5821
Watto's Junk Yard / Re: Last CD You Bought
« on: February 7, 2013, 08:55 AM »
Blak and Blu by Gary Clark Jr.
Bringing Balance to the Force
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5822
Star Wars Universe / Re: Star Wars Movie Spin-Offs?
« on: February 6, 2013, 06:54 PM »
A Han Solo focused movie? As well as a Boba Fett movie? It seems like Disney/LFL is looking to really capitalize on a pair of the most popular OT characters.
The Han Solo idea has potential. But how faithful will the film be to some of Han's established backstory? Do they continue on with his defection from the Empire? What about the freeing of Chewbacca? And then there's the relationship between Han Solo and Lando, as well as the origins of the Millenium Falcon.
As for the Boba Fett movie? That's likely to be a pure free for all. I'd like to see Jabba in that story, and perhaps some of the other bounty hunters. Aside from that? This looks like a calculated move to draw in the fanboys.
The Han Solo idea has potential. But how faithful will the film be to some of Han's established backstory? Do they continue on with his defection from the Empire? What about the freeing of Chewbacca? And then there's the relationship between Han Solo and Lando, as well as the origins of the Millenium Falcon.
As for the Boba Fett movie? That's likely to be a pure free for all. I'd like to see Jabba in that story, and perhaps some of the other bounty hunters. Aside from that? This looks like a calculated move to draw in the fanboys.
5823
Star Wars Universe / Star Wars Movie Spin-Offs?
« on: February 5, 2013, 08:25 AM »
In related news...
What's the first stand alone STAR WARS film to be made?
It looks like it could be a Yoda story. Given the fact that Yoda was 900 years old, there seems to be plenty of ground that could be covered in exploring the diminutive Jedi Master.
What's the first stand alone STAR WARS film to be made?
It looks like it could be a Yoda story. Given the fact that Yoda was 900 years old, there seems to be plenty of ground that could be covered in exploring the diminutive Jedi Master.
5824
TV-9D9 / Re: The Clone Wars - Season Five Discussion Thread
« on: February 4, 2013, 09:16 PM »
Looks like there are at least another 4 episodes in the pipeline for this season. The Clone Wars Hangout that took place over the weekend teased a little bit about the next story arc, which spans four episodes.
5825
The Clone Wars '08-'13 / Re: Clone Wars Wave 30 (2013 Wave 1)
« on: February 4, 2013, 05:46 PM »
VolkerC is one of the more well regarded collectors on the European scene. And he's been a fairly reliable source of info. The report supposedly came out of the German Toy Fair.
I can't say that I would be surprised by Hasbro announcing the cancellation of the Clone Wars animated figure line. It's been diminishing in popularity over the past 2 years. And when Hasbro started offering real-world renditions of Anakin, Obi-Wan and Ahsoka you had to expect that this would eventually happen. Plus, it seems that the series might be wrapping up in the next year. I just re-watched the season 5 trailer, and saw some key indicators that we're headed much closer to Revenge Of The Sith territory. The ROTS era Jedi Interceptors are featured in that clip, most noticeably. If the series is coming closer to an end, you've got to expect the same with the toy line.
I can't say that I would be surprised by Hasbro announcing the cancellation of the Clone Wars animated figure line. It's been diminishing in popularity over the past 2 years. And when Hasbro started offering real-world renditions of Anakin, Obi-Wan and Ahsoka you had to expect that this would eventually happen. Plus, it seems that the series might be wrapping up in the next year. I just re-watched the season 5 trailer, and saw some key indicators that we're headed much closer to Revenge Of The Sith territory. The ROTS era Jedi Interceptors are featured in that clip, most noticeably. If the series is coming closer to an end, you've got to expect the same with the toy line.
5826
Revenge of the Sith / Re: What Shock Trooper is this?
« on: February 4, 2013, 06:04 AM »
Gotta say it's a custom. The paint work on some of the edges is a bit soft. And thus far the ONLY Shock Trooper we've gotten with a removable helmet is the TVC version from the Lost Line Look wave. This doesn't look like that figure.
5827
TV-9D9 / Re: The Clone Wars - Season Five Discussion Thread
« on: February 3, 2013, 12:01 PM »I agree Sidious plans to confront Anakin with Maul, but The Chosen One is stronger.
Agreed. But I think Sidious plans on using Maul in a more insidious fashion. How?
I suspect that Sidious wants to turn Maul loose with the aim of killing Ahsoka. Anakin has clearly become very fond of his young padawan. And we came to see that over the course of Anakin's story arc he has been troubled by loss. When his mother died in the Tusken Raider camp he lost control and slaughtered the Tuskens. And when he thought that Padme had betrayed him he turned on her as well as his own Master, Obi-Wan Kenobi. I have strong suspicions that Sidious will use Maul to kill Ahsoka, driving Anakin further towards the Dark Side.
5828
JD Sports Forum! / Re: NFL 2012-2013
« on: February 3, 2013, 11:55 AM »
I don't have a dog in the fight. The Giants were very disappointing this season, especially since the Eagles & Cowboys were really unimpressive as well.
But I have to go with the Ravens. In a way they remind me a lot of the Giants of 1986. A strong defense combined with a solid running game.
But I have to go with the Ravens. In a way they remind me a lot of the Giants of 1986. A strong defense combined with a solid running game.
5829
The Black Series 6" Figures / Re: A 6" Exclusive for SDCC 2013?
« on: February 3, 2013, 11:33 AM »
Thinking back over the past few SDCC exclusives, I think it could be something cool / big. Curto's hint was that it was Vader related and a set. I'm thinking Vader w/ removable helmet and a meditation chamber base.
5830
The Black Series 6" Figures / Re: 6 Inch Figures?
« on: February 3, 2013, 08:52 AM »Angry? Me? Never....
It's very naive to completely dismiss or discount the idea that maybe, just maybe, Disney was the major impetus in having a 6" line of Star Wars realized. Perhaps Hasbro had been considering it, pondering, thinking, but it makes sense that ultimately, Disney was the driving force that made it happen.
Does it matter what company was involved? Uh, yeah. The decision marks what I believe to be a pivotal point, a bold move which speaks volumes about what is in store for the future. It's a taste of things to come, something fresh and new, which doesn't seem to have any telltale signs of a decision that would come from the big H.
In corporate takeovers/mergers, SECRECY is a huge factor in making sure the deal goes through. In the case of Lucasfilm being bought by Disney, I'm sure this was the case. Especially with over $4 billion on the line. Hasbro's license with Lucasfilm may be a major factor in the value of LFL, but letting even a handful of key people at Hasbro in on the details of a merger/acquisition could create a leak that could jeopardize the deal. The Disney purchase of Lucasfilm looks like it could have been a factor in some shifts in Hasbro's business model. But I think it has more to do with the packaging look than anything else.
With all of these factors mind, I think it's safe to say that the 6" figure line has probably been in development for at least the past 2 years. Hasbro has made it known that figure development can take at least a year to 18 months. Designing a new range of figures is likely to take a good deal longer. And again, I think this is a response to shifts in the toy business where 6" figures are becoming much more the domain of adult collectors.
5831
TV-9D9 / Re: The Clone Wars - Season Five Discussion Thread
« on: February 3, 2013, 08:35 AM »
Wow. I'm impressed on a number of fronts with this episode.
First? The callbacks to previous episodes. It seems that a lot of the plot points from previous episodes involving the Mandalorians, either on Mandalore or the Death Watch, have been culminated in these past couple of episodes. The romance storyline with Obi-Wan and Satine doesn't seem quite as pointless as it did when it was first explored. And revealing that Satine and Bo-Katan were sisters? It draws an interesting parallel with the conflicting Mandalorian pacifist movement and the warrior culture behind Death Watch.
The aerial battle between the Mandalorian factions was actually really cool to watch. The abilities of the armor have really been showcased in a great light, and it's made the buildup in the overall Mandalorian storyline worth waiting through. But I don't know if the rest of the audience has that kind of appreciation for the slow buildup.
As for Maul and Savage? Well, Maul's plans certainly seem to be unravelling. He over-estimated his ability to manipulate and control the Death Watch, and didn't see the possibility that there might be a rebellion against him and his puppet government. His execution of Satine was absolutely cruel, but not well calculated enough to achieve his desired goal of breaking Obi-Wan.
And then to watch Maul's realization that Sidious has come? I was amazed to see the shift in Maul's character from confident, scheming conqueror to an almost sniveling sycophant when Sidious arrived. And Savage Opress was really a non-factor, showing that he was not even worthy as an apprentice. This duel absolutely upped the ante from Maul's duel with Pre Vizsla. Especially since Sidious broke out TWO lightsabers. I was a little surprised to see Maul do the same, using both his Sith lightsaber as well as the Dark saber. But it was very clear as to who was the true Master, and who was the apprentice. Then, when Sidious unleashed the Force Lightning on Maul, it was clear as to how he had dominated and controlled Maul from the time he had been selected as an apprentice.
Am I surprised that Sidious didn't kill Darth Maul? Actually, no. Because Darth Sidious is always plotting. And I suspect that he means to use Maul as the story of the Clone Wars edges towards the events of Revenge Of The Sith. My own theory is that Sidious plans to use Maul as he continues to push Anakin Skywalker further towards the Dark Side. And the recurring theme of LOSS in Anakin's story arc seems the most likely avenue by which Sidious will use Maul to push Skywalker that much closer to becoming his apprentice.
First? The callbacks to previous episodes. It seems that a lot of the plot points from previous episodes involving the Mandalorians, either on Mandalore or the Death Watch, have been culminated in these past couple of episodes. The romance storyline with Obi-Wan and Satine doesn't seem quite as pointless as it did when it was first explored. And revealing that Satine and Bo-Katan were sisters? It draws an interesting parallel with the conflicting Mandalorian pacifist movement and the warrior culture behind Death Watch.
The aerial battle between the Mandalorian factions was actually really cool to watch. The abilities of the armor have really been showcased in a great light, and it's made the buildup in the overall Mandalorian storyline worth waiting through. But I don't know if the rest of the audience has that kind of appreciation for the slow buildup.
As for Maul and Savage? Well, Maul's plans certainly seem to be unravelling. He over-estimated his ability to manipulate and control the Death Watch, and didn't see the possibility that there might be a rebellion against him and his puppet government. His execution of Satine was absolutely cruel, but not well calculated enough to achieve his desired goal of breaking Obi-Wan.
And then to watch Maul's realization that Sidious has come? I was amazed to see the shift in Maul's character from confident, scheming conqueror to an almost sniveling sycophant when Sidious arrived. And Savage Opress was really a non-factor, showing that he was not even worthy as an apprentice. This duel absolutely upped the ante from Maul's duel with Pre Vizsla. Especially since Sidious broke out TWO lightsabers. I was a little surprised to see Maul do the same, using both his Sith lightsaber as well as the Dark saber. But it was very clear as to who was the true Master, and who was the apprentice. Then, when Sidious unleashed the Force Lightning on Maul, it was clear as to how he had dominated and controlled Maul from the time he had been selected as an apprentice.
Am I surprised that Sidious didn't kill Darth Maul? Actually, no. Because Darth Sidious is always plotting. And I suspect that he means to use Maul as the story of the Clone Wars edges towards the events of Revenge Of The Sith. My own theory is that Sidious plans to use Maul as he continues to push Anakin Skywalker further towards the Dark Side. And the recurring theme of LOSS in Anakin's story arc seems the most likely avenue by which Sidious will use Maul to push Skywalker that much closer to becoming his apprentice.
5832
Saga Legends / Re: Saga Legends "Mission Series" Figure 2-Packs
« on: February 2, 2013, 07:22 PM »
There have been at least a couple of different Interrogation Droids over the years. The more recent one was bigger than the one that came with the CommTech Vader back in '99. And IIRC, that bigger version was packed in with one of the SAGA Target Exclusive accessory packs, circa 2002/03.
If Hasbro can keep the price on these reasonable, then it might be a cool avenue for getting some droids / bigger accessories out. Because it sounds like the days of the value added pack-in are over. They definitely should not try pricing a figure plus mini-droid/accessory like the K-Mart AT-ST hijack 2-packs. And based on the limited info we've been privy to so far, this sounds more like a Deluxe Figure line than anything else. Given that, a $12.99 MSRP (or thereabouts) would be something I could deal with.
If Hasbro can keep the price on these reasonable, then it might be a cool avenue for getting some droids / bigger accessories out. Because it sounds like the days of the value added pack-in are over. They definitely should not try pricing a figure plus mini-droid/accessory like the K-Mart AT-ST hijack 2-packs. And based on the limited info we've been privy to so far, this sounds more like a Deluxe Figure line than anything else. Given that, a $12.99 MSRP (or thereabouts) would be something I could deal with.
5833
Discover the Force / Movie Heroes / Re: Original Trilogy Class I Sets You'd Like?
« on: January 31, 2013, 11:57 AM »
I think some updates or adaptations of the Kenner mini-rigs might be pretty welcome. But some other ideas come to mind, too.
Death Star troop transport (Imperial version of Rebel Hangar transport?) - with Stormtrooper & Imperial Scanning Trooper
Yavin IV watch tower - with Rebel Fleet Trooper & Rebel Honor Guard
Hoth Rebel Cannon - with Luke Skywalker in Snowspeeder gear & Echo Base Trooper (TVC 68)
Hoth Rebel mini-tank (modern take on vintage MLC-3) - with Princess Leia in Hoth gear & Hoth Rebel Trooper
Hoth Vehicle Maintenance Energizer (modern take on vintage mini-rig) - with Chewbacca & Echo Base Trooper repaint
Hoth Rebel Laser Radar Cannon - with Echo Base Trooper & Hoth Rebel Trooper
Hoth Rebel Hangar transport - with Echo Base Hangar Crew & Snowspeeder Pilot
E-Web Cannon - with 2 x Imperial Snowtroopers
CAP-2 (re-imagining of the vintage CAP-2 mixed with the Trandoshan hunting platform) - with Bossk & Dengar
Death Star troop transport (Imperial version of Rebel Hangar transport?) - with Stormtrooper & Imperial Scanning Trooper
Yavin IV watch tower - with Rebel Fleet Trooper & Rebel Honor Guard
Hoth Rebel Cannon - with Luke Skywalker in Snowspeeder gear & Echo Base Trooper (TVC 68)
Hoth Rebel mini-tank (modern take on vintage MLC-3) - with Princess Leia in Hoth gear & Hoth Rebel Trooper
Hoth Vehicle Maintenance Energizer (modern take on vintage mini-rig) - with Chewbacca & Echo Base Trooper repaint
Hoth Rebel Laser Radar Cannon - with Echo Base Trooper & Hoth Rebel Trooper
Hoth Rebel Hangar transport - with Echo Base Hangar Crew & Snowspeeder Pilot
E-Web Cannon - with 2 x Imperial Snowtroopers
CAP-2 (re-imagining of the vintage CAP-2 mixed with the Trandoshan hunting platform) - with Bossk & Dengar
5834
The Black Series 6" Figures / Re: 6 Inch Figures?
« on: January 31, 2013, 10:41 AM »I think the reasoning is that Hasbro seems to want to shift collector focus to this larger scale line despite most collectors having sunk thousands of dollars into the 3.75" line and having no space nor desire for a new scale.I think that with this move into the 6" figure line Hasbro might be trying to tap into a broader adult toy collector market, and not necessarily just Star Wars fans.Is it that these types of figures are not profitable or just not as profitable as Hasbro desires?
Let's keep in mind the one BIG variable in all of this: Disney. Maybe it's a little premature, but I hold Disney, not Hasbro, responsible for all of these changes (ie 6" line, postponement of the 3D prequels, cancellation of Droid Factory). Since Disney entered the picture, we have seen a lot of change. Coincidence?
I'm not sure I subscribe to that as much as the changes in the toy business. Look at some other licensed boys toys. And the growing trend seems to be to offer a range of figures in multiple scales. We've seen that in movie lines like Avengers, The Dark Knight Rises, Green Lantern & more. If anything, Hasbro Star Wars seems a little bit late to the game in that business model shift.
5835
The Black Series 6" Figures / Re: 6 Inch Figures?
« on: January 30, 2013, 10:23 AM »Also, I'm shocked about the nastiness I am seeing aimed at Hasbro SW team members. Sure DePreist made a snide comment about the 15th Cantina guy, but how many times has this guy been called an "idiot" or "moron" or "evil" in SW forums. People seem to think it's all his fault. It's also his fault that we got the BMF.
+1
The virtriole and hyperbolic fanboy whining that has been sent in Derrly DePriest's direction has been ugly and uncalled for. How some people can look themselves in the mirror after spewing venom like that is beyond my comprehension.
Does anyone REALLY remember the state of things around 2002/2003 before he took over the Hasbro-Star Wars team? Things were NOT good. Hasbro failed majorly on the Clone Troopers that were central to the title ATTACK OF THE CLONES by giving us a Clone Trooper with rank markings that we barely even saw in the movie. And when Hasbro offered up a plain, white super articulated Clone Trooper? I can still remember the mad scramble for that figure from 10 years ago. It was RIDICULOUS. It was a great figure for it's time, and collectors were so amped for the Clone Wars that they were clamoring for that figure, but nobody could find them to do the army building they wanted to do.
Collectors wanted more Clones? We got them, and in spades!
Collectors wanted more articulation and less pre-posing? That happened, and higher levels are articulation are pretty much standard
Collectors wanted a Big Millenium Falcon with lots of details? We got it, and it's pretty awesome.
Collectors wanted other large vehicles, like the AT-TE, AT-AT, Turbo Tank, etc? We got them.
Are things perfect? No. There are serious concerns over distribution at this time. But things got a whole lot better for Star Wars collectors in the period following 2004 than they were before then.