Monthly Archives: August 2023

The Tusken Warrior & Massiff Target-exclusive deluxe set is maddening. But it comes with a fantastic update to a character last released over two decades ago. (more….)

Thank you for reading Research Droids Reviews: Season 15!

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If you are looking for some extra Speeder Bikes and Scout Troopers, Amazon has dropped the price down to $25 as of this post. 

What a disappointment! Hasbro FINALLY gets Nien Nunb out to the public again, and it’s still too short, and they neglected the dark pink mouth paint operations once AGAIN! What’s up with this incompetent design team in Rhode Island? Anyway, check out the new version. It comes with less paint and a Return Of The Jedi 40 logo. We took the time to summarize all the new details for you by producing an all-new 68-image gallery complete with comparison shots and a breakdown of what separates the 2012 version from the 2023 reissue in the Collector Notes. See this anticipated figure updated in our RDRs now! There’s more difference here than you may realize.

It’s already been a full week since the Ahsoka premiere… on to episode 3 then! Which was extremely short, only 29 minutes excluding the recap and credits. Still, there are quite a few things to talk about. Including what could be the Star Wars version of “jumping the shark”. So click through for my review of Time to Fly and lets discuss the latest Ahsoka episode!

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Pre-orders are now open for yesterday’s The Black Series and The Vintage Collection reveals. Click below for available pre-order links (pre-orders will not be available for the Ahsoka Retro Collection figures).

The Vintage Collection

• Morgan Elsbeth (Entertainment Earth • Amazon)
• HK-87 Assassin Droid (Entertainment Earth • Amazon)
• General Hera Syndulla (Entertainment Earth • Amazon)

The Black Series

• Chopper (C1-10P) (Entertainment Earth • Amazon)
• Professor Huyang (Entertainment Earth • Amazon)
• Ezra Bridger (Lothal) (Entertainment Earth • Amazon)
• Morgan Elsbeth (Entertainment Earth • Amazon)
• HK-87 Assassin Droid (Entertainment Earth • Amazon)
• Marrock (Entertainment Earth • Amazon)
• Sabine Wren roleplay helmet (Entertainment Earth • Amazon)

Full cases via Entertainment Earth:

• The Black Series Wave 13 (includes Chopper, Ezra Bridger, HK-87, and Morgan Elsbeth)
• The Black Series Wave 14 (includes Professor Huyang and Marrock)
• The Vintage Collection Wave 40 (includes HK-87 and Morgan Elsbeth)
• The Vintage Collection Wave 41 (includes General Hera Syndulla)

The Boba Fett (Tusken) figure from The Book Of Boba Fett is an expected release. And it’s a fine action figure. (more….)

Thank you for reading Research Droids Reviews: Season 15!

Here are all the new reveals for the Black Series from today’s Hasbro livestream! And as expected it’s all about the brand new Ahsoka series!

• Chopper (repack)
• Huyang
• Ezra Bridger
• Morgan Elsbeth
• HK-87 (repaint)
• Marrock
• Sabine Wren roleplay helmet

The figures will all be available in fall 2023, pre-order starts tomorrow, August 30th, at 1pm ET. The Sabine helmet can also be pre-ordered tomorrow, but will only be released in fall of 2024!

Two pipeline figures were revealed as well, so coming to the Black Series at a later date will be:

• Momaw Nadon aka Hammerhead
• R5-D4 and three Pit Droids

Click through for photos!

Marrock is coming to the Black Series

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Here’s a breakdown of what was revealed during today’s livestream for The Vintage Collection and Retro Collection. Pre-orders start tomorrow at 1 PM Eastern. Retro Collection wave will not go up for pre-order. 

Pulse Con 2023 Coming September 22, 11 a.m. Eastern.

HasLab update: Confirming once again that if all tiers are unlocked, Sabine and Chopper will be available for a separate purchase.

The Vintage Collection

• Morgan Elsbeth (Fall 2023)
• HK-87 Assassin Droid (Fall 2023)
• General Hera Syndulla (VC300) (Spring 2024)

Retro Collection (Ahsoka-themed) (no pre-orders for this wave)

• Ahsoka Tano
• Sabine Wren
• General Hera Syndulla
• Chopper (C1-10P)
• Morgan Elsbeth
• HK-87 Assassin Droid
• Marrok

TVC Pipeline Reveals

• Chopper (live-action version)
• Jango Fett (Deluxe)
• Rex (TCW)
• Darth Vader (ANH)
• R2-D2
• Stormtrooper (ANH)
• Luke Skywalker (X-wing)
• Princess Leia Organa (ANH)
• HK-47 & Jedi Revan 2-pack

The next Hasbro Livestream starts today at 11 a.m. ET. Click through to watch and discuss.  You can also watch it on the Hasbro Pulse YouTube channel.

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We are looking at the newest wave of The Vintage Collection figures! Next up is Cad Bane from The Book Of Boba Fett. Too bad it’s not the appearance from The Clone Wars. (more….)

Thank you for reading Research Droids Reviews: Season 15!

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Pre-orders are now open for the sixth scale Hot Toys Imperial Praetorian Guard (TMS108). Click here for the pre-order page.

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Pre-orders are now open for The Mandalorian Season One & Two Steelbook versions in both Blu-ray and 4K UHD. Click below for pre-order links!

• The Mandalorian Season 1 (Blu-ray • 4K)
• The Mandalorian Season 2 (Blu-ray • 4k)

Hot Toys is adding the Imperial Praetorian Guard (TMS108) to their sixth scale lineup. Click through for all of the details and gallery images!

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We are looking at the newest wave of The Vintage Collection figures! First up is Moff Jerjerrod. Hasbro screwed up the nameplate, but the figure is awesome. However, you shouldn’t expect much new ground broken here. (more….)

Thank you for reading Research Droids Reviews: Season 15!

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 Clone Commander Mayday (#441) and Training Remote (#442). Two new cards will be released each Tuesday and only be available for one week. Click here to view the entire Star Wars Living archive, including individual print runs.

Our friends at Jedi News were in with a roundtable Q&A today with Chris and Jing from the Hasbro Star Wars team and it was revealed that if the HasLab Ghost project reaches 17,000 backers they would round out the mural carded figures with Sabine Wren and Chopper… for an additional purchase. We currently stand at 11,300 with just under two weeks to go. Currently, Hera and Ezra are locked in. It remains to be seen just how they will be offered. They will post the full interview tomorrow.

Check out the featured character posters for Ahsoka episodes one and two: Chopper, Huyang, and Marrok. 

Dave Filoni’s first own live action series premiered last night! So how is Ahsoka, the series about Dave Filoni’s character he co-created with George Lucas all those many years ago? Also, does anyone who never watched a single Rebels episode even get what the series is all about? If you never liked Rebels, never cared for Rebels, or maybe watched a few episodes and hated it… chances are you may not want to bother with Ahsoka, it is a proper sequel to Rebels, even if you can watch Ahsoka without knowing too much about past events, you will only miss some context and background info and may not understand who this Ezra Bridger is and why everyone is searching for him.
And if you liked Rebels? Does Ahsoka deliver? Well…. how do I put it… we have to talk about a few things! So click through for my review of the first two episodes of Ahsoka!

Mark your calendars… the next Hasbro Star Wars Fanstream is set for August 29th at 11 AM Eastern. 

News on the Holonet is that a #StarWars Fanstream is coming! That’s right, join the Hasbro Star Wars team on our YouTube channel, August 29th at 11:00am ET as we gear up for the highly anticipated series, Star Wars: Ahsoka, streaming on Disney+! The team has exciting new reveals and pre-orders you’ll need for your Star Wars collection, so don’t miss out!

Check out the latest releases from Enso Rings: The Ahsoka Tano Ring Collection. Click below for a few images.

Step into a galaxy far, far away with the latest Star Wars™ Enso Rings – the Ahsoka Tano Ring Collection. Inspired by Ahsoka Tano, this extraordinary ring collection pays tribute to the fearless leader and her heroism throughout the galaxy.

The Ahsoka Tano™ Ring features expert etching and DualTone sapphire and pearl design that embodies her warrior spirit—paired with the Ahsoka Tano Aurebesh™ Ring, this copper-colored ring is etched with Ahsoka’s name in Aurebesh, honoring her legacy as a respected leader and a formidable fighter in the Star Wars universe.

Launched August 22, each ring retails for $49.99, available in sizes 5 to 12. In addition, Enso Rings will also be offering bundle options: Option 1 – Ahsoka Tano Ring™ and Ahsoka Tano Aurebesh™ , or 3 Stackable for $79.99 & Option 2 – Ahsoka Tano Ring™ and Ahsoka Tano Aurebesh™ + 3 Stackables = $114.99.

Hot Toys is gearing up for Ahsoka merchandise with a tease of their Sabine Wren Sixth Scale figure. Look for the full reveal soon! Click below for the teaser image.

We’re all caught up on the TVC reissues now! The Expanded Universe Republic Trooper (The Old Republic) reissue is another remarkable upgrade. Hasbro updated the figure with Photo Real and some other paint operations. We took the time to summarize all the new details for you by producing an all-new 100-image gallery complete with comparison shots and a breakdown of what separates the 2012 version from the 2022 reissue in the Collector Notes. See this magnificent figure updated in our RDRs now! There’s more difference here than you may realize.

You will soon be able to add the Steelbook versions of The Mandalorian Season One and Season Two to your Star Wars Steelbook collections. The official release date is December 12, with pre-orders starting on August 28. 

We’re catching up on TVC reissues! The Expanded Universe Shae Vizla [(Old Republic Bounty Hunter)] reissue is a remarkable upgrade. Hasbro unbelievably tooled an all-new attractive portrait. We still appreciate the first version, but this one is superior. Hasbro also updated the figure with Photo Real and a few updated paint operations. We took the time to summarize all the new details for you by producing an all-new 100-image gallery complete with comparison shots and a breakdown of what separates the 2012 version from the 2022 reissue in the Collector Notes. See this magnificent figure updated in our RDRs now! There’s more difference here than you may realize.

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 Maarva Andor (#439) and Doctor Quadpaw (#440). Two new cards will be released each Tuesday and only be available for one week. Click here to view the entire Star Wars Living archive, including individual print runs.

We’re catching up on TVC reissues! The Expanded Universe Starkiller (Vader’s Apprentice) reissue is the best version to date. Hasbro updated the figure with Photo Real and a few updated paint operations. This figure always does well each time it’s re-released, but it tops them all. We took the time to summarize all the new details for you by producing an all-new 100-image gallery complete with comparison shots and a breakdown of what separates the 2012 version from the 2023 reissue in the Collector Notes. See this magnificent figure updated in our RDRs now! There’s more difference here than you may realize.

We’re catching up on TVC reissues! The Return Of The Jedi Saelt-Marae reissue doesn’t look all that different from its original release. However, there are some changes here. This figure also has the distinction of being the only TVC 2.0 figure that received a re-release. Hasbro got it out to collectors again to celebrate Return Of The Jedi 40. We took the time to summarize all the new details for you by producing an all-new 68-image gallery complete with comparison shots and a breakdown of what separates the 2019 version from the 2023 reissue in the Collector Notes. See this impressive figure updated 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.

Pre-orders are now open for all of today’s Sandtrooper and Dewback combinations. Click below for each pre-order page:

• Dewback (MMS719)
• Dewback (Deluxe Version) (MMS720)
• Sandtrooper Sergeant (MMS721)
• Sandtrooper Sergeant & Dewback Set (MMS722)

Hot Toys is bringing all of today’s announcements together in one bundle with the coup de grâce: Sandtrooper Sergeant & Dewback Set (MMS722). Featuring both the Sandtrooper Sergeant and the Deluxe version of the Dewback. Click through to check it all out!

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If you need another Sandtrooper to populate your Tatooine display Hot Toys has added the Sandtrooper Sergeant (MMS721) to their army. Click through to check out the complete details and gallery.

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Do you want a little variety with your Dewback display? The Deluxe Version Dewback (MMS720) features a closed jaw option and standing leg. A nice touch if you want to feature more than one Dewback in your display. Get the complete details and gallery images after the jump!

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Hot Toys has officially revealed their sixth scale version of the Dewback (MMS719). Click through for complete details and gallery images.

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We’re catching up on TVC reissues! Unfortunately, the Return Of The Jedi Nikto (Skiff Guard) figure reissue is a disappointment. Although Hasbro fixed the mismatched knee and ankle joints, they messed up the deco on the head sculpt. It is now too flat and much darker. They should have lightened this action figure’s skin color many shades instead. We took the time to summarize all the new details for you by producing an all-new 68-image gallery complete with comparison shots and a breakdown of what separates the 2012 version from the 2023 reissue in the Collector Notes. See this impressive figure updated 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.

GameStop currently has some huge markdowns for many of their earlier Gaming Greats figures, as well as some other figures from The Black Series line. Also marked down are Retro Collection figures. Click through to check out what’s available!

We’re catching up on TVC reissues! The Return Of The Jedi Kithaba (Skiff Guard) figure reissue looks stellar. The revised paint operations look excellent, and this time Hasbro remedied the mismatched elbow and ankle joints. Hasbro also worked in a half-toning wash on the arms and torso. We took the time to break it all down for you by producing an all-new 68-image gallery complete with comparison shots and a breakdown of what separates the 2012 version from the 2023 reissue in the Collector Notes. See this impressive figure updated in our RDRs now! There’s more difference here than you may realize.

We’re catching up on TVC reissues! The Return Of The Jedi Wooof figure reissue looks remarkable. The revised paint operations look excellent, and this time the skin is bright green. Hasbro also changed other details on the figure, including half-toning deco on the legs. We took the time to break it all down for you by producing an all-new 64-image gallery complete with comparison shots and a breakdown of what separates the 2010 version from the 2023 reissue in the Collector Notes. See this impressive figure updated 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.

shopDisney is having a sitewide free shipping promotion today. Use code FREESHIP to pick up a few of the latest releases sans shipping. Click here to search Star Wars!

We’re catching up on TVC reissues! The Attack Of The Clones Obi-Wan Kenobi figure reissue looks excellent. The revised paint operations are a notable improvement, and they finally got the hair color right. Hasbro also changed the colors throughout this figure. We took the time to break it all down for you by producing an all-new 76-image gallery complete with comparison shots and a breakdown of what separates the 2011 version from the 2022 new release in the Collector Notes. See this impressive figure updated in our RDRs now! There’s more difference here than you may realize.

In Demand Toys has revealed some of the carded images for the upcoming The Book of Boba Fett wave of Retro Collection figures. Click below to check them out.

We’re catching up on TVC reissues! The Attack Of The Clones Mace Windu figure reissue looks fantastic. We’re surprised they delved into characters from Episode II for re-release. The revised paint operations are a notable improvement; they changed the colors throughout, making it looks more screen accurate. This figure is now available. We took the time to break it all down for you by producing an all-new 68-image gallery complete with comparison shots and a breakdown of what separates the 2011 version from the 2022 new release in the Collector Notes. See this excellent figure updated in our RDRs now! There’s more difference here than you may realize.

Stop by JTA sponsor Crazy Collecting to check out their latest pre-orders and Weekly Deals. And, don’t forget to use the Code STAYINGPOSITIVE in all caps for 10% off your first order through them.

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 Katooni (#437) and Zatt (#438). Two new cards will be released each Tuesday and only be 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.

Pre-orders are now open for the Hot Toys Moff Gideon (TMS107) sixth scale figure. Head on over to the Sideshow Collectibles website for the pre-order page.

Hot Toys drops their official reveal of Moff Gideon (TMS107), as seen in Season Three of The Mandalorian. Click through for complete details and gallery images.

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Popular silicone ring designer Enso Rings has just released their Star Wars Etched Floral Collection:

Enso Rings, the leading silicone ring jeweler, is launching its highly anticipated Star Wars Etched Floral Collection – the perfect fusion of styles and fandom.

The Etched Floral Collection blends floral charm and galactic greatness, offering unique Star Wars™ themed rings inspired by beloved characters Chewbacca, R2-D2, and BB-8 as you’ve never seen them before!

Each ring boasts a delicate floral pattern artfully intertwined with iconic Star Wars™ characters. Launching on August 8, each ring will retail for $49.99, available in sizes 4 to 12, ensuring the perfect fit.

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 Vintage Collection and The Black Series figures revealed at SDCC last month. Click below for pre-order pages.

• The Black Series Hera Syndulla (Entertainment Earth • Amazon)
• The Black Series Sabine Wren (Entertainment Earth • Amazon)
• The Black Series Ahsoka Tano (Entertainment Earth • Amazon)
• TVC Sabine Wren (Deluxe) (Entertainment Earth • Amazon)
• TVC Ahsoka Tano (VC297) (Entertainment Earth • Amazon)
• The Black Series Ahsoka Lightsaber (Entertainment Earth • Amazon)

The Black Series 2024 Wave 1 Case (Entertainment Earth)

Clicking the images below opens the Entertainment Earth product pages.

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Walmart.com has also added The Black Series Clone Commando pre-order again. Click through for the pre-order page. Thanks again to Jon for the heads-up!

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Walmart.com has The Black Series Clone Commander Jesse in-stock. There are only a few listed, so keep checking back as this has been in and out of stock all week. Thanks to JTA reader Jon for the alert!

It’s that time of the year again when companies release their numbers for the 2nd quarter of the calendar year. Hasbro released their numbers a few days ago last week. Disney released their numbers just now. And the 2nd quarter of 2023 wasn’t exactly a great one for either of these two companies. Click through for the details!

Still no reason to smile

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The final Season 3 27×40 theatrical-sized poster for The Mandalorian will be available today at 12 PM Eastern on Disney Movie Insiders for 500 points. 

If you don’t have enough points, you can pick some up on eBay! 

UPDATE: Both The Mandalorian Season 3 Poster and the Ahsoka Payoff poster are now available. Click below for the reward pages (you will need to be logged into your DMI account for the links to work).

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Pre-orders are now open for the Boba Fett (Prototype Armor) Premium Electronic Helmet. Head over to Entertainment Earth for the pre-order page.

Just a friendly reminder, the SDCC reveals from The Black Series and The Vintage Collection figures will be going up for pre-order this week on August 10th at 1 PM Eastern.  Look for the following figures to go up for pre-order:

• The Black Series Hera Syndulla
• The Black Series Sabine Wren
• The Black Series Ahsoka Tano 
• The Vintage Collection Sabine Wren (Deluxe)
• The Vintage Collection Ahsoka Tano (VC297)

Check out the launch of the Ahsoka Character Posters, featuring three heroes and three villains. Ahsoka’s two-episode premiere is set for August 23.

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 Anooba (#435) and Krismo Sodi (#436). Two new cards will be released each Tuesday and only be 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.

From a Certain Point of View: Return of the Jedi comes out on August 29th and Del Rey Books has a sneak peek at all 40 short stories. Click through to check them out! This is also available to pre-order on Amazon.

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Amazon has their exclusive Micro Galaxy Squadron AT-AT Walker (Endor) available for pre-order. Thanks to JTA reader Jon for the heads-up!

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Amazon has both of the latest Knights of the Old Republic figures in stock and ready to ship. Click below for the product pages…

• Darth Malak
• Bastila Shan

Hasbro is banging out characters from Knights Of The Old Republic; the latest is Bastila Shan. It’s another lovely action figure in the line. (more….)

Thank you for reading Research Droids Reviews: Season 15!

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Amazon has several new LEGO sets in stock and ready to ship. Click below to check them out:

• 332nd Ahsoka’s Clone Trooper Battle Pack (75359)
• A New Hope Yavin 4 Rebel Base (75365)
• Spider Tank (75361)
• The Clone Wars Yoda’s Jedi Starfighter (75360)
• The Mandalorian N-1 Starfighter Microfighter (75363)
• Boba Fett Mech (75369)
• Darth Vader Mech (75368)
• Stormtrooper Mech (75370)

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The latest Droid Factory is now available at shopDisney. Click here to order C1-MNST4.

The last time Darth Malak entered the Star Wars action figure line was in 2007. It took Hasbro 16 years to produce another version; this time, it’s in a 6-inch scale. It’s a lovely release. (more….)

Thank you for reading Research Droids Reviews: Season 15!