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Collectibles => Other Collectibles => Topic started by: Brian on October 4, 2004, 10:57 AM

Title: Counting Up the Star Wars "Lines"
Post by: Brian on October 4, 2004, 10:57 AM
Not sure if this is exactly the right place to put this, but I figured that outside of basic figures/ships, etc., everything else Star Wars is technically an "other collectible", so I posted it here.  While figuring up my spending totals for the "collector's challenge" thread, it really surprised me how high it was.  Although some of it is due to dabbling in other non-SW lines, the majority of it is from a galaxy far, far away.  That, and the fact that I don't even collect many of the lines I'd like to made me realize how very much there is out there for the Star Wars collector to pick up.  It is overwhelming at times if you think about it, and I don't know how many people do it.  The basic figure line alone is enough to keep up on sometimes.  Anyways, just thinking about things that I have at least considered picking up at some point...there are a lot of lines represented:

Basic Figure Line - including ships, beasts, vehicles, "specialty" figures such as ultra/VOTC, etc.
12" Figure Line - not something I collect, but many do, although it has been a slow year in this area
Unleashed Line - I stick to OT only, and its a good thing I do
Galactic Heroes - A nice little line that I enjoy.  Not too pricey, and doesn't take up much room.
Kubricks - Really cool line, and actually just got my first last week.  Not sure if I'll be able to continue on, but I'd like to.
WOTC/Miniatures - Neat line, but another I'm having to stay away from.
Gentle Giant Mini-Busts - Really great product, too pricey for me to get too far into it.  Might pick up Han/Chewie busts if I have the funds (if/when they come out)
Gentle Giant Bust-Ups - More affordable, and thus, more tempting to me.  We'll see what the budget looks like when the time comes.
"Buddies" - Don't have any, tempted to get some at one time though, at least the Chewie.
Glasses (past and present) - I have always liked the vintage glasses, still working on getting the rest.  The current releases are nice too, but they could drop the figure (and the price) and it would be fine with me.
Posters - Lots of different posters out there, some really neat ones.
Comics - Tempted by this area sometimes, growing up a comic book kiddo.
Other Books - I have a couple visual guides, and there are so many other Star Wars books out there.
Games - Have a few video games, Trivial Pursuit (which honestly, we never play), and thinking about getting the Monopoly that is currently out (we don't have monopoly in our house, figured just as well get this version).

I know there are other areas that I'm not thinking of right now, but the bottom line is, it is just overwhelming (at least to me) sometimes all the stuff that is out there to pick up.  I'm happy with what I collect, but there are other lines that would be nice to get into as well.  Bottom line is...there's just a lot of STUFF out there in Star Wars land!
Title: Counting Up the Star Wars "Lines"
Post by: Brian on January 14, 2005, 02:51 PM
Just been thinking about this lately, and with some discussion lately of the brand being spread too thin, or in places it maybe shouldn't be, it got me to thinking how many different lines there are out there to collect for us Star Wars fans nowadays.  I'm sure between all of us, we could list pretty much everything.  Here's a start, I'm thinking mostly of continuous lines, not as much the "one shot" things like the Darth Tater Potato Head, although those can count too.

1. Hasbro 3 3/4" Modern Figure Line (including Deluxe, Vehicles, Beasts, etc.)
2. Hasbro 12" Modern Figure Line
3. Hasbro Unleashed Figure/Statue Line
4. Playskool Galactic Heroes Line (and Vehicles)
5. Playskool Jedi Force Line
6. Gentle Giant Mini Busts
7. Gentle Giant "Bust Ups"
8. Star Wars Kubricks
9. Star Wars Attacktix
10. Star Wars WOTC Miniatures
11. Star Wars Hallmark Ornaments
12. Star Wars Kotobukiya Statues
13. Star Wars Code 3 Products
14. Star Wars Collectors Glasses (Past and Present)
15. Star Wars Kenner Vintage 3 3/4" Line (beasts, vehicles, mini rigs, etc.)
16. Star Wars Posters
17. Star Wars Maquettes (Gentle Giant)
18. Star Wars LEGO
19. Star Wars Applause Mugs
20. Star Wars Master Replicas - mini sabers
21. Star Wars Master Replicas - FX Sabers
22. Star Wars Master Replicas - Prop Replicas
23. Star Wars Action Fleet/Micro Machines
24. Star Wars Sideshow Maquettes
25. Star Wars Pez
26. Star Wars Ertl Models
27. Star Wars Trading/Gaming Cards

I know there are more and more (past and present), but I won't list them all, feel free to add to the list if you want to.  Lots of stuff out there to collect/choose from, unbelievable when you think of it.  I don't collect half the lines, but would be interested in some others if I had more expendable income.
Title: Re: Counting Up the Star Wars "Lines"
Post by: Mikey D on January 14, 2005, 02:55 PM
You keeping track, Brian?

Here's a couple that I have that I didn't see on your list-

-Lego
-Applause Mugs (this could fall into your "Collector Cups" category.  Pretty sure this line is dead, though.  Didn't Applause go out of business?)
Title: Re: Counting Up the Star Wars "Lines"
Post by: JediMAC on January 14, 2005, 02:57 PM
These also come to mind:

Legos

Master Replicas:
     Mini sabers
     FX sabers
     regular prop replicas

Action Fleet/Micro Machines (though these may now be defunct)

Sideshow maquettes
Title: Re: Counting Up the Star Wars "Lines"
Post by: Brian on January 14, 2005, 03:13 PM
Quote
You keeping track, Brian?

Not really keeping track I guess, I only collect a handful (or less) really, but just got to thinking about it today with all the product announcements, etc.  Plus, the times I've thought about picking up other lines, but not having the money or space for them, just gets overwhelming at times how much neat stuff (and sometimes, crappy stuff) is out there.  Plus, its a slow day at work :P.  Sorry if it is a pointless thread topic :).
Title: Re: Counting Up the Star Wars "Lines"
Post by: Mikey D on January 14, 2005, 03:26 PM
I meant you keeping track in your original post of any additional items that others mention.  Be neat to see what everyone comes up with.  Not a pointless thread at all.  There's stuff out there I would love to get (MR lightsabers and Code 3 ships come to mind), but, like you said, money and space are big issues.
Title: Re: Counting Up the Star Wars "Lines"
Post by: Brian on January 14, 2005, 03:27 PM
Oh, ok, misread ya Mikey, my bad.  I'll try to update things on the original post, and see what we can all come up with here.
Title: Re: Counting Up the Star Wars "Lines"
Post by: Scott on January 14, 2005, 03:42 PM
Pez
Ertl Models
Title: Re: Counting Up the Star Wars "Lines"
Post by: DSJ™ on January 14, 2005, 04:04 PM
Marmit-12" Figures. Don't think they make these anymore.  :-\
Fine Molds Models
Tomy-SW Diorama's: Still making these?
Kaiyodo-Soft Vinyl/Resin Figure Kits. Think they ended production. 
Estes Rockets: Still making these?

I see Lego, Pez & Ertl models are popular.  ;D
Title: Re: Counting Up the Star Wars "Lines"
Post by: JesseVader08 on January 14, 2005, 05:50 PM
Far from pointless!  Along the same thinking, I was wondering about and trying to keep track of all the product lines we'll be seeing for ROTS.  As more and more info pops up about the stuff to come, it's nice to be able to keep track of it all so I can make an "educated" decision about where my hard earned $$ are going to go.  I'll try and add more to the list...
Title: Re: Counting Up the Star Wars "Lines"
Post by: Morgbug on January 15, 2005, 01:19 AM
The Tomy mini-dioramas are pretty irregularly released.  Three years to get three series, so I expect they are still a go. 

Tomy also did the mini-mask magnets.

Gentle Giant is also supposed to be doing the mini-helmet schtick that has been delayed for a bit, but rumoured to still be on the way. 
Title: Re: Counting Up the Star Wars "Lines"
Post by: JesseVader08 on January 15, 2005, 04:11 AM
Ah, just thought of one: Star Wars Buddies.
Title: Re: Counting Up the Star Wars "Lines"
Post by: JediMAC on January 15, 2005, 06:48 AM
Marmit-12" Figures. Don't think they make these anymore.  :-\
Fine Molds Models
Tomy-SW Diorama's: Still making these?
Kaiyodo-Soft Vinyl/Resin Figure Kits. Think they ended production. 
Estes Rockets: Still making these?

Good Lord.  Pick some "normal" lines, would ya' Dale?!  Like ones that more than .001% of people actually collect, ya' know?   ::)

 :-*

And FWIW, I think all the models could just go together - like "Models (Ertl, Fine Molds, etc.)"
Title: Re: Counting Up the Star Wars "Lines"
Post by: DSJ™ on January 15, 2005, 06:55 AM
Marmit-12" Figures. Don't think they make these anymore.  :-\
Fine Molds Models
Tomy-SW Diorama's: Still making these?
Kaiyodo-Soft Vinyl/Resin Figure Kits. Think they ended production. 
Estes Rockets: Still making these?

Good Lord.  Pick some "normal" lines, would ya' Dale?!  Like ones that more than .001% of people actually collect, ya' know?   ::)

 :-*

And FWIW, I think all the models could just go together - like "Models (Ertl, Fine Molds, etc.)"

Those are normal lines!  ::)   :P   :-*   ;)
Title: Re: Counting Up the Star Wars "Lines"
Post by: Jeff on February 1, 2005, 04:10 PM
(http://euro.rebelscum.com/euroscum/uktoyfair2005/uktoyfair2005_halsall_wall1.jpg)

Yes!  Finally I can get some RotS in-line skates!  Or maybe a RotS Go-Cart!   ::)

Has anyone else checked out the UK Toy Fair reports?  It keeps coming up over and over, but MAN, are they driving this franchise into the ground this summer...

Cookie Jars, Bobble heads, Mugs, Figure Mugs, Shotglasses, barware, amgnets, key-chains, badges, pins, bookmarks, boardgames, medallionz, cards, plates, pens, gumball machines, banks, pop-tarts, cereal, chips, candy, the list goes on and on...


Jeff
Title: Re: Counting Up the Star Wars "Lines"
Post by: Brian on February 22, 2005, 10:04 AM
You know, after seeing the offerings shown at Toy Fair this weekend, it really seems like Star Wars is getting spread pretty thing.  Don't get me wrong, I really like all the "cool" collectibles that are out there now (or coming up) for Star Wars, because its my favorite movie(s), and it is always nice seeing it get attention and product lines, but it is starting to get overexposed now it seems.  Hasbro even in particular has too much coming out this year, and I'm not sure the market can support everything:

3 3/4" Basic Figure Line (Vehicles, Beasts, Deluxe, etc.)
12" Figure Line
6" Jedi Force Line
7" Force Battlers Line
Unleashed Line
Galactic Heroes Line
Attacktix Line

Not to mention other licensees (Gentle Giant, miniatures, etc.).  Lots out there to collect this year, and I know I can't afford it all (nor do I necessarily want it all).  Hasbro especially seems to not be able to decide what to do with some lines.  Jedi Force and Force Battlers seem to be essentially the same scale/market (although a bit different in appearance), but can the toy aisle really support both?  Then you throw in Galactic Heroes, Attacktix, and the "regular" figure line....I'm not sure it all can exist together.
Title: Re: Counting Up the Star Wars "Lines"
Post by: DoctorPadawan on February 22, 2005, 05:22 PM
The only things that have been coming to my mind when I see the pile of inevitable clearance garbage ummmm **** various items of dubious nature that are coming out this year is how much it reminds me of other "marketable entities."

If you're easily offended, please skip this part of the post now.

Hello Kitty and the Sanrio characters show up on some really odd items in Asia, including condoms and *ahem* "marital aids."  And yes, I have (regrettably) seen both of these.  But hey, they could do a special campaign with Star Wars I guess: either a special line of "martial aids" with lightsaber hilts as the bases in various colors, or prophilactics with the warning, "Use the Force of Trojan or wind up with younglings you will."   :o

KISS, music aside, but more specifically Gene Simmons, seems to be willing to put their name on anything these days.  Just when you think Gene has done it all, you see the KISS casket.  Maybe they can make a Star Wars casket that has a camoflage action so when they close it, it disappears so you can become one with the Force.  Or they can do special runs where they actually encase your body in a carbonite (yes, I know it's not real; maybe another molten liquid) block.  Only 4000 dollars at StarWarsShop.com, although good luck getting ahold of someone to actually order one.

Yeah, those are a little outlandish, but whenever I see Darth Vader water sprinklers or Jar Jar tongue candy, I remind myself that it could be far worse. :)

Now to actually contribute to the topic, lest we forget the Epic Force fiasco of 1997-1998.  As much as I would like to forget those, it was Hasbro's first of many unsuccessful ventures into the "mid-sized" action figure world, and was probably only surpassed in head slapping badness by the three POTJ-era "large action figures" of Obi-Wan, Maul, and the Droideka (there was a name for this line, but I can't recall what it was).  Not an ongoing line, but it's still a part of SW toy history (and I am very thankful for that).

Title: Re: Counting Up the Star Wars "Lines"
Post by: Jeff on July 20, 2005, 04:22 PM
Time to drag this guy back up again...

Habsro, Hasbro, Hasbro... what am I going to do with you? ::)

After this summer, you're choosing to water down the license EVEN MORE?  What the heck are you trying to do?

Star Wars Transformers?
Titanium Forged?
Star Wars Choppers?

What else can you smash together with the Star Wars Brand to water it down even further.

How long before we see:

Star Wars - My Little Pony!  Amidala and Leia ride ponies with real-feel hair!  Woo-Hoo!

Star Wars - Littlest Pet Shop!  Tiny little SW Creatures you can care for!  Don't miss the awesome baby rancor 3-pack ot the exciting dewback zoo playset!

Star Wars Bratzz!  Leia and Amidala get "jiggy wit it" and funk up the SW Universe!  Don't forget to add Pimpin' Hos Han and Street Corner Luke!

Star Wars Pokemon!  Join Ash and Luke as they enter the Imperial Poke-Battle!  I choose you, Chewbac-ator!



 ::)  Enough is enough! 

Too many lines = too much Star Wars products = collectors have to pick and choose = lines lose support = lines die!  When next spring rolls around and all the retailers are "Star Wars-ed" out, we'll have Hasbro to thank, so THANKS!   >:(


Jeff
Title: Re: Counting Up the Star Wars "Lines"
Post by: dafoo on July 20, 2005, 11:42 PM
Star Wars Chia Pets would ROCK!

CHEWWWWIE!!!!


or the Star Wars Pet Rock?!
Title: Re: Counting Up the Star Wars "Lines"
Post by: Brian on July 21, 2005, 09:15 AM
Quote
Enough is enough!

Too many lines = too much Star Wars products = collectors have to pick and choose = lines lose support = lines die!  When next spring rolls around and all the retailers are "Star Wars-ed" out, we'll have Hasbro to thank, so THANKS!   

I agree 100%.  As much as I like Star Wars, I'm getting tired of all the different product lines that are either out, or rumored to be coming out.  I really have a tough time believing the majority of these lines do well, and in the long run its just going to hurt the franchise overall...hurt Hasbro by failing/losing retail support, and hurt collectors by us losing our line.  Its been said a number of times, but Hasbro really needs to stick to the basics and scale things in a little bit.  Put the majority of their focus in the 3 3/4" line and all that accompanies it (ships/beasts/playsets/etc.), and then focus in on one great "collector oriented" line (which 3 3/4" should/could be) like 7" Unleashed (which is leaving) and then a line for the kiddies (Galactic Heroes seems like the best choice).  I really think things would be better overall for the company and collectors/kids alike if they went this route.
Title: Re: Counting Up the Star Wars "Lines"
Post by: Brian on November 4, 2005, 03:02 PM
You know, I thought with the ROTS hype dying down as 2005 continued on, we'd be looking towards at least a slightly more streamlined brand for 2006, but that doesn't seem to be the case.  We've got quite a few new lines coming up, including Transformers, Titanium Figures and other related lines, "little" Unleashed, those wretched Chopper things, and a few I'm sure I'm forgetting.  Aside from that, I don't know that many of the lines that popped up this year (or previous) are really going away, aside from the larger Unleashed (at least for now), which seemed to be one of the few offshoot lines that people really enjoyed.  I'd definitely like to see things simmer down a little bit, hopefully after some failures at retail, Hasbro can "trim the fat" and get back to the core, basic line, and just a couple others that seem to fit in.