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The Vintage Collection / Re: 2023 Last Figure Standing Poll
« on: December 4, 2023, 01:54 PM »
I agree to an extent about the whole "Checking A Box" mentality. Because in some respects it seems to be more about the packaging than anything else. I think that 2006 Momaw Nadon is a great figure. But as we get further along, 2006 seems further and further away. Some figures hold up well over time. Others? Not so much.
I know you invoked VOTC, Jeff. And I do find the reasoning of some in the TVC focused part of the community to be a bit too rigid about their criteria. Hasbro always referred to VOTC and VTSC simply as "VINTAGE", and were always being asked about "When are you bringing Vintage back?" Out of that first wave of VOTC figures from 2004, I still think that Han Solo is one of my favorites of all time. And the Legacy Collection Ben Kenobi is a classic from 2008. But VOTC is almost 20 years old now! And I get the sneaking suspicion that Hasbro will be commemorating the 20th anniversary of "Vintage" in 2024. They've already announced at least 4 figures of characters that were part of the three VOTC waves.
I think a good thing that the poll has done is up-end some preconceived notions within the community. Especially the OT centric people who can't abide anything else. I love the OT. Ever since I saw the first film in 1977 I was hooked! But I also recognize that over 45+ years both Kenner and Hasbro have covered a lot of Original Trilogy ground in exhaustive fashion. Something beyond that seems worthy of attention.
As for the Finish the 96 movement? It still seems to have traction in collecting circles. But it doesn't seem like Hasbro is actively trying to move that forward quickly at all.
I know you invoked VOTC, Jeff. And I do find the reasoning of some in the TVC focused part of the community to be a bit too rigid about their criteria. Hasbro always referred to VOTC and VTSC simply as "VINTAGE", and were always being asked about "When are you bringing Vintage back?" Out of that first wave of VOTC figures from 2004, I still think that Han Solo is one of my favorites of all time. And the Legacy Collection Ben Kenobi is a classic from 2008. But VOTC is almost 20 years old now! And I get the sneaking suspicion that Hasbro will be commemorating the 20th anniversary of "Vintage" in 2024. They've already announced at least 4 figures of characters that were part of the three VOTC waves.
I think a good thing that the poll has done is up-end some preconceived notions within the community. Especially the OT centric people who can't abide anything else. I love the OT. Ever since I saw the first film in 1977 I was hooked! But I also recognize that over 45+ years both Kenner and Hasbro have covered a lot of Original Trilogy ground in exhaustive fashion. Something beyond that seems worthy of attention.
As for the Finish the 96 movement? It still seems to have traction in collecting circles. But it doesn't seem like Hasbro is actively trying to move that forward quickly at all.