HasLab Classified Series 6” Cobra Rattler

[McMetal]

$50 cheaper than the Cantina, yet this one has electronics. 

7850/9000

I wish the SW brand would get as much love and care as this line does!

[Jeff]

$50 cheaper than the Cantina, yet this one has electronics. 

That LFL SW license is crazy expensive, man! 

I said it before in the other HasLab thread but the GI Joe team has done a great job converting the 3.75" base into 6" buyers by drawing a hard line in the sand.  3.75" still exists for those who want it but you have to go someplace else (Super7 retro, Hiya Toys super-articulated).  Hasbro's money is focused squarely on the 6" stuff.

This line has SO much going for it right now:
- the fact that every figure comes with built-in "resell ability" (boxed release, retro card release, then a night force/python/tiger/crimson repaint)
- the line doesn't have the licensing cost that SW does so each figure makes Hasbro more money than a BS6" figure does since they are at the same price point

Those two combined allows them to offer more all-new figures/parts, put more money into tooling for things that also can get re-used (motorcycles, VAMP/Stinger, etc).  Just feels like they are swimming laps around the BS6" stuff right now.

[McMetal]

Isn’t the licensing fee a set # that is paid up front though? I always thought of it that way as opposed to “we have to send 10 cents of every dollar we make to Disney” so I figured they could relax the margins a little for the crowdfunding initiatives. Maybe I am all wrong on that though.

But you’re 100% right, they are pretty much boat racing the SW 6” crew. The Joe team just overall seems to have more of an eye for fine details and appreciation for things collectors actually want. It sounds corny but I genuinely think the difference is people working on something they love and are passionate about versus people just doing a job.

[McMetal]

….aaaand it’s funded! 

“Take that, Bainbridge scholars!” 

[Jeff]

I genuinely think the difference is people working on something they love and are passionate about versus people just doing a job.

100%.  When I watch the Joe panels and see Lenny and crew, gushing about how they captured the mustache on Gung-Ho to match the 80s figure - it's obvious they care and they want the fans to love it.

It's a far cry from the "what a great expression of the character we all know from the entertainment" and you're pretty sure that person doesn't quite know who the character is or what SW movie show they are from.

[McMetal]

Tier 1 funded

[Qui-Gon Jim]

The Joe panels are always fun even when there isn't a lot to show.  It is obvious that they're huge fans and their attention to detail is unmatched.

I saw someone wondering if the helmets from the Mandolorian Armorer set will fit on other figure.  The Joe team would have designed it that way before it was even a question.

I am sad I didn't jump on Classified when they started it.  My wallet is happy though.