered, or would you consider now that we brought it up, an improved version of the throne which would ideally have more detailed controls, a swivel base (that's not several inches long), and Luke's lightsaber hilt (with a spot to put it on the arm)? Oh, and while we're at it, what about an Emperor who can sit in it as well as he stands?
2) Many collectors are reporting their local stores' Star Wars pegs clogged with slow-moving Saga Legends figures, stagnating and choking out Legacy Droid Factory basic figures. Recently, Wal-mart and Target stores have been selling "blockbuster value" buy-1-get-1-free 2packs of Saga Legends basic cards alongside the 2packs of Legacy basics. The SKU is the only one in the brand to not be changing this year. And now your site is offering a promotion where the purchase of many of the Role Play toys will get 3 free Saga Legends figures. Is the future of Saga Legends perhaps not as bright as had originally been forecasted? If not, why the incidents mentioned above? We already know that the main line in 2010 (aka "vintage") will be more a mix of Greatest Hits and have vintage-themed packaging which will help differentiate it from Clone Wars, and Saga Legends is going to share the CW line's card style, so how will Saga Legends fit into the mix other than a packaging change, will it be scaled back so as to not overwhelm the pegs? Will we see a quicker rotation of product so to avoid pegwarmers like Saesee Tiin or character crossovers into Clone Wars and Legacy like Plo Koon?
Questions from SirStevesGuide.com:

1) While we know that the readership of ToyFare Magazine and its parent company, Wizard, are not chiefly a Star Wars collecting-oriented group which can give weird results like the 2006 EU-centric Fans Choice poll, it seems like the most recent Fans Choice poll results are arousing even more raised eyebrows and suspicions among the collecting community. Certain characters seem to have come out of nowhere to claim top spots, and the website which ToyFare ran the poll seemed to have no obvious safeguards against ballot-stuffing. To quell fans suspicions on this, where there safeguards in place to prevent overzealous fans from flooding the poll with votes? We know it's just a toy line, but obviously collectors take it seriously, so what can you tell fans to satisfy their concerns about the poll's veracity, that this is truly all of their choices, and not just the choices of a few unscrupulous fanatics?

2) Regarding the head on the Cloud City Wing Guard figure, the cardback bio suggests this is supposed to be Sgt. Edian, yet while the coloring is a black person's and Edian is a black man, the sculpt is clearly that of a white guy. Everything about the head sculpt, even the part in the hair, is a different guy given a dark brown deco. While it could be seen technically as an update to the vintage black Bespin Security Guard on skin tone alone, the features and cardback on that Kenner figure were clearly Edian and were differentiated from the other Kenner white Bespin Guard figure. In fact, there is some similarity to another guard, Sgt. Merril, an older white man. Was the original idea to produce a Merril figure and that looked too similar to the planned Utris M'Toc so his ethnicity was changed? Why was this new Edian figure given a white guy's face sculpt? Any chance we'll see this head sculpt again as Sgt. Merril, and a new, more accurate Sgt. Edian sculpt in the future?

Look for a new round of voting soon.