Q&A With JTA: Our Seventh Column!

1. Now that the Battle of Endor Pilot packs are on the way for 2011, will there be any new Rebel vehicles to go along with the the Rebel pilots? (Nicholas)

JTA: Yes, because Hasbro hinted that they would be updating the Y-wing vehicle and even asked JediTempleWarRoom.com to host a poll. But guess what? None of you responded to the poll. So, we had very little feedback to give Hasbro. Collectors have the potential for having such a voice, but there is terrible apathy in general when it comes to voting. Just like politics, it seems as if the masses think their opinions don't matter, when in actuality they do. Did you know that less than 4% of those of you who read our Research Droids Reviews actually vote in the polls in each of them? We love all of you but, come on, that's pitiful. And we ask and ask and ask but the participation just doesn't increase. Long story short: vote in the polls that we and other fan sites host. It is essential for getting the products we want made. We (and other sites) do relay the data back to Hasbro. It's almost as if you are the one making the suggestions and deciding what Hasbro ultimately makes by voting.

2. What are the chances that Episode I C-3PO will see an update? He could use super-articulation (like Proxy!) and his eyes need to be yellow, not white. (Matt)

JTA: Matt, he's gotta be the next version of C-3PO that Hasbro attempts next. With the recent TVC See-Threepio (which is much better than you think) and the flawlessly perfect EII C-3PO in the R2-D2/C-3PO With Battle Droid Head Geonosis Arena Showdown set, Episode I C-3PO is certainly overdue at this point. Don't worry, we feel confident that Hasbro will indeed get the deco right on a new version as they have much higher standards with regards to accuracy than ever before!

3. Where is Ziro the Hutt???? (Alan)

JTA: We ask the same thing Alan! Hasbro talked about a near-definite release of this gangster when the Jabba's Palace set was released. We don't understand why they're stalling. This is a no-brainer repaint that we're sure would do just as well as a standard general release as it would if it was relegated to an exclusive (which Hasbro hinted is the way he would come). Whatever way, just release it already, Hasbro!

4. Any idea where we on a pitch count? What I mean is, we had the 300th and 500th figures. Where are we nowadays? I'm sure there would be 2 schools of thought, one being all figures, the other being sans The Clone Wars line. (Brad)

JTA: Stick close to JTA as we are working on a "numbers game" on where we are. Just so you know, if you count everything separately, we are well beyond the 2000 mark. But we need more time to give you the vital statistics. Look for an update in the future!

5. I recently bought clone pilot Goji and I must say, I really felt disappointed, because this figure it´s not as articulated as other clones figures it´s different, but not better, why Hasbro is changing something that is working really well for something that looks without quality. The body is so thin!!! It doesn´t look like a clone trooper armor, the arms looks smaller, and the paint is not as white [as] the others, The same is for Commander Stone, the only thing that saves him is a removable helmet. Do you believe Hasbro will continue making this kind of "new" clone trooper body??? Because I will think twice in the future before getting a figure like this. (William)

JTA: Simply put, Goji is quite a disappointment unfortunately. And as you've poiinted out, he wasn't the first clone trooper to dishearten us. Clone Commander Stone is responsible for leading the "new" clone trooper body down a very dark path that is just not up to our standards for an action figure at all. What's particularly confusing, even though Hasbro has claimed that they needed to create a new clone trooper body because the older tools were wearing down, they are still managing to release the "better" clone trooper molds in mutipacks like The Hidden Enemy set (for example). We'll just have to see where Hasbro goes with the Commander Stone mold. (Make your voice heard - like voting in our poll in our review. Wink, wink.)

6. Given the popularity of the "Fans' Choice" poll in the realistic line, do you think this concept will be carried over to The Clone Wars line? Even a poll for which figure fans most want to see repacked (TAC Saga Legends Dark Trooper) would be nice. This would be a great way to get out the hard to find figures from those last 3 waves of red carded The Clone Wars figures. (Keegan)

JTA: We think polls will be an option for everything BUT The Clone Wars line. And the reason is this line is focused on the kiddies. And we can't see Hasbro asking kids to vote to see what figures they want to see released or made for that matter. The "adult" collectors are the ones who make big stinks about things like this, not the kids. The good news is Hasbro is aware of our difficulty finding all of those last few waves of The Clone Wars line (red phase). And the better news (so far) is that information leaked that Hondo Ohnaka is already on tap for rerelease. And we would be shocked if Aayla Secura isn't the next one announced. Darth Sidious and TX-20 may not be reissued right away or if at all, so we suggest doing your best to get your hands on them first in other capacities.

7. First, there was the clone trooper on all the package art for Original Trilogy items. Then, Clone Wars weapons and OT weapons are mixed in the bonus "Secret Weapons." After that, we see images of a Vintage Collection Yoda with a PT lightsaber and PT "Force" accessory, and the figure itself is a ROTS mold. It's a ROTJ card. There was NO lightsaber or "Force" effect in ROTJ. I have noticed the Yoda figure seems to be removed from the wave, so, has Hasbro said anything regarding this? Are they going to fix it? And, the biggest question, why do they feel it necessary to sneak CW and prequel stuff into the OT items? Don't think we haven't noticed, Hasbro! (Tray)

JTA: We are waiting to hear back from Hasbro on the "pulled" TVC Yoda figure. If anything, we hope that Hasbro is deciding to revise the packaging art and include him on an AOTC or ROTS card back. But knowing Hasbro, we fear that there may just be a delay with Yoda's action figure production and once he gets back on schedule, they'll include him on the horrid ROTJ card back. (Not that it's a horrid card back, but because a Prequel Trilogy Yoda SHOULD NOT be packaged on it!) Hasbro should keep their figures are pure and source specific as possible. We love Original Trilogy, Prequel Trilogy and even The Clone Wars, but they really need to stay in their own neighborhoods as far as the toys are concerned.

8. Is the vintage box Tie Fighter a re-issue of the Legacy fighter with the larger wings and removeable pilot seat or one of the previous versions with the smaller wings? (Justin)

JTA: By now you must have seen our Research Droids Reviews on this item. To answer your question, yes it's the enhanced cockpit, but the smaller wings obviously. It's a great addition to The Vintage Collection and we suggest getting one for your collection too! Click HERE to see our photo gallery and review of the item.

9. Since the most recent Slave Leia figure was very hard to find at retail, and with the new Jabba's Throne release are there plans to re release this figure on a new vintage style card because I think many collectors would be ecstatic to see this. (Eric)

JTA: We aren't so sure if Princess Leia (Slave Outfit) was as hard to find at retail as you're claiming, but Hasbro will be making an egregious error if they do NOT inlcude her somewhere within The Vintage Collection. Your point is duly noted and we will do whatever we can to encourage Hasbro to make this one of the candidates for that line. Jabba's Throne should have been released in The Vintage Collection line look too. That was a big mistake on their part as well!

10. To your knowledge has George Lucas ever commented or explained why Owen and Beru are so young at the end of ROTS when they get newborn Luke (mid 20's looking), and in ANH they are very old (late 60's looking) wouldn't that make Luke in his forty's instead of a teenager. Also has he ever explained why Obi-Wan has no remembrance of C-3PO and R2-D2 at the beginning of A New Hope after all the adventures they have been on together in the prequel trilogy. (ratdaddy_e)

JTA: I personally have felt the same way about these two Star Wars characters. I guess we can attribute the damage of the sun's harmful rays, let alone two suns, right?! In all seriousness, even Obi-Wan Kenobi looks much too young at the end of Episode III to be "old Ben" at the beginning of Episode IV. Space time must be different. We're not exactly sure though. This same issue was brought up at www.nitpickers.com and we suggest reading some of the reader's comments. And I guess you can join in on the rant too if you're so inclined. But you aren't alone with your sentiments. We think Lucas goofed a little bit here. And no, we haven't found a direct response from him about this issue. But are you sure you will want his answer? At best it may confuse (or anger) you more. We jest. As far as Owen and him remebering C-3PO, we also suggets reading what others deduce from the scene in Episode IV where they meet at TheForce.net forums. Your fellow readers have some really great thoughts!