Questions for May 17, 2004
Q&A Archive

Rushing right along… Got an interesting feedback email from a friend in the know; turns out there were plans at one time for the Star Wars Trilogy Arcade game to be released on a home console, unfortunately those plans were for the now defunct Sega Dreamcast system. Apparently the Dreamcast used a similar board utilized for the arcade game, probably would have made for great cross-over, but oh well… Thanks to everyone for the questions, I've got twenty more lined up for later this week (fingers crossed), and I'm always looking for more!

On with the show:

1
You may have answered this question already, if so I apologize. Each time a new movie comes out the production of new figures far exceeds demand and we wind up having pegs filled with figures for years to come. This in turn turns off stores and store managers from ordering in larger quantities the waves that follow hence the shortage of figures we see now. Do you think Hasbro will learn their lesson and create a better supply to meet the demand? -grandpa yoda

With one movie to go, I think Hasbro is getting closer to figuring this out, but it's so hard to gage these things in a movie year. With a movie in theaters, buying habits are largely determined by how well the film is received. If it's a major hit you're likely to have many more people shopping for the toys, whereas if it's a flop or only marginal at best, fewer folks will be interested. Because toys these days go into production long before the movie release, toy companies have to estimate what demand will be and walk a very delicate line between making too much product or not enough. Clearly the hype surrounding Episode I, and the panic that ensued following Midnight Madness, threw the line out of whack. Hasbro controlled the situation much better with Episode II, but still needed a little fine-tuning in some areas. I guess we'll see what happens with Episode III, I would like to think they've taken some knowledge out of each previous movie year and will apply it in 2005, but as this is the final installment of the saga - it could be a totally different ballgame.


2
Hello, I was wondering if you could tell me if there is someone you know who can professionally re-card figures. I have a vintage 21 back Boba Fett that has a perfect card and blister that match up perfectly. I don't want to try reattaching it myself but was wondering if you know a reputable person who may do it for me. -Mike

I can't think of any reputable or non-reputable person that would do this. For fear that someone may try to pass this off as an original sealed card; I would think it is generally looked down upon. For nostalgia sake, all I can suggest is doing the best job you can with a glue gun, and holding onto the piece for your own collection. It may not be perfectly sealed, but I'm certain it would be a lot less expensive than trying to track down a sealed vintage Boba Fett.


3
I am a long time Star Wars collector... I still have all of my old vintage figures & have faithfully collected just about everything that's come out since '95. Is it just my opinion, or does HASBRO freaking suck???? My God, what is going on with all the cancellations, re-packaged figures & crappy exclusives I'm amazed that there are still collectors out there willing to buy any of it. I refuse to buy the "OTC" line, or the "Hall of Fame" figures... but the thing that sucks about that is, if we don't buy them, profits go down, lines get cancelled & they'll believe there isn't a market for SW anymore.

Are the execs at HASBRO retarded or what? Don't they have anyone in their company that actually listens to the consumers that buy their product? I would love to b*tch slap the lot of them.

It certainly is an interesting time to be a Star Wars toy collector. While on the one hand we have the Prequels to buoy the line, we also see a lot of what we clearly consider waste and repetition. Figure and toy re-packs are nothing new to the line, we certainly saw our fair share in the vintage days, but lately it seems too many good toys are simply not getting made. If you asked fans/collectors what toys they would like, you would probably get a list as long as your arm of things that seem quite reasonable. Still, Hasbro is of the opinion that there must be certain items in the line year in and year out, and that there's only so much they can do. Unfortunately those things become quite stale after awhile, and the impression is they're taking the place of other more desirable items. I think the predominant feeling right now, in 2004, is that Hasbro is milking the line for all they can. Not one of the exclusives this year is truly new, we see a litany of re-carded figures, we see exclusive sets featuring old figures with very little added value, it's enough to cause fans to wonder why they're buying all this stuff in the first place. In the meantime collectors continue to wonder; where are my cantina aliens, where's my Death Star playset, where's my Sith Infiltrator…? For whatever Hasbro's reasons, many collectors would rather not see the rehashes if it meant a reasonable chance of getting more of these long awaited toys; cut the waste, concentrate on the things that have not been done before. Sadly there doesn't appear to be an easy answer; Hasbro continues run the line as they see fit with little regard to the things collectors are asking for. As we near the final movie, and enter a period of unknown, a lot of collectors are beginning to wonder about the opportunities lost. We have no way of knowing what the future will bring for the hobby, nothing to tell us the line will go on indefinitely, and no assurance that the toys we'd like to have in our collections will ever get made. Frankly, I don't know what the execs at Hasbro are thinking; I just know a lot of what collectors are asking for continues to be ignored.


4
I saw the picture of the newest Jedi Council Scene and I was wondering what happened to the rumored Yoda set? I thought Yoda's was supposed to be out by now. We haven't even seen a picture yet. Also, Hasbro said they are coming out with 5 more right? The way I figure, the circle would be complete but there would be nothing inside. Any plans to include a centerpiece that would round off a very impressive set up? Any word on the rumor about the Bounty Hunter set or was that the TRU Ultimate Bounty? If so I'm disappointed, I was hoping for something more, the only really new piece was the bike.

One more thing; Can't Hasbro see that figures like Clone Troopers and Stormtroopers sell faster because people are building sets or scenes or armies? Every case assortment only has 2 of each of these figures if they are included. I am not one of these but I am very lucky if I can find a trooper on the shelves because the army builder got there first and I'm left with nothing. All I want is one of each and I'm not ready to go on eBay and fund the profit seekers. Some how I don't see troopers becoming peg warmers any time soon even if Hasbro would double the output. -Dave

Aside from what's been posted at Amazon.com (TRU) very little is known about these sets. Currently there are four sets due at various times this year; two in July, and two more in October. Set II is the only one pictured and looks to include Plo Koon, Obi-Wan (TPM), and Eeth Koth. Contents of the other three sets are still not confirmed, but will probably be revealed soon. Rumored figures include; Yoda, Qui Gon Jinn and Ki Adi Mundi (set 1), Shaak Ti, Chema and Sta Sta (set 3), and Anakin, Saesse Tin and Adi Gallia (set 4). No word on a centerpiece to complete the Council scene, and frankly I don't expect one. As exclusives, I don't imagine Hasbro Direct is going to go the extra mile to something like that, but I'd love for them to prove me wrong.

As far as I know the Bounty Hunter set is still just a rumor. It's very likely something that was considered but later dropped from the line. I don't think this would have been the same as the Ultimate Bounty 4-pack, I think what was rumored was more like the Jedi Council sets.

Hasbro is aware of the problem, I think they try to get more of these figures out there for collectors, but clearly (as in the case with the SA Clone Trooper) they could stand do a better job. As I mentioned in a previous column, they really need to treat trooper figures as "new" figures in more than just the initial wave. The more they can put out there, the better it will be for everyone. Even if they flood the shelves for a brief period of time, troop figures will sell eventually. Hopefully they'll give this a try, I know a lot of people are concerned about the OTC Vintage Stormtrooper; this would be a good place to start.


5
Is the orange R2 unit in the Hoth 4-pack exclusive to that set or is it found anywhere else?

Exclusive to that set, yes. Though the same mold with a different deco was originally released as Episode II sneak peek figure R3-T7.


6
I'm really interested in the upcoming collectible miniatures game (or CMG, as I've learned). I'm a big fan of the MicroMachines line. Any ideas if this new product will be reasonably scale-compatible with the old figures and sets? Also, under what topic in the forum should we discuss this new product? It's most similar to the Action Fleet / MicroMachines product, and yet the collecting and play design is more similar to the CCG or TCG. Perhaps a new, dedicated area in the Rebelscum forums can be created? -c1p8

Well don't hold me to this, I heard it quite a while ago and have no idea which way they finally decided to go, but I did hear at one time they were 'considering' using the MicroMachine molds for the miniatures game. If they ended up going with those molds, the miniatures for the CMG should be the exact same as the MM vehicles, though I'm not sure what they would do about figurines (hopefully Action Fleet mini-figures…). As for where to discus these in the forum; I suppose any gaming section would be the most appropriate, but I doubt they would kick you out of MM/AF if indeed the pieces turn out to be that scale. I'll run the dedicated section idea by the troops, but we'll probably end up adding this to the CCG/TCG section.


7
I noticed the picture of what is believed to be the second Jedi Council Scene (Obi-Wan, Plo Koon, Eeth Koth) for '04, so I was wondering if anyone has posted/found pictures of any of the other sets, like Yoda, Ki-Adi, & Qui-Gon. Also, has there been any more word on their release? - Troy

No pictures that I've notice so far, but the closer we get to the posted release date the better chances something will turn up. A word of caution though; don't expect anything new or too exciting. Judging by what we've seen of the Plo Koon set, and coming from Hasbro Direct, the rest of the sets will most likely feature old figures, some with added articulation. The only release information to date, is what's posted on the TRU/Amazon site; two sets in June, two others in October.


8
Just noticed that even though the new TIE Fighter pilot is from the Battle of Yavin and on the New Hope Card, the picture they used is from Return of the Jedi. It's things like this that I notice when the cable is out... -Leo

Yep, it's not uncommon to see Hasbro use the "better" picture rather than a more accurate one when it comes to packaging. Easily noticed by us hardcore fans; not such a big deal to anyone else. Hope the cable's repaired soon!


9
I want to know if the mail-away Mace Windu is the same figure as the Ep. I Darth Maul packaged version? -Sean O'Riordan

No, they're not the same figure. The sneak peek version featured an integrated cape with matching arms, the standard Episode I version included a removable cloak "shell." I'm not exactly sure if the two shared any parts, I want to say no, but I wouldn't be surprised.

10
I was wondering what life size "Star Wars" Replicas have been made? I know there's been a few different companies that have made a number of figures, but I have been unable to find anywhere with very much information or a large photo gallery. Do you know of any place, or could you share with us which characters have been turned into life size replicas and which companies made them?

Hmmm… To the best of my knowledge (and someone please jump in with more info if you have it) the life-sized figures that have been 'mass produced' so far are: Darth Vader (two versions), Stormtrooper, Boba Fett (two versions), Han in Carbonite, C-3PO, R2-D2, Yoda (ESB), Yoda (TPM), Yoda (AOTC), Darth Maul, Anakin Skywalker (Pod Racer), Watto, and Jar Jar Binks. For some reason I want to say an Emperor's Royal Guard has been made, or at least offered at one point, but I honestly can't be 100% positive. Likewise, I think there was maybe a Chewbacca in there somewhere... I recently heard about a group of Cantina Band Member life-sized, but I think they were made specifically for an in-store display. If that wasn't a bad enough answer, it gets even worse when it comes to companies that manufactured this stuff. I know Don Post Studios was making life-sized replicas early on. Illusive Concepts created the life-sized props for Episode I and one of the Darth Vaders. I'm not sure who did the AOTC Yoda (Rubie's? - yep it was Rubie's), and there may well have been other companies in the mix there that I can't recall or completely forgot. On the horizon, Rubie's showed a Jawa life-sized last year at Comic Con that looked ultra cool. They also had a Jango Fett if I'm not mistaken, but neither of these life-sized figures has been made available to the public, yet - as far as I know.

11
I have a question that's been on my mind. The POTF2 Y-wing that was released comes with a Rebel Pilot figure. No name is listed and I can't find any information regarding a name. Which member of Gold Squadron is this supposed to be? -Andrew

Based on his helmet design and slight resemblance, the consensus is the pilot included with the 2000 POTF II Y-Wing is none other than: Tiree (Gold Two).

12
What's with the poor basic figure distribution from Hasbro lately? (Well, it seems like they're even * more * hard to find anyway). I haven't seen a new basic Star Wars figure in the stores since the one time I saw the new Jedi Luke wave at Target. Is there any way to get Hasbro's attention? I was trying to start picking up my figures at retail but have given that up once again to buy them from Entertainment Earth & the like. It saves gas and is less disappointing. You'd think some one somewhere could fix this problem... or help us collectors out. I just want my bleepin' toys!

Also, have you checked Rappertunie's backside? He's a bit on the anatomically correct side if you take my meaning. -Fraggle

Near as I can tell distribution from Hasbro has been fine; figures have been coming into most direct market vendors (Entertainment Earth, etc…) like clockwork. As far as I'm concerned the break down has been at the retail level, for some reason stores just haven't been able to get this stuff on the shelf. I don't know if the stuff has been stuck in the various distribution centers or in individual stock rooms, but I've seen plenty of empty pegs up until just recently. For some reason in the course of a week or so, I'm beginning to see three to four waves of figures hitting most Target and Wal-Mart stores. This basically tells me they've been sitting on this stuff and just now started to break it out. I imagine it could have something to do with the new OTC SKU's coming up, as if they're clearing out old stock to make room for the new stuff, but at least we're finally seeing new(ish) figures on the pegs. Hopefully you're beginning to see the same thing in your area, but as you mentioned sometimes paying a little more from on-line stores can save you a lot of frustration.

Yep, I noticed that… Hard to imagine why it's there but I'm guessing it has some thing to do with paint application. Either way, it makes for good conversation.

13
Does the SOTE Vader that was repackaged in green card format still valuable? Could you give me a guesstimation?

It is still a fairly sought after figure, though I honestly couldn't give you a fair estimation of it's worth. Try checking completed auctions on eBay, or some of the published price guides, they'll be better qualified to address the figure's value.

14
I had a question on a store display. It is a Lego display with Jango's Slave 1 chasing Obi in his Starfighter. It sat on a 3-foot end cap. -jimmy

I remember seeing the display, but I don't recall any kind of give-away or contest like we've seen previously. Odds are they were out for Episode II, then pulled and returned to LEGO afterwards. If anyone knows of has more information on where they ended up, feel free to send it in.

15
Great site! Listen, about five months ago or so, I contacted a representative at Rubies Costume Company inquiring about the new line of high end, fiberglass Star Wars Helmets, and the representative with whom I spoke informed me that those helmets would be available to the public at the beginning of the new year (Janurary-Februaryish). Now, being April, there is still no word on these darn things! Have you good chaps received any news as to when Rubies will get off of their lazy butts and make these helmets available to the general public? I would contact them directly with this question, but their website is about the same quality as a Yugoslavian automobile circa 1983. Thanks for caring! -Andrew J Frye

I remember hearing pretty much the same thing last year at Comic Con, though I think they did say that was only an estimate. With other items shown at that show (the Rubie's busts) just now starting to show up for pre-order around the net, I have to think the helmets will follow shortly. I'll see what I can do about contacting Rubie's directly and getting some firmer dates. Be sure to watch the front page, whatever I do find out will be posted there.

16
Since the announcement of the Original Trilogy Collection I have been wondering why Hasbro would go to the trouble of recreating the original Kenner packaging only to release brand new sculpts? I have been saying for years that Hasbro should just re-issue the original vintage figures on the original Kenner cards and collectors will go crazy for them. It makes more sense if they would package the "new" sculpts in the basic "Trilogy" cards and re-issue the original "vintage" figures on their original Kenner cards, that way both vintage collectors and fans will be happy.

It's kind of a nostalgia thing; Hasbro has been thinking about doing something like this for a couple years now. The trick with re-releasing the vintage figures is Hasbro's concern about alienating vintage collectors. Back in '95-'96 Hasbro released a 4-pack of vintage figures, the reaction was not one of welcome. A lot of collectors felt the value of their collections would plummet if Hasbro put new vintage figures out there. To their credit, Hasbro has since stayed clear of vintage remakes and stuck with all new figures. Another angle on the story comes from collector's desire to see a more 'vintage' feel on the modern package. There's never been anything like the vintage package, and the nice full-size card image; this would appear to be answering those requests. Either way, Hasbro clearly wants to make a connection with the vintage line in a year that will finally see the Classic Trilogy released on DVD. While there may be some out there wishing Hasbro would just reproduce the vintage line, this appears to be about as close as they are willing to get.

17
Question; being of the Star Wars Kubricks, is there any information on a wave 3? -Daniel

No information on a third wave yet, but you can bet your bippy there will be a third wave. The Kubricks have been quite a hit and I don't see them fading away anytime soon. Currently there's a Luke and Leia Speederbike set that looks quite cool, and every once in a while a special carded limited edition figure. It's a shame they haven't seen wider distribution, I know many more collectors would buy in if they were made available in this country, but so far they can only be imported from overseas. Keep watching the front-page news, as soon as the third set is announced, we'll be sure to make mention of it.

18
Long time reader and multiple writer. It seems to me that most collectors are getting a little redundant with their questions for you. About every time I read your article, which I really like by the way, someone is complaining about short-packing figures, the Tonnika sisters, repackaging, etc. What I would like to comment on is some of the figures that have been produced thus far this year. Some are really good, don't you think? I maybe going out on a limb here but I think the Dengar figure just released might be one of the best ever. Very true to what he looks like in Empire as well as playable and posable. Fantastic in my opinion. Bossk was really a pretty good figure from the POTF line but now he is even better The Dutch Vander figure is great too and I wish they would have done all of the rebel pilots in a similar fashion. (POTJ Luke Pilot blows goats compared to Dutch)

My questions would be the following; why aren't the weapons made out of a less plyable plastic than they are presently. Dengar and Bossks weapons are wickedly deformed. I suppose if they were too stiff, they would break but they are far too flimsy right now. Second, should I feel guilty about walking out of Wal-Mart recently with 10 plus figures in hand? When I find figures anymore that I have not seen I feel like if I do not buy them all immediately and in some cases more than two of a figure, then I will be S.O.L later. Not once did I see a J'Quille or Tanus so I am left without them but when I saw Dengar, Bossk, Dutch, etc I figure I better buy them now or pay out of my nose later. Now I am putting others in a similar boat as me but, darn it, I want these figures. Your thoughts? -Jay Fetzer: Victor, Iowa

Glancing over what the line has consisted of so far this year I have to agree there have been some very nice figures. I think a lot of the grousing you're hearing/reading now comes from the fact that very little was shown at Toy Fair that we don't already have in some fashion. Even looking at a few of the figures to date there are a number of repeats, albeit improvements (in most cases) over their previous versions, they're still figures we already have. When you look at the long list of characters collectors would like to see made, you have to at least feel some of their frustration in the fact that these characters are continually over looked for yet 'another' version of Luke, Lando, Hoth Trooper, TIE Fighter Pilot, Bossk, or Dengar that we already have.

Now, onto flimsy weapons: In a nutshell, softer plastic is used for these in order to reduce the risk of injury. Either by swallowing or getting poked in the eye, there's less chance of serious harm if the weapons are not as rigid as they used to be. Unfortunately it's a frustration we're just going to have to get used to, in today's society there's far to much at risk for a company not to make these types of accessories less dangerous.

As for feeling guilty, I'd say that all depends. If you're buying extras to trade between other friends/collectors for figures you don't have that's one thing. If you're buying extras to sell on eBay or mark up some other way in hopes of supplementing your income, that's quite another. Basically, we'd all be better off if everyone only took what they needed, and left the rest for the next collector to find. I don't know what you're doing with these extra figures, so it's hard for me to judge, but if it's more than you need for your personal collection, or if you are charging others more for them, I'd rather see you leave them behind. We have enough problems with uneven distribution; we certainly don't need to make things any harder for the rest of us.

19
The Jedi who throws Anakin a lightsaber (in the arena) during episode II looks a lot like Jimmy Smitts (Bail Organa). Is this him, or not?

Star Wars Insider magazine had a recent article on Hoth and its characters. One of the photos showed Ralph McQuarrie in a rebel uniform. Is he actually in the ESB? I thought I may have spotted him walking behind the rebel soldiers who are talking to each other in the snow hangar with transports beyond.

Now that there is no longer a Forgotten Force critique of the week, would it be possible to feature a spot where collectors can share their recipes for custom figures? I have noticed that there are many interchangeable parts that may be combined (even without the complexity of sculpty) to create movie characters not made by Hasbro. -Blackleader

It may look like him, but I'm pretty sure that's not Jimmy Smitts in the arena. I don't recall that Jedi or the actor playing him ever being identified, but I'm sure someone out there has to know who he is.

Well, the article clearly states "General McQuarrie" did not appear in the film, but after reviewing the scene you mentioned, I have to say the actor crossing the screen from right to left at the tail end of the conversation does look an awful lot like Ralph McQuarrie, and even appears to be carrying a sketch pad. Alas, if indeed this was McQuarrie, I'm sure that would have been pointed out in the article. In the end, and lacking further proof, I'm gonna have to say that was not McQuarrie, and he's most likely not in Empire.

If you have an idea or recipe you'd like to share, feel free to pass it along to Dan. If you can provide a few pictures and a write up, we'd be happy to host it on the site.

20
I recently acquired a Target Exclusive A-Wing, and I see that one the bottom of the vehicle, between the two engines, there is a compartment that looks like it SHOULD open. I haven't tried, I'm too afraid to break something, but is this supposed to open? -Scott

While it's not designed to open on either this version or the Power of the Force II version, this is the old battery compartment from the vintage Power of the Force A-Wing. I haven't really gone to town on mine with anything heavy duty, but it does look like the cover is glued in place. I don't image it can be opened without causing some damage to the toy.


Until next time...


Got Questions?