I have received emails here and there for months now asking what happened to our Q&A With JTA column. The short answer is that I just don't have time. (I'd encourage you to try writing a daily RDR and see how much extra time you'd have left by the way.) Anyway, we are sort of going to bring that back but in a slightly revised way. We will be presenting a Q and A of the Day instead. This column will be published daily, weekly, monthly, or just based on how many questions I get emailed – but no more than one a day. Feel free to send in your questions and I will put them in the queue. We'll see how it goes. Without further adieu, click through for Q and A of the Day: Day 1.

The very first release of Aayla Secura (Jedi Knight) was excellent, even is she was more pre-posed than articulated. Hasbro has since made better versions of the beautiful Twi'lek Jedi, but this one was a great start. Learn more about this figure in our Research Droids Reviews today. Feel free to leave your own thoughts in our comments section, vote in the poll or even leave comments about it on our Facebook page. Click the banner below for the direct link to the review! As always, you can also send your own personal review requests via email if you'd like to see something that we didn't cover yet.

The Rise of Darth Vader multipack is the next addition to our Visual Guides. Click below to check out the first multipack from the SW [DV/ROTS] line, and make sure to read our review on this set to see if it is worth adding to your collection!

Check out the Brian's Toys newsletter!  A giant truckload of new stuff has come in.  Brand new items off the truck this week include:

• Black Series 6-inch Wave 1 (Set of 4)
• Marvel Legends Rocket Raccoon Series (Set of 5)
• G.I. Joe: Retaliation Wave 4 (Set of 12)
• Admiral Ackbar "Magnitude" Mini Bust
• Clone Trooper (White) Deluxe Statue
• Ree Yees Mini Bust
• Darth Maul Spider Statue

And there is still plenty more from Hasbro and Gentle Giant. Brian's Toys has also stocked up on more exclusive from this year's San Diego Comic-Con and have even reduced the price! Get the Boba Fett Deluxe Mini Bust for $149.99, Vintage Jumbo Yak Face (POTF) for $79.99, and the C-3PO McQuarrie Mini Bust for $79.99.

Cruise over to the Brian's Toys newsletter to check out more at Brian's Toys.

Be thankful that you don't live in Japan. Hasbro has decided to blind box the Saga Legends and Mission Series figures for that collecting audience. Imagine getting one bad Mace Windu figure over and over and over.... Click through for more information (you'll need Google Translate).

JTA moderator Paul B. alerts us to the news that Marc's stores have received "newish" Star Wars merchandise at significant discounts. Of particular note is the Special Action Figure Droid Set that was original a TARGET exclusive has been found for under $7. That's pennies on the dollar folks! There is other sale merchandise too. Click through for more. (Editor's Note: Hasbro should have just sold the all-new figures in these sets as basic carded figures for $9.99 each and they would have made out like bandits. I have never seen so many discounted 3-packs than this Droid Factory set. They are showing up in multiple places (and not at the original $24.99)).

JTA reader Darthmaul208 alerts us to news reported at a few other places on the web about the condition of international The Black Series figures. This line is just a mess. If the figures' bubbles aren't falling off of the card backs, other countries are cluttering the reverse sign with huge stickers that damage them. Click through for more.

It looks like Bruno sent out a mass email to all the Star Wars fan sites about this but see what he has encountered at his local TRU in Canada. Click through for more.

We knew they were coming... the inevitable battle droids repaints from Sideshow Collectibles. But, are they a bad thing? Probably not! Click through to check out the next battle droid 2-pack from Sideshow Collectibles! This set is up for pre-order on September 5th, and you can also enter to win a set right here!

One of the best decorated protocol droids was made available to collectors in late 2003. R-3PO (Hoth Evacuation) may severely lack articulation, but check out his incredible paint job. This droid is the focus of our Research Droids Reviews today. Feel free to leave your own thoughts in our comments section, vote in the poll or even leave comments about it on our Facebook page. Click the banner below for the direct link to the review! As always, you can also send your own personal review requests via email if you'd like to see something that we didn't cover yet.

In order to stream-line the front page we have removed our Visual Guides branching menu and replaced it with a directly-linked banner to our brand new Visual Guide Index page, which better matches our Research Droids Reviews Index page for more consistancy in finding the various Star Wars lines. You can still find our easy one-click menu on all of the Visual Guide Index pages for each navigation when jumping from guide-to-guide. You can also find a new home link on the left side of every page for a quick jump back to our main page. We're still fine-tuning our graphics and layout, so bear with us and please feel free to leave feedback in our comments on what works (or doesn't work) for you! Just look for the Visual Guides banner at the top left of each and every page to jump you right to the main Visual Guide Index!

How many different ways can Hasbro make R2-D2? The short answer is a lot. R2-D2 (Jabba's Sail Barge) is proof that there is always another when it comes to Hasbro making a unique version of a Star Wars action figure. It's all in our Research Droids Reviews today. Feel free to leave your own thoughts in our comments section, vote in the poll or even leave comments about it on our Facebook page. Click the banner below for the direct link to the review! As always, you can also send your own personal review requests via email if you'd like to see something that we didn't cover yet.

JTA reader LesDudis's The Black Series 6" Darth Maul figure is freakishly separating. Click through for more.

With thanks to our friends at BanthaSkull.com for tipping us off, tformers.com have intercepted a confidential document from Toys R Us which reveals a few important snippets of information that you'll probably want to hear including where you'll probably want to be for Star Wars merchandise in 2015 and beyond, as well as a potential summer film for another separate property! Click through for more.

Click through for our Research Droids Reviews recap and see what recent reviews you may have missed.

The 31" Darth Vader is making its way across the country. Jonathan from Lodi CA gives us a report. Click through for details. Also, let us know if you're delving into this huge scale.

JTA moderator Sjefke was bothered by some issues with the new The Black Series Padmé Amidala figure. So he took it upon himself to customize some fixes. Click through to see what he did.

Attack Of The Clones introduced Star Wars fans to some of the most unique characters to date. So Hasbro was quick to introduce these characters in action figure form. Today, we look at Wat Tambor (Geonosis War Room) in our Research Droids Reviews and talk about its strengths and weaknesses. Feel free to leave your own thoughts in our comments section, vote in the poll or even leave comments about it on our Facebook page. Click the banner below for the direct link to the review! As always, you can also send your own personal review requests via email if you'd like to see something that we didn't cover yet.

ActionFigureXpress.com announces that a backdrop for their AFX Exclusive Jumbo Special Action Figure Set will be included! Click through for more details!

Wave 2 of The Black Series is now available for pre-order on Amazon.com. Orders over $25 have free shipping. These are listed with an October 28th release date. Thanks to JTA reader Mike for the heads up!

The latest Expanded Universe novel Kenobi is available today! Click here to check it out!

How clever is it that Gentle Giant Ltd. made both Han Solo figures for the Jumbo Vintage Kenner Figures collection? This one Han Solo [Large Head], the "not rare" one. It's looked at in our Research Droids Reviews today. Feel free to leave your own thoughts in our comments section, vote in the poll or even leave comments about it on our Facebook page. Click the banner below for the direct link to the review! As always, you can also send your own personal review requests via email if you'd like to see something that we didn't cover yet.

JTA sponsor Dorkside Toys writes in with the latest arrivals, pre-orders and clearance merchandise! Click through for more!

Big Bad Toy Store checks in with their latest newsletter. You can also get daily product news and updates by subscribing to BBTS's Facebook page and Twitter feed!

BBTS END OF SUMMER SALE - 5000+ ITEMS REDUCED
We've reduced prices by 15% to 50% on over 5,000 items!   Take a look at the huge sale menus, there are tons of Transformers, Star Wars, Marvel, DC, GI Joe, Anime, Statues, Props, T-Shirts, Trinkets, Stand-Ups, Imports, Movie Figures and much much more!

I don't think we have received a store report from Sout Africa until today, but JTA reader Richard S. sends us a report of what can be found there. Talk about a hodgepodge of merchandise! Then again, does it really look different than US stores? You decide.

Almost 24 hours after ToysRUs.com sends out emails about a potential delay in the shipment of The Black Series figures, they send out order processing and shipment notices notices! JTA reader studlydudly as well as myself confirm this. Click through for the proof.

Our friends at Yakface.com started a discussion yesterday about the anticipated pile-up of some The Black Series figures and how its happening. We are also getting similar reports too. Be sure to join their discussion and add your experiences to this situation. I honestly am not experiencing any pile ups myself. In fact, finding The Black Series in stock has become quite challenging. But let them know what you're finding.

The Black Series wave 2 is up for pre-order at Amazon.com with an expeceted arrival date of November 25, 2013. Click through to pre-order Han Solo, Greedo, Boba Fett and Princess Leia (Slave Outfit)!

One of the standout high-end pieces of 2013 so far is the C-3PO And R2-D2 Premium Format Figure set. It's ridiculously priced, but the figures' electronics are state of the art. If you haven't seen our full gallery on these pieces yet, do yourself a favor and check them out. They're done so well that you might be tempted to FLEX-PAY them if they're out of your budget!

Do you want to see how Pre Vizsla really looks? Then check out the Pre Vizsla (The Clone Wars) Maquette. Drastically different than the Hasbro figure, Gentle Giant Ltd. is zealous about accuracy when they develop their products. Find out more in our Research Droids Reviews today too. Feel free to leave your own thoughts in our comments section, vote in the poll or even leave comments about it on our Facebook page. Click the banner below for the direct link to the review! As always, you can also send your own personal review requests via email if you'd like to see something that we didn't cover yet.

Petco picks up the Star Wars license! Get ready for Star Wars characters as toys for your dogs and cats! StarWars.com has the full story! Click through for more.

JTA reader Lang offers advice for other readers on how to make the new The Black Series Darth Vader look better (as in hiding that hideous silver cape tie). Click through for more information!

Some of the nicest Gentle Giant Ltd. products come in the form of Maquettes. A case and point of this would be R2-D2 (The Clone Wars). See all the details in our Research Droids Reviews today too. Feel free to leave your own thoughts in our comments section, vote in the poll or even leave comments about it on our Facebook page. Click the banner below for the direct link to the review! As always, you can also send your own personal review requests via email if you'd like to see something that we didn't cover yet.

If you remember a while back, ToysRUs.com was running a special of Buy One Get One 50% off and they had four (4) TBS figures in stock at the time. They have yet to ship, but no TRU.com is ending out emails to those who pre-orderd them. JTA reader studlydudly forwards us the email he received. Click through to read their response.

We certainly understand why packaged figures are so important for Star Wars collectors, just look at The Vintage Collection. But when we see eBay auctions like this, it really makes our heads explode. Whether this is a real factory error or not, or just someone taking really bad advantage of the "separating card backs" issues, even if you did win this auction, are you really going to take a chance on it crumbling apart once it's in your own possession? Gee-whiz. Please learn how to appreciate these great figures outside of the packaging. If you don't, you're really missing out! See the madness HERE. Special thanks to Eli H. for the head's up!

Star Wars Episode 7 will be shot on 35mm film! IGN has the full story!.

I have to tell you. Seeing something like this just really sticks in my craw. The Angry Birds SDCC exclusive was exclusively responsible for nearly caving in my "vintage spirit", but how many times have we asked for accessories like this and Hasbro tells us time and again that there isn't a market for it. The same craziness applies to playsets as far as they're concerned. Anyway, let us know how you feel about these types of things.

It seems that the conversations regarding the separating card backs of The Black Series line is not dying down at all. And it also seems that retail's dealing of the issue is literally just putting a band aid on a much bigger problem. I can attest to finding the worse situation of this mess on my toy runs today, but click through to reader JTA reader Steve U.'s report.

Gentle Giant Ltd. slowly but surely releases Mini Busts based on McQuarrie artwork and they've all been exclusives to date. See their latest, C-3PO (McQuarrie Concept) and hopefully you'll appreciate what a fine piece of art this specimen is in our Research Droids Reviews today too. Feel free to leave your own thoughts in our comments section, vote in the poll or even leave comments about it on our Facebook page. Click the banner below for the direct link to the review! As always, you can also send your own personal review requests via email if you'd like to see something that we didn't cover yet.

It's Lily Ledy-palooza over at Brian's Toys! Over 50 different Vintage Star Wars Loose AFA action figures produced by Lily Ledy have been added to the site.  Highlights include a Boba Fett Removable Rocket, Bib Fortuna Red Cape, and Jawa (removable hood) figures. 

Also added are sealed cases of Black Series 3.75" Wave 1 (in stock) and Wave 2 (pre-order).  A great way to get more value on collecting the Black Series.  A Sideshow Collectibles Life-Size Grievous Bust and Rubies Life-Size Yoda Statue have also been added.

For more from this week's newsletter and to see the complete Lili Ledy list, visit Brian's Toys.

Hurry because these auctions end in less than 24 hours!! Check out these awesome The Vintage Collection auctions on eBay, especially our South American readers! You know who you are!! Click through for more details as well about these auctions!

Gentle Giant Ltd. thought outside of the box and released "Magnitude" (An Admiral Ackbar Mini Bust) for collectors who adore Star Wars and art. It's a unique piece, but will it grasp the attention of hardcore collectors? With gorgeous packaging and a well done sculpt, see if this Mini Bust is something you'll consider in our Research Droids Reviews today. Feel free to leave your own thoughts in our comments section, vote in the poll or even leave comments about it on our Facebook page. Click the banner below for the direct link to the review! As always, you can also send your own personal review requests via email if you'd like to see something that we didn't cover yet.

So there is a purpose the Saga Legends line has for collectors.... JTA reader Arthur alerts us to an important detail. Click through for more.

It's time for August's Collectors Cast with your hosts James Burns and Dan Curto – it's a MEGA show with updates on the Caravan of the Force, a look back at Star Wars Celebration Europe with Steve Sansweet (~18mins) along with a teaser of something big happening very soon with Rancho Obi-Wan. James and Dan also look back at San Diego Comic Con and review all the latest Star Wars figures from Hasbro (~77mins) including the Mission Series 2-Packs, Saga Legends, The Black Series 3¾" figures and the brand new 6" line too – plus there's all the latest rumors as well! Get your Star Wars collector fix and tune in now... Direct download link here.

We are getting a couple of store reports with readers expressing that The Black Series 6" line is becoming increasingly easier to locate, with some stores receiving multiple cases at a time. We cannot attest to the same thing, but what are you finding in your areas? Let us know in our comments. It is our overall opinion that this new scale of figures is still very difficult to find available on store shelves! Special thanks to JTA reader James M. for the image and report.

Well, Sideshow Collectibles has created the most perfect high-end collectible specimen of Shaak Ti based on her appearance from The Force Unleashed video game. It's quite possibly their greatest effort in the Premium Format Figures line to date. See why you'll want to beg, borrow and steal to ensure this collectible makes its way into your collection. If you think the Hasbro Legacy Collection action figure was good, let us tell you it's garbage next to this beauty. It's all in our Research Droids Reviews today. Feel free to leave your own thoughts in our comments section, vote in the poll or even leave comments about it on our Facebook page. Click the banner below for the direct link to the review! As always, you can also send your own personal review requests via email if you'd like to see something that we didn't cover yet.

Our friends at SWFiguren.com have the first look at wave 2 Saga Legends carded! Check them out!

Here is one for the record books.... Click through for complete details of this store report!

Toy Palace reveals The Black Series wave 3 case assortment ratio. Is there room for any concern? Click through for more and to leave your thoughts!

More reports are coming in concerning The Black Series cardback woes... Click through for the latest report from JTA reader Toby!

With first images presented by our friends at StarWarsFiguren.com, now our friends from Rebelscum.com present the collecting community with high-resolution images from wave 3 of The Black Series! Check them out!

We continue looking at more Jumbo Vintage Kenner Figures and now turn our attention to Artoo-Detoo (R2-D2) in our Research Droids Reviews today. Feel free to leave your own thoughts in our comments section, vote in the poll or even leave comments about it on our Facebook page. Click the banner below for the direct link to the review! As always, you can also send your own personal review requests via email if you'd like to see something that we didn't cover yet.

We have received multiple reports that the Jakks Pacific Darth Vader 31" figure is starting to hit Walmart. We have received reports from JTA moderator Paul B. and JTA Facebook friend James B. Click through for the report!

Big Bad Toy Store checks in with their latest newsletter. You can also get daily product news and updates by subscribing to BBTS's Facebook page and Twitter feed!

You'll never guess what items dropped in price again on Amazon.com. JTA reader Brandon has the scoop! Click through for more!

We continue looking at more Jumbo Vintage Kenner Figures and turn our attention to See-Threepio (C-3PO) in our Research Droids Reviews today. Feel free to leave your own thoughts in our comments section, vote in the poll or even leave comments about it on our Facebook page. Click the banner below for the direct link to the review! As always, you can also send your own personal review requests via email if you'd like to see something that we didn't cover yet.

This week at Brian's Toys you can pre-order the all new eFX Collectibles Darth Maul Lightsaber Legend.  This lightsaber is only limited to 500 pieces worldwide, and each one is signed by Ray Park! This is a piece that has pre-sold out already on eFX Collectibles, but Brian's Toys has 10 that will be on their way later this year. So reserve yours now!

Fresh off the truck this week is the Black Series 3.75" Wave 1 figures.  A combo set of four figures is also available for $19.99 that includes Darth Vader, Anakin Skywalker, Biggs Darklighter, and Biker Scout.

Finally, be sure to reserve your order of the upcoming Gentle Giant Snowtrooper Jumbo figure, Bob Fett (Holiday Special) maquette, and the Yoda (Hoth) statue with Brian's Toys.

Visit the rest of this week's newsletter at Brian's Toys.

So, I personally have yet to see ANY The Black Series 3.75" figures in three of my local TARGET stores. As cruel fate would have it, my local stores are CONTINUING to get wave 12 of The Vintage Collection instead. While it's nice to see random Imperial Navy Commanders and Darth Malguses, I have to say that we are light years away from these terrible distribution issues getting resolved. If TVC is STILL SHIPPING in August of 2013, we may be lucky enough to see wave 2 and 3 of The Black Series around Christmas 2015, if that. I hope this isn't commonplace across the country. The bright side? Walmart and Toys R Us seem to be on a more balanced ball at this point. But only time will tell how smoothly things go. Click through to see an example of the mess I frequently see in the Philly area!

JTA sponsor Dorkside Toys writes in to update readers on the newest arrivals, the latest pre-orders and the new additions to their clearance section! Click through for the details!

Darth Maul is our next six inch figure to be added to the Visual Guides! Click below to check out another figure from this inagural wave of new collectibles. You can also read our thoughts on this figure and this line right here in our Research Droids Review!

Hokey video reviews with ancient lighting techniques are no match for a high quality Research Droids Reviews entry at your side. See the Yak Face Jumbo Vintage Kenner Figure, a collectible predicted by our friends at Yakface.com that it would indeed be the 2013 SDCC exclusive, in all of its glory. And let's not of course forget about that 'too cool' large scale Collectors' Coin either. Feel free to leave your own thoughts in our comments section, vote in the poll or even leave comments about it on our Facebook page. Click the banner below for the direct link to the review! As always, you can also send your own personal review requests via email if you'd like to see something that we didn't cover yet.

K & C Collectibles has added the new Black Series Action Figures, 6" Black Series, Saga Legends and much more!

Click here to view all the NEW Product.

You saw our report of the detached The Black Series figures, now JTA readr Ben H. has an observant eye on how some retail establishments are dealing with this issue. Carded collectors should really get ready to cringe. We reveal a small visual clue of what this is in our thumbnail below Click through for more!

There are two ways of looking at the Amazon.com exclusive Slave I (Boba Fett's Spaceship) vehicle: visually and by the sum of its parts. It lacks a lot with the latter. See why in our Research Droids Reviews today. But also see why you still need one. Feel free to leave your own thoughts in our comments section, vote in the poll or even leave comments about it on our Facebook page. Click the banner below for the direct link to the review! As always, you can also send your own personal review requests via email if you'd like to see something that we didn't cover yet.

I was actually wondering if my experience was an isolated situation, but it appears this may be more widespread. Some cases of The Black Series 3.75" bubbles that house the figures are coming off of the card back. I actually purchased Luke Skywalker like this and now JTA reader Rozwell has found multiple examples of this occuring. Let us know if you have seen this anomaly too! Click through for more

Five Below quietly announced in January 2013 that they had plans to expand their stores across the country and that their first stop would be in the great state of Texas. That has come to fruition. JTA moderator flamingtoilet send us proof that new stores are opening in September. Click through for his report. This is great news for local Star Wars collectors!

You're not going to believe this one folks! JTA reader Buried Egg sends us an unreal store report, one that used to be common in Hasbrotopia but no longer exist. A must read indeed! And a likely isolated or regional event. Click through for the details!

Not all of the figure in The Black Series 6" line can be perfect, and that definitely applies to R2-D2 which is an admirable effort, but in need of multiple revisions. See why R2-D2 is still a distance away from perfection in our Research Droids Reviews today. See why you need one. Feel free to leave your own thoughts in our comments section, vote in the poll or even leave comments about it on our Facebook page. Click the banner below for the direct link to the review! As always, you can also send your own personal review requests via email if you'd like to see something that we didn't cover yet.

Amazon.com is cross-promoting with Facebook and you can get $5 promotional credit off of a $25 order (Facebook Required). Click through for details. Special thanks to Brandon Y. for the alert!

Quick heads up - TRU's website just added the exclusive X-Wing in TVC packaging. It's $59.99 online with the current (limited time) 15% off you entire purchase promotion going on, which makes it $50.99 + tax! Special thanks to JTA reader Les Dudis for the head's up!

Brian's Toys is now buying toys of all kinds!  In addition to Star Wars, Brian's Toys is paying competitive prices for almost any unopened action figure and accessories from modern toylines, including LEGO, Marvel, G.I. Joe, and Transformers.  To make selling your toys easy, they have made obtaining a price quote quick and efficient with their forms and webapp.  All-NEW Instant Quotes are currently available for Batman, DC Universe, Halo, Star Tek, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, and WWE Wrestling toys.  Plus if you have toys from any toy line from Barbie to Disney Cars to Power Rangers to McFarlane Sports, Brian's Toys can give you quotes as long as you can provide UPC's.  Plus Brian's Toys buy entire collections (if you prefer) and for a limited time is offering FREE shipping on the first box.  Visit brianstoys.com/sellyourtoys to get your quote now!

The articulation on The Black Series 6” Sandtrooper is beyond impressive. Did you know you can almost make him kick his own butt and bend his elbows at a forty-five degree angle? This is something a 3.75” action figure will NEVER be able to achieve. He can even stand unassisted on one foot without any camera tricks! But you have to see this for yourself to believe. It’s all well-documented in our Research Droids Reviews today. See why the Sandtrooper is going to kick your butt too. Feel free to leave your own thoughts in our comments section, vote in the poll or even leave comments about it on our Facebook page. Click the banner below for the direct link to the review! As always, you can also send your own personal review requests via email if you'd like to see something that we didn't cover yet.

JTA affiliate StarWarsFiguren.com is also the first to reveal boxed images of the second wave of the six inch The Black Series line too! Click through to see all of these great images also

JTA affiliate StarWarsFiguren.com is the first to reveal carded images of wave 3 of The Black Series 3.75" line. What's especially revealing here is the first image of Merumeru, part of a large group of figures that you found out were coming right here at Jedi Temple Archives in early June. Click through to see all of the great images, including Commander Neyo with helmet "on"!

I hate to break open this box now, but thank goodness my Slave I came packed very well. It's nearly flawless Click through for the proof!

The Black Series 6" line is impressing us beyond expectations. We look at Darth Maul in our Research Droids Reviews today. See why you need one. Feel free to leave your own thoughts in our comments section, vote in the poll or even leave comments about it on our Facebook page. Click the banner below for the direct link to the review! As always, you can also send your own personal review requests via email if you'd like to see something that we didn't cover yet.

JTA reader Tim W. has a happier tale to share with us. Click through for his experience with The Vintage Collection Slave I vehicle.

This eBay seller is unbelievable! HobbyStock also has multiple loose red bandanna Kithabas in stock for less than $7.00 each! He also has a lot more cool figures in stock with reasonbale Buy It Nows too! Click through for more! Let's see how long it takes for this auction to make front page news "elsewhere" too...

It's time to kick off Wave 1 from the new 6" line of The Black Series. We'll start things off with Luke Skywalker, X-wing pilot. Click below for our full Visual Guide, and make sure you read our in-depth review of this figure over in our Research Droids Review!

Entertainment Earth is having a Summer Blowout Sale! Check the Star Wars section of this sale for some great deals, many things as much as half off. Click here to see if you can fill any holes in your collection with some great deals!

Ha! You may read flowery reports that Amazon.com is working with collectors to make The Vintage Collection Slave I dilemma a little easier to swallow, but how long will it take for them to remedy the situation is what you should really be asking. We were told by our contact that the Slave I will likely disappear off of Amazon.com (something we even assumed would happen and were correct about) due to the high volume of returns and complaints. If yours hasn't shipped yet, it looks like there will be a delay until Amazon.com remedies this complete and utter disaster

It sold out in a heartbeat once we posted the link the yesterday, but hurry, the TVC Darth Malgus for under $10 loose and complete has been relisted! Click through for more!

Click through for our Research Droids Reviews recap and see what recent reviews you may have missed.

Gentle Giant has opened up pre-orders for three of their latest offerings! Click the images below to pre-order the Animated Boba Fett (Holiday Special), Jumbo Imperial Snowtrooper, and the 1:6 scale Yoda (Hoth?) statue!

Well, this Research Droids Reviews entry can be translated as AN APOLOGY or the equivalent of eating humble pie. See why we have fallen head over heels for The Black Series 6" line. Luke Skywalker is clearly only the beginning to an incredible line of larger scaled action figures. Feel free to leave your own thoughts in our comments section, vote in the poll or even leave comments about it on our Facebook page. Click the banner below for the direct link to the review! As always, you can also send your own personal review requests via email if you'd like to see something that we didn't cover yet.

We have another BREAKING NEWS report for you, albeit smaller this time. For collectors interested in new Saga Legends and Mission Series two-packs, we have the skinny on five upcoming new products not yet announced.... until now! Click through for more!

In tonight's Visual Guide update we close out Wave 1 of The Black Series 3.75" figures with the Biker Scout. Click below to check out TBS #07, and if you missed our review of this figure make sure to stop by and check it out!

Check out the latest Big Bad Toy Store newsletter. You can also get daily product news and updates by subscribing to BBTS's Facebook page and Twitter feed!

Wo! Get a complete Darth Malgus on eBay for less than $10! Click through for the direct link!

We're not gonna take it.... anymore. But it may not be for the reasons you think. We're thrilled to see a quality multipack like The Rise Of Darth Vader make its way to retail. We just don't understand why Hasbro says they can't bring us super-articulated action figures for significntly less than $10 each when they did exactly just that in this multipack. See our heated analysis in our Research Droids Reviews today. Feel free to leave your own thoughts in our comments section, vote in the poll or even leave comments about it on our Facebook page. Click the banner below for the direct link to the review! As always, you can also send your own personal review requests via email if you'd like to see something that we didn't cover yet.

Please help a fellow collector out with her medical bills by simply bidding on her Star Wars collection on eBay. JTA reader Paul G. alerts us to a very noble cause. There are some great figures in her collection. Fill some holes in your collection while helping out another fan in need. Click through for more!

We had a hunch, but now our worst fears have been realized. The Vintage Collection Slave I is arriving without a shipper box, damaged to the point of obliteration and arriving with shipping labels all over it. JTA commenter Tim from Elliot City, MD writes "Mine arrived today. Not crushed, but also labels on the Vintage type box. I suppose if I was one of the people who kept this in the box I would be annoyed. I open stuff up though so its fine. STILL. If you want the box mint. BE WARNED."

UPDATE #1: With thanks to JTA reader Harris H., if you select "This item will be a gift" it should ship in a white mailer box. I just cancelled my order and re-ordered it using this option. Let's see what happens!

UPDATE #2: My friend Adam Pawlus, from GalaticHunter.com fame, emailed me letting me know that he DIDN'T order his as a gift and it DID ship in a white mailer box. He also believes that the randomness of people receiving these destroyed or in white boxes has more to do with warehouse shipping methods and the individuals shipping them out. Take that as you'd like.

Yawn. Another Biker Scout, right? Well, this one isn't so bad actually. Sadly, it lacks a bit in the deco department. See why you may or may not want this pack-in figure turned basic figure for your own collection in our Research Droids Reviews today. Feel free to leave your own thoughts in our comments section, vote in the poll or even leave comments about it on our Facebook page. Click the banner below for the direct link to the review! As always, you can also send your own personal review requests via email if you'd like to see something that we didn't cover yet.

JTA reader Chris intercepted a Walmart plan-o-gram. Click through if you're interested to see how your local Walmart should looks anytime from now to the next week.

JTA Canadian reader Michael M. gives us a full report of wht is hitting the Ontario area. Click through for his report!!

JTA reader SCRAM gives us visual proof of The Black Series arriving at Walmart in North Carolina. Click through for his report!!

JTA reader Shawn K. has an awesome store experience to share with the rest of the class. Click through to read about his rewarding The Black Series finds!!

JTA Facebook friend and reader Danny O. gives us an update on The Black Series at Kmart omplete with visual proof. I can also confirm that my local store (near Philly) has also received this product too. Click through for details!

eFX announces the Darth Maul lightsaber! Click through for details!

Look what JTA reader Joshua L. found at his local TARGET! Click through for details!.

Attack of the Clones was the heavy hitter in Wave 1 of The Black Series, making up 50% of this wave. The Clone Pilot is the latest clone trooper to utilize the updated clone body. Click below to check out the full Visual Guide of this figure. You can also see how we rated this figure in our Research Droids Review! And, don't forget to vote in our figure poll at the bottom of the review!

This even surprised us, but one of our favorites from the first wave of The Black Series is the Clone Pilot. He looks fantastic in so many ways. Find out why you'll probably want to army build him and thrown out all of your old ones in our Research Droids Reviews today. Feel free to leave your own thoughts in our comments section, vote in the poll or even leave comments about it on our Facebook page. Click the banner below for the direct link to the review! As always, you can also send your own personal review requests via email if you'd like to see something that we didn't cover yet.

The Clone Trooper Sergeant is the 3rd Attack of the Clones Clone Trooper to get released on the updated body, and the latest addition to our Visual Guides. Click below to check out the latest version of this figure, and then see how he fared in our full review by clicking here!

The TVC Slave I is in stock! Special thanks to our friends at StarWarsCollector.com for the tip!.

The Clone Trooper Officers with the enhanced VC45 body sculpt are trickling into our collections slowly, but surely. Now the Clone Trooper Sergeant gets released to much satisfaction (as far as we're concerned). Check him out in full detail in our Research Droids Reviews today. Feel free to leave your own thoughts in our comments section, vote in the poll or even leave comments about it on our Facebook page. Click the banner below for the direct link to the review! As always, you can also send your own personal review requests via email if you'd like to see something that we didn't cover yet.

We would be honored if you would join us. Today's Visual Guide update features Darth Vader from one of the coolest scenes in the OT! Click below to check him out! You can also peruse our fully featured Research Droids Review for everything else you need to know about this collectible from The Black Series.

And not to be outdone by all other retail, The Black Series and all other 2013 corresponding product is now arriving at retail giant Walmart. Our friends at Yakface.com have the story. Click through for their report.

Star Wars Angry Birds Telepods have arrived at Brian's Toys.  Pick up the Strikes Backs and Vehicles sets now!  Also new this week is the Marvel Universe Captain America, Rhino, Mysterio and Elektra wave. 

No Vintage 12-Back Star Wars set is complete without the 12-Back Display Header & Bin.  A mint AFA 80 bin available now!  Finally, pre-order the new Sideshow Stormtrooper Commander premium format figure.

For more from this week's newsletter, visit Brian's Toys.

JTA reader and Facebook friend Cindy T. lets us know that retailer Kmart is now stocking both scales of The Black Series lines, Saga Legends and Mission Series. If you have reports from this retailer too, please let us know what you're finding. She writes "Just letting you know [that the] K-Mart in Eastern NC is stocking the 6 inch and the 3.75 and the Saga Legends Mission series...now..they have 4 guys working the toy section and they said that they will be adding the figures through the weekend...might be a place to check out for those without Target or TRU (like me)"

Our good friends at StarWarsFiguren.com have an awesome look at the Amazon.com exclusive Legacy Collection "2" Droid Factory set of figures. Click through to check them out! (Oh man how I wish this packaging was the main basic figure lineup.)

It's probably quite accurate to assume that most of us at this point are a little bit exhausted seeing another Darth Vader figure. But Hasbro did another scene-specific version of him, and it's one that actually turned out quite well. See the latest iteration in our Research Droids Reviews today. Feel free to leave your own thoughts in our comments section, vote in the poll or even leave comments about it on our Facebook page. Click the banner below for the direct link to the review! As always, you can also send your own personal review requests via email if you'd like to see something that we didn't cover yet.

Good friend in general and friend of JTA Dan Curto gives us two exclusive images to share with our readers of his involvement in the Star Wars: Galactic Files Series 2 Topps sketch cards. Congratulations Dan! Click through for more!

Look what is coming for Disney Fan Days this weekend. Comingsoon.net has some details!

Our friends at Yakface.com have alerted us to some very interesting news! Two of the original vintage Kenner figures have finally received long-awaited official names! Click through for complete details and links to these characters on Wookieepedia!

Next up for our The Black Series Visual Guide updates is Biggs Darklighter. Click below to check out the full guide as we continue through Wave 1. You can also read our fully detailed Research Droids Review right here for even more details, more images, and more information!

Justin Cook: You're not going to believe this one! But everyone, please don't get too over-excited. This is subtle and not drastic. But it is indeed true and all of the changes together make this differences noticeable enough. I would like to refer to this post as baby "breaking news". The Shock Trooper figure in The Rise Of Darth Vader TARGET exclusive has some notable changes from the TVC figure! Click through for more!

You know about the multiple The Vintage Collection finds at Five Below, but look what else has made an appearance there! JTA reader Paul H. The Lesser has the scoop!

TARGETs everywhere are really starting to reset with a vengeance. ut the 3.75" The Black Series line is far and few between sadly. I can also confirm finding the new The Rise Of Darth Vader multipack as well as plenty of Saga Legends and Mission Series. Click through for JTA reader James F.'s image of his local TARGET ins Dallas, TX

We have a great general Star Wars merchandise report from JTA reader Bruno. Click through for his report!

Poor longtime JTA reader SenatorTrouble really got into trouble tracking down the lastest The Black Series figures. While nowhere near enough to make up for the damage he sustained, he did find a wonderful deal at TARGET. Click through for this very bittersweet report.

Well, we expected a little bit more from Biggs Darklighter than what we got. Articulation wise he is fantastic, but what's up with his cherubic portrait and oddly colored flight suit? See what we think and more in our Research Droids Reviews today. Feel free to leave your own thoughts in our comments section, vote in the poll or even leave comments about it on our Facebook page. Click the banner below for the direct link to the review! As always, you can also send your own personal review requests via email if you'd like to see something that we didn't cover yet.

JTA reader Wes L. gives us more visual proof of the X-wing Fighter. Click through for more visual stimulation.

The Black Series Luke Skywalker is tonights addition to the Visual Guides. Click below for all the details on this figure from the latest wave of 3.75" figures! You can also read the full details in our review right here!

Found! JTA reader Andrew lets us know that the Toys R Us exclusive X-wing Fighter has been found in Ontario, CA and Upland, CA for $59.99. It's time to start stalking Toys R Us again! (FYI – we are waiting for more details from our source. We will post them if they become available.)

Please read this. It's an email from a good friend who I wish to remain anonymous. But this person has cohesively expressed everything I have ever wanted to so eloquently and to the point. (more....)

The handsome devils over at BanthaSkull.com are compiling lists of unmade characters for their Missing In Action Figure feature. They have completed the Skiff Guards and Cantina Patrons and are now moving onto compiling a list of unmade characters from the hugely popular Thrawn Trilogy by Timothy Zahn. But they need your help. The have reached out to JTA to engage our community in the discussion when setting the priorities of the unmade characters. Please advocate for your favorite Thrawn Trilogy characters in the comments here in this article. They will use your comments to help set the priority for Hasbro to see and for future Fans' Choice polls.

Thank the Maker this thing is out of stock because if it was in stock it would likely raise hell. Or maybe it being out of stock is bad because that could mean it actually sold for this price. Look what Walmart tried to gouge parents and collectors with – and we thought Toys R Us was bad. Special thanks to JTA moderator Paul B. for alerting us to this.

Sideshow Collectibles has completely revamped their website. Check out the cool new graphics!

This Battle Packs set must be a freak of nature because I have never seen or heard of it until now, but check out this AFA graded Capture Of Tantive IV Battle Packs set from the 30 (77-07). Do you notice any figures that don't belong inside of it? Check it out on eBay. And get ready to laugh over the price!

The Vintage Collection Slave I is set to arrive in just a few weeks! It's currently listed at $69.99 on Amazon.com and still available. Click through if you still need to secure this.

From Amazon.com: "Star Wars The Empire Strikes Back Slave I Boba Fett's Spaceship Vehicle"
Estimated arrival date: August 21, 2013 - August 24, 2013

We brought you a report in the form of a premonition back in June. But it now looks like the premonition is coming to pass. You already know that the TARGET resets are already in motion. But some stores are receiving nada as far as The Black Series 3.75" figures are concerned. We have the reason why. JTA friend and inside TARGET source, who shall remain anonymous, has the inside scoop of what's trending here. Click through for more.

If you think that The Black Series Luke Skywalker is just the 2007 TAC figure with a new head, you'd be very wrong again. See what makes the update to this incredible figure so special. It's all in our Research Droids Reviews today. Feel free to leave your own thoughts in our comments section, vote in the poll or even leave comments about it on our Facebook page. Click the banner below for the direct link to the review! As always, you can also send your own personal review requests via email if you'd like to see something that we didn't cover yet.

JTA reader Matt B. gives us a sensory overload image of a Toys R Us in NYC. This unbelievable image is definitely encouraging that figures are makinig this big of a splash, but it also makes us a tad anxious. Will these sell all through to allow more figures to enter the store from future waves? Weigh in your thoughts in our comments! Click through for this unreal report.

JTA reader Eric sends in some important news for Star Wars collectors looking for the SDCC Boba Fett With Han Solo In Carbonite who use Firefox. It might be too late now, but you never know. Click through for more.

Just like our friends at BanthaSkull.com predicted, TARGET is beginning to reset the STar Wars section in their stores. Special thanks to JTA reader Brian R. for this image of this proof

We're continuing to post some of the store reports we're getting to help our readers gauge where the stuff is hitting. We now here from the Wisconsin area. Click through for Peakob1's report!

Next up for our The Black Series Visual Guides is Anakin Skywalker. Click below to check out the full guide, and don't forget to read our full report on this figure in our Research Droids Review.

The Black Series Anakin Skywalker is the textbook definition of a kit-bashed figure. You may think it's just a fancy verison of the 2005 ROTS Evolutions figure, but you'd be very, very wrong. It only uses the arms from that figure. The rest of the parts either come from other figures or are all-new. See this extremely worthy update in our Research Droids Reviews today. Feel free to leave your own thoughts in our comments section, vote in the poll or even leave comments about it on our Facebook page. Click the banner below for the direct link to the review! As always, you can also send your own personal review requests via email if you'd like to see something that we didn't cover yet.

JTA reader LesDudis has a story for you that's going to make you green with envy. Click through for his story that's one only the National Enquirer would pick up. (We believe you! We believe you!)

There are more reports coming in and this time we are hearing from readers in northern Ohio. Click through for jeremyohio's store report!

My local arch nemesis from Philly is at it again. Facebook and local collector James B. confirms finding The Black Series in Philly. Congratualtions James. Now let me find mine! Click through for his report!

It's time to kick off a new line of figures in the Visual Guides! Click below to check out Padmé Amidala (#01) from wave 1 of the all-new 3¾" figures. You can also check out our full review on this figure right here in our Research Droids Review!

Big Bad Toy Store checks in with their latest newsletter. You can also get daily product news and updates by subscribing to BBTS's Facebook page and Twitter feed!

I haven't done the math so who knows if this is a deal (most likely NOT a deal), but regardless, we're not sure who would be willing to plunk down this much money on any loose collection on eBay. That being said, there are some really rare gems in this lot of Star Wars action figures. If you want an instant collection, this may be for you, but we would suggest writing the seller and asking if he would accept a whole lot less for it first!

Many of us thought the day would never come to see a new Star Wars figure at retail. But the time is now and one of these figures is Padmé Amidala. She's a long-awaited action figure that updates one made all the back in 2002 that had a terrible likeness and even worse action features. But this one makes up for it all. She her in full detail in our Research Droids Reviews today. Feel free to leave your own thoughts in our comments section, vote in the poll or even leave comments about it on our Facebook page. Click the banner below for the direct link to the review! As always, you can also send your own personal review requests via email if you'd like to see something that we didn't cover yet.

Clearance has finally begun at some Walmart locations although the selection and discount prices are far from intriguing. That being said, you should keep your eyes wide open because you just may not know what you will find

We were waiting for a store report from the far East of the USA and its just come in now. The Black Series has finally made its way compleetly east. JTA reader Jub Goobles lets us know that the long-awaited 3.75" line has hit NJ! Click through for his report.

A new Star Wars televisions series on ABC? IGN has some details to share. Click thrugh for more!

Here is another Premium Format Figure: Obi-Wan Kenobi. Sideshow Collectibles made him to be interactive with Darth Vader. More details on this collectible can be foudy in our Research Droids Reviews today. Feel free to leave your own thoughts in our comments section, vote in the poll or even leave comments about it on our Facebook page. Click the banner below for the direct link to the review! As always, you can also send your own personal review requests via email if you'd like to see something that we didn't cover yet.

What have we here?

So, the big part of the summer convention season is over now. San Diego Comic Con and Celebration Europe are all but a recent memory. Funny how these events take so long to get here then disappear within moments. You would have to be without a pulse if you didn't notice that it may have been the most lackluster year as far as Hasbro is concerned. (Thankfully those who collect Gentle Giant Ltd. and Sideshow Collectibles have new reasons to celebrate.) Between these two huge conventions, Hasbro has only confirmed four new figures for the basic figure lineup; the four we revealed here almost two months ago. But that's not the only problem we're seeing (more....)

The Sideshow Exclusive Han Solo (Rebel Hero) Premium Format Figure looks significantly beter than the regular version. The details of why are in our Research Droids Reviews today. Feel free to leave your own thoughts in our comments section, vote in the poll or even leave comments about it on our Facebook page. Click the banner below for the direct link to the review! As always, you can also send your own personal review requests via email if you'd like to see something that we didn't cover yet.

Our pals at BanthaSkull.com have detailed scoop about an upcoming TARGET reset. Click through to check it out!

Check out the Sideshow Sixth Scale General Grievous over at Brian's Toys! For the first time, pre-order this 12-inch tall Grievous figure in high articulation. Also new from Sideshow this week is the C-3PO & R2-D2 Premium Format Figure.  The eFX Stormtrooper PCR Helmet will be returning in October, so lock in your pre-orders now.  Angry Birds will also be flying in all new sets this month.

Vintage collectors will want to check the vintage Star Wars section of the newsletter for a Lili Ledy Jawa (removable hood) and Bib Fortuna (red cape).  Also there is a few rare Darth Vaders, including a Top Toys version.

For all the above and more (including some San Diego Comic-Con 2013 exclusive) visit Brian's Toys.

As an added note, if you are looking to sell your collection, visit http://buylist.brianstoys.com. Brian's Toys is now seeking to purchase Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles and Halo toy collections.

Wow! The long-awaited C-3PO And R2-D2 Premium Format Figures have arrived and what an incredible droid duo they are indeed! The electronics are fabulous. And the scale is nearly perfect. See the extremely rare Sideshow Exclusive version in our Research Droids Reviews today. Feel free to leave your own thoughts in our comments section, vote in the poll or even leave comments about it on our Facebook page. Click the banner below for the direct link to the review! As always, you can also send your own personal review requests via email if you'd like to see something that we didn't cover yet.

While most of these questions have been answered in our own Q&A with Hasbro during our 2013 Toy Fair coverage, our friends at StarWarsFiguren.com (via BanthaSkull.com for the translation) and StarWarsCollector.com provide snippets of new information that we recommend checking out. Oh, and there is hope for the 41st Elite Corps Clone Trooper too (at least Hasbro says so). See StarWarsFiguren.com's Q&A HERE and StarWarsCollector.com's Q&A HERE.

While I am "happy" for all of you (the quotes are a joke – smile), I can't help but be reminded of how much a debacle 2012 was. The ripples are still felt today. Even Battle Droids at a discounted $4.98 still aren't moving. Click through for a large image. Do you blame the (non-collecting) public for turning its back against the Star Wars line.

We have an international report of the Star Wars [Darth Vader/Revenge Of The Sith] line look hitting Ireland! Click through for the full report!!

There is a gorgeous Commander Wolffe collectible on eBay for a very reasonable price at the moment. Does anyone know what this is? Is it a custom? Special thanks to Haris I. for the head's up! Check it out!

We have another great store report from Bombadgungan. He has found some great deals as well as brand new Star Wars [Darth Vader/Revenge Of The Sith] line look stuff. Click through for more!

Star Wars: Battlefront (Next Gen) looks like it may be available in time for Episode VII. Gamespot.com has the full story. Click through for more!

Our friends at Yakface.com via ClubJade.net are reporting a return of The Clone Wars televission show.... from a certain point of view. Click through for more

Avid JTA reader Bruno excitedly gives us additional store reports, but he also addresses the issue of scale in the six-inch line as well. Click through and see how you feel about his assessment.

The Black Series continues to hit the greater US, but apparently not the Philly are just yet. Click through for a report from Minneapolis, Minnesota!

The Black Series continues to hit the greater US, but apparently not the Philly are just yet. Click through for a report from Iowa!

We will be looking at a few Premium Format Figures based on A New Hope over the next couple of days, including a long-awaited droid duo! But first let's look at Luke Skywalker (Episode IV: A New Hope) [SDCC Exclusive]. It's the subject of our Research Droids Reviews today. Feel free to leave your own thoughts in our comments section, vote in the poll or even leave comments about it on our Facebook page. Click the banner below for the direct link to the review! As always, you can also send your own personal review requests via email if you'd like to see something that we didn't cover yet.