Toy Run Tuesday #105 - Where are the Vehicles Big and Small?

Hiya Toy Runners! Thanks for joining us again for today’s TRT. Today I want to share a new vehicle from another toy line I’ve been posting around that warrants some questions about the lack of vehicles in the Star Wars line. Click on through so we can discuss!

I want to preface this that I know the licensing fees for Star Wars outweigh surely most other licenses. That being said, Hasbro is not making the most of the license especially when it comes to vehicles and store availability. In particular, Jazwares has been readily stocking Target’s shelves with multiple vehicles at different price points for difference licenses. This week I purchased the new Halo Mantis. It’s amazing. What it lacks in paint applications it makes up for in size and sturdiness (no issues falling over here). Here is a comparison to a Hasbro ATST raider. Cost wise, the Mantis is only $40 and comes with a figure. The ATST Raider was $80 (twice as much). 

I actually found the mantis in the store, too, something I haven’t been able to do with Star Wars toys in quite some time. Another thing I wanted to mention is the lack of mid-scale ships, creatures, and vehicles in the Star Wars line. The Mantis is obviously large. Along with it, I was able to pick up this wonderful manned turret as well for only $20 including a figure with new tooling. 

Again, I realize that these prices are unrealistic for Star Wars vehicles. The license alone makes sure of that. Even though Star Wars sales at Hasbro are increasing, they still can’t be found in stores, and the nostalgic Kenner name will no longer be a household brand if this continues. I can’t even remember the last small vehicle we got in The Vintage Collection. We really need a mid-range creature or vehicle slot that can be easily put in stores.

What do you think? How can we get vehicles back in stores? What mid-range vehicles/creatures do you want in The Vintage Collection that would be a good pick for store shelves? Let us know what you think in the comments!

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