Click on through to check out what’s in stock, available for pre-orders and on clearance at DorksideToys
Discount Stores Clearancing Hasbro Product
TJMaxx and Marshalls stores are marking down the smaller scale vehicles – down from $14.99 to $10.00 (and even $7.00 in some cases).
You know the market isn’t accepting Hasbro’s lineup when discount stores, who already have their prices lower than standard retail, are clearancing Hasbro’s product.
Personal suggestion for Hasbro – Stop making smaller vehicles like these. The lower pricepoint doesn’t matter if everyone already has better versions of these toys. Instead, focus on making new items that haven’t been made before, or improving your product.
And it’s a collective punch in the gut to a large portion of your loyal fanbase to refuse to make dioramas/playsets, yet continue down this failed path with this line of vehicles. It’s bad business too. Just ask the retailers who are unable to move this type of product for a profit.
Episode 407: NYCC 2013
In just a few years New York Comic Con has grown to have attendance second only to the 40-year-old San Diego Comic-Con. This year had big name stars like Sylvester Stallone, Sigourney Weaver, and more signing autographs, perhaps the highest profile autograph stars at any convention. On this week’s Star Wars Action News podcast Marjorie and Arnie report on the Star Wars reveals from Kotobukiya, their exclusive Art-FX+ R2 unit, as well as the other Star Wars collectibles at the con.
But the biggest Star Wars reveals were not at the Javits Center. Hasbro had no presence at NYCC, but they held a private press event the Wednesday before the con and the Star Wars Action News hosts were there. Listen to find out what was revealed, and what wasn’t. Plus find out Hasbro’s answer to “what’s right with Mara Jade?” and news on the notorious Black Series bubble issue.
With an update on all the new toys hitting stores from Johnathan, as well as a Vintage Viewpoint looking back at the Kenner Ewok toys, it’s all on this episode of Star Wars Action News!
A Wolf In Ghost’s Clothing…
It appears that the Ghost from Star Wars Rebels is, to borrow a phrase, ‘more than meets the eye’. Tucked in the back of the Ghost is a smaller fighter called the Wolf which has a very vintage Kenner mini rig feel.
Hasbro, please tell us that you are working on a Ghost/Wolf vehicle release for 2014? My 10 year old inner child is screaming for one!
Thanks to LightsaberRattling for the heads-up.
Q&A Sessions with Hasbro
Our friends at a couple other fan sits were able to get in front of Hasbro last week at NYCC and ask several questions to the Hasbro team.
Check out what Hasbro told our friends at both Jeditemplearchives and Imperialshipyards!
Star Wars Rebels Presentation
Those Rebelscum have updated their coverage of NYCC with a great photo gallery of images and details revealed at the Star Wars Rebels panel. As you’ll see in the slides, there is everything from concepts to finished designs as well as an additional look at the packaging coming for Star Wars Rebels in 2014. Head on over for a closer look.
Toyguide Update: TRU Battle of Geonosis: Jedi Knights (2 of 2)
The Yakface Toyguide updates resume with our next entry for 2013 Vader Collection. Today, we take a look at the second of two Toys”R”Us exclusive Battle of Geonosis: Jedi Knights sets.
PROS: Like the first set we reviewed, this pack is loaded with Jedi that have never been produced before, including the iconic Sarrissa Jeng which is the highest new part count figure from either set. Again, all the Jedi here are 14 POA and have great paint apps (at least for my pack).
CONS: The same holds true for this set as the other pack, the TVC Phase I Clone Trooper sculpt for Commander Ponds would have been great. Paint app quality and consistency vary from set to set, most notably Sarrissa’s hair line so if you’re particular on your deco, you might want to compare sets to find the best representation.
Head to the toyguide for the full image gallery and to judge for yourself whether this set 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.
Rebel Seal Bookends from Gentle Giant
Gentle Giant has just revealed their next design in their continuing bookends series – The Rebel Seal.
Show your support for the Rebel Alliance with the incredible Rebel Seal Bookends!
Digitally sculpted by the master artisans at Gentle Giant Ltd., these unique bookends can be displayed together as a single, striking symbol of light and hope, or used to stylishly store your favorite media! The choice is yours!
These limited edition hand-painted bookends come individually numbered and include a matching certificate of authenticity. Perfect for yourself or that special Rebel Trooper in your life.
Toyguide Update: Death Star Scanning Crew (Kmart Exclusive)
The Yakface Toyguide updates resume with our next entry for the Vintage Collection. Today, next take a look at one of three Kmart exclusives – the Death Star Scanning Crew set.
PROS: Hasbro again develops a great set of Vintage exclusives for the holiday season. A great army building set and nice to get another commissioned officer for the Imperial ranks – in black to boot! Articulation and deco is solid between the two figures and the new head for the officer is a welcome bonus. (Could this be Pol Treidum? – It would make sense to complement TK-421 in the other set.)
CONS: Availability is spotty as of now. Hasbro could/should retire those leg molds for that Imperial Officer due to the wonky knee and ankle joints. Accessories aren’t as astounding as the other set but still necessary to complete the package if you missed out on the prior equipment.
Head to the toyguide for the full image gallery and to judge for yourself whether this set 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.
Star Wars Rebels: The Empire Returns
StarWars.com has updated today with a brand new look at Star Wars Rebels. In the video that debuted at NYCC, your senses will be overloaded with familiar concepts and designs that look to seamlessly bridge the gap between Episode III and IV. Plus, we are introduced to the main villain of the upcoming series – The Inquisitor