Time for some real talk. First off, as of this writing, I have yet to back this campaign. To say I heard a bit about it before the campaign officially launched would be overselling it. I knew of the project itself but not the tiers nor the final price and when the latter was revealed, I clutched my chest and then my wallet.

I spend a lot money and time on Star Wars toys. Normally, a reveal like yesterday’s Haslab TVC Gunship would have me very excited with zero hesitation on backing such a fantastic piece. I think the overall design/size, features, details, deco, and customizable options are excellent – even the tiers are fine as we are all now trained to know that the figures aren’t locked behind this Haslab, just the cardbacks. But that price. ZOINKS! I can’t help but think that if this had lights and sounds included the sticker shock wouldn’t be so intense. Or if it was $50 less ($399) where it psychologically doesn’t cross the $400 threshold, I think they’d have a sure fire hit. Another drawback this has for some is that for a “dream project”, it charts into “been there, done that” waters as many of us have multiple gunships already (granted they are 20+ years old). I think we need to put out of our minds that realistically, the Haslab model can’t only be for never before made items. It takes too many possibilities off the table.

Is this party over before it’s even really started? I don’t think so, but I think this may be the first true test of will for many, including myself, and it could shape future Haslabs and possibly the Vintage Collection line itself if this pulls a Rancor and falls short of its minimum funding goal. We’ll see in September.