Have any of the coins been given out yet. I have been watching ebay but i have not seen any pop up.

At least 7 of the 12 through 6pm today, Daniel.  I actually tried to go to one of the panels today (Duncan's at 5pm), but it was a complete cluster**** trying to get in there (sorry John).  The room holds 350 people, and I was about 100th in line to get in, but when the 4pm panel wrapped up, NO ONE LEFT!  Only about 75 people got into the next one from our line, since folks had resorted to simply "camping out" in that room for the rest of the day/convention.  Unfortunately, I think that means it's doubtful I'll be making any further efforts to get into one of these things the next couple days.  Way too demoralizing having Kellerman shut the doors almost right in my face, saying that the room was full (but then still letting in another 10 or so random folks in the ensuing minutes, right in front of all of us who had been left out.  Lots of folks cut into the line in front of me too, essentially costing me the medallion.

As for eBay, I'd be shocked if these things didn't start popping up all over it, as they're pure gold to some folks there.  Hopefully most everyone wants to keep them for themselves though, appreciating the great work these guys put into them.  They definitely look amazing, as do the European versions being handed out in London this summer...

Dale came through with the last C4 exclusive that I needed to nab, which was sold out all three days I stopped by GG's booth.  Big thanks for the hookup Dale!  Much appreciated...

- M

(of course, the Hollywood hookers I introduced you to should probably make us even) 

Well if you can pass on a favor. If anyone has the time, can they possiby try to get some info on Yarna?

We asked 'em (again), and yes, she's indeed coming, but obviously not this year.  It'll be tight for '08, but if she doesn't squeeze in there, then definitely in '09.  You'll get her eventually, but you'll just have to be patient a little longer...

Even moreso with the Tonnika Sisters, who still aren't quite out of the "issue" that they've been embroiled in for years now, unfortunately, despite what Christine Hewitt said at C3 a couple years ago.

Cantina distillery coming (which we already knew).  Hopefully '08.

ICMG IS coming.  Probably '09.  Serious debate between two of the main Hasbro reps on whether it'll be carded, or kitbashed into a BP (hence our conflicting news with 'Scum's).  Quite entertaining to watch them argue over it in person (after I asked them about the conflicting info).  Nice to see Scott's original idea is finally going to make it to fruition!  We joked that they should include him as the pilot figure in a new Cloud Car... 

That AT-PT is surprisingly supposed to be at the mid-sized vehicle price point of only $20, and not more like that AT-ST was a few years ago...  It'll hold 3 figures.

The coins from Waves 1 and 2, many of which were badly scratched up, can be returned to Hasbro for better quality replacements soon.

Grievous actually FITS into his Starfighter (as will Obi-Wan).

Serious discussion on the direction of the vintage line, which could be all over the place at this point.  It might have prequel figures in it (god forbid), which we said should be put into the basic line, but still be highly articulated.  It might be the exact original vintage Kenner run, which would be hard, after putting recent vintage-esque figures into the basic line (like the upcoming 4-LOM).  Might just be popular select key characters not redone yet.  Might include OT figures that should've made it into the original Kenner line, but never did (Tarkin, Slave Leia, RFT, Sandtrooper, etc.)  It might include re-released figures on new cards (ANH/ESB/ROTJ).  Who knows where this line will wind up?  Hasbro certainly isn't sure yet, since they're handing out questionaires at C4 on it's future, and running the polls on RS right now as well.  But they're definitely listening to our thoughts!  Even if they're practically evenly split across the board at this point...

It sounded pretty solid that Hasbro's finally realized that at the very least they need to pump out a POTF carded vintage wave.  Pretty good bet they will.

They weren't sure what the currently MIA 12th (and final) concept figure was, though it's likely to (unfortunately) be the Greivous, which is obviously not a McQuarrie design, though it'll be on the same "Concept artwork" styled cardback.

I know there were several other tidbits of interest from some of our private discussions, but my brain is mush right now and I can't remember any more.  Post any additional (intelligent) questions in here and I'll try to get them asked/answered down at their booth this weekend.

I hope this is good news for the whole weekend!  As described in my rant elsewhere, I'm very upset that I won't be able to get into the store to buy my figures until Saturday morning when will call opens.  Hopefully, it won't be mobbed!!

Well, the word I got today from folks who ventured in there was that there was a fairly long line first thing this morning (still less than an hour), but that folks who wandered over in the afternoon (like we did the day before), walked straight into the store, grabbed their stuff, and were out of there in 5 minutes.  So once the bumrush subsides, the place is wide open and easy as hell to zip through, even for the Droid figures.

Granted, anything can happen, so don't take this word as gold, since I don't want to be responsible for anyone possibly missing out on something, but if it were me, I'd just hit the Luke line first since that's the toughest of the figures, and then head over across the street for the Droids when the morning crowds have had their fill...

Yeah, Anthony speaks the truth.  I obviously wasn't involved with the UGP at all, but I've stopped by the booth several times over the past couple days since I'm often hanging out with Ryan or Anthony, and each time I've visited, the table's been nearly completely surrounded by by fans and onlookers.  And not just people that walk by and take a passing glance, but folks who really stop and walk around the whole setup very slowly, closely analyzing the detail, and taking pictures.  Kids are obviously digging it as well (though it teases the hell out of them since they want to get in there and play with it all).

Anyway, from an unbiased third party's perspective, I can honestly tell all of you guys that this thing's a big hit, and looks great!  Obviously massive thanks go out to Ryan, Anthony, and especially Paul for putting the whole thing together out here, and keeping an eye on things (Tom too).  Great dedication, and super results.  I have to admit, there were some times several months back, and even up 'til fairly recently, that I had some concerns that things might not work out too well.  But those concerns were completely alleviated when I saw the booth Thursday morning and could tell that you all came through with flying colors.

So kudos to everyone involved, and again, especially Paul for spearheading this monster.  Well done!

- Matt

Beth bought a McStormie and McFett off me today at C4, and paid lickety split.  Always a pleasure, even when she's not wearing one of her cool costumes...  Thanks Beth!

- M

P.S.  Beth also generously hooked me up with an exclusive Star Wars cake decoration/piece of jewelry that I somehow missed at the C4 Opening Ceremonies tonight.  Mmmm, cake!  Thanks again Beth, and sorry we kept you out so late tonight! 

Finally saw The Pantry tonight, and that's just a little hole in the wall dive restaurant.  Might be ok to grab a bite in after the Opening Ceremonies let out around 9pm, but it'd probably be a little more lively and social to walk across the street to the Holiday Inn and sit down in their nice bar area for a little while to relax and have a drink.  Not much else nearby though, unless you hit the Wilshire hotel and mall area about 20 minutes away...

I'll probably try to get in touch with everyone tomorrow afternoon to see what folks want to do.  Most of us will be at the Hasbro Q & A at 1:30 though, so stop by there if you can!