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Collectibles => Past Hasbro 3.75" Lines => Original Trilogy Collection => Topic started by: Jeff on July 23, 2004, 12:16 PM

Title: Hasbro's SDCC Q&A Session
Post by: Jeff on July 23, 2004, 12:16 PM
Well,

Today's the day for the Hasbro Q&A...

11:30 to 12:30 (in Room 9) - Hasbro will host a Star Wars presentation with a Q&A session.

Think anything good will come out of it?  Anything more yet to be revealed?  Will we find out what's to come after OTC?  Will some putz waste Hasbro's time with a dumb question like: Is it hard to make figures?

I'll start the specululation and say that I hope we get some solid confirmation of the Coruscant wave and plans for the Oct04-Apr05 time frame.  Will there be new stuff or just nothing until the sneak preview stuff?  I'd also like to hear if there are any plans for more vOTC figures...

Just a few more hours until we find out I guess.

Jeff
Title: Re: Hasbro's SDCC Q&A Session
Post by: Mister Skeezler on July 23, 2004, 01:07 PM
Maybe we'll find out if VOTC R2's middle leg is retractable, since none of the star wars collecting sites took a picture from anywhere near underneath so we could find out.  :-\

I'd also like to know why it was ever conceived as a good idea to include the POTF2 Obi-Wan with the new Cantina set. I think I'll gladly keep my collection BlueSnaggle-less than buy that crap-sandwich Obi-Wan and yet another Ponda Baba.
Title: Re: Hasbro's SDCC Q&A Session
Post by: Brian on July 23, 2004, 01:15 PM
I've been looking forward to this Q and A session, and hope that we do get some news out of it.  When it was first mentioned on StarWars.com, they said "and there might be a surprise or two".  I hope that actually means something.  I would like to hear if they have any future plans for VOTC, or VOTC style figures.  I'd also like to hear what the post-OTC plans are, what we can expect for late 2004 and the first part of 2005.  I just hope we get some tidbits here and there, and not just "we've looked at this, it is a possibility" or "no comment" type of answers.  Its toys guys, not national security, just let us know  ;).  Anyways, I hope we see a full report somewhere on the net here in a couple of hours.
Title: Re: Hasbro's SDCC Q&A Session
Post by: Jeff on July 23, 2004, 03:36 PM
[Homer Simpson]
Ohhhhh... it's 4 minutes past the end of the Q&A, why isn't anyone posting any info yet :(
[/Homer Simpson]

Looks like Scum has already posted a little nugget from Hasbro prior to the Q&A regarding the end of OTC... and confirmation of "something" between now and Ep3.

Jeff
Title: Re: Hasbro's SDCC Q&A Session
Post by: Brian on July 23, 2004, 03:39 PM
GH has a little report up on the Q and A, more to come later hopefully.  Some interesting bits though...."Four waves of figures will transition us between the end of OTC and the beginning of Episode III. A Naboo Wave  will bring us Padme Celebration and Handmaiden Rabe from The Phantom Menace. A Cantina Wave will bring us Feltipern Trevagg (the Goatal), Dannik Jerriko, and Myo (the Cyclops) from A New Hope. A Coruscant Wave will bring us Sly Moore, Pablo Jill, and Wookie Senator Yarua. Finally, there will be a Sneak Preview Wave."

Also news on Animated Clone Wars, Galactic Heroes, Unleashed...check it all out HERE (http://www.galactichunter.com/absolutenm/templates/full_article_template_1.asp?articleid=3124&zoneid=2)
Title: Re: Hasbro's SDCC Q&A Session
Post by: Scott on July 23, 2004, 03:57 PM
Wave 1

Coruscant Wave

Sly
Yarua
Pablo

Title: Re: Hasbro's SDCC Q&A Session
Post by: Scott on July 23, 2004, 03:57 PM
Wave 2

Naboo

Padme Celebration
Rabe
Title: Re: Hasbro's SDCC Q&A Session
Post by: Scott on July 23, 2004, 03:58 PM
Wave 3

Feltipern Trevagg
Myo
Dannik Jerrico
Title: Re: Hasbro's SDCC Q&A Session
Post by: Jeff on July 23, 2004, 03:58 PM
Wave 2

Naboo

Padme Celebration
Rabe

 :o

Padme AND HAND MAIDENS?

:)

Jeff
Title: Re: Hasbro's SDCC Q&A Session
Post by: Scott on July 23, 2004, 03:59 PM
Matt said

No Fan Choice until 2006
Clone Wars Animated Wave 3 (Greivous Anakin and Arc Trooper)
Modular Playsets are being considered
Title: Re: Hasbro's SDCC Q&A Session
Post by: Jeff on July 23, 2004, 04:00 PM
Wave 3

Feltipern Trevagg
Myo
Dannik Jerrico

 :o

AWESOME.  I'll GLADLY take more Cantina dudes...
but no Hem Dazon  :'(

Jeff
Title: Re: Hasbro's SDCC Q&A Session
Post by: Scott on July 23, 2004, 04:10 PM
Wave 1

Coruscant Wave

Sly
Yarua
Pablo

Wave 2

Naboo

Padme Celebration
Rabe

Wave 3

Feltipern Trevagg
Myo
Dannik Jerrico

More Tidbits

No Fan Choice until 2006
Clone Wars Animated Wave 3 (Greivous Anakin and Arc Trooper)
Modular Playsets are being considered but not in the immediate near future.  A Death Star Playset was considered for OTC but scrapped.
No Versus Packs in the near future but its a good idea
No plans for more George Lucas Figures
Action Feature WILL be making a Come Back for 2005
OTC packaging will be going away and reevaluated in 2006
Ephant Mon was huge price loss, doesn't look good for him making a comeback
Title: Re: Hasbro's SDCC Q&A Session
Post by: Jeff on July 23, 2004, 04:25 PM
Wave 1
Coruscant Wave
Sly
Yarua
Pablo


Excellent!  Bring on the pictures at Wizard World Chicago?  Maybe?


Wave 2
Naboo
Padme Celebration
Rabe


TWO Female characters in one wave?  Both based on TPM?  Both highly-requested fan choices?  Hasbro must definately be trying to make up with us old-school collectors!  (now watch, they'll each be 1per case and short shipped :()


Wave 3
Ccantina Wave
Feltipern Trevagg
Myo
Dannik Jerrico


I would have preferred Bom Vimadin or Hem Dazon instead of Dannik because I prefer ALIENS over HUMAN figures, but I can't complain about the other two choices (Felti and Myo)...


More Tidbits
No Fan Choice until 2006


Well, most of the figures on this list are all-new fan picks anyway!  And not a Han/Luke/Vader in sight so far :)


Clone Wars Animated Wave 3 (Greivous Anakin and Arc Trooper)

I didn't really need any more of these, but I guess I understand why they are doing it with more cartoons coming.


Modular Playsets are being considered but not in the immediate near future.  A Death Star Playset was considered for OTC but scrapped.

Dang.  Wonder why they dumped it?  Cost?


No Versus Packs in the near future but its a good idea
No plans for more George Lucas Figures


Eh.  One Lucas was more than enough.  No need for Jedi Luc Georgeas or anything else like that.


Action Feature WILL be making a Come Back for 2005

No surprise.  They claim kids like them and it is a big movie afer all, lotsa kids will be buying again :(

OTC packaging will be going away and reevaluated in 2006

:(

Ephant Mon was huge price loss, doesn't look good for him making a comeback

No surprise there... they haven't really got a way to do it cheaply.  They missed the chance to stick him in a TRU Jabbas set instead of those old skiff guards.

Jeff
Title: Re: Hasbro's SDCC Q&A Session
Post by: Jesse James on July 23, 2004, 04:25 PM
F'n pack him in a 4-pack you cheap bastages.   ::)  He'll become at least an even break eventually.  This doesn't bode well for the esteemed apple eater we all want.

God Dammit.  :(

Anyway, nice that they liked the "Versus" 2-pack idea, you hear that Bob?  It could be a reality for us yet!

Nice assortments comning up, and that Cantina Wave is awesome.  While I'm in the minority, Dannik Jerricho has been on my list for a while.  Too Human, sure, but I dig anyone smoking a bong in a bar.

The others are cool too, especially Myo.

The Handmaidens are a godsend to a lot of you, I know.  not my thing, but I'll happily buy em.

I hope Pablo Jill isn't scrimped on and he's really poseable.  Cool Jedi should be.

Oh Matt, thank yee for the news!
Title: Re: Hasbro's SDCC Q&A Session
Post by: Scott on July 23, 2004, 04:30 PM
And fear not...he's on his way to the Hasbro booth with our list of questions to ask the reps!!! :-*  He said he'll call if he has more
Title: Re: Hasbro's SDCC Q&A Session
Post by: Jesse James on July 23, 2004, 04:35 PM
I gotta go to the gym so I'm likely to miss this fun stuff.

I hope Matt really digs about Super Articulated Figures...  I want more, more, more!
Title: Re: Hasbro's SDCC Q&A Session
Post by: Scott on July 23, 2004, 04:36 PM
He did mention that there would be tons more Clones and more SA but it wasn't necessarily clear that the SA Clone was going to be released
Title: Re: Hasbro's SDCC Q&A Session
Post by: Scott on July 23, 2004, 04:41 PM
Oooh...

GH (http://www.galactichunter.com/absolutenm/templates/full_article_template_1.asp?articleid=3124&zoneid=2) has pictures up of the slides at the show
Title: Re: Hasbro's SDCC Q&A Session
Post by: Jeff on July 23, 2004, 04:43 PM
Dang they are fast... must have a wireless high-speed modem or something.

Jeff
Title: Re: Hasbro's SDCC Q&A Session
Post by: DSJ™ on July 23, 2004, 04:45 PM
I was just looking at those. General Grievous looks cool but Unleashed IG-88.  :o   8)
Title: Re: Hasbro's SDCC Q&A Session
Post by: Jesse James on July 23, 2004, 04:49 PM
Count me in on a couple Yarua for customs.  Nice work to GalacticHunter with the slides images for sure!
Title: Re: Hasbro's SDCC Q&A Session
Post by: CloneF13Y35 on July 23, 2004, 06:02 PM
Here's more info I found:
Hasbro Q& A At Comic-Con
Posted by Curto on July 23, 2004:

Like the title says, here are the highlights from the Q&A session at Comic-Con, in no particular order. Keep in mind the phrase "While we are always looking at possible releases, nothing is planned at this time."

RS Q & A coverage (http://www.rebelscum.com/article.asp?i=52248)


Sorry Frank, but I think out of respect for RS, we should probably just link to their coverage of the Q & A, and not copy/paste the whole thing in here (so I added the link).
Title: Re: Hasbro's SDCC Q&A Session
Post by: Vator on July 23, 2004, 06:08 PM
Never type when still half asleep...

Good to hear action features are only making a limited come back.
Title: Re: Hasbro's SDCC Q&A Session
Post by: DSJ™ on July 23, 2004, 06:13 PM
Oooh...

More pictures from GH.

More photos from the Q&A page 12 & 13  (http://www.galactichunter.com/absoluteig/gallery.asp?action=browse&categoryid=3413&whichpage=12)
Title: Re: Hasbro's SDCC Q&A Session
Post by: Vator on July 23, 2004, 06:42 PM
Someone get Matt on the horn and report the findings! I have to know! Q&A's are better than drugs!

And my spelling this afternoon is unsualy unsatisfactory, I mean it's usualy bad, but today...
Title: Re: Hasbro's SDCC Q&A Session
Post by: CHEWIE on July 23, 2004, 06:54 PM
Man, Jedidefender is becoming much more exciting than other fan sites recently for news and updates.  I really like this place and the no b!tching at each other in these forums as compared to some other sites.

I really like the answers that were posted, especially the prequel figures, those will be a great addition to the line.  And at least they are thinking about a modular Death Star set or so it seems.  

What sucks though is the return of the action figures.  YUCK!

*edit* I meant action features, not figures.  Damn it's been a long day at work.

 :P
Title: Re: Hasbro's SDCC Q&A Session
Post by: Jesse James on July 23, 2004, 07:09 PM
Chewie, I guarantee the staff appreciate your sentiments above.  I know I do.

There is b!tching though, don't kid yourself.  ;)  Too many knowledgeable guys and gals arund here not to have some good debating.
Title: Re: Hasbro's SDCC Q&A Session
Post by: Darby on July 23, 2004, 07:12 PM
Right on, Chewie.  Spuffy's thoughts:

Coruscant Wave:  Yay.  The Wookie and Pablo are very exciting, and I suppose Sly is too.  Wonder how many Wookie Warriors we'll get out of this new body...

Naboo Wave:   :o  But wait - no handmaiden Padme?  I suppose a custom will be easy enough now, but come on.

Cantina Wave: Long in coming.  Not as excited by Dannik as the other two, but then nothing can be as exciting anymore as 'They're making Oola!'  or 'Wedge!' or...

Sneak Preview Wave: I miss the mail away sneak peek.

CW Animated: No Armored Obi?  No Snow Bunny padme?  Like Handmaiden Padme or Wedge, Hasbro has something against these figures.

The Fan Choice being delayed because of spoiler info, that's bizarre.  What figs from the first 5 movies spoil the 3rd one?  Any ideas?
Title: Re: Hasbro's SDCC Q&A Session
Post by: Vator on July 23, 2004, 07:20 PM
Amen Chewie!

Umm, my thoughts on all of this?

Sounds like the Episode III line is going to be an armybuilding dream come true. And that I am thankful for.

The rest, meh, it dosen't really interest me a great deal. I suppose I'm just too excited about the Episode III line.

I will say this, however, if Hasbro should decide to make modular playsets, they better do it right. One possible idea that I would think is a sure bet for Episode III is the Sepratist Cruiser, so many figures with so many enviroments, they'd be stupid not to.
Title: Re: Hasbro's SDCC Q&A Session
Post by: Ben on July 23, 2004, 08:29 PM
Action features?
Dammit.

As long as they aren't on every figure, I guess I can stomach them.
It's not like Hasbro won't make five different versions of the main characters.

I'm glad to see some more CW Animated figures, but they're missing the armored Obi. Maybe they'll do one later, but I'm not holding my breath.

And that Unleashed IG-88? Jesus H. Christ in a chicken basket, that's neat.
Title: Re: Hasbro's SDCC Q&A Session
Post by: CorranHorn on July 23, 2004, 09:23 PM
Ok so they say more SA figures down the road, are we talking just re-releasing the SA Clone or even some of the VOTC, or can we look forward to brand new figures with SA thus making it unnecessary to waste everyone's time with 40 versions of the same figure. Hasbro as always doing their best to perpetuate the vagueness....
Title: Re: Hasbro's SDCC Q&A Session
Post by: Diddly on July 23, 2004, 09:31 PM
I liked all of their announcements except for Action Features. BOO! I don't know anybody who enjoys them. Although I will be happy if they don't mess up the figure too much (see Bespin Luke).
Title: Re: Hasbro's SDCC Q&A Session
Post by: Vator on July 23, 2004, 11:10 PM
So is that it? No update from the 1 to 1 Q&A?

The OS site has pics up of the Ceremony Amidala and she looks nice. The Sly Moore however, well, looks less than amazing.
Title: Re: Hasbro's SDCC Q&A Session
Post by: Darby on July 23, 2004, 11:59 PM
Sly looks a little... mmm, off, yeah.   I commented elsewhere how she looks like Zan from Farscape.  It's probably because (according to Adam at GH, I think) she was sculpted way back in 2002.  

Action features: Boo, hiss.
Title: Re: Hasbro's SDCC Q&A Session
Post by: Jesse James on July 24, 2004, 01:20 AM
Sculpted with different hands too, according to the Insider...  Sounds like she's seen modifications over her development.
Title: Re: Hasbro's SDCC Q&A Session
Post by: JediMAC on July 24, 2004, 05:06 AM
OK...  I've got a bajillion things to talk about, but just a couple more quick blurbs here before I update the main news page.  I'm not sure if Scott passed along some other stuff I mentioned to him anywhere (I haven't had a chance to look around much and catch up in here), but here's a couple more tidbits that the Hasbro fellas mentioned to me when I talked to them after their presentation (more to come, too):

A Tie Fighter with properly scaled wings is a very high probability, barring some freak circumstance.  The Hasbro rep almost sounded upset and embarrased that it took several tries before they finally had the funds available to correct the rest of it (after fixing the cockpit the last time 'round).  He didn't mention a date, but since 2005 looks like it's going to be predominantly all Ep. 3 stuff, I'd guess early 2006 for the "Ultimate Tie Fighter".  But at least it's sounding very promising finally!

Also, I pumped them for info on the U-shaped portion of the Cantina Bar, along with the distillery section too.  They were very aware of those particular ideas (surprisingly), and said they were very interested and "excited" to do them, but they'd have to wait to see how the sales of the upcoming K-mart exclusive sets did.  I immediately retorted that that was completely unfair, since those are going to TANK at retail, especially the one with the Obi-Wan and Ponda, since those are terrible ideas for repacks.  I guaranteed them though, that despite those sets poor performance, they'd still do VERY well if they got an all new set out with the U-shaped bar and the distillery.  I begged them not to punish us and potentially not release those pieces due to their very poor decisions on which figures to include in the upcoming K-Mart sets (though I applauded them on the vintage nod on Blue Snag).

So I think these have a good shot at happening, especially after witnessing the genuine interest Hasbro had in wanting to make them.  (fingers crossed)

What else...  They said NO WAY IN HELL will any of the 4" VOTC figures get re-released later on in the standard ($5) carded line.  I expected a negative answer to that, but not such an adamant one.  I told them that was totally unfair to deny collectors the greatest army-building figure of all-time, in the new Stormtrooper (looks GREAT).  They replied "We're not denying anyone.  The collectors can army-build all they want with that one."  Yeah.  Ok.   ::)  I reminded them that it was a $10 figure that was being placed in a line that's supposedly going to see a much more limited release than the standard OTC line.  Their reply:  Shrug.  Hmmm....  Oh well...   >:(

I'll stop by with more updates a little later, but hopefully that'll tide you over for a little bit...   ;)
Title: Re: Hasbro's SDCC Q&A Session
Post by: Vator on July 24, 2004, 05:15 AM
Ahhhh, thank you Matt. Been waiting for some info.

Is it just me, or was Hasbro a little more hostile this time around?

Remember, the CT Stormtrooper wasn't going ot be re-released either. We'll see if they change their minds.
Title: Re: Hasbro's SDCC Q&A Session
Post by: Muftak on July 24, 2004, 06:18 AM
You know, thanks for working your tail off for us today/yesterday, Matt. I know I really appreciate the zest you seem to have brought to your one on one with Hasbro. Tellin' em like it is with those crappy cantina sets and all...


They said NO WAY IN HELL will any of the 4" VOTC figures get re-released later on in the standard ($5) carded line.  I expected a negative answer to that, but not such an adamant one.  I told them that was totally unfair to deny collectors the greatest army-building figure of all-time, in the new Stormtrooper (looks GREAT).  They replied "We're not denying anyone.  The collectors can army-build all they want with that one."  Yeah.  Ok.   ::)  I reminded them that it was a $10 figure that was being placed in a line that's supposedly going to see a much more limited release than the standard OTC line.  Their reply:  Shrug.  Hmmm....  Oh well...   >:(


I'd just like to add that there is a little room for manuevring here, if the figures see rerelease in some other form (not the basic line) Jesse's 2-packs, or Ultra figures with large accessories, screen scene fillers, etc. Just like Ephant, they have the molds now, it would be very unlike Hasbro to not use them again.

And to whoever the rep was Matt talked to, let me assure you that there's NO WAY IN HELL you'll get me to buy another ANH Han Solo figure, ever again. The VOTC one serves all my needs just fine. Same looks like it'll go for a couple more of these, but the door swings both ways, you know...
Title: Re: Hasbro's SDCC Q&A Session
Post by: JediMAC on July 24, 2004, 07:55 AM
Thanks guys.  I've gotta add that Jared (Tydirium) deserves a TON of credit as well, since he's been our unofficial official staff photographer at this event.  So huge props to him for snapping pix over the first couple days (some of which are still forthcoming).

Let's see...  What else?  As has been already noted, and it's possible it was Bob at the Q & A who asked them, but Hasbro was quite keen on the idea of the "vs." 2-packs.  They gave their usual "nothing's planned at this time" answer, but this time they quickly stated how much they like the idea and that's it's something that's being considered over there.

A few other notes which have already been covered, I'm sure:  Hasbro said the "Super Articulated" figures would continue to a degree, where it was deemed appropriate - most notably in the army building figures.  So I was glad to hear that they understood that was the best place to start with SA.

Also in respect to army builders, Hasbro said at their Q & A that their new concept of interchangeable/removable heads (and arms) seems to be doing well, and if it continues to do so, they'd definitely be open to doing more of them.  People were suggesting to them such things as a Rebel Pilot or Imperial Officier figure, with several different heads.  They were open to the concept, so that's a start, at least.  We applauded their work on the double armed Dagobah Luke, but (don't kill me) nobody asked about a neutral set of arms.  I'll try to run that idea/gripe by them tomorrow though.

As for Ephant Mon, Hasbro finally admitted it was a huge financial loss, and therefore refuse to stick him back on a standard card again.  So best to get him while you can!  But they said they might consider offering him at a slightly higher price point in a future Deluxe theme or some type of multi-pack.  So don't give up total hope quite yet...

Fan's Choice Voting:  Nothing 'til 2006, if at all.  Hasbro was oddly aloof with this issue.  For some weird reason, Hasbro felt the next Fan's Choice had to be solely for Ep. 3, but they didn't want to release any spoilers, so they haven't done one and now they're not even interested in doing one for Ep. 3 at all during 2005.  They said maybe 2006.  An OT figure choice was obviously suggested to them, but they shunned the idea.  They also said NO vehicle or playset Fan's Choice Polls - probably EVER.

No plans for a basic carded Wedge figure, despite the moans and groans from many people.

They said the Action Features will be back for Ep. 3, for the kids (of course).  Speaking of which, Hasbro babbled the same incessant nonsense the whole meeting, just like last year:  We're doing this for the kids, kids, kids, etc, etc, etc, over and over and over...  Don't think I heard them say "collector" even once.  Made me want to jump out of my chair and pull some "Falling Down" crap on them...   >:(  They're NEVER going to get it, apparently.  What kids?!  Even in a movie year there's NO kids hardly.  Maybe a small handful for a couple of months, but that's about it.

Bobb's right.  I did give them a stern earful on a number of subjects, contrary to most of the ass-kissing everyone else was giving them on EVERYTHING.  I definitely offered them praise where it was due as well though.  What's funny (or not so much), is that several times they didn't even know what I was talking about, and it was regarding some pretty basic stuff.   :-\

I mentioned to every one of their reps that I could get my hands on that I was very excited that we were finally getting a Cantina wave, but that I was VERY disappointed, as were most collectors, that Hem Dazon/Arcona was not included within it.  I pointed out that character's significance to that entire scene, being the very first alien that we see pop up right as the Cantina music starts.  Iconic, almost.  They understood, and sounded interested in getting us Arcona at some point.  Might even be in the pipeline already.  Who knows.  Those waves they mentioned today were pretty small, so hopefully they'll surprise us and add another figure or two into them.

As far as playsets go, they're definitely being worked on, and OT ones at that.  They mentioned that they toyed with the idea of getting a modular Death Star playset out for the DVD release, but ultimately ran out of time to do it properly (which is fine by me - since I'd rather they do it right!)  But they mentioned that some OT ones would be coming eventually, but in a "new form", which I'd guess would just be the modular theme, as evidenced by their earlier Death Star comment.  Like with most of the OT stuff though, I think we're looking at a 2006 release unfortunately, since the Ep. 3 line is going to dominate 2005.  I'll pump them for more info on whether the OT is toast for next year, after the Cantina wave...

Other "NO's":  Action Fleet and any George Lucas figure(s).  They also said no to any EU and NJO figures, but didn't rule them out completely, mading it sound like it was a possibility later on down the line.  Much later, I'd guess, when they really start running out of other potential characters to work with.

Animated ARC Trooper WILL come in both Red and Blue.  Sounds like there's a 4th separate figure in that Animated wave (with Anakin and Grievous), but they wouldn't comment on it for some reason.

Other random tidbits:  Unleashed will be coming to other retail outlets supposedly - including Target and Walmart.  And if you're looking to pick up a re-released Vader, they'll only be recarding the one with his mask on.  Also, very little info on the 12" line.  They mentioned the KB exclusive Chewie, and it sounded like there might be another exclusive 12"er or two later, as well as Ep. 3 12" product too.  But overall, the Hasbro reps seemed to have a very "defeated" attitude with the 12" line, as if it's prospects for the future was very glim.

That's all for now.  Hopefully more to come later...   ;)
Title: Re: Hasbro's SDCC Q&A Session
Post by: DoctorPadawan on July 24, 2004, 09:53 AM
First of all, I'd just like to say thank you to Matt for asking all the important questions.  One of the main reasons why I prefer JD.com over the other sites is that everyone here has a "credit where credit is due" mentality with Hasbro, not being afraid to tell them when they're screwing up.  Every other site out there kisses Hasbro's ass to such a degree that it makes you wonder if they're getting a monthly kickback for toeing the company line.  So thanks to Matt and the JD.com staff for not being shills for the big H.

I still don't get Hasbro's approach where toy information is treated like national security intel.  They act like the world will end if someone finds out what their plans are for six months from now, and they avoid answering any specific question about anything not currently in release like the plague.  And don't get me started on their constant backpedalling.  Wasn't it less than a month ago now when they said the blue jumpsuit VOTC 12" Fett was a "prototype" and would not be a mass release?  Yeah, I really trust them to answer anything honestly.

Other comments:

-They wouldn't have such a defeated attitude with the 12" line if they didn't keep redoing the same things over and over again, and even then doing them shoddily.  Even if it is a minor character like Poggle the Lesser or Lama Su, it would sell a lot better than the 100th version of Tatooine Luke, in my opinion.  Then they release this last Obi-Wan and don't even give him pants, opting to just paint his legs brown.   "We don't understand why the 12 inch line isn't selling well.  People must not want them."  No, it's just that they don't want what you're giving them.  Do something unique for once, Hasbro.

-It sounds as if they're taking that "screw you" attitude with the VOTC Stormtrooper.  I think we all know by this point that it is going to be a bitch to find even one of those when they're released (and I'd be willing to bet Hasbro won't even make it that easy with their asinine case pack ratios), and now they're basically saying "it's not our fault if you can't camp out at Target or Wal-Mart for eight days straight."  That kind of snotty attitude, combined with the endless repacks and half-assed quality is going to cause a lot of people to leave this line completely if they don't watch it.  People are already at their limit with Hasbro and you'd think they'd do something to try and repair this breach; unfortunately, they don't seem to give a crap, but after 9 years of this, I wouldn't expect them to.

-I'm honestly surprised they didn't get up and walk off when you told them the Cantina sets were crap.  This is the same company that once said "we don't care what collectors think" in a Q&A a few years back (although I don't think any of those people are in charge of the line anymore, so caveat emptor).  If I have learned anything from other sites coughrebelscumcoughhack, it is that you should never question the Hasbro.  The Hasbro is our god.  We should worship at the Hasbro's feet.  Pay no attention to the man behind the curtain.

Okay, that being said, I really liked the animated Grevious, and the Ceremonial Amidala looks amazing.  Cannot wait for those.  Will the animated figures once again be Target exclusives, or will they go to another outlet?  If you get a chance to ask them, please do Matt.

And again, thanks to the JD.com staff for being such great reporters and giving us all this news from SDCC.
Title: Re: Hasbro's SDCC Q&A Session
Post by: Jesse James on July 25, 2004, 02:40 AM
Tons of good news, and some bad too Matt...  Thanks for the updates t hough, irregardless of what the message may be.

Their attitude on the VOTC's piss poor.  Very frustrating from a collector's standpoint, and WHY they'd treat you that way with their answers is beyond me really.  Very unprofessional sounding really, especially when they're there to deal with the core buyers of their product.

I'd expect more from a company of their reputation...  Considering how they've done things over the years though, I'm not at all surprised by some of the reactions either...  They seem to have an "I don't give 2 poos" attitude when it comes to how they treat the end consumer of their prducts.

Yet, with the VOTC news is your blurb about Super Articulation and army builders too!  Will we see yet another ALL new Stormtrooper then?  And if so, why?  I wouldn't care if they saved money by not tooling another...  It makes no sense really.

Perhaps there's something to the equation I've overlooked, but things just don't make a ton of sense.

I wouldn't let up on the VOTC figures though if ya talk to them again.  :)  I'd love to know WHY their stance is what it is...  If SA figures are in the future, then I don't see why VOTC won't see repacks unless they truly want these figures to be "special" in a way.

On that note, perhaps it is the $5 pricepoint?  Maybe they're saying only in multi-packs of some sort, but not basic cards?

Very confusing of them...

You asked a LOT of stuff I was personally interested in Matt, so I appreciate it.  Hopefully I'll get them next February up in NY.  "Squeaky wheel..." and all that jazz.  :)

Thanks Matt, serilously.  You asked harder-nosed stuff to them than ANYONE at the Con seems to have.
Title: Re: Hasbro's SDCC Q&A Session
Post by: Darby on July 25, 2004, 04:30 AM
Yeah, Matt, excellent reporting.  Our man behind enemy lines.

Hasbro's present attitude is mystifying.  Clearly the VOTC/OTC all things vintage love fest is aimed directly at the nostalgia crowd, so why would they be so snarky about it?  Perhaps they're bored with their own product.   They have been doing it a long time, and nothing is new any more.  Gone are the POTJ days when the line was hanging on by a thread and our voice mattered.

The repacks leave one bored.  The resculpts do to a point.  The case packs do.  The action featues do.  Etc etc.  

Title: Re: Hasbro's SDCC Q&A Session
Post by: JediMAC on July 25, 2004, 07:49 AM
Well, I think it's mostly just one particular Hasbro guy that's really being so standoffish and defensive.  This is the same guy that essentially just walked away from me right in the middle of a completetly "innocent" question.  The other several guys weren't so bad, if but rather vague on a number of things.  Speaking of the aforementioned "standoffish" guy (who I won't name here), I asked him today about the future of the line beyond 2005, and also whether there'd be any possibility of seeing some OT figures mixed in with the Ep. 3 line next year (ala the Saga line a couple years ago).  His reply was once again completely mindboggling and dumbfounding, if not another veiled jab at "collectors".

He told me that if the line gets enough support at retail, that we should probably see the figures continue, as well as get some more OT figures later on (2006) - but no guarantees that it will do well enough to make either of those things happen (he apparently doesn't have a very high opinion of Hasbro's work, I guess).  I kinda joked that it shouldn't be a problem at all for us collectors to keep the line going strong next year, so we can see the line continue further down the road.  To which he replied (not quite verbatim):

"That won't do anything (collectors buying).  The kids will continue to be the ones supporting the line, and they will therefore be the ones determining it's potential future."

I almost snapped.   >:(  This is the same guy who mentioned "kids" over and over and over in the Q & A.  My editorial comment here is that it is VERY unfortunate to have someone like this working high up in Hasbro, and determining the fate of our beloved line.  He/Hasbro obviously has NO FREAKING CLUE as to the pulse of this line, and who's actually buying it.  Either that, or he's just deliberately trying to be a complete and total jerk.

The God's honest truth is that I haven't seen more than about 5 kids buying Star Wars figures over the past 8 - 9 years.  Seriously.  Lightsabers, yes.  Figures, NO.  Not even interested.  And this is coming from a person who hits a good 40 - 50 different stores around SoCal on a fairly regular basis.  I just refuse to buy into this continuing Hasbro propaganda that it's the kids who are purchasing the majority of the figures, 'cause they're NOT.  That's absolute hor$e$hit.  If that's what they really think, they should all be fired for being so out of touch with their own market.

I gave him a disingenuous "Thanks", rolled my eyes, and walked away from him, over to a couple of his colleagues that were much more receptive to actually talking about the stuff we were all there to discuss.  Duh.  They said that 2005 (quarters 2 - 4) will be ALL Episode 3 product, in the Episode 3 packaging.  But they continued on to say they'll eventually have some type of new packaging in 2006 that will be able to incorporate the entire Saga again, on which figures from all 6 films could be made and distributed.  I strongly suggested they please try to stick with the OTC card design, or something along that line.  But at least this fella spoke as though there was no question that the line was headed well into 2006, and beyond (but wouldn't speculate as to how far beyond).

Also, I mentioned that some folks were a little disappointed with the lack of articulation on the VOTC C-3PO that was just recently unveiled, unlike the rest of the highly articulated VOTC line.  I asked why that happened, and if there were any plans for an SA C-3PO any time in the forseeable future.  He said no further plans for more at this time, and that the articulation on this version was chosen by the designer because it was the most accurate to what 3PO did in the film.  I of course had to point out that 3PO actually SAT DOWN a number of times, including in the Ewok throne, and it therefore would've been very cool to have finally gotten some articulated knees on him, at the very least (along with wrists and elbows).  His response:  Shrug.   :-\

And on the saddest note of all, I asked about the prospect of an ICMG figure, and the reply was... well... not good, and I'll leave it at that, for fear of breaking Scott's poor heart.  Again, I mentioned there would be no greater way to say "thank you" to the collectors out there than by throwing that particular "fanboy petitioned" figure out to us...   8)

I should add, that when I pushed the Cloud Car issue on them a little more yesterday, they said vehicles just cost too much to make, and are too expensive for consumers (re: kids) to buy.  I asked about the vintage mold and if it was indeed lost, and they said they had no idea.  I then told them the Cloud Car would not need to be an "expensive" vehicle by any means - probably just a nice, easy $20 price point would suffice.  Then one guy turned to another and said: "It would make a nice exclusive, wouldn't it?" with somewhat of a smirk.  Not sure what exactly that meant, but I'd guess it would have to be either that it was already dropped as an exclusive, or that it's already been picked up as one.  The gang in the Q & A obviously pointed out that it's lame to have a Cloud Car Pilot figure now, with no Cloud Car for it to pilot.  Double duh.   ::)

God, it really shouldn't be this hard, for either "side"...
Title: Re: Hasbro's SDCC Q&A Session
Post by: Vator on July 25, 2004, 08:29 AM
Wow, are these the same people as last year? Geez, what jerks!

This whole kids thing is bull****! I'm a 'kid' and there isn't a single person I know other than myself and other collectors who buy the stuff! It's insane of them to target children when they have such a large and loyal fanbase!
Man, I think I just remebered how I felt in 2002-2003 when the hate of Hasbro was so strong. Well it's back! Hasbro is now, officaly, back to being called Hasblow! Sorry for the ranting, but my god didn't they learn from the 2002 backlash?

I wonder if they're PR people are pissed at them for this? I doubt it, they probably imagine that there's a struggle in the asiles between Collectors and Children. You know, they hired Captain Panaka...

So did you ask them anymore questions Matt? And once again good work!
Title: Re: Hasbro's SDCC Q&A Session
Post by: Paul on July 25, 2004, 09:22 AM
I like most of you have seen less than a dozen "kids" buying SW stuff since 1995.  I doubt they get the as gifts much either because there isn't much available in Dec usually.

it is a good thing there will be no OTC stuff in 2005, I'll need a rest after paying blood prices for VOTC Stormtroopers.  I will gamble that they are telling the truth about not repacking them.  Wait have I fallen for their trap now?

Another point on the "Kids" aspect.  If the Kids are so much of their focus why are they at Comic Con and not at TRU getting a "Focus group".  Saying Kids drive the SW market is like saying Kids drive the "Hot Wheels" market.

Really makes me sad that they have the license till 2018.  

Title: Re: Hasbro's SDCC Q&A Session
Post by: jokabofe on July 25, 2004, 09:49 AM
well, that just goes to show you why the whole line is so f**ked up. why don't they hire people who actually know these movies to work on these toy lines... wouldn't that at least make a little bit of sense? personally, i don't know any 5 year olds that hold down there own jobs (outside of the ones that appartently paint these figures for hasbro) so i can't understand the emphasis on "kids" keeping the line alive. even when the kids are buying these toys - which is not often, as has already been pointed out - it's still the adults who are paying the bills. hearing things like this almost make me wanna quit collecting.
Title: Re: Hasbro's SDCC Q&A Session
Post by: Angry Ewok on July 25, 2004, 11:51 AM
They said NO WAY IN HELL will any of the 4" VOTC figures get re-released later on in the standard ($5) carded line.  I expected a negative answer to that, but not such an adamant one.  I told them that was totally unfair to deny collectors the greatest army-building figure of all-time, in the new Stormtrooper (looks GREAT).  They replied "We're not denying anyone.  The collectors can army-build all they want with that one."  Yeah.  Ok.   ::)  I reminded them that it was a $10 figure that was being placed in a line that's supposedly going to see a much more limited release than the standard OTC line.  Their reply:  Shrug.  Hmmm....  Oh well...   >:(

What a couple of *****.  >:(
Title: Re: Hasbro's SDCC Q&A Session
Post by: Nicklab on July 25, 2004, 07:37 PM
well, that just goes to show you why the whole line is so f**ked up. why don't they hire people who actually know these movies to work on these toy lines... wouldn't that at least make a little bit of sense? personally, i don't know any 5 year olds that hold down there own jobs (outside of the ones that appartently paint these figures for hasbro) so i can't understand the emphasis on "kids" keeping the line alive. even when the kids are buying these toys - which is not often, as has already been pointed out - it's still the adults who are paying the bills. hearing things like this almost make me wanna quit collecting.

I've seen a decent degree of turnover at Hasbro since I've been covering the Hasbro Star Wars lines.  People have moved from one project to another, and some are bigger fans than others.  Some of the designers are old-timers, going as far back as the '70's with Kenner, while others are pretty new to the line.  

The tough thing that we have to deal with as passionate collectors is that Hasbro deals with the line somewhat dispassionately from a business standpoint.  While some things might make perfect sense to us, it may not be the best thing for Hasbro to do financially.  I hope that they get it right more often than they're going to get it wrong.  Unfortunately, a lot of the OTC line is getting it wrong.  In fact, a lot of it seems mailed in, as if the budget for Star Wars in 2004 got cut by Hasbro.  So here's hoping for a better 2005.
Title: Re: Hasbro's SDCC Q&A Session
Post by: Darth Broem on July 25, 2004, 07:55 PM
Well there has to be some diehard fans working this line over at H.  Or we would not be getting stuff like J'Quille, Rapertunie, Dutch Vander, Dodonna, Hologram figs, Sandcrawler, Y-Wing, A-Wing, Gotal, Yarua, Dannik Jeriko (sp?), Vintage recards and the like.  Hope those guys don't leave H.  

I am not sure about the kids situation either.  Don't get me wrong.  I have seen a few kids attempt to buy figures but it can't be the vast majority of their consumers.  In fact I'd guess that kids make up about 2% of the entire Star Wars action figure buying consumers.  They may make up 98% of the lightsaber buying market?  That's strange.  
Title: Re: Hasbro's SDCC Q&A Session
Post by: Nicklab on July 25, 2004, 08:05 PM
The stats I've seen cited time and again are something like this:

Non-movie years:  Collectors make up 75 % of the market

Movie Years:  Collectors make up less than half of the market

Obviously, the lightsabers have been a big hit with kids.   They sell consistantly, and even the big-box retailers who aren't ordering much if any Star Wars always seem to have these in stock.
Title: Re: Hasbro's SDCC Q&A Session
Post by: JediMAC on July 25, 2004, 08:20 PM
Aside from the lightsabers, which I've already agreed are big sellers with the kids, I've gotta think those stats are completely out of whack, at least as far as the actual 4" figure line goes - and that includes movie years.  Unless the Southern California area is not AT ALL indicative of the rest of the countries purchasing habits.

Out here, there are NO "kids" (under 17, I'd say) buying ANY Star Wars action figures.  Ever.  From 1995 through present.  I can probably count 'em on one hand.

Like I said, total hor$e$hit, IMO.
Title: Re: Hasbro's SDCC Q&A Session
Post by: Morgbug on July 25, 2004, 10:01 PM
I'm inclined to agree.  The kids are not buying much of this stuff, at all.  

I think the general trend in the numbers Nick posted are correct.  Logically, there are kids buying the toys in a movie year, simply because they are pumped about seeing the movie then.  But they are not, under just about any circumstance, buy a J'Quille, Rappertunie or anything else like that, as pointed out.  They WILL buy Luke's and Vaders and Boba Fett's and maybe other bounty hunters, but even then, we're talking minimal screen time, zero dialogue - who's buying those again???

At least as a bright spot, my buddy's kid (5) loves coming over to our house to look at star wars.  He thinks the playskool stuff is awfully cool (a full year after the last visit he asked why the Vader wasn't on top of the monitor) but it is killing him to not touch the 3 3/4" stuff.  But I think, by and large, he's an anomaly.  Video games or sports seem to so dominate the majority of kids.  Those kids that are into the figures are more into the other stuff we hate to see on the shelves - Yu-Gi-Oh, Power Rangers, etc.  

No, they don't quite get their market.  Matt, thanks for all the work, but maybe you should have pointed them to the collector's challenge thread?  I don't think there are too many kids out there that have dropped $1000+ in six months on this hobby just yet this year.
Title: Re: Hasbro's SDCC Q&A Session
Post by: Ben on July 25, 2004, 10:15 PM
I think the whole 'kids support the line' mentality is just something that toy companies spout off to please Wal-Mart and Target, because these stores HATE collectors, but love their money.

It's like when that Jesse Falcon tool from Toy Biz said kids drive the Marvel Legends line.

Sure, like kids are going to buy a Namor, Thor, Ghost Rider, or Black Panther figure. Go take a hike.
If kids were the main group buying your stuff, the Hulk and X-Men Classics lines wouldn't have tanked.

Anyway, the last time I saw a kid looking at Star Wars stuff, it was Sept 2002, and he was with his father, who was likely the one more interested in Star Wars anyway.
Title: Re: Hasbro's SDCC Q&A Session
Post by: jokabofe on July 25, 2004, 10:45 PM
Matt, thanks for all the work, but maybe you should have pointed them to the collector's challenge thread?  I don't think there are too many kids out there that have dropped $1000+ in six months on this hobby just yet this year.

$1,000 for the year? what month is this, february?  ;D
Title: Re: Hasbro's SDCC Q&A Session
Post by: Morgbug on July 25, 2004, 11:01 PM
Aw, Dave.  I was trying to get a few more people into the thought.   :P
Title: Re: Hasbro's SDCC Q&A Session
Post by: Jesse James on July 26, 2004, 12:35 AM
I'm partly in agreement with Matt, but not as strongly as he is on the "kids support the line is BS" POV.

I personally dn't see how it's possible either...  In a movie year I do believe it is though.  I can see those #'s that Nicklab posted being near accurate.  They jive with things I've heard over the years, not just on Hasbro but other companies.

For Hasbro (or at least one schmuck from there who has the business sense/personality of a fruit fly) to not ACKNOWLEDGE the adult "collectors" though is a tad insulting.  They wouldn't have entire years/waves like POTJ was if they didn't realize adult collectrs weren't holding a STRONG end of the line up.  

I can see spikes in product sales to kids in a movie year though.  That's just logical really.

The thing is, I bet if you could do demographic tracking via retail outlets (including etail) over or ALONG with Hasbro's, I'd wager you'd see a variance in the #'s Hasbro came up with.  They tend not to do anything more than focus group research...  It has its benefits but it has drawbacks too in accuracy in reflection of interest.

It's a shame though because other companies at the Con really put on a show with "The fans" as far as how they interacted, and how cordial they were.

21st Cent. Toys had THE OWNER of the company on-hand.  Yes, the owner.  Of course that's not feasible for Hasbro, but nonetheless some more open-minded staffers might've been nice...

Sideshow were johnny on the spot with information and a one-on-one appeal to their consumers too, as noticed in Matt's personal interview with them.

The 21st Cent. Toys reports coming back show a company who were as enthusiastic about their product as the geeks who collect it!  That was refreshing.  Some news was disappointing, but they were still cool about it.
Title: Re: Hasbro's SDCC Q&A Session
Post by: Nicklab on July 26, 2004, 01:28 AM
In a way, I think Hasbro is catering to the collector market, but not quite in the way that many collectors would like.  You see, there's a saying that goes back some ways, "Beware what you wish for, you may get it".

Well, I can recall seeing cries throughout the collecting community for YEARS to go back to a vintage style look for the Star Wars line.  And in some circles, I have seen more outcry for a packaging look that would inspire the nostalgia of the vintage period.  Well, here we are now in the OTC era, with packaging that looks much like that of the vintage line.  And you know what?  Hasbro is selling us packaging, and not new figures.  The new figures are relatively scarce in this period, and I have to wonder if Hasbro thinks that they can satisfy the market in one respect (vintage style packaging) and not give a rat's patoot about the product in that package.

This reallly makes me think that Hasbro might just be taking advantage of the everpresent carded collector.  They are collecting the packaged product and not necessarily the product inside that package.  This turn of events does not bode well for the loose collector.
Title: Re: Hasbro's SDCC Q&A Session
Post by: Brian on July 26, 2004, 09:54 AM
First of all, thanks so much Matt (and everyone else here at JD), for the great reporting from Comic-Con.  I think we've all learned so much more, and got a lot of questions we were curious about answered, due to your "one on ones" with the Hasbro staffers.  To me, it is quite disappointing to hear how rude you were treated (at least by one rep), and how poorly they seem to see the "collectors".  I'm not saying they shouldn't have some figures marketed towards kids, and like some of you said, I don't even mind action features here and there in the movie year, as long as it isn't on every character...and the ones it is on, we get a better version of later.  Granted, I don't like them, but if they think the kiddos do, that's fine with me.  As long as we get "our" versions too ;)

As to some of the things we've heard about........first off, I'm quite disappionted with the VOTC news.  I was really hoping we'd see these stuck back into the line at later dates.  We know Hasbro loves the repack, so if at some point they are thinking "we need another Han, Leia, and Vader on the shelf", then why not repack these great VOTC versions, instead of yet another Commtech Han, "new likeness" Leia, or miscellaneous Vader.  These aren't bad figures, but we've seen them more than enough, and you know that the vast majority of their market (kids and collectors both) would rather have these VOTC versions.  Its just crazy that they wouldn't want to capitalize on these, but it sounds like they were pretty adamant about it.  You'd think they would be able to be more profitable if they would re-release them, instead of being such a limited run of figures.  Even if they did want to charge a buck or two more, I'd be ok with it, if it meant we could find a few more Stormtroopers, etc.  It is starting to sound like these will be as limited as we originally thought, with a 3-4 month window to pick them up.  I really hope the ESB and ROTJ waves can at least be spotted at retail like the first wave...and that they aren't all impossible to find.

A few good things, I am glad that they know that super articulation is a good direction to go...and army builder figures are a good place to start with that.  It also sounds like they will make sure there is plenty army-building action for the Episode III line, which is great too.  I'm happy to hear we'll see a few more new figures before the III line hits, and from the pics we've seen, they don't look too bad at all.  I don't tend to get quite as jazzed about prequel figures, but they ones they chose do look nice.  And, I will admit, we're about due for some prequel figures again anyways.  Also good to hear that they are at least "discussing" modular playsets.  I really hope that Death Star set makes its way to us eventually, even if it is 2006.  Heck, use that as a chance to re-make the Han and Luke Stormtrooper outfits we've been wanting, and pack them (and some Stormies) into the individual "sets".  I'd buy them up I know.

I really hope they do make a return to the OTC-style packaging again too.  I didn't figure we'd get it for Episode III, so no big surprise there, but hopefully when they "unify" the line again, they will look in that direction.  That is something I guess I give Hasbro some credit for, I know in the years I've been on the boards...we've always talked about hoping they would do "vintage or vintage-style packaging"...or "super articulated, really well done versions of the main characters"...which we're getting a little bit of both of those areas this year.  Sadly, it was marred by massive rehashes, as well as now finding out that our "ultimate" versions are going to be "ultimately hard to find...and expensive".  That said, I am glad that they did the VOTC line, despite its limited availability and higher cost.  These figures are (overall) still quite amazing.

This is long enough, but thanks again Matt (and JD staff) for the great coverage of this event.  I'm glad that you did some prodding to find out details on a number of questions we had, and it helps us to get a better idea of the line, its future, and what our buying habits will be for the rest of the year.  Great work everyone.
Title: Re: Hasbro's SDCC Q&A Session
Post by: Scott on July 26, 2004, 09:58 AM
I think the kids stuff is a bunch of BS too but this years figures minus the 31 repacks here at the end to me says there is someone over there looking out for us.  We got tons of much needed resculpts and a slew of figures I never dreamed we would ever see (Madine, Cloud Car Pilot, J'Quille and Tanus, Rieekan etc etc etc).  I don't see any of these choices as being kid friendly and the first 3 Waves of 2005 all are aimed squarely at us.  The OTC is a let down but if they are gonna get us new stuff by November and the hype that is at a serious boil right now continues through next spring I'm not as worried as I once was

Part of the problem here is the cost handcuffs they've been forced to deal with thanks to way over paying for this license...and this is especially true in non movie years when sales are generally low.  This was hammered home by the now rumored TIE Fighter for 2006.  The Hasbro dude told Matt that they can only afford to do pieces at a time.  That's crazy and part of the reason we may never see a CLoud Car or other NEW vehicles ever again.

The kid line is a cop out though and its funny that these new guys are treating the collectors like crap.  I remember seeing tons of kids buying Saga figs in 2002.  I haven't seen that since then and I agree with Nick's numbers maybe even higher percentages though in non movie years.

I wonder if their market research really says this stuff or are they just guessing.  Ben's comment on the Marvel Legends stuff is exactly right, there's no way kids are driving those sales...the age old debate continues
Title: Re: Hasbro's SDCC Q&A Session
Post by: jokabofe on July 26, 2004, 10:35 AM
but here's my point: out of 38 otc figure, 31 are repacks? that's ridiculous. i admit, i'm in the obsessive compulsive collector group, which means i need to buy one of every repack, just because it's on a new card. and i'll admit that they could have re-packed every figure released so far on these otc cards and i would have bought them, because i think this is the nicest card design to come out of hasbro yet. but gimme a break with these repacks already. i can understand what they say about keeping the core characters available for "the kids" and all, but they are repacking figures that are still on the shelf in old packaging!!

i can go to toys r us and still find hof reapck vader, as well as saga repack and hof repack of the cantina han, so why make another repack of those 2? at least put a different han or vader figure in there... why not repack the first removable helmet vader? that was one of my favorite vaders. why not repack the han that came with the jabba cardboard diorama? that's never been released on a card.
Title: Re: Hasbro's SDCC Q&A Session
Post by: Mister Skeezler on July 26, 2004, 10:40 AM
As far as the whole "not repacking VOTC", I think they're bluffing. With the majority of the line not even on the pegs yet, its the smart thing for them to say. Otherwise, the consumer base wouldn't buy the VOTC up with such a frenzy. Would you buy 20 VOTC stormies if you knew they were going to be repacked next year? No, you wouldn't.

And in the end, I think numbers talk louder than Hasbro @ssholes in San Diego. If the VOTC line sells gangbusters, why wouldn't they repack these figures to make money? Why wouldn't they make more VOTC figures to make money? How many times has the Commtech Stormie been repacked? How about 300th Fett???

I have a feeling that guy's just talking out of his ass.
Title: Re: Hasbro's SDCC Q&A Session
Post by: Brian on July 26, 2004, 10:44 AM
Quote
As far as the whole "not repacking VOTC", I think they're bluffing. With the majority of the line not even on the pegs yet, its the smart thing for them to say. Otherwise, the consumer base wouldn't buy the VOTC up with such a frenzy. Would you buy 20 VOTC stormies if you knew they were going to be repacked next year? No, you wouldn't.

That's something I have been thinking about too, and like you said, when it comes down to it, if its going to make them money, why not?  They obviously like the repack business, they just as well utilize these (you know they'd sell more than the POTF2/POTJ repacked versions).  I hope that we do eventually see these again, although I'm thinking it will be awhile if we do now, since it sounds like 2005 is almost ALL Episode III stuff (as expected).
Title: Re: Hasbro's SDCC Q&A Session
Post by: jokabofe on July 26, 2004, 10:44 AM
Would you buy 20 VOTC stormies if you knew they were going to be repacked next year? No, you wouldn't.

i disagree. i will buy as many as i can find, with or without the knowledge of a re-pack coming later on. and when they repack it? i'll buy as many as i can find again. of course, we're talking about army builders here. would people buy the regular figures if they knew a cheaper repack would be coming? who knows. prolly not.
Title: Re: Hasbro's SDCC Q&A Session
Post by: Scott on July 26, 2004, 10:48 AM
Yeah we can go round and round again on the whole absurdity of the OTC.  We'll see in November if their gamble paid off, I myself keep seeing pegs chock full of Yavin and the Jabba Wave.  Once again they've exceeding demand after a relatively slow roll out in early 2004.  Their ability to gauge the market and have appropriate case packs is and always has been bane #1

Looking at what they are giving us for the first three waves of 2005 it would stand to reason these would have been the last three waves of 2004 and these repacks were just a bone for LFL on the whole DVD thing.  I would have rather of seen the 3 new cantina figures mixed in and some common sense repaints instead of 4 Vaders and 5 Lukes and some of the other release after release after release (Cantina Han)

 
Title: Re: Hasbro's SDCC Q&A Session
Post by: Simdog on July 26, 2004, 01:07 PM
Looking at what they are giving us for the first three waves of 2005 it would stand to reason these would have been the last three waves of 2004 and these repacks were just a bone for LFL on the whole DVD thing.  I would have rather of seen the 3 new cantina figures mixed in and some common sense repaints instead of 4 Vaders and 5 Lukes and some of the other release after release after release (Cantina Han)

 

I thought that the first wave after the 38 OTC figures would be an 04 release.  I know that the last wave of OTC is scheduled for October. if you are right, then the rest of the year after October will truly suck.
Title: Re: Hasbro's SDCC Q&A Session
Post by: Scott on July 26, 2004, 01:11 PM
If you remember we got 2004 figures in November...I'd say October/November for these (Coruscant and Naboo) too
Title: Re: Hasbro's SDCC Q&A Session
Post by: Jesse James on July 26, 2004, 02:03 PM
Some random additional thoughts to you guys' random additional thoughts...

-Lando mentioned them blowing smoke on the VOTC, and while I'm not as confident as he is, part of me is in total agreement with him.  I can't possibly see a logic as to "why" with their attitude.  I wonder if it isn't just them saying that to make people THINK the VOTC will never see the light of day again and they'll buy them up rather than skip them hoping for a re-release.

Perhaps they know their market better than they let on? :)

-Scott's point about the Cantina aliens (or someone) mixed into the center of OTC would've alleviated some oof the "pain" we're inevitably feeling with the rampant repacks.  Still, I'm even going to nab SOME of the repacks so it isn't like they're not appealing on some level (I was all set for a huge break till I saw the Gammorrean and Tusken).

-About kids vs. collectors...  I don't know how much is BS.  I stick by the notion that they are a factor, just not nearly the one Hasbro makes them out to be.  I often wonder just how much research they do?  Besides focus groups which aren't accurate anyway, I just don't see what they're out there pounding the pavement doing...  I think what data they use is maybe even outdated.

Oh well...

Things are what they are right now.  I'm really only disappointed about Comic-Con on one aspect (even with th e crappy Cantina set).  The aspect of that ONE ******* (By the way, you can say "ass" Lando  :D ) and how he talked to Matt and basically treated collectors like crap inadvertantly.  I found that disrespectful and a plain black mark on the company overall because it's his job to actually be cordial at those shows.

In the end, despite their data, it is the collectors who carry the line's momentum every NON-Movie year, which outweigh the movie ones by a long-shot.

Maybe it's the guy that designed the Fleet Trooper?  Perhaps he's bitter?
Title: Re: Hasbro's SDCC Q&A Session
Post by: Mister Skeezler on July 26, 2004, 02:24 PM
Things are what they are right now.  I'm really only disappointed about Comic-Con on one aspect (even with th e crappy Cantina set).  The aspect of that ONE ******* (By the way, you can say "ass" Lando  :D ) and how he talked to Matt and basically treated collectors like crap inadvertantly.  I found that disrespectful and a plain black mark on the company overall because it's his job to actually be cordial at those shows.

Ahh...but you can not say @sshole!