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« on: May 20, 2008, 03:00 PM »
I think it's totally a matter of opinion on whether or not a PT figure should be on the Kenner style cardback. And I understand the possibility of apprehension about that prospect.
Is the vintage line about nostalgia? Yes and no. All of the similarities with the modern vintage line begin and end with the cardback. And even then the cardback is not 100% true to the original style. It's been changed significantly in order to promote the modern vintage line. And it's packed in a clamshell. Another thing that's not true to the original product. Factor in those elements, and it's clear that the integrity of the cardback has not been a major consideration for Hasbro.
Then there's pricing. The modern vintage figure was considered a premium 3.75" figure when it was introduced, selling for at least $10. It was a far cry from the vintage basic figure which most of us would have paid what, $2.99 for at retail? All the while there's still a basic figure line that retails for about $6.99. So we are paying a premium. One that our parents might not been willing to pay circa 1978 - 1983.
Then let's look at the actual figures. The character choices have been right out of the vintage line. But again, that's where the similarities end. These figures are sculpted to a higher standard than the basic figure line. They include better accessories. And the articulation is at a premium level. However, when Hasbro actually produced a figure in this line with the same number of points of articulation as an actual vintage Kenner figure in the Ben Kenobi figure, collectors railed against it. And now they want a better version of old Ben.
As for nostalgia for the PT cards? Is anyone really nostalgic about that EPISODE I card? Probably not. I know that I associate the classic Kenner look much more with Star Wars than when I see that red EPISODE I packaging. The same goes for the blue SAGA line and the helmet shaped ROTS line. The Kenner look screams Star Wars much more in comparison to all three of those lines. Now would it be a little bit of a stretch to include the classic Kenner look to include PT characters like Darth Maul, PT Obi-Wan Kenobi or daresay Jar Jar Binks? A little, but it's all still Star Wars. It's all still the same universe. Now did Hasbro and Lucas Licensing potentially goof by not keeping that classic look for the entirety of the prequel trilogy? Probably. It's a classic and instantly recognizable brand look. I guess my big issue with the entire discussion is that I don't consider toy packaging to be that "sacred" in any way, shape or form.