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Star Wars Collectible News, Photos, and Reviews

Jedi Temple Archives Presents: 2016 - The Year In Review

Posted by Paul | January 01, 2017 at 02:23 PM ET

Here is Jedi Temple Archives' 2016 Year in Review! Reflect back with us as we go through all of the breaking news, headlines and events that made up the 2016 calendar year. At times it was a difficult and even tragic year, but it was also fun and exciting. And hopefully greater things are in store for 2017. Thank you for being part of this ride with us. Here is to a great 2017! You can verify all of these stories in our News Archives.

January 2016

  • Walmart attempts to jack up The Black Series [Phase III] 3.75" exclusive line to $14.92. Plans fail.
  • Jason Wingreen, the original voice of Boba Fett, died.
  • Toys R Us jacks up The Force Awakens Build A Weapon line to $8.99.
  • George Lucas created mayhem for Disney with his "white slavers" comment but apologizes for it.
  • The Force Awakens hardcover gets released.
  • Star Wars: The Force Awakens officially became the highest grossing movie in the U.S.
  • #WheresRey goes way too far.
  • JJ Abrams responds to the criticism that The Force Awakens is a rehash of A New Hope as he admits it was in so many words.
  • Many retail locations get their fill of Rey merchandise.
  • A list of possible young Han Solo actors is revealed.
  • Media bills The Force Awakens performance in China as lackluster.
  • Disney publishes an official PRESS RELEASE on new The Force Awakens toys from various licensees including "uber" controversial Rey (Resistance Outfit) Build A Weapon figure from Hasbro.
  • Hot Toys announces very first Video Game figure: Imperial Shock Trooper.
  • The Phantom Menace (3D) figures still inundate some Walmarts across the USA - four years after the fact....
  • The Force Awakens Smuggler's Bounty begins arriving on doorsteps.
  • Hasbro LOVES Princess Leia and lets non-Star Wars fans site Entertainment Weekly reveals the Rebels version of her online.
  • Jedi Temple Archives unwittingly reveals three Rogue One The Black Series [Phase III] figures in an updated rumor report.
  • There are a record amount of store report thefts for the First Order TIE fighter Pilot from the Special Forces TIE Fighter vehicle.
  • Walmart has, unable to manage what they receive, many stores put their exclusive 3.75" line on clearance when most stores never saw them once.
  • After record distribution issues for The Force Awakens line, Hasbro posts open position for a Flow Planning Manager (US Planning). Guess what this position does?
  • Store reports come in that some are replacing the Walmart exclusive Imperial Shock Trooper with "all white" Stormtroopers (which at one point were available for $9.99 at Hasbro Toy Shop's eBay store a while back).
  • In a popular article, JTA suggests that Rebel's biggest obstacle is actually the Ghost crew itself.

February 2016

  • MakingStarWars.net indirectly confirms that JTA's rumor report of code names are all based on characters from Rogue One.
  • Walmart.com still has major issues with the exclusive TBS 3.75" line as Rey (Jakku) exceeds $30 (as sold by Walmart). Things are put in place to resolve this issue once and for all, no thanks to Hasbro who state time and again that they don't set the prices.
  • In a shocking move, Litzky Public Relations, the new PR firm for Hasbro, clarifies that the Star Wars presence this year at Toy Fair would be small and that Hasbro WILL NOT be revealing any Rogue One toys at Toy Fair.
  • Titanium Helmets are found in Canada.
  • Walmart pricing debacle on their exclusive line gets resolved very quickly.
  • Sideshow Collectibles announces four highly articulated diecast figures by Herocross Company Ltd, the Hybrid Metal Figuration Series.
  • Star Wars: The Force Awakens passes the $900 million mark at the domestic box office and the $2 billion mark at the worldwide box office this month. The Force Awakens becomes just the third film to pass $2 billion in sales.
  • Retail gives up on The Force Awakens Millennium Falcon and begins marking it down 50%.
  • In an insanely popular article, JTA questions if the Hasbro collector-focused Star Wars is being sabotaged.
  • Actress Alethea McGrath, the wonderful Australian actress who played Jocasta Nu in Star Wars Episode II: Attack Of The Clones died.
  • Episode 8 begins filming.
  • Basil Tomlin who had an uncredited role as BoShek in Star Wars Episode IV: A New Hope finally get credit 40 years after the fact.
  • Maz Kanata action figure revealed in a special commemorative four-pack.
  • Walmart (and other retail chains) take a huge beating on Legendary Yoda. The item is clearanced out for as low as $10 at some stores.
  • JTA attends 2016's Toy Fair.
  • Despite some gloating and shaming from others, JTA is vindicated with The Vintage Collection "returning" rumor report. Hasbro states "it's not a matter of if, just when."
  • JTA breaks one rumor after another for new Rogue One product despite nothing revealed at Toy Fair.
  • Discovery Times Square reached out to Jedi Temple Archives for a special invite to attend the Star Wars and The Power of Costume: The Exhibition being held there.
  • "Banana yellow" visor criticism makes its way to Hasbro and gets mentioned during Toy Fair presentation.
  • Hasbro comments in our Research Droids Review on Unkar PLutt that there is more than meets the eye with the figure. Unkar Plutt's swivel right forearm is removable and in its place you can attach the Build A Weapon part which is a nod to the character's story in The Force Awakens novel.
  • Impossibly hard to find TVC figures are found in Argentina.
  • The internet explodes with discussion and criticism about a possible gay romance between Poe Dameron and Finn.
  • JTA updates our Hardback Novel guide which needed a complete overhaul since the release of the canon novels.

March 2016

  • A floodgate of The Force Awakens Hasbro related product hits retail finally.
  • Jedi Temple Archives was contacted by La Salle University's TV station in Philadelphia to be interviewed about the joys of Star Wars collecting. Our very own Paul Harrison was interviewed by host Paul Perrello of Philly Factor in a thirty minute segment where everything related to Star Wars collecting was the focus of discussion.
  • StarWars.com reveals that The Force Awakens was coming to home video April 5th.
  • Tony Dyson, the creator of R2-D2, died.
  • JJ Abrams comes clean about major The Force Awakens oversight: Chewbacca walking right by Leia after Han Solo's death.
  • TARGET reveals bonus content for The Force Awakens home video release would be download only, not available as a bonus disc. Fans are outraged.
  • Paul Harrison reconnects with childhood friend who was responsible for sparking Paul's interest in Star Wars collecting. Friend sends him the very figure that started it all.
  • Leaked images from TMZ show the equivalent of a vampire dinner party for Episode VIII. Fans are perplexed.
  • Jedi Temple Archives breaks news about the The Black Series [Phase III] Rogue One Stormtrooper helmet.
  • Jedi Temple Archives breaks news about what would exactly transpire on Rogue Friday a whopping six months in advance. Rumors were completely true.
  • Rogue One prequel novel is announced. Title is Catalyst.
  • Smuggler's Bounty #3 (the Cantina box) arrives on doorsteps.
  • Actor Mike Quinn, the man who played fan favorite Nien Nunb in both Return Of The Jedi and The Force Awakens, adds his own two cents about The Force Awakens Build A Weapon Hasbro Nien Nunb figure in our very own Research Droids Review.
  • The stunning The Black Series [Phase II] Toys R Us Jabba's Rancor Pit goes on clearance.
  • Todd DeMartino, author of Star Wars: The Saga Museum announces the additions of Paul Harrison from Pennsylvania and Chuck Paskovics from Kentucky to the book project.
  • Jedi Temple Archives breaks news on "Star Wars Signature Set" and also revealed it to be the Rapid Fire Imperial AT-ACT.
  • Jedi Temple Archives hits 2500 Research Droids Reviews.
  • Rebels Season Finale airs.
  • David Filoni suggests that Captain Rex is in Return Of The Jedi.

April 2016

  • CreatureCantina.com reaches 15 years on the web.
  • "Too much too late" is how collectors start feeling about the overabundance of TFA products arriving at retail.
  • Jedi Temple Archives announces Celebration Europe exclusive: Vintage Palitoy Tribute Poster.
  • Erik Bauersfeld, the man who voiced both Admiral Ackbar and Bib Fortuna from Return Of The Jedi, died.
  • Disney Elite Series Prototype Boba Fett is announced.
  • StarWars.com releases Rogue One teaser video.
  • Rogue One packaging is revealed.
  • Special The Black Series subscription revealed via Gazzetta Store in Italy for Italian Star Wars collectors.
  • islabeled listing reveals 3.75" Episode VII Luke Skywalker.
  • Jedi News fine tunes JTA's rumor reports with upcoming Rogue One case assortments.
  • JJ Abrams reveals that Zuvio was never meant to have any true significance in Episode VII.
  • An Entertainment Earth Hot Wheels listing reveals "Rey Skywalker". Pablo Hidalgo denies any validity to this "misprint". We'll see. We'll see.
  • Kmart announces to close 68 more stores by the summertime.
  • Star Wars "Saga" line turns 14 years old.
  • It was revealed that George Lucas said "The entire story of Star Wars is actually being recounted to the keeper of the Journal of the Whills—remember that?—a hundred years after the events of Return of the Jedi by none other than R2-D2."
  • The successful TBS6 Special Forces TIE Fighter starts a long run at rock bottom prices on Amazon.

May 2016

  • Paul Harrison speaks at Philly Nerd Nite in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
  • Hasbro is the only licensee to not make a May the Fourth announcement. Jedi Temple Archives jibes Hasbro to reveal Obi-Wan Kenobi (from ANH) to make it official. It ends up being a San Diego Comic Con exclusive a few months later.
  • Retail is a barren wasteland of empty pegs.
  • Funko announces Episode VII Luke Skywalker. Depressed Hasbro fans wait futilely for a Hasbro announcement.
  • It's confirmed that reported frontrunner Alden Ehrenreich has been cast as Disney's new Han Solo.
  • George Lucas turns 72.
  • Jedi Temple Archives reveals a possible TBS6 Rogue One Darth Vader and other rumors.
  • Jedi Temple Archives celebrates 7 years of Research Droids Reviews with 2015 Disney Parks Droid Factory collection. It's the most complete archives of the parts to date.
  • The Academy Film Archive has revealed a supposedly never-before-seen "Revenge Of The Jedi" teaser yesterday which shows that Episode VI was planned to have a December 1983 release date.
  • TBS6 General Grievous is once again confirmed via Gazzetta Store in Italy.
  • Paul Harrison appears on Episode 12 of the Toy Run podcast.
  • Some media outlets post controversial articles about Rogue One being so bad that four weeks of reshoots were ordered.

June 2016

  • Jedi Temple Archives reveals that there will be solid case packs for Ahsoka Tano, Luke Skywalker and Kanan Jarrus.
  • StarWars.com reveals Ultimate Studio prop line. Company implodes just months after announcement.
  • Jedi Temple Archives reveals that Kylo Ren from first wave of Rogue One figures will be unmasked. This is before the reveal of the SDCC exclusive figure.
  • John Williams received the Life Achievement from the American Film Institute.
  • It's 2016 and the impossible to find The Clone Wars Darth Sidious (CW45) figure was found on sale at retail.
  • Hasbro designer Bill Rawley was featured at Tech Insider.
  • Chewbacca Mom gets her own action figure. The controversy it creates is pure insanity.
  • Hasbro teases special announcement for July 6th.
  • Plans for George Lucas' museum to come to Chicago cease.
  • Hasbro Design Director Steve Evans is interviewed on Toy Run podcast.
  • Orlando shooting victim inspires Star Wars petition.
  • Some unreleased Star Wars products at retail make it to Hasbro's eBay store.

July 2016

  • Hasbro finally announces convention exclusives.
  • Museum of Play in Rochester NY hosts Star Wars exhibit. JTA attends.
  • Hasbro's 2016 The Black Series 6" Fans' Choice Poll is officially announced. Article received 188 comments.
  • JTA posts an article for readers to complain about Hasbro's 2016 The Black Series 6" Fans' Choice Poll. Article receives 809 comments.
  • Toys R Us officially confirms TBS6 Astromech Droid three-pack.
  • Legacy Collection proof cards (for figure packaging) hit eBay.
  • Jedi Temple Archives announces top six winners for Hasbro's TBS6 Fans' Choice Poll: Darth Talon, Emperor's Royal Guard, Lando Calrissian, Gamorrean Guard, Captai Rex and Qui-Gon Jinn all top the results.
  • Jedi Temple Archives breaks news that the return of Titanium Series action figures (metal) will soon make a return.
  • The duplicitous controversy surrounding The Black Series 6" Princess Leia Organa(ANH) begins at Celebration Europe.
  • Paul Harrison joins Philly's Sinister 6 Collecting Club.
  • CNN Money exclaims "Maybe Hasbro should call themselves Disney Toys."
  • Hasbro's TBS6 Fans' Choice Poll goes live.
  • JTA breaks news on first wave of Rogue One TBS6 figures. Hasbro asks to removes the images.
  • Entertainment Earth reveals TVC-quality 3.75" Astromech Droid pack.
  • Cheating takes over with Hasbro's Fans' Choice Poll.
  • Hasbro reveals a beautiful collection of new The Black Series 6" figures.
  • Hasbro announces a running change of Han Solo (Episode VII) which will finally give him gray hair.
  • Yakface.com compiles a history of Hasbro SDCC exclusives.
  • Forbes.com falsely advertises "a major announcement coming soon for 3.75" super-articulated collectors." Hasbro confirms this is a misquote.
  • Hasbro interviews Star Wars fans about what they want to see from Hasbro. Hasbro posts their own article so readers could chime in as well.

August 2016

  • The Captain Phasma wave of 3.75" Walmart exclusive figures arrive so late that no one cares anymore.
  • Gregory Titus, the man who designed The Black Series [Phase III] line look, is interviewed online.
  • ABC boss talks possibilities of live action Star Wars show.
  • Jedi Temple Archives publishes a whopper of a rumor report of upcoming Rogue One plans from Hasbro.
  • 1996 Shadows Of The Empire figures are found at ROSS.
  • Kenny Baker, the unforgettable man who played R2-D2, died.
  • Massive pre-order breach from Amazon.com allows the web to pre-order unannounced TBS6 figures, many of which weren't formally revealed until the end of the year.
  • Egregious MSRP for the Rapid Fire Imperial AT-ACT is revealed to be $299.99.
  • Jedi Temple Archives breaks news of Entertainment Earth exclusive Revenge Of The Sith Clone Trooper four-pack.
  • Plans to pull TBS6 Princess Leia Organa are revealed by JTA. Apparently figure was able to be revised in time for case pack.
  • The Black Series [Phase III] Stormtrooper voice changing helmet is visually confirmed thanks to an Amazon image posted accidentally.
  • Jedi Temple Archives reveals many new Rogue One products including Moroff/Scarif Stormtrooper Squad Leader two-pack. Hasbro isn't happy.
  • Jedi Temple Archives urges Hasbro to consider only ONE WAY to do 2017: vintage Kenner style.
  • Michael Leader, the man who played the Stormtrooper that famously hit his head on the blast shield doorway, died.
  • JTA sponsor Big Bad Toy Store picks up case assortments of Walmart's exclusive The Black Series 3.75" line. Concern for the line brews.
  • Hasbro releases Rogue One PRESS RELEASE.
  • R2-BOO Disney Droid Factory figure is revealed.

September 2016

  • Jedi Temple Archives' rumor report about limited product having the availability to pre-order is confirmed.
  • JTA affiliate Jedi News revises their website.
  • Grand Moff Tarkin Funko Pop! is revealed in the background of the Star Wars Show.
  • Jedi Temple Archives breaks news that the Disney reissues the Starspeeder 1000 playset.
  • Hasbro's InteracTech Stormtrooper makes Toys R Us' Hot Toys list.
  • Hanjin collapse worries retailers as impending products stuck on ocean continue to sit.
  • Hasbro announces Studio FX application.
  • Jedi Temple Archives analyzes differences of Walmart exclusive 3.75" Emperor's Royal Guard and Ahsoka Tano.
  • TBS/TNT secure exclusive TV rights to the Star Wars films.
  • Rogue One gets a new composer.
  • Select Star Wars fan sites not on Hasbro's crap list were invited to participate in a Google hangout where questions could be asked. More of JTA's rumors were confirmed.
  • IGN posts acerbic YouTube.com video and exclaims that "the Star Wars films are getting better but the toys are getting worse."
  • TARGET is one of the only retailers to abide by Rogue One street date. Many in the collecting community use backdoor methods to get products early.
  • Jedi Temple Archives provides the Star Wars collecting community with the very first look at the Entertainment Earth exclusive Astromech Droid Pack.
  • Jedi Temple Archives is unceremoniously "attacked" for suggesting that using an old product's UPC to buy new product is not only morally objectionable, but how it could devastate distribution as a whole. The sarcastic #betterthanascalpergettingit trends.
  • Jedi Temple Archives wraps up huge run of the Star Wars [Shadows Of The Dark Side] Saga Legends line.
  • Hot Toys reveals a ton of cool Rogue One characters in their lineup.
  • Yakface.com compiles unofficial Rogue One checklist.
  • Jedi Temple Archives reveals exclusive C-3PO. It's later revealed to be a Walgreens exclusive, NOT an Amazon exclusive.
  • Jedha Revolt four-pack is revealed.

October 2016

  • Entertainment Earth reveals exclusive The Black Series [Phase III] ROTS Clone Trooper four-pack; another one of JTA's rumor's proven true.
  • New Rogue One exclusives are revealed. "Plain" C-3PO confirmed to be a Walgreens exclusive. Next wave of Walmart exclusive 3.75" figures are also revealed.
  • Amazon relists figures from August's pre-order breach online.
  • Jedi Temple Archives asks readers what single 3.75" super-articulated figure they would want to see released. The response is overwhelming.
  • Walgreens release four exclusive Funk Pops!
  • New figures are revealed at Hasbro's 'Twas The Night Before NYCC Preview Party.
  • Jedi Temple Archives posts Hasbro's Q&A from NYCC.
  • Jedi Temple Archives provides the world premiere review to Entertainment Earth's exclusive TBS6 ROTS Clone Trooper four-pack.
  • Imperial Shipyards posts Hasbro Q&A that leaves a bad taste in super-articulated 3.75" collectors' mouths.
  • Disney releases all-new Rogue One trailer.
  • Hasbro Design Director Steve Evans is interviewed by StarWars.com.
  • Jedi Temple Archives breaks news on two upcoming Disney Elite Series figures.
  • Reuters published that Hasbro Inc. has reported better-than-expected quarterly revenue and profit, helped by strong demand for Disney Princess, Frozen and Trolls dolls, and said it was seeing "strong sales trends" heading into the holiday shopping season.
  • R2-H16 is revealed by Disney Parks.
  • Jedi Temple Archives receives exclusive inside information that confirms Yakface.com's report that a "new" Premium Elite Series line is coming.
  • Carrie Fisher celebrates 60th birthday.
  • Jedi Temple Archives discusses The Walking Dead's Season 7 premiere.
  • The Black Series [Phase III] Trivial Pursuit is revealed.

November 2016

  • Yakface.com reveals horrendous running change to TBS6 [Phase III] C-3PO (Resistance Base).
  • Disney Store officially reveals 32POA Premium Elite Series line.
  • Toys R Us reveals Cassian Andor/Imperial Stormtrooper Two-Packs exclusive.
  • Hot Toys reveals Snowtrooper one-sixth scale figures.
  • The Kohl's exclusive Rogue One 5POA four-pack is found at retail.
  • Jedi Temple Archives' breaking news report that the four Rogue One 3.75" Walmart exclusive figures would be split across two different case assortments.
  • Rogue One Rapid Fire Imperial AT-ACT is revealed to arrive in December.
  • Walgreens exclusive C-3PO is revealed to be more than a repaint at Yakface.com.
  • Jedi Temple Archives breaks news on TBS6 Wave 10 case assortment.
  • Jedi Temple Archives teases the possibility of seeing TBS6 R2-D2 and ANH C-3PO in the future.
  • Jedi Temple Archives ONCE AGAIN encourages Hasbro how to approach the 40th anniversary of Star Wars. Article is a huge hit with readers.
  • Rebelscum.com celebrates 20 years on the web.
  • Jedi Temple Archives provides a sneak peak at The Black Series 6" Sabine Wren/Darth Revan wave.
  • Jedi Temple Archives and Entertainment Earth team up for an online contest.
  • Hasbro Toy Shop finally gives up on TBS6 Special Forces TIE Fighter.
  • Star Tours announces Episode VIII mission.
  • The Black Series [Phase I] Republic Trooper (The Old Republic) (#31) finally gets released through Italy's Gazzetta Store.
  • Jedi Temple Archives provides sneak peeks to upcoming Darth Vader and Princess Leia Organa Premium Elite Series figures.
  • Rogue One tickets go on sale.
  • Brand new 3.75" Walmart exclusive The Black Series figures are found for $3.00 each.

December 2016

  • JTA suggest readers to check out sites that rhyme with Plaque Place to check out upcoming rumored figures. Due to threats from a company that rhymes with YazFlow, not much can be revealed on the front page for now.
  • Instead of guessing or surmising, a site that rhymes with ManthaSkull.com has flat put posted new case assortments.
  • Early 2017 Hasbro plans are revealed by our reader Ayem Mayhem in the comments in one of our articles.
  • Next case assortment of Rogue One figures are revealed.
  • Jedi Temple Archives rumor report of more Disney Droid Factory figures is confirmed visually at Yakface.com.
  • Hasbro posts online survey via Survey Monkey to get feedback on all The Black Series lines.
  • New Premium Elite Series figures including Director Krennic and Jyn Erso are revealed on eBay. JTA hinted these were coming just weeks before.
  • Hasbro Pulse posts review/tutorial on Rapid Fire Imperial AT-ACT.
  • Jedi Temple Archives posts record-breaking article to discuss everything about Rogue One. Article exceeds 900 comments.
  • Rogue One Visual Dictionary confirms that Imperial AT-ACT Driver pack-in figure is screen accurate.
  • TARGET puts out Imperial AT-ACT vehicle for the first time on shelves with 50% off clearance sticker.
  • Princess to all, Carrie Fisher tragically died at age 60. A day later her mother Debbie Reynolds died at 84.
  • New Rogue One 5POA case assortment revealed.
  • Jedi Temple Archives asks readers to rank all eight current Star Wars films.
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