Tag Archives: TBS

Toyguide Update: TBS #02 Clone Trooper Sergeant

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The Yakface Toyguide updates resume today with our next entry in the The Black Series 3-3/4″ line. Today we take a look at the #02 Clone Trooper Sergeant.

PROS: As the first trooper of the Black Series, there is not a whole heck of a lot new here but the execution is decent. Again, like the VC45 version, articulation is abundant allowing the widest range of posing options possible. Accessories are basic with the standard trooper kit of a blaster, rifle and removable helmet.

CONS: A solid figure all around but if there were any nits to pick they would center around the paint apps. To me, the particular shade of green used for the accent seems a bit too dark and should be a bit more yellow in hue – but it’s very close. Finally, I like my clones weathered to show the effects of war.

Head to the toyguide for the full image gallery and to judge for yourself whether this piece 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.

It Begins: Black Series Packaging Variants

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The official kick off of The Black Series hitting retail starts this week and with it comes news of packaging variants (at least in the US so far) for the first wave of 3-3/4″ figures. It appears that the first runs of these figures have a bubble variant where the embossed “wall pattern” is present on the bubble. Our friends at Star Wars Action News confirm this with the photo above. It shows that the Biker Scout, Clone Pilot and Clone Trooper Sergeant are “missing” this detail while the others in the case do. For those keeping track, the date stamps on those figures without the embossing is 31611 and those figures with it have 31261.

Thanks to Johnathan from Star Wars Action News for the assistance.

For a complete gallery of the variants, head over to StarWarsCollector.com

Toyguide Update: TBS #01 Padmé Amidala

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The Yakface Toyguide updates resume today with our first entry and the first figure in the The Black Series 3-3/4″  line – #01 Padmé Amidala

PROS: At first blush, you’d think this was a simple rehash of a prior figure with new parts, but when doing a side-by-side with the TLC/Evolutions figures, you’ll quickly see that this is a new figure from the ground up. A refreshing notion coming off of a nasty drought of quality products. The last version of this scene-specific figure was back in 2002 and it featured that wonky quickdraw (throw the gun across the room) action feature, so finally that one can be retired mercilessly. It is a solid figure all around with a nice sculpt and exacting details. Even the color of the outfit is better and isn’t so stark white as with previous iterations. The “nexu damage” applied to her back is well sculpted and is finished off with bloody scratches.

CONS: Was a total retool really necessary? For all the times that Hasbro sites tooling costs as a prohibitor for new figures, it seems that they could have retooled the torso and one arm to keeps costs in check. The likeness, while good, is a step backward from the previous (TLC) Geonosis outfit figure which looked more like Ms. Portman. One final issue is with the mismatch joint in her right arm . Yikes.

Head to the toyguide for the full image gallery and to judge for yourself whether this piece 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.

Episode 399 Part I: Preview Night and The Black Series

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Today kicks of San Diego Comic-Con International 2013!  On the first part of Star Wars Action News’ coverage join Marjorie and Arnie as they report on Preview Night, with a first-hand look at The Black Series figures in Hasbro’s display, including the new Black Series 6-inch Boba Fett and Han Solo in Carbonite!

Fans have been divided on the new 6-inch series, but Arnie has been excited for the detail and articulation.  Now that the production figures are out, does the excitement last?  Listen and find out!

MP3 / MP4 (Enhanced)

Toyguide Update: SDCC Exclusive 6″ Boba Fett w/Han Solo in Carbonite

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The Yakface Toyguide updates resume today with our first entry for the 6″ Black Series – the SDCC Exclusive 6″ Boba Fett with Han Solo in Carbonite

PROS: In a word. Wow! Hasbro’s inaugural foray into a new scale for Star Wars figures is very impressive. From the sculpt, deco and articulation, the 6″ Boba Fett hits the mark and photography doesn’t do it justice. The paint ops are close to being screen accurate (for the most part) and the added dirty wash to the legs help sell the piece markedly. Proportions of the body are excellent as to where you’d almost think there is an actual human body under the iconic armor. As for the Han in Carbonite accesssory, it too is well sculpted – almost a perfect miniature of the screen prop but the highlight of it is its display options. Hasbro included a two-piece base that allows it to display the block vertically or in a simulated hover position. It’s very cool.

CONS: As amazing as this figure is, it does have 3 strikes against it. First, the large pockets that are molded to the belt are so rigid, that they prevent the ball-jointed hips from being positioned in exaggerated poses. The second is that for such a popular character, it is curious as to why Boba Fett was selected as a convention exclusive. Granted, Boba Fett will make it to the main line at mass retail but the decision by Hasbro raised the hackles of many collectors right out of the gate. Finally, the price – $45 for one figure and a block of hollow plastic seems to be pushing the tolerance scale for some.

Head to the toyguide for the full image gallery and to judge for yourself whether this piece 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.

We’d like to thank Hasbro and Hunter Public Relations for sending the piece to us in advance of San Diego Comic-Con. Keep your eyes peeled here for an announcement when this is available through HasbroToyShop.com