As part of Hasbro's new weekly Q&A session, Rebelscum passed on 3 of your burning questions and now we've got the answers for you.

Rebelscum: Back at the start of the modern line of 3.75" figures Hasbro (well, probably then Kenner) used to post design sketches of the figures (front, back, and side view) on their website along with a photo of the finished product. I LOVED this feature, as it was interesting to see how the figure was conceptualized as well as how it changed (if applicable) along its path to finished product. This has also been done with a number of the Fan's Choice figures. Might there be a chance to see some "behind-the-scenes" sketches on current/upcoming figures on your site? With the vast improvement and sophistication of articulation (thank you!) has the design process changed? Has the process of developing a figure shifted from drawings on paper to something else?

Hasbro: The process itself is still very similar but involves more tech, as you might guess (drafting onto a pad vs paper in many cases), but the essential input remains the same. It's just a matter of time and priorities regarding getting this out on the website, and partly, it's a victim of wanting to try and hold some new product news as close to the vest as possible (on Star Wars, the ability to surprise and excite is challenging!). We have been prioritizing other types of content for the website, and since the process of how figures are produced has been told before, we didn't think there was a lot of new news there.


Rebelscum: I like the way you are making the EU comic 2-packs. I was wondering, what factors go into the selecting of what comics to use, and then what figures to make?

Hasbro: We meet and go through our favorite issues that resonated with cool stories and great characters. We keep a running list and update it as we get caught up with the entirety of the Dark Horse and Marvel library. On our spreadsheet, we note whether we would need new sculpts or can work with existing ones. We also note whether there is any inherent kid appeal to the figures or whether they are purely collector-targeted. We base our final selections (in close collaboration with Lucasfilm and consultation with Dark Horse) on a balance of all factors so the wave has balanced kid and collector appeal, some important new tools, but a manageable quantity, affordable cost, etc. In short it's not unlike the process we go through for basic figures....creating balance that will enable the line to succeed at retail.


Rebelscum: What question are you guys most tired of answering -or if you'd like to be more diplomatic- Which question have you been asked the most since this feature started?

Hasbro: It's all fair game, after all, that's what the Q&A is about. We welcome the chance to explain our decisions and thinking. We are often asked about our approach to maintaining balance in the lines, such as the fact that kids are as important to us as collectors, which some collectors still don't recognize as a very positive sign of health for the future of the brand; the misperception that the Greatest Hits means that the regular basic figure line is disrupted, etc. Or questions that require some more detail on the business situation (like the case for playsets). It's all good dialogue and we're happy that we can make it as 2-way as possible.


From the fans: Thanks for answering many of our questions. It keep things interesting and creates just enough anticipation to keep me excited for the future of the line!

Got any burning Star Wars questions you need answered straight from the source? If so, post your questions in this thread in our forums, and with any luck, you'll get your answers next week!

And since we're in the 20th edition of Hasbro's Q&A Session, here's a special look back at all the past rounds of questions: