Monthly Archives: June 2020

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Wow, that came fast. If you ordered the now sold out The Black Series 6″ The Empire Strikes Back 40th Anniversary 4-LOM/Zuckuss figure set from Amazon, the set is now shipping!

Wow, Toy Runners! We’ve officially made it an entire year into the Toy Run Tuesday weekly segment! This week I have one new custom to share with you, and for the anniversary, we’ll review the top 3 TRT’s of the last year. Click here to check it out!

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In 1984, new packaging for Star Wars figures was introduced for the European market. A cost containment initiative, the new packaging sported three languages of the Return Of The Jedi logo for a “one size fits all” approach. Although a “three-logo” design was created for The Power Of The Force line (as evidenced on some ‘boxed’ toys), it wasn’t carried over to the basic figure line’s card design. They continued to use the three Return Of The Jedi logos instead. Although the word “Trilogo” is found nowhere on the packaging, the term is universally adopted by all Star Wars collectors to describe this line of figures.

Today we revisit Boba Fett. Boba Fett’s Trilogo card art features an alternate image of the character featuring his appearance from Return Of The Jedi, specifically during the Battle of Carkoon. For one bizarre reason or another, Kenner opted to finish the lower half comprised of Boba Fett with a hand-drawn lower body mixed with airbrushing. You’ll notice the extra-long cape and how “fake” it looks. The artists at Kenner “airbrushed” the bottom half of the character because the original reference/publicity shot features Boba Fett only from the waist up. They also changed the angle of the character’s blaster rifle to not interfere with the figure’s placement. This card back design was also used for the running change American Kenner Return Of The Jedi figure. Also of note is the figure’s paint job. Although they didn’t make the costume screen-accurate to Return Of The Jedi, the jumpsuit is a significantly lighter gray/blue for this release. The review’s Collector Notes are updated with this information. See the full card art and additional notes by revisiting 1979’s STAR WARS Boba Fett figure HERE.

Regal Robot has a SNEAK PEEK at the two editions that make up their limited run of CZ-3™ life-sized prop replica busts. For this 1:1 prop recreation, they worked with a scan of the original droid™ costume to faithfully reproduce the wonderfully organic asymmetry in the costume’s mask, originally sculpted by legendary film sculptor, Brian Muir for Star Wars: A New Hope™. Each bust will be made in the U.S.A. and hand detailed by the FX artists in their New York studio. Product pages and galleries will be live in one week and both editions will be available to order on July 13th starting at 12pm EST. 

Click here for more details!

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Hasbro surprised collectors in 1999 with high-quality Portrait Edition figures that still hold up extremely well today. Let’s go back more than two decades and check out the Queen Amidala (Red Senate Gown) 1999 Portrait Edition (3 of 3) figure. It’s beautiful. (more….)

Thank you for reading Research Droids Reviews: Season 12!

If you grew up with the vintage Kenner line, then you need to check out this Kickstarter project for Volume II of Kenner Star Wars Photography – The Empire Strikes Back, by former Kenner photographer Kim Simmons. Click through for more!

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If you rewind your mind 16 years, the first wave of The Original Trilogy Collection “vintage-styled” action figures began showing up and brick and mortar right around this time. It blows my mind that sixteen years later, we STILL don’t have any of the first four figures from the line launch updated in The Vintage Collection yet. Hopefully, with Hasbro’s new directive of completing the “Kenner 96,” these four figures including Luke Skywalker Princess Leia Organa, Han Solo, and Ben (Obi-Wan) Kenobi should be the focus of Hasbro’s concentration. Could you imagine if they revealed all four of these on a Fan First Friday? The 3.75″ super-articulated collecting community might go a full year without complaining. Hasbro, these are LONG overdue. Please get them updated!

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If you need two of The Vintage Collection Carbon-Freezing Chamber playsets, GameStop is running a Buy One, Get One 50% off sale on select merchandise to help you out with that. The sale applies to other select Star Wars merchandise as well!

This post contains affiliate links. At no additional cost to you, JTA may receive a commission if you click and make a purchase.

The next two cards from the weekly Topps Star Wars Living Set are now out. Featuring the iconic blue starfield and the impressive artwork of Kris Penix, check out Peli Motto (#111) and Yaddle (#112). Each Tuesday, two new cards will be released and be only available for one week. Click here to view the entire Star Wars Living archive, including individual print runs.

Hasbro Pulse’s blog updated with an interesting article on why it took Zeb so long to get added to The Black Series 6″ line. Check it out. Now we just need ALL of the Ghost Crew for The Vintage Collection!

This post contains affiliate links. At no additional cost to you, JTA may receive a commission if you click and make a purchase.

Walmart has put up The Vintage Collection Carbon-Freezing Chamber playset and it has a tentative ship date of September 15th and ships for free to store. Special thanks to JTA reader Lisa for the alert!

There appears to be some production issue on the 40th Anniversary The Empire Strikes Back Artoo-Detoo (R2-D2) (Dagobah) action figure in the ASSORTMENT CASE. While the figure has no issues, we’ve learned that the packaging for units in the case assortments getting filled now all sustained some sort of damage. And they’re all like that and shipping as we speak. And we also understand that Hasbro doesn’t have replacements for them either. So, if you’re expecting a mint-on-card specimen, it may take some time to secure one, or until solid case packs are released in substantial numbers to serve as replacements. We DO NOT KNOW if the solid case pack units are affected by this damage as well. (But that seems to be the easiest remedy if Hasbro chooses this route to fix things.) We’re learning more about this in real-time, so stay tuned for any updates or clarifications to this story. We do know wholesalers are receiving credits for the damaged packaging. You can look all over the web, and this figure is out of stock almost everywhere.

UPDATE: Now Entertainment Earth is sending out emails about this situation!

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It sold out instantly on Hasbro Pulse, but you can also pre-order the 40th Anniversary Boba Fett at Walmart online right now! Special thanks to JTA reader Craig F. for the alert!

This post contains affiliate links. At no additional cost to you, JTA may receive a commission if you click and make a purchase.

There seems to be frequent confusion surrounding Entertainment Earth’s FREE SHIPPING policy and offers. We reached out to the source and received the following response. Hopefully, this will resolve any misunderstanding. Click through for more.

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The all new “High Republic” book series was meant to launch this year, but Charles Soule’s flagship title “Light of the Jedi” has been delayed until January 2021 because of the current pandemic. But to whet the appetites of fans IGN released the first chapter of Soule’s “Light of the Jedi” and it has also been revealed what kickstarts the events of the new series. Click through for more details!

Hyperspace is a dangerous place now

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In Italy, Star Wars figures were released under the Harbert company label. The name of the line for the first Star Wars figures there was called Guerre Stellari. The card back didn’t vary all that much for the ones produced by Kenner, but there are obvious differences as you inspect and compare. Featured on 20-Back, the reverse side of the card features the same toy images in colored blocks made famous by Kenner, in addition to a few other related toys, including the Millennium Falcon and the X-Wing Fighter among others.

Today we revisit Power Droid. The figure wasn’t made available in the Trilogo line, so we’re representing it on the Italian Guerre Stellari packaging for our update today instead. Note the alternate card art, exclusive to this packaging. The review’s Collector Notes are updated with this information. See the full card art and additional notes by revisiting 1979’s STAR WARS Power Droid figure HERE.

This post contains affiliate links. At no additional cost to you, JTA may receive a commission if you click and make a purchase.

Pre-orders for all of the new products revealed on Fan First Monday are now live! Pre-order now from Entertainment Earth!

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Welcome back to another fine Tuesday! I’m pretty pumped up by yesterday’s TVC reveals. It was much better than the pitiful Luke stormtrooper “reveal” we got last live steam. I have a couple new customs to share with you! Please click here to check them out!

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In 1984, the new packaging design for Star Wars figures was introduced for the European market. A cost containment initiative, the new packaging sported three languages of the Return Of The Jedi logo for a “one size fits all” approach. Although a “three-logo” design was created for The Power Of The Force line (as evidenced on some ‘boxed’ toys), it wasn’t carried over to the basic figure line’s card design. They continued to use the three Return Of The Jedi logos instead. Although the word “Trilogo” is found nowhere on the packaging, the term is universally adopted by all Star Wars collectors to describe this line of figures.

Today we revisit Death Star Droid. The Trilogo card art doesn’t vary much from the original Kenner card image. The review’s Collector Notes are updated with this information. See the full card art and additional notes by revisiting 1979’s STAR WARS Death Star Droid figure HERE.

Tonight’s Visual Guide update features the Amazon exclusive The Black Series 6″  Emperor Palpatine and Throne. Click below to check out our Visual Guide of this set. You can also check out our full review of this set right here.

Here are the official Hasbro images for the reveals today. Check them out on our Facebook page.

Now that Hasbro revealed a Carbon-Freezing Chamber playset, it’s time to give them a reality check. The Vintage Collection collectors will not be able to enjoy this brand new playset without a few key figures. (more….)

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If you tuned in to today’s Hasbro Pulse live stream, you saw some pretty nice reveals for The Vintage Collection. We’ve distilled the three reveals right here! All reveals will go up for pre-order tomorrow at 11 am Eastern.

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The fan first livestream didn’t reveal anything we didn’t really know was coming. Hasbro announced the lineup for the 3rd wave of 40th anniversary The Empire Strikes Back figures. Click through for all the details!

You can never repack him too many times

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If you tuned into the Hasbro Pulse Livestream today, you heard a wonderful development in the future of The Vintage Collection. Hasbro has been made aware of the steadfast interest in The Vintage Collection, thanks to #FightForTVC petition. Hasbro has conceded that it has changed the way they will approach The Vintage Collection in the future. Changes won’t be immediate, and we won’t return to the number of figures produced ten years ago, but changes are in the works! Speaking up always helps! And this is fantastic news!

The next HasLab was teased during today’s Hasbro Pulse Livestream, and it was revealed that it will focus on The Vintage Collection. The specific campaign details were not revealed, but are going to be announced sometime in August or September. Let the speculation begin!

In 1984, the new packaging design for Star Wars figures was introduced for the European market. A cost containment initiative, the new packaging sported three languages of the Return Of The Jedi logo for a “one size fits all” approach. Although a “three-logo” design was created for The Power Of The Force line (as evidenced on some ‘boxed’ toys), it wasn’t carried over to the basic figure line’s card design. They continued to use the three Return Of The Jedi logos instead. Although the word “Trilogo” is found nowhere on the packaging, the term is universally adopted by all Star Wars collectors to describe this line of figures.

Today we revisit R5-D4. In the Trilogo line, the figure was renamed Arfive-Defour (R5-D4). The Trilogo card art doesn’t vary much from the original card image. The review’s Collector Notes are updated with this information. See the full card art and additional notes by revisiting 1979’s STAR WARS R5-D4 figure HERE.

Isn’t the HyperReal line supposed to give collectors realistic interpretations of on-screen characters? Then why does Luke Skywalker look more like a 5″ Galaxy of Adventures figure instead? Thank the Maker we won’t be seeing any more of these. See why this figure is a disappointment. (more….)

Thank you for reading Research Droids Reviews: Season 12!

In 1984, the new packaging design for Star Wars figures was introduced for the European market. A cost containment initiative, the new packaging sported three languages of the Return Of The Jedi logo for a “one size fits all” approach. Although a “three-logo” design was created for The Power Of The Force line (as evidenced on some ‘boxed’ toys), it wasn’t carried over to the basic figure line’s card design. They continued to use the three Return Of The Jedi logos instead. Although the word “Trilogo” is found nowhere on the packaging, the term is universally adopted by all Star Wars collectors to describe this line of figures.

Today we revisit Luke Skywalker: X-Wing Pilot. In the Trilogo line, the figure was renamed Luke Skywalker (X-Wing Fighter Pilot). The Trilogo card art doesn’t vary much from the original card image, save for more yellowing this time around. The review’s Collector Notes are updated with this information. See the full card art and additional notes by revisiting 1979’s STAR WARS Luke Skywalker: X-Wing Pilot figure HERE.

HAPPY FATHER’S DAY! Today’s Visual Guide is for all the Fathers out there… The Black Series [Phase III] The Child. Click below to check out this little guy, and make sure to also check out our full review of this figure over in our review database.

There are many paint operation variances that can be chalked up to a one-off factory mistake. This may or may not be one of them. JTA reader Morgan K. sends us a possible variation on the GameStop exclusive Gaming Greats Stormtrooper Commander figure. If you look carefully at the belly armor, you’ll notice a unique application of blue color flashes there. It’s a little too “perfect” to be a mistake, but anything is possible. The sample in our RDRs mimics the version on the right. If you have a sample that looks like the one on the left, can you let us know so we have a better idea of how common this is, if at all?

The Darth Vader Reveal Deluxe Magnet Set is the follow up to Regal Robot’s popular IG-11 and Baby Yoda deluxe magnet and is celebrating “I am Your Father’s Day”. They are also having a 3-day sale on Star Wars-themed director chairs and cafe tables. Their newest magnet set is based on that chilling first reveal of Darth Vader beneath the mask in his meditation chamber in The Empire Strikes Back.

The new magnet will be available with FREE SHIPPING for the initial 2 weeks and folks can order here starting TODAY on Father’s Day. Click through for more details!

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Please continue to spread the word and have your fellow 3.75″ super-articulated collectors sign the petition at change.org to get Hasbro to make more NEW 3​.​75″ Star Wars The Vintage Collection figures per product year. Click HERE to sign. We’re now over 8K signatures. 10K signatures will make a significant statement to Hasbro and retail partners.

Here’s another Hasbro Star Wars product line retail didn’t need to receive to place on eventual clearance. I found “Battle Bobblers” today at my local retail store. I didn’t know they were even coming. There are three different styles, and they look silly, won’t sell, and will be pennies on the dollar in days. How can this get into the store, but The Vintage Collection cannot?. (Any comments that start off with ” but they’re for kids” will result in permanent banning.)

Have you noticed a lack of product at your local retailers like TARGET and WALMART? Aside from leftovers of the TBS6 [P3] Wedge Antilles wave, a couple of 40th Anniversary Lando Calrissian figures at TARGET, and mostly nothing at WALMART, aisles are bare of Star Wars products. Many factors can be blamed, from Coronavirus to online sales, but you have to wonder why retail cannot even keep SOMETHING on their shelves to represent this landmark event! The below image is from my local TARGET, and it has looked like this for over seven weeks now (aside from the Imperial Probe Droid which one arrived damaged and hasn’t sold since). And don’t get me started on The Vintage Collection which I haven’t seen at this location since 2019. Thank goodness for online, huh? It makes you wonder why Hasbro needs brick and mortar and at all.

This post contains affiliate links. At no additional cost to you, JTA may receive a commission if you click and make a purchase.

The Vintage Collection Saelt-Marae is on Amazon for a decent price if you’re interested, $14.99/ Special thanks to Derek for the alert!

This post contains affiliate links. At no additional cost to you, JTA may receive a commission if you click and make a purchase.

The next two cards from the weekly Topps Star Wars Living Set are now out. Featuring the iconic blue starfield and the impressive artwork of Kris Penix, check out Kazuda “Kaz” Xiono (#109) and Aayla Secura (#110). Each Tuesday, two new cards will be released and be only available for one week. Click here to view the entire Star Wars Living archive, including individual print runs.

I talked about ebay prices for The Black Series and The Vintage Collection recently and today I stumbled upon a very informative website that will be extremely helpful to anyone who is chasing figures on the aftermarket or wants to sell their figures and gauge demand: Actionfigure411.

This website tracks aftermarket prices for various Hasbro toylines, GI Joe Classified, Marvel Legends, Transformers Masterpieces and, of particular interest to Star Wars fans, it has a complete list of all Black Series releases, both 6 inch and 3.75 inch, including the Walmart exclusives. The site doesn’t just track prices on ebay, Amazon and Walmart are also tracked, giving you a very comprehensive overview.

On the website you not only see a detailed price table with all figures ever released in the Black Series, you also can display charts that visualize how aftermarket prices developed over time. The site also tells you how many figures were sold in recent times and what the high and low price were. The data is updated daily. Unfortunately, for TVC collectors, there is only very incomplete data for TVC 2.0. But the data tells us a few interesting things about the popularity of various Black Series figures. So click through for a closer look at The Black Series on the aftermarket, I will also talk about 3.75 inch figures!

General Hux is a winner

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EA dropped a gameplay trailer for Star Wars Squadrons. And with that some more details about the game were released. What many may find important is the statement by EA that just like Fallen Order the game won’t have any microtransactions or things like a battle pass. So how is the game? Click through for more info!

Ewok Bobbleheads are a thing in the game

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Following the sell-out success of their Death Star 2oz Silver Coin, New Zealand Mint can now offer those who missed out a 1oz version of the Death Star in silver or gold!

Click through for complete details!

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Let’s fill in our only hole in the Visual Guides 3¾ Inch The Black Series [Phase III] line with tonight’s update. Click below to check out the re-released Emperor’s Royal Guard. You can also read our full review of this figure to see just how it differs from TVC’s version of this release.

Do you think there is a good chance that Hasbro will announce another “Kenner 96” on Monday? And if you do, who do you think will get announced? Do you believe that they’ve only managed to release 55.1% of The Empire Strikes Back figures released between 1980 and 1982 into the modern Hasbro line (on TVC card backs)? Hasbro should be embarrassed. Click through to see a list of what characters have NEVER been released on a modern vintage The Empire Strikes Back Kenner-inspired card back to date.

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You want a Razor Crest from The Mandalorian? LEGO will gladly sell your their brand new Razor Crest set for $130! The set was revealed a while ago, but is still included in the announcements for the new wave of sets. Release date for the Razor Crest is September. But there are also actual brand new sets: Clone Wars fans get a season 7 Ahsoka Tano with an Armored Assault Tank. Click through for all the officially revealed new Star Wars Lego sets!

The Razor Crest, and yes, there is a Lego Baby Yoda!

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We are wrapping up our Visual Guide updates from the GameStop exclusive Gaming Greats line with the Heavy Battle Droid. Click below to check out the full Visual Guide page. Make sure to also check out our full review of this exclusive figure right here. This figure is still in-stock over at GameStop.com.

The Limited Edition The Empire Strikes Back 40th-anniversary screen prints by  Matt Ferguson are now on sale over at Bottleneck Gallery. You have until Sunday, June 21st at 11:59 pm eastern to order either of the timed-release versions, but if you want the variant version you’d better get that now. They are very limited. The edition size for the regular versions will be determined after the sale period ends.  

Each poster is 24×36

• Regular  Version – Timed Release @ $65
• Japanese Version  – Timed Release @ $65
  (Can purchase a matching numbered set for $125)
• Variant Edition –  Edition of  475 @  $85
• Japanese Variant – Edition of 475 @ $85

UPDATE: Both variant editions are sold out

Hasbro will stream their next fan first livestream next Monday, June 22nd at 3 pm EST (21:00 for people in Central Europe and 20:00 for people in the UK). Not much is known, other than Hasbro’s announcement that they will have some news for TVC fans! You will be able to follow the event on Hasbro’s Pulse Facebook page! Let’s all speculate what news Hasbro may have for us.

Variety broke their exclusive story earlier today: Disney will release the 4K version of The Empire Strikes Back in the UK. Cinemas will re-open in the UK in July and since there is a lack of new titles, with releases postponed and productions shut down, the 4K version of The Empire Strikes Back is meant to help give UK cinemas a boost. According to Variety a couple of Disney 4K titles are offered to UK cinemas, but for Star Wars fans in the UK the 4K version of The Empire Strikes Back may be the one compelling reason to venture into a movie theater again. No word yet if other European countries will also get the movie, Germany and France come to mind immediately, as the two other huge Star Wars markets in Europe, but it would be odd if only cinemas in the UK receive some support from Disney.

So, fans in the UK… will you buy a ticket to see the movie? Or will streaming the 4K version on Disney+ do it for you? Without a mask. Without people checking their smartphones every few minutes. It will certainly be very interesting to see if cinemas can make a comeback. Movie studios certainly still need movie theaters, at least for the time being, since it’s doubtful streaming could compensate for the lack of box office. We’ll see if things return to normal again this summer. Maybe some of the library titles can help overcome the lack of new releases.

Luke tries to keep his distance, even though Vader is wearing a mask

Today I want to debate a purely hypothetical matter. What if Playmobil had a Star Wars license? Now in the US Playmobil is not as prominent as in Europe, but Playmobil is hugely popular in the old world. While I think that Playmobil will most likely never get (or never want to have) the Star Wars license, I still think it is fun to speculate what things might be like. And I believe a Playmobil Star Wars license could even solve one of Disney’s issues, to engage kids. Why? How? Click through for a discussion!

Imagine the Star Wars equivalent of the DeLorean…

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Bottleneck Gallery will have the Limited Edition The Empire Strikes Back 40th-anniversary  screen prints by  Matt Ferguson, with the sale period starting Wednesday, June 17th at 12 pm eastern and ending Sunday, June 21st at 11:59 pm eastern. The edition size will be determined after the sale period ends. There are 4 prints total, two timed edition prints, and 2 variant editions limited to just  475 each. Click below for a look at each print. 

Each poster is 24×36

• Regular  Version – Timed Release @ $65
• Japanese Version  – Timed Release @ $65
  (Can purchase a matching numbered set for $125)
• Variant Edition –  Edition of  475 @  $85
• Japanese Variant – Edition of 475 @ $85

Our next Visual Guide update features another from GameStop’s exclusive Gaming Greats line. Click below to check out Jedi Knight Revan. Make sure you also check in on our full review of this figure right here.

This post contains affiliate links. At no additional cost to you, JTA may receive a commission if you click and make a purchase.

Entertainment Earth just started a Star Wars Father’s Day sale. Get 25% off select Star Wars Hasbro items, which you can see HERE. The sale runs now through June 21st! USE OFFER CODE: STARWARSDAD. Sale applies to select items.

Welcome back to another TRT! Thanks for being regular readers, and if you’re here for the first time I hope to see you back next week! This week I completed a custom TVC Captain Rex. Click here to check out some photos of the completed figure!

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Another one of the many great divides in The Vintage Collection is the Clone Trooper (VC45) figure. Some think it looks like a realistic version of the characters from The Clone Wars television series. Others feel it is a perfect 3.75″ encapsulation of the characters seen during the Battle of Geonosis in Attack Of The Clones. A wise repack in The Vintage Collection “2.0” lineup in our opinion, the figure finally comes with Photo Real, a flatter matte paint job, and significantly revised packaging. We took the time to break it all down for you by producing an all-new 92-image gallery complete with both versions featured, comparison shots, dioramas, and a breakdown of what separates the 2011 version from the 2020 new release in the Collector Notes. Check out this excellently updated figure in our RDRs now! There’s more difference here than you may realize.

This post contains affiliate links. At no additional cost to you, JTA may receive a commission if you click and make a purchase.

We have the latest Gaming Greats release from GameStop for tonight’s Visual Guide update. Click below to check out the Shadow Stormtrooper. We also have our full review of this figure right here. This is still available to order over at GameStop.com.

There’s a lack of products celebrating the 40th Anniversary of The Empire Strikes Back for collectors of The Vintage Collection. Since Hasbro is very fond of repacks, how about they re-released 2010’s Star Wars [Shadow Of The Dark Side] Bespin Cloud Car (which to date has never been offered in The Vintage Collection packaging), and then re-release 2010’s TVC Rebel Armored Snowspeeder (a former TARGET exclusive) or a variation of it again (based on the 2010 Star Wars [Shadow Of The Dark Side] Luke Skywalker’s Snowspeeder vehicle). We need more vehicles in the line, and these both are worthy candidates to consider for the Fall/holiday season. Imagine a Cloud Car Pilot variant carded pack-in figure (with a different head) and the TBS [P1] Wedge Antilles (Snowspeeder Pilot) with Photo Real and carded pack-in figure and the selling point premiums!

It’s been expected, and it’s now official: Star Wars Celebration Anaheim is canceled. Star Wars Celebration has been rescheduled for Anaheim for August 18-21, 2022. Get the full details in the official press release below.

Click here for full details and ticket refund/transfer information.

Check out the new trailer for the upcoming space combat game Star Wars: Squadrons, due out October 2nd.

[UPDATED] Info about retail price added

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The GameStop exclusive The Black Series [Phase III] Shadow Stormtrooper Gaming Greats 6″ figure is awesome. But it’s not for everyone, especially newbie collectors. See why we love it! (more….)

Thank you for reading Research Droids Reviews: Season 12!

Frustrated collectors often joke about how many repeat action figures we’re getting in The Vintage Collection. It’s become a chronic issue, that many are relabeling the second coming of The Vintage Collection as “The Repack Collection.” Yet, there is a great divide in opinion on how beneficial these repacks are. Getting decade-old action figures updated with Photo Real is a huge benefit in my eyes. And many of the action figures Hasbro chooses to re-release are classics, and I feel deserve another stab at retail. (more….)

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Let’s check out our Visual Guide for the Deluxe The Black Series [Phase III] Imperial Probe Droid. Click below to check out the full guide page. You can also read our full review of this figure right here.

The brand new show “Jedi Temple Challenge” had its first two episodes released a few days ago. The game show is intended for kids, with Ahmed Best returning to the Star Wars universe as Jedi Master Kelleran Beq, who oversees the challenges. So how is the show? Click through for a short discussion!

Ahmed Best as Kelleran Beq

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Chuck Paskovics, Paul Harrison, and the rest of Jedi Temple Archives are elated to offer celebration and well wishes to Steve Sansweet on his 75th birthday today! The original uber-collector, his accomplishments in Star Wars collecting are unmatched. Steve has been a great friend, confidant, and adviser, and someone whom I will always treasure working alongside. Happy Birthday, Mr. Sansweet!. Your accomplishments are astounding! To learn more about Steve and his non-profit, Rancho Obi-Wan, click HERE.

In Italy, Star Wars figures were released under the Harbert company label. The name of the line for the first Star Wars figures there was called Guerre Stellari. The card back didn’t vary all that much for the ones produced by Kenner, but there are obvious differences as you inspect and compare. Featured on 20-Back, the reverse side of the card features the same toy images in colored blocks made famous by Kenner, in addition to a few other related toys, including the Millennium Falcon and the X-Wing Fighter among others.

Today we revisit Walrus Man. The figure wasn’t made available in the Trilogo line, so we’re representing it on the Italian Guerre Stellari packaging for our update today instead. The review’s Collector Notes are updated with this information. See the full card art and additional notes by revisiting 1979’s STAR WARS Walrus Man figure HERE.

There’s trouble in HyperReal paradise! JTA Facebook reader Angelo C. posts images of his HyperReal Luke Skywalker (Bespin) figure and the news is damaging, literally. After posing the figure in a few action stances, the rubber in the crotch and armpits is tearing. We’ve also received reports that the HyperReal Darth Vader is also showing signs of breaking down. What a waste of resources and money, Hasbro. We don’t need any more “bigger” Star Wars action figures. Get back to basics! And buyer beware!

I typically am not a reader of anything io9 publishes. It’s not an outlet that I visit and their content rarely resonates with me. However, today, an article they published yesterday caught my eye as it popped up in my notifications. They ranked the Top 15 versions/outfits of Han Solo across the Star Wars saga (major motion picture films only). The article got me thinking about how far has Hasbro comes to giving collectors 3.75″ super-articulated interpretations of these different Han Solo characters. After my analysis, I felt a little sad. We’ve received some magnificent mini works of art, but there are SO MANY versions they haven’t updated in The Vintage Collection yet, and some are so overdue it’s now criminal. Original Trilogy, Sequel Trilogy, and “standalone story films,” are all reflected in this Top 15 list. Then I’ve added my analysis to show the toy perspective. Check it out!

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With a trailer coming on Monday, EA teases Star Wars Squadrons. Tune in on Monday, June 15 at 11 AM Eastern to check it out!

In 1984, new packaging for Star Wars figures was introduced for the European market. A cost containment initiative, the new packaging sported three languages of the Return Of The Jedi logo for a “one size fits all” approach. Although a “three-logo” design was created for The Power Of The Force line (as evidenced on some ‘boxed’ toys), it wasn’t carried over to the basic figure line’s card design. They continued to use the three Return Of The Jedi logos instead. Although the word “Trilogo” is found nowhere on the packaging, the term is universally adopted by all Star Wars collectors to describe this line of figures.

Today we revisit Snaggletooth. It didn’t come in standard Trilogo packaging. Instead, it was packaged in what the collecting community deems as “Trilogo Hybrid” packaging. The card front is nearly identical to the Kenner Return Of The Jedi Snaggletooth figure, while the back features the Trilogo logo and figure group shot. You’ll notice that the card art for this version is significantly “darker” than the first STAR WARS version. The review’s Collector Notes are updated with this information. See the full card art and additional notes by revisiting 1979’s STAR WARS Snaggletooth figure HERE.

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Funko’s recently announced 10″ Pop! The Mandalorian with Child is available for pre-order on Walmart.com. Click here for the pre-order page. Thanks to JTA reader Mike for the alert!

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Wow! You better hurry on this one! The Skiff Guard 3-Pack is also available to pre-order for only $39.99 at site sponsor Entertainment Earth.

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Wow! We totally missed this memo, hopefully, you didn’t. The HOT Imperial Death Trooper and Entertainment Earth exclusive Clone Trooper (41st Elite Corps) figures from The Vintage Collection are once again available for pre-order on Entertainment Earth’s website. Pre-order before these are gone forever! Now, if we can only get Hasbro to reissue the Imperial Assault Tank Driver and Imperial Assault Tank Commander we’ll be in great shape! Special thanks to JTA Mark P. for the alert!

Coming November 10th, the next in the From A Certain Point Of View series releases with The Empire Strikes Back edition. 40 stories celebrating 40 years. The full author list will be announced on StarWars.com on Monday. Other than a few hokey stories, I thoroughly enjoyed the A New Hope edition, and I am looking forward to this one! Read the full story over at the official site.

In 1984, new packaging for Star Wars figures was introduced for the European market. A cost containment initiative, the new packaging sported three languages of the Return Of The Jedi logo for a “one size fits all” approach. Although a “three-logo” design was created for The Power Of The Force line (as evidenced on some ‘boxed’ toys), it wasn’t carried over to the basic figure line’s card design. They continued to use the three Return Of The Jedi logos instead. Although the word “Trilogo” is found nowhere on the packaging, the term is universally adopted by all Star Wars collectors to describe this line of figures.

Today we revisit Hammerhead. It didn’t come in standard Trilogo packaging. Instead, it was packaged in what the collecting community deems as “Trilogo Hybrid” packaging. The card front is nearly identical to the Kenner Return Of The Jedi Hammerhead figure, while the back features the Trilogo logo and figure group shot. You’ll notice that the card art for this version is significantly “darker” than the first STAR WARS version. The review’s Collector Notes are updated with this information. See the full card art and additional notes by revisiting 1979’s STAR WARS Hammerhead figure HERE.

The Disney theme parks in the US will re-open in July, with several caveats however. Click through for more details!

A sight you will not see for some time

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In 1984, new packaging for Star Wars figures was introduced for the European market. A cost containment initiative, the new packaging sported three languages of the Return Of The Jedi logo for a “one size fits all” approach. Although a “three-logo” design was created for The Power Of The Force line (as evidenced on some ‘boxed’ toys), it wasn’t carried over to the basic figure line’s card design. They continued to use the three Return Of The Jedi logos instead. Although the word “Trilogo” is found nowhere on the packaging, the term is universally adopted by all Star Wars collectors to describe this line of figures.

Today we revisit Greedo. It didn’t come in standard Trilogo packaging. Instead, it was packaged in what the collecting community deems as “Trilogo Hybrid” packaging. The card front is nearly identical to the Kenner Return Of The Jedi Greedo figure, while the back features the Trilogo logo and figure group shot. You’ll notice that the card art for this version is significantly “darker” than the first STAR WARS version. The review’s Collector Notes are updated with this information. See the full card art and additional notes by revisiting 1979’s STAR WARS Greedo figure HERE.

This post contains affiliate links. At no additional cost to you, JTA may receive a commission if you click and make a purchase.

The next two cards from the weekly Topps Star Wars Living Set are now out. Featuring the iconic blue starfield and the impressive artwork of Kris Penix, check out Cassian Andor (#107) and Clone Trooper (#108). Each Tuesday, two new cards will be released and be only available for one week. Click here to view the entire Star Wars Living archive, including individual print runs.

This post contains affiliate links. At no additional cost to you, JTA may receive a commission if you click and make a purchase.

It’s time to check your inboxes! GameStop has begun charging credit cards for their exclusive Gaming Greats Shadow Stormtrooper. If you’re interested, you can still order the Gaming Greats Shadow Stormtrooper 6″ figure right now. One per customer! Special thanks to JTA reader Todd C. for the update!

Hello again, my fellow Toy Runners! Stuff is starting to reopen finally in my state. I’m happy for the people who are able to return to work after not being able to for so long. Things opening means that I was able to go on an actual toy run! It is my birthday this week, so I was feeling extra generous and decided to buy something big… Click here to see what it was!

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Today I take a quick look at the aftermarket for Star Wars action figures. For this I focus entirely on TVC 2.0 and (mostly) recent Black Series figures that were released since the launch of TVC 2.0. And to make things somewhat comparable, I focused on figures that have a release in both TVC 2.0 and TBS. I didn’t look up all the TVC 2.0 / TBS releases, this is outside the scope of this article, but I think even a quick look at 18 TVC and 18 TBS figures on ebay can still tell us a thing or two about the aftermarket! So click through for more!

Dr Evil wants ONE BILLION DOLLARS! Muahahaha!

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The STAR TOURS Droid Pack set is nothing but rehashes. Many collectors don’t know that this multipack exists. Do you know about it? (more….)

Thank you for reading Research Droids Reviews: Season 12!

There is a large listing of loose Star Wars action figures (many from the Golden Era of Collecting) on eBay right now. Check them out!

As long as I’ve been collecting and reporting on the Hasbro toy line, there has been an endless circle of blame between retail and Hasbro. Hasbro says they send the stuff to retail. Retail says that Hasbro never sends the product. Wherever the truth lies, collectors know that the bottom line is that The Vintage Collection has primarily become an online/mail-order collection of action figures. (more….)

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The Retro Collection Hoth Ice Planet Adventure Game is IN STOCk at Amazon and on sale for only $19.82 as of this post! You can check out our full review and image gallery by clicking HERE! UPDATE! You can also order it from Walmart for the same price! Here is the Walmart link!

In light of the recent rumors about a “Gaming Greats” Darth Nihilus Black Series figure I wonder if Hasbro has long term plans for a “Gaming Greats” Black Series sub line. That leads us to the question of today: what other potential “Gaming Greats” Star Wars figures would you like to see? Also, what figures do you think are realistic candidates for a release? Click through for a few suggestions and make sure to add your own in the comments!

Gaming Greats Revan

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In case you missed it, Hasbro Pulse updated the product checklist for The Empire Strikes Back 40th Anniversary on May 28th! Special thanks to JTA reader Justin C. for the alert!

NOTE: There are two links on their website, one takes you to the old checklist. THIS LINK takes you to the update.

It seems Hasbro will not revisit Boba Fett from the ground up to give collectors an all-new figure. So, they did the next best thing and clean up the 2008 TAC The Fett Legacy Evolutions sculpt with a screen-accurate paint job and a shortened cape. It’s probably safe to say that Hasbro finally perfected (as best they could) The Vintage Collection Boba Fett (VC09) figure. We’re catching up with some previously released updated carry-forward figures in The Vintage Collection. We took the time to break it all down for you by producing an all-new 100-image gallery complete with comparison shots, dioramas, and a breakdown of what separates the 2010 version from the 2019 new release in the Collector Notes. Check out this excellently updated figure in our RDRs now! There’s more difference here than you may realize. Until we get an all-new figure with a non-removable helmet, this is the next best thing!

This post contains affiliate links. At no additional cost to you, JTA may receive a commission if you click and make a purchase.

The next two cards from the weekly Topps Star Wars Living Set are now out. Featuring the iconic blue starfield and the impressive artwork of Kris Penix, check out Fennec Shand (#105) and Zorii Bliss (#106). Each Tuesday, two new cards will be released and be only available for one week. Click here to view the entire Star Wars Living archive, including individual print runs.

A new GameStop exclusive The Black Series [Phase III] Gaming Greats figure has been rumored on Instagram: Darth Nihilus!

The third time is the charm! Hasbro finally perfected The Vintage Collection General Lando Calrissian (VC47) figure. It might be the best-looking figure from this newest wave of repacks. Amazingly, they trimmed down the length of the cape, and it looks SO MUCH better. There are other updates too. We took the time to break it all down for you by producing an all-new 80-image gallery complete with comparison shots, dioramas, and a breakdown of what separates the 2011 version from the 2020 new release in the Collector Notes. These figures are shipping through the “Fan Channel” as we speak, but you can see this excellent figure updated in our RDRs now! There’s more difference here than you may realize. The Photo Real technology on this figure is astounding!

This post contains affiliate links. At no additional cost to you, JTA may receive a commission if you click and make a purchase.

The GameStop exclusive The Black Series [Phase III] Stormtrooper Commander is arriving at doorsteps! If you want to learn more about this classic Expanded Universe action figure, we reviewed it back in March HERE. It’s currently SOLD OUT at GameStop online.

There are a number of changes made to the re-released The Vintage Collection Han Solo (Bespin) (VC50) figure. We took the time to break it all down for you by producing an all-new 80-image gallery complete with comparison shots, dioramas, and a breakdown of what separates the 2011 version from the 2020 new release in the Collector Notes. The breakdown is that this is the best version of this action figure to date. You’ll need MANY of them! You can probably find Han Solo (Bespin) (VC50) at your local TARGET and WALMART stores now. If not, orders should begin shipping to the “Fan Channel” shortly. As with many other re-released figures, there’s more difference here than you may think. The Photo Real technology worked well here.!

This post contains affiliate links. At no additional cost to you, JTA may receive a commission if you click and make a purchase.

Whoa! The Vintage Collection Imperial Combat Assault Tank is only $30.25 on Amazon as of this post! Special thanks to JTA reader Jeff R. for the alert!

There have been a significant number of changes made to the re-released The Vintage Collection See-Threepio (C-3PO) (VC06) figure. We took the time to break it all down for you by producing an all-new 68-image gallery complete with comparison shots, dioramas, and a breakdown of what separates the 2010 version from the 2020 new release. (Hasbro has released this figure every five years since 2010!) You can probably find See-Threepio (C-3PO) (VC06) at your local TARGET and WALMART stores now. If not, orders should begin shipping from the “Fan Channel” shortly. As usual, there’s more difference here than you may believe, including a possible retooling that benefits the aesthetics of the head sculpt! Be sure to acclimate yourself to the many changes!

The Hasbro Pulse blog has written a great article on the history of The Black Series 6″ lines packaging. As you know, we’re up to the fourth phase of this long-running line. Check out the article HERE, and then come back to comment!

As you can probably gather by the title of this week’s TRT, I got some clones this week! Captains, ARC troopers, Commanders, Purge troopers, oh my! Check out a few photos by clicking here, and then share some photos of your clone trooper collection in the comments below!

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There have been a significant number of changes made to the re-released The Vintage Collection Luke Skywalker (Bespin) (VC04) figure. We took the time to break it all down for you by producing an all-new 80-image gallery. The new gallery includes comparison shots, dioramas, and a breakdown of what separates the 2010 version from the 2020 new release. (Do you believe a decade transpired in between their respective releases?) You can probably find Luke Skywalker (Bespin) (VC04) at your local TARGET and WALMART stores now. If not, orders should begin shipping from the “Fan Channel” shortly. There are more differences here than you may believe. Be sure to acclimate yourself to the many changes!

Today’s Visual Guide update features the next exclusive figure/game combo from the Retro Collection. Click below to check out our full Visual Guide of the Hoth Ice Planet Adventure Game/Luke Skywalker (Snowspeeder) set. Make sure to also check out our full review right here.

The Skywalker saga continues as the heroes of Star Wars: The Force Awakens join the galactic legends in an epic adventure that unlocks age-old mysteries of the Force and shocking revelations of the past. This latest 35g pure silver foil from New Zealand Mint for Star Wars: The Last Jedi is an officially licensed replica of the 2017 film’s striking poster.

Click through for complete details!

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The Hoth Ice Planet Adventure Game [Exclusive Luke Skywalker (Snowspeeder) Figure] Board Game is loads of fun. But you’re probably going to buy it for the Retro Collection pack-in figure. Hey! The “banana” visor is back in full force! See our HUGE gallery in our review today. Will you buy one for yourself? (more….)

Thank you for reading Research Droids Reviews: Season 12!