This is a subject I got to thinking about again here after looking at the new Sideshow Star Wars lineup, as well as reading now that we could see anywhere from 60-80 basic figures this year. As much as I like new figures, and many/most will be repaints or repacks, that just seems like an insane number to keep up with (especially with price increases). With what we know now about what is coming up, and some of the rumors, where do you think the basic Star Wars line is headed in the future? Where would you like to see it go? Or, have you had enough?
Although I know there are a lot of figures that people still want to see, and I truly do hope they all get made so that most everyone can be happy, part of me wouldn't mind seeing the line become a little more limited. Now, of course I'm in control of what I buy, so I know I don't have to buy everything, but I do have a hard time passing on new figures if they get made. That being said, would anyone else like to see the line become a little more limited? Going from 60-80 figures a year down to maybe 30? Is that too many, or too few? This is assuming that they are all "all new" figures, whether they are never before done or they are resculpted figures....no repacks, repaints, etc. Each of the figures would be the top of VOTC in quality. Meaning main characters would have a well sculpted, well articulated, "end all be all" version in each of their respective "looks/outfits", and army builders like Stormtroopers, Scouts, Rebel Troopers, etc, would all be the same. There would also be versions of background characters (or resculpts of them) that would be very well sculpted, and articulated where necessary or appropriate (such as the upcoming Hammerhead, Hem Dazon, etc.) All of the figures would come with an assortment of weapons, again where appropriate, instead of just "a blaster" or "a lightsaber". I'm thinking along the lines of the accessories with the Evolutions packs, but just with one figure (maybe not quite as much if it was too much for the package). Or, bring the Evolution packs back altogether, especially for army builders. I mean, think of an Evo pack with a SA Stormtrooper, SA Snowtrooper, and SA Biker Scout with all the trimmings, and that everyone could find (that would be the tough part). The packaging could be something spiffy too for the basic figures, as long as it didn't drive up the cost even more (or was used as an excuse). Maybe something fancy like Sideshow is doing with their 12" line, or maybe similar to the VOTC. This could work for OT characters, the opinions seem split with the prequel ones on if VOTC cardbacks would be appropriate.
Then, how would you like to see them released? Would you prefer they were available online? At all mass retailers, or maybe exclusive to one (which could be a big pain I know)? Direct ordering online could be great, but not if it caused the headaches that the Sideshow line seems to have caused so far. If everyone could be guaranteed to get one (or several), it could be great, but I don't know if that can be done or not. If you go the "retail exclusive" route, you run into situations where people don't have a store in their area, or it just overall makes the figures tougher to get because all the collectors (or scalpers) know to hit that one store to get the newest Star Wars figures. I'm just throwing it out there as an option in case a retailer, say Wal-Mart, decides they don't want to carry the basic line anymore. There could also be an element of "DTC" that Hasbro already uses with their smaller scale GI Joe line. I don't have personal experience how that has worked out, but I'm sure someone else could chime in on that. If everyone is able to get the figures they want, etc. Anyways, long post to say this, but what where would you like to see the Star Wars basic line head at this point? What would you like to see? How many figures do you want in a year?