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Collectibles => Past Hasbro 3.75" Lines => Revenge of the Sith => Topic started by: Jeff on June 24, 2005, 12:14 AM

Title: Hasbro at San Diego Comic-Con 2005
Post by: Jeff on June 24, 2005, 12:14 AM
At SDCC this year, July 15th is Star Wars Day!:

What's New, and What's Coming at Hasbro
3:30 PM -- 4:30 PM (July 15th)
Room 9

Hasbro's Star Wars Marketing and Design teams will share their exciting plans for this fall, when the toy line will continue to celebrate the entire Star Wars saga in a big way. The team will also have a sneak peek at what's coming in 2006. Start thinking of questions for the toymakers now, as a question & answer session will follow the presentation.

So, we have confirmation that Hasbro will be there and we will get our first looks at some new 2006 stuff!   :)
Title: Re: Hasbro at San Diego Comic-Con 2005
Post by: Diddly on June 24, 2005, 12:29 AM
Someone should ask how many repacks we should expect next year. But I'm sure Colman already has plans to rip them about 8 new ********. :P

I hope the 2006 stuff is good. Hopefully everything will be SA or Near-SA with no action features.
Title: Re: Hasbro at San Diego Comic-Con 2005
Post by: Vator on June 24, 2005, 01:23 AM
I am hoping for The Trilogies Collection that has SA resculpts/new releases of all the major/minor characters and army builders from Episode I-Episode VI.

I'd also love to see them offer: Army Builder packs of SA's, Weapons and Accesories packs, a revamped Vehicles and Beasts assortment that focuses on detail, scale, and playability, and a modular Diorama/Playset assortment.

God, I'd KILL for a line like this. I'd buy it for years to come.

EDIT: And make sublines for the EU! Clone Wars especially! Oh and in late 2006 make a transition to a CW like line for the TV series. Wooo! This would rule.
Title: Re: Hasbro at San Diego Comic-Con 2005
Post by: Darth Broem on June 24, 2005, 10:29 AM
I would love to see SDCC just for Matt's badgering of the Hasbro reps :)
Title: Re: Hasbro at San Diego Comic-Con 2005
Post by: Morgbug on June 24, 2005, 12:21 PM
I would love to see SDCC just for Matt's badgering of the Hasbro reps :)

I'm betting after C3 they have pictures of him and he won't be allowed in the room. :P  That had to be just about the most entertaining moment of the entire Celebration, seeing Matt ignored time and time again. 

I'm willing to be that they announce more Jedi Force, etc. stuff >:(
Title: Re: Hasbro at San Diego Comic-Con 2005
Post by: Darth_Anton on June 24, 2005, 12:56 PM
I wish I could stick around for the Q&A, so I'll just have to live the experience though your camera lenses.

Can't wait to see what's in store, and I'm sure they'll unveil the next 12 ROTS.
Title: Re: Hasbro at San Diego Comic-Con 2005
Post by: speedermike on June 24, 2005, 02:36 PM
In my guess, if there is going to be a "next 12 ROTS," they will be...

Another Anikin
Another Obi-Wan
Another Vader
Another Padme
Another Palpatine
New Clone 1
New Clone 2
New Clone 3

and maybe 4 "new" characters...
Title: Re: Hasbro at San Diego Comic-Con 2005
Post by: Darby on June 24, 2005, 02:57 PM
From what Adam over at GH seems to hint in his Q&A, the next wave post #56 will be OT figs.  Maybe I misunderstood, but the Hasbro blurb seems to say that the whole saga will get some love this fall.  I'm sure there will be plenty more ROTS before the end of the year, though.  As well as the line is doing, you'd think they'd want to ship more.
Title: Re: Hasbro at San Diego Comic-Con 2005
Post by: speedermike on June 24, 2005, 03:25 PM
Yeah, I read Adam's Q&A also, and I think your take on it is right.

I really like Adam, and I've followed him for years on the web, but now that he's in "the business"  I hope he doesn't turn into a "I know and can't/won't tell you...he he he" type.

Title: Re: Hasbro at San Diego Comic-Con 2005
Post by: CloneF13Y35 on June 24, 2005, 03:30 PM
I'd l ike to see another Padme, in one of her cooler gown outfits; SA 3p0; more clones with color variation - kashyyk, mygeeto; mace windu and palpatine elec lightsabers; the v-wing ship anakin flies to rescue palpy; tantive ship playset with capt colton;
Title: Re: Hasbro at San Diego Comic-Con 2005
Post by: JediMAC on June 24, 2005, 03:37 PM
But I'm sure Colman already has plans to rip them about 8 new ********. :P

I would love to see SDCC just for Matt's badgering of the Hasbro reps :)

I'm betting after C3 they have pictures of him and he won't be allowed in the room. :P That had to be just about the most entertaining moment of the entire Celebration, seeing Matt ignored time and time again.

Hey!  >:(      :P

They may have ignored my questions up until the bitter end (they did finally call on me for the final question though), but they sure as hell couldn't ignore all the comments I kept lobbing at them from the front row!  ;)

We'll see how fiesty I'm feeling come Comic Con, but if they continue on with the nonsense and BS during their Q & A there, I fully expect much more of the same...  :-X

- M
Title: Re: Hasbro at San Diego Comic-Con 2005
Post by: Famine on June 24, 2005, 03:39 PM
Please Matt, please bring a tape recorder.

SoCal Cool Bashes Hasbro.

I'd buy a copy.

Kevin
Title: Re: Hasbro at San Diego Comic-Con 2005
Post by: Morgbug on June 24, 2005, 05:08 PM
Don't worry Matt, all you were doing was voicing the concerns of 90% of the people in that room.  The guys in front of us certainly were in agreement and so were most behind us.  Hell, even the guys on the panel closest to us were getting a hell of a kick out of your comments - I'd suggest they were in major agreement.   
Title: Re: Hasbro at San Diego Comic-Con 2005
Post by: speedermike on June 24, 2005, 07:39 PM
Is there some kind of transcript of the C3 Hasbro panel with Matt's comments?

I think I missed all of this when it happened.
Title: Re: Hasbro at San Diego Comic-Con 2005
Post by: Darby on June 24, 2005, 08:56 PM
Matt: "Hasbro's power is insignificant to the power of the JD."

I can't wait to see what hasbro has on tap.  I'm sensing the Revenge of the VOTC.
Title: Re: Hasbro at San Diego Comic-Con 2005
Post by: Jediknight760071 on June 24, 2005, 09:02 PM
Matt...What did you do at C3?
Title: Re: Hasbro at San Diego Comic-Con 2005
Post by: JediMAC on June 24, 2005, 09:05 PM
Nuthin' much.  Just incessantly corrected a bunch of the stuff the Hasbro panelists said.  Hollered out my two cents on some other issues as well.  Basically, wouldn't shut up, and was annoying as hell to them.  That's all.  :P
Title: Re: Hasbro at San Diego Comic-Con 2005
Post by: Deanpaul on June 24, 2005, 10:36 PM
Nuthin' much.  Just incessantly corrected a bunch of the stuff the Hasbro panelists said.  Hollered out my two cents on some other issues as well.  Basically, wouldn't shut up, and was annoying as hell to them.  That's all.  :P

I think he was asking if you did anything unexpected? That stuff just sounds like a normal days work for you.
Title: Re: Hasbro at San Diego Comic-Con 2005
Post by: Jesse James on June 24, 2005, 11:47 PM
At C3 I came in and sat in the back...  I remember hearing Matt but not realizing it was him till later and laughing about his tenacity.  :)  Gotta get your voice heard though man, I'm all for that.  Sitting in the back was not conducive to getting answers (or getting your question heard).  I know mine needed repeating after the question was (I'm assuming) misheard.

Matt I envy you getting to go to this all the time.  :)  Wish I could hop a flight out your way bud.
Title: Re: Hasbro at San Diego Comic-Con 2005
Post by: MetalJedi on June 25, 2005, 06:10 AM
I'll be there to back up the Colman.
Title: Re: Hasbro at San Diego Comic-Con 2005
Post by: Darth Broem on June 25, 2005, 11:32 AM
Nuthin' much.  Just incessantly corrected a bunch of the stuff the Hasbro panelists said.  Hollered out my two cents on some other issues as well.  Basically, wouldn't shut up, and was annoying as hell to them.  That's all.  :P

Glad that someone has the nads to say that stuff to them.  It gets annoying as hell to hear the "everything is rosey" approach that those guys love to spew out to the masses.  LOL! 
Title: Re: Hasbro at San Diego Comic-Con 2005
Post by: Morgbug on June 25, 2005, 01:24 PM
Quote
Actually there were a few people (more than a few?) in that room that were basically Hasbro sheep.  They were getting annoyed with Colman and they were basically just lame fanboys lapping up everything Big H had to say.  I just sat beside Matt with a bigass grin on my face enjoying the spectacle.  I was proud to be there and know Matt.  That faded quickly, but it was fun while it lasted :P

Hah, yeah I noticed that too Brent...  I was disappointed at times with the way people would ask things that it was obvious they weren't going to touch on anyway, and which they never touch on, so it felt wasted to me...  People are funny about that though it seems.

Hasbro's a company, and nothing more...  I think it's doing a disservice to yourself if you are going to tip-toe around them like they can't take a criticism or hear what you feel is the truth...  I didn't see any 10 year olds on that panel who would have had their feelings hurt, so I think if you've got a legit beef that it's worth bringing it up.  Matt asked nothing but good questions to them.

Talking to them on a personal level was nice when the opportunity arose.  Got lots of good feedback and insight, and that's probably the best feeling.  I've worked on a lot of brainstorming sessions in a corporate setting though, and while opening things to a public opinion can be tough, I think Hasbro's well aware that it can be informative and helpful so I'm glad SOME people are honest in their opinions.  If others choose not to be then they just waste their time at those Q&A's as far as I'm concerned, and do no service to the collecting community at all.  To each their own though.
Title: Re: Hasbro at San Diego Comic-Con 2005
Post by: Nathan on June 26, 2005, 09:33 PM
All that Hasbro stuff should be interesting. Wish I was there. Give 'em hell! ;D

I was at C3 but I'm still kicking myself for missing the Q&A. Entirely due to poor scheduling on my part. :'(
Title: Re: Hasbro at San Diego Comic-Con 2005
Post by: speedermike on July 7, 2005, 01:53 PM
I was bumping this thread up so that we can start putting together questions to be asked next week.

Will the Deluxe waves 2 and 3 ship again, or continue to ship?

How can we convince our local retailers to stay current with figures during non-movie years?

What ever happened to the pluch lightsabers?  My 9 month old wants one!
Title: Re: Hasbro at San Diego Comic-Con 2005
Post by: Brian on July 7, 2005, 02:06 PM
I'm really looking forward to see what Hasbro is going to have at Comic-Con.  It sounds like we'll get a "peek" at 2006, and I'm curious to see where the line is headed.  From the rumors we have heard, it sounds like we might be going back to an OTC style line, not surprisingly.  It sounds like repacks/repaints will be a part of that too...and I'm ok with that as long as it isn't at the level of the previous OTC.  7 new figures out of the first 38 isn't cutting it.  They could get away with it last year since we had a number of other new items (VOTC, Saga figures 1st half of year), but I think they are going to have to put more work in outside of 7 new figures for a whole year :).  I think they will though.  If I had one question I could think of right now, it would be about this whole Unleashed deal.  Why was it cancelled (if true)?  Wasn't the line successful enough, or was it retail support?  I'm really disappointed to possibly see this line come to an end, with so much potential remaining.
Title: Re: Hasbro at San Diego Comic-Con 2005
Post by: CloneF13Y35 on July 7, 2005, 03:04 PM
I really want a movie accurate mace windu elec lightsaber and a darth sidious lightsaber too.
I'd like more of the secondary characters made like ep2/3 owen and beru.
Title: Re: Hasbro at San Diego Comic-Con 2005
Post by: ruiner on July 7, 2005, 03:33 PM
Obvious question here, but for the record -

"Could you please explain the rationale for cancelling the successful unleashed line of action figures?"  "The line gets hotter and hotter every day and collectors (casual and die-hard) eagerly await new annoucements from Hasbro - so what gives?"

If you check out spawn.com - you'll see that it's just not the SW fans who collect these things.... :-\


Title: Re: Hasbro at San Diego Comic-Con 2005
Post by: DoctorPadawan on July 7, 2005, 05:51 PM
Question to ask Hasbro:

"Are you really cancelling the Unleashed line as it currently exists?"

If the answer is yes, follow up with:

"Are you out of your ******* minds?"

Then hold them down on the ground and shove Attacktix and Force Battlers figures down their throats (literally) and keep saying, "Star Wars sales didn't perform as well as expected, so we had to streamline!"   :P

It honestly sounds like SDCC's Hasbro area is going to be a massive trainwreck.  Matt, as I said in another thread, I'm counting on you to call them on their bull****.
Title: Re: Hasbro at San Diego Comic-Con 2005
Post by: JediMAC on July 7, 2005, 07:10 PM
Matt, as I said in another thread, I'm counting on you to call them on their bull****.

But of course!  ;)
Title: Re: Hasbro at San Diego Comic-Con 2005
Post by: Famine on July 7, 2005, 07:25 PM
Please bring a tape recorder, Matt.

Kevin
Title: Re: Hasbro at San Diego Comic-Con 2005
Post by: Darth_Anton on July 7, 2005, 07:42 PM
The Hasbro reps seem like they've take spin cources for politics. I hope more sharp minds, like Matt's, will tune into that and not let them blow off direct questions with non-comittel fluff.
Title: Re: Hasbro at San Diego Comic-Con 2005
Post by: Darth Broem on July 7, 2005, 08:25 PM
Well don't be to harsh or they will never do a Q & A again.  LOL!
Title: Re: Hasbro at San Diego Comic-Con 2005
Post by: Jessica-of-Naboo on July 7, 2005, 08:30 PM
i would to have a few more 12' padmes from ATOC and ROTS (non-preeggers dolls)
i don't like pregger dolls  :D

12' bespin leia
Title: Re: Hasbro at San Diego Comic-Con 2005
Post by: JediMAC on July 7, 2005, 08:44 PM
The 12" line is pretty much officially toast at this point, so don't hold your breath on any news on that line, Padme-related or otherwise.  Sorry.
Title: Re: Hasbro at San Diego Comic-Con 2005
Post by: DoctorPadawan on July 7, 2005, 09:23 PM
The thing that gets me is there is always a group of people who go to these things that ask questions I would have never even thought of (or cared about), like "Are you ever going to make the accurate Boba Fett rifle in action figure scale?" or they ask something which everybody knows the answer to ("What is the process in deciding who becomes an action figure?").  Hasbro likes these mass Q&As because they can pick and choose who and what to respond to, and if the going gets tough, they can say, "Let's move on" and talk about the new Force Battlers they have on the schedule instead of addressing those pesky fans who actually have taste.

Hasbro wants all of the accolades for their products but does not want to take any of the blame for them when something goes wrong.  Art Asylum sculpted Watto from the Episode I line, and was widely hailed at the time as one of the best sculpted SW figures to that point.  Did Hasbro ever speak up and say, "Well the credit belongs to AA"?  No.  They were too busy cranking out quality figures like Ric Olie to admit they had very little to do with the sculpting.  Q&As are well and good when they don't actually have to address anything, but the moment someone requests actual information or a real answer, Hasbro freaks out and claims that they were treated rudely or becomes combative.

The most recent example of this was during last fall's SDCC love fest in the Hasbro Q&A.  Another site which will remain nameless went around talking how nice and friendly Hasbro was and how the SW team **** gold bullion everywhere they went and how there was so much to look forward to and isn't the world great?  Our very own JD team had a one on one (or one on SW team) Q&A  with the SW team, and the SW team pretty much turned into bitter ******** toward JD when they were asked actual questions instead of "Boba Fett Gun" stuff.  I'm sure that someone with more skill than I can dig up the report from last fall, as it was very funny, but very sad at the same time.

And Matt, if Hasbro continues to pull their trademarked "We have big plans for such and such/You'll have to wait and see" bull**** when asked about upcoming toys, remind them that there are no more SW films on the horizon, no more surprises to be had, and the more they pull this clandestine cloak and dagger garbage with little plastic aliens, the more ridiculous it gets.  Point out to them that they make TOYS, and that they are in no way, shape, or form involved with National Security.

Quote
Well don't be to harsh or they will never do a Q & A again.  LOL!

You know, I have yet to hear of one of their Q&As that has actually been informative.  It's more like "Question and Vague Statement That Avoids the Question" with them. 
Title: Re: Hasbro at San Diego Comic-Con 2005
Post by: Darth Broem on July 8, 2005, 03:43 PM
Well to be honest they are just there to promote their figures in a positive light.  The most positive way they can think of in front of a bunch people who will buy their products.  They do not really want any sort of information from the fans.  I don't think so anyway.  They want to try and fire up the masses at these conventions if they can do it.  Nothing negative whatsoever.

I can almost hear the response now to someone who gripes about the cancellation of the 7inch Unleashed line. 

"It's unfortunate that we HAD to cancel that line which was such a hit with the fans.  However, the retailers do not want to carry this product any longer after this movie year at a $15 price point because it just will not sell well like the 12 inch line.  But never fear!  We have a much more exciting 2 inch line that will allow us to put out even MORE Unleashed characters for you!!!!" 

It will be something along those lines. 
Title: Re: Hasbro at San Diego Comic-Con 2005
Post by: CloneF13Y35 on July 8, 2005, 04:09 PM
I can understand that hasbro can't make everything that everybody wants becasue it won't sell. I see many things I'm not interested in buying. But when the majority of the buyers ask for the same things over and over again, I can't understand why they ignore that. If so many people ask for an electronic mace windu or palpatine lightsaber, why can't they get it that the buying public WANTS it and WILL buy it? When the public clamors for specific characters with decent articulation/accessories etc then they turn around and make something no one wants, where is the logic in that?
Title: Re: Hasbro at San Diego Comic-Con 2005
Post by: DoctorPadawan on July 8, 2005, 05:14 PM
Here's a quick rundown of what Hasbro's approach seems to be with their non-4" stuff as of late:

-Force Battlers: Retail is sitting on mountains of Obi-Wans and Anakins, which makes ordering the second wave either not happen or happen in very small amounts.  Hasbro plans two more waves ahead despite poor sales and a lack of collector interest.

-Jedi Force: Retail is sitting on mountains of Lukes, droids, X-Wings, Speeder Bikes, and even Yoda and Vader have begun to sit and collect dust.  Hasbro decides to release another large scale toy (Boga) and begins to already repaint old figures despite poor sales and a lack of collector interest.

-Attacktix:  Retail is sitting on mountains of booster packs, starter sets, and Bogas/AT-RTs.  Unless the OT figures are under a new UPC, they will be difficult to come by.  Hasbro plans another full wave (OT) despite poor sales and a lack of collector interest.

-Unleashed:  Retail is having a bit of difficulty moving Anakins and Obi-Wans, but they are still selling after a few weeks.  Local retailers have restocked the ROTS Unleased wave at least three times since April (normal these days it seems) and each time they are restocked, more shelf space is alotted to them.  Grievous is nonexistent at this point.  Fan interest and popularity is at an all time high.  Hasbro decides to cancel it.

Now, where is the logic in any of that?

Quote
Well to be honest they are just there to promote their figures in a positive light.  The most positive way they can think of in front of a bunch people who will buy their products.  They do not really want any sort of information from the fans.  I don't think so anyway.  They want to try and fire up the masses at these conventions if they can do it.  Nothing negative whatsoever.

But DB, the problem with that is that Hasbro can't take any kind of criticism at all.  They have never been able to take it, and any time they are asked tough questions that don't tell them how great they are and how lucky we are to buy their toys, they get defensive and exhibit the attitudes of 6 year olds who are told they can't have candy before dinner.  At this point, there is nothing they can do that will attract casual buyers to the SW line, and by going to a convention that is 90% people who are either huge SW fans or who aren't even interested in it and trying to "drum up interest", it's a losing cause to even go to these things. 

If Hasbro doesn't even want to listen to polite and constructive criticism in a public forum where they should have to answer, then it's likely they won't listen to it in private either.  If Hasbro is going to go to these Q&As and expect that everyone will kiss their asses without fail, then they should just stay home and not even make the trip.  If it weren't for criticism from collectors, we'd probably still be getting the six points of articulation and inaccurate sculpts that debuted 10 years ago this month at retail. 

Title: Re: Hasbro at San Diego Comic-Con 2005
Post by: Darth Broem on July 8, 2005, 05:21 PM
Oh believe me I 100% agree with you Doctor.  I am sure they do not mind a little criticism, but only if they can spin it with something positive.  They must listen to fan criticism.  They do make changes for the collectors or we would still have buff POTF2 sculpts.  I just don't think they want to hear it at these conventions during a Q & A session.  At least not a whole lot of it.  They instead want to show you how awesome (a word they use a lot to describe their products) they are instead and have you believe it hook, line and sinker.  Everything seems to be spun positively or they come up with the "to bad so sad" approach. 
Title: Re: Hasbro at San Diego Comic-Con 2005
Post by: dafoo on July 8, 2005, 05:44 PM
and this is JUST a toy company! lol

give us back Kenner and Galoob!!
Title: Re: Hasbro at San Diego Comic-Con 2005
Post by: Pete_Fett on July 8, 2005, 06:03 PM
A couple of observations:

1) Hasbro is now in the same position Playmates found themselves with the Star Trek 5" action figure line. There is SO MUCH past product, the chances of picking up new collectors is slim-to-none. This is why, just like Playmates, Hasbro is investigating the possibility of starting new lines at entirely new scales so they can bring in new/fresh blood to collect that new line from "the beginning".

The problem with this methodolgy as Playmates learned is that you (a) piss off your core fans who have been with you since the beginning and are responsible for the line making the sales it has for so long and (b) you still don't really bring in the "new" collectors, instead you make your existing fan base pick and choose what they want to buy so your sales stay the same, but you've brought more product to the market, which in turn means you spent more money to make the same profit.

The only thing Hasbro has going for it that Playmates didn't was that the Star Wars brand is MUCH stronger than the Star Trek one.

2) Hasbro and the retailers have once again screwed up with estimating demand all they way around. Here are some examples:

a) Unleashed - the Anakin and Obi-Wan wave was OVER-shipped. Sure the General Grievous sells, but that's it - they would be making A LOT more sales if they had stopped shipping Wave 1 two restocking cycles ago and started putting out Wave 2 - which IMHO is a FAR SUPERIOR wave, especially since the Unleashed collectors LOVE Unleashed Sith.

b) Attacktix - like Doctor Padawan mentions they can't get rid of these things. There is an entire Collection 2 already developed and many retailers probably aren't going to order them for a variety of reasons including (i) many retailers were victim to local collectors who opened packaging in the stores to cherry pick booster sets to finish off collections and now they are stuck with these ripped open booster sets and (ii) while being a great game to play they should have done more to promote the new line - like having a free one shipped to anyone who signed up at the website (or something) - let's face it - the amount of money spent at developing Collection 2 has a chance of going to waste so what would have been the harm in instead spending that money to get people into the line FIRST?

c) Basic Figures: Here in NJ the Basic Figure selection is DISMAL. With the exception of one or two stores the selection is either (i) empty pegs or (ii) pegs full of nothing but Nemoidian Warrior, Clone Pilot, Exploding Grievous, Tarfful, Luminara Unduli and Mas Amedda. Occasionally you might find a Bail Organa, Mon Mothma and Pollis Massan, but that's it. Main characters of ROTS are no where to be found. This is an artifact of two things: (i) the cases for Wave 1 of both collections were packed one to a case, which may have worked for product shipped specifically for April 2nd, but after that date, the ratios should have changed DRASTICALLY and (ii) TOO MUCH of those original Waves were purchased which means the stores that DO have stock in are sitting on the non-sellers from those initial waves and most buyers have moved beyond them and are looking for new figures and/or army builders and can't find either. Clones are not mixed in enough, neither are the heroes or villians. Tried to find a Vader or Obi-Wan lately?

3) Attacktix, Force Battlers, Jedi Force and the [du]MPire - ok - so compared to when you first launched the line in 1995 with only two different scales, in the past year you've introduced not one, not two, not three but FOUR different and distinct toy lines with their own unique packaging, scale, level of detail and style. I could see one new scale/style, but FOUR? Did we need M&M figures? Did we need both Force Battlers AND Jedi Force? The answers to these questions is a resounding: NO. Think about when you do something either at work or at home - do 10 things at once you end up with 10 half-a$$ed completed projects, do one thing at a time and you end up with something that is well done and was given the appropriate amount of attention (unless you're a complete moron, but I digress). I would even throw in the Animated Clone Wars figures into this mix as well - that line, as "neat" as it was now is incomplete and will never include figures that would have been instant fan favorites. Think about it - instead of developing an animated line which included animated versions of Anakin, Obi-Wan, Yoda, Dooku, Durge, Asajj Ventress and Clones - wouldn't you have preferred that they just made a few more movie-style figures for the Clone Wars like Obi-Wan in Clone Armor, Snowbunny Padme and AquaTroopers? I know I would. The same can be said with these new lines.

Give me one bulky figure line I can buy for my step-grandson, don't start repainting figures after only two waves of Jedi Force!!!! Give me a Jedi Force Clonetrooper and Emperor to add to what we have so far. Oh - and if you're going to make the figures a bigger scale, put LOTS of articulation in them - yes, I'm talking to you Force Battlers - never have I seen such huge action figures that had SO FEW points of articulation!!!

With all of the things that have irked collectors regarding the regular 3.75" ROTS line, I would have preferred that they didn't make ANY of these other new scale/style lines and just focused on the core line. Again, what would you rather see - the Wave 1 and 2 Force Battlers or a AT-TE? Don't tell me the amount of $$$ spent on development, sculpting and tooling the first seven force battlers is less than what it would have cost them to make a 3.75" scaled AT-TE, it just isn't. Oh and don't start on me about how Force Battlers cost only $10 each and the AT-TE would be something like $50 - as far as I'm concerned there are probably only a handfull of people here who even bought Force Battlers, yet I would say 90% of us here would buy AT LEAST one AT-TE if given the opportunity. What would you estimate the percentage of us purchased the entire Force Battler line? My guess would be less than 10%

Ok - enough ranting from me for a while. Here's to hoping that Hasbro will start to actually listen to us instead of pushing us aside.

Title: Re: Hasbro at San Diego Comic-Con 2005
Post by: Nathan on July 8, 2005, 09:43 PM
Well, I can't think of much to add to what has already been posted. However I will say this:

Like most of us, I've done my share of griping and bitching about Hasbro and their sometimes goofy decisions. But, like most of us (I think?), at the end of the day I do enjoy collecting and appreciate the products they make. What I'm saying is, overall I believe the positives outweigh the negatives.

HOWEVER, it's times like this when I really wonder, Is Hasbro completely off their [censored] rocker??
Title: Re: Hasbro at San Diego Comic-Con 2005
Post by: dafoo on July 8, 2005, 10:34 PM
Pete_Fett:

you forgot about Galactic Heros line. so FIVE!!!! =p


I restate my demand for the return of Kenner and Galoob.  you NEED competition Hasbro!

Topps killed me completely from EVER collecting a card set again. Hasbro is pushing me that way too.  Dark Horse, is still on good footing with me
Title: Re: Hasbro at San Diego Comic-Con 2005
Post by: Nathan on July 8, 2005, 11:53 PM
I suspect the Attacktix and rumored 2" Unleashed line are their bumbling way of trying to answer all the flak they continually get from us MicroMachines/Action Fleet fans.

But if so, I don't see why they don't simply resurrect the MM and AF series (in name and everything), instead of all this dicking around? ???
Title: Re: Hasbro at San Diego Comic-Con 2005
Post by: CorranHorn on July 9, 2005, 06:37 AM
Yeah definitely bring a tape recorder to get all of the wild interactions between Matt and the Hasbro team. :)

Here's a serious question you could ask them, something I would have loved to ask had I been able to take the time at C3...

Why the continue use of a softer plastic on figures like Battle Droids, which tend to warp and damage the figure? Not only does this ruin the aesthetic value of the figure from a collector's point of view, but it takes it's playability away from a kid's perspective, as the item is considered to be broken at this point.

I don't expect a legitimate answer on this, they will cite that the softer plastic is cheaper for them to use, or is perhaps the only way to get slim figures like the BD's to have the proper sculpt. And it's all bull****, as the sculpt can clearly be done with harder plastic as shown by pre-Saga BD's and there certainly isn't much a cost difference when it comes to these figures.  >:(
Title: Re: Hasbro at San Diego Comic-Con 2005
Post by: Pete_Fett on July 9, 2005, 09:43 AM
Pete_Fett:

you forgot about Galactic Heros line. so FIVE!!!! =p

I didn't include Galactic Heroes 'cause while the line was rebranded as "Galactic Heroes" in the past year, the Playskool line has been around for a while and just like the Unleashed line has proven its popularity and role in the marketplace. I rarely see Galactic Heroes remain on the pegs for very long.

The existence of Galactic Heroes AND Jedi Force is also puzzling to me - why have two differently scaled lines aimed at the same core audience? Pre-schoolers.

There was really no need for the Jedi Force line, they could have instead invested those development $$$$ into Galactic Heroes vehicles for EPIII.

Who here thinks that the 2" Unleashed, Attacktix, Force Battlers, Jedi Force and the MPire lines will still be around by 2007. I sure as heck don't. I chalk these lines up under the same grouping as EPIC Force and those three 7" Figures that came out in the POTJ line -- attempts at other scales/figure styles that fell flat.

In fact, EPIC Force could be considered the forefather of Unleashed, however, Unleashed has done WAY better at retail than EPIC Force ever dreamed of doing. It's lasted a lot longer and has given us some really top notch display pieces. I for one, am torn on the loss of Unleashed 'cause (a) it means I won't get any more pieces for my Unleashed collection and (b) it means there will be one less line I have to buy - much like with the death of the 12" line. Hasbro is really starting to save me some money. My collecting will be reduced to the 3.75" line and that's it. My romance with Attacktix has also ended and I don't plan on buying the Collection 2 figures even if they do make it to retail.

So thanks Hasbro - your decisions are saving me money!
Title: Re: Hasbro at San Diego Comic-Con 2005
Post by: DoctorPadawan on July 9, 2005, 10:00 AM
Quote
Who here thinks that the 2" Unleashed, Attacktix, Force Battlers, Jedi Force and the MPire lines will still be around by 2007.

Honestly, I think that all of those lines will be defunct by the end of March 2006.  The shrinking of the Unleashed line is a horrible idea, and I'd be surprised if more than one assortment of the 2" line (if it goes ahead that way) makes it to retail before it bombs and WM/TRU/Target won't order any more.

Attacktix is already dead in the water, and the second assortment is just going to be one of those "blink and you miss it" assortments, since retail probably won't order as many of these as Hasbro would like. 

Force Battlers, despite Hasbro's beliefs to the contrary, isn't selling well at all, and I'd be very surprised if WM and Target even keep it in their planograms this fall.  If the third wave makes it to retail, it will be amazing, and if the fourth wave (with Palpatine and Yoda) makes it, it'll be a miracle.  Even though the line was really DOA, it will have its last gasp by the end of the year.

Jedi Force, like Force Battlers, is dead.  When Yoda and Vader become pegwarmers in any line, you know there is little to no fan interest in the concept.  The Jedi Force toys as a whole have more dust per square inch sitting on them at every retailer I go into than any other toy in the "Big Kids" aisle.  I would be willing to bet that, once the Boga is finally released, that will be the final Jedi Force toy to hit the market.

And Pete, I agree with you 100% that Hasbro should stop spending money trying to come up with new ways to fail now that the SW movie era is over, and stick to what works, and try to do that well instead of haphazardly.
Title: Re: Hasbro at San Diego Comic-Con 2005
Post by: Nicklab on July 9, 2005, 11:08 AM
Matt. get loud about Unleashed.  The line deserves the volume you can generate.   ;D

Here are some of the character ideas I came up with in an effort to give Hasbro some Unleashed food for thought.  I even came up with an idea for 2-packs that would probably sell for $24.99 or so.  Anyway, here are the Unleashed figure ideas:

 THE PHANTOM MENACE
Qui-Gon Jinn
Destroyer Droid
Obi-Wan Kenobi VS Darth Maul 2-Pack
Queen Amidala


 ATTACK OF THE CLONES
Zam Wessel
Kit Fisto
Ki-Adi Mundi
Plo Koon
more Clone Troopers

 REVENGE OF THE SITH
Mace Windu VS Palpatine 2-Pack
Anakin Skywalker VS Count Dooku 2-Pack
Obi-Wan Kenobi VS General Grievous 2-Pack
Tarfful
Wookiee Warriors
Darth Vader on operating table
and more Clone Troopers

 A NEW HOPE
Ben Kenobi VS Darth Vader 2-Pack
Princess Leia 2 (Death Star Escape)
Sandtrooper
C-3PO and R2-D2 2-Pack
Greedo

 THE EMPIRE STRIKES BACK
Wampa
Luke Skywalker - Wampa cave
Yoda on Dagobah
Luke on Bespin
Han Solo in Carbonite
Boba Fett 2
Dengar
Zuckuss
4-LOM
Lando Calrissian

 RETURN OF THE JEDI
Jabba the Hutt
Luke Skywalker VS Darth Vader 2-Pack
Emporer's Royal Guard
Biker Scout on Speeder bike
Lando in Skiff Guard disguise
Title: Re: Hasbro at San Diego Comic-Con 2005
Post by: CHEWIE on July 9, 2005, 11:53 AM
About a year or so ago, I opened a thread somewhere here or at Scum, and was thinking that it would be cool to have the Unleashed go in the 3-3/4" direction...

I really thought that some sort of 2-pks priced at the $15.00-$20.00 range would be awesome.  Each one would have a cool unique base to display them on... the figures themselves would have limited articulation similar to the current Unleashed line...

Also, each movie would have one large scene (almost a playset!) - something around the $40.00-$50.00 range that was a pivotal moment in that particular film.

For instance, here are some ideas for the $15.00-$20.00 range sets -

TPM

- Qui Gon fighting Maul w/ desert environment
- Obi Wan slashing Battle Droid w/ Naboo Forest base

AOTC

- Arena Padme w/ Nexu climbing Arena column
- Obi Wan deflecting shot w/ "hovering" Jango Fett w/ Kamino base

ROTS

- Palpatine fighting Yoda w/ Senate pod base
- Grievous fighting Obi Wan w/ Utupua environment

ANH

- R2D2 and C3PO w/ Tantive IV environment
- Han and Chewbacca sitting in Cantina w/ table and booth

ESB

- Dagobah handstand Luke w/ Yoda standing on him
- Han shooting at Vader w/ Cloud City dining room table

ROTJ

- Han throwing Scout Trooper against tree
- Stormtrooper shooting w/ Ewoks attacking him

Then, there would be a $40.00-$50.00 set for each film -

TPM - Theed Generator room w/ Obi Wan fighting Maul w/ dying Qui Gon on the floor

AOTC - Geonosis hangar w/ Yoda fighting Dooku w/ injured Obi Wan and Anakin lying on floor

ROTS - Mustafar control room w/ Obi Wan fighting Vader and destroyed Battle Droids, dead Nute Gunray on floor

ANH - Death Star hangar w/ Obi Wan fighting Vader

ESB - Bespin gantry/eather vane w/ Vader outstretching his hand to injured Luke

ROTJ - Throne room w/ seated Palpatine and Luke fighting Vader

Thoughts?  I know most people want to see the Unleashed line stay as it is, but I think this would be A LOT better than going to a small 2 inch line.

 :P