If I'm right, that originally came out in 1997 when the Special Editions were released.  Regardless, it's an old toy in new packaging.

I've talked with Jedi Aimster or whatever her name is too.  I saw some custom carded figures of hers (for SALE) that used art from the Star Wars insider.  I'm a professional illustrator and I did work for the insider a few years back.  Luckily, she didn't use any of my pieces, but I knew the people who's illustartions she did use, and I let them know.  Needless to say, they asked her to take them down from her site.

The crazy thing about it was that she couldn't see what was wrong with profiting off other people's work.  It just didn't sink in with her that she didn't "own" what she was selling.

What surprises me most is that Hasbro hasn't mentioned any more Army builder 3-Packs similar to the ones in the Clone Wars line.  Except for the non-movie, gimmick heavy Driod Launcher, these flew off the shelves.  OT 3 packs such as Stomtroopers, Sandpeople and Endor Rebels would be very successful, and welcome.

It also seesm that the Screen Scenes sold well enough that more could be announced.  I'd give my left jewel for 2 cantina Screen Scenes that were all new aliens!

My own belief is that the OTC cards will eventually hold prequel figures.  If you lookat the card it only says OTC on the bubble insert.  Take out the insert and they are like Saga cards just saying "Star Wars".

The same cards could be used like Saga cards and cover all 6 movies come April 2005.  Or,  there will be a new card with the new movie, but I think that whatever the line is called (um...how about "STAR WARS"?) it will contain figures from all the films, but be E2 heavy the first 6-10 months.

"That seems to be one of the first times I've heard them actually care about the carded-collectors out there. "

Actually, all of the window packaged vehicles are aimed at an audience the does not open what they buy.

This new card does look beautiful.  But I can't help think...why didn't they look like this in 1995?  It's just so obvious.

Anyway, until we all figure out who is on what kind of card, and which cards are clamshelled, and so on, I'm not going to get excited.
Because if all this fancy packaging creates less figures for this year, I'll be a bit bummed.  I was really hoping for the Cantina wave to be announced.  And, please don't throw stones, what about the preqeuls?  They need a little sugar too.

One more bit...maybe when E3 hits, the cards will stay the same, but just the bubble insert will change.  Now that would be great.

I've got another question...

"The Clone Wars" Army packs sold like mad.  Any chance we'll see some movie related 3-packs like Stormtroopers, Sanpeople or Gungans?

Here's a little question...

Will the Super Articulated Clonetrooper be moved into Saga eventually?

Also, whoever speaks to Hasbro, please (PLEASE) tell them that distribution still stinks, and that we want to support them and their product, but we can't do it if they don't get the stuff in the stores.