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Collectibles => Past Hasbro 3.75" Lines => The Black Series 3.75" => Topic started by: P-Siddy on January 22, 2014, 04:13 PM

Title: The Black Series 3.75" - Wave 4
Post by: P-Siddy on January 22, 2014, 04:13 PM
Wave 5 assortment as rumored by JTA... most like confirmed at Toy Fair

Luke Skywalker [Dagobah Training] (x2)
 Yoda [Dagobah Training] (x2)
 Snowtrooper Commander (x2)
 Toryn Farr (x2)
 Dack Ralter (VC07 repack) (x2)
 Bastila Shan (VC69 repack) (x2)
Title: Re: The Black Series 3.75" - Wave 4
Post by: Darth_Anton on January 24, 2014, 09:07 AM
I hope and prey that it works out that 2 per case with no hold-overs moves a lot faster at retail.
Title: Re: The Black Series 3.75" - Wave 4
Post by: Jeff on February 15, 2014, 05:27 PM
Man, Luke, Yoda, Toryn, and the Snowtrooper looked fantastic.  our pics coming soon (but I'm sure other paces already have them up somewhere).
Title: Re: The Black Series 3.75" - Wave 4
Post by: Jesse James on February 15, 2014, 06:06 PM
I'm excited to see what is there and get your reports Jeff. :)
Title: Re: The Black Series 3.75" - Wave 4
Post by: Jeff on February 15, 2014, 07:14 PM
Toryn.  More coming soon!

(http://www.jedidefender.com/gallery/files/gallery/Conventions/Toy_Fair_2014/Hasbro/Star_Wars/Black_Series_-_3.75_inch/DSC_0088.JPG)
Title: Re: The Black Series 3.75" - Wave 4
Post by: Jeff on February 15, 2014, 07:34 PM
And I really, really like Yoda.  He turned out so well I think.

(http://www.jedidefender.com/gallery/files/gallery/Conventions/Toy_Fair_2014/Hasbro/Star_Wars/Black_Series_-_3.75_inch/DSC_0303.JPG)
Title: Re: The Black Series 3.75" - Wave 4
Post by: Jesse James on February 15, 2014, 09:57 PM
Gorgeous.  I just hope production turns out that nice.
Title: Re: The Black Series 3.75" - Wave 4
Post by: McMetal on February 15, 2014, 11:15 PM
Any confirmations on the assortment for this wave? Bastila redux?
Title: Re: The Black Series 3.75" - Wave 4
Post by: Jeff on February 15, 2014, 11:32 PM
Supposed to be pretty much this:

Wave 5 assortment as rumored by JTA... most like confirmed at Toy Fair

Luke Skywalker [Dagobah Training] (x2)
 Yoda [Dagobah Training] (x2)
 Snowtrooper Commander (x2)
 Toryn Farr (x2)
 Dack Ralter (VC07 repack) (x2)
 Bastila Shan (VC69 repack) (x2)

But like I said someplace else in here tonight, 4/5 are sort of interchangeable.  They will hit close together in the summer so what we are calling "Wave 5" here may actually hit before "Wave 4".
Title: Re: The Black Series 3.75" - Wave 4
Post by: Jayson on February 16, 2014, 10:56 AM
Best. Yoda. Ever.
Title: Re: The Black Series 3.75" - Wave 4
Post by: EpicGon on February 16, 2014, 12:09 PM
This is the best Dagobah fatigues Luke Skywalker so far.

A desirable sculpt (Yoda, Luke, Snowtrooper) to bear in mind for the future black series line.

The Wampa attack Luke is a running change, they must have had made a head without hat and sans scars.
Title: Re: The Black Series 3.75" - Wave 4
Post by: Darby on February 16, 2014, 05:02 PM
Everything looks great. Yoda... wow. So these are coming this summer, or in August, along side Rebels?
Title: Re: The Black Series 3.75" - Wave 4
Post by: Brian on February 17, 2014, 04:37 PM
Still really looking forward to this wave.  The Yoda alone is amazing, at least from the pics we've seen.  I'm pretty jazzed for the Luke as well, and Torryn Farr knocks another long-requested figure off the list.
Title: Re: The Black Series 3.75" - Wave 4
Post by: CHEWIE on February 19, 2014, 01:11 PM
Great figures, and good case assortments.  Definitely worthy of buying a case online.

I fear there could be a retail pegwarmer here in Toryn Farr, and Dack.  I think those would have been okay at 1 each per case.  But at least both are really good figures.
Title: Re: The Black Series 3.75" - Wave 4
Post by: SnTrooper on March 10, 2014, 05:46 PM
Carded pictures:
http://jediinsider.com/index.php?catid=8&itemid=15236
Title: Re: The Black Series 3.75" - Wave 4
Post by: Muftak on March 10, 2014, 06:56 PM
Yoda is a real letdown after earlier pics of the hardcopy from Toyfair. Happy to stick with OTC I guess. I will have to get Torryn Farr, though, she was always one of those "that'll never happen" figures on my checklist.
Title: Re: The Black Series 3.75" - Wave 4
Post by: Jesse James on March 10, 2014, 07:44 PM
I'm not really disappointed in anything shown yet...  They're not usually indicative of production shots, so I'll wait.  I think Yoda looks good though...  Luke's arms I get the anger on them not looking perfect by all means, but I also say they're intended for poseability so I'll take them.  His eyes look far goofier to me.  I could see swapping Bespin heads with him though.

Of the group they're all must-buy's to me.  I wanted a poseable (hyper poseable) Dagobah Training Luke since the day we got the OTC figure, honestly.  I hated the limited use of that figure from Day 1.  I wanted a Luke that can do it all, and he and this Yoda fill that role perfectly to me.
Title: Re: The Black Series 3.75" - Wave 4
Post by: Diddly on March 11, 2014, 03:48 AM
I think Yoda looks off compared to the sample because they used a ridiculously oversized cloak and the colors of the cloak and skin are a tad bit darker. I'll reserve judgement until I'm actually holding the figure. I'm honestly excited for the entire wave.

That Snowtrooper looked like a $5 figure to me at first. Weird.
Title: Re: The Black Series 3.75" - Wave 4
Post by: Jeff on March 11, 2014, 10:01 AM
That Snowtrooper looked like a $5 figure to me at first. Weird.

We are getting a new snowtrooper in both lines - there is a new 5POA one in the Legends line and this SA Snowtrooper Commander in the Black Series.

I wanted a poseable (hyper poseable) Dagobah Training Luke since the day we got the OTC figure, honestly.  I hated the limited use of that figure from Day 1.  I wanted a Luke that can do it all, and he and this Yoda fill that role perfectly to me.

I like the OTC one for the handstanding arms/stand, I thought that was a great way to do it at the time.  But this new SA arms version, while looking a bit funky is appreciated.  Like you said, if I wanted a static pose arms version, I've already got that.
Title: Re: The Black Series 3.75" - Wave 4
Post by: Nicklab on March 11, 2014, 10:30 AM
The kama on the Snowtrooper Commander seems like a step backwards.  But it's very likely that the move to a molded plastic kama from softgoods was dictated by cost considerations.

From the standpoint of versatility and articulation, I think that the new Dagobah Luke and Yoda are very significant steps forward from the OTC versions.  But I agree with Jeff, the OTC version of Luke in the handstand pose is pretty good for that particular scene.  This new version would be great for Luke doing his running and training through the Dagobah swamps.

It's good to see the reissues confirmed.  Especially Bastila.  She was so difficult for anyone to track down that such a reissue will at least help a few people.  Dak is still a little bit of a head scratcher, but I think that Hasbro will probably be shopping a Snowspeeder exclusive to some retailer for later this year, and they want Dak back on the market to complement that.  I still would've preferred a reissue of the VC68 - Echo Base Trooper, but hopefully Hasbro's hanging onto that one for another offering.
Title: Re: The Black Series 3.75" - Wave 4
Post by: Jesse James on March 11, 2014, 09:49 PM
NOT a fan of the Snowtrooper officer's Kama as it basically nullifies all the leg articulation.  Fortunately making cloth Kamas is about one of the easiest things to do, and doesn't even need sewing, so I'm fine with that...  I'm still excited for him though I will be modifying hopefully a couple extras for Platoon Leaders.

This Dagobah Training Luke will be replacing my OTC figure, hands down (nyuck nyuck)...  He has the open palm hands for the stands even.  Hasbro put a $10 figure out there...  Don't disagree that they should've hidden those elbow pins though (Jayson mentioned that to me on twitter and I agree).  Still, I'd rather the pins be there than no, or more limited articulation at that joint.  I'm happy as a clam.

Dak, I see lots of folks dumping on him (far worse than he's just a head scratcher to them) and to me, he's a perfect snowspeeder pilot army builder.  Blue emblem helmet, comes with a Rebel rifle you can toss to some Fleet Troopers...  He's a great army builder so even if we don't get a snowspeeder (I'd love a damaged Luke speeder with the bent blasters and cracked windshield), so I'll take him.  I didn't get enough TVC ones.

I may sell my Bastilla(s) off to people who need them more...  Even loose on Ebay she's still fetching a nice price.  Sort of shocked given these were rumored.

These next two waves I'm ecstatic for.
Title: Re: The Black Series 3.75" - Wave 4
Post by: Greg on March 11, 2014, 10:13 PM
I'm torn on these new figures... While I am very excited to see these new and updated characters, the figures look rather cheap in the photos. It might be a combination of the paint, sculpting, and shiny plastic that is giving me bad vibes. Hopefully they will be more like the Wave 3 Vizams and Merumerus than Wave 2 Stormies or Mara Jades when they finally hit retail.
Title: Re: The Black Series 3.75" - Wave 4
Post by: Scott on March 12, 2014, 09:50 AM
I get that the final Yoda won't be anywhere near the ones shown at Toy Fair but it sucks they are going to the old Prequel head with little pupils and less defined features.  I've said it before and I'll say it again, for some reason the eyes on Yoda make and break the figure

(http://www.jedi-business.com/images/actionFigures/The-Power-Of-The-Force-2/The-Power-Of-The-Force-2-Yoda_Big_5.jpg)
(http://www.jedidefender.com/collect92/yoda%20modern.jpg)

Jesse said this in the Collect all 92 Yoda thread...so much is lost from Proto to production and unfortunately the painting on a mass produced level is typically what suffers the most.  Am I pissed and outraged?  No, am I dissapointed, a little. :(
Title: Re: The Black Series 3.75" - Wave 4
Post by: Matt_Fury on March 12, 2014, 02:24 PM
It's still a good looking Yoda....I just wish it could be more like the TF display.
Title: Re: The Black Series 3.75" - Wave 4
Post by: Jesse James on March 12, 2014, 07:42 PM
Those Hasbro pics rarely translate 100% too...  I think it may look better in person, but who knows.  It's by no means the mini-replica it was at Toy Fair, but I never expected that.  I hoped, but with paint aps where they are in this line?  They've been cut to epic lows...  1995's were superior in many ways.  I wasn't expecting much more than we got so I'm not really disappointed at all.  It is what I expected.  I think it may even look a little better once we get it.  The Fleet Trooper wound up looking significantly different from his Hasbro press pics...  This may as well.
Title: Re: The Black Series 3.75" - Wave 4
Post by: Scott on March 20, 2014, 03:24 PM
eTailers should be posting these real soon...be on the lookout!
Title: Re: The Black Series 3.75" - Wave 4
Post by: Jesse James on March 20, 2014, 04:47 PM
Anxious to order something new...  Last new thing I bought was off HTS before Christmas.
Title: Re: The Black Series 3.75" - Wave 4
Post by: Darth_Anton on March 20, 2014, 06:37 PM
Checking HTS every hour or so...
Title: Re: The Black Series 3.75" - Wave 4
Post by: Jesse James on March 20, 2014, 07:02 PM
On the road all day so that rarely works out for me, but I do think I'd nab some extras from HTS even at full price.  I want the Snowie officer at least.
Title: Re: The Black Series 3.75" - Wave 4
Post by: Scott on April 1, 2014, 03:37 PM
BBTS Preorder (http://www.bigbadtoystore.com/bbts/search.aspx?search=3.75%20black%2001%20star%20wars%202014)
Title: Re: The Black Series 3.75" - Wave 4
Post by: Jeff on April 1, 2014, 04:27 PM
For those keeping track - as always, I kindly thank you for using our referral codes when ordering. :)

BBTS
Set of 6 (http://www.bigbadtoystore.com/bbts/product.aspx?product=HAS23676&mode=retail) = $59.99 plus shipping
Case of 12 (2x each) (http://www.bigbadtoystore.com/bbts/product.aspx?product=HAS23675&mode=retail) = $114.99 plus shipping

EE
Set of 6 (http://www.entertainmentearth.com/prodinfo.asp?number=HSA5077DD&id=JE-405087801) = $59.99 plus shipping
Case of 12 (2x each) (http://www.entertainmentearth.com/prodinfo.asp?number=HSA5077D&id=JE-405087801) = $119.99 with FREE shipping
Title: Re: The Black Series 3.75" - Wave 4
Post by: Jesse James on April 1, 2014, 07:15 PM
The more I look at Torryn Far, the more I'm into what a nice figure she makes... Removable headphones, nice deco, new headsculpt.  I'm kinda hoping I can nab a few of her actually.  I'd dig making a Torryn Far in non-Hoth outfit.
Title: Re: The Black Series 3.75" - Wave 4
Post by: Rob on April 22, 2014, 10:20 AM
Checking HTS every hour or so...

I hope you gave up on that a long time ago...


When are these supposed to start showing up?
Title: Re: The Black Series 3.75" - Wave 4
Post by: Scott on April 22, 2014, 10:38 AM
I believe I have seen estimates of around June...so about 6 weeks out I would say.  Maybe within in the next 2-3 we should start seeing foreign carded samples.
Title: Re: The Black Series 3.75" - Wave 4
Post by: Darth_Anton on April 24, 2014, 09:46 AM
Checking HTS every hour or so...

I hope you gave up on that a long time ago...


When are these supposed to start showing up?

Lol! I wound up pre-ordering a set from Dorkside toys.
Title: Re: The Black Series 3.75" - Wave 4
Post by: Rob on April 29, 2014, 04:31 PM
Some of these have shown up for Pre-order on Amazon:

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00CG5X0FO/ref=ox_sc_act_title_1?ie=UTF8&psc=1&smid=ATVPDKIKX0DER
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00CG5X1OY/ref=ox_sc_act_title_2?ie=UTF8&psc=1&smid=ATVPDKIKX0DER
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00CG5X0FY/ref=ox_sc_act_title_3?ie=UTF8&psc=1&smid=ATVPDKIKX0DER
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00CG5X1I0/ref=ox_sc_act_title_4?ie=UTF8&psc=1&smid=ATVPDKIKX0DER
http://www.amazon.com/Star-Wars-Series-Ralter-Figure/dp/B00JEQNUJO/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1398874393&sr=8-1&keywords=dak+ralter

The listings say July 31 for the release...
Title: Re: The Black Series 3.75" - Wave 4
Post by: Scott on May 26, 2014, 09:53 PM
So loose samples have shown up on eBay...some look better (Yoda!) some look worse (Luke!)

Check them out (http://www.ebay.com/itm/Star-Wars-black-series-wave-4-Yoda-loose-figure-pre-2-inch-with-blue-bag-/360942402741?pt=US_Action_Figures&hash=item5409d7fcb5)

Title: Re: The Black Series 3.75" - Wave 4
Post by: Muftak on May 27, 2014, 10:36 AM
Meh...still not sold on Yoda's bulky robe and lack of belt. But yeah, those elbows of Luke's are out of control!

I had to really reel myself in and not order that Torryn Farr figure. I need to wait for retail on that, just because it's been so long since something was coming to retail that I wanted. (That being said, thanks for pointing out those auctions, I found a couple of real deals tucked away in that guy's listings!)
Title: Re: The Black Series 3.75" - Wave 4
Post by: Greedo The Green Menace on May 27, 2014, 12:03 PM
I'll stick with my OTC Dagobah Luke but the others look nice enough. Double hinge joints like that never look very good on flesh, and rarely on figures this small, I'd prefer the stick to the ball elbows.
Title: Re: The Black Series 3.75" - Wave 4
Post by: Jesse James on May 29, 2014, 02:11 PM
Personally I like Luke...  OTC exists, so for my money they were trying to deliver the Luke I wanted back when the OTC one came out.  A hyper articulated "do it all" Dagobah Training Luke figure...  So to that end I'm pretty happy.

I'm not a fan of the double-hinged elbow, and I would've preferred they tried to achieve a greater range of motion with their traditional ball-jointed elbows...  I think they could've managed a little more motion without as noticeable a joint as they have with the double-hinge.

I hate the double-hinges on GI Joes too, personally.  It allows greater motion for their knees, and that's cool and all, but I just don't care for the aesthetics.

That said, I'll take this version all day over the OTC statue...  It's good for hand stands or holding his backpack straps, and that's it.  This figure is just more "fun" to me. 

I'm excited to get Luke maybe the most...  I've waited since, what, 2004 now?  That and Yoda with the cloth backpack?  I'm giddy.  I'm getting two of each.
Title: Re: The Black Series 3.75" - Wave 4
Post by: Scott on May 29, 2014, 05:04 PM
Those elbows are so glaringly bad though that it wrecks the athsetics overall.  The likeness and accessories are cool by me, I just think that looks terrible

I also don't get why they tried to reinvent the wheel here, especially with so may 3-3/4" Super Hero figures out there with bare arms

(http://www.cooltoyreview.com/Hasbro/Thor/T-BattleHammer/01.jpg)
Title: Re: The Black Series 3.75" - Wave 4
Post by: Jesse James on May 29, 2014, 05:35 PM
I know what they wanted to do was have him able to hold his arms square to his chest ala holding his straps on the backpack...  The ball joint as it stands doesn't do that, but it could I think...  Some redesign.  They opted for the double-hinge which I don't like how it looks either, but for me the functionality of it trumps the aesthetics.

Hell, they've done articulated Luke bare arms already using ball joints and they obviously look miles superior to that...  They couldn't do what was intended here though either. 

So it's the trade off of function over aesthetics...  In this case, personally I take the function since one exists that opted for the other.  People are griping a lot, but for my money this is a $10 figure...  OTC is a $5 figure.  For $10 I want a Luke that can do it all.

Not to say if they did one with traditional ball joints down the road, that I wouldn't buy it.  I'd probably prefer it to this, given the option.  But this is better than the OTC for me...  This is the one that'll be more fun.  Just wondering now if I can make a little jacket for him to wear while he sulks.
Title: Re: The Black Series 3.75" - Wave 4
Post by: Paul on May 29, 2014, 06:49 PM
I agree with JJ on this one, I give them props for the attempt, although the GI JOE Ninja style Articulation isn't my favorite either.  The OTC one was just such a little statue. It is interesting that we have swappable hands in this scale though.

I'm trying to tell from the Thor picture Scott posted but I have to squint through that Watermark, so it makes it difficult.
Title: Re: The Black Series 3.75" - Wave 4
Post by: Jesse James on May 29, 2014, 08:24 PM
If we were really fortunate, a bare-armed Luke that exists already would swap perfectly with this figure's arms...

I can almost guarantee that won't happen, but yeah if we were lucky.  :(
Title: Re: The Black Series 3.75" - Wave 4
Post by: Diddly on May 30, 2014, 04:27 AM
I think they could have achieved the look they wanted if they angled the ball joint a little bit. Really Dagobah Luke only needs to hold his backpack straps and keep his arms straight to do handstands and try to lift his X-Wing. I also get what they were going for here, but I can't really figure out why it looks so bad either. The Marvel figures with these joints look great.
Title: Re: The Black Series 3.75" - Wave 4
Post by: Paul on May 30, 2014, 10:47 AM
In the interest of "research" I snagged the Luke from ebay, if it gets here soon enough, I will post some pics.  I have several Bare Armed Storm Shadow figs over the last few years, I will see if I can do some side by side comparisons.

I did like the swappable heads from the OTC version though.   Also should there be Peg holes in the Handstand Hands?
Title: Re: The Black Series 3.75" - Wave 4
Post by: Jayson on June 4, 2014, 01:42 PM
Is it weird that no one bothered to ask Hasbro what kind of articulation Yoda had at TF?
Title: Re: The Black Series 3.75" - Wave 4
Post by: Greg on June 4, 2014, 03:00 PM
Is it weird that no one bothered to ask Hasbro what kind of articulation Yoda had at TF?

Maybe, maybe not? Personally it seemed safe to assume that Yoda would have the usual ball joint shoulders, ankles, and neck along with swivel hips, waist, and wrists. I think that is the minimum articulation we have been getting on Yoda figures since 2005. I was actually disappointed to see so little articulation on this new Yoda figure.
Title: Re: The Black Series 3.75" - Wave 4
Post by: Phrubruh on June 27, 2014, 06:50 PM
Amazon has preorders for $10.99 Luke, Yoda and Torryn Farr. There is a japanese import of Darth Plegas for $15.99.

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00EZEI5LI/ref=oh_details_o00_s00_i01?ie=UTF8&psc=1 (http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00EZEI5LI/ref=oh_details_o00_s00_i01?ie=UTF8&psc=1)

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00CG5X1I0/ref=oh_details_o00_s00_i00?ie=UTF8&psc=1 (http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00CG5X1I0/ref=oh_details_o00_s00_i00?ie=UTF8&psc=1)
Title: Re: The Black Series 3.75" - Wave 4
Post by: DoctorPadawan on June 28, 2014, 01:49 PM
After seeing the horrible reviews of the Dagobah Luke on various websites and the huge step down in articulation on Yoda, I went ahead and canceled my preorder for this wave on Amazon this morning.  I just can't justify 10 dollars a figure for a sight-unseen purchase on a line with such slipshod quality anymore (nor could I ever; maybe I'm just finally accepting the fact that I don't have to justify something simply because it's Star Wars).  The paint apps are quite simply unacceptable and Hasbro should be ashamed of themselves.  I have more than enough Snowtroopers, and the 2004 OTC Dagobah Luke and Yoda are fine for what they are.  I'll take the 30 dollars I was going to spend on those three figures and use them to buy more Lego, I suppose.
Title: Re: The Black Series 3.75" - Wave 4
Post by: Dressel Rebel on July 6, 2014, 08:35 PM
Oh that Dagobah Luke is terrible, just look at it. It looks like it fell into a blender while you were making a smoothie and it took a couple seconds before you could react and pull the plug. Epic pass.
Title: Re: The Black Series 3.75" - Wave 4
Post by: Jesse James on July 8, 2014, 02:10 AM
That's why the OTC one exists.  Me, besides potentially dismal deco, I'm pretty stoked to get something more useful than a miniature GG statue.  :-\  I find Yoda and his horse**** articulation count for $10 to be far more offensive as figures go.  My TVC Yoda will be hitching a ride in the pack I think.

Luke may sport a TVC Bespin Luke head though.  That head...  yeah, ****** paintjobs are pretty tough to fix.
Title: Re: The Black Series 3.75" - Wave 4
Post by: Muftak on July 8, 2014, 11:21 AM
I find Yoda and his horse**** articulation count for $10 to be far more offensive as figures go.  My TVC Yoda will be hitching a ride in the pack I think.

Don't forget the pack comes with the new Yoda. So to use it you'll still need to buy it.

The pack is disappointing looking to me too though. Just too huge like those Chewie/3PO packs have always been. I'm still waiting for a good looking sculpted version of that, too.
Title: Re: The Black Series 3.75" - Wave 4
Post by: Scott on July 22, 2014, 04:53 PM
(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/BtHlSFCCUAA1T7t.jpg)

Luke turned out way better than I thought

I really like Yoda even though his arms can't be posed a little bit more...that is a little bit of a bummer but the way he is OK for both a standing and in backpack mode.

(http://photos.imageevent.com/afap/wallpapers/movies/theempirestrikesback//Yoda%20-%20Luke%20-%20Dagobah.jpg)
Title: Re: The Black Series 3.75" - Wave 4
Post by: Jesse James on July 22, 2014, 06:21 PM
I NEED TOYS!!!!!!!!!!!!  >:(
Title: Re: The Black Series 3.75" - Wave 4
Post by: Jedi Idej on July 22, 2014, 09:36 PM
Luke turned out way better than I thought

Ugh, those elbow joints belong on Marvel/GI Joe knees.

But for those wondering, now we know how Yoda looks in a rebel starfighter flight suit?   :)
Title: Re: The Black Series 3.75" - Wave 4
Post by: Jesse James on July 22, 2014, 09:43 PM
:D
Title: Re: The Black Series 3.75" - Wave 4
Post by: Jesse James on July 25, 2014, 04:38 PM
Sounds like the EE order my local buddy made is on its way.  Finally some new friggin' toys to play with! :)  I mean pose.  :-[
Title: Re: The Black Series 3.75" - Wave 4
Post by: Pete_Fett on July 30, 2014, 05:49 PM
Got my Wave 4 case from EE today.

Luke isn't as bad as the pictures made him out to be. Yes, his elbows are horrible, but I can certainly appreciate what they were trying to do - and that was enable him to bring his hands up and grab the shoulder straps of the backpack - and really, the type of joint they used is the ONLY way to achieve a near 180degree bend in the elbow.

Glad to finally have some NEW figures in-hand.
Title: Re: The Black Series 3.75" - Wave 4
Post by: Jesse James on July 30, 2014, 06:24 PM
This wave's at my buddy's that we split a case from EE...  I'm anxious just to have new toys, but this wave knocked out (theoretically) some figures I really was anxious to get before the line implodes.  A posable Dagobah Luke has probably been a top 3 ESB want for myself for a bit.

Yoda, I'll deal with the TVC Yoda in the pack ultimately I think.  Perhaps a little gear exchange.  I'm very dejected though, that they allowed that figure to get so shoddy in terms of articulation.  $10 it is not.  I'd actually say I get more annoyed with that as time rolls along.

I've heard the TBS head swaps to the TVC body pretty well, which is articulated more than enough to suit me ultimately.  I actually thought the TVC head looked pretty good in its own right though, and perhaps TBS's gear will swap to it nicely.   :-\

Luke is just, to me anyway, the articulated one that I wished the OTC one was.  I'll buy several Lukes to display in several poses ultimately. 

The Farr and Snowie COmmander are ok.  The Commander's a little bit of a miff with the plastic skirt making his leg articulation pointless though, so I can see customizing one of mine to have a cloth skirt piece...  Why they'd not go that route is beyond me when the best Snowtrooper they've done has the skirt.

I'm fine with no removable helmet on him too...  It's a neat feature on the TVC Snowtrooper but minor.  Most of my Stormtroopers don't have it.

The Dak figure, while people hate him for some odd reason, he's a great army builder.  I'd probably take a dozen more of him honestly.  He headswaps nicely with the Fleet trooper style heads iirc (Hoth Rebels, Naboo Pilots, Death Star Trooper, Needa, etc.), so I guess I do a lot of mix/match of the heads anyway.  I even whipped up a Keyan Farlander Hoth Pilot.  Pretty neat IMO since he's kind of all over the place (though ironically probably not at Hoth).

It's as solid a wave as Hasbro's made in a while it feels like, and I've not had a new figure to mess with since 2013 plopped Wave 3 out before Xmas (seriously).  So I'm pretty happy.  It looks far more interesting than the non-pant-defiling stuff revealed at SDCC...  which I liked, but it's a bit of a yawner compared to Wave 4 I think.

We'll see what Toy Fair tickles us with.
Title: Re: The Black Series 3.75" - Wave 4
Post by: Brian on July 31, 2014, 09:29 PM
I just got notice that this wave (or some of it anyways) is on its way via Amazon.  I know this wave hasn't exactly gotten rave reviews, but it is just exciting to have some new 3 3/4" figures on the way.  As I've been cleaning up the display and condensing storage this summer, I realized I don't remember the last time I added a new 3 3/4" figure to the display.  Its been awhile...
Title: Re: The Black Series 3.75" - Wave 4
Post by: Rob on July 31, 2014, 10:22 PM
Mine shipped from Amazon yesterday.

Agreed that it's not the most exciting wave, but I'll be damned if I'm not excited that there's at least one brand new, never made figure in it.
Title: Re: The Black Series 3.75" - Wave 4
Post by: Jeff on July 31, 2014, 11:08 PM
Saw a few "classic Amazon shipping" photos on Facebook tonight - Here's a great one (https://fbcdn-sphotos-a-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-xpa1/v/t1.0-9/10525931_796294160401382_8618522469449627858_n.jpg?oh=e97b906daffeca543bbc994aaa12c178&oe=54382B1C&__gda__=1413725092_45dcaf03a95964ddf28887b7c86123d6) of a Dagobah Luke and Yoda folded up to fit in a DVD mailer box.  ::)

Feel bad for the carded collectors but with Amazon's track record, anyone expecting MOC from Amazon is dreaming anyway...  :-X
Title: Re: The Black Series 3.75" - Wave 4
Post by: Jesse James on July 31, 2014, 11:53 PM
I'll second that...  If you wanted mint, why didn't you order from EE or BBTS?

You buy Amazon, you get Amazon.  I'm not a carded guy so I'm maybe not being very thoughtful, but I am an "I'm tired of paying so much for figures" guy, and I'd rather not see the $35 nets you free shipping deal go away on "collectibles" or something.  I just want to open the stuff and get a reasonable price.
Title: Re: The Black Series 3.75" - Wave 4
Post by: Greg on August 1, 2014, 12:16 AM
I got five Snowtrooper Commander figures in the mail from Amazon today. It was funny getting them on the estimated shipping date (7/31). I only opened one so far, but I really like it! No quality issues that I could see and relatively clean paint apps on all five. The figure itself is really nice and very well-sculpted. It looks great "leading" the VTAC Snowtroopers. 
Title: Re: The Black Series 3.75" - Wave 4
Post by: Jesse James on August 1, 2014, 01:38 AM
I have 2 Snowie Commanders, 2 Farrs, 1 Luke, 1 Yoda, and I believe that's it, on the way.

I also have a complete set sans Dak coming from my local bud, so I have a pretty nice little group.  Plus I have 2 of each of the Goons coming once Sept. gets here I guess.
Title: Re: The Black Series 3.75" - Wave 4
Post by: Rob on August 1, 2014, 09:29 AM
At this point it should be pretty common knowledge that if you care about carded condition, you don't buy from Amazon.
Title: Re: The Black Series 3.75" - Wave 4
Post by: Dave on August 1, 2014, 10:31 AM
These are available to order on HTS.com right now as well.
Title: Re: The Black Series 3.75" - Wave 4
Post by: Pete_Fett on August 1, 2014, 05:50 PM
I'll second that...  If you wanted mint, why didn't you order from EE or BBTS?

You buy Amazon, you get Amazon.  I'm not a carded guy so I'm maybe not being very thoughtful, but I am an "I'm tired of paying so much for figures" guy, and I'd rather not see the $35 nets you free shipping deal go away on "collectibles" or something.  I just want to open the stuff and get a reasonable price.

Agreed - I only ordered some Stormtrooper Commanders from Amazon so I could get a few more openers of him - and that's exactly what they will be - openers. My MOC ones came from the case I ordered from EE.
Title: Re: The Black Series 3.75" - Wave 4
Post by: Phrubruh on August 5, 2014, 09:49 AM
Luke and Yoda came from Amazon yesterday. I like both figures. Luke has a nice exhausted look on his face and Yoda has a little personality in his.

I also got hoth headset girl. I swear this is just a hoth Leia body with a new head and accessory. I do like her though.

Also got the Japanese carded version of Darth Plaguious. I love this figure!
Title: Re: The Black Series 3.75" - Wave 4
Post by: Rob on August 5, 2014, 10:01 AM
I got this wave a few nights ago.  Overall I like it, but Luke's arms are even worse than I thought they'd be.
Title: Re: The Black Series 3.75" - Wave 4
Post by: Jesse James on August 6, 2014, 08:25 PM
Got mine today...  I got 2 Torryn Farr figures, two Snowtrooper Officers, Luke, and Yoda.

-Torryn Farr...  A great figure, if not simply a headswap.  Hasbro going the removable earmuff route is really a nice nod from them, and the kind of thing that makes a collector figure special.  :)  I am planning a headswap, hopefully, and may buy more to do other swaps.

If there is a gripe, it's the badge has a sort of sloppier paintjob to it, and who knows how accurate, or not, it may be.  It is a minor quibble.  Some may cite ankle articulation lacking...  On a $10-$11 figure, I would agree on that point but at this stage I'd rather see no (or rare) ankle joints to save money and improve paint apps.  Speaking of, her hair has a nice wash giving it multiple colors and really stands out in a time when Hasbro doesn't do nice washes on figures.  Her eyes and lips are also painted really nicely, giving her a nice but simple expression.

-Luke Dagobah...  Everything I wanted.  I personally would've preferred ball jointed elbows, but I appreciate where Hasbro was going with the double-hinged elbow, and for what it is, it does perfectly hold the straps of the backpack Yoda comes with.  OTC exists so people don't have to gripe like this figure is the end of their world.  I get what I want, and others long ago got what they wanted, and so I'm pretty pleased.

If there are gripes, it's paint apps and the elbow joints obviously.  The joints are visible.  Ball joints COULD have achieved this with the right design behind them, but the effect is really good the way they accomplished it IMO.  Again there's another Luke without these, and most of us own it.  I'd say Luke could've used a paint wash on the hair as well.  Mine has perfect hair and eyes though, and a heavy wash on the shirt costume.  I just feel the hair could use a little to give a less mono-chromatic (right use?) of the hair color.  Luke's hair wasn't dark so the lack of wash stands out even more on him than say on Han Solo or Leia's darker hair.

I'd tack a minor gripe on the light saber hilt NOT clipping to the belt as well.  A doable thing they overlooked and which I'll fix with a quick custom bit but which would've been nice had Hasbro done it in the first place.

Oh, one more gripe, almost forgot it despite it being my biggest about this figure... The "flesh" colored pins on his hips are distractingly noticeable, and I'd say his upper leg portion was part of the same mold the arms were molded in because the ankles are molded in the proper color.  Those hip pins are really noticeable though.  Fixable with the right paint, but that's tricky and a friction point so wear is an issue unless you're good at bonding paint to plastic.  I find that far more annoying than any other issue, elbows included, and would re-buy this figure in a heartbeat if it had the pins fixed.

-Snowtrooper Commander...  They're Lieutenants IIRC, but yeah anyway they're ok.  I like everything about both my samples from paint to articulation, EXCEPT two points.

Point one is the plastic skirt...  At this stage of the game, why would you go that route and not cloth?  It's a collector figure, and the plastic obviously negates the usefulness of the leg articluation.  The TVC Snowtrooper was outstandingly well done and featured cloth that looked just spiffy fine.  I'm disappointed hasbro did an about-face here and opted not to use cloth.

And Point two would be that both my samples have right hands that fall off easily.  This is a design flaw, contrary to popular online opinion that all figures with posable hands have this issue.  If the ball inside the hand's post were larger, it would plug into the socket on the forearm, and would not pop out easily.  That's disappointing, and something that shouldn't occur.

-Yoda...  OK, so I came into this wanting to hate this figure, yet I can't.  People online are whining up a storm about him, and I wasn't pleased about the articulation cuts either.  That said, here's my view...

My sample's paint is flawless and detailed.  The eyes are great, the hair is perfect, the nails are all applied well, all of it...  The sculpt is simply perfect, with the best possible expression chosen.  It is miles superior to all other Yoda's on the market in that regard.  Plus his costume under the robes is exactly what you'd expect even though you don't see it ever.

His accessories are plentiful...  Aside from a snake, how can you not like the cane and the perfectly sized removable belt?  The backpack is a bit too big and I agree with that complaint, however I've heard NOTHING about the buckle in the front that actually works, nor the awesomely accurate blue striping along the pack itself!  I'll be shrinking the pack down eventually by seam ripping it and resewing it a little more snug.  Easy peasy fix if you know how to sew at all...  If not, eh, sorry?  Lastly the flute is cool, fits him well (not too large or small), is decoed...  Great.

The obvious gripe is articulation.  And that some folks want super articulation, which I actually disagree with on this figure.  I agree he needed more than he got.  Namely, elbow joints and wrist joints.  With just those two (4 total) points added to the figure, I'd have been over the moon and he'd be my top figure of the wave.  His legs are fine as is, and he's an example of, for once, me saying a figure did NOT need knee articulation, nor ankle articulation.  This figure's fine and friggin' dandy without it.  Elbows and wrists I feel are legitimate complaints, and my honest to god only complaint on an otherwise flawless figure. 

Frankly I'm shocked at this point at the complaints being as strong as they are from the folks who already got theirs.  I love mine.

I didn't get Dak yet, and I didn't get anyone else...  I don't need Bastilla Shan or anything like that.  I'd like Daks but not for $10.  Anyone selling Daks for less, I'm all ears.  ;D

I'm going to wind up probably buying two more Lukes and possibly another Yoda or two as well.  I like custom bits to be around.  I also may get more Torryn Farr, and ironically I'm done on Snowtrooper Commanders.  For my money he's the weakest of a great wave (him included.  He's a solid figure, just not perfect which he could've been).

Luke, I could see doing quite a few customs of/with.  I have a quasi-pattern for a coat, and I'd like to see him with that on.
Title: Re: The Black Series 3.75" - Wave 4
Post by: Jesse James on August 6, 2014, 11:43 PM
Got my Luke to stand on 2 hands in under a minute.

Got him to stand on one hand in less than 2 minutes.

(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/BuZ7JzBIgAAojej.jpg)

Heard people bitching they can't get him to stand on two hands at all.

Those people probably can't crack an egg without it flying all over the place.
Title: Re: The Black Series 3.75" - Wave 4
Post by: Matt_Fury on August 7, 2014, 01:23 AM
I received the Luke, Yoda and Snowtrooper Commander today.  I like all the figures, glad to see I'm not the only one whose Snowtrooper has a hand that falls off!

The Yoda is way better than I thought he'd be!  I'm very please with it!

I can see the gripes about the Luke with the elbows, but I don't hate it.  Of course I'm having him do a one-handed hand stand on my vintage Dagobah playset.

In addition to those three I also picked up a Bastilla Shan (finally).  Great figure!
Title: Re: The Black Series 3.75" - Wave 4
Post by: Jesse James on August 7, 2014, 01:41 AM
Matt, both my Snowtrooper's right hands pop off.  One's far worse than the other so mileage may vary, but that strikes me as something of coinkydink that two had the issue, now yours...  Smacks of factory error, not Hasbro should stop making articulated figures because their arms pop off.  :-X ;)

The Luke and Yoda impressed me enough I'll buy more Lukes than I'd intended to now.  I was leaning to just two, but now I'm likely to get 3-4 of him.  Yoda's a definite 3 figure purchase for me though.  I want one for the gear, one for customizing with an extra TVC one, and one to just leave be.
Title: Re: The Black Series 3.75" - Wave 4
Post by: Phrubruh on August 7, 2014, 09:22 AM
Picked up Bastilla Shan finally too. At the regular retail price on amazon, I couldn't pass that up since amazon had the original carded version for $62 also. Since I'm an opener it doesn't matter what card she is on.
Title: Re: The Black Series 3.75" - Wave 4
Post by: Darby on August 7, 2014, 05:57 PM
I agree pretty much with all of Jesse's thoughts on Wave 4. I have the set now (except for Luke) and very impressed all around, even with Yoda. He seems very small in that blister and for $10 it's a stretch, but overall I like him. The Commander is nearly perfect, loose hands aside. He's a figure I've wanted forever and they've done him justice. Toryn Farr is another character I've always wanted and happy with her too. I almost wish the headphones were sculpted on, to avoid losing them (they are a little loose) but no real complaints.
Title: Re: The Black Series 3.75" - Wave 4
Post by: Matt_Fury on August 7, 2014, 06:45 PM
I am half tempted to purchase another Luke and Yoda so he can run with him in the backpack!

I'm also still trying to figure out where to put the Snowtrooper Commander.  I started with him in the head of my AT-AT with General Veers, but now I have him directing the troops to prepare for ground assault.
Title: Re: The Black Series 3.75" - Wave 4
Post by: Jesse James on August 7, 2014, 07:37 PM
Get two...  An AT-AT theoretically (EU nerding here) rocked two Lt.'s leading two groups.  Just a thought.

On Farr's headphones I very much disagree Darb...  the ones I have actually almost lock onto the ears.  Look on the inside, they're sculpted to sort of fit snug, so you may want to fiddle with it some.

In my reviews of yesteryear I always hashed things out with PRO and CON columns...  I never saw a perfect figure ever, but some damn close ones.  The RFT lacked a holster and the sculpted on vest hinders it some, but it's pretty great.  The Legacy onward Hoth Rebels were pretty great aside from maybe the stance being a little wide.  A pilot used a short body.  IG-88 TVC had a wider stance than he should and sticky joints (but goddam that's a good figure)...  Nobody's perfect.

This wave's that way...  Paint in general is an issue in the line.  It's one that for the price, really it shouldn't be going on anywhere...  Even the 5POA line costs enough that paint shouldn't hurt them.  That said, all these figures have a flaw here and there, but their PRO column greatly outweighs it to me.

For my money, Yoda's pack is a little too large and his arms aren't articulated.  The pack is fixable with even fabric glue, and the arms are my only real heavy gripe with him.  Otherwise that's a really nice looking figure.  Like, surprisingly nice.  Sometimes I think the hyper detailed photos that surface, actually hinder early opinion on a figure.  It's cool seeing detail, but when a camera's showing flaws your eyes won't see that's kind of a bummer.  I was set to hate Yoda, but when I opened him I was pleasantly surprised.

Now, make no mistake...  I wanted a better articulated figure too, and that's a bad Hasbro moment.  Likewise I wanted a better deco and would've preferred ball joint elbows on Dagobah Luke...  But that didn't diminish how fun he was to pose on my desk, and how I'll now buy at least 3 of him, if not more.

Not everything is the "My world is over" moment it can sometimes appear to be from some site opinions is all. 

We're still getting better figures than we were in 2003, basically.

I would like to see Hasbro step up quality on paint apps...  That alone would silence most of the incessant bitching.

I've long been the guy who's impossible to please, and I still am...  I am happy to point out flaws.  I'm also happy to see a toy for what it is though.  I said that eons ago when softgoods came into play and some hated them.  I love them.  Are they perfect model-level quality in appearance?  No.  Do I expect it?  No.  I want the poseability.  It's a trade-off. 

Holsters are usually oversized...  almost always, actually.  A real leather holster that a blaster fits and it forms around is going to be much thinner and smaller.  Very few, if any, of Hasbro's sculpted holsters "fit that mold" (no pun).  You never hear people bitch about it though.  Why?  It's a flaw...  But it's one that when it functions it's great right?  It's a feature people seem to universally love and would rather have than not have.

So why is a sewn backpack that's a little too large, but functions in every way (down to the friggin' clip working!), such a flaw?

Focus anger where it's warranted...  Those arms needed articulated.  The legs didn't though, and I'm the guy who thinks everything should be SA or bust generally!  Give me elbows and wrists, and every other flaw Yoda may be perceived to have would've washed away.  Elbows and wrists were the only real flaw on him honestly.  Everything else was just inconsequential bitching for bitching's sake I think.  Call it a pile-on I guess.  I just don't see it nearly as bad as others seemed to...  and trust me, I wanted to.

Luke's arms didn't bother me either, so maybe I'm #easytoplease or perhaps just easier than I realized.
Title: Re: The Black Series 3.75" - Wave 4
Post by: Darby on August 7, 2014, 10:11 PM
I fiddled around with the headset and it does work better, so thanks Jesse. I do think my example is a little bit looser than maybe yours, but it's fine. And I agree that there's nothing really bad here overall in this wave. There's a lot of complaints about this, that or the other thing and I keep expecting someone to lend me their pass to Perfect Town. I'd like to visit. I'm stunned we're even getting figures like Toryn Farr or the Commander after the near fatal calamity that was 2012. Let's be real. This line has nearly used all its nine lives. We could be Joe collectors after all. I have my likes and dislikes and more importantly I'm having my cake and eating it too. Let's enjoy what we have and maybe not expect perfection or personal apologies for the affronts against humanity that are imperfect toys.
Title: Re: The Black Series 3.75" - Wave 4
Post by: Jayson on August 7, 2014, 10:44 PM
Got mine today...  I got 2 Torryn Farr figures, two Snowtrooper Officers, Luke, and Yoda.

-Torryn Farr...  A great figure, if not simply a headswap.  Hasbro going the removable earmuff route is really a nice nod from them, and the kind of thing that makes a collector figure special.  :)  I am planning a headswap, hopefully, and may buy more to do other swaps.

I didn't get Dak yet, and I didn't get anyone else...  I don't need Bastilla Shan or anything like that.  I'd like Daks but not for $10.  Anyone selling Daks for less, I'm all ears.  ;D


Toryn Farr has a new head, vest, forearms and hands ;)

PM sent about spare Daks
Title: Re: The Black Series 3.75" - Wave 4
Post by: Jesse James on August 7, 2014, 11:21 PM
I thought the hands were re-used?  The forearms and vest I didn't notice (Leia's away, with everyone else, wishing I had shelving up :().

That's a good bit of new!

The hands I thought reminded me of Bastillas or another characters.  I could be wrong.

For the curious, btw, Torryn Farr's head?  It swaps with basically every female Rebel Pilot and POSSIBLY the female Impy from Force Unleashed.

So headswaps, galore, if you want.  You could have your own army of basically chicks looking at computer screens.
Title: Re: The Black Series 3.75" - Wave 4
Post by: Jesse James on August 7, 2014, 11:41 PM
(http://i.ebayimg.com/00/s/NTAwWDUwMA==/z/TsEAAOxy-W9SQdWh/$(KGrHqZ,!qgFI8qd0vrYBSQdWhddRg~~60_1.JPG)

Wonder how well, or not, these arms would swap with the new Luke's?
Title: Re: The Black Series 3.75" - Wave 4
Post by: Jayson on August 7, 2014, 11:45 PM
I thought the hands were re-used?  The forearms and vest I didn't notice (Leia's away, with everyone else, wishing I had shelving up :().

That's a good bit of new!

The hands I thought reminded me of Bastillas or another characters.  I could be wrong.

For the curious, btw, Torryn Farr's head?  It swaps with basically every female Rebel Pilot and POSSIBLY the female Impy from Force Unleashed.

So headswaps, galore, if you want.  You could have your own army of basically chicks looking at computer screens.

(http://www.yakfaceforums.com/TGuide2004/ActionFigures/TBS/basic/TBS23_toryn_farr/lf16.jpg)
Title: Re: The Black Series 3.75" - Wave 4
Post by: Jesse James on August 8, 2014, 01:06 AM
Tons of new.  Can't be disappointed in that.  I swear her hands seem familiar, like someone had that pose on the left hand, very specifically.  That's the only thing that makes me feel like those were from someone else.  That'd probably be unlikely though, and easier to just tool new ones.
Title: Re: The Black Series 3.75" - Wave 4
Post by: Darth_Anton on August 8, 2014, 09:27 AM
Thanks for posting those picks of TF.

Got my set a week ago but have been too busy to sit down, open them and check them out. I really can't add anything to the observations already made other than this is winning set for me over all. Adding that Snowtrooper variant is a real huge check on my checklist for most wanted figures. Now, if Hasbro would only make an illustration accurate Snow bikerscout, I could die a happy nerd.
Title: Re: The Black Series 3.75" - Wave 4
Post by: IncomT65 on August 11, 2014, 10:24 AM
Got my Luke to stand on 2 hands in under a minute.

Got him to stand on one hand in less than 2 minutes.

(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/BuZ7JzBIgAAojej.jpg)

Heard people bitching they can't get him to stand on two hands at all.

Those people probably can't crack an egg without it flying all over the place.

LMAO!  ;D Love the way the Rebel Trooper is standing there in the background.
Title: Re: The Black Series 3.75" - Wave 4
Post by: IncomT65 on August 11, 2014, 10:27 AM
I received my four commanders from Dorksidetoys last Saturday. The minute I saw the carded figures when I opened the box, my eyes immediately went to his E11 blaster. That's an impressive blaster. Rigid plastic (finally!!!), and an awesome two-part folding stock. Here are my thoughts on this figure:

Sculpt: the figure itself is just a great representation of the Commander we briefly saw on screen behind Veers. This is definitely one of the best trooper sculpts Hasbro has done. I looked up reference pictures of the Snowtrooper Commander's costume and I can't find anything wong with it. All the little details are in place, as far as I can tell, from the two dimples on the nose of the mask, the upside down shoulder pads, the front and back of his chest armour, the TK lower arms, the holster for his sidearm right down to the thin detailed lining on his trousers. One minor gripe: the two small silver discs on the sides of his helmet are missing. The skirt is a plastic one, as opposed to his subordinates' soft-goods ones. Since Hasbro has a terrible score in the soft-goods department, handing the Commander a plastic one is a wise choice.

Paint: well, he's white for the most part, but there are slight difference noticeable in the shades of white applied. The 'hard' armour pieces are pretty much pristine white, while the trousers seem to be a tad off white. The skirt is off white another step further, including the big belt buckle. This last detail is just slightly disappointing, but understandable since the belt and skirt are one piece. On all of my four commanders, the lenses haven't been painted black completely. Except for that, the rest of the painted details are just perfect, right down to his rank badge and the grey cuffs of his gloves.

Articulation: the Commander comes with 14 POA: ball jointed head, shoulders and elbows, swivel wrists, ball jointed waist, swivel hips, ball jointed knees and ankles. This makes him posable very well, for a Commander. It's not like he'll be running, jumping and leaping for cover on the battlefield, but he sure can take some commanding poses. All joints move smoothly and tightly. The right glove however, tends to come loose quite quickly. If that happens to your Commanders as well, I suggest applying a tiny bit of superglue, replacing the glove and slowly turn it back and forth until the glue has settled. One would expect the helmet mold to hinder the articulation of it, but it can actually turn quite far. The upside down movement is minimal though, as can be expected. I am particularly impressed with the range of motion of the waist. Funny thing is, the grenade on his lower back, hinders the upper body from being turned all the way round, which is only natural. That is, unless your force it.

Accessories: the Commander comes with the aforementioned E11, which, again, is just an awesome piece. I have a couple of dozen E11s from Marauder Gun Runners, which is a mold that is several years old, and it's good to see Hasbro finally upping their game, ditching the bendy plastic and adding plenty of detail in such an iconic weapon. The Commander also comes with a sidearm (a DL44), which fits snuggly in its holster. You may have to work it a bit, but it fits perfectly.

Size: not a subject to normally include in a review, but hear me out. I've been collecting the 'best' modern versions of all the basic Kenner figures. A little while ago I received the VC Lando Calrissian in Skiff Guard disguise, placed it next to the Saga and Kenner version and was really taken aback by how tiny he was. I know Hasbro's scales and rulers have been compromised for a while now (Luke figures, Leia figures) but I never really gave it that much attention. Of course, after seeing that tiny Lando, I immediately measured up my Commander. And yes, he is too short for a Stormtrooper! He comes in at 1.72 meters! And that includes his helmet. That's at least 11 centimeters too short. Then again, he could very well be just a regular human officer, much like that fat Biker Scout in RotJ. Let's just hope Hasbro doesn't continue down this path of downsizing.

That said, Hasbro has practically hit a home run with their Snowtrooper Commander. It's an awesome figure to have and a great addition to your Snowtrooper platoons.

I'll see if I can find the time to take pictures to accompany this little review :)

(And yes, the hands (right as well as left) pop off too easily, but nothing a dab of super glue can't fix!)
Title: Re: The Black Series 3.75" - Wave 4
Post by: Jeff on August 11, 2014, 05:14 PM
Anyone have a handy list of how many times they've done the Snowtrooper Commander/Officer over the years?  I know there's been...

- 2003 Saga 03-19
- 2006 Saga-011
- 2007 30AC ESB Tin (Saga 03-19 with removable helmet)
- 2014 Black Series Wave 5

Am I forgetting any?
Title: Re: The Black Series 3.75" - Wave 4
Post by: Jesse James on August 11, 2014, 08:30 PM
That's probably it...  that last one (prior to TBS) I'd forgotten about.  It was always a figure off my radar because of the goofy articulation choices.

TBS's is pretty darn near perfect besides the kama killing the articulation.  Love the helmet's sculpt and poseability though.  Really well done design there.
Title: Re: The Black Series 3.75" - Wave 4
Post by: Jayson on August 11, 2014, 09:57 PM
Anyone have a handy list of how many times they've done the Snowtrooper Commander/Officer over the years?  I know there's been...

- 2003 Saga 03-19
- 2006 Saga-011
- 2007 30AC ESB Tin (Saga 03-19 with removable helmet)
- 2014 Black Series Wave 5

Am I forgetting any?

There was one in the Target Exclusive Ultimate Battle Pack (second from the right (http://www.yakfaceforums.com/TGuide2004/ActionFigures/TBS/basic/TBS24_snowtrooper_commander/lf23.html))
Title: Re: The Black Series 3.75" - Wave 4
Post by: IncomT65 on August 12, 2014, 07:17 AM
TBS's is pretty darn near perfect besides the kama killing the articulation.  Love the helmet's sculpt and poseability though.  Really well done design there.

The skirt doesn't kill the articulation. I got mine in a pretty decent kneeling position. I'll upload some pics tonight :)

As far as the hands falling off, I think it's because of the plastic the lower arm is made off. It's actually something between the soft vinyl and hard plastic. The peg on the wrist actually is a bit bendable, i.e. you can easily move it back and forth a bit. The entire figure feels different, actually.

Title: Re: The Black Series 3.75" - Wave 4
Post by: Nicklab on August 12, 2014, 09:10 AM
Anyone have a handy list of how many times they've done the Snowtrooper Commander/Officer over the years?  I know there's been...

- 2003 Saga 03-19
- 2006 Saga-011
- 2007 30AC ESB Tin (Saga 03-19 with removable helmet)
- 2014 Black Series Wave 5

Am I forgetting any?

There was one in the Target Exclusive Ultimate Battle Pack (second from the right (http://www.yakfaceforums.com/TGuide2004/ActionFigures/TBS/basic/TBS24_snowtrooper_commander/lf23.html))

Damn.  I never realized there were quite so many variations to those particular figures.  Thanks for the comparison shot, Jay.
Title: Re: The Black Series 3.75" - Wave 4
Post by: IncomT65 on August 12, 2014, 01:23 PM
(https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-Q8lhrhpZBrI/U-pLdy6db6I/AAAAAAAAIMs/KsJQO-lFQA4/w614-h819-no/bs24%2Bsnowtrooper%2Bcommander_06.jpg)

(https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-0rwmzrZD-Tw/U-pLe5DKWLI/AAAAAAAAIM4/4Y8wQe8RCJU/w614-h819-no/bs24%2Bsnowtrooper%2Bcommander_07.jpg)

(https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-c1QaTisasbE/U-pLgp1EUII/AAAAAAAAINI/4QtyQlgIGII/w614-h819-no/bs24%2Bsnowtrooper%2Bcommander_08.jpg)

(https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-r3LItYWrRnY/U-pLgvXgWgI/AAAAAAAAINU/8J4JxAZMUNg/w614-h819-no/bs24%2Bsnowtrooper%2Bcommander_09.jpg)

(https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-qFepbwf1byc/U-pLhDhoC9I/AAAAAAAAINM/TRkdkS74q2c/w958-h719-no/bs24%2Bsnowtrooper%2Bcommander_10.jpg)

(https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-WHsMANYLQ9U/U-pLiVjEBbI/AAAAAAAAINc/RZXr7wT9Cv8/w958-h337-no/bs24%2Bsnowtrooper%2Bcommander_12.jpg)

(https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-9pLIGGqbu3Y/U-pLjmXoAUI/AAAAAAAAINo/HCjUntKYm2I/w958-h719-no/bs24%2Bsnowtrooper%2Bcommander_14.jpg)


In the pic with the Ewok, he's kneeling and actually leaning on his skirt ;)
Title: Re: The Black Series 3.75" - Wave 4
Post by: Jesse James on August 12, 2014, 02:28 PM
He can't sit, he can't kneel on his knees (got the trooper to do that).  Sorry Incom, I'm not with you on the skirt...  Hasbro, for $11, needed to deliver a cloth Kama ala the TVC and beyond figure I feel.  Not sure why, after all the time they've done otherwise, they went with a plastic one.  It is the only real detracting feature to the figure IMO.  The hands are no biggie to me.  I can see where they annoy some folks, but they're such a minor quibble.

The skirt means he's either standing or walking, but he won't do much more.  That's a flaw when the guy has 6 points of articulation just below the waistline.  :-\
Title: Re: The Black Series 3.75" - Wave 4
Post by: Diddly on August 14, 2014, 07:47 AM
I agree. Hasbro is so concerned about cutting costs, if they were going to go with a plastic kama, why not cut back the ball jointed legs and ankles?

Figure looks nice from the waist up though.
Title: Re: The Black Series 3.75" - Wave 4
Post by: McMetal on August 20, 2014, 08:46 PM
I saw a lone Torryn Farr at 2 different Targets in the past 2 days, probably one of those random figures from a partial case that showed up as we have been hearing about.
Title: Re: The Black Series 3.75" - Wave 4
Post by: Diddly on September 12, 2014, 11:51 AM
Found a fresh case of Wave 4 at TRU just now... and I passed? Yup, I actually have no need for Bastilla (got the TVC version of her)  and I figure I can nab Dack for cheap on Amazon. The rest I'll get in Wave 5, whenever I decide to order a case.
Title: Re: The Black Series 3.75" - Wave 4
Post by: McMetal on September 12, 2014, 01:54 PM
I saw the "new" Bastila Shan today and was not impressed. The first iteration seemed a lot crisper as far as paint apps. The brown parts were pretty washed out on the newer one.
Title: Re: The Black Series 3.75" - Wave 4
Post by: Nicklab on September 12, 2014, 08:07 PM
Saw some of wave 4 today, too. Since I already split a case and got the set I just picked up another Snowtrooper Commander.