1-26-2006

Unleashed Battle Packs and General Hasbro Observations

I decided not to buy any figs from the Unleashed line after seeing them in stores.  The Utapau set is the one I see most often but recently the Clones and the set with Obi-Wan in it have hung around for a few days at a time.  The only way I'd buy a set is if one packed in an AT-AT Driver.

There are several things about the line I don't like; permanently fixed to their base, paint and detail seem to be lacking, price and the stolen "Unleashed" name.

I compare them to Armies of Middle Earth and thought that was a much better line although I think it was actually more expensive.  Some of their sets, if I remember correctly, were $9.99 for 3 figures.  But, the detail and paint apps (and removable bases) made up for it.  Not to mention the diorama pieces like Helms Deep and the Balrog that were available for that line.  There's no indication that the SW sets will be anything other than figures.

I suppose the line is best suited for people that like to diorama build because now they can get multiples of Clones or Droids and they are small enough that you can do grand battles with less space.  But as toys, or even collectibles, I don't find them attractive...not even as speculation for future value.  I'd rather save my money towards things like the new Gunship or the bevy of exclusives we're supposed to see this year.

Although I think that diorama/army builders are the target for this line I'm not entirely sure who Hasbro thinks there market is.  Collectors?  Kids?  Diorama builders?  There's really not a lot of play value in them for kids, the detail isn't really there for collectors and the lack of supporting vehicles or anything else in that scale has to be at least a little drawback to the diorama people.

Actually, to be honest, Hasbro is introducing at least 4 new lines this year that don't really make sense to me.  Unleashed Battle Packs, Titanium Forged figures, Titanium "worlds" and Customs.

Unleashed Battle packs:  As I mentioned, I think they're probably for diorama builders but I don't know who Hasbro thinks they're for.  They aren't appealing to me and the stigma of them having replaced the 7" Unleashed line also kind of kills them for me.

Titanium Forged figures:  Why?  Honestly I'd love to see a really well done Battle Droid, Grievous or even a Destroyer Droid done in this line but Fett and Vader?  They're sort of competing with the regular 3.75" line only at 3 times the price...they're aimed at collectors but it's a new, untested line when they already had the Unleashed line at the same price point and knew they were a collector favorite.  Why waste time and money on something new like this?

Titanium Worlds:  I'm not sure of the exact name but they appeared at Comic-Con last year and seemed to be re-sculpt (same molds?) as the vintage Micro line and included 2" die-cast metal (I think) figures that looked to be the same as what WOTC is putting out in their minis line.  An odd choice as it competes, somewhat, with the WOTC line, it's out of scale with the Unleashed Battle Packs, Titanium vehicles and everything else Hasbro is putting out.  Who's the market for this?  If it's the same market as the Unleashed BP line is aimed at then they're overloading one small corner of the market.  If they're designed to fit with the WOTC line then why not just have WOTC market them for the game?  I don't get it.  Hasbro seems to be so against bringing back Action Fleet (which even I would like to see come back) yet they keep flirting with things *just* outside the AF scale.

Customs:  Come on...is ANYONE buying these?  I haven't seen any sell here locally that I can speak of.

1-20-2006

Sideshow Collectibles Kit Fisto

Ordered.

I figured I'd order the exclusive this time because, other than the bonus accessory, there were no differences in price or figure by waiting for the general release.  Since he won't be cheaper with fewer accessories, might as well get the exclusive.

And actually, per some guys on the forums, the exclusive sold out in about 25 minutes.  No problems ordering this one or Obi-Wan last time.  I skipped Anakin but ended up buying the regular release later anyway.

1-9-2006

Hasbro gets Marvel License

Not following ToyBiz and Marvel that closely, I hadn't heard about this new licensing deal between Marvel and Hasbro but it looks like it's going to happen in 2007. In 2006 Marvel will be directly producing their own toys instead of ToyBiz.

Hasbro starts in 2007, including Spider-Man 3.  Here's the article for more info.

This popped up in a forum discussion about chase figures and the rumored "Bounty Hunt" figures coming this year from Hasbro. Interesting development for lines like Marvel Legends.  Hasbro can pretty much start fresh with any movie line but it'll be interesting to see what they do with an established collector line like Marvel Legends.  Especially since, in some ways, Hasbro isn't putting anything out that rivals the ML figures in quality and articulation...and certainly not in that price range.

1-6-2006

Sideshow Collectibles Obi-Wan Kenobi

I got back from lunch at 1:20 and got in, ordered Obi and logged off.  It took a couple minutes of refreshing to get the logon panel but not very bad.

Of course RS.com is presently crucifying Sideshow for their lack of bandwidth commitment to the rabid forum rats.  Twelve self-proclaimed "hardcore" collectors have quit collecting altogether, another 20 have given up on 12" Sideshow collecting and 4 more are heading to SS corporate offices with cans of gasoline and BIC lighters...hopefully to set themselves on fire in protest and not to burn the buildings.  Reports that Hasbro is to blame for all this because they sublet the license are due any minute now.  And, obviously, George Lucas is personally responsible for every single problem and difficulty faced by the relentless toy geeks.  Don't even get me started on the scalpers (all tens of them).**

**  I actually can't back up any of those claims except for the crucifying of Sideshow by the forum rats.

1-3-2006

Code 3 News

Vader's TIE is the newest die-cast from Code 3 and it's supposed to come out this month.  They just posted pictures of the signature edition of this ship, signed by James Earl Jones, and the base for it is really cool.

Check out the photos if you haven't seen them yet: 

Vader's TIE Fighter

I don't know if the signature and base is worth an extra $170, but there it is.