Monthly Archives: July 2018

You saw our recaps of The Clone Wars [Blue] and The Clone Wars [Red] lines. Now it’s time for the incredible The Clone Wars [Shadow Of The Dark Side] line. Now that THE CLONE WARS television show is back, we hope that these posts can inspire both Hasbro to get the creative juices flowing again and get out some of their greatest hits from years’ past in addition to tooling new characters they never got to yet (even the cancelled ones). Please click through to check out The Clone Wars [Shadow Of The Dark Side] line that ran from 2010 through 2011. Links for Research Droids Reviews and Visual Guides are provided. And if you don’t see the RDR button, it just means that we only have the review and not the Visual Guide to that item. Enjoy! We’re locking the comments on THIS article, so feel free to relive your memories in the actual review pages. THANK YOU!

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Holy cow. The Vintage Collection First Order Stormtrooper is now a $6 Add-on item on Amazon. Get ’em while they’re cheap! It will be a cold day on Mustafar before that upcoming Imperial Stormtrooper follows suit! Special thanks to JTA reader Also S. for the alert!

The infamous tunghori listed “Lieutenant Oxixo” on his eBay store, claiming it’s the one from The Vintage Collection Imperial TIE Fighter vehicle. (Our review for that vehicle is RIGHT HERE.) However, if you look at the images, this figure has a removable helmet (something Hasbro changed with the TVC release). I am not sure if he listed old images, or if this is really the TVC figure for sale, but I found it interesting. My figure has a black head with a black chin. It’s hard to see the rest because the head is glued inside of the helmet.

Finally! I’ve been trying to find a pre-order for these figures for a while, but all the sites I found were based in the UK. Your Toy Link has TVC wave 2 for pre-order in the US for $15 each and free shipping No shipping charged until actually shipped (or you can choose a $5 deposit). They also have the Mimban Stormtrooper available to ship for $40 (less than eBay but still too much for my blood). They are scheduled for an 8/31 availability. 

Our “Some Like It Hoth” run of vintage Kenner reviews (the Series 3 figures) concludes with the stunning Yoda figure. And Yoda still looks fantastic today. Relive your memories of this classic 1980 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!

You saw our recap of The Clone Wars [Blue] line yesterday. Let’s take a look at what was offered in The Clone Wars [Red] line. Now that THE CLONE WARS television show is back, we hope that these posts can inspire both Hasbro to get the creative juices flowing again and get out some of their greatest hits from years’ past in addition to tooling new characters they never got to yet (even the cancelled ones). Please click through to check out The Clone Wars [Red] line that ran from 2009 through 2010. Links for Research Droids Reviews and Visual Guides are provided. And if you don’t see the RDR button, it just means that we only have the review and not the Visual Guide to that item. Enjoy! We’re locking the comments on THIS article, so feel free to relive your memories in the actual review pages. THANK YOU!

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Much doom and gloom has been spilled in the last few days it seems. It’s sad to hear of people leaving the hobby because they couldn’t find a figure at the store. They have their reasons, but I have to ask myself, “Is it really all that bad?” There are several reasons why I don’t think things are as bad as some of the more pessimistic views make it sound. Here’s what I mean… (more…)

Is The Black Series [Phase III] Gamorrean Guard 6″ figure the one that broke the camel’s back for many collectors? If you read some of our comments in the previous article, you might believe it’s the case. This experience has forced some collectors out wholly. The Gamorrean Guard was up for order longer than expected. But those who chose their local store pick-up option were greeted with cancellation emails. As you may know, TARGET using store stock to fulfill these orders, but the figures were already long gone by this point. Also, customers were given ridiculous stories by TARGET staff that they couldn’t get to the figures, that they couldn’t find them, or and that they would be out on Sunday with a new reset. These customers came back, and the figures were gone (each store only received four on average initially). Then those who ordered for home delivery received emails that their items were on back order with no approximated availability date. Later others received an email that this item will be delayed until August 20th (which isn’t the worst news of course). An Original Trilogy army-building character with the popularity of the Gamorrean Guard should have been produced in triplicate to all previous store exclusives. It shouldn’t have even been a store exclusive. But what do we know? Anyway, let us know of your trials and tribulations securing this highly sought-after figure, and we hope that many of you can report better news than the reports we’re getting. Click through to see some of the correspondence readers are receiving. If you have cancellation emails, please post them in the comments too!

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It’s pretty amazing what the #backthebarge campaign has done for some of Hasbro’s older super-articulated action figures. Look at the craziness surrounding Nikto Gunner [Nysad] from the Legacy Collection on eBay.

The Clone Wars are BACK! So let’s celebrate by looking at another one of the earliest retailer exclusives in the original line from 2008, the General Grievous/Obi-Wan Kenobi/Battle Droid Commemorative DVD Collection three-pack. It’s a decent release. Find out more in our Research Droids Reviews today! The full analysis is ready! 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.

Over the next week, we’re going to recap the outrageously wonderful The Clone Wars lines from Hasbro. It ran for an incredible five years. It started humbly, then gained momentum and reached its peak by its third year. It then went out like a lamb its last two years, sadly. It went from a mainline to a sub-line until it finally was absorbed into the general basic figure line. But now THE CLONE WARS television show is back (some of the most fabulous news out of Disney Star Wars to date)! We hope that these posts can inspire Hasbro to get the creative juices flowing again. We want to see them get out some of their greatest hits from years’ past in addition to tooling new characters they never got to yet (even the canceled ones). Based on the Rebels line, it appears that Hasbro is more than likely to go with an “animated” approach to this revived Star Wars Entertainment. It would complement the previous lines wonderfully too, but it’s also likely that articulation will take a back seat and not be a focal point. Hasbro will see this as a kids’ line when the new episodes air. Anyway, click through to check out The Clone Wars [Blue] line that ran from 2008 through 2009. We’ve provided links for Research Droids Reviews and Visual Guides below. And if you don’t see the RDR button, it just means that we only have the review and not the Visual Guide to that item. Enjoy! We’re locking the comments on THIS article, so feel free to relive your memories in the actual review pages. THANK YOU!

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One rumor that appears to be picking up steam is that George Lucas will be consulting on the Episode IX script. If this is true, it provides additional support to the foundation that there are significant problems internally with Star Wars fandom because of the direction Episode VIII took (founded or unfounded). It will be fascinating to see how this transpires. I hope that, if involved, he helps to steer Star Wars back to a direction that will no longer split the community or alienate fans. There is too much strife at the moment, and something needs a revisiting. Hopefully, this is it. Movie Web has the full story.

Found! Just announced and revealed at San Diego Comic-Con, the 3rd wave of Force Link 2.0 figures from the Star Wars [Solo] line has arrived at retail! Longtime JTA reader indysolo007 found the latest wave at his local Walmart in Saugus, MA. It’s time to start hunting again (for some of you)!

Are you ready to PIG OUT!? The Black Series [Phase III] Gamorrean Guard 6″ figure is IN STOCK! RIGHT NOW! Special thanks to friend and JTA reader Russ T. and JTA reader Sam C. for the alerts! Good luck! It seems as if there is no limit at TARGET.com. As always, check out our full review on this beautiful figure HERE!

UPDATE: It’s “temporarily” out of stock. Keep checking!

The Clone Wars are BACK! So let’s celebrate by looking at one of the earliest retailer exclusives in the original line from 2008, the Clone Trooper/Anakin Skywalker/R2-D2 Commemorative DVD Collection three-pack. It’s a great release. Find out more in our Research Droids Reviews today! The full analysis is ready! 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.

It’s time for another The Vintage Collection Visual Guide update. We’re adding the latest release of the Imperial TIE Fighter to our guides. Click below for the full guide page. You can also check out our full review of this vehicle right here.

A seller on eBay has put together an instant retinue of various Jabba’s palace and skiff guards. Check it out. Special thanks to JTA reader Paul B. for the alert.

It’s time to check out the Imperial TIE Fighter [Star Wars] Walmart exclusive vehicle in our Research Droids Reviews today! The full analysis is ready! 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 sponsor Brian’s Toys checks in with their latest newsletter…

Want to do cosplay but don’t want to put in the energy?  Check out our newly added Anovos Stormtrooper Kit!  We also added a bunch of fantastic vintage graded and non-graded Star Wars this week, check it out!

Filming officially begins August 1st for Episode IX, and casting details have been revealed. It looks like we will be getting Carrie Fisher after all, along with Mark Hamill and Billy Dee Williams. Get the full details over at StarWars.com!

When The Vintage Collection made its debut in August 2010 (the figures were found as early as June at some retail locations), Hasbro continued themed waves for the line, something that they started with The Saga Collection in December 2005. It impressed collectors that they managed this technique so well for so long. We imagine it was an arduous task and effort to release basic figures in this manner, but it helped keep things very organized in more ways than one. There were always a couple of exceptional figures here and there that Hasbro included in these waves that didn’t entirely fit the theme, but mostly these waves were sourced all from one Star Wars film or theme. (more….)

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JTA Facebook reader Craig G has found the Rey Centerpiece figure at his local GameStop. If you recall, JTA broke the news in October of 2017 that the Centerpiece line would continue with Rey and Kylo Ren. The line hasn’t performed as expected and Hasbro will be “retiring” it now.

MORE NEW FIGURES! Let’s check out the Chewbacca And Porgs Forces Of Destiny set. It’s adorable. 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.

We have another SDCC exclusive Visual Guide update tonight. Check out The Black Series [Phase III] Han Solo (Exogorth Escape) figure by clicking below. You can also check out our full review of this set in our review database.

The lightsaber, the most favorite weapon in Star Wars. And who doesn’t love the lightsaber duels in Star Wars? We have the measured, careful testing out of skills and then we also have the 15 minute acrobatic lightsaber dances of the prequel trilogy. But as it turns out Jedi use the lightsaber all wrong. How so? Click through to find out!

Obi-Wan and Anakin rehearse for Tchaikovsky’s Lightsaber Lava Lake ballet

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JTA reader and friend Mario M. has found the cardboard TARGET exclusive Vandor playset at his local store! They’re out there, folks!

MORE NEW FIGURES! AND NEW PHOTOS ADDED! You saw our sneak peek. So now check out our full analysis of Han Solo (Exogorth Escape) which is also a San Diego Comic-Con exclusive. 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.

Here’s the latest from JTA sponsor Big Boy Collectibles…

Just wanted to let everyone know that the Star Wars: The Black Series 6 inch Qi’ra figure is now in-stock. We also the Star Wars: The Black Series Darth Revan figure still available. Click below for direct links.

• Star Wars: The Black Series Qi’ra
• Star Wars: Black Series Darth Revan

Today we are adding the SDCC exclusive The Vintage Collection Doctor Aphra Comic Set (Special Action Figure Set) to our Visual Guides. Click below to check out our full guide page. Make sure to also check out our full review of this set right here!

The TARGET exclusive The Black Series [Phase III] 6″ Moloch figure has hit eBay and the listings show off new packaging art. Check it out. Special thanks to JTA reader Spence T. for the alert!

If you’re interested, Best Buy has both The Black Series [Phase III] 6″ Luke’s Landspeeder and Rey’s Speeder on clearance for $19.99 each, a savings of $40 off! Shipping is only $5.99 too. Special thanks to JTA reader Mark for the alert!

I received my Enfys Nest with Swoop Bike set a short while ago (in Germany) and wanted to give you a very brief look at the set. Nothing fancy. I’m not the resident figure reviewer on JTA. Paul’s review will follow shortly, most certainly, but before he will tell you all the details you’ll ever want to know let me show two or three photos! Click through for more!

I’m a highway star

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The Vintage Collection Stormtrooper (Mimban) figure is BACK IN STOCK on eBay for more money than it was last time, where they sold out in a flash. Special thanks to all who wrote in to let us know.

THESE ARE CUSTOMS by JTA reader Local Gotal who does a FANTASTIC job on them!  Imagine for a second if you will, that out of the blue Hasbro announced that the next wave of The Vintage Collection would look something like this. Would you ever believe it? And then imagine this case assortment free from the Sequel Trilogy characters and other repacks? Would you not order minimally five cases of these figures? This is what The Vintage Collection should mostly be about, and if Hasbro could make ONE SINGLE CASE OF FIGURES like this every now and again, it might shut us up for a while. Thank you for your consideration, Hasbro.

Hardcore 3.75″ super-articulated fans ultimately stepped up to the plate to prove to Hasbro that we’re here and want more in the way of classic scale goodness. It took what we can refer to as a complex bribe to get it done, however. Hasbro forced us to speak with our wallets. And speak with our wallets we did. Let’s face it. The Khetanna is NOT an “iconic enough” vehicle to produce for the 3.75″ line. Don’t misunderstand my point here. I am THRILLED it is coming, but it was a significant risk (that felt like it wasn’t coming to fruition until the bitter end). And evidenced by the slow performance of reaching the required amount of backers, many of us were sweating bullets.

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JTA reader vikingrobot’s father found the new Star Wars [Solo] Two-Packs at a Walmart in Clearwater, Florida on clearance. Also, JTA reader and friend Russ T. sends us an image of the brand new Princess Leia (Hoth) Force Link 2.0 figure on clearance as wel. His store just got these too. Retail has no idea which end is up.

MORE NEW FIGURES! You saw our sneak peek. But now it’s time to analyze the contents of the Special Action Figure Set (Doctor Aphra Comic Set) which is a San Diego Comic-Con exclusive. Is it everything it’s cracked up to be? Find out as 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 highly anticipated Gamorrean Guard 6″ figure is starting to hit Target brick & mortar. JTA reader Eric found his in Pleasant Hill, CA. Let us know in the comments if you are finding this in your area!

Click through for the latest Brian’s Toys newsletter…

We are getting in the good stuff!  Check out all the new Sideshow and Hasbro items that have come in this week. From the life-size Stormtrooper bust to the FX Z6 Riot Control Baton, we have the goods 🙂  Also be sure to check out our selection of AFA vintage Star Wars graded loose 3 3/4″ figures just added.  These 3 3/4″ figures are high grades and lean on the rarer side!

A magazine scan soliciting the SH Figuarts A New Hope Leia has appeared in the wild. The figure is coming in December! Pre-orders will certainly open soon. So anyone who wants her should keep their eyes open and wait for the pre-order! Leia is the last member of the classic A New Hope hero line-up still missing. Leia will come with an extra hood up optional piece and at least one alternate head sculpt. Click the image below for the full version of the magazine scan!

Please click for full image

The highly anticipated Thrawn sequel is out today. You can pick up Thrawn: Alliances on Amazon right here.

Yodasnews had the opportunity to talk to Steve Evans and Joe Ninivaggi at SDCC and asked them several questions. Definitely check out the interview and click through for a few key details from the Q&A!

Joe Ninivaggi and Steve Evans interviewed by Yodasnews at SDCC ’18

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If you don’t want to play the waiting game for The Vintage Collection Stormtrooper (Mimban) figure like you are with Rey (Island Journey), the figure is in stock with limited quantities. Yes, the price is steep. Special thanks to JTA reader Rich K. for the alert!

Where in the heck is the Walmart exclusive The Vintage Collection Rey (Island Journey) (VC122) figure? It should have been out since June (Hasbro’s SDCC presentation confirmed this too), and aside from a couple of eBay auctions, there aren’t any USA store reports and anything offering a glimmer of hope to collectors that the figure is forthcoming. We also reviewed our sample in early May. Our sources have assured us that the figure is right around the corner, but why has this exclusive not arrived on time? You REALLY have to question how screwed up distribution is, or there is something very, very wrong at the warehouse level at Walmart. However, you can whet your appetite on this great figure in our Research Droids Reviews until this figure makes it to Walmart.

There seems to be some confusion about the performance of Star Wars toys in the 2nd quarter of 2018. In Hasbro’s very own earnings presentation for the 2nd quarter of 2018 only Beyblade and Marvel were mentioned as showing growth for Hasbro’s Partner Brands, which was more than offset by the other Partner Brands. But a transcript of the earnings call following the presentation reveals that things are not as bleak and actually quite positive when it comes to Star Wars. Click through for more details about Star Wars retail performance!

Brian Goldner, Hasbro CEO

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CNN is reporting that although sales fell 7% last quarter and earning were down more than 10%, shares of Hasbro surged more than 13% yesterday. They are looking forward to moving beyond the Toys R Us fiasco. Click through for the full story. Special thanks to JTA reader Jeff M. for the alert!

Our “Some Like It Hoth” run of vintage Kenner reviews moves ahead with the Bespin Security Guard. The figure in the bubble is different than the character featured on the card back. Find out more about this classic release. Relive your memories of this vintage 1980 action figure in our Research Droids Reviews today. Be sure to add your own experiences to the conversation! Reminisce your personal childhood stories of this figure in our comments. Share your life-changing vintage Kenner adolescent experiences with us!

Teased years ago, Hot Toys finally has their Quarter Scale Darth Vader available for pre-order. Click here for the pre-order page. There’s also a regular edition available right here. 

Sideshow Collectibles has all editions of the newly announced Sixth Scale Darth Maul figure up for pre-order. Pick your Sith below!

• Darth Maul
• Darth Maul (Special Edition)
• Darth Maul with Sith Speeder
• Darth Maul with Sith Speeder (Special Edition)

Wow! Hot Toys is kicking off their debut The Phantom Menace sixth scale figures with a bang! Not only do we get an amazing new Darth Maul figure, we get a sixth scale Bloodfin to boot! Check out the full gallery of this set right here!

Hot Toys unveiled an all-new Darth Maul sixth scale figure today. Check out the full gallery on their Facebook page!

Star Wars News Net posted a transcription of their SDCC interview with Steve Evans and Joe Ninivaggi on their homepage. It is a very interesting read with some very revealing and perplexing answers to straight forward questions, you have to read it to believe it. Click through for some more details!

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The Vintage Collection Rogue One Imperial Combat Assault Tank is IN STOCK with Prime one-day shipping. Special thanks to JTA reader Bryan W. for the notification. If you need to be persuaded to pick this beast up, check out our RDR on it RIGHT HERE!

Fox Business is reporting that Hasbro will be moving more of its production outside of China due to potential tarriffs. Check out the full story HERE. Thanks to JTA reader Matthew C. for the alert!

BREAKING NEWS! Hasbro Design Director confirms that there will be more “Barge-related” figures for The Vintage Collection in Fall 2019 in the “We Backed The Barge” Facebook group! Awesome news, folks!

Here is a better idea for a basic figure release than Darth Revan! Hasbro, all of us have pleaded for years now begging you to get out the canceled and never-released Captain Rex figure from the planned but then canceled Legacy Collection [2] lineup. In case you weren’t aware, The Clone Wars television show is returning, and we’re confident fans would rejoice knowing you were going to finally make that canceled and super-articulated 2013 Captain Rex (Phase I) figure a part of The Vintage Collection. We hope you take the advice of the collecting community this time in support of The Clone Wars’ return. We need this figure desperately. For those of you unaware, Hasbro planned this figure for 2013’s Legacy Collection [2]. The line was canceled and only a few cases of wave 1 made it out. They’re some of the rarest figures in the Star Wars brand to date. However, Captain Rex is one of four figures that didn’t make it out at all. An A-wing Pilot and two Build A Droid figures (R5-X2 and R8-B7) are also unreleased as of today.

Earlier today Hasbro released its its numbers for the 2nd quarter of 2018. It is not really pretty. And Star Wars toys revenue is down again. Click through for some details!

Update: there is a new article on the front page. Apparently, Star Wars toys revenue did not decline after all and actually things are better than the presentation let on. Things were clarified in the earnings call following the presentation by Hasbro CEO Brian Goldner. Please read the new article which goes into all the details!

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The San Diego Comic-Con exclusive Super7 Hammerhead Xenomorph is available to order RIGHT NOW! Special thanks to JTA reader Glen W. for the notice!

Admittedly, I was a big fan of MADTV during its original peak in the early 2000s. There was a sketch called Lowered Expectations which focused on a dating service pairing less than ideal prospective dating matches with others. It was funny, but after the discussion about the TAC Darth Revan, and its impending inclusion in The Vintage Collection, this sketch rushed back from my longterm memory. I realized yesterday that the collecting community has changed. Vastly changed. What we once considered unacceptable is now viewed as alright, and if you have a critical opinion about it, it is found to be whining and complaining. So I thought about it genuinely, and perhaps some of those critics are correct. I was inspired to cobble together a list of other figures that are high-priced on the aftermarket, or other figures that look good and deserve to be included in The Vintage Collection. Click through and let’s lower our expectations and see some examples of what might work in The Vintage Collection in the years ahead!

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Our “Some Like It Hoth” run of vintage Kenner reviews moved ahead with a great release of Lando Calrissian from The Empire Strikes Back line. Relive your memories of this classic 1980 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!

Speaking of Darth Revan (a much hotter topic than ever expected), JTA reader Paul B. alerts us to a rather awesome custom 1985 The Power Of The Force inspired Darth Revan figure on eBay, complete with coin. Check it out!

To dirty or not to dirty. That is the question. Steve Evans is soliciting feedback on his Instagram page on whether The Vintage Collection collectors want dirt on the new Imperial Stormtrooper figure or not. Let him know!

Is it the 30th anniversary of Star Wars again or did I just miss something? Because I don’t understand why 2019 will see the re-release of a figure from a dozen years ago. (more….)

“I am just as confused as you are, fellow 3.75″ super-articulated collectors!”

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StarWars.com has updated their site to reflect on the reveals at SDCC this year. In their write up thye mention that the Gamorrean Guard is forthcoming in The Vintage Collection. A mistake and they meant the Elite Praetorian Guard, or is the Gamorrean Guard one of the next repacks that the line desperately needs? Check it out. Special thanks to all who wrote in to alert us.

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Our “Some Like It Hoth” run of vintage Kenner reviews moved ahead with another fantastic release: Han Solo (Hoth Outfit) from The Empire Strikes Back line. Relive your memories of this classic 1980 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!

Today’s Visual Guide update takes a look at the Chewbacca (Mimban)/Han Solo (Mimban) two-pack set from the Star Wars [Solo] line. Click below to check out our full guide page, and make sure to also check out our full review of this set right here.

The Hasbro presentation is over. We had some time to sleep on it. So now it’s time to talk about it! What are your thoughts about Hasbro’s San Diego Comic-Con reveals yesterday? Whatever you collect, have they met your expectations? Have enough figures been announced for the rest of the year and into early next year? Do all of the retailer and convention exclusives have you worried? Is there not enough focus on one area of the Star Wars timeline versus another? Or has everything that you expected to see or revealed met your expectations? Are you happy with the various enhancements in both 6″ and 3.75″ figures? Let us know in the comments!

Our “Some Like It Hoth” run of vintage Kenner reviews continues once again with one of our most favorite figures of all time: Luke Skywalker (Bespin Fatigues) from The Empire Strikes Back line. Relive your memories of this classic 1980 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!

Hasbro has sent out official press images of today’s reveals. Click HERE to check out the official Forcelink 2.0 3.75″ images.

Hasbro has sent out official press images of today’s reveals. Click HERE to check out the official The Vintage Collection images, including the stunning Imperial Stormtrooper.

Hasbro has sent out official press images of todays reveals. Click HERE to check out the offical The Black Series 6″ images.

Entertainment Earth is Hasbro’s official launch partner for new reveals this week at SDCC. This means that for a limited time, you can pre-order new Hasbro products only through Entertainment Earth as soon as they announce them. Right now they’ve just added the Force Link 2.0 The Last Jedi 5-pack (formerly a Toys R Us exclusive). Make sure to bookmark their launch page right here. 

We have another The Black Series [Phase III] 6″ figure Visual Guide for today’s update. Check out the Toys R Us exclusive Captain Phasma (Quicksilver Baton) by clicking below. We also have a full review of this figure right here.

Hasbro revealed at their SDCC panel that they will introduce a new 6 inch figure line. A greatest hits line called “The Black Series Archive”. Hasbro will release 4-8 figures each year, they will select highly sought after figures for this line. All figures will come on blister cards and all human figures will be updated with the photo real technology. The first four figures, coming later in 2018, are Boba Fett, Bossk, IG-88 and X-Wing Luke with photo real paint apps!

Black Series Archive. Source: Star Wars The Black Series Instagram Page

BREAKING NEWS! We asked Hasbro about this at HASCON and they alluded to the fact they were working on it. Now it’s a reality! Photo Real technology is coming to The Vintage Collection in 2019! Hasbro confirms this incredible news at the SDCC panel just moments ago!

The highly anticipated Hasbro panel revealed plenty of new Star Wars. Click through for a quick recap!

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Last October, we posted an article in conjunction with Peakob1 Customs about the ideal list of figures from The Clone Wars you’d like to see in The Vintage Collection. Steve Evans has posted a similar question on instagram today. We want to hear your top figures you want to see from The Clone Wars, now that it is returning for one last season! Click through to leave some comments…

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The Star Wars Collectibles Panel was at 11 AM PT with some of the high-end licensing teams, including Sideshow Collectibles. Sideshow revealed an all-new Lando Calrissian (Skiff Guard Disguise) Sixth Scale figure. 

It looks like the Walmart Exclusive TVC Mimban Stormtrooper has landed on eBay. Hopefully, this means we will see this at retail soon! Thanks to JTA reader Nathaniel for the alert!

Are you ready? The Black Series [Phase III] Gamorrean Guard 6″ figure is nearly ready to go live at TARGET.com. They’ve updated their product page, and the current status is “temporarily out of stock.” Good luck to all who want it! Check out our full review on this beautiful figure HERE!

Greg Grunberg more or less confirmed in an interview with Yahoo that he’s back for Episode IX. His character Snap Wexley was absent in The Last Jedi, but as it seems there can’t be a JJ Abrams movie without his buddy Greg. Also: after The Last Jedi the Resistance can use any help it can get. You can watch the very short (less than 30 seconds) interview snippet with Greg on Yahoo.

If you’re interested, Hasbro SDCC exclusive items canbe pre-ordered at Robot Kingdom.

NEW FIGURES! She’s a day late and a dollar short, but superior to the first release. Find out why you might want to secure Captain Phasma (Quicksilver Baton) from The Black Series [Phase III] 6″ line 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 a first look sneak peek for you of the exclusive The Vintage Collection Imperial TIE Fighter (with included Imperial TIE Fighter Pilot pack-in figure). I am not impressed, folks. There are a couple of issues here, but I am not even impressed with the packaging. It looks like a forced attempt to squeeze it into The Vintage Collection, instead of feeling like a natural addition that mimics the original release. The vehicle itself is quality, but the packaging has slightly warped the wings which is unacceptable at this stage of the game. It’s a significant repaint of the 2009 Legacy Collection Imperial TIE Fighter TARGET exclusive vehicle. Same features. Same scale. Same everything pretty much. The Imperial TIE Fighter Pilot is interesting. Firstly, it comes in a “Kenner baggie.” When was the last time we received a figure in a baggie from Hasbro? It’s a retool and repaint of the Lt. Oxixio (TIE Fighter Pilot) figure from the Toys R Us exclusive Battle Above Endor (1 of 2) set. (Remember those awesome multipacks?) This time, however, Hasbro has glued the head to the helmet. We no longer have a removable helmet option, and the clone portrait can no longer be seen. It’s also painted all black. This was the most opportune time to revisit this character with a better sculpt (I loathe this figure’s spindly legs without ankle articulation), and the big helmet and upper body make it obsolete at this point. Anyway, the full review is coming soon, but you can check out the whole photo gallery now.

Bloomberg reports that Comcast has dropped out of the bidding war for 21st Century Fox to focus on the acquisition of European pay tv channel Sky instead. This means that Disney can go ahead and the acquisition of 21st Century Fox has no real hurdles to overcome anymore. The deal already has US antitrust approval, Disney merely needs to sell off some of the local Fox sports networks, which Disney has already agreed to do. It’s most likely only a matter of time now until most of the Marvel characters and all the distribution rights for Star Wars are under one roof, pending shareholder approval. The separate Disney and Fox shareholder meetings are supposed to be held on July 27th.

We are wrapping up wave 18 from The Black Series [Phase III] 6″ figures with Tobias Beckett (68), today’s Visual Guide update. Click below to check out the full guide page, and click here to check out our full review.

Entertainment Earth is Hasbro’s official launch partner for new reveals this week at SDCC. This means that for a limited time, you can pre-order new Hasbro products only through Entertainment Earth as soon as they announce. Make sure to bookmark their launch page right here. The Star Wars launch is set for tomorrow evening!

Faithful to his word, Steve Evans has completed what he set out to do to The Vintage Collection’s bubble size. Luke Skywalker (as well as Doctor Aphra, perhaps others) provide the first evidence that the bubble size has been reduced for a much more pleasing aesthetic. Now Steve needs to get working on proper subtitles. (Where is “Jedi Master” for Luke?) Special thanks to friend Mario M. for this image.

Hasbro has sent out official images of the new SDCC reveals. Nothing like sending them on the rush hour home! Check out The Black Series [Phase III] gallery! You can also check out the whole single figure real of The Vintage Collection’s Enfys Nest HERE too.

Star Wars: The Clone Wars is coming back! Click through to watch the announcement trailer!

Update: Check out the official article on Starwars.com which features an interview with Dave Filoni! We will get 12 all new episodes of The Clone Wars!

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Steve Evans updated his Instagram page with some fantastic images. Something strikes me as odd however. The basic carded Doctor Aphra has been placed on a Star Wars card back instead of an Expanded Universe one. Hmm.

The Black Series Instagram page reveals the new Imperial Patrol Trooper 6″ figure! Check it out! Special thanks to Matthew C. for the alert!

Hasbro has a history of producing amazing dioramas at their booth over the years. This year we get to enjoy an amazing diorama based on Solo: A Star Wars Story. Click below to check it out!

Who’s excited for The Vintage Collection reveals this year at SDCC? Will 2019 prove to be the most exciting year in years, or will it be underwhelming? Time will tell.

Our friends at Rebelscum also have a first look gallery of the Hasbro booth for Preview Night. Not too much is revealed, although we do get some nice close-up looks at TVC’s Yak Face and Klaatu (Skiff Guard Outfit). Check it out!

NEW FIGURES! Let’s check out the wonderful Tobias Beckett 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 Star Wars Premium Silver Foils are back with Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back! Following on from the first release for the original 1977 Star Wars movie poster New Zealand Mint have announced that the second foil features the second instalment in the trilogy! Click through for more details.

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Next up is a great photo gallery from our friends at Rebelscum on the Gentle Giant Ltd. booth from Preview Night!

JTA reader Matthew C. alerts our attention to an awesome custom Palitoy Death Star-inspired cardboard Death Star playset on eBay. I highly suggest you check it out. The price is steep, but it’s a beautiful piece.

The HASCON exclusive Clone Captain Rex is on Amazon for $49.99 if you’re interested. Special thanks to JTA reader Mark for the alert!

Hasbro Toy Shop has the TVC Imperial Combat Assault Tank and Force Link 2.0 Imperial TIE Fighter IN STOCK! Special thanks to JTA reader Scott M. for the alert! FREE shipping applies for all orders over $49!

Our friends at Rebelscum have a nice early gallery of the new Hot Toys newest reveals!

Next up for our The Black Series [Phase III] Visual Guide updates is the all-new 6″ Rebel Trooper (69). Click below to check out our full guide page for this figure, and make sure to also stop by and check out our full review.

JTA Facebook follower Cristian A. has found the Force Link 2.0 C-3PO and R2-D2 at his local retailer outlet (outside of the USA) and has added the image our page. It looks like a possibility exists that this is a retailer exclusive as evidenced by the product number. Check it out!

There are plenty of new reveals today for the Sideshow Collectibles Online Comic-Con event, including many new Hot Toys Sixth Scale figures. It looks like Hot Toys has entered the Clone Trooper market with Commander Cody and the Airborne Trooper. Click below to check out all of the figures on their preview page, including Princess Leia (Bespin Outfit), Range Trooper, Mimban Stormtrooper, Jango Fett, two versions of Chewbacca, and an R2-D2 packed with tools!

After taking a look at both the Sequel and the Original Trilogy, today is the time to take a look at the Prequel Trilogy and what 10(ish) figures are most needed for the 6 inch Black Series! Click through for my top 10 picks!

When everyone was happy

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If you pre-ordered The Vintage Collection Imperial Combat Assault Tank from Amazon, they’ve begun shipping them despite initially listed with an August 3rd availability date. They are also in stock as we post this. Special thanks to JTA reader Mike R. for the alert!

The release date of Solo: A Star Wars Story Blu-ray is September 25th. Lucasfilm sends out the official announcement. Click through for more!

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NEW FIGURES! It’s a Rebel FLEET Trooper, Hasbro! Hasbro made advancements to the 6″ buck and collectors of the line are going to fall in love with it. See why the Rebel Trooper is the start to a bevy of great new things in The Black Series 6″ line. Read all about 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.

JTA reader Eric reports that The Black Series Clone Commander Wolffe has landed at his Louisiana Barnes & Noble. Thanks for the store report, Eric! If you are finding this in your area make sure to let us know in our comments to help those still on the hunt!

Sideshow Collectibles is releasing a second version of their Yoda Sixth Scale figure, this one being just different enough to be… different. This version doesn’t include quite as many accessories as the original release, and the portrait is slightly different as well. If you missed out on the first version then you get another chance at this slightly newer version. Click here for the pre-order page and additional images. 

We are starting another small run of The Black Series [Phase III] Visual Guides, featuring the three figures from wave 18. First up, we take a look at Han Solo (Bespin) (70). Click below to check out our full Visual Guide page, and make sure to stop by our full review to see additional information, images, and join in our discussion.

Online retailer Dark Side Toys is taking orders for a new and unannounced Star Wars [Solo] Force Link 2.0 Mission On Vandor-1 four-pack. Look for this around September.

OK, so the Doctor Aphra Comics Set was an interesting, albeit gimmicky reintroduction to the classic Kenner Special Action Figures Sets of yesteryear. Don’t get me wrong. I am thrilled to see this sub-line out once again, but it’s time to revisit the original sets’ legacy. During the initial run of The Vintage Collection, Hasbro produced many of them for collectors, and all were released as TARGET exclusives. However, we are still five sets short of the sixteen originally produced. Let’s find out what it would take to complete them for us shortly. Click through for more!

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In an interesting but not necessarily surprising development, we’ve learned that The Black Series [Phase III] Clone Commander Wolffe 6″ figure’s box art is directly “inspired” by the Sideshow Collectibles one-sixth scale figure. This is not improbable, and Hasbro leased out their license to Sideshow Collectibles years ago to make their high-end figures. Special thanks to JTA reader Jcc2224 for the alert!

NEW FIGURES! Let’s begin with The Black Series [Phase III] Han Solo (Bespin) figure. 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 uber-cool Boba Fett Mythos figure is now available for pre-order. Click here for the pre-order page. 

How are you faring on Amazon Prime Day? Amazon’s website is full of dogs if you try to search for anything, so finding deals has been tougher than normal. Here are a few deals readers have alerted us to. If you find more deals feel free to write in and we will add them to the list…

• The Black Series First Order Stormtrooper with Gear (Amazon Exclusive) ($23.84)
• Force Link 2.0 Kessel Run Millennium Falcon with Han Solo Figure ($52.49)

If you’re interested, The Black Series [Phase III] Kylo Ren Centerpiece figure is marked down to $28.96 with Prime plus if you click a coupon on the product page, they’ll deduct another $1 off the total for you too. Special thanks to JTA reader Jay V. for the alert!

There. I’ve said it. The Vintage Collection needs a modern update of the vintage Kenner Rebel Transport. I dare you to disagree with me. (more….)

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Our “Some Like It Hoth” run of vintage Kenner reviews continues with another bounty hunter: IG-88 (Bounty Hunter) from The Empire Strikes Back line. Relive your memories of this classic 1980 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!

Now it’s time to check out a sneak peek at our upcoming Chewbacca And Porgs Forces Of Destiny review, or should we say Chakabacca And Porgs instead? It’s cute, but this doesn’t favor Chewbacca too much. And yes, the porgs are so cute you’re going to want to eat them up. Check this set out in our Research Droids Reviews right now! Full review coming as soon as possible!

Let’s now check out San Diego Comic Con exclusive The Black Series [Phase III] 6″ Han Solo (Exogorth Escape). It’s the same figure as the basic Han Solo (Bespin) figure but now comes with a breathing mask, a hydrospanner, and a scaled mynock creature! Check it out in our Research Droids Reviews right now! The full review is coming as soon as possible!

The Star Wars And The Power Of Costume tour is currently residing in Detroit, and JTA reader Aldo S. visited the attraction. He sent us some images to share with you. I have visited this exhibit in NYC, and it was one of the most amazing things I have ever seen. I highly suggest checking it out if it comes close to your area too. Check out the gallery on Facebook.

New loose images of The Vintage Collection Imperial TIE Fighter have surfaced on social media and we’re disappointed to report that the Imperial TIE Fighter Pilot is the same old 2008 The Legacy Collection Evolutions sculpt. Specifically, it looks like the Lieutenant Oxixio figure from 2011’s SW [SOTDS] Battle Over Endor (1 of 2) set. Check out the gallery of new images on our Facebook page! Special thanks to JTA reader Matthew C. for the news!

The community saw a spike in sales when Hasbro announced that they decided to include an exclusive carded version of Yak Face in the Barge earlier this year. But when they revealed the price of the Imperial Combat Assault Tank, many members of the Star Wars collecting community cried out in horror over the steep price. However, they quickly followed up asking “does that price include a figure?” (more….)

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The store reports and delivery reports are pouring in that the GameStop exclusive Clone Commander Wolffe 6″ figure is arriving! If you haven’t seen this figure up close yet, check our our RDR on it HERE! Clone Commander Wolffe is currently IN STOCK at GameStop.com too if you’re interested! Special thanks to JTA reader cress for this report!

You think we have it bad in the USA when it comes to The Vintage Collection’s Imperial Combat Assault Tank? Friend and JTA reader Jamie D. sends us a report that this gorgeous vehicle has hit his local Canadian Toys R Us store and the MSRP is $119.99. Yikes. The line will not thrive with these ridiculous prices. By the way, see our full review on this amazing vehicle in our RDRs HERE.

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It’s Friends & Family time at Shop Disney. Use promo code DISNEYPAL at checkout for 25% off your order! Check out all of their cool Star Wars stuff HERE!

If you were collecting the modern Star Wars toy line “back in the day,” you’ll remember the exciting storyline of Shadows Of The Empire, a series of events that took place in between The Empire Strikes Back and Return Of The Jedi. During the multimedia event, Kenner produced a line of toys in support of the story, and it went over hugely with collectors. So we ask today. Is there any interest to see these characters update in The Vintage Collection and The Black Series 6″ lines? Let us know in the comments.

JTA sponsor Big Boy Collectibles has The Black Series [Phase III] 6″ Enfy Nest’s Swoop Bike in stock. They are also taking pre-orders for Han Solo (Bespin), Rebel Trooper and Tobias Beckett! Order yours today!

A social media user asked Bluefin Brands’ if we’d see “good guys” soon in the Movie Realization line. See what they teased in response. Special thanks to JTA reader Matthew C. for the tip.

Our “Some Like It Hoth” run of vintage Kenner reviews continues with another bounty hunter mail-away figure: Bossk (Bounty Hunter) from The Empire Strikes Back line. Let’s check him out a little more closely. Relive your memories of this classic 1980 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!

Sideshow Collectibles has unveiled a new Darth Maul Life-Size Bust. Click here to check out the full-size preview page. 

Our “Some Like It Hoth” run of vintage Kenner reviews continues with a little bit of a perplexing figure; the Rebel Soldier (Hoth Battle Gear) character. Who is this character exactly? Let’s check him out a little more closely. Relive your memories of this classic 1980 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!

Well, here we go again. Many of the latest The Vintage Collection figures are no Add-on Items at Amazon.com, listed for about half their MSRP. See the list for yourself. This is a tip to Hasbro that straight repacks should be the minority, not the majority, especially Sequel Trilogy repacks. No one wants them. NOT relegated to Add-on Item status: OT Hoth Trooper. Special thanks to JTA reader Agustin for the alert!

Dee Bradley Baker, who voiced the all of the clones on The Clone Wars, has posted something on his Twitter feed about the upcoming SDCC TCW panel:

#StarWars :the Clone Wars fans: I’m just gonna say, you don’t want to miss this. #Comicon2018

Now, why would he say that? Is it possible, against all odds, that we might get more animated The Clone Wars? Dialogue was recorded for several more seasons, just saying… What do you think? I believe fans would be over the moon if the unfinished episodes see the light of day, maybe on the streaming service… Is it too much to hope for?

The Clone Wars

Recently I looked at some of the Disney era characters that need a Black Series figure. Today I want to do the same for the Original Trilogy. It’s not easy making a list of just ten characters, so I cheated a bit here and there. Anyway, click through for my top 10 picks of Original Trilogy characters that need a Black Series figure!

And they lived happily ever after

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Robot Kingdom has just listed an exclusive The Vintage Collection Imperial TIE Fighter vehicle with Imperial TIE Fighter Pilot for pre-order. Special thanks to JTA readers Michael G., Matthew C. and elfcreative for the alerts! Pre-order it HERE.

Our “Some Like It Hoth” run of vintage Kenner reviews continues with a personal favorite: the Imperial Stormtrooper (Hoth Battle Gear) figure. Relive your memories of this classic 1980 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!

Hasbro has sent out San Diego Comic Con exclusives, and tonight we have a full gallery for you to enjoy of the Special Action Figure Set (Doctor Aphra Comic Set). The set is very, very nice. Here are some quick points about it. The set is overpriced by about 100%. At most, the set should cost no more than $34.99. Doctor Aphra is an all-new figure. BT-1 (Beetee) is based on the original astromech droid Build A Droid sculpt (it even has the 2008 date stamp on it) but comes with a new dome and some pretty incredible accessories. 0-0-0 (Triple Zero) looks fantastic and should have been sold as a basic figure before Doctor Aphra. It shows that Hasbro still isn’t focusing The Vintage Collection toys on the market who will buy it. The tooling on Triple Zero has worn over time, sadly. The parts don’t stay on as tightly as they should anymore. Hasbro could have easily glued them on instead, so we’re thankful that the figure still has playability. Anyway, check out our complete gallery. The review is about two-weeks out (we have a lot going on right now), but you can check out all of the important stuff now.

Nominations for the 70th Emmy Awards were announced today and Star Wars Rebels was among the nominees. In total, the final season of Star Wars Rebels received three nominations. The series was once again nominated in the Outstanding Children’s Program category. In addition, underappreciated composer Kevin Kiner was nominated in the Outstanding Music Composition For A Series category for his work on the Rebels’ series finale. Kiner and Star Wars Rebels will face off against Emmy juggernauts Game of Thrones and Westworld in that category. Finally, Star Wars Rebels was nominated for Outstanding Sound Editing For A Comedy Or Drama Series (Half-Hour) And Animation. Congratulations to the cast and crew of Star Wars Rebels  for their latest Emmy nominations and an impressive four seasons of Star Wars television! Click here to see the full list of nominees.

It’s hard to believe, but San Diego Comic-Con is right around the corner. Before it begins, we wanted you to weigh in on your speculation of what licensees, specifically Hasbro, will reveal this year at the show. We’ve been hinted since Toy Fair that 2019 will be a year like no other in a very long time, post the Golden Age of Collecting. But will those rumors be revealed to be true? Anyway, let us know what expectations you have for The Vintage Collection, The Black Series 6″ line, vehicles, multipacks, and stuff from other licensees in our comments.

Our “Some Like It Hoth” run of vintage Kenner reviews continues with the incredible FX-7 (Medical Droid) figure. In 2001, Hasbro released a definitive version of this figure on their very first try, but see this action figure’s historical start 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 have an exclusive sneak peek of wave 17 (wave 28) of The Black Series [Phase III] 6″ line! Han Solo (Bespin) is about what we all expected. He looks great, but there is nothing extraordinary about him. Samples will vary from one another, so be sure to find one with good eyes. Our sample looks good, but we think he could look a tad better. He is loaded with articulation and favors Harrison Ford very much. The Rebel Trooper is awesome, but some things about him bug us. Firstly, I don’t like the name. This character is a Rebel Fleet Trooper. Also, this sculpt is unequivocally Lieutenant Pello Scrambas, so you can’t army build this guy. (Hasbro – please make alternate head sculpts for this body!) Collectors will be thrilled to know that Hasbro added “butterfly” joints to the shoulders which make it possible for him to cross his arms and reach his arms behind his back. Also, I plead ignorance. I don’t know if he comes with the “Death Star plans” or some type of “communicator.” I am especially partial to Tobias Beckett. It looks just like Woody Harrelson, and the detail is fantastic. His costume is perfection and it’s one of the greatest figures based on Solo: A Star Wars Story Hasbro has produced to date. Check out these three new figures in our Research Droids Reviews RIGHT NOW! Full reviews are coming soon!!

Entertainment Earth just got in wave 18 of The Black Series [Phase III] 6″ line which includes Han Solo (Bespin), Rebel Trooper and Tobia Beckett! Order yours right now!

There is a new HasLab update on Jabba’s Sail Barge This time they are testing color on a miniature model. Check out the deco development HERE. Here is the image of the Deco Development process.

We begin Series 3 of the vintage Kenner line with The Empire Strikes Back Leia Organa (Bespin Gown). Check out this beautiful 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!

Yes, it’s true. The beard is no more. Mark Hamill posted a photo of a new gift he received from Sideshow Collectibles (a Joker cane) on Twitter and in the photo you can see a clean shaven Mark (makes him look 20 years younger). Now, what could that mean? Flashback scene in IX with a digitally de-aged Mark Hamill (think Michael Douglas in Ant-Man)? Maybe all of IX will be a flashback? Maybe Force ghosts have no beards (shut up, Obi-Wan!) or maybe Mark just learned his services are no longer needed, now that Lando will steal the show? Let the speculations begin! 😉

Mark Hamill, beardless and shirtless

I received my SH Figuarts Ben Kenobi figure today. With him only Leia is missing from the SHF hero line-up of A New Hope. So how does the figure compare to the Black Series version? Click through for a handful of photos and a quick overview!

Obi-Wan Kenobi (sort of)

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For those of you interested, the Kohl’s exclusive Force Link 4-pack that retailed for $49.99 is now only $19.99, the price it should have been at launch. Special thanks to friend Rum Sleg for the alert!

Order the GameStop exclusive The Black Series [Phase III] Clone Commander Wolffe 6″ figure which ships RIGHT NOW! You can also check out our review on this figure HERE! Thankt o all who wrote in to let us know about this pre-order!

Check out our sneak peek of the still-officially-unannounced The Black Series [Phase III] Captain Phasma (Quicksilver Baton) Canadian Toys R Us exclusive figure. It remains to be seen how this figure will be offered in the USA. Captain Phasma (Quicksilver Baton) would have been a lot more exciting if she was released instead of the straight repack that was part of The Last Jedi product launch push. The figure has a fantastic new head sculpt and the accessories are simple but lovely. If this were just a couple years ago, we could have expected a tweaked version of her in the basic assortment, but for one reason or another, Hasbro decides these make for great store exclusives (that many of us can never acquire). Anyway, the full review is coming soon, but you can check out the gallery and notes now.

We’re finishing up the Revenge Of The Sith Commemorative DVD Collection sets. It’s now time for the Emperor Palpatine, Darth Vader And Count Dooku (Sith Lords) set which was also a Walmart exclusive. 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.

Amazon has listed the product page for their exclusive The Black Series [Phase III] Astromech Droid 3-pack. Special thanks to friend Steve U. for the alert!

Now that is interesting, JTA regular Matthew Cohen sent us two photos he found in a Black Series Facebook group which show a brand new feature of a Black Series figure. The Rebel Fleet Trooper actually has SHF style butterfly joints under his vest! Click through for the other photo!

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Hollywood Reporter (as well as several other entertainment websites) has just released an article which officially confirms that Billy Dee Williams will reprise his role as Lando Calrissian in Episode IX. Rumors were spreading a few days ago already, when Billy Dee had to cancel a convention appearence due to a scheduling conflict. Now that it is official, what do you want Lando to do in IX? Do you think he will have a somewhat larger role? Are you happy and excited a beloved Original Trilogy character finally gets an appearance in the Sequel Trilogy? This is something fans have been asking for since The Force Awakens.

Previewed this past January, Sideshow Collectibles has officially announced their upcoming Sixth Scale Boba Fett Mythos figure. Look for this to go up for pre-order on Monday, July 16th.

The results of the poll are in and we have a winner! Jedi Temple Archives readers have voted for their most favorite Star Wars Battle. Click through to find out which battle won!