Monthly Archives: October 2018

Don’t forget, Shop Disney will put three highly sought-after Hasbro The Black Series [Phase III] exclusives up for order tomorrow, but the links may go live early in the morning (as they often do). Keep checking THIS LINK to see when they go up for sale. You’ll be able to order Zuckuss, Captain Phasma (Quicksilver Baton) and Stormtrooper (With Blast Accessories). We reviewed all three months ago. Check out our reviews and images HERE.

Trick or Treat! It’s time for another Halloween Visual Guide update! Of course, we will be featuring Disney Parks’ annual Halloween-themed Droid Factory droid. This year we get R4-BOO18. Click below to check out this candy-corn giving Visual Guide, and make sure to also read our spooktacular review right here!

It’s hard to believe, but our “Jabba Don’t Preach” marathon of the Star Wars Series 6 Vintage Kenner Mini Action Figures has concluded. If you need to catch up on any of them, all you need to do is click any thumbnail below, and it will take you to the archive. We’d once again like to thank you for your participation. Recounting all of your childhood memories with these unequaled action figures and sharing the wonderful experiences you’ve all had with them is priceless. Please keep adding to the discussions! Also, please begin to prepare yourselves for more as we dive into November’s “Turning Ewokese” marathon where we look at the Return Of The Jedi Series 7 figures. These reviews will focus on 14 Kenner action figures from the second and third waves of the Return Of The Jedi line, and we’re very excited to tackle them.

The Lucca Comics and Games Convention Hasbro panel JUST revealed 2 new figures coming next year for The Black Series and The Vintage Collection (thanks to Banthaskull for posting the live feed). If you’re a TBS collector, you will be pleased that our rumor is true that Mace Windu will be joining the 6″ world. If you are a TVC collector, the reveal may be worse than you could have possibly imagined! If you thought the figure wasn’t worth it for $3 at Walmart a year ago, you might be thrilled to pay $13 for a repacked Poe Dameron (pilot) figure on a vintage Kenner card back! What do you think?

Update: Official promo photos of Mace Windu and Poe Dameron added! More photos will most likely follow later today, so stay tuned! Also, it has to be pointed out that Poe Dameron is a repaint with photo real technology.

Update 2: Mace Windu will be available in Spring 2019! Poe Dameron is scheduled for a fall 2019 release!

Both Mace and Poe raise an eyebrow to this decision

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Welcome to another one our JTA Presents: Evolutions features! Let’s check out how close or far we are from having an ideal Hasbro 3.75″ Pablo-Jill action figure. Have we arrived at definitive status yet? Weigh in and let us know what conclusion you’ll come to by clicking through and adding your two cents in the comments!

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HAPPY HALLOWEEN! You saw our sneak peek on R4-BOO18 months ago, but now let’s talk about it! This Droid Factory figure is the focus of our Research Droids Reviews today! Be sure to leave your thoughts in our comments section, vote in the poll or even comment about it on our Facebook page. Click the banner below for the direct link to the review! As always, you can also send your review requests via email if you’d like to see something that we didn’t cover yet.

We are finishing up the Star Wars [Solo] Two-Packs section in our Visual Guides with the repacked and Force Link 2.0 upgraded Rose (First Order Disguise)/BB-8/BB-9E set. Click below to check out the full guide page. Make sure to also revisit this review from earlier this year right here.

HURRY! The entire next wave of 6″ figures are IN STOCK as of this post at Hasbro Toy Shop! NOTE: Direct links aren’t working for some reason. Search “star wars black series” and then sort by NEW at HTS and you’ll see all of the new figures!

Dengar
Princess Leia (Hoth Outfit)
Lando Calrissian (Skiff Guard Disguise)
Val (Vandor-1)
Rio Durant
Imperial Patrol Trooper
L3-37

The highly sought-after The Black Series [Phase III] General Veers which is a Walgreens exclusive is IN STOCK! You also get FREE SHIPPING if you buy two! Special thanks to JTA readers Matthew R. and Craig P. for the alert!

Hasbro’s mainline bread and butter The Black Series [Phase III] Rey’s Speeder 6″ vehicle is available for the bargain price of $9.99 at BestBuy.com. Hurry before they’re history! Special thanks to friend Steve U. for alerting us to this awesome deal.

Our “Jabba Don’t Preach” marathon concludes with Lando’s co-pilot during the Battle of Endor: Nien Nunb. He was a sidekick without any of the slapstick antics. Relive your memories of this classic 1983 action figure in our Research Droids Reviews today. Be sure to add your own experiences to the conversation! Reminisce your own childhood stories of this figure in our comments. Share your life-changing vintage Kenner adolescent experiences with us!

On paper things should look very bright for Star Wars. We have new movies. Quite a few of them too, with even more in the pipeline. And in the very near future we will get Star Wars shows on Disney’s streaming channel with one all new series, “The Mandalorian”, and the return of the fan favorite “The Clone Wars”. On the toy front we have a lot to choose from, there are 5 POA toys, there is The Vintage Collection, we have the Black Series, and on top of that there are Asian companies that also make 6 inch figures or model kits, not to mention larger scale figures such as Hot Toys / Sideshow, Jakks Pacific “Big Figs” or Hasbro’s very own 5 POA 12 inch figures. In terms of sheer choice things have hardly been any better. But nevertheless some collectors are unhappy, disillusioned and sometimes even angry at Disney, Lucasfilm and Hasbro. In this editorial I would like to talk about that feeling of frustration. Click through for some thoughts about the topic.

Freshly baked bread with butter, delicious!

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We have another Visual Guide update from the Star Wars [Solo] line, this time featuring the Mission on Vandor-1 multipack. Click below to check out the full set. We also have this set featured in our review database right here.

Welcome to another one our JTA Presents: Evolutions features! Let’s check out how close or far we are from having an ideal Hasbro 3.75″ Clone Pilot action figure. Have we arrived at definitive status yet? Weigh in and let us know what conclusion you’ll come to by clicking through and adding your two cents in the comments!

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Is Hasbro’s Steve Evans teasing something in his recent Instagram post? Like a 6″ X-wing starfighter, or more Rebel pilots besides Luke? Time will tell!

Our “Jabba Don’t Preach” marathon continues with the awesome Lando Calrissian (Skiff Guard Disguise) figure. Removable helmets were excellent in 1983. Relive your memories of this classic 1983 action figure in our Research Droids Reviews today. Be sure to add your own experiences to the conversation! Reminisce your own childhood stories of this figure in our comments. Share your life-changing vintage Kenner adolescent experiences with us!

Our next Visual Guide update takes a look at the Hot Toys Stormtroopers (MMS394) sixth scale figure set from Rogue One: A Star Wars Story. Click below for the full Visual Guide.

LEGO^® Star Wars: All-Stars, a new animated adventure series that spans all Star Wars eras, will debut beginning MONDAY, OCT. 29, on Disney XD YouTube and DisneyNOW. Comprised of eight shorts and four half-hour episodes, the series features LEGO versions of the fresh faces of the Star Wars galaxy alongside iconic heroes including Kylo Ren, R2-D2, Young Han, Chewie, Young Lando, BB-8 and General Leia. Click through for full details!

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New official photos include pics of vehicles like U-Wings, locations like Jedha and Yavin 4, battle scenes like the Battle of Scarif, along with additional character photos of Jyn, Cassian, K-2SO and Darth Vader, plus newly added characters like young Jyn Erso, Rebel pilots and soldiers, and many more! Click through for sample photos and more details…

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Back in August 2017, we broke the news that rumors existed for upcoming Padme Amidala and Mace Windu 6″ figures were imminent. At the time we didn’t know what version of Padme Amidala was coming, but new information has come our way that we can expect to see her in her Episode I main outfit shortly too. It looks like we just need an official announcement from Hasbro that Mace Windu is on the way next. Could he be the next reveal at the next convention Hasbro attends? We believe it’s possible!

Hasbro has just revealed two new figures: a 6″ Battle Droid and The Vintage Collection R2-D2! Special thanks to JTA reader and friend Steve U. for sending the images!

Our “Jabba Don’t Preach” marathon continues with a popular army-builder: Biker Scout. And we have received so many updates since from Hasbro. Relive your memories of this classic 1983 action figure in our Research Droids Reviews today. Be sure to add your own experiences to the conversation! Reminisce your own childhood stories of this figure in our comments. Share your life-changing vintage Kenner adolescent experiences with us!

JTA reader and friend Russ T. sends us a report that his local TARGET restocked both Moloch and Gamorrean Guard The Black Series [Phase III] 6″ figures. I can confirm that my local stores were restocked today too. It looks like there are finally enough of those pigs out there now.

A discount store by the name of Roses is getting in hordes of unsold Rogue One products. Most notably, the basic figures are $1.99 each. You can click THIS LINK and see if there is a store near you. JTA reader and friend Josh M. sends us an image of the proof. What’s disconcerting about this is that Rogue One and The Last Jedi products are arriving at so many discount retailers. It’s almost if there isn’t a big enough audience to support 5POA Star Wars action figures. Please Hasbro, move away from 5POA and focus on getting all of the characters in super-articulated status. Thank you.

Tonight’s Visual Guide update takes a look at the Star Wars [Solo] Rebolt/Correllian Hound two-pack. Click below to check out the full guide page. Make sure to also revisit our full review of this set right here.

Our “Jabba Don’t Preach” marathon continues with another fun alien: Ree-Yees. We also have a fantastic modern update to him. Relive your memories of this classic 1983 action figure in our Research Droids Reviews today. Be sure to add your own experiences to the conversation! Reminisce your own childhood stories of this figure in our comments. Share your life-changing vintage Kenner adolescent experiences with us!

Brian’s Toys checks in with their latest newsletter…

New this week is the  Force Link 2.0 AT-DT Hasbro vehicle that just came in at a limited supply!  Also on eBay this week we have No Reserve auctions going with a bunch of our loose 4″ vintage action figures.  You will most likely be able to catch a deal with these auctions, so check them out!

One of our longer-running rumors has been confirmed just moments ago. Hasbro unveiled the Black Series 6” Padmé Amidala at the Paris Comic Con. Padmé features her Episode II – Attack Of The Clones outfit prior to the arena fight, so she has a clean outfit without bare midriff and a plastic cape! Tentative release date for the figure is spring 2019. Special thanks to JTA reader Matthew C. for the alert!
Update: Official Hasbro promo photo added!
Update 2:  photos of the figure on display added, the figure on display looks different from the one in the promo photo! Click through for a better look at the figure.

Click for large photo

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Welcome to another one our JTA Presents: Evolutions features! Let’s check out how close or far we are from having a definitive Hasbro 3.75″ Luke Skywalker (Ceremonial Outfit) action figure. Have we arrived at definitive status yet? Weigh in and let us know what conclusion you’ll come to by clicking through and adding your two cents in the comments!

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MCM Comic Con in London gives us our first look at the new Star Wars Resistance packaging with a look at the carded Kaz Xiono figure. Credit to Fantha Tracks for this first look! Click through for a look…

Our friends at Fantha Tracks are on-site at MCM Comic Con in London and have posted some detailed galleries on their Facebook page of the new The Black Series Archive packaging, as well as some close-ups of the figures. Click below for a look at each figure.

Our “Jabba Don’t Preach” marathon continues with one of our favorite figures: Bib Fortuna. Will Hasbro ever give us our deserved definitive update to this beloved character? Relive your memories of this classic 1983 action figure in our Research Droids Reviews today. Be sure to add your own experiences to the conversation! Reminisce your own childhood stories of this figure in our comments. Share your life-changing vintage Kenner adolescent experiences with us!

JTA Facebook reader Mike D. sent us a photo of the new Yoda Star Wars Toybox figure. It comes with a “ghost” or “hologram” version of the character too.

Our readers have exceeded our expectations with the new JTA Presents: Evolutions column we started this week with an astounding 5400+ unique views per article. We thank you! The only thing you need to do to keep it going is to participate in the discussion. That’s all the fuel we need to stoke the fire. (Don’t make us go “Dr. Evil” on you.) We’ve also listened to your incredible and helpful feedback already as well. By popular request, we’ve added group shots of all of the action figures together of the featured character and will be doing so going forward. Thank you for the feedback, and keep on keeping’ on! See the updated group shot image for Biggs Darklighter (X-wing Pilot) HERE and the updated group shot image for Han Solo (Bespin Outfit) HERE.

S.H.Figuarts recently showed their Yoda prototype again. In the photo you can see that SHF will give us a prequel Yoda. And even though the sign says “Revenge of the Sith”, this Yoda is also the only missing character for the duel in Attack of the Clones between Dooku and first Anakin and Obi-Wan and then Yoda.
I am not so sure however, if the sculpted plastic robes work so well on Yoda, also they seem to be pre-sculpted for some more dynamic action poses. Furthermore, the figure looks very clean, almost like a model kit, I think some wash would be needed here. And even though all the joints are commendable they also make the figure look somewhat overengineered, but on the plus side Yoda will be able to attain various action oriented poses. The headsculpt looks fantastic. No release date is given. Yoda could be announced either very soon or in two years from now, you never know with SHF.

Thanks to JTA regular Matthew C. for sending us the photo!

Click for larger version

Our “Jabba Don’t Preach” marathon continues with General Madine. How in the world did this character stand out to Kenner that they decided to produce him as an action figure? Relive your memories of this classic 1983 action figure in our Research Droids Reviews today. Be sure to add your own experiences to the conversation! Reminisce your own childhood stories of this figure in our comments. Share your life-changing vintage Kenner adolescent experiences with us!

The Vintage Collection’s Imperial Combat Assault Tank is an amazing vehicle, and tonight we are adding it to our TVC Visual Guide. Click below to check out the full guide page. Make sure to go back and revisit our full review of this vehicle right here.

Hasbro has released official images of their The Black Series 6″ Archive Series of 6″ figures. These updated figures look fantastic! See the full gallery on our Facebook page!

Wo! Here you go, folks! Pre-order the Star Wars [Solo] Imperial AT-DT Walker at Amazon right now. It’s currently out of stock, but you can still pre-order it. If you need to know more about this fun toy, see our review of it RIGHT HERE! Special thanks to JTA reader Alientek for the alert!

Welcome to our JTA Presents: Evolutions feature! Let’s check out how close or far we are from having a definitive Hasbro 3.75″ Han Solo (Bespin Outfit) action figure. Have we arrived at definitive status yet? Weigh in and let us know what conclusion you’ll come to by clicking through and adding your two cents in the comments!.

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Our “Jabba Don’t Preach” marathon continues with Squid Head and he is a gorgeous figure from Jabba’s palace. Relive your memories of this classic 1983 action figure in our Research Droids Reviews today. Be sure to add your own experiences to the conversation! Reminisce your own childhood stories of this figure in our comments. Share your life-changing vintage Kenner adolescent experiences with us!

We are adding the cool Imperial AT-DT Walker to our Visual Guides tonight, which also includes a new version of the Mimban Stormtrooper. Click below to check out this Star Wars [Solo] vehicle. Make sure to also check out our full review right here.

In case you have been waiting, Hasbro Toy Shop has updated their site to include product pages for the Dengar/Lando Skiff wave. They’re not in stock, but you may want to stalk this link. Search “star wars black series” and then sort by newest if the link doesn’t work for you.

If you’re interested, the Sandcrawler Playset is IN STOCK at the Shop Disney (app) only as of this post. You also get free shipping with orders $75 or more. Special thanks to rivesjunctionite for the alert!

Hasbro will layoff up to 10% of its workforce in the wake of Toys R Us’ demise. Fortune has the full story. The article choice of image is ironic.

Our “Jabba Don’t Preach” marathon restarts with Weequay which is another fantastic figure from the Battle of Carkoon. Relive your memories of this classic 1983 action figure in our Research Droids Reviews today. Be sure to add your own experiences to the conversation! Reminisce your own childhood stories of this figure in our comments. Share your life-changing vintage Kenner adolescent experiences with us!

For tonight’s Visual Guide update we are taking a look at the 6-Inch Val (Vandor-1) (71) from The Black Series [Phase III] line. Click below for a full look at our guide page, and make sure to stop by our review for additional details and discussion.

Welcome to our inaugural entry for our JTA Presents: Evolutions feature. This new column focuses on how close or far we are from having a definitive Hasbro 3.75″ action figure for the featured character. Today we look at Biggs Darklighter in his X-wing pilot outfit. Hasbro made great strides forward with this character, but have we arrived at definitive status yet? Weigh in and let us know what conclusion you’ll come to by clicking through.

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Early this morning Hasbro released their financial results for the 3rd Quarter of 2018. As expected Hasbro is still struggling with the demise of Toys R Us. But what’s especially troubling is the steep decline in the Partner Brands segment. Click through for all the details!

Hasbro is probably not so happy

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NEW FIGURES! The Imperial AT-DT Walker is a fun toy! And it comes with an all-new Stormtrooper (Mimban) figure. Learn more in our Research Droids Reviews today! Be sure to leave your thoughts in our comments section, vote in the poll or even comment about it on our Facebook page. Click the banner below for the direct link to the review! As always, you can also send your review requests via email if you’d like to see something that we didn’t cover yet.

A new column begins at Jedi Temple Archives tomorrow. Be sure to stop by and check it out.

For readers in Canada, the sought-after Stormtrooper (Mimban) Force LInk 2.0 figure is IN STOCK at Walmart’s online store. Special thanks to JTA reader Eric C. for the alert

NEW FIGURES! Could Val (Vandor-1) be the most fabulous figure of 2018? We’re inclined to believe it. You should feel the same too. Find out more about her in our Research Droids Reviews today! Be sure to leave your thoughts in our comments section, vote in the poll or even comment about it on our Facebook page. Click the banner below for the direct link to the review! As always, you can also send your review requests via email if you’d like to see something that we didn’t cover yet.

The Disney Droid Factory Sandcrawler Playset is front and center at Disney’s Mickeys of Hollywood store. JTA reader Kevin K. sends us the report: “Hadn’t seen anyone visually confirm it, so here you go.  It’s out in full force.  Got mine and the R4-H18 but the Droid was up front at the Mickey’s of Hollywood Store. Remember, Disney will send it to the front for you to pick up when you leave.  So you don’t have to lug it around.”

Jon Favreau updated his Instagram account with some new photos a few hours ago and  look who came to visit for his birthday! It’s good to see that George is still around, at least visiting. Who knows, maybe he even gave Jon the one or the other piece of advice about Star Wars. No matter what he did, it’s nice to see the two of them together. Another photo shows the two with Dave Filoni who will, as you all know, direct the first episode of The Mandalorian. The show can’t come soon enough!

George Lucas and Jon Favreau smiling just for you

Holy cow! The super-rare Sephjet Josall is available at tunghori’s eBay store. Special thanks to JTA reader Manh-Thai N. for the alert!

We have our final Visual Guide update from Star Wars [Solo] wave 4. Click below to check out the Imperial Royal Guard repack. You can also check him out in our full review right here. Catch up on the whole wave of Visual Guide updates right here.

Star Wars user ratings have been debated for quite a while now, especially following the release of The Last Jedi in December 2017. Now that Solo came and went I think it’s a good time to look at how Star Wars fares on IMDB, Rotten Tomatoes and Metacritic, the three most popular sites for movie user ratings. I will also look at the user demographics – how does each age group rate the movies? Some interesting observations can be made. So click through for some lovely bar charts, I know you love them!

This Porg needs love

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NEW FIGURES! We conclude looking at the fourth wave of Star Wars [Solo] figures. Let’s finish up with a wise repack. It makes sense to get out the Imperial Royal Guard again. Learn more in our Research Droids Reviews today! Be sure to leave your thoughts in our comments section, vote in the poll or even comment about it on our Facebook page. Click the banner below for the direct link to the review! As always, you can also send your review requests via email if you’d like to see something that we didn’t cover yet.

Entertainment Earth has unleashed a slew of pre-orders over the last few weeks, including some revitalized exclusives. Here’s a recap of what’s available, some of which will be shipping next month.

• The Vintage Collection 41st Elite Clone Trooper (VC145) (EE Exclusive)
• The Vintage Collection Rey (Island Journey) (VC122) (Revitalized EE Exclusive)
• SW [Solo] Resistance A-Wing Fighter Vehicle with Resistance Pilot (EE Exclusive)
• SW [Solo] C-3PO & R2-D2 Two-Pack (Revitalized EE Exclusive)
• Star Wars [Solo] Force Link 2.0 Wave 4
• TBS6 [P3] Dengar/Lando Skiff Guard/Leia Hoth Wave 

Individual The Black Series 6-Inch Figures:

• TBS6 Val (Vandor-1) (71)
• TBS6 Imperial Patrol Trooper (72)
• TBS6 L3-37 (73)
• TBS6 Dengar (74) 
• TBS6 Princess Leia Organa (Hoth) (75)
• TBS6 Lando Calrissian (Skiff Guard)
• TBS6 Rio Durant

Check out the latest newsletter update from our sponsor Brian’s Toys…

No Halloween costume idea yet? Well, time is running out, but it’s not too late to place your order and get one of our prop replicas to be the standout at the Halloween party this year!  Also, check out our special this week where we are dropping the price of select MOTU and GI Joe vintage items — Up to 50% off!

Now it’s time to take a look at the first of two repacks from the Star Wars [Solo] wave 4 assortment. First up is our Visual Guide of Han Solo (Mimban). Click below to check out the full guide page. You can also Stop by and check out our full review for additional details.

Each quarter the iconkids & youth GmbH publishes its “Kid’s License Monitor” in Europe, which monitors the popularity of various toy licenses in three of the European key toy markets: the UK, France and Germany. Kids ages 4-12 are the target of this survey. So, how much do they like Star Wars toys? Click through to find out!

Boys and Star Wars toys

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Well, this is interesting. We’re not sure how long this has been going on, but Hasbro Toy Shop is now selling through Walmart.com. (Maybe Hasbro Toy Shop should also sell Walmart’s exclusives through them too!) Check out what they have available. Many items ship with FREE 2-day shipping. Special thanks to JTA reader Mark for the alert. Click here to see the result (you’ll have to filter by Hasbro Toy Shop at the bottom left).

NEW FIGURES! We’re looking at the fourth wave of Star Wars [Solo] figures. Let’s continue with a figure that looks great but cannot do much at all. Han Solo (Mimban) gets a basic figure release now. Learn more in our Research Droids Reviews today! Be sure to leave your thoughts in our comments section, vote in the poll or even comment about it on our Facebook page. Click the banner below for the direct link to the review! As always, you can also send your review requests via email if you’d like to see something that we didn’t cover yet.

Star Wars [Solo] wave 4 Visual Guide updates continue! Check out the Force Link 2.0 Tobias Beckett by clicking below. We also take a deeper look at this figure in our full review right here.

The TBS6 [P3] Captain Rex is IN STOCK at Amazon for $19.99! Be sure to choose OTHER options.

Star Wars Episode IX will hit theaters in 14 months from now. Filming is underway, some set photos have been leaked, but other than more or less unsubstantiated rumors we know next to nothing about the actual plot of the movie. And in true JJ Abrams fashion this will probably not change until the release date.

The question is, what are your expectations about Episode IX? Do you believe it may heal the rift in the fandom that opened up after The Last Jedi? Do you believe it may be a satisfying conclusion to the sequel trilogy? Or do you simply don’t care anymore and want the sequels to be over, so we can finally move on? Click through for a discussion about Episode IX and the inherent issues the movie has to overcome.

The New vs The Old

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We’ve added them to our database and they’re already hitting brick and mortar, but you can also pre-order the fourth wave of Star Wars [Solo] figures at Entertainment Earth!

NEW FIGURES! It’s time to look at the fourth wave of Star Wars [Solo] figures. Let’s continue with a figure that should look better than it does. Tobias Beckett has all the right moving parts but isn’t perfect by a long shot. Learn more in our Research Droids Reviews today! Be sure to leave your thoughts in our comments section, vote in the poll or even comment about it on our Facebook page. Click the banner below for the direct link to the review! As always, you can also send your review requests via email if you’d like to see something that we didn’t cover yet.

PROVIDENCE, R.I. — While not explicitly confirming that layoffs were taking place Wednesday, Hasbro Inc. said that “difficult” changes are underway that affect “a single-digit percentage” of the toy company’s global workforce of 5,000 employees.

The company refused several requests for further specifics on the number of layoffs that are apparently taking place, except to say that the company was not required to file a federal Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification — or WARN — notice. Such a notice would normally be required 60 days in advance of laying off 50 to 499 employees at a “single site of employment,” but only if those laid off account for a third or more of the employees. (more….)

Special thanks to JTA reader JACKOFTRADZE for alerting us to this news.

You can pre-order The Black Series [Phase III] “Wave 19” from JTA sponsor Entertainment Earth. This is one of the best looking waves in a very long time!

Our next Force Link 2.0 Star Wars [Solo] Visual Guide update features Val (Mimban). Click below to check out the full Visual Guide, and click here to check out our full review.

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Star Wars Authentics added another 50 new official photos from Rogue One: A Star Wars Story to the Star Wars Authentics site. Check out official photos of new characters, vehicles, and locations including awesome shots from the Battle of Scarif. Click through for details and samples. 

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NEW FIGURES! It’s time to look at the fourth wave of Star Wars [Solo] figures. Let’s continue with a figure that was awesome onscreen and doesn’t look too bad in the 5POA range. Val (Mimban) is named incorrectly, but she still is cool. Learn more in our Research Droids Reviews today! Be sure to leave your thoughts in our comments section, vote in the poll or even comment about it on our Facebook page. Click the banner below for the direct link to the review! As always, you can also send your review requests via email if you’d like to see something that we didn’t cover yet.

Entertainment Earth has a great Daily Deal on Wave 17 from The Black Series 6″ figures. Get the full case, featuring 8 unique figures, for $99.99! That’s $12.50 per figure. Click here to pick this up!

JTA reported on so-called “Deep Fake” videos before. Basically you train a special piece of software with lots and lots and really lots of photos and then this special software can automatically replace someone in a photo or video. Sounds like magic, but it’s actually a deep learning AI algorithm that makes all of that possible. Maybe you remember the enhanced Leia in Rogue One clip, where the “deep fake” Leia looked even somewhat better than what ILM did. Well, now you can check out how Solo could have been if ILM had decided to put CGI Harrison Ford into the movie. It’s not always perfect, but some scenes look eerily real. And remember, this is something one person did at home with his PC with no budget at all. ILM could certainly do an even better job, given the time, money and inclination. So, what do you think? Should this guy do all of Solo now and find some voice actor to redub all the lines?

Take one step forward and two steps back, Walmart. JTA reader Scot M. found all of the latest The Vintage Collection basic figures at his local Walmart for $2 a piece. You couldn’t make this up if you tried.

Check out our latest Force Link 2.0 Star Wars [Solo] addition to the Visual Guides, L3-37. Click below for a detailed look at this figure. Make sure to also stop by and check out our review right here in our review database.

Our friends at Jedi Business have shared an image on social media which shows the latest Disney Droid Factory astromech Droid: R4-H18. This translucent droid will make a nice addition to this annual release schedule.

HasLab’s Instagram page has posted the fourth update to Jabba’s Sail Barge vehicle. Check it out! You can also watch a new video HERE going over the update in detail.

You have to wonder if The Last Jedi was such a “masterpiece” as some claim it is why the merchandising of it is in the toilet. (That’s not a dig at the film. I didn’t hate it as YouTube does.) While I think both extreme unbridled praise as well as volatile criticism of the film are a tad ridiculous, I can’t deny how poorly the merchandising performed (and in all honesty, this is where the real money comes into play). How many of us actually found the final wave of 3.75″ The Black Series [Phase III] exclusives? I have seen more reports of no one finding them than finding them. And if we did see retailer exclusives, how many of them clogged up shelf space until discounted and eventually removed? JTA reader Scot G. found some key “The Last Jedi” exclusives at his local Tuesday Morning store along with other unsellable stuff. Hopefully, the next film will be a marketing juggernaut.

NEW FIGURES! It’s time to look at the fourth wave of Star Wars [Solo] figures. Let’s continue with a figure that may make 3.75″ collectors wince. L3-37 is a droid with a mission and an ideology! Learn more in our Research Droids Reviews today! Be sure to leave your thoughts in our comments section, vote in the poll or even comment about it on our Facebook page. Click the banner below for the direct link to the review! As always, you can also send your review requests via email if you’d like to see something that we didn’t cover yet.

Pre-orders are now open for the upcoming The Star Wars Archives: 1977-1983. Due out in December and written by Paul Duncan. 

In this XXL-sized tome, George Lucas guides us through the original trilogy like never before, recounting the inspirations, experiences, and stories that created a modern monomyth. Complete with script pages, concept art, storyboards, on-set photography, and more.

Up next for our Star Wars [Solo] basic figure Visual Guide updates is Rio Durant. Click below to have a look at our guide page, and click here to check out our review.

The reports are starting to come in that the Disney Droid Factory Sandcrawler Playset is making a more frequent appearance at Disney theme parks as of this posting. Jedi Temple Archives provided the world with the BREAKING NEWS first look report at its packaging as well as the vehicle and figures inside. Learn everything you want to know about this incredible item in our RDR of it RIGHT HERE. We have it all: pictures, video, quick facts details, and comparison shots.

The Force Link 2.0 Rio Durant and L3-37 are IN STOCK at Amazon. Special thanks to JTA reader Jeff M. for the alert!

Grab them while you can….

• Doctor Aphra
• Captain Cassian Andor
• Range Trooper
• Luke Skywalker (Jedi Master)
• Enfys Nest
• Imperial Hovertank Pilot
• Han Solo

If you haven’t seen up close production images of Hasbro’s The Black Series [Phase III] 6″ Val (Vandor-1) figure, I highly suggest checking her out as soon as you can. (Our review is about a week away, but we have the high-resolution Photo Gallery available right now.) It’s my opinion that Hasbro has stepped up their already impressive “photorealistic” technology, and it appears as if Val (Vandor-1) is the first recipient of this seemingly updated new process. I can’t get over how much this figure favors Thandie Newton. (Hey Thandie – you have another figure to add to your beautiful dress.) On a personal note, Val was my favorite character from Solo: A Star Wars Story. I am a sucker for any man or woman that lays down his or her life for another, and between her sacrifice, her strong character, her sexy demeanor, and her overall “kick-butt” action in the film, she epitomizes what a strong female character is and how they should be seen in Star Wars. Thandie Newton knocked it out of the park portraying this character. Disney should continue to approach female characters in this manner for the new Star Wars Entertainment era (and immediately cease heading in the direction of that “other” one). Anyhow, please check this figure out. You’re going to be blown away. Be sure to leave your comments on the review page. Comments in this article are closed. Thanks.

Over the weekend Jon Favreau posted a picture of the rifle the Mandalorian will use in the show on Instagram. And it seems it’s a clear reference to the rifle Boba Fett used in The Holiday Special cartoon segment. And who knows, maybe it even is Boba Fett’s rifle, unless this design is more generic. The action figure that comes with that gun can’t be revealed soon enough!

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NEW FIGURES! It’s time to look at the fourth wave of Star Wars [Solo] figures. Let’s continue with a figure that all 3.75″ collectors should enjoy. The small Rio Durant turned out well. He’s better than you think. Learn more in our Research Droids Reviews today! Be sure to leave your thoughts in our comments section, vote in the poll or even comment about it on our Facebook page. Click the banner below for the direct link to the review! As always, you can also send your review requests via email if you’d like to see something that we didn’t cover yet.

Holy cow! Wave 4 of the Star Wars [Solo] Force Link 2.0 line has just been found in King of Prussian PA at Walmart, just 30 minutes from where I live in fact Special thanks to JTA reader JediJones77 for the report and image. If you need to know more about these figures, we’re reviewing them right now in our RDRs.

The stunning Star Wars Premium Silver Foils continue with the epic conclusion to the original Star Wars trilogy, Star Wars: Return of the Jedi. Officially licensed, this unique silver collectible is strictly a limited edition, with only 10,000 available worldwide! And to make it easy to display it is packaged in an innovative perspex holder.

Click through for more details!

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Now it’s time to add some Visual Guides from the next wave of Star Wars [Solo] basic figures. First up is Quay Tolsite. Click below to check out our guide page. You can also read our full review of this figure right here.

Collectors of The Black Series 6″ line may be interested to know that the brand new Imperial Patrol Trooper is showing up at GameStop stores. JTA reader Ray M. provides us with the evidence. You can see more about this figure in our review RIGHT HERE.

NEW FIGURES! It’s time to look at the fourth wave of Star Wars [Solo] figures. Let’s begin with Quay Tolsite. He’s better than you think. Learn more in our Research Droids Reviews today! Be sure to leave your thoughts in our comments section, vote in the poll or even comment about it on our Facebook page. Click the banner below for the direct link to the review! As always, you can also send your review requests via email if you’d like to see something that we didn’t cover yet.

One of the greatest things about publishing the vintage Kenner reviews is to read the feedback from our audience. Your engagement has been very rewarding to all that read them, and we’re thankful for all of the childhood stories you share, the trivia many of you know behind so many action figures and the variations that exist throughout the world. One detail that I knew about but buried deep in my subconscious was brought up again in our Princess Leia Organa (Boushh Disguise) review. (more….)

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We have another The Black Series [Phase III] Visual Guide update tonight. This time, let’s check out the Imperial Patrol Trooper (72). Click below for a complete look at this figure. You can also read all about him in our full review.

The Star Wars [Solo] Tobias Beckett basic figure is available for pre-order on Amazon. It’s listed as Out of Stock, but you can still place an order for it. Get it before it becomes ‘Unavailable’. Thanks to JTA reader Jeff for the alert!

NEW FIGURES! Let’s continue with The Black Series [Phase III] 6″ Imperial Patrol Trooper figure. It looks nice, but what’s up with that pinkish hue in the white plastic? Find out more in our Research Droids Reviews today! Be sure to leave your thoughts in our comments section, vote in the poll or even comment about it on our Facebook page. Click the banner below for the direct link to the review! As always, you can also send your review requests via email if you’d like to see something that we didn’t cover yet.

Holy cow! What is with all of the activity at Amazon today? Who knows how long this will last? Now, the Force Link Emperor Palpatine single-carded figure is available for less than $10. This FIGURE has gone for over $100 on eBay recently. Special thanks to JTA reader Craig F. for the alert!

JTA sponsor Brian’s Toys checks in with their latest newsletter…

You want to have the best Halloween costume in the galaxy?!  Check out our amazing deals for prop replica that will be sure to be the talk of the party.  Pair it with one of our recently listed items and you will be a true collector 😉

It’s time to add some new figures to our Visual Guides! Let’s start things off with The Black Series [Phase III]’s L3-37 (73) 6″ figure. Click below to check out the full guide page. You can also catch up on our full review of this figure right here.

Pre-order The Black Series [Phase III] 6″ Rio Durant on Amazon too!

Another The Black Series pre-0rder just went live on Amazon. Click here for Lando Calrissian (Skiff Guard Disguise). 

Update: Princess Leia (Hoth Outfit) Pre-Order also live

Looks like pre-orders also went live for The Black Series 6″ L3-37, Val (Vandor-1), and Vice Admiral Holdo. Again, a big thanks to JTA Cybereye for helping keep everyone in the know!

Dengar is listed as ‘out of stock’ on Amazon, but you can still pre-order it. Get it while you can! A big thanks to JTA reader Cybereye for the alert!

Chuck Wendig, known among Star Wars fans as the author of the Aftermath trilogy, has been fired by Marvel comics today. Wendig announced that on his official Twitter feed. Wendig was supposed to write the 5 part Star Wars miniseries “Shadow of Vader” for Marvel, which is supposed to be launched in January 2019. Actually, the series had only been announced a few day ago at NYCC. Wendig, who already wrote issues 1-3 will no longer write issues 4 and 5 and another unnamed Star Wars comic book. Wendig has his own theory about why he was fired (because of toxic Star Wars haters), official word is he was fired by Marvel because of his very frequent Twitter rage rants and outbursts. The last one happened only a very short while ago and featured some rather crass language. It remains to be seen if Wendig will keep writing Star Wars novels for Lucasfilm now that he has been fired by Marvel. It’s also unknown at this moment if Shadow of Vader will go ahead with a new author or not. The comic has not been solicited yet.

Chuck Wendig

Well, here is a jaw-dropping rumor about Episode IX. Click through only if you want spoilers.

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If you’re interested, KOHL’S has some The Black Series [Phase III] 6″ figures on sale and if you buy ONE you get an additional 15% off.

Star Wars Authentics just added 30 new official photos from Rogue One: A Star Wars Story to our collection along with new photos of the Cloud Riders from Solo: A Star Wars Story. Click through for details!

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NEW FIGURES! Let’s begin with The Black Series [Phase III] 6″ L3-37 figure. It looks great, but will you care about her? She’s the focus of our Research Droids Reviews today! Be sure to leave your thoughts in our comments section, vote in the poll or even comment about it on our Facebook page. Click the banner below for the direct link to the review! As always, you can also send your review requests via email if you’d like to see something that we didn’t cover yet.

We provided one of the first store reports for this figure, but there are also a ton of new store reports for the Walmart exclusive Stormtrooper (Mimban) 6″ figure too. From Lehighton PA to Atlanta GA, they are hitting across the land. Post your reports in our comments! Thanks to JTA reader Chris G. for the image and report from PA.

And speaking of more clearance, former Walmart exclusive The Black Series [Phase III] 3.75″ figures are ending up at ROSS for cheap. How many of these figures did they repack?

Another item you should be looking for on clearance at your local Walmart is The Black Series [Phase III] 6″ Dewback. Some readers, like Tony P., have found it for $15. Where are all of the 6″ collectors?

JTA reader and friend Danny R. sends in an image to us reflecting the new life breathed into Walmart stores as of late. While I cannot say my store looks anywhere as stocked as his store does, I can say that I have witnessed signs of life that are both comforting and therapeutic. Philly was “Hasbrotopia” during the Golden Age of Collecting. For the last five years, it has become a barren wasteland. But I was one of the fortunate ones who found wave 3 of The Vintage Collection arrive (before I received my supply from my Asian sources) and General Veers has just begun to hit my local Walgreens. Before this, I didn’t find ONE Walgreens Star Wars exclusive, and there is a store on every corner out here. Plus, I expect to see the 6″ Mimban Stormtrooper hit shortly as well. Oh, and in typical fashion, TARGET has pretty much held it together well without issue, although their mainline stock is mostly dreadful. In short, I do see improvements. Do you?

JTA reader and friend Mario M. sends us a store report letting us know that the Toybox TIE Fighter has hit Disneyland. These things look great!

JTA reader Ed. D from upstate NY recommends checking your local Walmart store for some great deals. Although applicable to limited characters, he found many for $1 each. The Black Series [Phase III] 6″ Kylo Ren exclusive was $7 too.

That was quick! Only a short while after Episode III Obi-Wan S.H.Figuarts announced Count Dooku yesterday and he’s already available for pre-order now! Unfortunately, Count Dooku is a web exclusive, which means anyone not pre-ordering him will have to pay a lot of money on the aftermarket! So hurry! Count Dooku is available at most of the usual Japanese etailers. I secured my figure already. Count Dooku was my most anticipated prequel figure and I’m glad I can finally add him to the collection. Count Dooku will be released at the end of April 2019. So patience is in order. The figure comes with two heads, cloth cape, lightsaber, the usual extra hands and even one hand with Sith lightning. Check out more photos here!

Hurry! Order The Vintage Collection Range Trooper at Walmart.com!

Update: Grab the others from this wave too while they last…

• Doctor Aphra
• Captain Cassian Andor
• Luke Skywalker (Jedi Master)

Our “Jabba Don’t Preach” marathon continues with the Rebel Commando figure from the Battle of Endor. We still don’t have a decent modern replacement to this figure. Relive your memories of this classic 1983 action figure in our Research Droids Reviews today. Be sure to add your own experiences to the conversation! Reminisce your own childhood stories of this figure in our comments. Share your life-changing vintage Kenner adolescent experiences with us!

We are adding the Hot Toys Princess Leia [Hoth] (MMS423) Sixth Scale figure to our Visual Guides tonight. Click below to check out the full Visual Guide. You can also read our full review right here.

Hasbro Toy Shop has listed a product page the international exclusive The Black Series [Phase III] 6″ Han Solo (Hoth)/Princess Leia (Hoth) two-packs set. The set goes up November 6, 2018. Special thanks to JTA reader Cybereye for the alert.

JTA reader Kieran C. had the opportunity to talk to Steve Evans at NYCC. He wanted to know if Disney’s royalty fees might prevent Hasbro from doing more TVC figures. It has been speculated that production costs for TVC and the Black Series might basically be the same but that TVC has smaller margins, which results in fewer new figures for the line. Steve Evans’ answer however paints a somewhat different picture. Click through for what he said!

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Shop Disney has put the Disney Toybox Millennium Falcon up for order. Limit 5 at $79.95 each. Special thanks to all who wrote in to let us know!

Entertainment Earth exclusives from the past are listed at pretty good prices at Amazon. Get C’ai Threnalli, the Captain Phasma/Finn (First Order Disguise) Two-Packs set and the First Order Flametrooper for good deals! Special thanks to friend Rivesjunctionite for the alert!

Here are some of my feelings regarding NYCC this year which includes some opinion on The Vintage Collection, The Black Series [Phase III] 6″ line, rumors confirmed and distribution’s salvation thanks to one specific retailer. Click through for more!

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Our “Jabba Don’t Preach” marathon continues with one of the most underrated figures in Kenner’s rich eight-year run. Klaatu is a work of art. And he is a figure that is regarded high by those that see and appreciate what Kenner did with him back in 1983. Relive your memories of this classic 1983 action figure in our Research Droids Reviews today. Be sure to add your own experiences to the conversation! Reminisce your own childhood stories of this figure in our comments. Share your life-changing vintage Kenner adolescent experiences with us!

It looks like Toys “R” Us’ Geoffrey is taking the spotlight in the rebranding of the famous toy store. It was previously reported that Toys “R” Us’ current lenders decided not to auction off certain parts of the IP and brand, like the Toys “R” Us and Babies “R” Us names as well as Geoffrey himself, opting instead to relaunch the toy chain in a new way. Now we know what that looks like, as Toys “R” Us mascot Geoffrey turned up at the Dallas Toy Preview donning a cape that had a new logo and store name on it. Comicbook.com has the full story.

We have a sneak peek of The Black Series [Phase III] 6″ L3-37 (73) and Imperial Patrol Trooper (72) for you tonight. RDRs coming shortly!

Most are sold out now, but tunghori has listed Star Wars [Solo] Force Link 2.0 wave 4 figures. You may want to keep check to see if he restocks.

Click through for an update from Star Wars Authentics as they add 65 photos to their store from the new animated Star Wars Resistance show.

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Our “Jabba Don’t Preach” marathon continues with the second Ewok released by Kenner, Logray (Ewok Medicine Man). Relive your memories of this classic 1983 action figure in our Research Droids Reviews today. Be sure to add your own experiences to the conversation! Reminisce your own childhood stories of this figure in our comments. Share your life-changing vintage Kenner adolescent experiences with us!

We are adding the C-3PO/R2-D2 Two-Pack to our Star Wars [Solo] Visual Guide tonight. Click below to check out the complete Visual Guide. Make sure to also click through and read our full review. And, if you’ve been waiting for this set, this is now available for pre-order over at Entertainment Earth. Secure a set now!

S.H.Figuarts released their Episode III Anakin Skywalker figure a little more than a week ago. After some delays (FedEx took their time) the figure finally found its way to me. Click through for some general thoughts about the SHF Episode III Anakin action figure!

Read! This! ARTICLE!

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Our “Jabba Don’t Preach” marathon continues with the first Ewok released by Kenner, Chief Chirpa. Relive your memories of this classic 1983 action figure in our Research Droids Reviews today. Be sure to add your own experiences to the conversation! Reminisce your own childhood stories of this figure in our comments. Share your life-changing vintage Kenner adolescent experiences with us!

Star Wars Resistance has arrived! The series premiere just wrapped up and we want to hear from you. What are your thoughts on the latest animated expansion of the Star Wars saga? Let us know! Keep an eye out for a review of the series premiere of Star Wars Resistance later this week. 

Check out our latest Visual Guide addition, featuring the Imperial Forces 6-Pack from the Star Wars [Solo] line. Click below for our full guide page, and also make sure to stop by and check out our full review on this set right here.

Run, run, as fast as you can. Hasbro released official PRESS IMAGES of their new reveals today and we have them on our Facebook page for your persual!

If you missed the live streaming video, click through for some critical key points that were revealed at the Hasbro panel today. Special thanks to our friends at JediBusiness.com for streaming the presentation.

UPDATE #1: Some official images added to the comments.

UPDATE #2: I forgot to include a detail that will make some collectors very happy. TBS6 figures will come with a clear triangular stand going forward, but I don’t know which wave that begins.

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A big thanks to James and JediNews for sending me this shot of the updated release and reveal chart that Hasbro has been using throughout their world tour. They mentioned in the end that the final 8 forthcoming reveals will be OT figures. Click below to check out the latest listing…

Click here to check out the live stream of the 2018 NYCC Hasbro Panel…

Hasbro revealed the official carded packaging of the upcoming The Black Series Archives at NYCC this week. Our friends at JediNews shared a video via their Instagram account of the unboxing event. Click through for a quick look! 

(Image credit: starwarstheblackseries via Instagram)

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Our “Jabba Don’t Preach” marathon continues with a universally adored character: the Emperor’s Royal Guard. There’s still no modern figure quite like it. Relive your memories of this classic 1983 action figure in our Research Droids Reviews today. Be sure to add your own experiences to the conversation! Reminisce your own childhood stories of this figure in our comments. Share your life-changing vintage Kenner adolescent experiences with us!

Hey! Check it out. It looks like The Black Series [Phase III] 6″ Stormtrooper (Mimban) figure really is coming to Walmart in a more widespread fashion. I believe there have only been one or two store reports to date, correct? Well, JTA reader Anonymous has found a full case at his local Walmart in Virginia. The receipt for proof is in the image below.

Check out the latest from our sponsor Brian’s Toys in their newest newsletter…

Want to enjoy Hasbro figures but don’t want to purchase the entire wave?  Well, check out our newsletter this week as we split up some waves and you can get the items individually for a rocking deal!  We have also added a bunch of vintage items this week that will be sure to add excellence to your collection!  Check in next week as we are going to have a sale on FX lightsabers and Helmets just in time for Halloween!

Del Rey announced a new novel at their NYCC panel by author Alexander Freed. Star Wars: Alphabet Squadron features a group of Rebel pilots working to hunt down ex-Imperials. A squadron formed of a variety of ships, hence the Alphabet moniker. Star Wars: Alphabet Soup Squadron is due out in 2019.

Del Rey revealed the final cover for the upcoming Master & Apprentice novel at their NYCC panel. Click below for a full look. Click here to pre-order. Master & Apprentice is due out next April. 

Boy, that Walmart exclusive The Vintage Collection Imperial TIE Fighter sure looks weird. It’s the image Walmart used for the item’s product page. It’s IN STOCK with FREE shipping if you’re interested.

Our “Jabba Don’t Preach” marathon continues with one of our favroite (and your favorite too) action figures of all time. We grew up with a gem with Kenner’s Gamorrean Guard figure. Relive your memories of this classic 1983 action figure in our Research Droids Reviews today. Be sure to add your own experiences to the conversation! Reminisce your own childhood stories of this figure in our comments. Share your life-changing vintage Kenner adolescent experiences with us!

We are excited to present you with a first look sneak peek of the Star Wars [Solo] Force Link 2.0 wave 4 figures, A great wave that focuses very heavily on Solo: A Star Wars Story, there are no previous carried-forward figures here from the Star Wars [Solo] 5POA line this far. There are a couple of repacked figures, but they’re wise choices. These include Han Solo (Mimban) from the TARGET exclusive multipack and Imperial Royal Guard from another TARGET exclusive three-pack. Reviews are a bit down the line, but you can enjoy rough photo galleries and Collector Notes in the meantime.

Hasbro released PRESS IMAGES for the new The Vintage Collection reveals. That has to be an all-new head sculpt for Han Solo, right? See them on our Facebook page.

HASBRO – IF YOU’RE GOING TO REPAINT/REPACK CLONES, WHERE ARE OUR CLONE TROOPER CAPTAIN AND CLONE TROOPER COMMANDER FIGURES FROM ATTACK OF THE CLONES? WE’VE BEEN WAITING SINCE 2013 FOR THOSE TO COMPLETE THE QUINTET!

Hasbro has just revealed TWO MORE The Vintage Collection figures: the 41st Elite Corps Clone Trooper (with corrected paint operations but with the same oversized bucket AGAIN) and Han Solo in Stormtrooper Disguise.

UPDATE: 41st Elite Corps Clone Trooper is an Entertainment Earth exclusive.

Entertainment Earth has opened pre-orders for their final Star Wars reveal: TVC Elite Clone Trooper! Click through to place your order!