I honestly kind of chuckled when they brought out that cardboard backdrop. Like everyone else, not because I want it to fail, it was just one of those “yeah, that seems about right”. When I heard they were planning this, let’s be honest, “emergency livestream” to try to change the narrative of this campaign…I thought they would pull out all the stops. Rancor Keeper, another new or new-ish figure, whatever it took. Today’s livestream was about what they whole ride has been….a sad trombone sound.
I’m one of those who does collect both lines. I’m primarily a 3 3/4” collector (which probably should be the HasLab focus because of scale, as mentioned), but I buy Black Series as well. Specifically,I think I have bought all of the OT characters made so far. That alone had me at least initially interested in this. Then I thought about it more, and I just couldn’t justify it. It is a lot of money (right before Christmas), and I honestly don’t have anywhere for it to go aside from the floor. Not to mention that I’m almost more interested in things like the Skystriker and Super 7’s Party Wagon (although that may have priced me out as well).
This whole Rancor thing just shows how the Star Wars team just seems a step behind lately. The figures and everything always look pretty great, but releases are few and far between, announcements in dribbles, and the fact that Funko, Hot Toys, etc can all seem to beat then to market with new or hot characters is kind of ridiculous. I mean, why is there no Mando season 2 Fett ready and on the shelves in time for Book of Boba? That aired a year ago!
To the HasLab side, I do wonder a little if collectors are reaching the breaking point for these huge items. They all look great, but they are pricey space hogs. Add to the fact that many of us follow multiple lines, and it is even worse. As much as I love the Barge…and think it is great…and I’m glad I have it, sometimes I look at that thing and think “as cool as this is, this is ridiculous”😂. I thought the Rancior would end up funding no matter what before today, but now I’m not so sure.