Monthly Archives: October 2021

Happy Halloween! Click below for our Halloween edition Visual Guide Update, featuring Disney Parks’ R6-W1CH. You can also read our full review of this figure right here.

Here is also a closer look at three of the Walmart exclusive The Vintage Collection Clone Wars figures by Genndy Tartakovsky!

With special thanks to JTA reader Matthew W., we have a look at some upcoming and unannounced The Black Series [Phase IV] 6-inch figures including Bib Fortuna (ROTJ), Ponda Baba (ANH), Fennec Shand (The Book Of Boba Fett), Migs Mayfeld (Moraki), (The Mandalorian), Stormtrooper (Jedha Patrol) (RO), Boba Fett (The Mandalorian), Doctor Evazan (ANH), and Princess Leia Organa (Yavin 4) (ANH). Click the image below for a closer look!

The Black Series Rancor HasLab was launched 9 days ago. One day after the Rancor the very first GI Joe HasLab followed. And while the GI Joe HasLab is quite different, it’s much cheaper, it may still be interesting to compare the two. So where is the Rancor after 9 days and how does it compare to the GI Joe Skystriker? Click through for more info!

(more…)

Happy Halloween! Another year means another Halloween-themed astromech droid from the Disney Droid Factory line. Unfortunately, R6-W1CH doesn’t feel too Halloween-y. What do you think? (more….)

Thank you for reading Research Droids Reviews: Season 13!

Why did Hasbro choose to go with this portrait in the Emperor’s Throne Room Hasbro Pulse exclusive? This set is also a bit of a letdown. (more….)

Thank you for reading Research Droids Reviews: Season 13!

We have a new review today featuring a unique subscription service allowing you to custom build your own half-scale R2-D2. Brought to you by Fanhome, this review will kick off a continuing series of reviews as we work our way through the build process. We will continue to add to this review in stages as we receive the kits. Here’s the inaugural kit, featuring the first two stages of the build. The final product will feature a fully functioning, remote-controlled, and interactive half-scale R2-D2. This should be fun! Let us know your thoughts in the discussion section!

Click through for the review!

Welcome to another entry in our The Vintage Collection: The Ninety Six column. Hasbro recently committed to collectors that they will be “focusing” on characters in The Vintage Collection that fall under “The Ninety Six” banner. If you’re new to this, it means that there needs a modern counterpart for every classic Kenner figure. Between 2020 and 2021, Hasbro’s made an admirable effort by focusing on these characters. But there is more work to be done, and we’ll figure out where we are step by step. Today we assess Nien Nunb.

(more…)

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

Hurry! This has gone in and out of stock so it may not last long. Click here for The Black Series Tech (The Bad Batch) on Walmart.com. Thanks to JTA reader Jon for letting us know! If it shows up out of stock, keep checking back!

Welcome to another entry in our The Vintage Collection: The Ninety Six column. Hasbro recently committed to collectors that they will be “focusing” on characters in The Vintage Collection that fall under “The Ninety Six” banner. If you’re new to this, it means that there needs a modern counterpart for every classic Kenner figure. Between 2020 and 2021, Hasbro’s made an admirable effort by focusing on these characters. But there is more work to be done, and we’ll figure out where we are step by step. Today we assess Lando Calrissian (Skiff Guard Disguise).

(more…)

The Walmart exclusive The Black Series [Phase IV] Imperial Clone Shock Trooper (TBB07) figure looks good. It’s not too exciting, but does that matter? (more….)

Thank you for reading Research Droids Reviews: Season 13!

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 Rune Haako (#251) and Tech (#252). 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.

The Amazon exclusive The Black Series [Phase IV] Artillery Stormtrooper (TM13) figure is arriving as we post this. It’s honestly one of Hasbro’s nicest-looking figures (for a repaint). Check out that backpack with removable thermal detonators! Did you secure this now sold-out action figure? And when is this character coming in The Vintage Collection? (more….)

Thank you for reading Research Droids Reviews: Season 13!

Welcome to another entry in our The Vintage Collection: The Ninety Six column. Hasbro recently committed to collectors that they will be “focusing” on characters in The Vintage Collection that fall under “The Ninety Six” banner. If you’re new to this, it means that there needs a modern counterpart for every classic Kenner figure. Between 2020 and 2021, Hasbro’s made an admirable effort by focusing on these characters. But there is more work to be done, and we’ll figure out where we are step by step. Today we assess Biker Scout.

(more…)

JTA continues to celebrate the 40th Anniversary of The Empire Strikes Back with our latest card back set: Series 5: The Empire Strikes Back 40th Anniversary.

Celebrating 1981’s The Empire Strikes Back Kenner releases, this series offers the next 9 figures, plus 4 releases from alternate card backs. You can pick up this 13-card set over in our store. And, if you are new to our large format trading cards you can catch up on the entire run (including this series) in our 61-card master set.

(more…)

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

He’s back if you need him! Tusken Raider and Death Star Droid are also still available as of this post. 

More repainted figures! We’re getting the Rogue One: A Star Wars Story cast plus one new character, with all-new paint operations. Let’s check out K-2SO. It looks good, but why did Hasbro revert? (more….)

Thank you for reading Research Droids Reviews: Season 13!

Today Hasbro gave us a look at 4 new additions to The Black Series line, 3 of which were announced as pipeline reveals in previous livestreams earlier this year. Click below to check out Bib Fortuna, Echo, Omega, and Stormtrooper (Jedha Patrol).

Welcome to another entry in our The Vintage Collection: The Ninety Six column. Hasbro recently committed to collectors that they will be “focusing” on characters in The Vintage Collection that fall under “The Ninety Six” banner. If you’re new to this, it means that there needs a modern counterpart for every classic Kenner figure. Between 2020 and 2021, Hasbro’s made an admirable effort by focusing on these characters. But there is more work to be done, and we’ll figure out where we are step by step. Today we assess Ree-Yees.

(more…)

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 are now open for the latest The Vintage Collection releases. Click below for pre-order pages…

• Ahsoka Tano (Corvus) (Entertainment Earth • Amazon • Pulse)
• Death Watch Mandalorian (Entertainment Earth • Amazon • Pulse)
• The Vintage Collection Wave 10 full case (Entertainment Earth)

click images below for Entertainment Earth links

Welcome to another entry in our The Vintage Collection: The Ninety Six column. Hasbro recently committed to collectors that they will be “focusing” on characters in The Vintage Collection that fall under “The Ninety Six” banner. If you’re new to this, it means that there needs a modern counterpart for every classic Kenner figure. Between 2020 and 2021, Hasbro’s made an admirable effort by focusing on these characters. But there is more work to be done, and we’ll figure out where we are step by step. Today we assess Bib Fortuna.

(more…)

This week’s Bring Home The Bounty campaign has revealed two new The Vintage Collection figures, and one new The Black Series figure.  Click below to check them out. Pre-orders for The TVC figures start tomorrow at 1 PM Eastern. Click here for all of today’s reveals.

The Vintage Collection

• Ahsoka Tano (Corvus)
• Death Watch Mandalorian

The Black Series

• The Client

Columbia’s latest Star Wars release will launch on December 3 and feature the Boba Fett Collection. Click here for their launch page.

This last week was a good collecting week! I got some great toy deals for both new and old toys. I’d love to see what you collected this week. Please take a look and comment by clicking here.

(more…)

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 Ephraim Bridger (#249) and Stomeroni Starck (#250). 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.

Welcome to another entry in our The Vintage Collection: The Ninety Six column. Hasbro recently committed to collectors that they will be “focusing” on characters in The Vintage Collection that fall under “The Ninety Six” banner. If you’re new to this, it means that there needs a modern counterpart for every classic Kenner figure. Between 2020 and 2021, Hasbro’s made an admirable effort by focusing on these characters. But there is more work to be done, and we’ll figure out where we are step by step. Today we assess General Madine.

(more…)

Due to supply chain issues, Best Buy has begun canceling orders of their Moff Gideon Credit Collection 6-inch figures. JTA reader Dan D. received his cancellation notice today.

Welcome to another entry in our The Vintage Collection: The Ninety Six column. Hasbro recently committed to collectors that they will be “focusing” on characters in The Vintage Collection that fall under “The Ninety Six” banner. If you’re new to this, it means that there needs a modern counterpart for every classic Kenner figure. Between 2020 and 2021, Hasbro’s made an admirable effort by focusing on these characters. But there is more work to be done, and we’ll figure out where we are step by step. Today we assess Squid Head.

(more…)

Let me preface the following discussion by saying that I have nothing against the concept of deluxe figures. If a figure receives many more paint apps and/or accessories, if a figure requires extensive new tooling and many parts (maybe because of size) then a “deluxe” label is deserved. All these things cost money and when production costs are increased because of all the extra effort put into a figure then it’s only ok to ask for more money. However, I argue that Hasbro does nothing of the sort with their Black Series deluxe figures. Let us take a close look at the newly revealed Cobb Vanth figure to see why I think Hasbro’s version of “deluxe” is a scam and rips off collectors by asking for extra money without putting the extra effort in it. Click through for more!

Hasbro’s idea of a deluxe figure

(more…)

The latest Gaming Greats The Black Series 6-inch figure is Zaalbar. Do you want this character in your collection? (more….)

Thank you for reading Research Droids Reviews: Season 13!

It should be common knowledge by now that Hayden Christensen will reprise his role as Darth Vader / Anakin Skywalker in the upcoming Kenobi series. However, this is not where things will end. The Hollywood Reporter has learned that Hayden Christensen will also appear as Anakin Skywalker in the Ahsoka series, which is set 5 years after the events of Return of the Jedi. So of course Anakin has been dead for five years. But since death is not even an inconvenience in the Star Wars galaxy chances are Anakin will appear as a Force ghost. Or maybe we will be see Ahsoka clone wars flashbacks and/or visions. Details are not known at this point. The sequels had a disturbing lack of Anakin Skywalker Force ghost scenes, even more puzzling when you consider the fact Kylo Ren was Darth Vader’s biggest fanboy and also his grandson. One of the many oversights of the sequels. But it seems Lucasfilm is willing to rectify that mistake by offering Hayden Christensen various roles in their Disney+ series. Will you be happy to see much more of Hayden as Anakin (or Darth Vader) in the next few years? And who knows, maybe Lucasfilm is gearing up for a proper Darth Vader series that focuses more on the man behind the mask. Hayden is still quite young, only 40 (he was really young in Attack of the Clones), so he’s about the right age to play a late Empire era Vader or post ROTJ Force ghost, he could probably also still play his younger clone wars self with some make-up wizardry. Would you be up for that?

When death is barely an inconvenience

Welcome to another entry in our The Vintage Collection: The Ninety Six column. Hasbro recently committed to collectors that they will be “focusing” on characters in The Vintage Collection that fall under “The Ninety Six” banner. If you’re new to this, it means that there needs a modern counterpart for every classic Kenner figure. Between 2020 and 2021, Hasbro’s made an admirable effort by focusing on these characters. But there is more work to be done, and we’ll figure out where we are step by step. Today we assess Weequay.

(more…)

This is not supposed be a rant where someone yells at clouds, but I have been wondering more and more lately if the toy collecting hobby has completely gone off the rails. These days people buy toys that cost $350, $400 or even much more, $500 and even $900. And they do it quite happily so. Why should a toy ever be $350 or even more? Why do companies even still pretend these things are toys, when they are in fact just memberberries for adults and no one else? Will the HasLab Rancor come in a box that says “Ages 4+”? Why do people part with so much money voluntarily and quite merrily even and never bother to ask if that is what toy collecting should really be? Click through to continue the discussion!

The new Hasbro CEO?

(more…)

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

The pre-order for the Target exclusive The Black Series The Mandalorian & Grogu (Maldo Kreis) is now live. Thanks to JTA Reader Matt 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.

Pre-orders from today’s livestream are listed below. We will continue to add links as we find them.

Pulse Con 2021 Exclusives (Hasbro Pulse)

• Emperor’s Throne Room (The Vintage Collection)
• Trapper Wolf (The Black Series)
• Cantina Showdown (The Black Series)

Update: The Pulse Con exclusives have moved to pre-order status, and the Cantina Showdown pre-orders are now sold out

The Vintage Collection Specialty Wave (re-releases, now with separate SKU’s) (Summer 2022)

• Anakin Skywalker (VC80) (Entertainment Earth • Amazon • Pulse)
• Mace Windu (VC35) (Entertainment Earth • Amazon • Pulse)
• Obi-Wan Kenobi (VC31) (Entertainment Earth • Amazon • Pulse)
• Ahsoka Tano (VC102) (Entertainment Earth • Amazon • Pulse)

The Vintage Collection Playsets

• Nevarro Cantina (Entertainment Earth • Amazon • Pulse)

The Vintage Collection Troop Builder Packs (Spring 2022)

• Rebel Fleet Troopers (includes Captain Antilles) (Pulse • ShopDisney)

The Black Series

• Cobb Vanth (Deluxe) (Entertainment Earth • Amazon • Pulse)
• The Mandalorian & Grogu (Maldo Kreis) (Target Exclusive)
• Princess Leia’s Force FX Elite Lightsaber (Entertainment Earth)

Hasbro just officially announced the brand new Black Series Rancor HasLab! We knew about this for months ever since Patrick’s slip of the tongue, but now we have all the details!

Price: $350
Size: 44.45 cm / 17.5 in tall, 30.48 cm / 12 in wide, much more with arms outstretched
Technical details: 45 points of articulation (including fingers) and 900 paint apps

Minimum number of backers is 9,000 by December 6th, more tiers will be made available at 11,000 and 13,500 with tiers 3 and 4 not having any goal lines yet. No stretch goals for any of the tiers have been revealed yet. As of now the Rancor comes without any extra figures, but that will certainly change once the tiers have been unlocked!

You can (if you happen to live in the US, Canada or UK, that is) back your Rancor now! Head over to the HasLab site to order Jabba’s favorite pet!

Hasbro will also partner with retailers in certain select markets to make the Rancor available in other parts of the world. No specifics were given, my guess is that several European core markets may get access to the Rancor.

Will you back the Rancor or ignore the latest Star Wars HasLab?

Hasbro revealed several new things for the Black Series in their Star Wars Pulse Con panel. Mandalorian fans have more figures to look forward to and Original Trilogy fans get a few more figures in the pipeline.

Mandalorian figures:

• Mandalorian Maldo Kreist build-up pack with Grogu and Ice Spider
• Migs Mayfeld Trooper Disguise
• Boba Fett Nomad Outfit
• Cobb Vanth Deluxe

There will also be three all new exclusive Galaxy Edge sets!

• First Order Pack with Hux, AT-AT Driver, Mouse Droid and an Imperial Astromech
• Droid Depot Pack with a KX-series droid, BB unit, Battle Droid and Babu Frik
• Creature Pack with two Kowakian Monkey Lizards, Mynok, two Porgs and Bogling

Three figures were revealed for the pipeline, so expect them much later in 2022!

• Figrin Dan
• Leia in her Ewok Village outfit
• Republic Security Droid (Mandalorian)

Check back later for updates!

Hasbro’s Pulse Con Star Wars Panel kicked off at 1:30. Here’s a look at upcoming The Vintage Collection offerings. Click through for the detailed breakdown and discussion. Available pre-orders launch today at 5 PM Eastern (Not all will go up today).

Here’s a summary of what was announced:

The Vintage Collection Specialty Wave (re-releases, now with separate SKU’s) (Summer 2022)

• Anakin Skywalker (VC80)
• Mace Windu (VC35)
• Obi-Wan Kenobi (VC31)
• Ahsoka Tano (VC102)

The Vintage Collection (Build up pack)

• The Mandalorian and Grogu (Maldo Kreis) (Pre-order date TBD) (Walmart Exclusive)

The Vintage Collection Playsets

• Nevarro Cantina

The Vintage Collection Troop Builder Packs (Spring 2022)

• Rebel Fleet Troopers (includes Captain Antilles) (Pulse & ShopDisney)

The Vintage Collection Pipeline Reveals

• ARC Trooper Jesse
• 332 Ahsoka Clone Trooper
• Mandalorian Super Commando Captain
• The Mandalorian (Trooper Disguise)

(more…)

You can now tune in to the day 1 livestream. Lo0k for the Star Wars panel at 1:30, followed by the HasLab panel at 2:30. Feel free to join in the discussion right here!

We will post all the reveals after the live stream… stay tuned! Star Wars Pre-orders from the event will go live at 5 PM Eastern.

(more…)

You know things are extremely terrible with the supply chain and the Walmart distribution center, in particular, that a retail chain gets stock that was never theirs from the start. Walmart is now receiving Target exclusives before general marketplace stock or even their OWN exclusives! They’ve gone to plaid!

(more…)

Hasbro Pulse Con starts tomorrow, and Entertainment Earth is offering free US shipping on all Pulse Con items going up this weekend. 

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 wave of Walmart exclusive The Mandalorian Carbonized The Vintage Collection figures go up for pre-order today on Walmart’s website. These are set to go live at 10 AM Eastern, but keep checking the links below just in case they appear early. This is a part of the Walmart Collector Con Launch.

For those interested, you can now order the Star Wars: Visions Payoff poster. This is a full-sized 27″ W x 40″ H poster and is presented in double-sided, mirror-image format. Thanks Colin for the alert! Don’t forget, if you need points you can pick them up on eBay.

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

Hasbro’s eBay store has a few good deals listed, including the TVC Carbon Freezing Chamber for $26.49. Thanks to JTA reader Archdemon for the alert!

UPDATE: Sold out! This is available again!

Hi folks! Not a lot going on the last couple weeks by way of collecting. I’ve been swamped with homework anyway, so I haven’t had much of a chance to go looking. In my little spare time I’ve been working on a couple commissions. I finished another 1313 Boba Fett, and I’m working on an ARC trooper Fives in 6″ scale. More importantly than what I can share, I want to hear from you about your recent additions! Please click here to leave a comment.

(more…)

Bring Home The Bounty week 2 also featured some new Gentle Giant pre-orders. That Padmé likeness though…. ooof!

• Star Wars – Luke Skywalker (Concept) Jumbo Figure
• Star Wars: Attack of the Clones – Padmé Amidala Premier Collection Statue
• Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back – Yoda Legends in 3-Dimensions Bust

Head over to check out this week’s Bring Home The Bounty products, featuring a bunch of Hasbro stuff that you can’t actually order anymore. You just can’t make this stuff up! 

JTA sponsor Brian’s Toys has some of the newest Hot Toys troopers ready to ship. Click through to see what’s available!

It’s interesting how the “carbonized” The Vintage Collection figures are generally terrible, but the Shoretrooper (Carbonized) figure isn’t. It’s actually pretty nice! Check it out. (more….)

Thank you for reading Research Droids Reviews: Season 13!

Hasbro’s 2-day event kicks off this Friday, with the Star Wars Panel starting at 1:10 Eastern, followed directly by the Haslab panel. And then at 4 PM Hasbro Pulse Premium Early Access Starts for product pre-orders… unless, of course, you are a Star Wars fan, as Star Wars items are excluded from early access. Enjoy the benefits of your premium access!

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 Jabba the Hutt (#247) and Qui-Gon Jinn (#248). 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.

JTA reader Sergio R. from Mexico sends us some quick pic images of the Hasbro Pulse exclusive The Vintage Collection Emperor’s Throne Room playset with the new Emperor Palpatine figure (new portrait). Check it out, then let us know what you think in the comments!.

Longtime JTA reader and friend Robert F. visited his local Ollie’s only to find a slew of new discounted Hasbro Star Wars products. Two are Walmart exclusives, and the other didn’t make it further than online. It’s amazing to see how much product never arrived in stores by visiting your local Ollie’s. Many never saw the “Force Spirit” Yoda at their local Walmarts. No one wanted a 5POA cardboard playset. And even fewer collectors anted a new scale of rubbery hyper-articulated action figures known as Hyper Real. if Hasbro is smart, they’ll stick to what sells: TBS6, TVC, and stay away from the ST like it’s the toxic wasteland it is. You have to wonder what the heck is going on at the distribution centers.

The Walmart exclusive Tusken Raider and Death Star Droid are currently back in stock as of this post for anyone interested. Thanks to JTA reader Tim 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.

It’s time to play the Star Wars pre-order game! We will add pre-order sources as we find them…

• The Mandalorian Retro Collection Wave 2 Case (Entertainment Earth)
• Ahsoka Tano (Entertainment Earth • Amazon • Gamestop • Pulse)
• The Armorer (Entertainment Earth • Amazon • Gamestop • Pulse)
• Boba Fett (Morak) (Entertainment Earth • Amazon • Gamestop • Pulse)
• Bo-Katan Kryze (Entertainment Earth • Amazon • Gamestop • Pulse)
• Imperial Death Trooper (Entertainment Earth • Amazon • Gamestop • Pulse)
• The Mandalorian (Beskar) (Entertainment Earth • Amazon • Gamestop • Pulse)

Click the images below for direct links to Entertainment Earth…

Brian Goldner, Hasbro’s chairman and CEO, died Tuesday of cancer. He died just days after stepping down from his position for health reasons. Our thoughts and prayers are with the Goldner family. 

StarWars.com announced a new campaign leading up to the premiere of The Book of Boba Fett. Bring Home the Bounty will feature new product pre-orders, starting tomorrow with a slew of pre-orders, including the next wave of The Mandalorian Retro Collection figures, LEGO products, and more. Click through for the full listing of products, available at 1 PM Eastern TOMORROW.

This is what the Star Wars section now looks like at my local Walmart. Now, to be completely transparent, it didn’t look any different for a couple of years now, it’s only been relocated now. This is an image of an inner endcap that is sectioned off from the rest of the aisle. Where the Star Wars section once was has been completely removed, and in its place are He-Man and other action figures from other lines. I can’t think of worse mismanagement of a toyline. This is one of many reasons why brick and mortar shouldn’t be carrying Star Wars toys. Gift givers are NOT buying or looking for Star Wars. At all. I will never understand the defense of that argument for as long as I live.

Exclusives have been hitting homes the last couple of days, but they’re not arriving in pristine condition. Click through to read what JTA reader Tom R. received to his home recently. As he says, we should all be used to this now, but it’s still unacceptable.

(more…)

Hasbro reached “expert” status when it comes to pouring salt into the wounds of collectors. After a fantastic run of 6-inch Bad Batch characters, JTA reader icatch9, as well as I, found the Bad Batch Mission Series set over the weekend at Target. And the number of figures produced for The Vintage Collection remains a big, fat ZERO.

It’s been wonderful seeing the few store report across the web of collectors finding the latest The Vintage Collection and The Black Series figures. But in my neck of the woods, this is the only Star Wars stock that does make it to brick and mortar. And for those that did find the new figures, once that stock is gone, it never seems to come back.

Let’s now check out The Vintage Collection “Carbonized” Moff Gideon (Carbonized) figure, which is a Walmart exclusive. (more….)

Thank you for reading Research Droids Reviews: Season 13!

Welcome to another entry in our The Vintage Collection: The Ninety Six column. Hasbro recently committed to collectors that they will be “focusing” on characters in The Vintage Collection that fall under “The Ninety Six” banner. If you’re new to this, it means that there needs a modern counterpart for every classic Kenner figure. Between 2020 and 2021, Hasbro’s made an admirable effort by focusing on these characters. But there is more work to be done, and we’ll figure out where we are step by step. Today we assess Rebel Commando.

(more…)

We’ve added a Visual Guide index page for the Lucasfilm 50th Anniversary Collection, featuring all of the updates from the various Hasbro lines collected in one place. You can still find all of these figures in their respective Visual Guide collections, but we thought it would be handy to have a complete listing for those looking to see the entire collection at-a-glance. Click through for the complete listing!

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 Butler Swan (#245) and Derek “Hobbie” Klivia (#246). 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.

Welcome to another entry in our The Vintage Collection: The Ninety Six column. Hasbro recently committed to collectors that they will be “focusing” on characters in The Vintage Collection that fall under “The Ninety Six” banner. If you’re new to this, it means that there needs a modern counterpart for every classic Kenner figure. Between 2020 and 2021, Hasbro’s made an admirable effort by focusing on these characters. But there is more work to be done, and we’ll figure out where we are step by step. Today we assess Klaatu.

(more…)

Do you believe we are getting a second wave of The Vintage Collection “Carbonized” figures? Let’s continue with The Armorer (Carbonized) figure, which has the distinction of always being a Walmart excluisve in The Vintage Collection. (more….)

Thank you for reading Research Droids Reviews: Season 13!

Welcome to another entry in our The Vintage Collection: The Ninety Six column. Hasbro recently committed to collectors that they will be “focusing” on characters in The Vintage Collection that fall under “The Ninety Six” banner. If you’re new to this, it means that there needs a modern counterpart for every classic Kenner figure. Between 2020 and 2021, Hasbro’s made an admirable effort by focusing on these characters. But there is more work to be done, and we’ll figure out where we are step by step. Today we assess Logray (Ewok Medicine Man).

(more…)

Do you believe we are getting a second wave of The Vintage Collection “Carbonized” figures? And by some miracle, they arrived within 24 hours of placing our online orders. Crazy. Let’s start with the Incinerator Trooper (Carbonized) figure, which has the distinction of always being a Walmart exclusive in The Vintage Collection. (more….)

Thank you for reading Research Droids Reviews: Season 13!

Welcome to another entry in our The Vintage Collection: The Ninety Six column. Hasbro recently committed to collectors that they will be “focusing” on characters in The Vintage Collection that fall under “The Ninety Six” banner. If you’re new to this, it means that there needs a modern counterpart for every classic Kenner figure. Between 2020 and 2021, Hasbro’s made an admirable effort by focusing on these characters. But there is more work to be done, and we’ll figure out where we are step by step. Today we assess Chief Chirpa.

(more…)

The Black Series [Phase IV] Tech is an AWESOME action figure. You’ll definitely want this one! (more….)

Thank you for reading Research Droids Reviews: Season 13!

JTA reader Travis C. went to his local Walmart o find new Star Wars toys. There wasn’t anything in the toy aisle, but he found multiples of the new wave in the clearance aisle, marked down to $9.30 each, no less. And the Walmart employee who put them here took the time to sort them too!

(more…)

Welcome to another entry in our The Vintage Collection: The Ninety Six column. Hasbro recently committed to collectors that they will be “focusing” on characters in The Vintage Collection that fall under “The Ninety Six” banner. If you’re new to this, it means that there needs a modern counterpart for every classic Kenner figure. Between 2020 and 2021, Hasbro’s made an admirable effort by focusing on these characters. But there is more work to be done, and we’ll figure out where we are step by step. Today we assess Emperor’s Royal Guard.

(more…)

The Black Series [Phase IV] Q9-0 (Zero) figure is nice, but it feels too much like a classic OT bounty hunter. Or is that the point? (more….)

Thank you for reading Research Droids Reviews: Season 13!

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 wave of Walmart exclusive The Mandalorian Carbonized The Vintage Collection figures go up for pre-order today on Walmart’s website. These are set to go live at 10 AM Eastern, but keep checking the links below just in case they appear early. This is a part of the Walmart Collector Con Launch.

Welcome to another entry in our The Vintage Collection: The Ninety Six column. Hasbro recently committed to collectors that they will be “focusing” on characters in The Vintage Collection that fall under “The Ninety Six” banner. If you’re new to this, it means that there needs a modern counterpart for every classic Kenner figure. Between 2020 and 2021, Hasbro’s made an admirable effort by focusing on these characters. But there is more work to be done, and we’ll figure out where we are step by step. Today we assess Gamorrean Guard.

(more…)

It’s another EXCELLENT The Black Series [Phase IV] release with Aurra Sing. Hasbro did a great job here! (more….)

Thank you for reading Research Droids Reviews: Season 13!

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

The TVC Death Star Droid is currently back in stock on Walmart.com for those interested. It’s also worth noting that the Incinerator Trooper is back in stock as well. Thanks to JTA reader Mike for the tip!

Update: The Incinerator Trooper is no longer available.

Welcome to another entry in our The Vintage Collection: The Ninety Six column. Hasbro recently committed to collectors that they will be “focusing” on characters in The Vintage Collection that fall under “The Ninety Six” banner. If you’re new to this, it means that there needs a modern counterpart for every classic Kenner figure. Between 2020 and 2021, Hasbro’s made an admirable effort by focusing on these characters. But there is more work to be done, and we’ll figure out where we are step by step. Today we assess Princess Leia Organa (Boushh Disguise).

(more…)

It’s another Hasbro cash-grab! The Target exclusive Retro Collection Stormtrooper (Prototype Edition) figure is more of the same. Are you getting tired of these yet? Why can’t they use pastel and black and white plastics for these things? (more….)

Thank you for reading Research Droids Reviews: Season 13!

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 are live on Amazon for the newly announced The Black Series Artillery Stormtrooper. Click here for the pre-order page!

Hasbro is adding the Artillery Stormtrooper to The Black Series line. Look for this to go up for pre-order today at 1 PM Eastern on Amazon. io9 has the complete story.

Just after last week’s post went live I was able to find the whole Emperor TVC wave at a local Target! I was so happy to find them in store. IG-11 is the stand-out figure from the wave in my opinion (the others are great too). I wanted to share a couple thoughts on the figure, so click here to take a look. Be sure to leave your weekly finds in the comments as well!

(more…)

The Vintage Collection Teebo figure is not an exciting release but a needed one. Still,  couldn’t Hasbro have included that alternate head sculpt to make us all happy? Sigh. (more….)

Thank you for reading Research Droids Reviews: Season 13!

Welcome to another entry in our The Vintage Collection: The Ninety Six column. Hasbro recently committed to collectors that they will be “focusing” on characters in The Vintage Collection that fall under “The Ninety Six” banner. If you’re new to this, it means that there needs a modern counterpart for every classic Kenner figure. Between 2020 and 2021, Hasbro’s made an admirable effort by focusing on these characters. But there is more work to be done, and we’ll figure out where we are step by step. Today we assess Luke Skywalker (Jedi Knight Outfit).

(more…)

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

Sideshow Collectibles’ fans get to enjoy a week of Sideshow Collectibles online collecting events as they kick off Sideshow “New York” Con 2021. If you want to receive updates and reveals, be sure to head to their event page and register. 

The Vintage Collection IG-11 figure would be perfect if not for one major issue. Do you want to know what the issue is? (more….)

Thank you for reading Research Droids Reviews: Season 13!

Welcome to another entry in our The Vintage Collection: The Ninety Six column. Hasbro recently committed to collectors that they will be “focusing” on characters in The Vintage Collection that fall under “The Ninety Six” banner. If you’re new to this, it means that there needs a modern counterpart for every classic Kenner figure. Between 2020 and 2021, Hasbro’s made an admirable effort by focusing on these characters. But there is more work to be done, and we’ll figure out where we are step by step. Today we assess Admiral Ackbar.

(more…)

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

Amazon currently has the TVC Luke Skywalker’s X-wing Fighter marked down to $98.99 for anyone still looking to pick this up. Thanks to JTA reader Tim for the alert!

Wow. The Vintage Collection Lando Calrissian is a nearly-perfect action figure. Sure, it has some imperfections, but you probably won’t care. You won’t want to miss this one for any reason! (more….)

Thank you for reading Research Droids Reviews: Season 13!

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 Crosshair (#243) and Korkie Kryze (#244). 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.

Many of you will know GTP Toys, the maker of Space Walls, which is one of the most popular modular diorama sets used by toy photographers. When GTP Toys acquired the official Star Wars license many thought that GTP Toys had finally hit it big. With an official license GTP Toys could finally make official Star Wars diorama sets. And GTP toys did reveal the Tantive IV hallway with LEDs lighting up the wall panels. But then Covid caused several factory closures resulting in serious delays and on top of that extremely disappointing sales for the Tantive IV set put an end to all of it. GTP Toys no longer has the Star Wars license (the contract with Disney ended on September 30th). The owner has posted a long newsletter that explains the situation. And it reveals a few interesting facts about how it is to work for Disney as a Star Wars licensor. One might call it a cautionary tale. Click through for the full story!

(more…)

Emperor Palpatine is finally here, and the figure is VC200 in the TVC lineup. Hasbro only made us wait nearly four decades before adding the Original Trilogy version of The Emperor into our modern collections on a vintage-style Kenner card. To our surprise, the figure is 90% reused. It only has a new head, a new belt, and new soft goods. But it’s mostly based on a 2012 The Vintage Collection figure. Despite this slight disappointment, we are more excited that we finally have this figure in TVC. (more….)

Thank you for reading Research Droids Reviews: Season 13!

LEGO fans can now watch the latest LEGO Star Wars release: LEGO Star Wars Terrifying Tales. Click through for the full press release and a preview clip.

(more…)