“You can’t stop change any more than you can stop the suns from setting.”
The past 24 hours have been rife with discussion on the advancing progress of Hasbro’s commitment to removing plastic from their packaging by the end of 2022. Yesterday’s Marvel Legends Livestream gave collectors their first official look at the redesigned packaging for several products that incorporate the windowless form factor. Star Wars Black Series collectors can expect something very similar to be implemented this year as well. Last year, we exclusively shared Hasbro-proposed designs for the Black Series and now sights are set on what will happen to the beloved Vintage Collection, Retro Collection and even the 6″ Kenner-style carded Black Series figures.
I think I speak for a large portion (all?) of the collecting community when I make a direct plea to Hasbro and by extension, to Lucasfilm Licensing, to put a merciful end to the piecemeal preorder process of figures from the same wave/case assortment. This request applies to Vintage Collection and Black Series preorders alike.
Here is a list of outstanding preorders (U.S. only) accumulated so far for Vintage Collection, Retro Collection and Black Series items. If you’ve preordered (at least one of) everything, the list is substantial in length and price*.
Recent shipping data shows the arrival of several TVC products on the U.S.: Fan Channel exclusive Lambent Seeker ARC Trooper (Battlefront II), Lando Calrissian (Battlefront II), Walmart exclusive Deluxe Ahsoka Tano & Grogu, Deluxe Boba Fett (The Book of Boba Fett), and the Hasbro Pulse exclusive Shoretrooper 4pk.
Our friend Tim over at Bossk’s Bounty has posted some great in-hand shots of new Vintage Collection exclusives over on his YouTube channel. Head on over to check them out.
The wait is finally over. 10 months have passed since the announcement, but reports are now showing that the Walgreens exclusive Black Series 212th Clone Trooper has finally surfaced in stores. Instagram follower rebeltimmy reports finding his in Michigan as well as twitter follower DarthArmo in Ohio
Some very interesting details have come to me regarding a Deluxe cantina band member coming to the Black Series line. Nalan Cheel from the Modal Nodes will be character 05 in the packaging sequence for A New Hope and it includes quite a bit of extras making that pricepoint feel a bit more warranted.
No word on whether or not it is a retailer exclusive but it is in the same packaging as the current deluxe line and is not a convention exclusive.
