Monthly Archives: June 2018

Thank you for making our “Droids And Creatures + Two Main Features” look at the vintage Kenner Series 2 figures (the 20/21-Backs) another success. The stories you’re all sharing in addition to the priceless photos you’re adding to the comments are some of the greatest things we have experienced here to date. Keep them coming! If you need to catch up on any reviews, please click any thumbnail below to be taken to the STAR WARS archive.

Admittedly, there has been little to no reason for me to go on toy runs for longer than I can remember at this point, but I did need something at Walmart today (much to my chagrin) and stopped by the toy aisle. I couldn’t believe what I foubnd. Would you like shelf space with your Resistance Tech Rose figures, Walmart? Curious, I stopped at two more local stores where I witnessed these same overbearing pileups. If you look closely, you will also find Rey figures on significant discount too. Hasbro needs to plan future case assortments carefully, and choose the best characters that will appeal to their customer base. Why must this constantly feel like wash, rinse and repeat with every new Disney Star Wars film release?

Hurry! The awesome TVC Weequay figure is in stock on eBay from seller tunghori. Special thanks to JTA reader Mark for the alert!

Brian’s Toys sends in their latest newsletter…

We have continued to work on restock for our loose 3 3/4″ figures and have just added the original Star Wars & ESB C-7, C-8, & C-9 figures.  Be sure to scoop these up fast as we are seeing them go fast!  Check in with us for the coming weeks as we add the ROTJ, POTF, and rare loose non-graded 3 3/4″ vintage figures.  Also hot off the truck are 2 new modern figures Last Jedi C’ai Threnalli and Flametrooper 3 3/4″ action figures.

Hasbro once again updated the Force Link 2.0 application. Who knows if the updates will work this time or not, however. Anyway, new figures are revealed in the application including Han Solo (Mudtrooper), Tobias Beckett, Val (and others), so it might be worth your time to check them out! Special thanks to friend Josh M. for the alert!

The most infamous bounty hunter ever, Boba Fett was an instant success for Kenner simply because of how cool he looked. And almost 40 years later, the character hasn’t lost any of its luster. Check out the very first Boba Fett action figure in our Research Droids Reviews today. Be sure to add your own experiences to the conversation! Reminisce your own childhood stories of this figure in our comments. Share your life-changing vintage Kenner adolescent experiences with us!

I found this image floating on Facebook. It was sourced from another group entirely so as of yet I don’t have the original source for this image. As a big fan of the Star Wars Nerf line (not added to ships…) I think this is a great set. If you look a little closer you may find something else of interest to TVC collectors. A little more to the left… a little more…

We have a special sneak peek first look for you of the Star Wars [Solo] Two-Packs wave 2 sets. The Chewbacca (Mimban)/Han Solo (Mimban) set is more delightful than expected. Both Chewy and Han are filthy just like when they met each other for the first time in the prison pit. The detailing and sculpting have exceeded expectations, all the while covered in mud. The chains are removable, and Chewy comes with an impressive three-piece cannon. The Rebolt/Corellian Hound set is equally intriguing. Hasbro has crafted a beautiful cage for the Corellian Hound with functioning parts and delicate detailing. The Corellian Hound itself comes with excellent articulation including a hinge-jointed jaw. Rebolt is a bit puzzling, but a nice figure nonetheless. He looks part Lobot and Cloud Car Pilot with the regal look and feel of someone on Coruscant. Click any thumbnail below to be taken to that review. Full reviews and additional images coming soon!

Keep checking your local Walmart clearance aisle’s folks. I found the entire wave (bought the Hoth trooper) for $11. This is the first time I had seen the full wave at any Walmart in my area. I’ve seen other reports of people finding them for even less than $11 (no pics, sorry).

I’m in agony. The closer I get to you, the worse it gets. – Anakin

I’ve been thinking lately if people really have no interest in Disney Star Wars or Sequel Trilogy Star Wars action figures. But I think that, no matter what you think of the movies, there are most certainly some action figures that many or even most collectors would like to have. So I came up with a list of top 10 Disney Star Wars figures I would like to see in the Black Series. Click through for the list!

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To be honest, Battle Packs were hit or miss. Ones like the Mandalorian Warrior pack (please send more Mandos) were much more popular than ones like the Battle of Geonosis. Would a few battle packs of articulated figures be a bad thing? At least with these characters, I think a couple battle packs might do us some good. More…

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It’s the last day for most Toys R Us stores. The ones by me closed two days ago. But JTA reader, friend, and former TRU corporate employee Russ T. couldn’t resist purchasing the electronic Radio Flyer Landspeeder when it hit discount during liquidation. Check out the video of Russ on our YouTube channel!

Congratulations are in order for The Last Jedi, which won three Saturn Awards, an award that honors science fiction, fantasy and horror movies. Click through for the winners and further details!

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Let’s switch gears and look at the final Deluxe figure from the Star Wars “Saga” [Phase II] figure, the Spider Droid. See it in our Research Droids Reviews today! Be sure to leave your thoughts in our comments section, vote in the poll or even comment about it on our Facebook page. Click the banner below for the direct link to the review! As always, you can also send your review requests via email if you’d like to see something that we didn’t cover yet.

Solo: A Star Wars Story has a lot of Easter eggs as you probably well know. One of the parts of the movie that may be difficult to get a good long look at the background details is Dryden Voss’ study. Well, luckily for us, Star Wars.com has this amazing video showing off some of the items in his collection. Whew, that Mando armor is hot! Also interesting to note are the references to Legends material. Click through for the full video!

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Now this is really nice! Extreme Sets who are known for their sturdy pop up dioramas made of  cardboard just revealed their Death Star hangar set on Instagram! The set is 1/12 scale, which means it’s for 6 inch figures. This looks like a very affordable alternative (the other extreme sets are something between $45 and $55) to Space Walls. The set includes the hangar bay doors, the bay where C-3PO and R2-D2 try to open the trash compactor doors and a hallway. Are you interested in this set? I think we’ll see this a lot in upcoming YouTube reviews and on Instagram. Thanks to Matthew C. for the tip!

Check out a video tour of the set on Instagram!

JTA sponsor Big Boy Collectibles writes in with their latest news…

Just wanted to let everyone know that the Star Wars The Black Series 6 inch Darth Revan figures are back in stock, along with The Last Jedi C’ai Threnalli 3 3/4 inch 2 pack Exclusive and The Last Jedi First Order Flame Trooper (Firing Pose) 3 3/4-Inch Action Figure – Exclusive. Click below for direct links!

• Darth Revan at Big Boy Collectibles
• Star Wars The Last Jedi C’ai Threnalli 3 3/4 inch 2 pack- Exclusive
• Star Wars The Last Jedi First Order Flame Trooper (Firing Pose) 3 3/4-Inch Action Figure – Exclusive

Speak of the devil! If you’re quick, you can get The Black Series [Phase III] 6″ Dewback And Sandtrooper for $39.97 at Walmart.com. FREE 2-Day shipping ALSO included! Special thanks to JTA reader Tommy W. for the alert!

The JTA readers have voted for their most favorite Star Wars lightsaber duel. The results are in and for a good while it was a close call. But in the end one duel won. Click through for the results and learn what the most popular lightsaber duel is!

Luke vs training remote, probably Luke’s favorite duel

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Star Wars: Rebels Season 4 releases on Blu-ray July 31st! StarWars.com has the full story!

Sold and shipped by Walmart, the Force Link 2.0 set is now 50% off at Walmart.com. Get it for $14.98 if you need Han Solo, the only way to get this figure, sadly. Special thanks to JTA reader Craig F. for the alert!

The Walmart exclusive The Saga Collection Commemorative DVD Collection sets weren’t that great. B ut this one was the best. Let’s finish up with the Luke Skywalker, Emperor Palpatine, R2-D2 And C-3PO (Triumph Of A Jedi) set. It’s the focus of our Research Droids Reviews today! Be sure to leave your thoughts in our comments section, vote in the poll or even comment about it on our Facebook page. Click the banner below for the direct link to the review! As always, you can also send your review requests via email if you’d like to see something that we didn’t cover yet.

The Black Series [Phase III] 6″ Inferno Squadron Agent is only $11.50 at GameStop.com. Special thanks to JTA reader Sam C. for the alert!

BREAKING NEWS! The version of Captain Phasma that should have been available when she was repacked during The Last Jedi is now finally coming as a Toys R Us exclusive (obviously Canada-only at this point). JTA reader Keegan H. found it at his local Ontario store. It remains to be seen what retailer in America will pick up this exclusive. Click the thumbnails below to check out Captain Phasma (Quicksilver Baton).

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Things are looking better and better for the acquisition of 21st Century Fox by Disney. Today the Department of Justice has approved the deal under the condition that Disney sells off 22 of the regional FOX sports networks, which Disney promptly agreed to do (Disney also owns ESPN). Rival Comcast will have an even harder time now, since the 21st Century Fox board believes that a deal with Comcast might be blocked, which is why they are fully committed to the Disney offer.

Read more at Variety.

Sigh. If there were ONE item that 6″ collectors should have supported in full, it would unequivocally be the Dewback and Sandtrooper. 3.75″ super-articulated collectors would die for an update for this. But Walmart has already marked them down to $45, and some have reported lower sale prices. Special thanks to Facebook page 6″ Black Series Collectors for the image.

The Walmart exclusive The Saga Collection Commemorative DVD Collection sets weren’t that great. But some were better than others. Let’s continue with the Han Solo, Chewbacca And Stormtrooper (Captured At Cloud City) set. It’s the focus of our Research Droids Reviews today! Be sure to leave your thoughts in our comments section, vote in the poll or even comment about it on our Facebook page. Click the banner below for the direct link to the review! As always, you can also send your review requests via email if you’d like to see something that we didn’t cover yet.

JTA reader Scott M. has secured the Solo: A Star Wars Story AT-DT. He was inspired to give it a dirty wash and you can check out the results by clicking the thumbnails below.

Gentle Giant has revealed another SDCC exclusive, this time an all-new version of Luke Skywalker (Jedi Knight) Mini Bust.

I think it’s high time to have some fun 🙂 Today I would like to know what your favorite live action lightsaber duel is. Click through for the candidates you can choose from!

Update: it’s a very close call at the moment. Actually, one vote could change the results. So I encourage everyone who hasn’t voted yet to vote! I will announce the winner tomorrow!

This is probably not Emperor Palpatine’s favorite lightsaber duel

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For fans of the series it may be hard to believe, but Star Wars: The Clone Wars will celebrate its 10th anniversary this year. Lucasfilm announced earlier this morning that the Emmy Award winning series and its 10th anniversary will be the focus of a panel at San Diego Comic Con. Click through to read the official press release from Lucasfilm and learn everything you need to know about this exciting announcement!

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Do you want to watch Star Wars: The Last Jedi? If the answer is yes then keep reading. The Last Jedi was just added to Netflix in the United States and is now available to stream for those who want to revisit the film or even watch it for the first time.

A preview for Timothy Zahn’s upcoming novel Thrawn: Alliances, which focuses on Grand Admiral Thrawn and Darth Vader, was released yesterday. Head over to StarWars.com to check out an excerpt from the upcoming novel and get a first look at the San Diego Comic Con exclusive cover that features Anakin Skywalker and Thrawn.

The Walmart exclusive The Saga Collection Commemorative DVD Collection sets weren’t necessary, but some were better than others. Let’s start with the Luke Skywalker, Darth Vader And Obi-Wan Kenobi (3 Generations Of Jedi) set. It’s the focus of our Research Droids Reviews today! Be sure to leave your thoughts in our comments section, vote in the poll or even comment about it on our Facebook page. Click the banner below for the direct link to the review! As always, you can also send your review requests via email if you’d like to see something that we didn’t cover yet.

We have a look at The Black Series [Phase III] Walgreens exclusive General Veers as today’s Visual Guide update. Click below to check out our full guide page, and make sure to stop by and read our full review right here.

The incessant repackaging of The Black Series [Phase III] 6″ figures continues for wave 18 (wave 27). Click through for more.

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Ever since last December something is amiss in the Star Wars Galaxy. And I don’t talk about the movie(s) here, I talk about how Lucasfilm or people who work for them communicate with their fans. Or, as many have noted, with their customers actually. Or are we? There seems to be some dispute about what exactly the relationship is between Lucasfilm and the people who buy tickets for one of their movies. On the weekend a writer for the official Star Wars website offered her point of view on Twitter. And according to her Star Wars fans are not customers of Lucasfilm after all? Click through to read more!

You’re not my customers!

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NEW PHOTOS ADDED! You saw our sneak peeks a while back, but let’s look at The Black Series [Phase III] General Veers exclusive figure a little more closely. It’s pretty dang sweet. Find out why you’ll want at least one in our Research Droids Reviews today! Be sure to leave your thoughts in our comments section, vote in the poll or even comment about it on our Facebook page. Click the banner below for the direct link to the review! As always, you can also send your review requests via email if you’d like to see something that we didn’t cover yet.

Cover art for the Target exclusive Solo 4k Blu-Ray has been revealed. With the exclusive edition you will also get a 40 page art booklet. Apparently the release comes with three discs and some exclusive bonus features. Not much more is known at the moment. Click through for the full cover and a photo of what’s inside case!

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The Black Series [Phase III] Stormtrooper (Mimban) 6″ figure’s product page is now set up on Walmart.com. Special thanks to JTA reader Sam for the alert! Don’t forget you can see our full Photo Galery and Review right now in our RDRs!

Hasbro still hasn’t given us a modern update of the vintage Kenner Power Droid, although, interestingly, they’ve given us a modern update to the character featured on this figure’s card back art. Let’s check out the vintage Kenner Power Droid figure. It’s another fantastic droid for the STAR WARS line. Relive your memories of the original Kenner Star Wars figures with other collectors in our Research Droids Reviews today. Be sure to add your own experiences to the conversation! Reminisce your own childhood stories of this figure in our comments. Share your life-changing vintage Kenner adolescent experiences with us!

It’s astounding to me how poorly the Legacy Pack sold across all retail levels. It feels like it sold as badly as the 6″ Special Force TIE Fighter. And now as Toy R Us gets ready to close its doors forever, MORE cases from the warehouse are arriving at 60-%-80% off. It’s the only way to get the 40th anniversary Darth Vader (in the vintage Kenner line look). How did this not sell better than it did? I have never seen something so collector-friendly pile up at retail as this release did. And I have been collecting the modern line since 1995. Again, nothing has piled up like this set in my experience. Hasbro isn’t grabbing the right group of collectors with this stuff.

If you’re fortunate to have a liquidated Toys R Us store still open near you, you might want to check out the latets discounts. My local store had a half dozen Rogue One AT-ACTS in stock and with all of the promotions and discounts in effect it came down to $44.99 before taxes. It was certainly worth that price to secure the exclusive figures that will never be re-released from it.

We have a full review of the Lenovo Star Wars: Jedi Challenges Augmented Reality game. Powered by a smartphone and the Lenovo Mirage AR headset, you can actively do battle as a Jedi, control forces in a strategy game, and play holochess… all from your living room floor. Click through as we break down this kit from top to bottom and let you know exactly what you can expect from a fun and creative game. 

Steve Evans, via Hasbro Pulse’s Instagram page is soliciting questions fans made have with regards to The Vintage Collection. He will personally choose which questions get answered, so be sure to ask yours! They want to have an open channel for questions.

The Chewbacca (Mimban)/Han Solo (Mimban) and Rebolt/Corellian Hound Two-Pack sets from the Solo: A Star Wars Story line are available to order on eBay. That cage for e hound is pretty cool! The other figures look pretty fantastic as well. Special thanks to JTA reader DRIFTGEAR for the alert!

Next up is the vintage Kenner Death Star Droid figure. This is another great droid for the STAR WARS line, but is it supposed to be the droid from the Jawa sandcrawler, or the one from the Death Star? Relive your memories of the original Kenner Star Wars figures with other collectors in our Research Droids Reviews today. Be sure to add your own experiences to the conversation! Reminisce your own childhood stories of this figure in our comments. Share your life-changing vintage Kenner adolescent experiences with us!

Sideshow Collectibles has the all-new Anakin Skywalker (Dark Side) Sixth Scale figure up for pre-order. Click here for the pre-order page and full gallery. It also comes with a pretty amazing lava mining droid display stand!

Brian’s Toys checks in with their latest newsletter…

Brian’s Toys has just received 2 rare pieces that we are excited to share!  French Meccano 12 Back Chewbacca and Leia.  These hard to find items we have priced at $9,999.99.  Reach out to [email protected] if you had any specific questions about these.  Also this week is a huge price drop on the Black Series Darth Revan from $89.99 to $28.99!

JTA reader Jamie D. has found the USA TARGET exclusive TBS6 [P3] Gamorrean Guard at Canada’s EB Games shop. He writes “I got lucky and snagged one today (most stores only getting a few, and most went to pre-orders). $44.99 or $40.49 with their loyalty card.” For those of you not aware, these should be hitting the first week in July at TARGET in the USA. As always, you can check out our review on this figure HERE. You can also stalk TARGET’s product page for this item so you can get it when it comes in stock!

There is another great lot of The Black Series [Phase III] 3.75″ figures on eBay. This time for the Emperor’s Royal Guard. Check it out!

You can pre-order The Black Series [Phase III] Force FX Z-6 Riot Control Baton from Amazon. It has an August 1st availability date. (A lot is being released in August FYI.) You can also check out new images of the products on Amazon as well. Special thanks to JTA reader and friend Danny R. for the alert

It’s now time to check out the vintage Kenner R5-D4 figure. This is another great droid for the STAR WARS line. We hope you relive your memories of the original Kenner Star Wars figures with other collectors in our Research Droids Reviews today. Be sure to add your own experiences to the conversation! Reminisce your own childhood stories of this figure in our comments. Share your life-changing vintage Kenner adolescent experiences with us!

JTA has partnered with Lenovo to spread the word about their new Augmented Reality game Star Wars: Jedi Challenges. To kick things off with their campaign, they are having a contest over in their forums to win 2 Star Wars Funko POP! figures. Join the Star Wars: Jedi Challenges community and submit a photo of your best Jedi fighting pose.  Full details right here. They sent us one of their sets to try out so stay tuned for our full review coming soon!

It looks like TARGET is beginning to lose interest in their awesome Return Of The Jedi Force LInk three-pack. JTA moderator Sjefke has found them on clearance today. Your mileage may vary.

We have learned that solid case packs of The Black Series [Phase III] Darth Revan figure are arriving to online retailers. It won’t be long now!

Sideshow Collectibles has their all-new Obi-Wan Kenobi Premium Format Figure up for pre-order. Click here for the pre-order page.

Here’s another instant army of 3.75″ The Black Series [Phase III] Scarif stormtroopers for you. These will also probably go pretty quick.

Do you know why this figure is so important to me? Then be sure to check out the vintage Kenner Luke Skywalker: X-Wing Pilot figure. We’re thrilled to get back to the vintage Kenner line once again! Relive your memories of this great vintage Kenner Star Wars figure with other Star Wars collectors in our Research Droids Reviews today. Be sure to add your own experiences to the conversation! Reminisce your own childhood stories of this figure in our comments. Share your life-changing vintage Kenner adolescent experiences with us!

Collider reports that Lucasfilm has put all future stand alone Star Wars movies on hold (which basically means they have been canceled for now). An Obi-Wan movie was in active development, but the people who worked on the movie are no longer involved.
According to Collider Lucasfilm will put all their efforts into Episode IX and after that we’ll get the new trilogy, but apparently no more Star Wars stand alone movies for now.

What do you think about all that? Solo is a huge flop, unfortunately, but was it wise to put all the other stand alone movies on hold?  Is this the beginning of the end? Thanks to all the people who reported this development!

UPDATE: Now ABC News has an article on their website. Lucasfilm reached out to ABC News and told them that the Collider information is inaccurate, that there are still multiple Star Wars movies in development which haven’t been announced yet. So is there hope for an Obi-Wan movie after all? Why can’t Lucasfilm just make an official announcement on the official Star Wars channel or website and tell fans what to expect.

Twenty-First Century Fox, has accepted a new offer from Disney, which included a higher per share offer of $38 per 21CF share versus the prior offer of $28 per share that Disney offered in December 2017. Are we one step closer to seeing the unaltered Original Trilogy on Blu-ray? (more….)

It’s time to finish up the Revenge Of The Sith Battle Arenas line. We’ll conclude with the Sidious Vs Mace set. It’s the focus of our Research Droids Reviews today! Be sure to leave your thoughts in our comments section, vote in the poll or even comment about it on our Facebook page. Click the banner below for the direct link to the review! As always, you can also send your review requests via email if you’d like to see something that we didn’t cover yet.

Star Wars has been a global phenomenon since 1977. Millions of fans enjoy the movies and play with the toys. But how does Star Wars actually make money? Movies? Toys? And it’s also time to take a closer look at the fandom, as there are several distinct groups of fans, and each group has different needs and wishes. How does all that align with what Lucasfilm, Hasbro and EA have on offer? The ultimate puprose of this article is to start a discussion about just that: what do we all want? Click through for details!

A New Hope

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tunghori has restocked a bunch of great figures, including Rey (Island Journey) from The Vintage Collection.

Let’s continue to look at the Revenge Of The Sith line where we’re focusing on the Battle Arenas. Next up is the Dooku Vs Anakin set. It’s the focus of our Research Droids Reviews today! Be sure to leave your thoughts in our comments section, vote in the poll or even comment about it on our Facebook page. Click the banner below for the direct link to the review! As always, you can also send your review requests via email if you’d like to see something that we didn’t cover yet.

Darth Maul was a formidable warrior and scheming mastermind. He wielded an intimidating double-bladed Lightsaber and fought with a menacing ferocity. Though he fell in battle against Obi-Wan Kenobi, the Zabrak from Dathomir would prove to be much harder to destroy than originally believed.

Darth Maul is the twelfth coin release in the Star Wars Classic collection. These dramatic limited-edition coins feature the Sith villain in Star Wars: The Phantom Menace. Click through for more details…

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Star Wars Plastic Playsets has revealed pictures of an amazing 3D designed playset. Based on the Bespin scenes from The Empire Strikes Back (your favorite Star Wars), it features the carbon freezing chamber (obviously), a bespin hallway, an “I am your father” bridge, and several other features. Click through for more!

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Gentle Giant is continuing their tradition of SDCC exclusive McQuarrie Concept mini busts, with this year’s release to be Yoda. Click here for the product page (note: you may need to be logged in to see the product page). 

Hasbro Toy Shop has added all three SDCC exclusive products pages to their site. They’ve also added an availability date: August 13, 2018.

Aphra set is SOLD OUT!

The results for the 2018 Jedi Temple Archives movie poll are in! Thanks to all of you who participated! So, how do the movies rank among the collectors here on JTA? Click through for the results!

And the award goes to…

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Lucasfilm’s Pablo Hidalgo tweeted a comment that suggests that kids see plastic action figures as ‘punishment toys’ because it’s what they have left to play with once their electronic devices are taken away from them. This is not his original thought. He’s relaying something from a conversation he had with a toy executive. He then made a comparison that handing a kid a 3.75″ action figure today is like someone pushing a wooden milk truck toy on us when we were growing us with the vintage Kenner Star Wars line. Do you agree with his comment? I think poor character selection, heavy focus on Sequel Trilogy characters (that are boring action figures for the most part) have hurt the Star Wars brand. And lets’ not forget about the incessant poorly chosen repacks. It rarely seems that the people with the most influence never step up to the plate to admit that some of their ideas aren’t working. I am not in denial that today’s kids aren’t into action figures like we were, but if there were cool aliens and droids heavily throughout the lines, it might help things along. Also, why are parents “rewarding” playtime by letting these children play with action figures when they’re being punished? (But that’s really a topic for another day.) Let us know your thoughts in the comments.

We have been hammering Hasbro for years for this. But could a new Max Rebo Band set be coming in The Vintage Collection? Might we actually be getting our puppet version of Sy Snootles finally? Well, we have no proof, but Steve Evans randomly posted a picture of his vintage Kenner Max Rebo commenting “Oh dear. It really looks like I need to get a new blue.” They would make fabulous additions for The Khetanna! Take it as you wish! Special thanks to JTA reader Mark B. for the “tip”!

Let’s move to the Revenge Of The Sith line where we’ll be looking at the Battle Arenas. First up is the Bodyguard Vs Obi-Wan set. It’s the focus of our Research Droids Reviews today! Be sure to leave your thoughts in our comments section, vote in the poll or even comment about it on our Facebook page. Click the banner below for the direct link to the review! As always, you can also send your review requests via email if you’d like to see something that we didn’t cover yet.

We’re thrilled to provide you with exclusive FIRST LOOK images of the Solo: A Star Wars Story line look TIE Fighter. JTA reader Sergio R. has found this product at retail in his home country of Mexico. It has yet to be officially announced by Hasbro, although revealed at an international trade show earlier this year. Check out the images by clicking the thumbnails below.

Jedi Temple Archives wishes all of our readers who are fathers a very Happy Father’s Day! Keep raising your sons and daughters with the joy of Star Wars!

We’re finishing up the Commemorative Trilogy DVD Collection sets from The Original Trilogy Collection. Let’s check out the Darth Vader, Emperor Palpatine And Stormtrooper pack. Learn more in our Research Droids Reviews today! Be sure to leave your thoughts in our comments section, vote in the poll or even comment about it on our Facebook page. Click the banner below for the direct link to the review! As always, you can also send your review requests via email if you’d like to see something that we didn’t cover yet.

A word from JTA sponsor Brian’s Toys…

We just received a shipment from AFA of carded figures that will be sure to catch your eye this week!  The most impressive piece is the C-3PO 12 Back Candian figure which is fairly rare!  Along with these AFA figures, we have added some non-graded playsets, vehicles, and figures that are ready to ship!  Be sure to check out our eBay auctions ending in the next 1-2 days that include a great variety of Gentle Giant items.

Check out the newsletter at brianstoys.com now!

The Vintage Collection Rogue One Imperial Combat Assault Tank pre-orders opened up on Amazon. It has an MSRP of $79.99 and is Prime eligible. Special thanks to JTA reader Mike R. for the notification. It has an August 1st approximate availability.

If you’re interested, the Forces Of Destiny Ahsoka Tano figure is back in stock at Hasbro Toy Shop. Special thanks to JTA reader Mark for the alert!

If you’re interested, The Vintage Collection First Order Stormtrooper is $8.99 with Prime on Amazon. Interestingly, this is the only figure piling up at my local TARGET stores. Special thanks to vikingrobot for the tip!

We’ll get back to vintage Kenner figures shortly, but let’s continue to catch up on some The Original Trilogy Collection multipacks. Next up is the Han Solo, Princess Leia And Chewbacca Commemorative Trilogy DVD Collection set. It’s the best of the three released in 2004. Learn more in our Research Droids Reviews today! Be sure to leave your thoughts in our comments section, vote in the poll or even comment about it on our Facebook page. Click the banner below for the direct link to the review! As always, you can also send your review requests via email if you’d like to see something that we didn’t cover yet.

We have an exclusive FIRST LOOK at The Black Series [Phase III] Walgreens exclusive General Veers 6″ figure. The figure is incredible. It heavily borrows parts from 2018’s TBS6 [P3] Grand Moff Tarkin (63) figure, but has plenty of newness as well to keep things interesting. This is a must-have figure as far as we’re concerned. And it’s probably one of worst choices to be a retailer exclusive after Zuckuss. This has “mainstream market” written all over it. We have a complete review and photo gallery for you to check out. We’d love you to leave your own thoughts about this figure in the comments at the bottom of the review! Click the images below to be taken to the full review.

Hot Toys is showing some Prequel love with both Count Dooku and Yoda Sixth Scale Attack of the Clones pre-orders! Click below for each pre-order page

Solo has been in theaters for some weeks now, time for a fun JTA survey where you can rank all the live action Star Wars movies! Click through to post your list!

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Wow! After all these years we are finally getting a high-end sixth scale Count Dooku figure, and masterfully done too! Click here for the full gallery on the Hot Toys Facebook page. 

You can pre-order all of the Darth Revan wave of The Black Series [Phase III] figures at Entertainment Earth. But you can click the image below to order Darth Revan!

JTA reader Frank H. has found anew type of Chewbacca mask at his local retailer: a furry one. Check it out, it’s pretty cool. It’s a shame. It feels like this arrived a bit too late as Solo fizzles at the box office.

Pre-orders are open for the Imperial Combat Assault Tank. You can order yours at Entertainment Earth for $79.99.

A new vehicle from Solo: A Star Wars Story has shown up on eBay and if you’re so inclined you can order one too! The Imperial AT-DT Walker looks pretty cool!

We’ll get back to vintage Kenner figures shortly, but let’s change pace and catch up on some The Original Trilogy Collection multipacks. First up is the Luke Skywalker, Obi-Wan Kenobi, C-3PO And R2-D2 Commemorative Trilogy DVD Collection set. It’s a hot mess. Learn more in our Research Droids Reviews today! Be sure to leave your thoughts in our comments section, vote in the poll or even comment about it on our Facebook page. Click the banner below for the direct link to the review! As always, you can also send your review requests via email if you’d like to see something that we didn’t cover yet.

The Black Series [Phase III] Stormtrooper (Mimban) 6″ figure is back on eBay for $19.99 and low shipping!

Check out the latest Premium Format offering from Sideshow Collectibles: Obi-Wan Kenobi. 

As you know, we’re checking out the original Star Wars figures in our Research Droids Reviews. So many fantastic licensees have already produced beautiful collector’s items based on the original vintage Kenner figures (with their ‘mistakes’ and all). Funko, Gentle Giant LTD and others have replicated the vintage Kenner figures in their own styles. Throughout the fantastic discussions we’ve had in these reviews, the topic of the original 20-Back prototypes surfaced. We have found an image online that features all of them (except for Boba Fett but we would include him in this idea as well). How would you feel if Hasbro made a boxed set of vintage Kenner prototypes? The figures could be direct replicas, or they could be super-articulated with their screen-inaccurate features and all. Let us know in the comments!

Hasbro Toy Shop has added a product page for the Starkiller Base The Black Series [Phase III] Centerpiece set. Check it out!

If you’re interested, Walmart.com has the STAR WARS Attack Of The Clones Digital Release Commemorative Collection Box Set of 3.75″ 5POA figures set on sale for $5.99 with FREE SHIPPING. If you’re not aware of this set, the Super Battle Droid is a pretty solid figure. Jango Fett isn’t half bad at all either. Special thanks to JTA reader Craig. F. for alerting us to this great online deal!

UPDATE: Some readers have reported problems with this third party seller. In this interest of erring on the side of caution, we have removed links to this Walmart listing. We have reached out to Walmart and they assured us all orders are safe. If orders aren’t fulfilled then you won’t be charged for this. We will keep you posted of any updates.

Hasbro Toy Shop has the sought after 4-LOM 6″ figure IN STOCK! Special thanks to friend Russ T. for the alert!!

The vintage Kenner Walrus Man figure is very far off from the onscreen character of Ponda Baba. But do you care? Relive your memories of this great cantina alien with other original Star Wars collectors in our Research Droids Reviews today. Be sure to add your own experiences to the conversation! Reminisce your own childhood stories of this figure in our comments. Share your life-changing vintage Kenner adolescent experiences with us!

Here’s an instant army of 3.75″ The Black Series Scarif stormtroopers for you, coming in at around $12 each. I wouldn’t hesitate, these will probably go pretty quick. 

Here are the official PRESS IMAGES of the SDCC reveals from Hasbro shown on Entertainment Weekly earlier today. Check them out on our Facebook page. Click through for the full PRESS RELEASE too.

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If you’re quick, Walmart.com has a couple of Mimban Stormtroopers left! Special thanks to Craig F. for the alert!

BREAKING NEWS! Hasbro has revealed via Entertainment Weekly new SDCC convention exclusives from The Black Series [Phase III] line including a Rey/Kylo Ren Centerpiece diorama set and a Han Solo (Bespin) with mynock set. Check them out!

Some new details have been revealed about the sequel trilogy that George Lucas would have made, had he not sold the company to Disney. The picture below gives you a hint. Click through for more!

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The Walt Disney Company and 21st Century Fox stockholders will both vote on the merger of the two companies on July 10th, as reported by Forbes. Some major shifts in the US entertainment industry are happening at the moment. And whoever doesn’t find someone to buy or merge with may well be left behind in the long run. The AT&T and Time Warner merger was just approved the other day. That leaves Comcast, they don’t have much time left to snatch Fox away from Disney. The boards of both Disney and Fox have already agreed on the merger. That leaves the stockholders. Their votes will decide. Would you like the Disney & Fox merger to go through? Disney would finally have the distribution rights for all of the Star Wars movies.

You’d be silly to ignore the many things about the modern state of collecting that are devastating the line. Examples like collectors waiting as if they’re vultures for Hasbro stuff to go on clearance at Walmart and TARGET. And seeing Toys R Us’ merchandise that was clearanced out by competitors MONTHS ago sit and collect dusts on shelves are just some of the issues that don’t go away. Granted, Toys R Us has been foolish. They never were competitive with promotional prices and their clearance timing was the worst. But, see the image below. While anecdotal, it paints a broad picture of what is wrong with the Star Wars line. I could beat a dead horse here, but it’s clear to say that there is too much focus on certain Star Wars Entertainment that Star Wars fans aren’t supporting and buying. I have similar pile-ups at my local Toys R Us stores, albeit different products, but the same principles apply. Until the Hasbro line gets back to basics, we’re going to continue seeing these trends. And with Toys R Us gone, it means that either less volume will be produced, or the remaining retailers will be overstocked next. And I don’t think Walmart and TARGET will ever buy another bridge again when it comes to Star Wars. Their current stock levels are so low now that it’s almost impossible to find anything new there any way (except for the same repeated figures that shouldn’t have been reissued). It seems the Star Wars line is being forced into online oblivion. I am at a loss how this Titanic can be turned around. Special thanks to JTA Facebook reader Todd L. for the image!

Entertainment Earth has the former Walmart exclusive The Black Series [Phase III] 3.75″ Elite Praetorian Guard IN STOCK for $12.99 each! Thanks to all who wrote in about this tip. If you need this figure, now is the time!

Is the vintage Kenner Snaggletooth figure supposed to be Zutmore or Takeel? You may be surprised to learn that evidence exist for making both cases. Or is Snaglgletooth an amalgamation of both of those characters thanks to poor reference images? Discover the nuances of this perplexing figure in our Research Droids Reviews today. Be sure to add your own experiences to the conversation! Reminisce your own childhood stories of this figure in our comments. Share your life-changing vintage Kenner adolescent experiences with us!

JTA moderator Sjefke is thrilled to find a $5 Rathtar set at his local Walmart on clearance, but this speaks volume. It speaks volumes how poorly case assortments are treated. How this item was repackaged for Force Link 2.0 is beyond comprehension. A simple visit to any retail establishment would have proven that it was the last set to repackage. Here we are in June 2018, and both Force Link 1.0 and Force Link 2.0 sets are piling up. They might as well start giving these away like Oprah gave away cars on that landmark episode of her show.

eBay seller tunghori has listed the super-rare Jaina Solo once again as well as figures that haven’t been in stock for some time Special thanks to JTA reader Thomas P. for the alert again!

Hasbro Toy Shop’s eBay store has listed a bunch of new products. With low minimums, most of their stuff ships for FREE.

JTA reader Ken alerts us to a confirmed listing of the Toys R Us exclusive Force Link 2.0 5-Pack (on their Canadian website). As you know, this item showed up in Japan recently. And now for North America remains in limbo with the death of Toys R Us.

June is “Droids And Creatures + Two Main Features” month for the vintage Kenner figures reviews. So let’s look at a new creature: Hammerhead. It’s one of Kenner’s finest figures. Learn more and enter our Research Droids Reviews and be sure to add your own experiences to the conversation! Reminisce your own childhood stories of this figure in our comments. Share your life-changing vintage Kenner adolescent experiences with us!

Ever since the new wave of Star Wars movies were released fans have been debating about the new characters, the heroes and the villains – but it is especially Rey who is scrutinized and sometimes unfairly criticized as being a Mary Sue. However, there’s still this feeling by quite a few fans that Rey lacks something. Or does she? And if she does, what is it? Click through for a closer look at Star Wars heroes!

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Yahoo! News has posted an article where they quote Ron Howard as saying he feels bad that Solo: A Star Wars Story is losing money and underperforming at the box office.

“I’m proud of #SoloAStarWarsStory and the cast & crew worked hard to give fans a fun new addition,” he tweeted in response to a fan theorizing that backlash to “The Last Jedi” is partially to blame. “As a director I feel badly when people who I believe (& exit polls show) will very likely enjoy a movie… don’t see it on a big screen w/great sound.” READ MORE HERE.

I have just recently come across a fantastic article (which was originally published in March of this year) that features 50 behind the scenes polaroid photos from the sets of Star Wars Episode VI: Return Of The Jedi. There are some tremendous images in this batch, and I highly suggest if you’re a big fan of the film to check it out.

As we advertised, June is “Droids And Creatures + Two Main Features” month when it comes to the vintage Kenner figures reviews. It’s just a fancy way of saying that we’re looking at the 20/21-Backs from 1979. Let’s begin with Greedo, which is a personal favorite for MANY collectors. Learn more and enter our Research Droids Reviews and be sure to add your own experiences to the conversation! Reminisce your own childhood stories of this figure in our comments. Share your life-changing vintage Kenner adolescent experiences with us!

eBay seller tunghori has listed the Walmart exclusive The Vintage Collection Rey (Island Journey) figure. If you’re interested, here is your chance. As you may recall, we reviewed this great figure HERE if you need some persuasion. Thanks to all who wrote in about this new listing.

Let’s switch gears and check out The Force Awakens Finn (Jakku)/Chewbacca/Poe Dameron/Kylo Ren/First Order Stormtrooper Officer/First Order TIE Fighter Pilot TARGET exclusive 12-Inch Figure six-pack. It’s not great. Learn more in our Research Droids Reviews today! Be sure to leave your thoughts in our comments section, vote in the poll or even comment about it on our Facebook page. Click the banner below for the direct link to the review! As always, you can also send your review requests via email if you’d like to see something that we didn’t cover yet.

Who still cannot go to Toys R Us or ROSS without seeing an inordinate amount of The Force Awakens product on store shelves? The stuff is so old and unsellable that it’s literally rotting on shelves. Look at how this Flametrooper figure is discoloring right before our eyes.

The Verge reports that a new Star Wars game was announced earlier today at E3. The game is titled “Jedi: Fallen Order” and is developed by Respawn (they also made the Titanfall games). Respawn was acquired by EA in December 2017. This will be their first Star Wars game. Click through for a few more details!

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I’ve been a fan of holeintheground productions’ work for quite some time. Most recently they have put a gorgeous 3.75″ scale Emperor’s throne up for sale. Thanks to Scott M. for pointing us in their direction. And we agree… A new Emperor who can sit in this throne would be wonderful!! Do you have any pieces from them in your dioramas? Let us know in the comments!

We are finishing up looking at the “POTC” figures, and this is one of the best. Check out Darth Vader (Death Star Hangar) in our Research Droids Reviews today! Be sure to leave your thoughts in our comments section, vote in the poll or even comment about it on our Facebook page. Click the banner below for the direct link to the review! As always, you can also send your review requests via email if you’d like to see something that we didn’t cover yet.

The ADORABLE Mos Eisley Cantina plush set is IN STOCK at Walmart online. I picked this set up at my local Walmart recently and it is literally one of the greatest things I have purchased so far this year. Special thanks to JTA reader Craig for the alert!

tunghori has ONE Jaina Solo left loose for $49.99. Thanks to JTA reader Craig for the alert!

Brian’s Toys checks in with their latest newsletter…

This weekend will be your last chance to save 25% on select Rouge One, Force Awakens, 40th Anniversary, and Last Jedi  select items.  We have also added some really cool artwork that will look good with the collection, in the office, or would be a great gift!  We have also added more modern AFA items and  boxed and loose vintage Star Wars.  Be sure to contact [email protected] about any questions you might have!  May the force be with you!

Sideshow Collectibles has the pre-order page live for the newly announced and amazing looking Hot Toys Patrol Trooper. Click here to order!

If you’re quick, you can get the Stormtrooper (Mimban) 6″ figure for retail price on eBay! Special thanks to JTA reader Thomas P. for the alert!

UPDATE: eBay is sending out notices that this is from a compromised account. Your transactions have been cancelled, but it might be worth logging into your PayPal account and cancelling the transaction yourself.

First numbers for The Last Jedi Blu-Ray sales have been released. How do sales for the movie compare to both The Force Awakens and Rogue One? Click through for a closer look!

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Hot Toys has just revealed an Imperial Patrol Trooper! Check out the gallery on Facebook!

Let’s continue to go back in time and check out some figures from The [Post] Original Trilogy Collection. Next up is Luke Skywalker (Dagobah Training) (’05 #9) figure which may have been the smartest re-release of all. Find out more in our Research Droids Reviews today! Be sure to leave your thoughts in our comments section, vote in the poll or even comment about it on our Facebook page. Click the banner below for the direct link to the review! As always, you can also send your review requests via email if you’d like to see something that we didn’t cover yet.

The cover for the Best Buy exclusive Blu-Ray Steelbook for Solo has been revealed. Click through for the full cover!

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You know, I am not a fan of novelty stuff like this, but because I loved Solo: A Star Wars Story so much and it has birthed new hope in my soul for the Star Wars franchise, I couldn’t resist picking up the Wind-Up Fight Droids set from Shop Disney. These are definitely in the 6″ scale range. These might actually be in the 3.75″ scale range. Hasbro MUST make these in the 3.75″ range too. Or let’s hope that at least Disney Parks’ Droid Factory line picks them up! Check out our photo gallery on our Facebook page. You can order these HERE if you’re interested too. These are HIGH-QUALITY toys for only $9.95.

Fellow UK collectors might want to hit their local The Entertainer store as they have just got 3.75” TBS [P3] in for £11.25. JTA reader Chris M. from the UK is very pleased with this haul. And we thank him for this report!

Sorry! We had to trigger our friends at BanthaSkull.com again. Hurry! 4-LOM is showing as able to order for $19.99 on Amazon yet again. Good luck! Special thanks to Matthew S. for the alert!

We all need a good hearty laugh sometimes, right?

This is what Black Series exclusives mean to people not living in the USA. It’s a laugh.

*that is $59

Robot Kingdom is taking pre-orders for the unannounced but long-awaited Walgreen exclusive General Veers 6″ figure Awesome! Special thanks to JedRebel71 and elfcreative for the alerts!

Hasbro Toy Shop has already added a placeholder page for the exciing new Doctor Aphra Special Action Figure Set! Check it out! Special thanks to JTA reader Frank H. for the alert!

Let’s continue to go back in time and check out some figures from The [Post] Original Trilogy Collection. Next up is Yoda (Dagobah Training) (’05 #16) figure. It’s just a repack, but find out more in our Research Droids Reviews today! Be sure to leave your thoughts in our comments section, vote in the poll or even comment about it on our Facebook page. Click the banner below for the direct link to the review! As always, you can also send your review requests via email if you’d like to see something that we didn’t cover yet.

Father’s Day is less than two weeks away! Haven’t gotten a gift for dad yet? No worries – Star Wars Authentics has some fantastic deals on autographs and photos! This week only – Save 30% on all official Star Wars photos!

• Whether your dad is a fan of the classic OT saga, the prequels, or the new trilogy, we’ve got him covered!
• Even new photos from Solo: A Star Wars Story on sale with over 100 photos available!
• Also, save up to 50% off Star Wars Authentics autographs!

JTA reader Agustin has sent us news that the Julio Cepeda toy store in Monterrey, México (which had tons of TBS6 [40th Anniversary] figures last year), now has at least 30 Commander Gree figures for USD $28. This is a strange sight for American collectors who have barely witnessed this figure hit.

If you still need the beautiful The Black Series [Phase III] 6″ Grand Moff Tarkin figure, it’s IN STOCK at TARGET.com! Special thanks to JTA readers Mark and Sam C. for the alerts!

Hurry! 4-LOM is showing as able to order for $19.99 on Amazon yet again. Good luck! Special thanks to friend Russ T. for the alert!

Let’s continue to go back in time and check out some figures from The [Post] Original Trilogy Collection. Next up is Chewbacca (Hoth Escape) (’05 #15) figure. It’s just a repack, but find out more in our Research Droids Reviews today! Be sure to leave your thoughts in our comments section, vote in the poll or even comment about it on our Facebook page. Click the banner below for the direct link to the review! As always, you can also send your review requests via email if you’d like to see something that we didn’t cover yet.

Solo was a great film. It was a fun movie to watch. One thing that it did very well was the dense and diverse population of each planet and cantina visited throughout the story. Click through to see how we think Hasbro should take advantage of this new treasure-trove of characters in The Vintage Collection…

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Actress Kelly Marie Tran, who portrayed Rose in The Last Jedi, has left social media. She completely deleted her Instagram account, which had almost 200 thousand followers, and only left a short bio: “Afraid, but doing it anyway”. Click through for more!

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Hurry! 4-LOM is showing as able to order for $19.99 on Amazon yet again. Good luck! Special thanks to JTA reader Duane K. for the alert!

What a coincidence! My logic was right on the money! Hasbro reveals via io9 that there will be a The Vintage Collection Special Action Figure Set three-pack including Doctor Aphra! Amazing set! It also includes Triple Zero (0-0-0) and BT-1 (BeeTee) which likely will remain exclusie to this set! Great job, Hasbro! This set looks fantastic!

Let’s continue to go back in time and check out some figures from The [Post] Original Trilogy Collection. Next up is Han Solo (Mos Eisley Escape) (’05 #14) figure. It’s just a repack, but find out more in our Research Droids Reviews today! Be sure to leave your thoughts in our comments section, vote in the poll or even comment about it on our Facebook page. Click the banner below for the direct link to the review! As always, you can also send your review requests via email if you’d like to see something that we didn’t cover yet.

Gentle Giant revealed via Yahoo! Entertainment their first 2018 SDCC exclusive: Jumbo Boba Fett on a Return of the Jedi Card Back. Click through for the full story.

Now that Solo is a a certified flop at the box office one question arises: what’s next? Will Lucasfilm go on as planned or will Lucasfilm change their course and have all the current projects be re-evaluated? Maybe now is a good time to ask what the fans want. Click through for more!

Decisions, decisions!

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An author at io9 suggests that the Boba Fett movie should NOT star Boba Fett. Boba Fett is dead he says in his final thoughts. He says a lot more too. Check out the article and come back here to disqus it!

Museu do Caramulo is hosting a temporary exhibition entitled “The Power of the Force: Toys and Posters from Star Wars (1977-85)”, dedicated to the 40th anniversary of the Star Wars saga. It has been extended until September 30th. The exhibition is based on one of the best vintage star Wars collections on the planet. Check out their YouTube video HERE.

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If you want the Han Solo figure from the Kessel Run Millennium Falcon, but don’t want the ship, tunghori is selling the figure loose for only $9.99! Special thanks to JTA reader Eric C. for the alert!

Let’s continue to go back in time and check out some figures from The [Post] Original Trilogy Collection. Next up is the Scout Trooper (Endor Raid) (’05 #13) figure. It’s just a repack, but find out more in our Research Droids Reviews today! Be sure to leave your thoughts in our comments section, vote in the poll or even comment about it on our Facebook page. Click the banner below for the direct link to the review! As always, you can also send your review requests via email if you’d like to see something that we didn’t cover yet.

Hurry! 4-LOM is showing as able to order for $19.99 on Amazon once again. Good luck!

Our colleagues at Fanthatracks have uncovered the new working title for Episode IX. And apparently, the working title is: trIXie.

Is JJ Abrams a fan of My Little Pony? Read the full story on the Fanthatracks website.

Meet Trixie.

It’s the calm before the storm. Multiple readers have written in to alert us that TARGET.com has added a placeholder page for the highly anticipated The Black Series [Phase III] 6″ Gamorrean Guard figure. It’s showing nowhere in stock at the moment, but this won’t be the case for long. We provided you with an advanced look at this figure and you can check that out HERE.

Let’s go back in time an check out The [Post] Original Trilogy Collection Stormtrooper (Death Star Attack) (’05 #11) figure. It’s just a repack, but find out more in our Research Droids Reviews today! Be sure to leave your thoughts in our comments section, vote in the poll or even comment about it on our Facebook page. Click the banner below for the direct link to the review! As always, you can also send your review requests via email if you’d like to see something that we didn’t cover yet.

eBay seller tunghori has stocked the AT-ST Driver and Hoth Rebel Trooper. Thanks to all who wrote in to let us know!

Variety reports that box office forecasts for Solo are grim. The movie is projected to make as little as $29 million in North America this weekend. This would be a 66% drop from the opening weekend. And if that trend continues Solo may end up making less than $200 million domestic. The situation abroad is very similar with Solo even struggling in some markets to keep ahead of Deadpool 2. Disney and Lucasfilm now have the first veritable Star Wars box office bomb on their hands.

UPDATE: Box Office Mojo just posted the weekend estimates. Solo will make $29.2 million, only $6 million more than Deadpool 2.

It’s a long way to the bottom