Toyguide Update: Samurai Taisho Darth Vader

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The Yakface Toyguide updates resume today as we take a look at the Samurai Taisho Darth Vader figure from Bandai/Tamashii Nation.

PROS: The minute I saw this figure previewed back in June 2014, I knew I had to have it and now that it has arrived, it’s probably my favorite collector item of 2014. The samurai armor has been beautifully merged with the Star Wars aesthetic and the result is an amazing sculpt with ornate details and paint work. The articulation is nearly perfect, allowing collectors to set a wide range of realistic display possibilities and intimidating postures. Accessories are plentiful with 3 additional pairs of hands for gesturing or holding the included katana-like lightsaber and/or hilt.

CONS: Admittedly the style isn’t for everyone, nor is the premium price for essentially a 6″ scale figure.

Head to the toyguide for the full image gallery and to judge for yourself whether this figure is worth adding to your collection.

You can also weigh in with your impressions on the figures we add to our toyguide on Facebook and in our forums.

Update: New 2015 Black Series Wave Info

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Jedi Temple Archives has posted new info for the next few waves of The Black Series 3-3/4″ & 6″ assortments. Some questions are still up in the air but it looks like things are looking clearer as to what to expect in stores and online for 2015. Click on through for the breakdown…

UPDATE: JTA has updated the article to include a more accurate breakout of the 6″ assortment.

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Toyguide Update: Stormtrooper Gold Commemorative Mini Bust (PGM Exclusive)

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The Yakface Toyguide updates resume today as we take a look at the PGM Exclusive Stormtrooper Gold Commemorative Mini Bust from Gentle Giant.

PROS: In commemoration of their 10 years producing Star Wars mini bust and collectibles, Gentle Giant created a special holiday mini bust for Premier Guild Members. They easily could have just repainted/chromed an existing bust, but if I’m not mistaken, this looks to be an all-new sculpt. The gold chrome treatment really glistens under the right lighting conditions and the inclusion of the Mouse Droid with satirical gift tag “To: TK-421, From: Darth Vader” is a nice bonus as well. Did you know there is another version of this bust too? Click on through for the details.

CONS: Price for this piece to PG Members was $100 and it has doubled in most cases in price on most eBay auctions.

Head to the toyguide for the full image gallery and to judge for yourself whether this bust is worth adding to your collection.

You can also weigh in with your impressions on the figures we add to our toyguide on facebook and in our forums.

Target Resets Saga Legends/Rebels Shelf Tags Return

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My local Target completed their Star Wars aisle reset this morning and I noticed the return of the Saga Legends/Rebels shelf tags, which had been missing from many stores over the holidays. It looks like the new planogram calls for 6 pegs of 6″ Black Series, 6 pegs of 3-3/4″ Black Series, 3 pegs of Mission Series and 3 pegs of Saga Legends. While most of the pegs are currently empty, waiting for product to be replenished and the port issue in Long Beach to be resolved, hopefully we’ll see these aisles return to a more inviting status soon.

Hasbro Isn’t Alone In Shipping Delays Due To Port Stoppage

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For weeks and months now, much of Hasbro’s merchandise, Star Wars in particular, has been held up at the Port of Long Beach due to contract negotiations with union workers. Hasbro isn’t alone in this matter either. Click on through to read an email I just received from Sideshow claiming this same delay problem with one of my orders.

Continue reading Hasbro Isn’t Alone In Shipping Delays Due To Port Stoppage