Hmmm, if I were in charge of the decisions?
Well first I'd fire some people... Then I'd slap a few others around with small barbed wire covered implement.
Then I'd start deciding who we're gonna make...
1) I'd create a line called
Ultimate Collector Series ... And patant that.
This line would consist of one of every main character in their MAIN outfits (IE: it won't include Luke in his medical robes, but would include Jedi Luke, Bespin Luke, X-Wing Luke, Hoth Luke, etc...)
Each figure in the line would include full ammount of accessories that pertain to that costume, full range of articulation (ball/socket neck, ball/socket shoulders, ball/socket knees, ball/socket elbows, wrist articulation, boot-top articulation, etc...), and each figure would cost in the $10 range due to the # of parts, detail/quality, accessories, articulation count, soft goods, etc...
They would be packaged in a RESEALABLE box similar to Dragon's Action 18 line of figures for display reasons, and each box interior would be unique to the character inside (IE: Tatooine Luke's box would be unique with a Tatooine backdrop of sorts, and so on).
These figures would be widely released, and regularly available... They would reship if a need was determined, or after a period of time past their initial release.
THESE would be the premiere figures of the modern line, and the "definitive" versions of each character. Some may feature interchangeable parts (ROTJ Luke's hands for instance), or even heads in some cases (Hoth Luke).
2) Second to this line of figures would be the main line as we know it today, but improved. It however would still include a Collection 1, and Collection 2 theme.
Collection 1 would remain "main" characters... They would be "action-posed" versions of the main characters, or background/minor versions of major characters. Here would come into play, for instance, a "Death Star Escape" Han Solo for instance, whose posed to be running from the Imperial Stormtroopers... It would also include a Medical Frigate Luke though, for instance, in a neutral pose but wearing the less than important costume he donned aboard the Frigate
Redemption.
Collection 2 would also remain as it is, with characters such as background aliens and army builders. You could see anyone from Hem Dazon to Mof Jerjerrod in this lineup, and a neutral pose/good articulation would be a must.
3) For army builder figures, they would receive heavier articulation counts and accessory/feature counts as well. While it will increase cost, increased sales are to be expected with a Hoth Rebel Soldier as opposed to a Cantina Alien... Profits SHOULD be recouped via this theory...
Army Builders will ALSO be seen released in "multi-packs" also... While a carded figure will see ONLY one version, the multi-packs will see multiple heads, or variant decos...
For example, a new Rebel Fleet Trooper will be produced featuring removeable helmet, functioning holster, FULL articulation, (and possibly extra accessories such as a guard's pike, or scanner pistol) and the initial headsculpt for the carded figure will be a generic likeness of a white male. A 4-pack will later be released though, featuring a black male, older white male (grey hair), and either an asian male or 2nd white male hair color variation, in addition to ONE of the original carded release.
How 4-packs are made available, I'm not sure yet... I'll work that out with my "team".
It may just be white mailer boxes, possibly a window box set, or maybe a large blister pack, I dunno... Almost ALL army builders would see this type of release though.
4) A 3rd line, in addition to the previous 3 collections will be introduced in a more sporatic fashion throughout the year. This 3rd line shall entail Expanded Universe figures, and will be a mix of major and minor characters.
Quality will be up to par with the Collection 2 line as far as articulation and such goes, and the "army builders" may see a similar release fashion to the movie army builders as well (IE: A Dark Trooper 4-pack, or Yuzahn Vong 4-pack).
And that would be my structure for the 3.75" line... I would maintain a 12" line in limited quantities (I feel it's Hasbro's weakest aspect), but try to improve overall quality of this line since the product output would be lighter than it has been.
I would also attempt to maintain the Unleashed property as it is, but possibly making it an Internet-exclusive license... IE: Only etailers would receive these product... They'd be like Hasbro's own lil mini-bust line in a way. A collector-only product (I feel over-diversity detracts from a toy license overall, and Hasbro's made this mistake in the past couple years).
