Here we are going to take a quick look at the highlights of what was to be seen in Hasbro’s booth on Preview Night at SDCC 2011. There were several new items on display that were rumored, leaked or have been found at retail before their official unveiling here so just pretend to be surprised as you read on…
THE VINTAGE COLLECTION: Basic Figures
Being as it was only preview night, not a lot of new figures for the Vintage Collection were on display but we did get our first peeks (aside from images released from Hasbro week back) at the Rebel Soldier (Echo Base Battle Gear) (VC68), Bastila Shan (VC69) and Ponda Baba (VC70) – that’s Walrus Man to you and me. The loose figures on display looked to be painted hardcopy/prototypes, but still they were darned nice and the carded versions look even better. All three of the new carded figures also displayed the Prototype Boba Fett Mailaway sticker and Bastila Shan’s bubble had an additional sticker calling out that this is a “CHARACTER DEBUT: Never before offer as a figure” release. Joining these new figures on display were TVC waves 5, 6 and 7 just to infuriate those that have yet to see many or any of these figure at retail.
THE VINTAGE COLLECTION: Special Action Figure Sets (TARGET EXCLUSIVES) – Price $19.99
The third round of the Vintage Special Action Figure 3-Packs were officially revealed to the public as well:
– ANDROID SET: containing C-3PO, R2-D2 and Chewbacca (not an android)
– VILLAIN SET: containing Dengar, Imperial Officer and AT-AT Driver
– IMPERIAL FORCES: containing Bossk, IG-88 and Snowtrooper
Like the previous sets, these aren’t meant offer anything “new” per se to the collector, but instead give a nod to their true and far rarer Vintage Kenner counterparts.
MULTI-FIGURE SETS: Star Wars: Republic Commando “Delta Squad” (Toys”R”Us EXCLUSIVE) – Price: $34.99
Rounding the action figures is the Toys”R”Us Exclusive Republic Commando set based off of the video game from a half-dozen years ago. This is the second time Delta Squad has been released in plastic form but here the figures have the benefit of today’s articulation technology. The set comprises of 4 Republic Commando Clones; Boss, Fixer, Scorch, Sev and a Geonosian Warrior.
Watch this space, as another video game-themed pack is probably going to make its debut here at SDCC.
THE VINTAGE COLLECTION: Beasts and Vehicles
Luke Skywalker’s Tauntaun: (TARGET EXCLUSIVE) – Price $16.99
Although we’re still waiting for a new Hoth Luke (I suspect one isn’t too far off of the horizon), the All-new Tauntaun strides into Hasbro’s display booth, though this time it’s Luke’s mount complete with broken horn, removable saddle and reins, Vintage-style packaging and has an attractive MSRP of $16.99.
Luke Skywalker’s Landspeeder: (TARGET EXCLUSIVE) – Price $16.99
The long delayed Landspeeder, makes a return to retail this year, again in a retro/Vintage box. It is simple re-issue of the Saga Toys”R”Us exclusive from 2002 and the new deco really brings back the feel of the 1978/79 version. As the placard says, this too is an exclusive with a yet-to-be-determined retail partner, though if I had to venture a guess I’d say Walmart.
Y-Wing Fighter: (Toys”R”Us EXCLUSIVE) – Price $39.99
The official wrap was taken off the Vintage Y-wing Fighter as well, despite already hitting retail a couple weeks before SDCC. It has a few new features; a reworked cockpit, functional droid socket, retooled front landing gear mechanism and a fresh deco. Well worth the $40 price tag and it comes in a pretty box. (Note to Hasbro: put ALL Original Trilogy merchandise in this packaging. A.) is sell B.) it’s too gorgeous no to do so).
Death Star Trench Run Set (Toys”R”Us Exclusive) – Price: $99.99
This set has been on the rumor radar for a while and, for the most part, it is what most were guessing it would be, but there are some surprises to be had here as well.
Luke’s X-wing at first glance appears to be the same one we been treated to ever since the electronic guts were yanked from the POTF2 FX version. In actuality, there hase been some serious retooling done here especially in the fuselage. The entire “body” of the starfighter is new and features a retractable landing gear with access door, a hidden torpedo launcher, targeting computer (similar to the new Y-wing) removable dashboard and functional droid socket.
Vader’s TIE Advanced x1 is a re-release of prior issues with minor deco changes, if any. (Hey look kids! – Vader can even fit inside! A feature well worth calling out on the packaging.)
This set included reissues of Luke and Battle Damaged R2-D2 from the Walmart Droid Factory Pack from 2008 as well what looks to be the 500th Darth Vader sculpt (which is techincally inaccurate in terms of that sculpt not representing his look in A New Hope).
As for price, it is a fairly large set, an exclusive with new tooling and 3 figures, plan on a little north of $100.
THE CLONE WARS: Basic Figures
Not to be left out, Hasbro has given the Clone Wars line a great representation on the first day with new figures of Chewbacca, R7-D4, Even Piell, Savage Opress (shirtless), Savage Opress (armored) Seripas, Captain Rex (Jetpack), Plo Koon (Snow Gear), Saesee Tiin (Glider), Kit Fisto, (Snow Gear) and the Stealth Op Clone Trooper. Overall, the Clone Wars line continues to improve and impress collectors with each wave with advances in articulation and extra accessories.
THE CLONE WARS: Class 1/Fleet Vehicles
Again, pretty much every thing on display has recently been found at retail or are shipping from online distributors. The highlights of this new assortment are the Y-Wing Bomber, Grievous Attack Cycle, Republic Attack Speeder, Speeder Bike with Castas and the Separatist Droid Speeder. Also on display were some of the older sets like the AT-RT and Freeco Speeder but they too offer a great deal of play value and they come with a figure so they are ready to go out of the box. Can’t ask for more than that. Mysteriously absent from the display were the Boba Fett with Speeder and Obi-Wan sets that were on display at Toy Fair.
THE CLONE WARS: Mandalorian Assault Transport – Price $24.99
Aside from this year’s big draw, the Republic Attack Shuttle, there wasn’t much new for vehicles on display for the Clone Wars line, except for the very cool Mandalorian Assault Transport. Many were surprised that this vehicle was even on Hasbro’s radar, considering it rather limited screen time but they did deliver on a pretty cool ship for the regular vehicle assortment. The Mandalorian Assault Transport can seats 6 figures, has opening canopy, rotating wings, firing missiles and a retracting landing gear.
That’s pretty much it for the notables from day one of SDCC. Not a lot of skirts were blown up by what was on display here as I think the state of collecting right now as put a lot of people put off, but there are some new great things on the way from Hasbro with more to be revealed in the coming days I’m sure. Until then, be sure to follow us right here on Yakface.com, in our forums and follow us on Facebook and Twitter for the latest info as it happens from San Diego.
And be sure to visit all of the SDCC coverage this week at our friends from Galactic Hunter, Jedi Temple Archives, Rebelscum, Sandtroopers and Star Wars Action News!