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Collectibles => Past Hasbro 3.75" Lines => Saga Collection '06 => Topic started by: Jeff on January 19, 2006, 12:02 PM

Title: 2006 American International Toy Fair
Post by: Jeff on January 19, 2006, 12:02 PM
So, we're just a little over 3 weeks from this year's Toy Fair.

What are you hoping to see?  Have questions you'd like our Toy Fair crew to ask Hasbro?


Personally, I hope Hasbro has info for us about the stupid Bounty Hunt figures.  I'd really like to know what's what before they hit (which could be March at the current pace  :P).  I also can't wait to get a look at some of the other waves we haven't seen yet, including the 2006 vOTC line-up, the Endor Wave, the Naboo wave, and the Yavin/Death Star wave!   

Hopefully the rumored Ewok Village 3PO will be as articulated as we all want and I'm curious as to which Pod Racers made the cut for the Naboo wave.  Here's to hoping that Ben Quadrinaros finally makes the cut!   ;)
Title: Re: 2006 American International Toy Fair
Post by: CHEWIE on January 19, 2006, 12:46 PM
I want some sort of surprise large vehicle like an AT-TE or Turbo Tank.  I'm sick of them not making stuff like that ever.

So, I would like if possible these two questions asked -

(1) Why have you not made an AT-TE or a Turbo Tank?  Repacks like the Falcon are not selling, so why not try something NEW?  An AT-TE or a Turbo Tank with 4 exclusive Clones might really be popular.

(2) Why do you not make diorama-esque playsets?  Sideshow is proving that the 12" line could be a lot better, so why not let them or Gentle Giant purchase the rights to make quality playsets?  Maybe show them this for an example:

(http://chewie34.250free.com/11.SD4.jpg)

 :P
Title: Re: 2006 American International Toy Fair
Post by: Darth Broem on January 19, 2006, 01:52 PM
Here are a few ideas for questions: 

Yeah, someone ask them if they are willing to let another company like SS or whomever take a stab at playsets and/or larger vehicles.   I am sure they won't give it up but it would be interesting to hear what their response or non-response is to that idea. 

If so let's get another update on the whole Tonnika Sisters thing.  Since there was that big rumor coming from C3 try to see if that was all B.S. or what? 

Bounty Hunt - any and all info on that. 

Also ask if those 5 VOTC are it for this year.  It seems like 5 of those is incomplete to me.   Why no ESB VOTCs?

See if they are going to make more Evolutions this year or ever. 

Padme - Maybe they can get an etailer or SWShop.com to make some Padmes since these retailers don't like carrying her.  I am sure there would be fans buying Padme if they actually made some outfits she has not been in figure form yet.  Maybe a 4 pack like that Lucas Collection. 

Lars - Are they ever going to be make Cliegg, Owen, and/or Beru? 

Title: Re: 2006 American International Toy Fair
Post by: ruiner on January 19, 2006, 03:29 PM
1.  What will the suggested SRP be for the new VOTC?

2.  Please clarify the details on the new mailaway figure program - will it be POP's from only the Bounty Hunt figures?  Will there be Bounty Hunt versions of the VOTC?

3.  Will we see another wave of "large" Unleashed figures after the shock trooper wave this Fall?  Speaking of Unleashed, are you happy with the success of the Battle Packs?

4.  Are the new lines targeted towards younger collectors (Transformers, Choppers, Titanium) living up to retailers' expectations?

5.  When can we expect to find the new AT-AT and Gunship?   And what will the SRP's be for each?

6.  Can you divlulge any information in regards to 2007?  Will we see something special to celebrate the 30th Anniversary of SW?

Title: Re: 2006 American International Toy Fair
Post by: Brian on January 19, 2006, 03:46 PM
Really great questions here so far, hopefully we'll get some information at ToyFair.  I'm sure many things will be met with the cryptic responses as usual, but hopefully we'll get something new.  I'm really looking forward to see some of the future TSC waves for this year, particularly the OT-based ones.  I'd also like to get a little bit of insight into how packed the figure lineup will be this year.  50-60 figures, or up to 100?  I'm guessing more in the normal range of 50, but if this pace continues it could be more.  I really hope we see the new VOTC, and hear news about that line in general.  Will there be an ESB (or POTF) wave?  What will the pricepoint be?  I just hope there are a lot of new figures (and hopefully vehicles...or -grasping at straws- playsets).  As far as general questions...they mainly echo others so far:

-What are the plans for the VOTC?  More figures later this year?

-The "big" Unleashed line.  Will we see this line continue beyond the Han/Shock/Chewie repack/repainted wave?  If so, what is next for this line?

-Information on the future of the line.  Plans for 2007 and beyond.  Are things coming to an end?  I'm guessing we won't get any concrete answer on this, but hopefully they are dedicated to the future of the line.

-Bounty Hunt/VOTC Mail In, etc. - Clear this up for everyone, please.

-"Other" Lines - will they be continuing, if so, which ones (Force Battlers, Galactic Heroes, Unleashed, Unleashed BP, Transformers, Choppers, Titanium, etc.)?

I like Broem's idea of the Padme 4-pack.  Although the SWShop figures are more expensive, if this is what it will take for us to get a few more Padme figures, I'd pay it.  I think most of us would.
Title: Re: 2006 American International Toy Fair
Post by: speedermike on January 19, 2006, 04:04 PM
Haven't we all learned that asking Hasbro questions is usually pointless?

Anyway, I'm hoping to see some of the stuff from the summer/fall.  Possibly some confirmation of the rumored figs like Hermi Odle, and CZ-3.

I think it will also be important to convey our concern over the possiblity of chase figures.  Explain that other well loved collector lines have died due to frustration and aggravation.  Also point out that if they go ahead with chase figures and varients and other nonsense, they are admitting that the line is for collectors, and not for kids.

(Granted we don't know what this Bounty Hunt stuff really is yet, and it could be nothing.)
Title: Re: 2006 American International Toy Fair
Post by: Darth_Anton on January 20, 2006, 09:59 AM
I'll tell you what I don't want to see, product beyond wave 8. :-X
Title: Re: 2006 American International Toy Fair
Post by: Jim on January 20, 2006, 10:44 AM
1.  Galactic Heroes ships?  How about a Tie or Vaders Tie?

2.  Cloud Car? Sounds like there is still a huge demand. 

3.  We need a new DS Trooper. Any chance for a VOTC version?  And maybe a
      running change of Black/Grey for the DS Trooper?

4.  VOTC POTF?  If so when?

5.  Any chance of a VOTC line of what could of been?  Tarkin, Rebel Trooper,
     Sandtrooper, etc.

6.  Ewoks?  Its no longer the 80's and we've gotten over much of our hate
     towards them.  Is this the reason so few have been made to this point?

7.  Any thoughts for repacking VOTC figs or changing up the cardbacks?  For
     example a Vader on a Star Wars card versus the ESB?  Kind of what was done
     with the original vintage line.

8.  Animated figs to continue with new TV show? 

9.  Any update with figure tie-ins for the new live action show coming? 

10.  When will we see a Basic Carded Barc Trooper and Mygeeto Snowtrooper?
Title: Re: 2006 American International Toy Fair
Post by: Jesse James on January 20, 2006, 11:52 AM
Jim has some good ones listed...  Here's a 10 list for me.

1. What's the chances of seeing the Evolutions Line continue?  Seems like it was a hit at retail, and the figures were pretty top-rate.  I'd personally like to see an Imperial Trooper and Rebel Trooper set at some point.

2. Has Hasbro considered resculpting the Snowspeeder, Speederbike, or AT-ST so they were to-scale with the figures, better detailed, and just generally improved like the Landspeeder was?  That seems like the 3 most "doable" resculpt ships/vehicles.

3. Articulation's still an issue of some concern.  While the ROTS line came out swinging wtih a LOT of figures that were borderline super articulated in the basic line, it seems Saga 06 has been a let down with some of the articulation we've seen so far like lacking knee joints on Han, Veers, Derlin, etc.  Is this a regression across the board, or is Hasbro going to be stepping it up a notch in the future?  I personally think the POTC Cantina Wave was the ideal "Basic Standard" articulation for the line, while some figures will deserve less (senators) and still other figures will deserve more (army builders, Jedi, etc.), I feel the Cantina Wave is the nice middle ground for good poseability...  So can we get that? :)

4. What's up with the Bounty Hunt deal?  Spill it.

5. Why not re-issue the "Imperial Officer" with all 3 headsculpts but in grey uniforms?  Seems like a slam dunk.

6. Will we be seeing VOTC figures making their way into the basic line.  The Stormtrooper, Chewbacca, Han, and others are truly definitive looks at these characters, so it'd be really nice to see them re-appear in the line as THE sculpt Hasbro uses when they want that character in that outfit out on the pegs.

7. Also will you consider slight resculpting to VOTC figures to offer something new, but at a lower cost to Hasbro?  For instance, Leia with a "hood up" head would go over well I think, especially if she came with the proper sporting blaster.  A Han with gloved hands, and maybe a headset would be interesting and appreciated...  I'd even buy VOTC Chewbacca again if he came with a new Dejarrik board with the game pieces (be cool if it had them all actually).

8. Playsets...  What's the possibility of smaller modular ones that form a larger set?  If they have endless addition ability and combinations, they could be a hugely popular item I think.

9. The holo figures are different, but how much would you estimate an "accessory" like that cuts into the overall production cost of a figure?  I think people prefer a quality poseable action figure over a mini-holographic statue that costs money to tool a mold and such, so there is concern out there that the holos are cutting into the final figure's overall quality we're seeing.

10. Is the VOTC line going to be overtaking the $10 pricepoint normally reserved for Deluxe or "Ultra" figures?  It did during the OTC line, so is that what we should expect now in Saga '06?

I'm really interested in that answer on the Evolutions line.  Hasbro has a goldmine in that concept and just up and dropped it.  Makes no sense.
Title: Re: 2006 American International Toy Fair
Post by: CHEWIE on January 20, 2006, 12:04 PM
Here's a question for all the JD members - do you not care about playsets/larger vehicles?  Why so much concern about the VOTC line but no interest in playsets/larger vehicles (which were our favorite thing when we were kids!)?  Heck, if we don't even care about them here, then no wonder they don't make them.

 :P
Title: Re: 2006 American International Toy Fair
Post by: Jeff on January 20, 2006, 12:17 PM
Here's a question for all the JD members - do you not care about playsets/larger vehicles? 

While I'd most likely buy new playsets (damn OCD), I honestly don't really care if they make more playsets.

#1 - I don't have the room to set them up and keep them that way.  I have limited display space and having big playsets set up eats away at that space way more than 25-30 figures on a shelf does.

#2 - The playsets they do make are often:
a) not to scale
b) overpriced for what you get
c) not movie/screen accurate
(re: Geonosis Arena and Mustafar Playset for examples)

#3 - My number one passion in this hobby is the figures themselves.  The playset and vehicles are great, but again they are display space hogs.  While I'd love an giant DS playset, I don't have anywhere to put it other than the closet.   :(


For Toy Fair, I'm way more interested in things like the "Bounty Hunt" chases and vOTC-06 because I know they are coming.  I'm much more interested in learning about the who/what/when/why/wheres of those products than an etherial Hasbro non-answer about the future of playsets (because you know deep down that any playset/AT-TE question will just get the same "it's on our list if we can find a place for it" type of non-answer).
Title: Re: 2006 American International Toy Fair
Post by: Brian on January 20, 2006, 12:34 PM
Quote
For Toy Fair, I'm way more interested in things like the "Bounty Hunt" chases and vOTC-06 because I know they are coming.  I'm much more interested in learning about the who/what/when/why/wheres of those products than an etherial Hasbro non-answer about the future of playsets (because you know deep down that any playset/AT-TE question will just get the same "it's on our list if we can find a place for it" type of non-answer).

That's kind of my thinking on the playsets as well.  Don't get me wrong, I'd really like to see them and hope that we do...but I just don't think its going to happen at this point.  The only thing I could see is if they "farmed out" the line to someone else, as has been suggested.  Space is a concern for me as well, but I would likely pick up any OT-based playsets they would put out.  I'd especially like to see the Dagobah and Death Star playsets, even if they were just re-released from the vintage days.  I think from the answers Hasbro has given in the past though, it isn't very likely unfortunately.  We can always hope though.  Like Jeff mentioned, I'm more focused on things that can (and hopefully will) actually happen...like more VOTC, upcoming figure waves, and figuring out this whole Bounty Hunt nonsense.  Don't get me wrong though, I'd like me some playsets too, and hope that they are in our future somehow.
Title: Re: 2006 American International Toy Fair
Post by: CHEWIE on January 20, 2006, 12:49 PM
I understand that Hasbro absolutely sucks when it comes to playsets.  That's why I'm pushing for them to sell the rights to someone like Gentle Giant.  Remember the Master Replica (at least I think it's by them) metal Death Star we've seen pics of?  That thing is beautiful, yet way out of most people's price range.  Something like that, cast in plastic for a couple hundred bucks would be what I am referring to, not the craptastic playsets we've gotten like the Arena and Mustafar.

I guess to me, the VOTC, Bounty Hunt, hologram figures, etc. are going to be coming no matter what, and in due time we're going to get answers to those questions.  If you ask them only questions like that, you are asking them the questions they want you to ask them.  Those are simple questions for them to answer, and at least in my opinion, pointless questions like Speedermike said. 

I like to ask the more difficult questions, like "Seeing that you have passed on movie style playsets and the ones you do make look nothing like the sets we see in the films, why do you not allow someone else to take over the license for them?"

Also in the same mindframe, "Why do you pass on making movie style/accurate playsets and vehicles, yet you decide to waste time, money and resources on Star Wars Choppers, Galactic Heroes, Transformers, etc?"

Heck, for that matter, they could go into modular playsets that connect to each other, similar to the Simpsons Interactive playsets.  $20.00 a pop and you get a nice little diorama with three walls, a floor and a figure.  Sure would be better than Cinema Scenes or Screen Scenes I would think.  Why not ask them that?

Instead of asking them for just details on rumors that we already have some information on, why not ask them some "why" questions too?  ...they should see pics of that Star Destoyer Owen D. made, but I get the feeling nobody will show them that.  There are people out there that desire such items.

 :P
Title: Re: 2006 American International Toy Fair
Post by: Jeff on January 20, 2006, 01:24 PM
Those are simple questions for them to answer, and at least in my opinion, pointless questions like Speedermike said. 

Well, I guess it's a difference of opinion then about what is or isn't a pointless question.   ;)

In my mind, questions that Hasbro can and will answer to clear things up about upcoming products aren't pointless because people are interested in the answers as soon as they can get them (as proven by the interest demonstrated in this thread).

When it comes to questions like "Why can't you sell the playset rights to GG or MR?"  (which scares me because then they'd be even MORE pricey than the Hasbro ones), well questions like that are more suited to SDCC or other functions where actual Hasbro product development people are in attendance.

Often, at Toy Fair all there is on hand is sales people who know a lot about the product they are showing and that's it.  To ask those people questions like you are wanting is, in my opinion, pointless because they either won't know or can't answer them appropriately.

With that aside though, we can certainly add the questions to the list and see what we can try to get answered...
Title: Re: 2006 American International Toy Fair
Post by: ruiner on January 20, 2006, 01:35 PM
While I respect Chewie's desire (and passion) for more playsets/vehicles, I think it's safe to say that Hasbro (from here on out) is only concerned with "milking" the SW license.

I would bet my house on the fact that the Big H will not release new playsets/vehicles (newly tooled) from this point on.

It's sad to say, but I just don't think they can justify the payback.


Jeff - who from the JD staff gets to go to NY?



Title: Re: 2006 American International Toy Fair
Post by: Mikey D on January 20, 2006, 01:35 PM

Also in the same mindframe, "Why do you pass on making movie style/accurate playsets and vehicles, yet you decide to waste time, money and resources on Star Wars Choppers, 2" Unleashed, Transformers, etc?"


Fixed.

Choppers and Transformers I agree with, but Galactic Heroes is a pretty good line (minus the transforming vehicles but that's minor).  Other than Hasbro repacking certain figures - which really isn't that big of a deal - I don't think I've heard anything bad said about that line. 
Title: Re: 2006 American International Toy Fair
Post by: Jeff on January 20, 2006, 01:41 PM
Jeff - who from the JD staff gets to go to NY?

The lucky bastich would be Dave (jokabofe).   
Title: Re: 2006 American International Toy Fair
Post by: CHEWIE on January 20, 2006, 02:34 PM
Well, I do agree that questions like the ones I am focusing on probably won't be answered to my satisfaction by them, but I do think it's good to push them.  The more we bring up the topic, I think the more likely they are to keep things like that on the drawing board at least.

Whatever is going to be asked is fine, I fully understand that my passion for such things to be made is in the minority.  I do think that many of the questions already laid out are going to be answered soon enough anyway, which is why I would personally ask other questions that we might not otherwise hear anything at all about.

So, my main point is that I think they should take a look at Owen's Star Destroyer as an example of what some fans would love to see made, and ask them if they've ever thought about making anything that looked like a movie set.  Of course they'll probably say "That's too expensive to make" but I think it would be more profitable for them to make such items rather than some of their latest gimmicks that are warming pegs everywhere, or at least give the opportunity to another company to take a shot at them.  A lof of fans like to spend money on high scale items, so if these were ever made at least we would have a shot at getting them.

 :P
Title: Re: 2006 American International Toy Fair
Post by: Jim on January 20, 2006, 04:33 PM
I know some of us would love a huge DS playset, me included.  But what it all comes down to is even though this really is a collectors market, it still is a kids line in the eyes of Hasbro.  Not many if any parent is going to shell out a ton of cash for one playset.  Hasbro would rather sell 1 million units of a fig rather than a 1000 units of a playset.  It is a huge marketing, engineering and manufacturing nightmare in reality.  In short a huge loss.  What later becomes higher costs to the figure line that we have to absorb. :(
Title: Re: 2006 American International Toy Fair
Post by: CHEWIE on January 20, 2006, 04:59 PM
I wonder how it is thought that other companies can afford to sell higher priced items? 

 :P
Title: Re: 2006 American International Toy Fair
Post by: JesseVader08 on January 20, 2006, 06:58 PM
I think Jim and Jeff are exactly right.  It's always easier for a parent to buy 10 items that are $10 each than a single item for $100.  It's a matter of perception.  And as for collectors, even you said CHEWIE that you are in the minority in your interest in playsets.  I'm not saying it's a question that shouldn't be asked, I just don't expect much of an answer from Hasbro since I can't see Hasbro profiting from expensive playsets.  And ultimately it's the allmighty buck that determines what gets made and what doesn't.

Now modular playsets, that's a different story.  I could see those doing quite well because each piece would be relatively expensive, say $20 to $30.  That way parents and collectors can pick and choose what they want rather than being "forced" to buy one larger and much more expensive one.

Personally, my biggest question is about the VOTC (and mail-in figure) and the Bounty Hunt chase figures - ie. I want to know exactly what the details are.

Secondly, I'm very curious to know what pace they have planned for releasing the next waves.  At the current rate, it seems we'll be through all of the waves by the middle of the year.  Additional waves?  New line?
Title: Re: 2006 American International Toy Fair
Post by: CHEWIE on January 20, 2006, 07:31 PM
Modular playsets really do seem to be the way to go if they were going to try and do something at retail (like maybe the Simpson-esque playsets), I think that would be an excellent question to ask them.

As for larger, non-modular ones, again I think they should let some other company try a go at it, maybe as internet exclusives.  Sideshow is kicking ass with the 12" line, something that Hasbro seemed to never have a handle on.  12" collectors are in the minority, but another company is able to hit that niche.  So I have no reason to believe that another company couldn't do well with playsets, or model-esque dioramas if you want to call them that.  I'm not saying aim these at the kids and their parents, I'm saying try to find a way to get avaiable for the adult collectors that want them and are willing to shell out the money for them. 

 :P
Title: Re: 2006 American International Toy Fair
Post by: Jesse James on January 20, 2006, 08:59 PM
Quote
Here's a question for all the JD members - do you not care about playsets/larger vehicles? 


Care?  Yes.  Expect?  Not at all.

While I believe the best possible chance of anything like this ever happening is a modular concept somewhere along the lines of Muftak's Modular Death Star (http://www.jedidefender.com/yabbse/index.php?topic=2388.0) or Modular Cloud City (http://www.jedidefender.com/yabbse/index.php?topic=4142.0) sets.  At the same time, I'm not sure that's what I'd personally even want really.

For me, I'm with Jeff and thus I know I'm repeating him some here...  Redundancy isn't always bad though. :)  But I just know things will be disproportionate, they'll lack some elements I want while they'll have others I'm completely disinterested in (firing cannons, etc.), Hasbro has a bad track record with higher ticket items too so if things break the $30 barrier we're looking at potential shelf-warmers, and a negative impact on the line overall I believe...

Do I want stuff like an AT-TE?  Sure, but being a fan of scale and detail I'm sure I wouldn't want whatever Hasbro offered because I saw what basically ammounted to a to-scale AT-TE at Celebration 3 in the LFL Archives exhibit, and holy **** it's huge.  Same as me wanting a Falcon to-scale.  Saw what it would look like at C3, and it blows your mind to stand next to it and really get a taste of what those "big" items are like when done the way you want them...  So for that, I'm much more interested in figures and less interested in ships and playsets. 

I'd love to hear if Hasbro's got plans to maybe resculpt the Snowspeeder to-scale since it's oversized...  Same with the Speederbike.  Small, cheap, affordable...  They redid the Landspeeder so I have this hope for stuff like that some day.  The AT-ST would interact great with action figures too, so it's another I'd love to see redone and to-scale, and Hasbro's able to as it's not THAT big, especially if there's "some assembly required" as they say.  Those are doable items that if you asked you MIGHT get a response on...

If you ask for an AT-TE or new AT-AT, or Sith Infiltrator, or Death STar Playset, you get their cookie cutter responses that they gave us at C3, SDCC, etc., and then they ignore you the rest of the meet and greet. :)  *couth*Matt*cough*

BUt, as Jeff said (I think), I too am more a figure focused person with the line.  Good army builders in particular, so I've got a bigger interest in hearing what's doing for the basic figure line's future rather than ships/playsets overall.  To me, they're a complement to the line, not its focus.  I'm the same way with the X-Treme Detail line as I really view the planes, choppers, tanks, trucks and playsets as a complement to the figure line, and 21st Cent. Toys is only now getting the hint that they have to have a figure line as the core.

If the playsets or vehicles are real knock-outs I'm cool with them but I don't have much faith in Hasbro's ability to do that...  ANd subcontracting them to other companies isn't always a done deal.

GG's not set up to mass produce multi-plastic playsets...  Attakus isn't either, and the price of their little dioramas reflects that greatly.  Side Show doesn't do it...  I can't think of anyone off-hand who Hasbro would look at favorably to just make playsets actually.  They're the "big" company with the ability...  and they don't seem to want to I guess.  ANd it's tough to blame them too...  Of 4 prequal playsets, none have sold well at all.  Even larger ships haven't...  Gunships saw clearance in 02 and limited release in 05...  ARC's saw wide release in 05 and didn't move too fast...  The TIE Fighter saw clearance and was an exclusive...  B-Wings saw clearance widely here at their pricepoint, and I saw AT-AT's as low as $20 back in modern Star Wars' hey day.  The Imp Shuttle saw major price drops till it actually made it to a reasonable one, and the Sandcrawler saw clearance...  A lot of bad precedent looming over the area of large vehicles and playsets.  It's that pricepoint I think.

The XD line's planes generally sell well...  Of course, any given paint scheme can be fairly limited, but when you see 4, 5, or 6 paint schemes for one fighter you're looking at a ton of planes being put out there for $40 to $50...  Hell, their $80+ modern day jet fighters FLEW (no pun) off shelves.  I attribute this to their line focusing on borderline model-kits in their details and paint applications, but with durability as well, and an adult-driven market...  They do see some sales at times if too much is delivered anywhere, like the P-47 checkertail or Flying Pig Stuka saw...  But overall it seems their market can deliver their $ where their mouth is, while SW fans either back out when they see the price, or when they see the quality they get, or a combination of both factors. 

I mean, I can't blame them.  If Hasbro could deliver a scale AT-TE I'd probably be one of the first in line for it if i could afford what they were asking for it...  Hell I'd get two if I could afford them, but what we WOULD likely get is a disproportionate walker I'd just look at and not want.  I eliminated vehicles as a thing I needed to be a "completist" for because of ships I just didn't feel were up to my standards.

Got my Jedi Fighters, Tri-Droid, AT-RT, WOokiee Copter...  I get the to-scale things and love them even though they do lack some details.  I can't see me spending $40 on a Gunship though when, as cool as it is as a toy, it is undersized a bit and just doesn't appeal to me though...  So I do think that has an impact on the line, and how Hasbro thinks when they're pondering putting ships out...

For me then, asking about things I've yet to see Hasbro TRULY deliver on then just isn't something I push for.  They're skittish about risks like that, so I'd rather find out what figures are coming and what quality will be like...  Some small vehicles though, I'd love to hear what they're maybe gonna do, and hopefully do right.  Love that Saga Landspeeder resculpt afterall. :)
Title: Re: 2006 American International Toy Fair
Post by: Darby on January 20, 2006, 09:27 PM
I personally don't care as much about playsets as some others, simply because I wouldn't have the space to accomodate them.  I would however be behind the modular idea, especially if it involved including a section with each basic figure, like the ML Galactus stuff.  It would make much more sense than these little holo guys.

As for vehicles, I'd love to see more, newer, bigger, but like Jesse, I don't see it.  Repaints and exclusives are all I think we can expect from here on out, unless (as I've said before) the TV shows make use of unproduced PT designs.  If the AT TE is in the show, then I bet you we'll see it.
Title: Re: 2006 American International Toy Fair
Post by: CHEWIE on January 20, 2006, 10:56 PM
Great points JJ, as always you do a great job of seeing it from both sides and explaining your thoughts, something I do not always to so well with just words, which is why I showed the pic of Owen's Star Destroyer for reference, but I don't think anyone even replied to that.

The Main thing I disagree with though is not wanting stuff it if isn't to scale... sure, I'd rather an AT-TE or whatever vehicle to be to scale, but if the rule was that big items had to be to scale for us to get them, we never would have had the Falcon, Imperial Shuttle, AT-AT, Royal Starship, AT-ST, etc.  Most people I've talked to are glad they released those items.  So I don't think everything has to be a mammoth proportion for it to be popular. 

The Falcon has had limited success in sales, but hell they've rehashed that thing how many times now?  TRU is littlered with them.  The Shuttle was way overpriced and given to a terrible source in FAO (but at least it was available if you wanted it), the AT-AT seems to have done well for the most part (though I did see a $20.00 one and they are re-releasing it so they couldn't be that afraid of an item this big), the Royal Starship bombed (but the darn thing was a non-military item which hurt it, even though it's one hell of a display piece) and the AT-ST's always seem to sell well.  So did the larger scaled X-Wings.  So, I think there is always potential for something if it's done right.  In my opinion, it's less of a pricepoint problem as it is of a quality problem.  Would someone want the Arena at the $40.00 tag?  A lot of people said no, because the playset sucked, and that they wouldn't even want it on clearance because of that.  But make it look more like something out of the movie, add a few bucks to the price to increase the quality, and your market for it just went up.  And the bad track record they seem to have is quite often their fault, I blame them.  Do we need a gigantic blaster on a Freeze Chamber?  Uh.... NO.

The difference to me, is doing things that make sense for the larger items, for God's sake, the playsets they did release lately are terrible.  They look nothing like a movie scene, yet they spend so much time on figures like the VOTC's, but where in the heck are you supposed to display them?

As for Attakus, is it going to cost so much for that playset?  Because they are casting the damn thing in METAL.  It could be done for a hell of a lot cheaper with plastic and made affordable for those of us aren't CEO's of companies.  So I disagree that nobody has the resources for such an item in our price range.  I respectfully disagree 100%.

I can see the direction this is going, and fear that if you have different questions to be asked than the staff had planned on, they won't be asked, and that's playing into Hasbro's hands by asking them about stuff they are already planning on making.  What's the point in having an imagination in this hobby if all you want to do is get information they are going to be giving soon enough anyway?  Why not inquire on some stuff they could be working out a solution on, but aren't doing?  I view that as viewing the cup as half empty, as not having any influence on what is being made, and just telling Hasbro, make whatever you want.  If I like it, I'll buy it.  If not, then I'll leave it on the shelf and bitch about it.  I'd rather them make stuff we want.  Quit waisting resources on the gimmick lines and make something worthwhile that makes you look at it, and say "Damn, that's awesome!" 

So much of the stuff from the vintage days is overpowering in size, it would be nice to get that feeling again.  As much as an impact as the movies had on me back them, the scale of the vehicles/playsets did it even more for me, and still does.  Star Wars is about grandeur, not about measly little $20.00 ships.

Anyways, a Gun Tower from the Death Star would make for a great playset too.  This is the difference between a gimmicky, stupid playset and a quality one.

(http://www.owenscustoms.com/Guntower1.JPG)

Nice accessories too (something else Hasbro doesn't like to do) -

(http://www.owenscustoms.com/Guntower992.JPG)

 :P
Title: Re: 2006 American International Toy Fair
Post by: jokabofe on January 20, 2006, 11:16 PM
I think it's already been proven, time and again, that playsets just don't sell. Even the modular idea has already been proven to a certain extent. Just look at TRU and see how many of the Jedi Council sets they have sitting on the shelves. Hell, at my TRU they marked them down to $6.98 each, and they still can't sell. This is pretty much a modular playset, if you get right down to it. You buy all 6 of them and connect them to form the Jedi Council Chamber. And before you start saying, "Yeah, but it's not complete/accurate/perfect/good/etc." - that's about the best you're going to get from Hasbro.

Which is why they don't make playsets.

Now, on to the questions. I'll try and make a list, and put the most asked questions at the top. Unfortunately, last year there really wasn't a lot of time to ask questions to the rep I spoke with, and the questions I did ask were ansewered from the point of view of someone who just shows toys, if you know what I mean. It's too bad they don't have some kind of panel set up like they did at C3, that was actually pretty informative.

Last year, Hasbro held their exhibit outside of the regular TF spot, and on a different day. Hopefully, they won't do that this year because I have to work on the day before TF opens (which is the day that Hasbro held their showing last year) and if they do that again, I'm screwed.

My biggest question for the Hasbro rep I speak with is going to "What's your presskit look like this year  ;D "
Title: Re: 2006 American International Toy Fair
Post by: TheBlackDog65 on January 20, 2006, 11:24 PM
Let me start by also saying I am mainly interested in the figures that ReHashbro is going to release. Vechiles are not a major interest of mine, so not a lot of questions there (except kudos for the ARC-170 which is a very nice ship).
I'm going to try to use the viewpoint of a 11 almost 12 year old boy/young man (my son) to make a few points on playsets. First, I took him by DeanPaul's to drop off an AT AT driver I had for DP. My son saws DP custom generic be all or whatever you want and he LOVED it! I haven't talked enough to DeanPaul to tell him, but all I have heard all week is how cool that is and how I need to build one. Take away. Kids will get into playsets but sometimes I think by being specific, we limit imagination. Making playsets that kids can use as whatever they want may allow kids to use their imagination to create their own stories in the SW universe (which is really what kids do. They might play DeathStar escape, but more importantly, they would make up their own story about whatever playstation is made up).
My other point is playsets need to be designed for both kids and parents. IF we buy a playset, and I play with my son, the playset gets used (he loves his Mustafar set because of this). So the playset should appeal to kids and adults somewhat.
So I guess my two points are probably not realistic, but I would like to see some playsets that are generic or general that allow kids to use their imagination in the SW universe. Second, I really would like playsets to appeal to both kids and adults. Unfortunetly, I think for this to happen, I will have to customise my own.

Last point. My son saw some of DeanPaul's playsets that we don't have; Dagobah/Yoda's tree; Rebel Transport, Ewok Village and I can tell you now if those were modified and re-released, not as a collector, but as a father of a son who LOVES Star Wars, I would have to buy those. Those are smaller in size, and though not generic, they do allow for some use of the imagination of the kid. So I would like to see a question or two asked about playsets that are pratical, somewhat generic, and smaller in size. What are the plans for those? Guess if I want em, to the Classifieds, Ebay or customizing I go.
I would agree that huge playsets don't sell, and we see that time after time. Thus I don't think we'll see them though they are cool to play with.
Title: Re: 2006 American International Toy Fair
Post by: Jeff on January 21, 2006, 12:47 AM
I can see the direction this is going, and fear that if you have different questions to be asked than the staff had planned on, they won't be asked, and that's playing into Hasbro's hands by asking them about stuff they are already planning on making. 

Come on now, CHEWIE.  I think you're getting a bit dramatic with this last comment.  I understand that you are passionate about playsets here, but implying that we're just going to ignore your request is kinda silly.

Why would we start a thread asking what kind of questions you want us to try to ask if we had no intention of asking anything other than what we were already planning to ask?  Kinda defeats the purpose of the thread...

And, I already said back here (http://www.jedidefender.com/yabbse/index.php?topic=10938.msg195033#msg195033) that we can certainly add the playset questions to the list and see what we can try to get answered for you.


and a ps.

As for Attakus, is it going to cost so much for that playset?  Because they are casting the damn thing in METAL.  It could be done for a hell of a lot cheaper with plastic and made affordable for those of us aren't CEO's of companies. 

Also, just to let you know, the Attakus figures are made out of 100% metal.  The Falcon playset that they designed is about 30% metal and 70% resin according to the info that went out at the end of the year last year.  The falcon is metal and resin and the hangar/hallway/base is all resin.

Title: Re: 2006 American International Toy Fair
Post by: Diddly on January 21, 2006, 12:59 AM
I thought about making a list of questions I'd like to see answered, but two factors prevented me from doing it. One, just about every question I had in mind has already been posted in here, and two, Hasbro more than likely won't give us any info.

The thing I'm most concerned about are the prices this year. How do they expect people to be able to afford every figure at $6-7 a pop now, especially with the figures coming out as fast as they are? And why an increase in price when there's a decrease in articulation, accessories, new figures, etc.
Title: Re: 2006 American International Toy Fair
Post by: Jesse James on January 21, 2006, 03:06 AM
Quote
As for Attakus, is it going to cost so much for that playset?  Because they are casting the damn thing in METAL.  It could be done for a hell of a lot cheaper with plastic and made affordable for those of us aren't CEO's of companies.  So I disagree that nobody has the resources for such an item in our price range.  I respectfully disagree 100%.

Actually, metal is equal or cheaper to work with...  Look at die-casts.  They're cheapy cheap.

And the X-Treme Detail line is now making tanks out of die-cast metal.  80 to 90% of the tank is metal, and it comes in at a price equal to, or cheaper than the plastic versions...  Metal's not more expensive to work with necessarilly if you have the ability to work with it quickly and turn your production from one that owrks with plastic(s) to one that works with metals without much modification if any.  I know this first-hand from my own work with plastics and cast metals.

The thing with Attakus is more that they're doing limited production and working with resin.  I work with resin myself and can tell you it's nowhere near economically efficient to work with...  It's something used in prototyping a lot but for production it's something that jacks prices up high because it's expensive stuff.  It's cool though for the hobbyist anxiously awaiting the home injection molding machine at an affordable price.  ;D  I long for this day!

But to the point about manufacturing ability, I'm referring not to what capacity Attakus, or GG, or whahaveyou are able to function at...  I don't know if Attakus is able to mass produce a widely released playset or not, but I do know they're not a toy manufacturer...  They don't work with injection molded plastics, etc...  And few companies can just up and do that too...  SideShow has some ability to, but they work with specific materials to do these 12" figures and other products...  GG works with coldcast busts and things...  I doubt they could turn around and start making playsets because that's not what their business model is set up to do.  It's more the equipment these companies have, that is their manufacturing "ability" that I refer to...  They're simply not companies built to build this or that, nor more than saying Allegheny Technologies is built to make toys, or that Del's built to make cars... 

Attakus can make a playset, but they're making it mostly out of resin, and in limited production, and they're not equipped to start injection molding multi-piece playsets using ABS materials or whatnot...  Hasbro technically isn't even able to but has the partnerships overseas to.

I don't know who could be subcontracted to do it...  At least I can't think of anyone off the top of my head that Hasbro doesn't look down on as competition to them rather than someone they'd partner with.

I'd dig playsets if they were quality, but I'm at the point that I think of them much like Hasbro does.  They're seemingly unwilling to deliver quality beyond what they have so far for a pricepoint we've seen range from like $20 to $40, and they just don't go over well...  Plus, and this all goes back to the first point I think, people do ask this kind of stuff and Hasbro says "not at this time..." every time.

On the point of scale, that's a matter of taste...  To me, it is important, and to me the OTC/POTF2 Falcon is a comical toy to look at that I just have no interest in.  Same with the AT-AT and any number of other vehicles.  That's just my reasoning behind not being interested or asking questions about a new Falcon (or "big item" for a more general explanation).  I'd love a scale Falcon, but anything short of it really doesn't interest me...  I'd love a scale AT-AT, but small disproportionate things just aren't my cup of tea.

I have a scale P-38 Lightning Interceptor I got for $40.  It kicks ass so much I can't look at Hasbro's stuff without wincing at times.  The Jedi Fighters are to-scale, they rock to me, I'm happy despite them lacking some details I'd have maybe liked (controls, etc.), but at the same time the ARC-170 for instance looks like a nice toy but for my tastes it's just not "cool" because it's so out of proportion...  So I skipped it, and Hasbro's told me that if I'm gonna ask about a vehicle I wanna see, I have to keep my expectations within reason.  So Snowspeeder, Speederbike, AT-ST...  That kinda stuff I think they may resculpt and do it justice based on precedent...  If I wanted an AT-TE though (and I do, tremendously) I know what Hasbro's going to put out won't be to-scale so it's not something I personally care to ever see...  Not to begrudge someone one, but at the same time I think that the $ involved in R&D, prototyping, production, etc., is also $ I'd dig seeing focused on the ships I do think can be resculpted as I want them, or towards the figures which are my main focus and where I think quality can always improve across the board in the line.  That's why my interest just isn't there though for the playsets or big vehicles... 

I think we see the Flacon again every whipstitch, or the AT-AT because it's cheap.  Hasbro can take molds they already have and put something out very cheaply just like repacking figures.  It keeps a diverse line available for purchase at a minimum cost to the company, and retail can bite on buying any or they can leave it.  Most seem to leave it while TRU takes the bait generally.
Title: Re: 2006 American International Toy Fair
Post by: Pete_Fett on January 21, 2006, 08:02 AM
Well - I'm a little late with the questions, but here are mine:

1) With the Bounty Hunt promotion, will the stickers/cards/whatever that are extra on those figures be unique for each figure, and you will be required to compile a set of all ten (e.g. card/sticker 1 of 10, 2 of 10, 3 of 10, etc...) or if you find say for example six bounty hunts in all one shot, but they're 3x Scorch and 3x AT-AT Driver, can those be six cards/stickers to use towards a GL Stormtrooper?

2) Why no ESB VOTC figures this year?

3) What is the status on re-releasing the Cloud Car?

4) Why not re-release some of the smaller playsets from the vintage line with better paint ops? Dagobah, Ewok Villiage and Star Destroyer Bridge would be great again.

5) Why not re-release the mini-rigs with better paint ops? This should be an easy way to get a variety of vehicles out there at the $10 - $15 price point.
Title: Re: 2006 American International Toy Fair
Post by: CHEWIE on January 21, 2006, 01:15 PM
Good points Jesse, and you make perfect sense in what you are saying.  While I do agree that some companies aren't set up to make playsets and they might have to switch gears to do so, they had to do that exact thing to get themselves the niches they are currently in.  So I don't think it's impossible.  For the taste of wanting things to scale, I just see that as impossible.  I'd rather have a Falcon, Sail Barge, AT-AT, etc. at a smaller scale than not have one at all.  To never have had a Falcon or AT-AT would be a huge subtraction from the Star Wars toy lineup.  So, I'm thankful that back in the day they made those molds.  The AT-AT's, while underscaled, are still the behemoths of any 3-3/4" collection.  And look absolutely awesome and portray the "power" of Star Wars.

For the comparison of the Screen Scenes to playsets, I don't see a comparison actually.  Most of the Jedi Council ones were rehashes of pegwarmers.  I don't see that as qualifiying as a playset.  The Separatist ones also had some rehashes in them, and again were in the line of Cinema Scenes, which we all know always have been pegwarmers.  It's not accurate to compare them to mini-playsets in my opinion.  Just a few figures thrown in with a piece of plastic for a centerpiece.

Whether or not the playset/large vehicle questions are asked, the reason I said it seemed like the direction of this thread towards not asking those questions is because they were already being shot down by staff members here, trying to already give Hasbro's answers.  And you are probably right, they won't answer the questions with any specifics, so it's probably pointless in me even trying.  I was just trying to inquire what could be done (like maybe something similar to the mini-Simpson sets) rather than asking questions they are going to be releasing the answers to soon anyway, but if the interest isn't there by collectors or by Hasbro, then it's a waste of time to ask, and maybe that is why God created the art of customizing.

 :P

Title: Re: 2006 American International Toy Fair
Post by: JesseVader08 on January 21, 2006, 02:18 PM
Whether or not the playset/large vehicle questions are asked, the reason I said it seemed like the direction of this thread towards not asking those questions is because they were already being shot down by staff members here, trying to already give Hasbro's answers.

I don't think you're being fair CHEWIE.  Jeff started this thread to find out what everyone wanted to know from Hasbro at Toy Fair, and that's what the first number of posts were about.  Everyone has different interests and focuses, some want to know about particular lines of figures, some want to know about lines outside the 3 3/4" figures, and you mentioned that you want to know about playsets.  All very reasonable.

When you asked the question about why JD'ers weren't interested in playsets, everyone (in this thread) simply explained that it wasn't their focus of collecting.  Here was your post:

Here's a question for all the JD members - do you not care about playsets/larger vehicles?  Why so much concern about the VOTC line but no interest in playsets/larger vehicles (which were our favorite thing when we were kids!)?

Just because some other members aren't as interested in playsets as you, doesn't mean it's not a legitimate area to discuss with Hasbro (and we mentioned that we'd be glad to put forth your questions).  But it also doesn't mean that your area of interest is more important than others either.  Very limited information has been provided for a number of figure lines, like the VOTC and Bounty Hunt figures, so a lot of people naturally want to know more.  It's like showing a bone to a dog, but not allowing him to chew on it.  We just want our bone.  :)
Title: Re: 2006 American International Toy Fair
Post by: CHEWIE on January 21, 2006, 02:37 PM
Jesse, I understand and I'm not trying to be unfair at all and apologize if I came off as not caring about the opinions of anyone else.  I think there is some interest in the collecting community for Hasbro to try something different with the playsets ideas, but a lot of people just seem to think it's a hopeless cause.  I don't view anything as being hopeless (and I'm not just talking Star Wars).  Unlikely?  Yeah.  But hopeless, no.

Our opinions were asked, so I gave my opinion, that's all my intention was.  I try and have a "can do" outlook and look for possiblities. 

Again, I didn't mean anything negative, I just viewed my inquiry as having a negative reaction and almost like I was being laughed at for thinking these things are possible, that's all.  Kind of like "Come on CHEWIE, don't waste your breath."  I probably took it too personal and was too sensitive about it.

So, whatever you guys want to do is fine, I appreciate the thread being started.  I understand there might not be time for many questions, or any questions at all for that matter.  So if there is time, ask the ones that most people are curious about.

 :P
Title: Re: 2006 American International Toy Fair
Post by: Darth Broem on January 22, 2006, 01:09 AM
Well it is frustrating that playsets or decent playsets are not out there really.  Hell Hasbro or these other companies put out every other kind of collectible you can think of related to the SW but nobody really puts out any decent playsets/large vehicles (a few attempts have been made I know).  Really think about it there are basic figs, 12 inch, Unleashed, Battle Packs, Attactix, Statues (which are quite high in price), Kubricks, 400% Kubricks, Fast Food Promos, Galactic Heroes, Choppers, Transformers, Titanium vehicles, DieCast figures, models, medium size vehicles, clothing, DVDs, Action Fleet vehicles, etc, etc, etc. 

You would just think playsets would be kind of a no brainer really.  Or at least a few like the Death Star.  But most of that stuff up there listed does involve the characters in some sort of figure form.  It just kind of blows that there are no real environments to put them in. 

I guess you just have to become a diorama maker and spend money on the materials to make that stuff?  For now at least.
Title: Re: 2006 American International Toy Fair
Post by: Famine on January 22, 2006, 02:22 AM
I do think somthing should be said about future playsets or dioramas with a pack in figure. Look at how cool the old Deathstar Playsets are, or the trash compactor sets!

Kevin
Title: Re: 2006 American International Toy Fair
Post by: JesseVader08 on January 22, 2006, 11:42 AM
Playsets like those trash compactor sets are very cool, similar to the modular playset idea.  I think that would be the way to go for playsets.

From what I understand, ToyFair can be frustrating because only salepeople are present, not the developers.  So they are only familiar with items that are already designed and going to hit stores in the next few months.  So if they don't already have plans for playsets, I'm guessing they won't be able to tell us much.  Of course, I'd love to be wrong about that and have them reveal some plans that haven't been rumoured yet.  :)
Title: Re: 2006 American International Toy Fair
Post by: Jesse James on January 23, 2006, 01:43 AM
If the trash compactors had had walls and a roof, they'd be perfect I think...  Something one could have built off of and integrated into a larger diorama or great stand-alone items.  They were more or less just a base in pretty packaging, but the idea's there at least... 

Still though, that "base" in pretty packaging was pretty expensive...  Makes one wonder again just what a small item that was more than that would come in at.  Hasbro seems incapable or unwilling to work on bigger ticket items for value.
Title: Re: 2006 American International Toy Fair
Post by: CHEWIE on January 23, 2006, 10:59 AM
The trash compactor sets are a great example.  I wonder if they could do something like that, with three walls (no roof) and just one figure packed in (like an SA army builder) for $20-$25.00?  I would be so happy if they did. 

They could do all sorts of little rooms like that.

- Geonosis Droid Factory w/ Battle Droid
- Yavin control room w/ Rebel Technician
- Death Star Hallway w/ Stormtrooper
- etc.

 :P
Title: Re: 2006 American International Toy Fair
Post by: Darth Broem on January 23, 2006, 01:51 PM
I would prefer the dioramas like that if nothing else.  Or even those cardboard dioramas were not all that bad of the Cantina and Jabbas Palace.  I am sure not what most have in mind, but it's better than zilch.
Title: Re: 2006 American International Toy Fair
Post by: CHEWIE on January 23, 2006, 02:34 PM
I know some people liked those cardboard dioramas, and for what they were, they weren't that bad.  I do wish they'd make plastic ones though.  If they made that cantina like that molded in plastic, I'd be thrilled.  Makes me want to go back and remake my original custom cantina.

 :P
Title: Re: 2006 American International Toy Fair
Post by: Jesse James on January 25, 2006, 05:15 AM
I'm to the point that if they made the U-Piece of the bar I'd be fairly content...  A drink dispenser would be icing on the cake...

The bar itself, I dunno.  The cardboard sets are cool but I probably would never be happy with a plastic counterpart unless it really was made to be "built" upon by someone.  Like Hasbro built it wiht the intention that people would build the rest of the Cantina around it...

Now little sections of the Cantina that include a booth, or the U-bar piece, or the dispenser, or a table w/chairs...  That'd be cool.  It'd be basically supplying you with the detail parts, and if you want the building you just build it yourself.  That'd be a great helping hand I think.
Title: Re: 2006 American International Toy Fair
Post by: Jim on January 25, 2006, 09:48 AM
If only that cardboard cantina were made of plastic.  That would be one sweet playset.  The current one looks nice but just dont hold up because of the cheapness of materials.
Title: Re: 2006 American International Toy Fair
Post by: CHEWIE on January 26, 2006, 12:06 PM
Now we're talking.  The Pride Displays seem to be somewhere on track on what I am trying to get at for diorama displays, at least with this one -

(http://www.action-figure.com/events/main.php?g2_view=core.DownloadItem&g2_itemId=10100&g2_serialNumber=1)

It's a fair depiction of Palpatine's office.  It looks like the "rock" pieces on the sides and the Mustafar front piece can be removed to make the whole setting more of a Coruscant one.

I'm buying this for sure.  Any way this can be shown to Hasbro, and asked if they have any sort of similar plans?  Funny how other companies seem to want to do things like this, but Hasbro does not.

 :P
Title: Re: 2006 American International Toy Fair
Post by: speedermike on January 27, 2006, 08:37 PM
Personally, I think that display looks a little lame.  It's just too random.  Anyway, it's just a display and not a playset.  I would rather have corny, but fun, stuff like the Mustafar playset, than something like that.
Title: Re: 2006 American International Toy Fair
Post by: CHEWIE on January 27, 2006, 08:45 PM
I see where you are coming from, but it looks like those two rock pieces on the side are interchangeable/can be moved off of it, and the front Mustafar rock is clearly removable.  Take those away from it, and picture Palpatine and characters that belong in the setting, then it's not so random.  More of a diorama piece than a playset, which to me is great.

 :P
Title: Re: 2006 American International Toy Fair
Post by: CHEWIE on January 27, 2006, 09:39 PM
Since it seems the majority of people are against any sort of diorama type playsets (which really does shock me), I tried to make a quick mock up of how I envision a fairly inexpensive playset to look, in a diorama-esque fashion.  Priced in the $30.00 range.  This is kind of how I think that Pride Displays set can look if you just take off the rocky formations. 

(http://chewie34.250free.com/012706palpatineoffice.jpg)

 :P
Title: Re: 2006 American International Toy Fair
Post by: TheBlackDog65 on January 28, 2006, 02:11 AM
Any news coming out of UK Toy Fair from Hasbro? I was hunting tonight with a friend and NPR was interviewing manufacts about developing and selling toys. I'll have to look around for some info I guess.
One interesting point that was made though, was that it is getting more and more difficult for toy companies to sell "dolls" or "action figures" because kids are getting older at a younger age and wanting computer, dvd, and other electronic stuff at a much younger age.
Title: Re: 2006 American International Toy Fair
Post by: Jesse James on January 30, 2006, 04:10 AM
That's been a steadily growing trend Jay, really...  Since I started really focusing my business study on the toy industry years ago, at the start of things like tech really infringing on the Toy Industry's turf, it really is showing a shift in the point where kids "grow out" of things like traditional toys.

Boys are easier to string along though...  In my own experiences with kids outside my immediate family's, I've noticed that tech doesn't take hold of boys as much...  Or as totally perhaps I should say.  They can revert to toys like Legos, or action figures, or role-play items like sabers and whatnot.  They still want video games at the end of the day and I think that will continue as long as VG's exist, but at the same time boys (perhaps because of their inheritly slower maturity rates) cling to more traditional toys more than girls.

The girls market is really hit hard, and despite Mattel's efforts to sugarcoat losses in girl's markets they've dominated for decades, they really have a much more narrow window to work with.  It's really quite interesting stuff as it sort of follows America's society as a whole...  It's also interesting to see how despite supposedly "maturing" faster, kids are generally less responsible today, and in part due to tech being such a focus in their lives.  It's fun to read up on if you're as boring as I am. :)

One of the fun things about toys though is that they actually gain a foothold in older, more adult demographics as this tech boom's encroached on the industry, and the adults have the disposeable income...  Toys of ALL types are being geared at these people with lots of $$$ to spend, like all these throwback sportscars coming out from the big 3, high-end electronics, and now traditional toys for adults trying to recapture childhood...  I wonder where Hasbro views these trends and things though?  :)  They say a lot, but I'm sure being a fly on the wall of internal discussions there would be interesting beyond what a lot of people may think.
Title: Re: 2006 American International Toy Fair
Post by: Diddly on February 10, 2006, 01:42 AM
I'd just like to say that this year's Toy Fair motto ("Where Play Meets Profit") fits Hasbro perfectly. They play around with collectors by releasing subpar or repainted figures which we buy anyway, giving Hasbro a huge profit. :P

So Toy Fair is this weekend, and I'm not expecting much from Hasbro. Maybe prototypes from a new wave, and info on the Bounty Hunt figures, but that's about it.
Title: Re: 2006 American International Toy Fair
Post by: Ben on February 10, 2006, 01:54 AM
I'm more curious about what Hasbro will show for GI Joe and Transformers.

Though seeing some more upcoming waves and exclusives for Star Wars will be pretty cool too.
Title: Re: 2006 American International Toy Fair
Post by: Darth_Anton on February 10, 2006, 09:58 AM
Here's a suggestion for Hasbro. They know these fan sites attend and take lots of pictures. They should have a loose set independant of the display and give the various sites one on one time with them to really check them out, pose them, and take good photos. The better a figure is, the more hype it's going to get, translating into more sales.
Title: Hasbro's Toy Fair Sneak Peek!
Post by: Rune Haako on February 10, 2006, 04:26 PM
http://www.hasbro.com/starwars/pl/page.news/newsID.551F354E-D56F-E112-4AE249F795A7F59C/default.cfm
Title: Re: Hasbro's Toy Fair Sneak Peek!
Post by: CHEWIE on February 10, 2006, 04:30 PM
Awesome, thanks for the link!  You can see some new figures in some of those pics... plus a number of rehashes.

 :P
Title: Re: Hasbro's Toy Fair Sneak Peek!
Post by: Ryan on February 10, 2006, 04:43 PM
I see some ewoks, a new Imp Officer, a Death star trooper(maybe), and a #PO that comes with the Ewok chair, does that mean he will finally have articulated knees? :)
Title: Re: Hasbro's Toy Fair Sneak Peek!
Post by: ruiner on February 10, 2006, 04:48 PM
No new large scale Unleashed?   :'(
Title: Re: Hasbro's Toy Fair Sneak Peek!
Post by: CHEWIE on February 10, 2006, 04:49 PM
I could be (and I hope) I'm wrong, but that 3PO looked like a repack of the ROTS version to me.

 :P
Title: Re: 2006 American International Toy Fair
Post by: JesseVader08 on February 10, 2006, 05:26 PM
(http://www.jedidefender.com/news/images/1-06/ToyFairHasbro004.jpg)

Title: Re: 2006 American International Toy Fair
Post by: CHEWIE on February 10, 2006, 05:30 PM
I wonder if they are really re-releasing that 1997 sculpt Weequay that was already a pegwarmer...

 :P
Title: Re: 2006 American International Toy Fair
Post by: John C on February 10, 2006, 05:49 PM
I can believe it.  They have been repacking other garbage like Jango and the 3PO with the Battle droid head.  Why wouldn't they continue to do so?  Cheap @sses.  The R5D4 looks good, though.  I want to see a closer shot of the Jedi Luke.  Hopefully he has better hands than the Jabba's Palace one.  A skirt that allows for posability would be nice, too.
Title: Re: 2006 American International Toy Fair
Post by: speedermike on February 10, 2006, 05:50 PM
Hmmm...I hoping we'd see some more new figures...kinda dull.
Title: Re: 2006 American International Toy Fair
Post by: Scott on February 10, 2006, 05:56 PM
That Luke/Weequay/Han/Boba and Lando are from a 5 Pack
Title: Re: 2006 American International Toy Fair
Post by: Matt on February 10, 2006, 06:01 PM
(http://www.jedidefender.com/news/images/1-06/ToyFairHasbro004.jpg)



Quick thoughts:

*It's hard to tell from the pic, but that VOTC Sandperson's cloak looks awfully, awfully poofy

*Looks like that carded Anakin on the bottom row in the back is one of the "Bounty Hunt' foil things

*For the love of God, could they pose the new Threepio on the throne so we could see that he really has articulated knees?

*Chief Chirpa!

*Looks like the new Moff Jerjerrod and Death Star Gunner behind Chirpa and Yoda, too.

That second Jedi wave is supposed to be:

Chief Chirpa
Moff Jerjerrod
Death Star Gunner
C-3PO: Ewok Deity
Luke Skywalker: Endor Confrontation
Darth Vader: Endor Confrontation
The Emperor
Endor Rebel Commando

I see everything in the pic except for the Endor Rebel Commando (assuming the Luke, Vader, and Emperor figures are from this wave).
Title: Re: 2006 American International Toy Fair
Post by: Clone Hunter on February 10, 2006, 07:19 PM
That biker scout is sooo exciting.
Title: Re: 2006 American International Toy Fair
Post by: Scott on February 10, 2006, 07:57 PM
Luke is not there...according to the early RS reports he was supposed to be a retooled Endor Version

That Luke is part of the Carkoon 5-Pack
Title: Re: 2006 American International Toy Fair
Post by: speedermike on February 10, 2006, 08:43 PM
What's that thing with Tatooine Luke? Looks likes a Fender amp or something...

Cantina Han has got something odd too...is that supposed to be a Cantina table?
Title: Re: 2006 American International Toy Fair
Post by: Reid on February 10, 2006, 09:33 PM
The DS Gunner looks suspiciously like the POTF2 version if you look closely...

Jerjerrod looks like he uses the Veers body... sweetness.
Title: Re: 2006 American International Toy Fair
Post by: Ryan on February 11, 2006, 12:17 AM
The DS Gunner looks suspiciously like the POTF2 version if you look closely...

Jerjerrod looks like he uses the Veers body... sweetness.

I'm going to have to disagree with you there. The Jerjerrod doesn't appear to have the holster Veers has and he coloring looks different. Even in this small resolution if you look closely you can tell that the gunner has a bit more texture and the pose is differet so it is definitely and all new figure.

As for that little, Cantina table/stool thing with Han, it appears Momow Nadon (the Ithorian) has the same one. I like how they are packing in some of these bigger accessories, they are great for dioramas. :)
Title: Re: 2006 American International Toy Fair
Post by: Jesse James on February 11, 2006, 03:33 AM
I'm with speedermike in that this seems a bit dull.

Chirpa and Jerjerrod look like welcomed additions and a new Death Star Gunner is ok.  I'm loving the VOTC myself.  I can't tell on the cloak of the Tusken that Bill Cosby mentioned being poofy, not by the pic there, but Han looks a bit clearer and really quite nice at least from far away.  I can't wait for those at least...  Gives me something limited to really look forward to.

I'm a big Ewok fan too so Chripa rocks, I just wish they'd do Ewok army builders using Teebo's body and Wicket's hood with a plethora of random weapons (clubs, spears, axes, slings, bows, quivers, etc.).  Include multiple hoods of different colors and Teebo bodies in different fur colors/patterns and to me you've got probably one of the best quality army builders of all time in the line despite the character's dubious popularity.

I'm an Ewok fan though, bring on more I say. :)

But...  Yeah, there's just not a lot there to go wow over.  And if that's the POTF2 Weequay there then who honestly gives a ****?

I see a whole lot of commentary around the net about how Hasbro's re-releases are smart and things, yet figures like the Weequay were never popular on the pegs so I don't get when they make a reappearance in anything be it a battlepack or basic card.

It's like the Saga HOF wave with Bacara over a properly decoed Bly...  Makes NO sense since more people want and need Bly, and it's tough to say one is more popular than the other as a character other than to say that Bly was a bitch for a lot to find, especially with the right paintjob...  And a lot of the rest of that wave just weren't BIG sellers or have better figures Hasbro could release as the true "Hall of Fame" that people want.

Whatever though, this company's proven absolutely nothing logical to me.

I was at TRU tonight and it's wall-to-wall Carkoon here...  Safe to say the pegwarming has begun in my area.  Hoth's abundant at Target, and I'm seeing stuff sit at Wal-Mart...  I'm getting to the point the ROTS hype is done and Hasbro's gonna shoot itself in the foot with the line if they're not careful how they handle ****. 
Title: Re: 2006 American International Toy Fair
Post by: Darby on February 11, 2006, 04:09 AM
Love Chirpa, the DS gunner, Jerjerod and those VOTC guys.  I had hoped to see more, and maybe there will be come Sunday.  I really want to know what the Naboo wave looks like, if there will be more VOTC, and how many figs there will be this year.
Title: Re: 2006 American International Toy Fair
Post by: Reid on February 11, 2006, 10:47 AM
If you look closely 3-P0 has the entire ewok throne packaged with him... so I would assume his knees are articulated, or Hasbro really screwed us.
Title: Re: 2006 American International Toy Fair
Post by: Darth_Anton on February 11, 2006, 01:09 PM
You can make out the antenea on the DS Gunner!

Nice tease. The VOTC Luke looks like it's going to have unusually wide legs though. ??? Can't wait to see close up pictures.
Title: Re: 2006 American International Toy Fair
Post by: CloneF13Y35 on February 11, 2006, 01:15 PM
Only   a few Must-haves  so far: Endor 3p0 (please please have leg articulation)
Cmmdr Cody and utpau clone trooper,   and r5-d4. Others  do look very cool but I can't everything.
Title: Re: 2006 American International Toy Fair
Post by: Rune Haako on February 11, 2006, 05:28 PM
 :o

http://photos.sirstevesguide.com/showgallery.php?cat=4639
Title: Re: 2006 American International Toy Fair
Post by: Reid on February 11, 2006, 05:39 PM
:o

http://photos.sirstevesguide.com/showgallery.php?cat=4639

Those pics remind me of the 4th of July!

That DS Gunner looks great.

And 3-P0 has ball jointed knees!

And pics of the Vehicles, (http://photos.sirstevesguide.com/showgallery.php?cat=4641) including Kit's Fighter.
Title: Re: 2006 American International Toy Fair
Post by: Matt on February 11, 2006, 06:08 PM
That Sandperson looks re-goddamn-diculous.

http://photos.sirstevesguide.com/showphoto.php?photo=16319&cat=4639

They should have kept his upper body plastic, and gone with cloth for the lower skirt.

---

Endor Han looks really, really good I think:

http://photos.sirstevesguide.com/showphoto.php?photo=16312&cat=4639

---

Floppy Hat Luke looks like he comes with a hope chest, to keep all of his accessories in:

http://photos.sirstevesguide.com/showphoto.php?photo=16359&cat=4639

Neat idea.

---

And the second Jedi wave is shaping up to be pretty swell, too.  Jerjerrod's face sculpt looks spot-on.  The DSG looks just as bad-ass as the vintage version (never cared for the POTF2 version all that much).  Chirpa looks good, and that Threepio is something we've been waiting years for (even if it does appear to be the ROTS Threepio with new legs).
Title: Re: 2006 American International Toy Fair
Post by: CHEWIE on February 11, 2006, 06:35 PM
Rune, thanks for the link!  Yippeeee!!!  CHEWIE is pretty damn pleased with these... I know some people are thinking "blah" but to me, this is nice after a year where I bought so many damn figures - most of these that I really like are the army builders, and I'm wanting to get several of each... I'm seeing some pretty good quality here... I won't comment on the basic repacks, as I'll probably pass on most of those...

Lucas - Ha Ha!!!  I said yesterday that the pic of him with the CT Stormtrooper helmet looked photoshopped... I was right!  The piece of crap POTF2 removable helmet!  Hasbro, you are a bunch of lazy punks for this... I give you a 0/10 score!  PASS!

Greedo - Looks great on articulation and sculpt... a bit of a shiny finish on this one, and the vest looks like crap.  Still a 9/10 figure, and I'll get just one and put an old vest on him.

Tusken - I really wish we had a pic without the gigantic gauze roll on him... looks like it could be a promising figure without it... can't judge it yet.

Endor Han - Nice looking figure, but I'm not balls out crazy about it.  Count me in for two openers.  Looks like a 9/10 figure and maybe the trench coat is better than I thought.

X-Wing Luke - Nice, nice!   Very good sculpt, and articulated just like I hoped!  I think his arms look kind of thick, but that's ok.  I want probably 3-4 of them.  10/10 job on this.

Scout Trooper - Wow, what a sculpt - he's missing those ball jointed hips... but oh well, I will live another day.  I think this is an outstanding figure, I do want at least 10-12 of him.  10/10 job.

Death Star Gunner - Definitely an all new figure... and talk about some awesome articulation - I will want a minimum of 8-10 of these for various scenes, and a couple for custom fodder too.  Looks like a 10/10 figure to me.

3PO - If those are indeed ball jointed knees, I'm estatic... but I'm not so sure they are?  How can you tell they are?  Other than that, it looks like the ROTS sculpt... if the knees are articulated, I give this a 9/10... if not, it's just a repack with a decent chair accessory (but I'll still get one).

Luke - I'm glad to see another Tatooine Luke, especially one with so many accessories.  The hat doesn't look like it fits at all... but the little suitcase thing is a great accessory and the poncho looks great.  Definitely want a couple of these.  Looks like a 9/10 figure to me.

Hammerhead - Looks so damn real... I must get several for dioramas and some really awesome custom fodder... what a sculpt!  10/10.

Talz Jedi - The more I see it, the more I love it.  I want two of them probably.  Looks like a 7/10 figure, which is fine.

Utapua Clone - Looks good, but to save myself the hassle, I'll probably paint my own.  9/10 figure though.

Sandtrooper - Hey, did they retool this some?  The elbow joints look new!  I don't really need it, but I'll grab one.  7/10.

Chirpa - I've never been a big fan of Ewoks, but it's a great addition to the line - a 9/10 looking figure for sure.  I'll probably grab at least two.

R5-D4 - Looks pretty damn near perfect to me... a bit of weathering/carbon scoring and it's a 10/10... I definitely want a couple of them.

Cody - From earlier pics, I wasn't all that impressed... that's changed now.  He looks great.  A 9/10 figure perhaps... I need several I think.

Firefighter - I love this.  Totally.  I love everything about it, from the design to the bulky clothes in some areas.  It's a figure I didn't know if we'd ever get before it was announced, and looks like some great custom fodder.  I'll most likely get several.  9/10.

Dofine - Looks like a basic pegwarmer... but a figure I like.  Great sculpt, and it's good to see variety still in the line.  I like how Hasbro will still make figures that some of us pass on, to make the rest happy.  7/10 figure, but I want at least 4 of them.

Hem Dazon - Really cool, but not as good as the EE pics looked.  I think knee articulation would have put it over the top.  I still want some, but only 2-3 probably.  7/10.

Jerrod - Looks nice, but suffering from lack of knee articulation.  Looks like a 7/10 figure.  I'll get a few of them though.

So... based on all of these, I think the best looking figure is the upcoming Death Star Gunner or the Scout Trooper.  There is some fine work here, and some definite turds that I really didn't comment on.

 :P




Title: Re: 2006 American International Toy Fair
Post by: Reid on February 11, 2006, 06:59 PM
After looking at all the pics...

Jerjerrod - Pass, looks a little plain to me.

UGH George Lucas In Stormtrooper Disguise - You've got to be ******** me. POTF2 helmet? UGH is right.

DS Gunner - This looks fantastic! Snap-on armor, SA articulation, pure awesomeness.

VTSC Biker Scout - This looks incredible. SA and a great sculpt. It'll be a llamabitch to find though.

EU Talz Jedi - Like CHEWIE said, this looks better every time I see him. Should be pretty easy to find I think.

Hammerhead - I'll pass, but it still looks great.

Hem Dazon - This looks great! Definite buy.

The rest I'm too lazy to comment on, but the ones I listed above look the best. If the carded pic of ROTS Anakin has the UGH logo on it, and UGH doesn't start 'til May, then I get 2 1/2 months to find Scorch! Yay.

Title: Re: 2006 American International Toy Fair
Post by: foolintherain76 on February 11, 2006, 07:20 PM
Im so glad I looked at those pics.  Now I know that I DON"T need to try to get the stupid chase figures.  They are the same EVERYTHING except silver accents on the package, silver base, silver holo, and a little sticker.  They are even numbered the same.  Avoided a nightmare there.  Thank you Sir Steve!
Title: Re: 2006 American International Toy Fair
Post by: speedermike on February 11, 2006, 08:33 PM
Luke's accessory is the chest that Obi-Wan keeps Anikin's saber in.  Very, very cool.
Title: Re: 2006 American International Toy Fair
Post by: Darby on February 11, 2006, 08:45 PM
Yay, new pics!  I agree with Chewie, much to be excited about.

DS Gunner: Nicest surprise.  I didn't expect him to be so cool.

Chirpa: I love him.  Been waiting for him, too.

3-PO: Best 3-PO ever.  Finally.

Jerjerrod: As plain as I thought, but cool.

Lucas Trooper: Hasbro will never live this down.

Endor Han: Looks like he has a a torso joint ala Obi Wan Pilot.  If so, wow.  Coat looks decent.

Scout Trooper: Instant Top 10 All Time.

Luke: Looks a little bulky for some reason, but I love him.

Tusken: Did I just say bulky?  Yikes.  Pass.

Greedo:  Looks way better than I thought, but still, I think I'll have to pass.  I don't feel the need for another.

Hammerhead: The paint job is unreal.  Wow.

Talz Jedi: I loved him before, I LOVE him now.

The purple starfighter... if it's Kit's, I'll just put Mace in it.   :)
Title: Re: 2006 American International Toy Fair
Post by: Darth_Anton on February 11, 2006, 08:50 PM
I was wondering how soon we'd be getting detailed pictures.

I'm lovin' the endor wave. Too bad no tease for the Deathstar wave. :P
Title: Re: 2006 American International Toy Fair
Post by: Spectre on February 11, 2006, 08:58 PM
If you look closely 3-P0 has the entire ewok throne packaged with him... so I would assume his knees are articulated, or Hasbro really screwed us.

If you look closely at this pic, you can CLEARLY see knee articulation! It's only hinge-styles like G.I.Joes, but knee articulation none-the-less.

http://photos.sirstevesguide.com/showphoto.php?photo=16291&cat=4639
Title: Re: 2006 American International Toy Fair
Post by: Dan on February 12, 2006, 09:01 AM
I'm impressed with the variety and look of the line overall. I'm shocked at how big it is, they must be planning on surfing the wave of success generated by ROTS for some time.
Maybe the 3 3/4 inch line will have enough success (and some of the spin-offs enough failures) that the line really becomes the focus. Let's face it, if they put out stinkers for regular figures this year, the whole line could have been in trouble with retailers.
Title: Re: 2006 American International Toy Fair
Post by: CHEWIE on February 12, 2006, 03:35 PM
Yeah, someone here said they were ball jointed knees on 3PO - that's clearly not the case.  They are a hinge joint like GI Joe figures.  That's better than nothing though!

 :P
Title: Re: 2006 American International Toy Fair
Post by: Matt on February 12, 2006, 03:42 PM
Threepio doesn't need ball-jointed knees.  Hinge joints are appropriate to the range of motion the costume displayed in the films (well, except for that CGI rubbish in Clones, anyway).

Title: Re: 2006 American International Toy Fair
Post by: Jeff on February 12, 2006, 04:00 PM
Yeah, someone here said they were ball jointed knees on 3PO - that's clearly not the case.  They are a hinge joint like GI Joe figures.  That's better than nothing though!

Here's a great picture of C-3PO's Knees (http://www.rebelscum.com/tf2006/tf06-HasbroTSC/image37.asp) - definitely just hinge joints, but that is fine with me!   :)


I'm lovin' the endor wave. Too bad no tease for the Deathstar wave. :P

Yeah, too bad there were no teasers for the Naboo wave either - I'm looking forward to the Pod Racer Pilots, hope Ben Quadrineros is one!
Title: Re: 2006 American International Toy Fair
Post by: Jeff on February 12, 2006, 05:04 PM
My apologies gang, but due to some strange events (like the flu and a 18" snowstorm), we won't be able to send our crew into NYC to cover the event.  After a day of trying to rearrange scedules and make it work, it looks like it's just not going to pan out at this point...  :(
Title: Re: 2006 American International Toy Fair
Post by: John C on February 12, 2006, 10:06 PM
X Wing Luke looks like he has two different articulated arms.  The right arm has the elbow hinge joint and the left looks like it's the cut swivel style.  Not sure WTF they were thinking if that's the case.  It also doesn't look like his knees are articulated.  Again, WTF, Hasbro?!? I hope I'm wrong.
Title: Re: 2006 American International Toy Fair
Post by: Rune Haako on February 12, 2006, 11:08 PM
You can see in this pic that both elbows are hinge-jointed, they also both swivel. ;D

http://www.rebelscum.com/tf2006/tf06-HasbroTSC/IMG_0123.JPG
Title: Re: 2006 American International Toy Fair
Post by: Jesse James on February 13, 2006, 07:29 AM
Some random thoughts... 

First, again apologies from the staff but unforseen circumstances, and ones out of the site's control of course, just killed our coverage of the event.  It's a shame because our man in the field we've sent in the past has always delivered some of the best coverage of the event, but as they say...  stuff happens.  I'm enjoying reading around the net about everything though, checking out all the sites for their coverage...

-VOTC stuff...  I'm actually ok with the Sandperson Bill, but only because there's so many sculpted ones that I'm wanting something "new", and also I think by the pictures it's clear that Hasbro can't hire someone to pose that stuff for ****.  They can't seem to get anyone to really make that stuff look pretty...  I mean, look at the Floppy Hat Luke's hat.  Terribly stupid, but that's them.

The Han looks fantastic but the shirt looks different at the collar than those early photos appeared, doesn't it?  The Luke needed posed better to really look better but it looks great.  Those are ball/socket elbows by the way, or else my eyes are just so starved for ball/socket joints that I'm missing something here. :)  The Scout Trooper is insane looking.  Perfection short of MAYBE having ball/socket hips so he mounts a speederbike properly.  Greedo, I like.  And his vest looks better than I thought PLUS it contours around the holster a lot better than a plastic vest would while not warping the pistol's handle.

The Lucas Stormtrooper is just really silly...  It's a novelty, nothing more, so I could care less.  I'm surprised it isn't silver.

Overall I love VOTC and I must have multiples of the whole wave but definitely many multiples of that Scout.  I gotta get 20 of that figure at least.  Just fantastic.

-Basic Figures Overall...  What an F'n Yawn-fest there...  Not a lot to look at, not a lot to really get giddy over that even is there, so I guess I'm just a tad let down.  I liked a number of the items, don't get me wrong, but it's nothing I"m doing backflips over is all...

-Jerjerrod...  he looks great, he looks better than Veers, but again it's a figure lacking knee articulation and a removable hat.  The only ways to make an Imperial Officer better at this point.  I will dig adding him to the wall of the choked, but he really doesn't stand out as exciting.

-Chief Chirpa...  I love him.  He has the standard perfect Ewok format...  If I had a complaint it's his weight seems to be a bit undersculpted.  I recall Chirpa as looking like some Samoan Chief on his throne, all chubby and stuff.  the figure looks pretty good though, has the wrist joints, all the other standards, a REALLY crisp sculpt.  I like it a lot basically, and since I'm Ewok starved I'm happy to nab one.

-3PO w/Throne...  I'm ok with the re-used sculpt but the legs look really nice.  Hinge joints work for me since, as Bill Cosby noted, 3PO doesn't have really the same range of motion as a human knee in the films.  He can sit, and they did it just as I always envisioned them doing it but they always claimed they couldn't...  Amazing they just now caught up with the imagination of customizers.  ::)

-Death Star Gunner...  Love it.  Looks like ball/socket knees there, and articulation like the AT-AT Driver resculpt basically.  The extra armor plate is awesome, a holster with blaster is great...  Removable armor is good for armybuilders too because, especially in ROTJ, they're seen running around without the blast armor.  It also looks to me like it won't be a problem blending in with the POTF2 figure.  I love that, and will gladly buy a TON of this figure if I can find it.  I want 20 if possible, maybe more.

-Hem Dazon...  I'm still bummed no knee articulation on him but I love the figure overall.  True to the EU body design.  I just can't stand that the 04/05 Cantina Wave got knee articulation but now like Hem isn't and things...  Blah.

-Garrindan...  I love him but, again, the knee joints would've been nice.  I'm anxious to see his little communicator accessory and if it clips to his belt ala Leia's Thermal Detonator...  I wonder what he looks like under the hood and if his goggles come off (almost looks like they do).  I like him better than the Hem figure sans the knees since Hem's sitting ability in the Cantina would've been nice, but either way I'm liking this figure better right now.

-Momaw Nadon...  Pretty nice looking, and like I've said before I really like that my other Hammerheads will look cool along with him.  They'll display well together I think.  Always good when you don't necessarilly HAVE to retire a figure ya know?

-Foul Moudama...  I still like him.  It's a cheap way to get a new figure, I'm ok with it because I don't really think we'd have ever gotten an EU Jedi otherwise.  I hope now though for Roron Corobb to fill out the 3-Jedi team that protect Palpatine.

-Daltay Dofine...  Cool...  Dull, but cool and I really wish I could get a lot of those panels to do a whole set-up with droids now, but it's cool irregardless.

-Firefighter...  Great figure overall.  Nice articulation, nice equipment, a sharp as hell sculpt.  Count me in for a team of these guys just because. 

-Utapau Clone...  With this headache shipping to stores now it's funny seeing him at Toy Fair but he looks great.  Super ARticulation, you can't complain, and a rocking paintjob.

-Cmdr. Cody...  So is he super articulated?  I see ball/socket elbows...  I can live without ankle joints, I've always said that, so if they're not there fine, but the ball/socket elbow joints appear to be the reality here.  Sculpt is AMAZING looking, but paint aps matching up to the damage seem like maybe they should have worked a little harder on, but overall it looks good.  Removable helmet too is great and I can't wait to see the customs of him with that little mini Obi-Wan Holo on his forearm like a little Palpatine giving him Order 66. :) 

If Cody's SA (or damn close) then I'm a happy camper, and I think he is more now than ever, so yay.

-Luke...  I love the box from the garage with the gear...  This is a figure you kinda don't mind buying again (it seems like its all old parts to me anyway) just to get all the new equipment he comes with.  If more figures came with new accessories like that I'd probably buy more repacks.

-R5-D4...  Great.  Finally...  Thanks.

-Sandtrooper...  I'd be remiss if I said I am ok with this over the Evolutions Sandtrooper.  Hasbro has a better sculpt, use the goddam thing.  It looks ok though, I'll buy a couple, but Hasbro can do better I think with this since the sculpts are there.  It'll be nice having a grunt is the real positive.  So far the only one was in the 4-pack so a black pauldron trooper in a neutral pose is good to have anyway.

-Kit's Starfighter...  Looks cool but now I want the R-series droid as a basic figure.

Now this is where it all ends.  Am I the only guy that is just sorta not impressed with Toy Fair's display?  None of that was a big surprise, and honestly most of it we'd seen already in one capacity or another.  Just that handful of figures were new but expected...  I figured we'd see some of these other waves that I would think are on their way to stores before too long too... 

Most of that stuff we'd already seen though, so how can one get really amped about any of it?  I was more glad to get GOOD photos of a couple of those figures like Cody to determine articulation...  So overall I didn't miss much since I wasn't at a computer all weekend.  I don't feel so bad that I wasn't around here. :)
Title: Re: 2006 American International Toy Fair
Post by: John C on February 13, 2006, 09:26 AM
Thanks for the better shot of Luke's arms.  Whew! :)  I'm glad he has a blaster.
Now I just hope the knees are also articulated.  They better be at that price point.  Then the figure is a home run IMO. 
Title: Re: 2006 American International Toy Fair
Post by: Darth_Anton on February 13, 2006, 09:36 AM
I certainly wish Dave a swift recoverey. With the snow alone, I'm surprised anyone has been able to get to Toy Fair. :P
Title: Re: 2006 American International Toy Fair
Post by: Brian on February 13, 2006, 11:43 AM
I was gone much of Friday and the weekend, so I'm just getting a chance to take a closer look this morning.  I like what's coming up, and a lot of it looks great, but I was a little disappointed we didn't see more new stuff than we did.  I just thought we might have got further peeks into the rest of the year, beyond the Chirpa wave.  But I did like seeing that.  Overall...

VOTC/VTSC  - I think they look pretty good.  The jury is still out on the Tusken Raider, but like Jesse mentioned, its something new/different, and the posing could have a lot to do with it.  The rest of the wave looks great I think.  I'm really looking forward to the Endor Han, and from the pictures, I think it looks pretty amazing.  The Scout Trooper, well, what can be said?  It looks great and something we've all been hoping for.  Now if it just isn't mission impossible to find any.  I'd like to pick up 5 or so, if possible, but we'll see I guess.  I really like the Luke X-Wing as well, and I'm glad they re-did this.  I wasn't ever completely sold on the POTJ version, although at the time I thought the detailing on the "suit" was pretty good.  This is a great Luke figure overall, and I'm looking forward to getting it.  Greedo, while still probably not necessarily needed, looks better in the pics than I expected.  The vest doesn't seem to look too bad, and I'll pick one up.  There still could have been better choices probably, but not too bad for what it is.

Basic Figures - Like it has been said, not a lot here that we haven't seen already...but we did get some better looks at things.  I do really like that Tatooine Luke to be honest with you, and his "hope chest" is a neat accessory.  The rest of the Tatooine wave looks pretty good to me too, and I think that Hammerhead is one of my most anticipated figures for this year aside from the VOTC stuff.  Just a real nice sculpt/paint job on that one the way it looks.  It was nice to get a look at some/most of the Endor wave as well.  Finally, a 3PO with knee joints and his throne.  Can't wait for that one.  Just hinge knees, but I'm fine with it.  Its not like 3PO has or needs ball joints necessarily anyways.  I really like Chief Chirpa, and I've been looking forward to more Ewoks.  This figure, along with Teebo from POTJ, show how much better they can make the woks now even compared to the POTF2 days.  I hope we see more in the future, including resculpts of Wicket and Logray.  Jerjerrod is another welcome imperial, and I'm glad we're getting him.  I didn't really have a lot of just "imperial officers" in the collection, so I'm enjoying picking some up this year.  Never did see Ozzel here during that time, so I might have to try and pick one up at some point.  I hope we see some more in the future, including a Tarkin resculpt.  The Death Star Gunner is nice too, and I'm glad to see its a new sculpt.  Most of the other stuff we've seen before, but it does look good.

I really like that Commander Cody figure, the paintjob looks nice on that.  Overall, I like the basic figure lineup coming up this year...particularly the Tatooine and Endor waves that are on the way later on.  I just can't get enough of those OT figures I guess.  A lot of the prequel stuff looks really nice as well, especially Cody.  The Dofine figure, although I'm not personally overly excited about, does look really nice.  Good sculpt there.  Overall I just thought we might have seen a little more "new", and I'm hoping we have a little more information leaking out of the Fair to maybe here about some future plans, if we'll see more VOTC figures this year, and if the larger scaled "Unleashed" is coming back beyond the rumored/confirmed Wal-Mart wave of retooled figures.  Not much in the way of vehicles really, although the starfighter repaint is kind of neat.  I suppose the majority of vehicles we get this year, if any, will be exclusives and that's why they may not have been shown.
Title: Re: 2006 American International Toy Fair
Post by: ruiner on February 13, 2006, 12:10 PM
The basic figures are what they are.  You can tell by the space allocation that Star Wars in not high on the priority list.

One major complaint I do have though is in regards to the mailaway GL figure.  Why did they choose to use the POTF2 helmet?

Why not tool up a VOTC stormie helmet and then use it down the road for Luke and Han head swaps?

EDIT:  Unrelated tidbit - check out this pristine 2002 TF Darth Vader:

http://cgi.ebay.com/AFA-100-WOW-GEM-MINT-ULTRA-RARE_W0QQitemZ6035985500QQcategoryZ2474QQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem
Title: Re: 2006 American International Toy Fair
Post by: Jesse James on February 14, 2006, 03:07 AM
Up to almost $400 and "reserve not met".

People are goofy.
Title: Re: 2006 American International Toy Fair
Post by: Brian on February 17, 2006, 11:03 AM
I was just reading through the RS write up of Hasbro stuff from Toy Fair, and I noticed this line:

"In 2006, new twists and innovations, combined with a soon-to-be announced fall initiative from Lucasfilm that will thrill fans of all ages, prove that Star Wars toys are a ”Force” to be reckoned with."

Anyone know what the "soon to be announced fall initiative from Lucasfilm" is?  Might be nothing big, but it just made me curious.
Title: Re: 2006 American International Toy Fair
Post by: Jeff on February 17, 2006, 11:19 AM
I was just reading through the RS write up of Hasbro stuff from Toy Fair, and I noticed this line:

"In 2006, new twists and innovations, combined with a soon-to-be announced fall initiative from Lucasfilm that will thrill fans of all ages, prove that Star Wars toys are a ”Force” to be reckoned with."

Anyone know what the "soon to be announced fall initiative from Lucasfilm" is?  Might be nothing big, but it just made me curious.

Maybe the official announcement of the 2007 Animated TV Show?
Maybe a Fall realease of a MEGA DVD box set of the films?

I guess I have no idea... :-\


On the RS Toy Fair Rundown though, here's a few tid-bits that I was glad to see/read:

- Tatooine Luke: The "hope chest" is filled with goodies!  Obi-Wan's hilt, Anakin's hilt, Obi-Wan's pilot head gear (?), training remote, cloak, hat.  Wow, this is one complete Luke and well worth re-buying now.  Kudos to Hasbro for spicing him up so much... too bad they couldn't do that for the 55th incarnation of Cantina Han.   :P

- DSGunner:  Nice to get confirmation that he does in fact have removable armor so you can display one as a DS1 Gunner and one as a DS2 Gunner. 

- C-3PO:  Nice to see in writing that 3PO's knees do bend so we can settle that one for sure.   :)
Title: Re: 2006 American International Toy Fair
Post by: Morgbug on February 17, 2006, 12:02 PM
Obi-Wan's pilot head gear

My guess is they're striving for some continuity between III and IV.  Presumably Obi-Wan flew to Tatooine to drop off Luke and presumably kept the pilot gear just in case.  Not sure why he would, given he may have been traveling incognito at the time, so that the clones and the Empire wouldn't notice him, but that's just logic jumping in.  Reality is they have some small parts already tooled, so they're throwing them in.  I'm happy to have them.  They could put a roll of toilet paper in there and it would be fine, too. 
Title: Re: 2006 American International Toy Fair
Post by: JesseVader08 on February 17, 2006, 12:13 PM
They could put a roll of toilet paper in there and it would be fine, too. 

Preferably not "battle-damaged".
Title: Re: 2006 American International Toy Fair
Post by: Dan on February 17, 2006, 02:18 PM
That toy fair vader referenced above is over a grand, with reserve still not met. The seller was a buyer on an auction of mine last month, and took 2 1/2 weeks and a non-paying bidder alert before he paid.
AFA...
Title: Re: 2006 American International Toy Fair
Post by: ruiner on February 20, 2006, 09:38 AM
I would be more than happy with $1000 - he only goes for $100 ungraded.

Title: Re: 2006 American International Toy Fair
Post by: TheBlackDog65 on February 20, 2006, 11:17 AM
Looking over the Toy Fair items, it has concluded to me, that after I get my 3 Cody's, and few other figures from that wave, I am basically backing down on the time and energy I put into active collecting. I will hunt from time to time, when Hasbro puts out a figure I don't have, one I really want, or one that is a huge improvement over a past one. I've enjoyed the hunt but not so much lately. It is getting to be a burden.  The Endor wave does not have anything at this time that sticks out to me as a must have (I guess we are all waiting to see what the Luke will look like) and to be honest, only the R5 truly interests me from the Tatoinine Wave. Perhaps I'll change my mind as they get closer to release, but after Coruscant, I just don't see me forking over alot of time and energy to the line for the rest of the year. After what we saw that Hasbro could do in the ROTS line for the $, the Saga is becoming a disappointment to me. Don't take me wrong, I love some of the figures, but by this far into ROTS, I loved  much more of the figures.