Q&A With JTA: Our Twelfth Column!

1. Why do new figures always show up on eBay first from sellers in China, Malaysia, and Singapore? Is it because they are made in China and they get first "dibs"? Ordering from them takes a couple to five weeks for delivery and that runs close to the figures hitting pegs in the U.S. Plus, how are they getting so many? (Andy)

JTA: You have actually answered your own question. Yes, the figures are made in Asia. It is believed that many of the figures you see in the eBay auctions (of which many we post on our front page) are "cast-offs" with maybe a few irregular details or imperfections. This can range from a few dozen "imperfect" figures to hundreds, so it all depends. Overall, most are happy with the samples, so we keep posting these links so you can check out the figures early.

2. I just wanted to say thanks for your awesome daily Research Droids Reviews. I have been reading them since day one and I can't believe you guys are over the 600 mark already. I really look forward to the reviews on new figures most of all, but your look back on the older lines is really relevant as it puts great perspective on where we are as collectors today. The galleries, collector notes and overall assessment have stolen the show and they are really the best out there. My question is why did you decide to do the reviews and how did you decide to go with the format you did? You never say "sculpt = 10" or "articulation = 9" yet we know exactly what your assessment is based on what you wrote. (Kevin)

JTA: Thank you for your feedback Kevin. I cannot believe that we are past the 600 mark either! Where does the time go? I sincerely appreciate your kind words about our most popular feature. The reviews we do strike a chord with collectors and for that we are humbled and extremely thankful. The Research Droids Reviews started out of the blue one day because I wanted to voice my opinion about action figures I have bought for year finally. (We have since incorporated many product lines into our reviews.) I never said "I could do this better," but I did think I could put a different spin on all of the Star Wars toys out there, almost in a blog type style and make it interesting for collectors. Collectors seem to be agreeing as the column grows every day. After just hitting 600 reviews, we are nearing three-quarters of a million hits. We scratch our heads over this but are so happy all the same.

It all began in May 2009 when I did my very first review on The Legacy Collection Ugnaught (BD 43). Almost instantly, the new column took off like wildfire which shocked all of us at JTA. The gallery was pitiful and the content was weak. And in all honesty, while I can speak and read the English language fairly well, I am definitely not even remotely a good writer. (I find typos and weird sentences all the time in the reviews and this helps keep me grounded and in check.) But what I can tell you is that my passion for Star Wars is unmatched and I could talk all day about this hobby and that's what keeps the energy high for me to do this daily. And I think readers appreciate the upbeat tone in the reviews. There is a lot of negativity out there and even though we have our complaints about some figures (and other items), we don't go down that path unless it's warranted. You guys and gals notice this and from the feedback I receive, appreciate it very much. I never want my reviews to be interpreted as "the definitive look at action figures". I am merely offering my own single opinion at what I see in the things I love to buy. In fact, we have started 2011 with "guest reviews" from other sites because collecting is a community thing and we would like our RDRs to see more of a group involvement and have more than just my opinons shine through. And of course everyone else's opinion is just as important. Who knows? Maybe we'll have readers like you join us in reviewing product one day.

There are some really great writers out there on fan sites and I am their biggest fan. If they didn't write their own columns, you likely wouldn't see Research Droids Reviews either. I have certainly been inspired.

3. Where the heck are the new Vintage Collection figures I see posted at Yakface and Rebelscum? I can't find them anywhere! (Tony)

JTA: Except in extremely rare instances, wave 4 and 5 of The Vintage Collection have not hit retail yet. Our friends have acquired them by purchasing them from sponsors who have received early shipments of the figure. It's inventory season at brick and mortar retail and you can bet new product won't be gracing the shelves until this process is complete. However, I suspect that most of us will see wave 4 (the Attack Of The Clones wave) at retail within 14 days of the posting of this column. I could be wrong, but it's inevitable at this point. Patience, you must learn patience! (Like I should talk!) January was one of the most grueling months for me!

4. Is there a complete list of all the hasbro Jabba's Palace Aliens to date? (Adam)

JTA: We don't have a list at the moment, but we'll be sure to work on it. Perhaps what may be more interesting at this point are figures yet to be made from Jabba's Palace. Every time we watch Return Of The Jedi or check out stills from the film, we are amazed time and again how many characters are yet unmade. Check it out sometime, we bet you'll be surprised also.

5. I kinda remember Hasbro saying they always want a republic gunship available at retail and I have not seen one since I got back into collecting 2 years ago. Do you know of one being released soon? I have been trying to buy one off eBay but they go for over a hundred dollars. If I was to buy one on the secondary market what one would you recommend getting? Thanks! (Eric)

JTA: Eric – Hasbro really has actually kept a Republic Gunship at retail almost every year. The latest Republic Gunship was available as a late Fall 2009 Toys R Us exclusive (in the red/Season 2) packaging (The Crumb Bomber – check out our review HERE) and this version is honestly the best one out there. Between the great deco and the enhanced doors, the Crumb Bomber is the way all Republic Gunships should come. You may be able to find a unit here or there, but it has really sold through, so we agree with you that a new one should be due shortly. We expect to see another announcement for an all-new Republic Gunship soon, so if you want to save some money and don't really care how it's decorated, then wait for their next announcement, but the Crumb Bomber rocks.