Author Archives: Paul

You saw our The Pathway To The Vintage Collection Special Report published on August 6th. Now let’s revisit the figures that set The Vintage Collection in motion. Let’s continue ahead with 2004’s VOTC Han Solo figure in our all-new updated review, complete with new text and photos and Visual Guide.

We’ve learned that the stock for TVC Poe’s X-wing Fighter at $59.99 at Walmart Online is running low! If you’re on the fence, you may want to take the plunge before they’re gone (if you think this is a good price).

You saw our The Pathway To The Vintage Collection Special Report yesterday. Now let’s revisit the figures that set The Vintage Collection in motion. Let’s continue with 2004’s VOTC Princess Leia Organa figure in our all-new updated review, complete with new text and photos and Visual Guide.

Hasbro Pulse updates their blog with a history of the various snowspeeder and pilot toys they produced throughout the years. However, they made a big blunder when they reference 2009’s Legacy Collection Luke Skywalker (BD51) figure as the first “snowspeeder pilot” Luke Skywalker action figure. They write “It’s worth mentioning that until 2009, no Luke Skywalker Snowspeeder pilot figure had ever been released. We had Dak Ralter from 2002’s The Power of the Jedi, and Zev Senesca from 2006’s The Saga Collection, but no Luke. This changed with his addition to The Legacy Collection.” No, this is very incorrect. The first version came in 1995 as Luke Skywalker (In X-wing Fighter Pilot Gear). It had the wrong name, but the right outfit. Then they included an updated version of this figure in 2002’s POTJ Luke Skywalker’s Snowspeeder exclusive set. They even mention this release in the blog but neglected to acknowledge the Luke Skywalker figure included with it. Last but not least, Hasbro added a kit-bashed version of Luke Skywalker in the snowspeeder outfit in 2007’s TAC The Battle Of Hoth Ultimate Battle Packs set. (which coincidentally is the only version of Luke Skywalker with correct mismatched orange pants and jacket)! Come on, Hasbro, we’ll gladly proofread your historical accounts for you! See the write up HERE.

Let’s open up a brand new category in our RDRs today! We’ll start The Black Series [Phase IV] 6″ line with the Photo Real version of Ezra Bridger. Hasbro developed a new numbering convention for the new 6″ lineup, and it’s bound to confuse everyone. Are you excited about the color-coding and organizational source focus of TBS6 [P4]? (more….)

Thank you for reading Research Droids Reviews: Season 12!

JTA reader Craig F. writes in with a TARGET store report. It appears they’re still getting in relatively new Star Wars products, although I have found nothing within 50 miles of my house. Let us know if you’re having some luck out there!

You saw our The Pathway To The Vintage Collection Special Report yesterday. Now let’s revisit the figures that set The Vintage Collection in motion. Up first is 2004’s VOTC Luke Skywalker figure in our all-new updated review, complete with new text and photos.

GameStop is shipping The Black Series [Phase IV] Zeb Orrelios 6″ figure! JTA reader David A. sends us the proof!

eBay seller tunghori keeps listing new TVC figures including Luke Skywalker (Stormtrooper) and the Power Droid and K-2SO if you’re interested. Many figures go in and out of stock, FYI. SO don’t give up! Special thanks to JTA reader TC for the alert!

To understand The Vintage Collection’s present is to respect its history. If you’re relatively new to collecting, you’ve quickly figured out that The Vintage Collection is Hasbro’s most popular 3.75″ super-articulated basic figure line ever produced. And many collectors will tell that Hasbro no longer treats it with the tender loving care it deserves. (Opinions vary greatly on that sentiment.) However, lovers of this line became saddened when Hasbro temporarily retired the line in 2013 as it paved the way for The Black Series 6″ line. Collectors waited for a grueling half-decade before we saw the line’s return. You already know the rest of that story. But do you know how we got here the first time? Please join us in discovering The Pathway To The Vintage Collection on the 10th Anniversary of the original line launch!

Join the discussion! (comments)

Hurry! The TVC Poe’s X-wing Fighter is only $59.99 at Walmart Online! Special thanks to friend Mario for the alert!

eBay seller tunghori listed the new TVC figures including Luke Skywalker (Stormtrooper) (VC169) and the Power Droid if you’re interested. Special thanks to JTA reader Mark for the alert!

eBay seller tunghori listed the new TVC Luke Skywalker (Stormtrooper) (VC169) figure if you’re interested. Special thanks to JTA reader Mark for the alert!

How many people cancelled their preorder for the Galaxy’s Edge Millennium Falcon at Target? One JTA reader was able to preorder it during the second wave with a 10% coupon, but after weeks of contemplating, he decided to cancel his order. He’s gone from fear of missing out to buyer’s remorse. (more….)

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Instagram page mfct_news reveals that the upcoming Kamino Clone Trooper comes with a removable helmet with an unpainted clone trooper head underneath! Special thanks to JTA reader James for the alert!

JTA reader and friend Russ T. received his Darth Vader (Carbonized) figure from Amazon today. They’re shipping and arriving!

The Black Series [Phase III] 6″ collectors are getting a taste of what happens to a long-running Star Wars line. And they better get used to more! Hasbro has to meet budgets, and in order to meet budgets, reusing existing tooling is a requirement. The “Attack Of The Clones” wave is essentially the first “repack, refreshed, and repaint” wave for the 6″ line. but 3.75″ collectors are used to them. Plo Koon isn’t perfect, but it’s an admirable effort. Will you add one to your collection? (more….)

Thank you for reading Research Droids Reviews: Season 12!

Wo! The third wave of The Black Series [The Empire Strikes Back 40th Anniversary] has hit retail. JTA reader Mike R. found Boba Fett and Darth Vader. (UPDATE: It appears that these are being found at TARGET stores on the West coast.)

Holy cow. The Black Series [Phase III] 6″ Kit Fisto figure is a complete mess. The head sculpt looks like an amalgamation of the Episode II and Episode III versions of the character, but the deco and details more closely resemble the Revenge Of The Sith likeness. Either way, the figure doesn’t have a robe, comes with the wrong lightsaber hilt, and possesses a litany of other issues. 6″ collectors should demand a recount on this figure. (more….)

Thank you for reading Research Droids Reviews: Season 12!

It is with deep sadness that I relay to you that a longtime JTA reader has passed away unexpectedly. You may recognize him as “PaulB” in the comments. Paul Benvie was a JTA moderator for years, and his quirky personality was a source of entertainment for many readers. He was well-versed in the 3.75″ action figure line, and he loved to customize new creations as often as possible. He loved showing everyone his collection and posted a ton of pictures in our RDRs. Paul will be missed. If you’re able to help, there is a Go Fund Me campaign to help his family pay for funeral expenses. If you can do anything, please do. Thank you, Paul, for the input you added into Jedi Temple Archives.

In 1984, new packaging for Star Wars figures was introduced for the European market. A cost containment initiative, the new packaging sported three languages of the Return Of The Jedi logo for a “one size fits all” approach. Although a “three-logo” design was created for The Power Of The Force line (as evidenced on some ‘boxed’ toys), it wasn’t carried over to the basic figure line’s card design. They continued to use the three Return Of The Jedi logos instead. Although the word “Trilogo” is found nowhere on the packaging, the term is universally adopted by all Star Wars collectors to describe this line of figures.

Today we revisit Yoda. Yoda’s Trilogo card art features an alternate right-facing image used for the running change American Return Of The Jedi version of the figure. The name of the character was also changed to Yoda, The Jedi Master. The review’s Collector Notes are updated with this information. See the full card art and additional notes by revisiting the 1980’s THE EMPIRE STRIKES BACK Yoda figure HERE.

The Chewbacca Mission Fleet figure is the best of the first wave. It has a strong The Clone Wars vibe to it, but it will also work for an animated take on the Original Trilogy character. And it comes with a Wookiee flyer! Will you give this line a chance too? (more….)

Thank you for reading Research Droids Reviews: Season 12!

The Clone Trooper Mission Fleet figure is another excellent toy. The figures and vehicles in this line are highly-detailed and generally look fantastic. This one is based on a 2005 Revenge Of The Sith Deluxe figure. Check out to see what all the fuss is about with this line! (more….)

Thank you for reading Research Droids Reviews: Season 12!

The Ahsoka Tano Mission Fleet figure is another decent release. The figures and vehicles in this line are highly-detailed and generally look fantastic. Overall, this line is amazing. And we’re confident you’re going to love it too. (more….)

Thank you for reading Research Droids Reviews: Season 12!

Hasbro thinks they outsmarted kids when it comes to the Mission Fleet line, but what they didn’t expect was for adult collectors to fall in love with them instead. This line is amazing. And you’re going to love it too. The Boba Fett release is outstanding. But please remember, this is for 40 and 50-year-olds, not kids. (more….)

Thank you for reading Research Droids Reviews: Season 12!