I'm a lot more excited for this wave now. Hasbro's obviously putting a TON of effort in the realistically-styled TCW figures, those figures from Anakin to Rex now all look amazing in terms of sculpt. Glad there was also a lot of effort with Mara, they did say they were trying to keep the spirit of TVC alive by sculpting her hair as a separate piece.

  I really get the vibe that they are basically just waiting for the show to end so they can axe the line for good.

It's funny, I also got that impression that they're essentially just waiting on relentlessly for the show to end. They've already made clear that the line will transition over to the realistic style. Honestly I love the realistic figures we're getting soon, and it'll bring something fresh to the table to keep the realistic line going on without getting stale in character choices. Think about, all the new characters from TCW that we can finally have now. I wouldn't be surprised if we even get a Duchess Satine waaaaay down the line.

I'd like to start off by saying that I have never once bought a full case of figures, nor do I usually buy online. Ever since TVC, I've been buying individual figures from Amazon, because that is my only option for ever getting new figures these days. I haven't seen ONE figure from anything after the TPM wave at retail. Ever. In short, I've been adapting to the situation Hasbro has presented the hard way.

How is this relevant to this wave? Well, this was the one wave I actually really wanted - I don't know about you guys, but I'm all down for realistic Obi and Ahsoka. Those figures look stunning to me. And, as far outta the loop I am with OT, I'm all down for the Royal Guard figure. So I was really annoyed when these came out as online exclusives.

Well, I can say I've bought my first full case of figures. EE was the way to go for me. It really is bittersweet. I can't believe that I seriously spend $100+ - online, mind you - just to get 3 figures I really wanted. Ugh, Hasbro.

Since this is supposed to be a relaunch on the heels of Vintage, I'm completely underwhelmed. I don't like that AOTC takes the center stage here - sure, an updated Anakin is nice, and so is that Padme, but this is a weak first wave. 

Idk, put Mara Jade in that first wave, or one of the remaining Original Kenner in need of an update, but this is such a lackluster first wave.

I find it somewhat irritating that Hasbro is more invested in their Fighter Pods than the TCW line.

I re-watched the trailer today on the Star Wars site and I noticed something odd - in the one shot where Savage and Embo are fighting it out, Savage's left arm is mechanical. It's easier to see in the shot where he punches Embo with that arm. Is he losing his arm this season?

Dang... that unmasked Shae Viszla headsculpt is ugly.

I'm totally buying this. Just some thoughts, especially since Scum has some Hi-Res photos of the set:

- Nightsister is SA - ankles, ball-jointed elbows (not the cut elbows as previously thought), the works
- Where in the HECK is Savage's lightsaber? Hasbro, that's a really, REALLY stupid move...
- Maul has jointed elbows, ankles, and knees, as far as I can discern. From the photos, it looks like he has no torso articulation, and I can't tell if he has wrist articulation, either.
- What the hell is the deal with Maul's lightsaber?

Maul actually looks like the weakest of the set, which is incredibly stupid being that this BP revolves around him, a major, iconic Star Wars character that's been MIA for 12+ years since TPM in '99. The head sculpt doesn't look like the cartoon character, and he seems to be missing articulation in major places. Plus, that crappy lightsaber contraption sure looks wonky. I'm hoping the lightsaber pieces themselves are removable from that round red piece of plastic.