Try your local doll/bear shops or craft stores. Pretty much any GI Joe or Barbie compatible stand will do the trick.

6
Why did the vintage line repackage older figures on the new movie cards? Figures like Princess Leia from the first movie were packaged on the new cards all the way up through ROJ, and by my count, only 15 figures were made on only their appropriate movie cards (Not counting figures like Stormie, Chewie, and Vader, or POTF), and all of them were ROJ figures! Did Hasbro really feel that kids wanted Eco Base Troopers to battle Biker Scouts? Wouldn't these take away from the ability to find new figures? Can you imagine BoShek on SW, ESB, ROJ, POTJ, Droids cards?
  -Matt

Well Reader Matt, first a brief history note: Hasbro did not own Kenner until the 1990s. So Hasbro had nothing to do with Star Wars until the POTF2 era.

As far as figures being packaged on new cards go, that's just what they did. Because Kenner was cool like that, they sold old figures through the ages so kids could get them. New packaging was done to make the line look fresh. In the old days, toy lines didn't have a six-month turnaround. Two years was typical for the 1980s, but Star Wars was special.

When it comes to appropriate cards, well, so what? The line's name technically changed with each sequel, and the Star Wars collection continued through the demise with a few characters (about a third) never seeing release on POTF packaging. Kenner's decision to release figures after the "movie term" was over was great for collectors, fans, and kids who did not start buying them when they showed up in stores in early 1978. (I didn't start until ESB.)

Also worthy of note, those newer packaged figures are a pain to get. The original Leia on a ROJ card is tougher to find than a 12-back Star Wars Leia these days. So while figures were released on later cards, many of them were not released in big numbers. The classic line is a great example of how a toy line should be marketed... drum out just enough of the older characters to satisfy the newbies, and keep resculpts to a minimum. (Other than R2-D2 and C-3PO, variations and new outfits aside, there were none.)

7
I have looked everywhere I can think of. Do you know where I can find the Star Wars "Behind the Magic" CD for PC? I really, really would like to get one. I already bought the Episode One version but I can't find the one for the classics anywhere.
  -JC

Ah, BTM. The best Star Wars product of 1998... and I won one off of ET Online. (The day after I bought it.)

While it is still in some bargain bins and software stores around the nation, not every store will carry it. Online, you can search for the item at Cnet.com and it'll compare prices for you. Buy.com has it for $14 and shipping... a steal. I mean, this is the only way to see an alternate Cantina scene and Biggs footage.

8
Do you know what the reasoning is behind the 12" Masterpiece edition being so expensive? $75 for a 12" doll and a 100 page book seems very expensive to me. Is there a lower print run on these? At least where I live, these are very common in book stores. $40-$50 seems to be a much fairer price for these.
  -Todd

Books ain't cheap. Especially Chronicle Star Wars books... they're good, though. While I have yet to see the item in person, the previous two didn't strike me as $75 purchases. Your estimate of $40-$50 feels about right, and courtesy of the warehouse superstores and online e-taillers, they can be had for around that.

But it's all a matter of preference. Stick a $50 12" Speederbike next to a $75 book with a figure, I'll take the bike. (Unless it's "All Things Max Rebo" with matching figure with his instrument. That I'd go nuts for.)

So yeah, the price is high. But that's what not buying things is all about.

9
Wondered what you thought about the direction the POTJ line seems to be taking. I recently picked the first wave, and really liked some of the improvements, and was very disappointed at the same time. It seems to me that they are going more towards looks, and away from playability (more McFarlinish, if you will). The extra articulation makes them much more displayable, but while Chewie can put his hands behind his head for the first time now, ALL Chewie can do is put his hands behind his head. The Guards can hold their guns nicely, but without their guns, they lack the articulation to do anything beside point at each other. The wheels on R2 are a great addition, but the legs 'snap' into position when you move them, and pop all the way back into a 45 degree angle to the body, making it so that the rear wheels barely touch the ground. And, when I opened my new Obi-Wan, the articulation on his arm provided an undocumented feature - it just fell off at the elbow. Hasbro has always said that the reason we get so many Lukes and Vaders and not as many of the obscure characters that the collector community wants is because the main market for the toys are the kids. However, with the POTJ figures that I've seen so far, it seems that they're moving away from the 'playable' kids toys and more towards 'displayable' collectors toys. Do you think this an accurate evaluation, and if so, what impact might this have on the future of the line?
  -Joel

It's my feeling that Hasbro is trying REALLY hard to please everybody.

The new Anakin, in terms of play, is a gigantic improvement over the previous... seven or eight versions.

The new Chewie is a figure dedicated to a scene. Why they gave him articulated knees is beyond me... just go all out or don't bother. (I still like it.)

Tuskens I dig. The old one was a stick in comparison, and didn't look nearly as slick.

It's hit and miss. I'd say the added articulation allows more to be done with the figures, and my R2 doesn't have a snapping thing going on-- it works fine.

I would say they're evolving more toward other toy lines, leaving the antiquated Kenner system of 5 articulation points behind once and for all. Some people get lucky and get bad figures. (You seem to be one of these people.) But overall, we're seeing improvements. Granted, they're good sometimes and dull others, but overall things are better now. Since the purpose of this particular Chewbacca was to be the Dejarik figure, well, there it is. So I guess it's all how you look at it.

10
regarding the alien with four arms that comes in the cantina aliens 3-pack, are there any pictures regarding what he looks like without his mask? I just noticed today he is wearing what im assuming to be a breathing apparatus around his cone shaped head. Also, spank gerbil fizz manure sheep apple door contraption eskimo spoon banana pipes. Mommy, lets go to Chuck E. Cheese. I have an anti gravity corn cob pipe for sale on eBay. I love you Salad shooter
  -Uziq88

Apparently somebody's been reading the column.

To date, to my knowledge, no such image exists... the mask is, more or less, part of his face. Kinda like Plo Koon or Boba Fett.

FIN
Got questions? Send 'em in.

Regarding the Yoda question from Monday: evidence sent in=inconclusive. Some say oddly colored Yoda snakes were included in the Adventures of Indiana Jones line, others say it's an actual tri-logo variation. From the images I've seen of loose toys, I can't vouch for it. So, stay tuned for developments on this one.

1
I heard a rumor that a 12" scale Jabba the Hutt was in the works. Is this true or just a rumor?
  -Jeff

It's a rumor, yes. As to the reality... who knows? The Dewback was rumored alongside Jabba for some time, and we've got a Dewback. So while I have no doubt one is/was in the works... actual product is a different issue.

2
Is the upcoming Bespin Capture Han Solo based on an actual scene from a I was wondering if you could tell me why there is so much interest in Aurra Sing. She was only on the screen for a couple of seconds during The Phantom Menace, and as far as I recall, she wasn't mentioned by name in the book. Does she have some significance in a comic book series or something? (Don't get me wrong, I'd love it if Hasbro decides to make a carded Aurra Sing!)
  -rss

Much like Boba Fett, there's no good reason. Fans dig bounty hunters, and since LucasFilm put a bit of hype around the character, now fans are excited to see what role she may have in Episode Two. (I'm betting two shots.)

3
Dear Adam, I've seen a few questions about Endor toys, but no one's asked the obvious one - do Hasbro not make many because most fans hate the Endor scenes, and therefore they think they won't sell?
  -Amanda

Well, Hasbro's been pretty lax on getting out Bespin figures too. And Bespin is arguably the most popular chunk of the films with many fans.

Fan demand is there for more Ewoks, and of course the upcoming Scout Trooper. Since pretty much every unmade Endor toy is Ewok-related... well, who knows? Fans typically dig just about everything as long as it's different and cool. I don't think I've gotten a letter over the past five years that said "man, I hate Ewoks." Odds are it's just one of those things that'll happen "eventually." Like the bevy of Bespin stuff allegedly on tap for next year, like a Lando resculpt, Cloud Car, and more. (Note the word "alleged." I don't want any nasty email from people saying "But AAAAAADAAAAAAM, you SAAAAIIIID it would be OUUUUUUT NOW!!!" [Also note that sending something to that effect just to be cute is not reccomended. I hate it when people do those "he he, I'll say 'Hey, where's R2-D2 w/ Holo Leia? Just kidding!'" messages. 'tain't funny. Very much like Austin Powers quotes.])

4
Back in the summer 1978 or 1979 My Mother took my brothers and I to the Cincinnati Zoo to see Darth Vader. He was appearing at the auditorium one afternoon to speak and give autographs. He arrived with a Jawa and gave a speech, proving beyond a doubt that James Earl Jones did not provide the voice. He told us he was not a robot. He wore armor because of injuries he received in a fight with Obi-Wan Ben Kenobi near a volcano. This is the first time I recall hearing that Darth Vader fell into a volcano thanks to Ben. Later Darth Vader and Fric the Jawa signed autographs. I still have the autographs and pictures. Darth Vader drew a beard and Mustache on my brother Ron! My question is does anybody know anything about this? No one I tell this to believes a word of it. I want to know who sponsored this event? Was it a national tour? Who was under those costumes?
  -Charles

Lots of stores, zoos, movie theaters, and other venues hired a guy in a Vader suit to make "appearances" between Star Wars and The Empire Strikes Back. (Actually, I know a guy who had to do it.)

Most if not all of these guys were an employee of the store in question who got to be the "lucky" guy in the suit for an afternoon. So anything these people tell you is most likely inaccurate.

The whole Volcano thing didn't appear-- as far as I know-- until the era of Return of the Jedi. Odds are you've got a few factoids jumbled, or some random goof made something up that coincidentally ended up working into the semi-official continuity. (I say semi because it ain't official until it appears on film.)

5
Do you think that there is any chance of Hasbro ever releasing a new and improved Ponda Baba figure with a detachable arm?
  -Chris

Rather than saying "not any time soon," I'll say "probably around 2006."

While they ALMOST made one, well, they didn't. Considering the three pack with Ponda and the carded figure are still around on clearance in many areas, I wouldn't hold my breath. (I mean, we still haven't seen a decent Hoth Han due to the first one selling poorly.)

Considering Hasbro seems to be making some nifty resculpts these days, well, I see no reason why, someday, they wouldn't at least consider it. Other than the fact that the very first version of the alien (the carded one) still ranks amongst my all-time favorite aliens. I mean, just look at it-- it's so friggin' pretty.

6
Is there still a chance we could see a Bacta Tank Luke?
  -Mark

This character was rumored last year with never a single official comment out of Hasbro. Could we? Sure. Could we next year? Not particularly likely.

7
Why have'nt we seen anything else from AMT. Whats to keep them from doing kit's the same scale as the Hasbro Power of the Force line.
  -holyrhino

Because the model kits don't sell particularly well. A lot of nifty items got pushed outta the way over the past year, and to be honest, I have no idea if any new Star Wars kits are on the horizon. (A Battle Droid set was canned not too long ago.)

As far as Hasbro scale, well, I think the Federation Tank was the same size as a model and a toy, but I would assume Hasbro would be less than thrilled that someone else is going for their racket.

8
1. While it seems that Hasbro has put more detail into their figures, they also seem to very posed or scene oriented (example, POTJ Chewie). Which would you rather see, detailed sculpted figures with generic standing pose w/ the needed articulation; or would you rather see detailed sculpted figures posed for specific scenes? On this note, do you prefer the "soft goods" figures (Qui-Gon, OB1, Maul, commtech Vader, etc.) over the regular sculpted figures?

2. At what point would you be satisfied with the original trilogy toy line; and want to see it end?

3. Each year it seems we are seeing another vintage vehicle revamped with electronics and/or a better paint job and figure. Are there any vintage playsets you would like to see updated with a new paint job and/or electronics? Personally I would love to see a revamped Dagobah & Ewok village.
  -Jason

1. I prefer Soft Goods as long as the sculpt of the actual figure is good. Five figures with cloth come to mind (Leia, Amidala #2, Obi-Wan, Qui-Gon, Maul), and I was happy with the articulation on two of them. The best thing about soft goods figures is they allow for a greater range of motion, and more importantly, the figures can FIT IN THE STUPID VEHICLES (THAT'S IMPORTANT, TOY DESIGNERS). I'd rather have figures with a fair level of posability and a nice sculpt... Removable Helmet Vader is a good example, as is the recent Red Battle Droid. If the Soft Goods figures had "Jedi Duel" figure articulation, I'd be thrilled... but eh, whaddreyagonnado? If it were up to me, I'd have knee joints, swivels on the arms, and cloth on any figure where it wouldn't make the figure look junky. And so far, Hasbro's been good about using cloth appropriately the few times it's used.

2. Now or never. I've gotten every figure I wanted, many of which I've gotten resculpts. However, there's always one more alien, resculpt, or minor character I'd like to see done, and if the line became two or three figures a year sold only to collectors, I'd be happy with that. (I actually want to see those random background Tatooine humans, any Ewok they'd sell me, all the Imperials and Rebels they can muster, and so forth. But I don't think they'll all sell well, and I cite Porkins as an example on a regular basis.) So basically, it boils down to "whatever." I got my Fett & Scout Trooper resculpts on the way, I got my Wuher, Owen, Beru, Dark Empire Luke (yipee!), and so many others. But I think I can say this without any arguments-- if the line ends before every classic figure is remade, people are gonna gripe *plenty.*

3. I've had my fill of the vintage vehicles/playsets, mostly because I've had all of them for at least ten years. If they were to make an all-new, big, cool playset of Hoth, the Death Star, or the Freezing Chamber (a REALLY good one), I'd be willing to put off a lot of other purchases to get them. But as far as remakes go, I've had enough. Gimme something new.

9
My question is: Wasn't Hasbro only to ship New figures in the cases of POTJ and not repeat the same figure in the next waves, i thought i read that some where???
  -Steve

That depends on what your definition of "new" is.

The intent was that no POTF2/E1 figures would be shipped in POTJ cases. POTJ is a new assortment with new figures and POTJ figures would ship only in their cases, just like POTF2 did. So yeah, old figures could continue to ship, and hopefully will because I wanna get four to six Blue Senate Guards and still haven't even seen ONE of those buggers in stores.

10
Do you have any idea of our chances of seeing Ephant Mon, Hermi Odle, or Amanaman in plastic form anytime soon?shooter
  -markwars

Well, there was this poll. And a bunch of people voted for Duro and not Amanaman. And then they all wrote me nasty letters like it was my fault. (I'll buy either. I likes aliens.)

If Hasbro did another poll, fans better vote for Amanaman-- they know we want one and they seem to want to make one. But we told them (oh, "we" means "you people") we wanted something else. And while a lot of people hold to this weird (weird means "stupid and baseless") belief that every vintage figure will be remade for the new line, well, the universe is not that orderly and Hasbro has no such master plan. (Hate to burst your bubble, but the Imperial Dignitary isn't a figure that's on the way anytime soon.)

But I digress. The three aliens in question were part of a rumored-- and by rumored, I mean this didn't even appear on any Hasbro lists I've seen-- list. None. Zippo.

Any figure is a possibility from Hasbro, except BoShek because he totally sucks and maybe the Dignitary and Madine because outside of being exclusives, nobody would care. (Yes, yes, I know you care and you want to write in telling me how full of crap I am. But let's be realistic. 10,000 pieces of those would be a tough sell, let alone the vast quantities in which these buggers are made. I'd like to see them done EVENTUALLY, but well, now may not be the best time.)

FIN
Got questions? Send 'em in.

That's it for today. More tomorrow on Day 3 of the Q&A Megathon. Just keep those questions rolling in!

Questions for October 4, 2000

1
Has the TC-14 figure started to arrive in any kind of quantity in U.S stores yet?
  -Rad

I bought mine at a Toys "R" Us in January or February, and I've seen maybe a dozen or so since. (Not so much on R2-B1 or any other 2000 figure.)

So yeah, they showed up. And they'll probably show up on clearance someday. But I wouldn't hold my breath that I'd find one in any store except maybe a Walgreens anytime soon.

2
Am I the only one who is highly hoping for realy new action figures like Shmi Skywalker and Luke Bacta tank WITH the Bacta Tank? I already have IG-88 from the 2-pack and I painted C-3PO white so it came out as K-3PO...
  -Denis

Well, that's life.

Shmi I want to see. The prototype Hasbro showed in their Toy Fair catalog earlier this year looked great, and as far as Bacta Luke goes, I *still* have not seen official confirmation on it (despite being lead to believe it's coming out via other sources.) At least Shmi's on the way.

3
I remember reading you store your figures in comic book boxes. I think Steven Stansweet does this too. What type backings and bags would you use? I know there several sizes such as golden age and others.
  -Mas

What the-- who writes about that sort of thing? Why is that information even known? Actually my spare figures (the "for the upcoming display" set) are in empty shipping cases I've gotten from a variety of sources.

When it comes to POTF2-era figures, I wouldn't go out of my way to preserve most of them, simply because cases, boards, and bags are probably more expensive than most of the figures these days. Now vintage figures are another story...

Basically any acid-free comic bag of the right size will work. Due to some oversized bubbles and whatnot, you may have to get magazine bags for some, but your local comic shop will almost always lend a hand with determining what it is you need assuming you plan to buy something.

4
I been reading your collumn for a while and I've got one question that keeps creeping up every time. Who the hell is Bo Shek? Where did he appear? Believe it or not, I'm actually pretty knowledgable about the SW universe and if you can point him out to me I'll definitely understand why he sucks.
  -Darth Donkey

BoShek is the guy with the mutton chops in a grey space suit in the Cantina. I think he nods a couple of times. That's about all he does. The running gag-- which seems to have gone over most people's heads-- is that I get a lot of people asking for the figure, yet it's of a character not only do most people not know, those that do know don't care. If it was an alien, I'd be all over it. But it's a guy. A boring, lame looking guy in a grey Bossk/X-Wing-ish suit.

Now, some might say "Hey Adam, I read your column and you said you wouldn't be opposed to any minor character being made!" (Awaits three people to bite. There.) That's true, I don't. (Although how Porkins got made and put into the regular assortments has me baffled.) But BoShek sucks, you see.

When it comes to determining minor characters' names, one of the best resources is Deciphers' Customizable Card Game. Since CCGs are made by people who don't seem to realize that my inability to afford a complete set due to the concept of "rare" cards makes me not reccomend actually buying these, I'd like to point out that Decipher's Website has complete lists of all the cards, with pictures. (Well, they did the last time I looked. It's probably there still.) For any minor character ya wanna know, rummage through those, you'll probably find your answer.

5
One figure that Hasbro has never made and I never hear anyone asking for is a hooded, cloaked Jedi Knight Luke. with the hood being molded on, kinda like the emperor and a cloak like pruneface or yakface. They could give him hands that would fold over each other and swivel arms (for choking Gammoreans) Why do you think they never made this figure yet?
  -Dale

There are a lot of potential resculpts and new characters Hasbro hasn't made yet. A decent Hoth Han, a regular Bespin Gown Leia, a regular R5-D4...

In your example, well, you said nobody's asking for it. I think you've answered your own question.

6
Hey Adam, why do "flopped" scenes occasionally creep in the SW movies every now and then. I mean, R2 showed up as flopped images in ANH and TPM. Obi-Wan's braid also shows on his left side in TPM, and Boba Fett's antennae in ROTJ. If Lucas and company spend so much time in the editing room, even up to the last minute, shouldn't anyone with a good eye catch these "mistakes".
  -Mark

I think the official answer I was given at one point was it having something to do with the lighting or visual pacing. So yeah, they know these errors are there, but there are other things that they're being used to mask.

7
How are you?
  -Jason

OK, I guess. I've been better.

8
Adam, when looking at vintage Kenner figures in their packages I've noticed a grading system, i.e. C 8.5 or C 6. What kind of grading system is this? Is it a standardized sytem? How can I get my figures graded so I know where my collection stands?
  -Topkat74

Basically, it's a scale from one to ten, ten being best, with a C in front of the number. It's used for a variety of items, typically toys.

There is no standardized system, it's basically an estimate. Keep in mind that C-10 is about as perfect as you can get, but I've seen people with "C-10 but missing UPC and hole punch." Which is like saying "fresh bananas from two months ago." When it comes to vintage SW figures, I rarely see anything sell that's less than C-8 these days, which is surprising, because after 20 years I expected that's all I would see. Maybe I'm going to the wrong places.

While there are services you can pay to find out just how nice your collection is, I would avoid them. I don't need to have someone tell me that a piece in my collection is good, if it's in my collection, I know it's good.

9
In regards to the vintage Kenner line, do you know if there were any prototypes made for unproduced figures besides Gargan?
  -J

Well, aside from both unproduced lines of Ewoks & Droids (Wave 2), there was Chewie's family, the Mongo Beefhead Tribesman (I bet 9 out of 10 of you think I'm making that one up), and a lot of concepts and some art for the unmade 1986 line with new Lukes and Hans and whatever. Gus Lopez' site, which I link to quite a bit, will have information like this as it comes up, so I'd definitely look there.

I'm sure there were others, but as of yet none have surfaced.

10
At one time, I heard there was going to be a Paploo w/Speeder Bike. Where there ever pictures, or did it not get that far into production?
  -Scott

Hasbro/Kenner never released information on actually making or even considering this toy.

It was, however, frequently asked for back in the days of my newsletter. Why, I'll never know-- I've got Speederbikes, just sell me the stupid figure.

FIN
Got questions? Send 'em in.

That's it for today. More tomorrow on Day 4 of the Q&A Megathon. Just keep those questions rolling in!

(...and a PS... don't send in a correction if I'm not wrong. It defeats the purpose of corrections.)

Questions for October 5, 2000

1
BoShek does suck.
  -Greg

See? What have I been telling you people?

2
Who is this Roworr character I keep hearing about that will be the wizards of the coast exclusive? Is this another version of chebacca or is it different wookie all together, and if so where is he from? A novel, a comic, or what?
  -Nigel

This guy is a lot of things. First, he's Chewbacca (Boushh's Bounty) slightly altered with a new head. (At least they picked a decent body.) Second, he comes with the RPG-- and he'll be around fifteen bucks from what I've been hearing. The RPG is from Wizards of the Coast (Magic), who now owns TSR (Dungeons & Dragons) and is owned by Hasbro. And according to a recent report on Yakface, he'll be out in November.

Me, I can't wait. Finally, a new Wookiee character figure. If this don't flesh out the dioramas, nothing will.

3
Hi Adam, I just found my first POTJ figures, the Maul and Chewie. I can't help but think the Maul is smaller/shorter than previous versions of the figure. Is this an optical illussion or do you see a difference too?
  -Ray

Well, unfortunately I haven't picked either of those up yet.

Because I had to buy food and don't have a paying job right now and need to find someone to hire me to write or clean toilets or something before I go insane and start painting Q-Tips to look like action figures. But I digress.

The new Anakin is about the same size as the previous versions, and Maul probably should be shorter. After all, Ray Park-- while a buff dude-- is a short guy. Chewie... I dunno. Probably the same size. Anybody out there got a comparison? This custom Q-Tip Chewie is a little shorter, but man, he's got this GREAT fuzzy head feature which is light years above Hasbro's recent gimmicks!

4
People collect sw stuff for different reasons. I love everything about sw so that's why I surround myself in the merchandise, but as you know it's a very difficult and frustrating hobby to pursue. Luckily I've been able to score some new great potj stuff at awesome prices, but I can't find the skiff, y-wing, or any of the last ep 1 waves. I also only have 1 soft goods fig and haven't found tc-14 or r2-b1. The same thing happened with expanded universe which I had to buy at a premium (that's right they charge high prices) from the fan club. I'm sick of this. I want my toys to be available at good prices. Is that so much to ask? Can Hasbro just be nice and re-release all the great stuff that myself and many other collectors need so desperately?
  -DarthSchwag

Well, the toys continue to show up, and tons remain unsold at Hasbro's crib in the Pacific Northwest. Just this week, CommTech Holo Leia R2 showed up in the 51st state, Canadia. I believe the capital is Winnepeg.

So while supplies are tight now, thankfully there's a stash of figures which has yet to be tapped... so either on clearance, or maybe at the Fan Club, they will have to show up somewhere, someday, somehow...

5
I was curious about the SOTE Vader and whether it was ever released on a green card as I had heard it was. I checked the Rebelscum archive and, sure enough, I found the comparison photo. So now my question has become, why was I never able to find this version?
  -AndyD

While I have heard reports to the contrary, the figure was typically only found at one place. And that was a JC Penny catalog packaging of four carded figures, one of which was that Vader, even though he wasn't pictured in the catalog as he actually came. He still shows up on the secondary market from time to time, so if ya want one... well, you know the drill.

6
I see on several collecting websites, people writing in complaining about the $80 + price tag on the Toys-R-Us exclusive 12" Dewback/Sandtrooper set. However, I have yet to see any of the same people or really anyone else complain about the $70 + price of the Fan Club exclusive 12" Chancellor Valorum/ Coruscant Guard two-pack. To me it is that set-- and not so much the Dewback set-- that is way way overpriced. Any thoughts on this??
  -Darrell

Well, there's a few reasons. One, the Fan Club is traditionally more expensive. Their items are produced in smaller quantities, they have a staff to pay, and they know we're stupid and will buy these items. Two, the Dewback set-- according to an email I got a few weeks ago (and another one I got later)-- is $40 and change. (Maybe $42. That seems to be the answer to everything these days.) So there's a big markup there.

But the real issue, I think, is that Toys "R" Us is a toy discounter, and the Dewback (in many people's opinion) could have been a better product. But then again, these were the people who charged an outrageous $50 for an Electronic R2-D2/C-3PO 12" two pack just a year after selling the amazing, astounding, fantozzamonious Han with Tauntaun exclusive set at the same price. If the Dewback was a little bigger or a little bit cheaper, this wouldn't be an issue. (That, and how many people care about E1 12" figures vs. Classic 12" figures? At least that's one of my guesses.)

7
Care to take a stab at why, though Kenner was owned by GMFG, Star Wars never seemed to have a mail-in cereal premium figure (Not even an offer with C-3POs!) until the company belonged to Hasbro (the first and last time?)
  -Tothiro

There was a mail-in offer for unpainted (methinks, I'm too lazy to check the book) MicroCollection Kenner figures in C-3POs boxes. So there's one... but the real question is, why aren't we getting more such offers now? I mean, c'mon. Let's have us something.

8
I saw my first POTJ figure the other night, that lame Chewie with the chess board. The new package caught my eye, so it's effective. anyway, is Mas Amedda or the Dagobah Vader out yet?
  -Topkat74

Yes and not yet.

9
Regarding the secondary collectibles market, I get the feeling that star wars is going the way of everything before it (ie baseball cards, comic books, beanie babies, etc). after the huge initial speculation and outrageous prices, things settle down and prices drop. however, i have yet to see those esteemed "collectibles" shops lower their prices to anything remotely reasonable. and so they sit with loads of common pegwarmers, and have the gall to still ask for 10-15 bucks on things that were dumped into clearance bins ages ago. why haven't these scalpers and comic book store guys finally swallowed their pride and gotten in line with the rest of the world? who is still supporting these overpriced places? wouldn't simple economics have seen an end to all of this rampant speculation?
  -Michael

Crash and burn, baby!

One thing to remember is that with a few exceptions (and I visit the store I'm referring to), collectible stores don't always really know the market. Some do, some don't. There's a place in Tucson that had and actually COULD SELL a 2-1B figure for $20 in 1999. So no matter the price, someone out there is gonna be dumb enough to fork up the dough for an item.

As far as the market goes, well, it could collapse. Frankly, the sooner the secondary market goes away, the better. I miss the days where I was branded a freak instead of trendy when I was buying toys.

10
Since it is megathon time, I figured I would ask a question that Hasbro gets "mega" requests for...... When are we going to be able to use our Jedi Points just as the Aussies are able to?
  -Bryan

As of this summer, Hasbro had no plans for the forseeable future. Which for them, is a long time. (Consider that next year's line is pretty much written in stone. [Of course, we don't get to hear about it because they don't think we're cool like that.])

Mail-in offers are typically best to promote lines with heavy kid appeal. Despite what Hasbro says, I don't think Star Wars has it like it used to. While I do believe we'll see a mail-in offer for Episode II... I don't know how to end that sentence. I do believe we'll see a mail-in offer for Episode II. Hopefully Jango Fett or something cool.

FIN
Got questions? Send 'em in.

That's it for today. More tomorrow on Day 5 of the Q&A Megathon. Just keep those questions rolling in!

Regarding Volcanoes and Vader, the conclusion seems to be that this was floating around early on, but it's often tied to stuff like Anakin and Vader being separate people. So while the story may have floated around earlier than I heard (whoops, sorry 'bout that folks), the issue of it being a part of the continuity is still unresolved.

Questions for October 6, 2000

1
OK I've got two questions for you, first off what are these "soft goods" action figures that I keep hearing about on your site? Second of all who is Jango Fett? I just happened to notice that you mentioned him in the Q & A and had never heard of him.
  -J.R.

"Soft goods" are cloth parts on toys. So the outfits on 12" Star Wars can be referred to as "soft goods," as can the little cloth pieces on Darth Maul, Obi-Wan, Qui-Gon, Leia, and Amidala.

As to who the character in question is... if you don't know, and I say, a zillion spoiler-happy people are gonna write in and tell me I spoiled a movie for them by mentioning an as of yet still rumored character name.

2
What ever happened to Philip's Star Wars Collection Room? Did he finish building it? From the archived photos of its construction, that room looks to be the ultimate shrine to Star Wars toys. Any chance he'll post more pics?
  -Jefdi

While the room itself is more or less done, there's a lot of stuff in the room that isn't. Since Philip reads the column and I don't want to take the time to ask... er... well, I dunno. Check back on Monday.

3
I was organizing my figure collection using a couple of the "300 Figure Lists" that are out there (like Andy Stobel's from The Rebel Base), and guess what? I could NOT find the "new" PTOJ Obi-Wan Kenobi (Jedi) figure on the lists. Yet here he is hanging on my wall! I seem to recall he was supposed to be on an Episode 1 card, but instead HASBRO opted to put him onto the new POTJ card line up. I've looked at the lists several times and every other figure is there, yet no new Obi-Wan! My question? Does this make Boba Fett Number 301? (or don't we care?)
  -s

I was always under the impression Boba was made to commemorate 300 carded figures, since he can't be the 300th carded figure due to his coming in a box. But I could be wrong.

4
Is Hasbro using different bodies for 12" Episode 1 figures, as opposed to the classic line? Here in Canada ( you better take back that 51st state remark;)!), there's been a recent trickle of the Slave Leia, Lame Caramel Chewie, and Trenchcoat Han set, but I never get to a store quick enough to find a Han. Anyway, I noticed my Episode 1 Jedi figures ( even Debbie Gibson hair-Qui-Gon, a.k.a. Hair-Club-Qui-Gon, with articulation that's not nearly as nice as the just-decent-compared-to-GI Joe- joints on Obi-Wan or Mace Windu) have a ball & socket joint for the neck, while all the classic trilogy figures I've seen don't have this feature. Does Trenchcoat han have this ball & socket neck, or improved joints? Or is he, and other classic (male) characters, stuck with the older, less-posable bodies?
  -Chris

While Hasbro randomly seems to throw a good body on a figure now and again... well, who knows? I was amazed to see they didn't make a good body for the first 12" figures in 1996 when there was a better one available. With E1, they seem to be picking the body on a figure-by-figure basis... and while it's not as good as all of them having the best possible body, it's a start. (I reccomend picking up some "Adam" bodies from Dragon Models and performing some surgery to make a better 12" figure.)

5
How come we don't as many updates from Hasbro as we did in the past?
  -Andrew

Not sure. Andy, if you're reading this... :)

6
Any idea why they would do a 12" series R2-A6 (green astromech droid) and not a 3-3/4" version? This is Ric Olie's droid I believe, so at least it's got some kind of implied story. Or, since not everyone thinks Ric Olie was as cool a figure as I do, the question in reverse is: why the heck did they bother to make a 12" series R2-A6?
  -Brian

Probably because they needed a third figure in the case and the R2-D2 molds were readily available. As to whu it's not a 4" figure, I think it's just that "it's not a 4" figure yet." Give 'em time.

7
I was recently at a TOYS R US, and this sw collector was about to put a POTJ tusken raider on the pegs, and he told me I could have it, and so I purchased it..(but that is beside the point)...anyways...this guy told me he heard Hasbro will be making a 12'inch Speeder Bike /w Leia in Endor Attire, or he might of gotten confused with the TARGET exclusive 12'inch Speeder Bike /w Biker Scout? What is your take on this?
  -Tim

Both Luke and Leia speederbikes along with individually boxed Lukes and Leias have been rumored as exclusives since the first word of the real deal came out. As of yet, they're all rumors, and I wouldn't hold my breath. But you never know.

8
Do you think we may ever see an Episode One version of Bib Fortuna? The POTF version sucks
  -JC

It certainly does. I wouldn't mind seeing an E1 Bib Fortuna some day, myself, and Hasbro's interest in redoing characters would make it seem a logical future choice. Here's hoping, that's a pretty good idea.

9
Hey Adam: Is it true man the supposed new figures of the white protocol droid and Mon Calamari soldier are repaints? Man that sucks if it's true.
  -BERTHA

More or less. Mon Cal's got some retooled parts, like his arm, and a hat or a new head. Not sure which. K-3PO is a repainted TC-14 (AFAIK) and probably has a change or two to the torso... can't tell from the pics. So while they aren't repaints exactly, they aren't entirely new figures either. Still, I'm pretty stoked about the Mon Cal.

10
If Hasbro were to announce tomorrow that they were making the absolutely, LAST 3 3/4" Star Wars figure EVER, and wanted the fans to vote, who would you pick as the LAST figure ever produced by them, and why?
  -ChuckMc

Sedriss from Dark Empire II.

Originally, I was gonna say "the last Tatooine Luke ever." But that'd just make everybody angry, and I got to thinking EVERY figure would make somebody angry, so I may as well just pick somebody I want to see that has no chance of being made, ever.

FIN
Got questions? Send 'em in.

That's it for today. More next week on Day 6 of the Q&A Megathon. Just keep those questions rolling in!