Missing: Hasbro, Have You Seen Me?

Ten years sure makes a huge difference, doesn't it? (more....)

Out of curiosity, I researched what brand new Star Wars products were made available from the exciting 30 (77-07) line to purchase through March 31, 2007. The results impressed me. While I can’t prove this with decade old receipts, it’s SAFE to speculate I bought two of each of everything that was available up to that point. (and figures like the McQuarrie Stormtrooper I bought over a dozen.) This means that in the first quarter of 2007 (as well as with some advanced “teaser” products released at the tail end of 2006), I spent at minimum $1,125.24. What’s even more poignant is that the good forthcoming stuff hadn’t even been released at that point. There certainly was a whole lot of luxury spending that year and lots of macaroni and cheese dinners, but I dropped all the spare cash I had on my passion and hobby.

Now I look at 2017. We have reached an even more impressive landmark as it's ten years older. And what do we have to show for it as of March 31, 2017? This is the 40th anniversary of Star Wars. Technically we have nothing as the official street date of The Black Series [Star Wars 40] line is April (and certainly NOTHING for super-articulated 3.75" collectors). For those of us that did buy them through an advanced offering at Hasbro Toy Shop, that total comes to less than $100 (of products I don’t even want for my Star Wars collection).

Critics of this way of thinking can say what they want.... that it’s a different time now. That there wasn't new Star Wars entertainment in 2007. That there’s a new movie every year now which prevents a lot of new product from coming. That there aren’t enough factories now to produce stuff en masse and it costs a whole lot more to make now. Well, all I know is that collectors of all ages and all types have nothing to buy at this very moment when the momentum of this once in a lifetime celebration should already be rolling briskly.

Is there hope that Hasbro will pull a rabbit out of their hat and get out some good stuff before the year ends? We don’t know. But what a wasted opportunity so far. Star Wars was (should still be) all about the merchandising. There is no need to reinvent the wheel. We all know what works and what doesn't. What’s the point of taking ownership of a license when you’re not producing enough volume and/or a diverse array of products for your customer base? Yes, it is apples and oranges from a few perspectives, but things should have been amped-up in preparation for this proud and astounding landmark.

Please see below a pretty accurate estimate of what was offered in 2007 versus the now stark nothingness of 2017. The differences are mind boggling. This is money HASBRO isn't getting from me. Yes, I am only one person, but this buying behavior represents a good average of what others like me did to support the line. However, we’re led to believe that all of the Zuvios, Finns, Cassians and Jyns piling up are what is making the Hasbro investor reports look so good. Even the few new products that were released are either on clearance or nonexistent at retail. It's all craziness I say.

You see all the other licensees like Funko knocking their own celebration of four decades incredibly. So Hasbro, if you got this celebration off to a slow start, we want to provide you with courage to go out like a lion this year and make it crazy good. Please make it crazy good and make us crazy in love with you all over again. Thank you!

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