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Collectibles => Past Hasbro 3.75" Lines => The Black Series 3.75" => Topic started by: Jeff on May 19, 2015, 11:37 AM

Title: San Diego Comic-Con 2015
Post by: Jeff on May 19, 2015, 11:37 AM
Hasbro took to Twitter today to announce their SDCC panels.  Here's the Star Wars panel tweet (https://twitter.com/HasbroNews/status/600685854953078784):

Don’t miss the Hasbro Star Wars Panel @ #SDCC2015 - Friday July 10 @ 12:00pm in Room 7AB #HasbroSDCC

God help us all if it's just BladeBuilders and Farting Furby.   :-X
Title: Re: San Diego Comic-Con 2015
Post by: Jeff on June 10, 2015, 04:39 PM
Some Hasbro Star Wars panel details (http://www.starwars.com/news/star-wars-the-force-awakens-more-coming-to-san-diego-comic-con-2015):
Quote
Join members of the Hasbro and Lucasfilm teams as they discuss the popular Hasbro Star Wars line. Attendees will get an in-depth look at Hasbro’s latest action figure offerings, and word on the Holonet is there may also be a few surprises, including a special product reveal.

So... "special product reveal" has to mean finally showing us the first batch of TFA toys, right? 
Title: Re: San Diego Comic-Con 2015
Post by: Rob on June 10, 2015, 05:32 PM
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Title: Re: San Diego Comic-Con 2015
Post by: Jesse James on June 10, 2015, 06:04 PM
Gotta be like one toy.  This won't end without anger.
Title: Re: San Diego Comic-Con 2015
Post by: P-Siddy on June 10, 2015, 06:32 PM
This won't end without anger.

You're right.  People will be upset if we don't see anything.  People will be upset if we do see something (crying about spoilers and Hasbro ruined the movie for them).
Title: Re: San Diego Comic-Con 2015
Post by: Jesse James on June 11, 2015, 02:33 AM
I'm among like 5% who is always excited, for any show, and any info...  I'm maybe gullible?  Dumb?  I always have hope there's something I'll like.  More often than not, there is.  Doesn't mean it's perfect, or what Hasbro rolls out will all impress or interest me either. 

I mean there's always good with bad...  $13 figures, paint aps...  But hey, Wolffe is pretty cool, and a new Han Carbo right?  With the arm binders we've never gotten!
Title: Re: San Diego Comic-Con 2015
Post by: Dave on June 11, 2015, 02:06 PM
It'd be nice if they showed non-spoiler examples from each line.  e.g. here is a $7 Poe in 5POA, and here is a $13 Han in 14 POA.
Title: Re: San Diego Comic-Con 2015
Post by: Jesse James on June 11, 2015, 02:10 PM
I'd like to see more too, but who knows, since it's getting close to release time they may show quite a bit?  Then again the line may only have non-spoiler-ish stuff in it anyway, and only be made up of what we've seen in the trailer so far besides Luke/Leia and the droids?

I'm wondering if it'll be that big/broad of a line, since super hero lines for movies seemed sort of watered down, at least compared to Star Wars lines.
Title: Re: San Diego Comic-Con 2015
Post by: Jeff on June 11, 2015, 02:46 PM
I'm wondering if it'll be that big/broad of a line, since super hero lines for movies seemed sort of watered down, at least compared to Star Wars lines.

The scale/scope of the line will be interesting to see... 
- will there be just 5POA and 6"; or 5POA, 3.75" SA, and 6"?
- How will they break up character selection across the two scales (3.75" and 6")?
- Will the line run all the way into next Fall and then roll over into Rogue One or will it have to take the "Marvel Summer" off like the line has done the past few years?

At this point, after months and months of "no comment" from Hasbro, I'm more interested in finally learning about what we'll be getting (3.75" 5POA and/or 3.75" Collector), how much it's going to cost us ($8 vs $15), and what the quality will be at those prices (deco, accessories, etc).   

The actual character selection of the figures is kinda secondary to all that since we all know the first few waves will have the main characters and Stormtrooper variants galore. :P
Title: Re: San Diego Comic-Con 2015
Post by: P-Siddy on June 11, 2015, 11:30 PM
The scale/scope of the line will be interesting to see... 
- will there be just 5POA and 6"; or 5POA, 3.75" SA, and 6"?

This is what I'm especially interested in... and price point.

Also, I hope that they reveal the Walgreens exclusive figure (even though we probably to know who it already know what it is).
Title: Re: San Diego Comic-Con 2015
Post by: Jesse James on June 11, 2015, 11:45 PM
I'm thinking 6", 5POA, 4" SA in some limited form...  It's clear by the SDCC exclusives we've gotten now for a while that 4" SA is on their backburner.  A new movie won't help that.  I have this glimmer of hope they wouldn't ignore that all together, but I also have the rest of me saying they very well may, and I'll be a far more wealthy man by the end of 2015 because of it.  :-\
Title: Re: San Diego Comic-Con 2015
Post by: Jeff on July 7, 2015, 05:34 PM
Getting closer...  starting to see some "floor set-up" type pics on Twitter and movie sites (http://www.comingsoon.net/movies/news/457395-comic-con-photos-exclusive-first-look-at-the-2015-convention#/slide/1). 

Looks like there will be a pretty good Force Friday (http://cdn3-www.comingsoon.net/assets/uploads/gallery/comic-con-2015-photos/comiccon0021.jpg) push.
Title: Re: San Diego Comic-Con 2015
Post by: Jesse James on July 7, 2015, 05:49 PM
I'm anxious, gotta admit.  Not in a bad way, just in a "I want confirmation" kind of way so I know what my financial future holds, ya know?  Is that weird?  Probably.  :-\
Title: Re: San Diego Comic-Con 2015
Post by: Matt_Fury on July 7, 2015, 09:14 PM
I'm anxious, gotta admit.  Not in a bad way, just in a "I want confirmation" kind of way so I know what my financial future holds, ya know?  Is that weird?  Probably.  :-\

Not here.  Outside of here...it's probably kinda weird.  :D
Title: Re: San Diego Comic-Con 2015
Post by: McMetal on July 8, 2015, 09:01 AM
The early word on the street is that fans of articulation are not going to be happy after the Hasbro showing.

No reason they can't show off some new Rebels figures though!  :)
Title: Re: San Diego Comic-Con 2015
Post by: Nicklab on July 8, 2015, 10:31 AM
I'm not feeling terribly optimistic at the moment.  But I think it's a wait and see thing right now.  I'm hopeful, but the trend we've seen in Saga Legends and the REBELS line has been telling. 

Still, looking back the EPISODE I line, the figures in that line did not have a lot of articulation.  Perhaps 6 to 8 POA at best.  That was a BIG line.  And I think that the current crop of 5 POA figures have far superior sculpts to the EPISODE I line.  I think I've been pretty clear that I'm not a fan of 5 POA.  At the very least I'd like to see 8 POA if possible, but every point of articulation that's added means increased costs.  And we all know that will lead to costs getting passed onto the consumer.

Here is something that I suspect we may see.  A less articulated line of basic figures for TFA.  And down the line, perhaps in 2017 (40th anniversary of ANH), we may see the return of The Vintage Collection and some premium level of articulation.  Hasbro has talked about shelving TVC with the ultimate plan of bringing it back later.  And 2017 would give Hasbro and LFL licensing some time to evaluated the profitability of the action figure line in the new movie era, and if there's enough sales volume to support a collector focused figure line in that 3.75" scale.
Title: Re: San Diego Comic-Con 2015
Post by: Jeff on July 8, 2015, 10:58 AM
At the very least I'd like to see 8 POA if possible, but every point of articulation that's added means increased costs.  And we all know that will lead to costs getting passed onto the consumer.

The Target DPCI that leaked earlier this summer (087-06-3658) put the line at $8.  Hopefully that price increase means a 8-9 POA line and not a price-grab on a 5POA line.

If the figures are nice and moderately articulated at that 8-9 POA level (neck, shoulders, elbows, hips, knees) for $8, that may be a nice compromise between $6 figures and $13 figures.


But yeah, the hope of a 3.75" collector/SA basic figure line has been dying a little each day since Toy Fair.  Just not sustainable at the current $13 point.  Bringing it back as a VOTC type sub-line or some sort of expensive retailer exclusive is probably the future for "collector" level super-articulated figures.   :-\
Title: Re: San Diego Comic-Con 2015
Post by: McMetal on July 8, 2015, 08:56 PM
Is Preview Night tomorrow night or tonight?

I have seen a few early galleries up, but maybe those are unofficial...
Title: Re: San Diego Comic-Con 2015
Post by: Jeff on July 8, 2015, 10:39 PM
Preview night is tonight (now).  I've seen a lot of early pics on twitter/facebook.  The Hasbro booth looks pretty much like the Celebration booth so far - nothing new. 

One whole Force Awakens type section though with "new figure here Friday at 1:30pm" so they must be breaking out new stuff after the panel...
Title: Re: San Diego Comic-Con 2015
Post by: Jesse James on July 8, 2015, 10:55 PM
Yup, not a lot to look at at the moment.  most interesting thing I saw was a 1/6 scale TIE Fighter Hot Toys had up but I don't believe it's a product they're making?  I thought it was just a thing, for people to look at.
Title: Re: San Diego Comic-Con 2015
Post by: McMetal on July 8, 2015, 11:07 PM
I saw the loose Rebels Vader and Ahsoka and they both looked terrific as expected. I could swear the little card says "$14.99" though, which would be ludicrous for this line.

I also saw they had a note hyping a new Rebels figure reveal on Friday. Lando maybe?
Title: Re: San Diego Comic-Con 2015
Post by: McMetal on July 9, 2015, 08:45 AM
If it's not too much trouble, would you guys consider throwing up a McFarlane Toys and Neca gallery also? They have some amazing toys on display out there too!

I would like to hear more about the kerfuffle at the Hasbro Booth last night too. I read some comments that it was getting ugly in line...
Title: Re: San Diego Comic-Con 2015
Post by: Nicklab on July 9, 2015, 09:48 AM
I saw the loose Rebels Vader and Ahsoka and they both looked terrific as expected. I could swear the little card says "$14.99" though, which would be ludicrous for this line.

Yeah.  It looks like the price on those Mission Series 2-packs is going up.  I have to wonder if Hasbro is going to add any more articulation in this line.  But that price jump from $9.99 to $14.99 isn't exactly welcome.
Title: Re: San Diego Comic-Con 2015
Post by: Jeff on July 9, 2015, 10:37 AM
Based on the little tags on the displays (http://www.rebelscum.com/2015-SDCC/Hasbro-Booth-1-2015-San-Diego-Comic-Con-SDCC/image16.asp), it looks like the Fall 2015 3.75" main line will be Star Wars Universe or something like that.   Much easier to say/type than "Star Wars Rebels Saga Legends", I guess. :P


I would like to hear more about the kerfuffle at the Hasbro Booth last night too. I read some comments that it was getting ugly in line...

SDCC ’15: Star Wars Fever Causes Chaos At Hasbro Booth (http://www.bleedingcool.com/2015/07/09/sdcc-15-star-wars-fever-hits-hard-comic-con)


It looks like the price on those Mission Series 2-packs is going up.  I have to wonder if Hasbro is going to add any more articulation in this line.  But that price jump from $9.99 to $14.99 isn't exactly welcome.

Well, if the Target DPCI is correct and the 3.75" basic figure line will be $8, you can't really be selling 2-packs right next to those for $10, can you? ;)

Sure looks like $8 for singles, $15 for 2-packs will be the new norm.  As for more articulation, it doesn't really look like the Ahsoka and Vader have any more... but I guess we can still hope other figures will.  :-\
Title: Re: San Diego Comic-Con 2015
Post by: Darby on July 9, 2015, 11:33 AM
I know there's a lot of hysteria around the web right now about what the figures will or won't be, but I think the real story is the price hike. I expected a cash grab for the movie, but the price point on the 5 POA has been it's most attractive feature. The MS series at $10 has been the best deal in toys for its run and by going to $15 becomes much less. Now there may be something more to it (added articulation/pack ins) so we'll see, but I doubt it and if not, that will be a huge factor in the line's success I think.
Title: Re: San Diego Comic-Con 2015
Post by: Dave on July 9, 2015, 11:49 AM
If they go to $15 for MS, then the two figures better both be new and interesting.  No more new figure with a repacked Stormtrooper. 

Title: Re: San Diego Comic-Con 2015
Post by: Darby on July 9, 2015, 12:01 PM
I agree. I'd think for that, no repacks (outside of army builders) wouldn't be something you could stomach. I'd rather see a fairly deep line of background characters bundled in with more visible ones in this line anyways. I know most people disagree, but a figure like Mosep Bineed - for me, I don't need him to be super articulated. He will never do anything. Now a stormtrooper or Jedi or Sith Lord, they need some extra articulation. That's counter to a collector based line so I know we'll likely never see obscure characters anywhere other than a premium line, but my two cents.
Title: Re: San Diego Comic-Con 2015
Post by: Jeff on July 9, 2015, 12:24 PM
If they go to $15 for MS, then the two figures better both be new and interesting.  No more new figure with a repacked Stormtrooper.

That's a fair point.  $15 for one figure you want and one you don't need will sting pretty bad, especially if they are still 5POA.


I know most people disagree, but a figure like Mosep Bineed - for me, I don't need him to be super articulated. He will never do anything. Now a stormtrooper or Jedi or Sith Lord, they need some extra articulation. That's counter to a collector based line so I know we'll likely never see obscure characters anywhere other than a premium line, but my two cents.

Salt-shaker Senators/Aliens can be fine at times but you hit on the key there.  Mosep would have probably been fine as a 5-8 POA figure.  But he isn't really a candidate for a kid line... and if you try to stick a 5POA type figure in the $13 Black Series line... well you saw how well the R5 and Yoda figures were received last Fall (hint - not very well).   :-\
Title: Re: San Diego Comic-Con 2015
Post by: Jesse James on July 9, 2015, 01:45 PM
Good points all around. 

I'd be happy actually if articulation went more selective and Hasbro returned the line to 2007 type levels where some figures got a bit, and others not.  I don't have a good feeling about that happening though regardless of the price hikes.
Title: Re: San Diego Comic-Con 2015
Post by: McMetal on July 9, 2015, 02:18 PM
SDCC ’15: Star Wars Fever Causes Chaos At Hasbro Booth (http://www.bleedingcool.com/2015/07/09/sdcc-15-star-wars-fever-hits-hard-comic-con)

Holy cow that is nuts. I pray for some little weenie to try punching me in the ribs while standing in line, or try grabbing $100 our of my hand. They would need dental records to identify that ************.
Title: Re: San Diego Comic-Con 2015
Post by: Jesse James on July 9, 2015, 07:18 PM
So holy ****, the meltdowns over toys I'm reading are really rather fun to look through...  It's weird because I'm on neither side completely in the debates I'm reading.  It's just mass hysteria, AND HASBRO HASN'T EVEN DONE THEIR PRESENTATION!  :o

I mean, I have little hope of a quality 3.75" line, I'll be honest...  To me, the only shred of hope I can muster is things go to a lesser articulation rate than we've seen and it goes back to 05-07 levels of articulation.  But that's really wishful thinking on my part even.

That said, man I'm seeing absolute insanity from people...  Guys comparing HT and what they're doing to Hasbro, people saying Hasbro's intentionally killing the line, people complaining about female figures not being prominent enough still, Hasbro's quality sucks, Hasbro's distribution sucks, Hasbro's pricing sucks, people angry at people who are praising the smaller companies for what they make...

It's really got people turning on one another, and lots of anger and rage.

Personally I think Hasbro is too much money at this point, especially with now further price hikes and this assumed drop in quality across the board (and TBS basically going all 6").  A friend and I were texting and he said really 6" isn't even up to snuff quality-wise...  I couldn't blame him as some of the materials feel so-so but I feel the price matches it.  The 4" stuff, yeah, the price isn't justified as much to me, and it's really feeling "cheap" anymore.

It's just been weird seeing this much anger.  It actually goes above/beyond what I was expecting to see. 

But you can't compare the smaller companies to Hasbro either...  But I totally get why you'd jump ship to those companies too.  I mean, I'm figuring if this whole thing is imploded tomorrow, it's more money for these other lines I've discovered while Hasbro had this down period since 2012...  And I'm ok with that.  It's more $ to 4" Star Wars customizing (I'll nab fodder on sale and when the movie's hype dies and people start selling figures cheap at toy shows).

For me the only X factor is how will lines be handled with a new movie every year and a cartoon running steadily in between?  Will figures hit sales often?  Will figures even have long windows at retail?  But besides that, I mean if they're 5POA with this loftier pricetag...  I just won't buy them.  I'm kinda ok with that.  Sad sure, but still I'm ok.  Most folks should be too.  You should have bigger problems I guess?  :-\
Title: Re: San Diego Comic-Con 2015
Post by: Darby on July 9, 2015, 07:30 PM
I've been reading the same things Jesse and I have the same reaction as you.

The anger is embarrassing, frankly. It speaks to a complete lack of perspective and objectivity not just on the hobby, but maybe said person's life. I mean - they're toys. Toys. Hasbro owes us nothing. Hasbro has given us 20 years now of everything we've ever wanted and more, and ok, the last couple years it's gone sideways depending on your perspective, but there are numerous factors feeding into the last few years that these same folks simply can't or won't acknowledge. The internet in general has turned into simply a giant pool for people to cannonball into without any considerations; I don't know if that is simply what's happening with out little corner of it when it comes to the hobby. I know I've spoken to this a few times before, so I won't belabor the point, but it takes  the fun out of for me. I have been collecting since before I can remember. 1978. I love SW. I love hanging out here on JD and talking toys and getting excited at my advanced age over toys. What I don't like is when people (not here obviously) start screaming about what it is they don't have or aren't getting or are skipping meals in favor of buying toys they ultimately hate. When you see that, you just become the dude whose drunk friend starts taking their clothes off in the middle of the bar.

You're like, 'I'm not with that guy.'
Title: Re: San Diego Comic-Con 2015
Post by: Scockery on July 9, 2015, 09:11 PM
High priced figures and not finding anything new at retail took the fun out for me.

So the fun's been out for years!  :P

Title: Re: San Diego Comic-Con 2015
Post by: Jesse James on July 9, 2015, 09:17 PM
Hah that's kind of what I was thinking... Like, NOW you're this mad?  I mean I have had fun the last few years despite it not being the best years.  But then again, for me, the height was 07 so maybe I'm desensitized.

I'm just kinda shocked at the melting down.  Then some people aren't complaining they can't find anything or that they think the figures and prices suck, they're more mad at other people for being happy that companies like Sideshow or Hot Toys are doing their thing, or there's all these side companies stepping in to fill the collector void (granted, at a premium). 

It's a weird show man.  The weirdest.

I find myself agreeing and disagreeing with the same statements being made.

I'll always bitch about price though.  :D
Title: Re: San Diego Comic-Con 2015
Post by: Rob on July 9, 2015, 11:20 PM
YOU GUYS ARE WHY HASBLO IS GETTING AWAY WITH IT!  WE NEED TO BE ASKING THEM THE TOUGH QUESTIONS!  HOLDING THEIR FEET TO THE FIRE! 
Title: Re: San Diego Comic-Con 2015
Post by: Jayson on July 10, 2015, 12:12 AM
Some of the offline conversations have been just as fervent. What I'm looking forward to least about the Hasbro panel reveals will be the "told you so" commentaries afterward. The whole entitled sect of collectors have become more vocal and intolerable over the last couple years. People still don't get that the market and model for toys has evolved. Adam Pawlus recently wrote a damn fine "state of the hobby (http://www.galactichunter.com/gh/story/qa-best-figures-star-wars-and-smoke-and-new-sneak-preview-toys)" in his latest QnA. I encourage folks to read the final 6 paragraphs.

Ultimately for me, it makes no difference. More limited edition "collector" figures? Great, bring 'em on! More 5 POA "crap"? I'm fine with that prospect too. Hasbro cured me of my completist attitude a long time ago to the point I've sold off some pieces that just didn't matter to me - comic packs, Evolutions sets, EU items, some 6" figures, etc. I've branched out to other things as the Hasbro "collector focused" era has wound down and that has allowed me to appreciate more foreign market products -- even LEGO.

Title: Re: San Diego Comic-Con 2015
Post by: Jeff on July 10, 2015, 12:43 AM
But besides that, I mean if they're 5POA with this loftier pricetag...  I just won't buy them.  I'm kinda ok with that.  Sad sure, but still I'm ok.

Is it just collector rationalization to frame it this way:
- 1995 = 5/6 POA, $5
- 2015 = 5 POA, $8

That's just a 2.4% price hike a year if you ignore everything that happened in-between. :P


You're like, 'I'm not with that guy.'

Over the years, I've said basically that very thing a few times to Derryl Depreist after fellow "collector sites" have read him the riot act about one thing or another. :D


YOU GUYS ARE WHY HASBLO IS GETTING AWAY WITH IT!  WE NEED TO BE ASKING THEM THE TOUGH QUESTIONS!  HOLDING THEIR FEET TO THE FIRE!

RIGHT ON!!!  ASK THEM WHY THEY CANT GET THEIR PRODUCT IN THE STORES SO I CAN BITCH ABOUT THE TERRIBLE CHARACTER SELECTION AND THE PRICE AS I BUY THEM ANYWAY!!


What I'm looking forward to least about the Hasbro panel reveals will be the "told you so" commentaries afterward.

Oh man, you're right about that.  Ir's going to be insufferable on many levels. I blocked off my work calendar for tomorrow afternoon to revel in the Twitter/Facebook aftermath.
Title: Re: San Diego Comic-Con 2015
Post by: Jesse James on July 10, 2015, 01:31 AM
I'd only say that the 95 POTF2, for the goofy he-man sculpts and stuff, IMO had a better quality about them (materials, deco, etc).  But besides that yeah, the math ultimately kind of adds up on them.  I just don't care for the things like the skirt bits now molded to the legs, the paint aps being atrocious (line wide though, not just Legends).  But in general I also just don't buy stuff, rather than bitch about it.  I would LIKE to buy some TFA figures, but I mean if they're all 5 POA and the quality's about where we are, and the prices rise...  Meh.  I can not buy and be just as happy.  If that makes sense?

Actually if the skirt pieces were still separate sculpts I actually could probably live with the 5POA, from a customizing POV anyway.

"I'm not with that guy"

Been to fewer shows than Jeff, but was still immediately embarrassed by some stuff.

And I'll 3rd Jayson's point...  The self-aggrandizing BS is at an all-time high in the hobby in general.

I actually look forward to customizing more, if anything.  I haven't done much of it in years really except goofy little projects to just "see if I could do that" kind of stuff.  Plus I just have other stuff to buy that I like now.  Hell, maybe there will be so little I want that I'll buy that big ass Falcon cockpit and Han/Chewie for in it!?  :)  Well, I won't get that crazy (yet).
Title: Re: San Diego Comic-Con 2015
Post by: GrandMoffNick on July 10, 2015, 06:56 AM
As is the case with most of my posts this will probably be a bunch of random sentences not necessarily related to one another.

I think Hasbro has dropped the ball in the last X number of years. BUT only a percentage of that is on them, the other just is what it is. A large part of "Hasblo" is the collector's mindset.

Do prices feel high? Yes. Do the paint apps seem bad for no good reason? Yes. Is it hard to watch the figures become lest collector friendly? Yes.

But they are toys. Some retail Hasbro stuff is obviously more adult oriented than others, but still they are toys that you can buy for relatively cheap. They aren't online only, "Museum Quality" (isn't that what Sideshow says?), figurines meant to display for the world to see and marvel at their quality.

My one time weekly toy run friend and now time to time toy run friend and I discuss how hard it is to listen to people upset about everything with SW toys all the time. Is there any other pop culture movie/show/whatever that even comes close to getting the toys we have gotten for 20 years (not including vintage)? So I mean, the character crop we've gotten? 38 years later you can go to Target (and I realize last wave syndrome may ruin my point here) and get some random dude who is just a background at a retail chain? How cool is that? I don't just get to choose from my 765th Vader or pay some company who's under producing toys online specifically for collectors and chose to charge a lot to make a random character. I think we've had it good for too long and not that things seem to be plateauing or even declining people have this weird reaction that "we are owed" something.

Thankfully the only thing that matters to me with collecting is MY ENJOYMENT and all the people who do it but apparently hate it aren't therefore able to break through my bubble and ruin it for me, but I can see how they might for some.

Hasbro you are not close to perfect, but you sure don't suck as bad as it feels (and we all know the internet is only for bitching and porn) most everyone is saying.

Ok time to get ready for work.
Title: Re: San Diego Comic-Con 2015
Post by: McMetal on July 10, 2015, 08:43 AM
For my two cents, the over the top anger does not bother me. Anger is an emotion I'm generally pretty comfortable with, and it doesn't bother me to see other people lose their minds. It helps me keep my own insanity in a healthy perspective.  :)

I think the maddest I ever got about anything toy related was when they cancelled the Clone Wars line which was really the only reason I got back into SW collecting in the first place after so many years. That seems pretty justifiable compared to some of the more recent outrage. Never mind price hikes or paint apps, they just stopped making all of the toys I loved. I guess in that way I can sort of sympathize with the lot that feel like the prospect of losing SA figures is the death knell for their hobby.

Anger is just the flip side of passion after all, and the depth of the anger is commensurate with the level of passion that kept this line of toys going for the past 30+ years or whatever. But no question there is a very significant portion of idiocy and entitlement mixed in there too.

FWIW, I think today is going to be one of the most significant days in the history of the line. Things are at a real crossroads here. I don't feel like I have a real dog in the fight either way, if we get a couple more 5 POA Rebls figures I'm fine with that. But I know a lot of people seem ready to jump ship so it will be very interesting to see how this plays out.

And yeah Twitter should be fun this afternoon.  :D
Title: Re: San Diego Comic-Con 2015
Post by: Nicklab on July 10, 2015, 09:23 AM
I think a lot of the anxiety among the collecting community and Star Wars fans in general is that we're in somewhat uncharted territory.  And that's attributable to a few factors.

-It's the Post-George era.  We knew what to expect before from both Lucasfilm as well as Hasbro ever since Episode I rolled out in 1999.  With the sale of Lucasfilm to Disney that has changed.  There seems to have been a change in the corporate culture and how they do things.  They're certainly being far more secretive about the production process than Lucasfilm was during the PT era.  J.J. Abrams has been very tight lipped about the process on the filmmaking front, and I think that air of secrecy has made it's way through the broader Star Wars brand.  The leaks of the past (at least in the toy line) have really dried up, too.

-We've been accustomed to a certain schedule for news in the leadup to movie releases.  The Christmas release of THE FORCE AWAKENS has thrown that schedule out the window.  That's have everyone guessing about when we're going to see ANYTHING.  And it's not like we've seen any sort of statement from Hasbro about when they're going to make an announcement or presentation.  All we know is that there's a merchandise release date of September 4th, there's the 6" First Order Stormtrooper and there were those 6" figure prototype images that leaked.  We're still dealing with a lot of unknowns.

-Then there's the uncertainty about the future of the 3.75" figure line.  That's led to a lot of speculation and worry about the future of an action figure format that's been with us since 1978.  And when you have a history like that it's easy for a group like collectors to get anxious.


As for any sense of anger in the collecting community?  I get that some people get really wrapped up in things.  I've got my own stuff going on in my personal life that takes priority over collecting.  Getting angry about the unknowns of the Hasbro Star Wars line is something I can't afford to do in terms of time or energy.  Do I get a little anxious about it?  A little bit, yes.  And I probably would get a good deal more anxious if I was regularly travelling the convention circuit doing reporting on the Hasbro Star Wars line like I used to do.  That's my own perspective though, and I understand that YMMV.

I imagine that after 1:30 PT today a lot of people may change their tune.  We'll just have to wait and see how it goes!
Title: Re: San Diego Comic-Con 2015
Post by: Phrubruh on July 10, 2015, 09:31 AM
I think what gets me is the amount of retail space that is dedicated to Star Wars figures that is never filled for the last few years. No other toy line has empty pegs all the time. Even when they just finish a restock, the pegs are never filled because they get one case or two that is instantly picked up and sold on ebay at twice the price. Look at the prices on ebay. They are easily 200-400% more than retail. I don't know if they actually sell at those prices but if they did I could make a killing.

I know this all changes in September when we will see a glut of figures even God has never seen at very high prices. But at this point, I really don't care.
Title: Re: San Diego Comic-Con 2015
Post by: Jeff on July 10, 2015, 10:11 AM
Interrurpting the discussion to remind folks that our SDCC Image Galleries (http://www.jedidefender.com/gallery/imageFolio.cgi?direct=Conventions/San_Diego_Comic_Con_2015) are being updated throughout the weekend.  I know the Hasbro stuff is boring right now, but hopefully we'll get some good shots of new stuff this afternoon!

Now, back to the discussion... ;)

Hasbro you are not close to perfect, but you sure don't suck as bad as it feels

Well said, Nick.

Anger is just the flip side of passion after all, and the depth of the anger is commensurate with the level of passion that kept this line of toys going for the past 30+ years or whatever. But no question there is a very significant portion of idiocy and entitlement mixed in there too.

Agree.  I can't fault the people for being angry... but I do dislike the trend some websites have of catering to those angry folks, whipping them into frenzies to the point that their very vocal minority is treated like a majority opinion... or at least presented to Hasbro as such.
Title: Re: San Diego Comic-Con 2015
Post by: Nicklab on July 10, 2015, 10:21 AM
Agree.  I can't fault the people for being angry... but I do dislike the trend some websites have of catering to those angry folks, whipping them into frenzies to the point that their very vocal minority is treated like a majority opinion... or at least presented to Hasbro as such.

That bothers me a great deal, too.  It's one thing to provide news and imagery for interested readers.  But the pot stirring and muckraking has been bad.  And I think that the ethical tradeoff that some sites have made has not been a positive for the collecting community.  Getting people into a fever pitch of complaining and anger draws traffic which benefits a website.  But it gets some people crazy and drives away others that just want to know what's going on with the Star Wars brand.
Title: Re: San Diego Comic-Con 2015
Post by: JediJman on July 10, 2015, 11:05 AM
Anger is just the flip side of passion after all, and the depth of the anger is commensurate with the level of passion that kept this line of toys going for the past 30+ years or whatever. But no question there is a very significant portion of idiocy and entitlement mixed in there too.

Agree.  I can't fault the people for being angry... but I do dislike the trend some websites have of catering to those angry folks, whipping them into frenzies to the point that their very vocal minority is treated like a majority opinion... or at least presented to Hasbro as such.

I don't know.  I read most of this and just have laugh.  I have been collecting Star Wars for 37 years.  I have a 16' x 24' room dedicated exclusively to Star Wars merchandise.  I'd call myself a pretty big fan and collector.  Yes, I've had frustrations with availability, pricing, character selections, etc. over the years, I can't really recall a time that I was ANGRY about any of it.  Disappointed? Sure.  But I don't get the sheer anger and rage that seems to be rising up about this stuff. 

- Mad about the distribution?  Relax, it will get here eventually.  Is there anything in Hasbro's history that hasn't come around eventually?  Even rare packaging differences can be found for 'okay' prices on the secondary market.  Third party transformer collectors pre-pay for stuff that doesn't show up for a year. 

- Mad about the pricing?  If figures shoot up 50% in cost (which they have not), how much does that really impact you?  So you would have spent $1,000 on toys (say that aloud to a non-collector without flinching) and now you spend $1500 or buy a little less.  Not a life changer.  Don't get me wrong - I'm a huge deal shopper, but if you can afford these things in the first place, you can probably afford to spend a little more or buy a little less. 

- Mad about the product?  This is totally off the wall, but how about not buying it?  If I go to the store to buy strawberries and they don't look fresh I just don't buy them.  If I go to buy shoes and they don't fit, I don't buy them.  If Hasbro makes crap I don't really like, I don't buy it.  You don't need to have everything just because they made it.

I love that people are passionate about Star Wars and their collections, but I just can't wrap my head around the Anger.  If you're getting angry about your hobby and how you spend your already limited free time, maybe it's time to back off a bit and find something that makes you happier.  Life's too short to be angry about your toys.
Title: Re: San Diego Comic-Con 2015
Post by: indysolo007 on July 10, 2015, 11:48 AM
Count me in the "most likely to be disappointed" category. I'm not going to get angry if in the next few hours I see garbage released by hasbro. I'm a long-time collector (since POTF2) and endeavored to have a complete collection of the realistic figures (ie no clone wars animated or rebels). I too have a room designated for my collection that I hoped would grow with a new franchise on the horizon.

I've been one of the people lucky enough to score wave 7 at retail and a complete wave 8 on hts. I feel like the quality has finished greatly in recent waves and feel as though the 3.75 inch line is in its death throes. I was holding out for a resurgence in quality for the Force Awakens with some impressive figures and vehicles. I still have my fingers crossed that in a few hours we may see that.

If we don't, however, I won't rant and rave. I just will end a 20+year hobby. I don't really care too much for the 6 inch line. Very well-done figures and Hasbro should be applauded. I just feel that in the 1980s (when I was a little kid), toy manufacturers moved away from large action figures to the smaller sizes for vehicles/playsets. Star Wars figures pioneered in this as far as I'm concerned. GI Joe and others followers suit (and that line seems to be falling apart outside of the collectors club and a few anniversary figures at TRU).

So to end a nostalgic-based rant, I had a good run with 3.75 inch Star Wars figures and of that ends so be it. My brother collects Marvel Legends/infinite (as well as a few other lines like NECCA) and I will help him for the thrill of the hunt. I'll still have my fingers crossed to see some articulated 3.75 inch figures and ships at 1:30 today (I assume pacific time).
Title: Re: San Diego Comic-Con 2015
Post by: Jeff on July 10, 2015, 12:08 PM
Hasbro Tweet (https://twitter.com/HasbroNews/status/619536610976096256):
Got a question for the team behind the #Hasbro #StarWars line? Tweet using the hashtag #HasbroSWQ & it may be answered! #HasbroSDCC

Something tells me this will be a great hashtag to watch this afternoon... I'm sure all the #HasbroSWQ tweets will be oh so positive. :P


I'll still have my fingers crossed to see some articulated 3.75 inch figures and ships at 1:30 today (I assume pacific time).

Yep - The Hasbro SW Panel is from noon - 1:00pm Pacific, new reveals will be in the booth at 1:30pm Pacific.
Title: Re: San Diego Comic-Con 2015
Post by: indysolo007 on July 10, 2015, 12:16 PM
I know this is non Star Wars but my favorite tweet was a picture of a mock-up Jurassic World Owen figure with a well sculpted baby taptor pack-in. A comete throwback to the old Jurassic Park figures, that while not the best sculpts weren't terrible for 1994 standards. The old Dinos were amazing and far better than Hasbro's JW attempt.

My brother also buys Transformers and the Combiner Wars figures started out like gangbusters but has devolved into repaints and some really odd choices.

Hasbro is really becoming a rudderless ship. If have to imagine that all the JW figures, Star Wars command sets, angry birds mishap, hero mashers sitting on the pegs is a costly mistake. Their Marvel legends line has really gone in a good direction, whoever is heading up that line needs a pat on the back.
Title: Re: San Diego Comic-Con 2015
Post by: Darby on July 10, 2015, 12:18 PM
I actually just saw some comments elsewhere where people are now angry they've just realized that it's 1:30 PST. Sigh. Not even kidding.

Not sure what all we'll see today, but I find the expectation that SA 3.75 is dead from so many people very odd. There's no evidence to support it. Hasbro has said it will continue; we see it continuing with the Marvel line into the fall at least, so why continue that and not SW, especially with the support of what will be one of the biggest movies of all time? Hasbro has been coasting the line for YEARS on nothing, and they're going to stop now? Say they do, and I'm wrong, ok. Bring out your pitch forks. I'd be ok personally with something more in the middle articulation wise as others have said. But that aside, let's see what happens. Like Jeff said the uncertainty about all of this has probably fed some of this, but I would never in a million years associate myself with some of the embarrassing commentary going on around some of the sites right now. There is so much more to life than this.
Title: Re: San Diego Comic-Con 2015
Post by: P-Siddy on July 10, 2015, 12:22 PM
I don't have twitter, but would like to ask again when they plan to release 6" Han in Carbonite in regular packaging.  I'm bummed I can't get this awesome piece, or Salacious Crumb for that matter.  Make the packaging different enough for those that can't make it to the cons or don't luck out when they are on HTS.  They are finally doing it for their shared exclusives with TRU.  Just seems like a win-win since they already have the molds done.
Title: Re: San Diego Comic-Con 2015
Post by: GrandMoffNick on July 10, 2015, 12:23 PM
Anyone buy any potato chips or cereal in the last couple years? Less product. More expensive. Is there a gmdefender.com because I feel forced to buy it anyway and would like to gripe.
Title: Re: San Diego Comic-Con 2015
Post by: P-Siddy on July 10, 2015, 12:24 PM
I actually just saw some comments elsewhere where people are now angry they've just realized that it's 1:30 PST. Sigh. Not even kidding.

Really?  I guess people don't have enough real-world problems to deal with.
Title: Re: San Diego Comic-Con 2015
Post by: Darby on July 10, 2015, 12:32 PM
Yeah that is sadly evident. I keep seeing words like 'tragedy' and 'disaster' and the like from some of these sites when describing the hobby and it's manifest these people have never experienced true tragedy or disaster. God forbid they ever do, but again I'll just button this up by saying, all this makes my skin crawl. #notwiththatguy
Title: Re: San Diego Comic-Con 2015
Post by: Jeff on July 10, 2015, 12:39 PM
I don't have twitter, but would like to ask again when they plan to release 6" Han in Carbonite in regular packaging.  I'm bummed I can't get this awesome piece, or Salacious Crumb for that matter.  Make the packaging different enough for those that can't make it to the cons or don't luck out when they are on HTS.  They are finally doing it for their shared exclusives with TRU.  Just seems like a win-win since they already have the molds done.

Not sure what you mean about finally doing it with TRU shared exclusives?
Title: Re: San Diego Comic-Con 2015
Post by: Nicklab on July 10, 2015, 12:45 PM
I thought I saw a blurb about the Jabba's Rancor Pit set being offered by HTS (possibly another vendor) at Comic Con this week. 
Title: Re: San Diego Comic-Con 2015
Post by: P-Siddy on July 10, 2015, 01:04 PM
I don't have twitter, but would like to ask again when they plan to release 6" Han in Carbonite in regular packaging.  I'm bummed I can't get this awesome piece, or Salacious Crumb for that matter.  Make the packaging different enough for those that can't make it to the cons or don't luck out when they are on HTS.  They are finally doing it for their shared exclusives with TRU.  Just seems like a win-win since they already have the molds done.

Not sure what you mean about finally doing it with TRU shared exclusives?

Examples are (and perhaps I didn't word this well) the Greedo/Han 2 pack and the Rancor/Jabba multipack that were/are at SDCC and TRU.
Title: Re: San Diego Comic-Con 2015
Post by: Nicklab on July 10, 2015, 01:15 PM
I actually just saw some comments elsewhere where people are now angry they've just realized that it's 1:30 PST. Sigh. Not even kidding.

Really?  I guess people don't have enough real-world problems to deal with.

Nerd Rage about time zone differences just takes the cake.  I may have to tap out based on that alone.
Title: Re: San Diego Comic-Con 2015
Post by: Jeff on July 10, 2015, 01:18 PM
Examples are (and perhaps I didn't word this well) the Greedo/Han 2 pack and the Rancor/Jabba multipack that were/are at SDCC and TRU.

OK, I see what you mean.  The trick there though is that those items were always meant to be TRU retail exclusives. 

They have regular retailer exclusive production runs.  They just found a way to partner up with Entertainment Earth (not HTS) to sell them at the show first so they could call them "SDCC exclusive", even though it's just a regular TRU exclusive item being sold at SDCC first.


Title: Re: San Diego Comic-Con 2015
Post by: P-Siddy on July 10, 2015, 01:24 PM
They have regular retailer exclusive production runs.  They just found a way to partner up with Entertainment Earth (not HTS) to sell them at the show first so they could call them "SDCC exclusive", even though it's just a regular TRU exclusive item being sold at SDCC first.

Got it.  So, would you say in your opinion that is the same for Funko and their various items that are SDCC exclusives and also found at Barnes and Noble, etc?  Maybe that explains that, then.
Title: Re: San Diego Comic-Con 2015
Post by: Jeff on July 10, 2015, 01:50 PM
Funko has some stuff that is limited (2500 or less) and sells out at shows and some stuff that is "first sold" at SDCC with plans to be sold at retail later (like Tyrion at Target or Walgreens or whatever).


Title: Re: San Diego Comic-Con 2015
Post by: P-Siddy on July 10, 2015, 02:25 PM
Thanks for the scoop, Jeff.
Title: Re: San Diego Comic-Con 2015
Post by: Jesse James on July 10, 2015, 02:45 PM
You guys were busy since I was on and I'm trying to get situated here quickly.  Our guys are getting established in the hall for Hasbro right now.  Fun fun fun.

I'd say the timezone thing is hysterical.  Who the hell would expect it to be listed as any other time zone?  It's in California! 
Title: Re: San Diego Comic-Con 2015
Post by: McMetal on July 10, 2015, 03:07 PM
So I guess no one is live streaming this?

WTH??

edit: NM, i found a guy that transcribes quickly...best we can do I guess
Title: Re: San Diego Comic-Con 2015
Post by: P-Siddy on July 10, 2015, 03:24 PM
Revan
ANH Luke
Kanan
Sabine (interchangable heads)
Title: Re: San Diego Comic-Con 2015
Post by: McMetal on July 10, 2015, 03:25 PM
#$%^&*() Revan.  >:(
Title: Re: San Diego Comic-Con 2015
Post by: P-Siddy on July 10, 2015, 03:31 PM
Jango

All 6" so far.

Fan Choice poll will be annual.

6" TFA TIE Fighter.... with pilot for $170

As far as it sounds, no news on 3.75".  Edit... sounds like only mention of the Rebels Season 2 Inquisitor.
Title: Re: San Diego Comic-Con 2015
Post by: McMetal on July 10, 2015, 03:36 PM
It's over. No mention of SA 3/75" collector line. Let the rioting commence!
Title: Re: San Diego Comic-Con 2015
Post by: P-Siddy on July 10, 2015, 03:37 PM
It's over. No mention of SA 3/75" collector line. Let the rioting commence!

I edited the above post.  Sounds like the Season 2 Inquisitor will be released.
Title: Re: San Diego Comic-Con 2015
Post by: Jesse James on July 10, 2015, 03:46 PM
Wait what just happened!?  ???
Title: Re: San Diego Comic-Con 2015
Post by: McMetal on July 10, 2015, 03:49 PM
If I don't read "DETAH OF THE LINE!!" at least 20 times tonight I will be let down.  ;D
Title: Re: San Diego Comic-Con 2015
Post by: McMetal on July 10, 2015, 03:51 PM
Wait what just happened!?  ???

I have this mental image of the Hasbro guys just dropping the mic and dashing out the back door into a waiting van to get them to the helipad. Fans clutching at them like the fall of Saigon...LOL
Title: Re: San Diego Comic-Con 2015
Post by: Jeff on July 10, 2015, 03:52 PM
What a panel...
- 6" Ahsoka, Sabine, Kanan, Farmboy Luke, Jango, Revan
- 6" First Order Eilte Pilot and TIE Fighter ($170)
- 3.75' Rebels Season 2 Inquisitor
- New FX Lightsabers for Yoda and Vader


Another chance to settle down all the 3.75" collector angst and they punt on it again.   :-\
Title: Re: San Diego Comic-Con 2015
Post by: Jesse James on July 10, 2015, 03:53 PM
They like nerds having diarrhea.
Title: Re: San Diego Comic-Con 2015
Post by: P-Siddy on July 10, 2015, 03:57 PM
And now rumors that only one wave will be released for the 9/4  midnight madness.  No mention if it's 1 wave of 4", 1 wave of 6" or 1 wave of both scales... or (now for) something completely different.
Title: Re: San Diego Comic-Con 2015
Post by: Jesse James on July 10, 2015, 04:01 PM
Hah!  I'm ok with that. :)
Title: Re: San Diego Comic-Con 2015
Post by: Diddly on July 10, 2015, 04:02 PM
The $170 TIE was leaked out in a list on JTA (I think) a few weeks ago. Hope it's amazing for that kind of dough.
Title: Re: San Diego Comic-Con 2015
Post by: Nicklab on July 10, 2015, 04:04 PM
And just like that the collector focused Star Wars 3.75" figure line died with a whimper.
Title: Re: San Diego Comic-Con 2015
Post by: P-Siddy on July 10, 2015, 04:09 PM
And just like that the collector focused Star Wars 3.75" figure line died with a whimper.

We need a Padme meme with that on it.  ;D

I'm not surprised by the lack of 4" figures and I'm fine with it.  I will likely pick up the Farmboy Luke and Sabine.  Maybe Jango if he comes with the bells and whistles of jet packs and weapons...  I didn't see if Jango came with interchangeable heads or removable helmet... does anyone know? 
Title: Re: San Diego Comic-Con 2015
Post by: P-Siddy on July 10, 2015, 04:14 PM
Well, don't we have that figure reveal coming up soon?  17 minutes or so?  There could still be hope.
Title: Re: San Diego Comic-Con 2015
Post by: Jesse James on July 10, 2015, 04:20 PM
Check our Twitter feed for some early pics of the giant TIE if you're curious.
Title: Re: San Diego Comic-Con 2015
Post by: Jeff on July 10, 2015, 04:26 PM
Well, don't we have that figure reveal coming up soon?  17 minutes or so?  There could still be hope.

Based on new booth photos I've seen so far on Twitter, the 1:30p figure reveals are just the stuff they announced at the panel...  we'll see if anything else pops up in the cases.

3.75" Rebels S2 Inquisitor guy is nice...   not any obvious added articulation there though. (maybe wrists? can't tell if that's a cut joint or just the glove sculpt). 

From JediDefender Twitter (https://twitter.com/JediDefender/status/619602918048706560):
(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/CJlFh_yUEAAj1n5.jpg)
Title: Re: San Diego Comic-Con 2015
Post by: Jesse James on July 10, 2015, 04:28 PM
I like his hat.
Title: Re: San Diego Comic-Con 2015
Post by: P-Siddy on July 10, 2015, 04:38 PM
The Inquisitors have a standard issue lightsaber or it's just the mock-up? 
Title: Re: San Diego Comic-Con 2015
Post by: Darby on July 10, 2015, 05:03 PM
The TIE is just insane. I seriously wonder how many people will buy this thing. Love the pilot as well. Not bothered by the lack of reveals as I'm actually enjoying the prospect of walking into 9/4 without a clue of what I'll find. Don't like the soft goods on Farmboy Luke. Strange choice honestly and reminds a little too much of the VOTC one from 2004 which I disliked.
Title: Re: San Diego Comic-Con 2015
Post by: Scockery on July 10, 2015, 06:38 PM
I remember the old days when Toy Fair & onvention reveals...spend like an hour+ looking at cool upcoming products.

Now, it's a 5 minute shrug.



Title: Re: San Diego Comic-Con 2015
Post by: Jesse James on July 10, 2015, 06:50 PM
Yeah they can stop the tap dance at any time, I agree.  The outcome will be what it is...  So just say what the line's 3.75" presence will be (5POA only?  A total of figures in that scale at launch?  What?), and be done.  Don't even reveal stuff, just give some numbers and specifics, and let the chips fall.  That'd be nice for all involved.
Title: Re: San Diego Comic-Con 2015
Post by: Jeff on July 10, 2015, 08:40 PM
Hey - it's old Rex!  Pic showed up in Hasbro's FTP under the "Star Wars Universe" banner...  so that makes FOUR 3.75" figures for the Fall.

(http://www.jedidefender.com/news/images/2015_07/B3954A500_starwarsuniverse_captainrex.jpg)
Title: Re: San Diego Comic-Con 2015
Post by: Jesse James on July 10, 2015, 08:44 PM
Someone's been hitting the cheesey poofs.  :-X
Title: Re: San Diego Comic-Con 2015
Post by: Jeff on July 10, 2015, 09:42 PM
The JediDefender SDCC 2015 Hasbro Image Gallery (http://www.jedidefender.com/gallery/imageFolio.cgi?direct=Conventions/San_Diego_Comic_Con_2015/Hasbro) has been updated with today's reveals and press images.  Nice shots in there, take a look if you haven't already! :)
Title: Re: San Diego Comic-Con 2015
Post by: Darby on July 10, 2015, 10:06 PM
Just thought I'd say after watching the BTS video and following the panel - you know, who cares about the toys. We're going to get a special film I think and I'm glad we're all here to see it. The rest is just extra. Can't wait.
Title: Re: San Diego Comic-Con 2015
Post by: Jeff on July 11, 2015, 09:22 PM
The JediDefender Q&A with Hasbro (https://soundcloud.com/jedidefender/san-diego-comic-con-2015-jedidefender-qa-with-hasbro) at San Diego Comic-Con 2015 has been posted to our soundcloud account for you to enjoy...   thanks again to Darth Anton for helping us out with our West Coast coverage once again this year! :)
Title: Re: San Diego Comic-Con 2015
Post by: P-Siddy on July 11, 2015, 11:04 PM
Thanks, Anton, for the interview!  Nice job, to both you, for doing it, and to Hasbro for evasive answers regarding SA 3.75" figures.

One thing that would be nice is a name-change for one of the Black Series line scales.  That way if a question is asked about 3.75" figures, Hasbro won't go to their default answer about 6".  Anytime Hasbro says TBS, it's about the 6" line.  That's the mindset.  I don't know how much more direct Anton could be about the 3.75" line and Jeff quickly rattled off 6" stuff.
Title: Re: San Diego Comic-Con 2015
Post by: Darth_Anton on July 12, 2015, 02:03 AM
Thanks Siddy! I kept trying to think of how to direct Jeff back on course, but we've gotten to know each other decently enough that it's making me soft on him. He's a real genuine guy. But, I also think it shows that they're obviously personally excited about the 6 inch line.
Title: Re: San Diego Comic-Con 2015
Post by: Nicklab on July 12, 2015, 09:41 AM
It seems like this uncertainty and information blackout that we're dealing with is not limited to Hasbro.  Check out this NY Times article about the Star Wars presence at SDCC 2015 and what seems to be a concerted effort to not overhype THE FORCE AWAKENS film release and very likely all of the associated licensed merchandise:

http://mobile.nytimes.com/2015/07/11/business/promoters-of-coming-star-wars-film-have-a-delicate-dance-at-comic-con.html?smid=tw-nytimes&_r=1&referrer=
Title: Re: San Diego Comic-Con 2015
Post by: P-Siddy on July 12, 2015, 10:35 AM
Thanks Siddy! I kept trying to think of how to direct Jeff back on course, but we've gotten to know each other decently enough that it's making me soft on him. He's a real genuine guy. But, I also think it shows that they're obviously personally excited about the 6 inch line.

Yeah, I got the same impression after meeting and talking to him at a couple Toy Fairs I was at a couple years back.  I guess what I don't understand and I think a lot of people are wondering this as well is, what's the harm in saying, expect # 6" figures, # 6" vehicles, # 3.75 figures, etc.  It isn't revealing anything about the plot or what is being release (if it's just TFA or if there's Classic or Prequel, too).  In the end, all fans want to know from Hasbro is "How much money should I be bringing to Midnight Madness on 4 September?" so they can budget for it.

Nick, that's a pretty good article.  If Disney and LFL are holding back on info that's their prerogative.  I think it does generate interest going into the movie by knowing very little about the story.  The spoiler-free people will be happy.  Disney/LFL have been throwing little bones out there with that BTS video.  Quite frankly, the movie industry has a habit of showing too much in trailers that one can piece together the entire movie before going to the theater.  It's nice to have some mystery.
Title: Re: San Diego Comic-Con 2015
Post by: Brian on July 12, 2015, 09:22 PM
Although the little of what was shown looked very nice (looking forward to those new 6" figures), I have to say that I was disappointed there wasn't at least a little more.  For the last 3-4 conventions, where all Hasbro could say was "we can't talk about Fall 2015 or beyond", they seemed to give the impression or even straight out said "wait until SDCC".  Was this seriously what we were holding our breath for? The giant TIE (while really cool) wasn't quite the reveal I thought we'd get.  I thought we would at least see the finished figures for Rey, Finn, etc. that were leaked months ago in prototype form.

I can understand having secrecy going into the movie as well, and don't even mind that to some extent, but it would be nice to have an idea what the line will look like for budgeting and all of that.  I know not everyone has to do that, but I know that I do, and its nice to have an idea of what's coming.  Plus, I think that any character that has been shown in the trailers could have been shown in toy form.  So, for example, if the 3 3/4" is going to be 5 POA or whatever, show us a Rey, Finn, and Poe so we can get an idea of what they're going to look like.  They are starting to run out of chances to promote this prior to Sept 4 (not that they necessarily need to), and it would be nice to get a look at at least a few things.  That being said, it might be out of Hasbro's hands on this one too.
Title: Re: San Diego Comic-Con 2015
Post by: Darby on July 12, 2015, 10:25 PM
This is all Disney:

http://mobile.nytimes.com/2015/07/11/business/promoters-of-coming-star-wars-film-have-a-delicate-dance-at-comic-con.html?smid=tw-nytimes&_r=2&referrer=
Title: Re: San Diego Comic-Con 2015
Post by: Nicklab on July 13, 2015, 06:18 AM
Well, after they spent $4 billion on the whole franchise, I can see why they might want to execute a very controlled rollout for Star Wars under the Disney banner.  They want to make sure they recoup the investment for the Star Wars intellectual property.  And that's not just about THE FORCE AWAKENS, but the whole plan of a new trilogy as well as the Anthology films, theme park updates and licensed merchandise.
Title: Re: San Diego Comic-Con 2015
Post by: Jeff on July 13, 2015, 12:51 PM
Well, SDCC is over and I came to this realization:

Any excitement I had for FORCE FRIDAYTM is gone.  I've got this nifty Hasbro calendar counting me down to... what?   ???

I was pretty excited about the possibility of a retail reboot and a new line... but after SDCC, I'm not sure why I should be excited about heading to my favorite retailer at midnight for the 9/4 shopping spree.

Am I supposed to head out and stand in line hoping there will be something for me to buy?  Will I be setting myself up for a massive disappointment?  What if I choose to go to Target, while all the 3.75" collector figures are now exclusive to TRU or something?

And how much should I budget for?  I'm sure I'm not the only one who can't just show up and spend a thousand dollars 'on demand' on this stuff.  I've been setting aside some cash assuming that I'll be buying something, but who knows if it will be enough for whatever they're planning.

Hasbro, I get it.  Mickey Mouse won't let you say anything about the new stuff so you don't over-hype your movie/investment.  Maybe that's for the best.  Maybe I should do the same... I'd hate to get me too excited too, to the point that I buy a bunch of stuff I don't maybe need because it's new and exciting.

So yeah - thanks Hasbro and Disney for giving me the chance to realize I don't have to buy into your Force Friday hype like I bought into the Midnight Madnesses of the past, only to stare at my 2005 Holo Yoda, 2008 Holo CW General Grievous, or whatever figures thinking, "why did I buy this" and remember - oh yeah, I was caught up in the hype.

Not this time, I guess. :-\
Title: Re: San Diego Comic-Con 2015
Post by: P-Siddy on July 13, 2015, 01:29 PM
That's a pretty good summary, Jeff. 

Where to go, What to buy? How much to budget?

Instead we hear "We can't talk about Fall 2015 and beyond" or "There will be something for fans of all scales".
Title: Re: San Diego Comic-Con 2015
Post by: Pete_Fett on July 13, 2015, 02:48 PM
Agreed, great summary Jeff.

I had pretty much forgotten about what Midnight Madness was like - especially since the last major one was 10+ years ago.

Back in 2005, I did the midnight madness at Toys R Us, then after getting "done" there, I immediately went across the street to sit outside of the Target. Right before they opened, my wife joined me so I'd have a 2nd person to help me get an opener of Lava Reflection Vader, and then once "done" there, I went over to WalMart so I could get the Modern Early Bird Kit.

The funny thing is that SO MUCH of this stuff was produced, none of it ended up being hard to get in the days that followed. Toys R Us ran out of Dagger Squad B-Wings but got PLENTY in eventually, in fact I even scored a 2nd opener eventually on deep clearance, Target eventually had pegs of Lava Reflection Vader, and WalMart had stacks and stacks of that Early Bird Kit.

So in addition to the "where should I go" and "what can I expect" questions, the "how much has been produced" question is also important.

From what I have seen NOTHING has been produced in any great quantity anymore, production runs are a fraction of what they were 10 years ago and we are definitely back to a post-EP1 "buy it when you see it or else you may never see it again" environment with many cases the situation being that you don't see certain products EVER.

So IMHO, what we saw (or didn't see) at SDCC should be an indicator of just that - buy what you see, if you see it, cause the way things were back in 2005 is LONG gone.

My hope is that we'll get a better idea of what exclusives are going to be where closer to Force Friday and then beyond that all other purchases can be handled via online retailers. I might still do the Midnight Madness, but not if all it'll get me is a wave of 12 5POA figures, that will be easier to buy by the case.

Title: Re: San Diego Comic-Con 2015
Post by: Brian on July 13, 2015, 07:52 PM
Great points Jeff, my feelings as well.  I'm really starting to get hyped for the movie at this point, and want to feel the same way about the toys, but there's just nothing there.  Like it has been mentioned, it would have been nice if they were allowed to at least show off the characters/things already seen in trailers or officially released stuff.  The new "big 3", Han/Chewie, or something along those lines.  Or, if nothing else, some explanation of what is on the way...like "12-24 figures in the Saga Legends style, 6 new Black Series figures, this number of vehicles, etc."  We've seen retailer lists and all of that, but it would just be nice to have something more to go on.  I'm guessing we'll at least see some sort of information release maybe via Hasbro's official channels online or something?  Hopefully.
Title: Re: San Diego Comic-Con 2015
Post by: Darby on July 13, 2015, 09:46 PM
I definitely see the concern with going into it blind. I mentioned before I'm kind of ok with this, but at the same time I'd like some idea of how nuts this will be so I can plan accordingly. That being said, from a few of the Q&A's popping up, seems like the line will be fairly robust and will be heavily centered on stuff from TFA, so good and good. I think I'll focus on just the figures (I'm completely behind 5 POA so I doubt I'll be disappointed - well, the price) and then see what's what with everything else.
Title: Re: San Diego Comic-Con 2015
Post by: Matt_Fury on July 14, 2015, 01:42 AM
I'm in the same boat.  I don't need to see everything that is coming out, but knowing that TFA will have better than 5 POA action figures in the 3.75" scale would be good enough for me.

Right now, I'm just counting down the days when my Stormtrooper kit shows up from Anovos.  My oldest son is going to flip when he sees daddy dressed as a Stormtrooper!
Title: Re: San Diego Comic-Con 2015
Post by: Jesse James on July 14, 2015, 02:24 AM
I'm not going out anyway so I guess I'm not really thinking much about it.  I'll either be working Saturday or have a football game to be at the night before and the next day, so I'm not going to be out partying it up buying toys I guess.  :-\

But yeah, knowing what to budget for it is a nice thing, and Hasbro should at least be laying some things like that out for us.  Just a "wait and see!" isn't going to cut it for many.

That said I've lost hope of much of it appealing to me anyway, so I guess I'm already not really feeling like I'll be missing out except that my friends are all going and I can't join them.  :'(

I overbought in 1999...  Definitely was too young to know to bide my time on soooo much stuff.  Didn't buy a buttload as much as I regretted that what I did buy I could've had for less than half, easily.

2002, learned my lesson from 99 and only bought that WM TIE Bomber (bought every one my WM had!), and didn't buy a single figure from that line till a long while later.

2005, bought some of what I liked.  Prices were fair, figures were pretty high quality in collection 2...  Didn't buy vehicles, didn't buy a ton really, but I did get some of those Jedi and wasn't disappointed in that choice.  I also didn't go out till that morning for Target Vader...  That was probably pretty dumb of me actually.  :-X  Should've stayed in bed.
Title: Re: San Diego Comic-Con 2015
Post by: GrandMoffNick on July 14, 2015, 07:20 AM
Not being able to budget for this is a kick in the nuts. I'm concerned I'm going to go to Target, buy what they have only to find out tru chose to carry a line target didn't
Title: Re: San Diego Comic-Con 2015
Post by: Phrubruh on July 14, 2015, 09:24 AM
You know, you don't have to buy anything.  >:D

I wonder if the stores will change their stocking policies for this movie. Will figures actually be available long after the release date or will the pegs and displays stay empty long after the movie is released. The Ep1:3D thing kicked them in the balls and they never properly stocked after that.
Title: Re: San Diego Comic-Con 2015
Post by: Nicklab on July 14, 2015, 09:40 AM
Again it looks like the release schedule for THE FORCE AWAKENS and Disney's strategy is the big sticking point for EVERYTHING.  Disney appears to be committed to not over-hyping the film and avoiding the over-saturation of the market with product.  That NY Times article about the lack of Star Wars presence at SDCC 2015 stated that Disney is projecting ticket sales that may reach $2 billion.  That kind of money trumps everything else, including toy lines.

The next significant event on the calender before that September 4th street date is the Disney D23 expo in Anaheim.  That kicks off on Friday, August 14th.  And I imagine if Disney/LFL licensing/Hasbro is going to reveal anything else, they would do it at that event since it's only 3 weeks before the street date.  I suspect we may see something from the Asian eBay sellers around that time, unless there's a significant clampdown on their activities, too.
Title: Re: San Diego Comic-Con 2015
Post by: Jeff on July 14, 2015, 10:36 AM
Took some time this AM to check out some other site Q&As...  I love this one at SSG (http://www.sirstevesguide.com/2015/07/13/sdcc-2015-hasbro-star-wars-qa-with-jeff-labovitz/):

SSG: In the new Universe two-pack line, which includes Ahsoka and Vader from Rebels, they’re listed at $14.99.  That’s a bit up from the current price point at $9.99.  Will these figures be of a higher quality, or is it just that the $9.99 price point isn’t sustainable anymore?

JL: At Hasbro, we don’t always control what retail prices the figure’s at, so you’ll see some variation.


"Hey, your little sign says $15 for 2-packs - what's up with the $5 price hike?"
"we don't control prices"

Really?  ::)


The next significant event on the calender before that September 4th street date is the Disney D23 expo in Anaheim.  That kicks off on Friday, August 14th.  And I imagine if Disney/LFL licensing/Hasbro is going to reveal anything else, they would do it at that event since it's only 3 weeks before the street date.

I'm not buying D23 as an avenue for much news, though. 

I haven't seen anything from Hasbro to indicate they'll be at the 2015 D23 Expo.  No panel announcement, no booth announcement, nothing. The only thing D23 has said about Hasbro so far is that Hasbro will be sponsoring a Disney Trivial Pursuit contest/lounge.

Hasbro has been very open this year about when and where they will debut stuff.  Before Toy Fair they told us there would be no TFA and to wait for some news at SDCC.  If they were going to show stuff at D23, I think that would have been the mantra instead of "wait until you see Force Friday!"

For them to show up at D23 unannounced with a bunch of new TFA toys?  That'd be a great way to anger a bunch of fan sites (you know who I mean, Nick) who aren't currently planning to be there.
Title: Re: San Diego Comic-Con 2015
Post by: Nicklab on July 14, 2015, 10:57 AM
Yes, but the people in question have a fear of people and crowds, preventing them from attending conventions where you might actually be able to do ACTUAL REPORTING.  Hence their absence from pretty much any con where Hasbro is in attendance.  Besides, it's easy to just stir **** up, right?
Title: Re: San Diego Comic-Con 2015
Post by: GrandMoffNick on July 14, 2015, 01:12 PM
You know, you don't have to buy anything.  >:D

You lost me here.

My point is that if I budget $x for September 4 and knew what was being released, I could go into target see what they had from my want list, leave stuff i may like but know not as much as other itrms and then head to tru hoping they had the rest.

With no complete list I may find $x worth of stuff I find worth buying at Target. Then find out I should have passed onsome things because something else at tru was more spend worthy
Title: Re: San Diego Comic-Con 2015
Post by: Jesse James on July 14, 2015, 01:35 PM
A hasbro designer recently said on twitter basically "see you for Force Friday for the full reveal" or something along those lines, so I think it really is just that.  I think there is a slight chance some toys are revealed on Hasbro's new "Pulse" site too.  I didn't plan on buying a lot even if I did know, so I guess this isn't bugging me too much.  A little but but not a ton.
Title: Re: San Diego Comic-Con 2015
Post by: Scott on July 14, 2015, 04:27 PM
That is wrong though...everything will be revealed through leaks in the next few weeks...everything which is even more baffling about this to me
Title: Re: San Diego Comic-Con 2015
Post by: Dave on July 14, 2015, 04:47 PM
That is wrong though...everything will be revealed through leaks in the next few weeks...everything which is even more baffling about this to me

I would hope that Hasbro/Disney is aware of the leaks that are likely to happen.   I assume if they wanted to control the message they would have revealed stuff at SDCC.

I'm guessing its all driven by Disney's desire not to over promote the film at this point.  Which I'm 100% behind.  I would be fine with them not releasing any toys until Dec.

I know people want to be able to budget for their purchases, and I get that concern, but I'm guessing that is pretty far down Disney/Hasbro's list of issues.  I can't imagine anything is going to be hard to find and should linger for months, so hopefully everyone has the budget flexibility to fill their collections throughout the fall.

I've been itching to buy the teaser poster for TFA as well, but that isn't available for purchase, and is fairly lame in comparison to all the other teaser posters.  I wonder if this is all part of Disney's plan to keep things on simmer for as long as possible.
Title: Re: San Diego Comic-Con 2015
Post by: Phrubruh on July 14, 2015, 06:04 PM
Come Sept 4th, the marketing on this movie will be seen on the moon. Disneyland is getting large star wars exhibit to replace the lower level of Innoventions. Epcot is getting the same thing for one side of their Innoventions building.
Title: Re: San Diego Comic-Con 2015
Post by: JediJman on July 14, 2015, 09:37 PM
What is the date this new stuff is slated to be released at retail?  Same release date for online merchandisers?
Title: Re: San Diego Comic-Con 2015
Post by: Jeff on July 14, 2015, 11:44 PM
I'm guessing its all driven by Disney's desire not to over promote the film at this point.

No need to guess, it is exactly that - time to post that article again for folks that may have missed it.

Check out this NY Times article about the Star Wars presence at SDCC 2015 and what seems to be a concerted effort to not overhype THE FORCE AWAKENS film release and very likely all of the associated licensed merchandise:

http://mobile.nytimes.com/2015/07/11/business/promoters-of-coming-star-wars-film-have-a-delicate-dance-at-comic-con.html?smid=tw-nytimes&_r=1&referrer=



And...

What is the date this new stuff is slated to be released at retail?  Same release date for online merchandisers?

#ForceFriday is September 4th.  No one seems to want to admit to it publicly, but it is believed that 9/4 will be the day that on-line shops can start taking orders as well.
Title: Re: San Diego Comic-Con 2015
Post by: Jesse James on July 14, 2015, 11:50 PM
And yes, what Scott said...  most of this will get leaked I bet.

Retailers, if nobody else, will leak it because they always have street dates broken.  It is science.
Title: Re: San Diego Comic-Con 2015
Post by: Jesse James on July 16, 2015, 11:45 PM
SDCC 2015 Image Galleries (http://www.jedidefender.com/index.php?id=1728)

Final update to the galleries...  Added some more companies to the database, and wanted to take a moment to thank Anthony (Darth_Anton) and Carlos (solrac) for both taking time off the show for us to take pictures and do more for the site and our readers.  Really appreciate that and already looking forward to next year!
Title: Re: San Diego Comic-Con 2015
Post by: Darby on July 17, 2015, 11:01 PM
Decent interview dealing exclusively on the Marvel line, but has good hard questions on the 3.75 scale that I think may have some insight into what can we expect for SW going forward:

http://awesometoyblog.com/2015/07/16/sdcc-2015-hasbros-marvel-team-interview/

In short, they're going forward with Marvel 3.75 and apparently with renewed interest.
Title: Re: San Diego Comic-Con 2015
Post by: Jesse James on July 18, 2015, 06:26 PM
Interestiń interview...  Not sure I hold out hope that it translates to Star Wars though.  Hasbro have heavily implied 6" just gives them a much broader freedom at this point.  I want to believe 3.75" has life to live yet.  Just not sure Hasbro has any thought towards it.
Title: Re: San Diego Comic-Con 2015
Post by: P-Siddy on August 7, 2015, 04:04 PM
So, are any of the 6" figures (jango, Ahsoka, Farmboy Luke, etc) revealed here going to be released during the September 4th Madness or is that a "Wait and See" answer.  And did they give a release date for these figures?
Title: Re: San Diego Comic-Con 2015
Post by: McMetal on August 7, 2015, 04:10 PM
Ahsoka was listed as "2016" on the placard at the Hasbro booth during SDCC, but who the heck really knows now?