A re-release of the original AOTC Obi-Wan, two re-releases of the ROTS Obi-Wan, a re-release of the S1-S2 CW Obi-wan, a re-release of the TLC AOTC Obi-Wan and the S3 Obi-Wan all within the span of a year, is just insane. I like Obi-Wan as much as the next guy, but NO ONE likes Obi-Wan that much.

I hear you but to "OBI" honest I would actually like to see the ROTS Obi-Wan resulted. I think that figure is starting to look a little dated (robe sculpt, arms, legs/boots). (The Ball jointed legs version make the figure look frumpy) He was the groundbreaking SA Jedi that set the precedent and deserves a new sculpt in my opinion. My nephew loves Obi-wan and wants every version of him. He lives in another state so I am not pushing stuff on him. I have no problem with having consistent Obi-Wans, he does not peg warm.

I am just as frustrated as other collectors with case ratios/distribution but too many (speaking generally across the community and not specifically about anyone) forget the fact that certain figures subsidize the line like Obi-Wan, Darth Vader and Anakin. I do not mind that, it's part of the overall package and we would not get new stuff without them. It's a fact so complaining about it is pointless. Good luck finding any Darth Vader on the pegs he is no where to be found, the only Obi I come across is the new pea head Season 3 version and even he sells through. (What's the deal with animated Obi first his head is too big now it's too small).

I agree with Chewie that every Clone going forward should be #45 based., they also should have waited it's not like it was a big span in the releases. I dumped all of my 501st anticipating the new release that was slated for June. I am pissed that he got bumped several times but that is besides the point. I never bought into the "new" White Clone and Utapau Clone because I am done with the old fatty clone mold. Outside of my Saga2 Utapau and 442 I phased out almost all of the old style clone. I am actually hoping they do a running change on the White Clone and Utapau clones with the #45 mold, I would actually buy them if that was the case. There are other obvious and realistic (in terms of cost, time etc) details that should/could have been addressed.

It's the little things like that that truly frustrate all of us because it would make a world of difference.

Ryan,

That was a great thoughtful analysis of the line comparisons past and present. The only flaw I see with your theory is how do you restart a line without changing the package (Both Vintage and Blue Dark Side look) and the approach. The product cannot really change, it is what it is. As Matt pointed out they said Vintage will be around at least two years. I do not see what can really change to really call it a relaunch. I can see a big push during the Blue Ray ala the OTC line but it's more marketing than anything.  I can see them changing strategies, I really hope the case assortments are wrong for Wave 9 and they will magically change at SDCC with their confirmed case assortment changes. If  wave 9 is their answer they made the problem worse.

In Chicagoland and its surropunding burbs I really do not see Vintage figures peg warming, it's CW and Legends that's overflowing on the pegs. All the stores I go to have 7 or less Vintage figures on the shelf. Outside of not meeting demand and case ratios CW and Legends is what really needs to be overhauled.

What's really frustrating is the product is almost perfect which is usually not the case. The majority of the problems are fixable. In regards to price everything is going up we are in the beginnings of hyperinflation so while many spear Hasbro on this it's today's reality. I do not fault them on price. I rather pay more for a quality product I am happy with than a cheaper price with a cheaper product.

Time to lay down some nerdiness to clear the confuson. There are three different species of Aqualish the Quara, Ualaq and Aquala. Ponda is a Quara, Aquala's have the flipper hands. The prequel more spider thingy "Ualaqs" are genetic mutations and the Quara are as well. Both of those offshoots make only 10% of the Aqualish population. The flipper hand Aqualish are the most prominent of the species.

Duh!

Well, it does do one thing...makes the ARC-170 look more impressive. 

It does and to think that version was only $29.99 in 2005.
2008 $45.
2009 $70.

You have to love hyperinflation.

x14 Sandtroopers ($5 each MOC! I am currently converting my entire Tantive army to this style.)
x2 Han Bespin
POTF2 MIB 1997 Sky Hopper (Got rid of it but wanted it again for a display. Pretty cool ship for the time and very under the radar. Looks great with the Lars ?Homestead/Cammie/Fixer/Bigs)

 1.  Yak Face (Super Articulated Resculpt)
 2.  Nikto (Vintage)
 3.  Ree Yees (Super Articulated Resculpt)
 4.  Nien Nunb (Super Articulated Resculpt)
 5.  Ishi Tibb
 6.  Mon Calamari Officer
 7.  Seargent Doallyn
 8.  Emperor
 9.  Fozec
10. Han Solo Endor (No barrel chest!)

I posted this buyer before his prices are very fair and his combined shipping is great, very cheap! He gets stuff in the same time or before BBTS which is before the box stores. Here is a link to the auction:

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=300570897390&ssPageName=STRK:MEWNX:IT

I made a mistake he apparently had 10. I picked up Sandtroopers for $3.95 each from this guy. They are back up to $5.95 but he has great sales and variety.

These are such a wasted opportunity to offer some minor newness without new tooling. Even a little minor effort would go a long way. For instance:

Imperial Officer - Switch head and rank badge to the AT-AT Commander, paint the head Blonde or Black
Dengar - Vintage Deco, lame but it's something.
C-3P0 - Paint the BAD mold Gold
Chewbacca - Paint the screaming 30th Tin Chewie without the Snow Deco ala Bespin diner scene.
R2 - Paint the new R2 mold with some grime
IG-88 - Paint him white.
Snowtrooper - Deco the Rank badge
Bossk - add some more grim deco to the suit.

While not everything above is groundbreaking it would be more than enough to get me to buy these. Do the guys at Hasbro ever wonder why some items fail or do they just blame us? Pure laziness, I get the tight timelines and no new tooling but the stuff I mentioned above can be done on a tight timeline and stay on budget.  This had the potential to be so much more, I am not sure we will see Wave 3 that supposedly had some new tooling. These are selling OK in my area my Christmas will clear these out and my current pessimism towards the SKU.

That Imperial set is going to look great hanging next to the other single carded Dengars. Admittingly I can see the Chewie/Droid set selling very well evebn the Bossk set. (Did you notice the Chewie is the Saga Legends deco with the spatter of snow. UGH.