It
is quite a bit of fun to see how far the modern line has come along, isn't
it? Jedi Temple Archives decided to analyze just how many of the vintage
figures have been updated in the modern line (and more importantly, which
ones have not). Can we all work together to get Hasbro to knock out the last
few in 2010, whether they are basic figures or included in multipacks? We
hope so, but while we wait anxiously to find out, click through to read our
commentary and see whether your own opinions match ours or if your points
of view are different. Click HERE to
read our latest special report!
Where
Are We Now? 2010 And Beyond –
An
Action Figure Space Odyssey!
By Paul Harrison
Graphic Design by Chuck Paskovics
1995. This
is when it all (re)started. The Star Wars figure line was born again into a
newly invigorated collection called The Power Of The Force “2”.
Ten years before, its ancestor line had called it quits and we all went a decade
with nothing new. And depending upon what type of personality you have, this
was a very grueling wait or a nice reprieve. The summer of 2010 will mark the
15th anniversary of the modern line and in retrospect, we all have bought more
figures in 15 years than we would probably ever expect to accumulate
in a lifetime. And we are still always content to add more. The line has seen
lots of Johnny-come-latelys, scalpers, whiners, those who rejoice and just
all-around great and hardcore fans. It has been quite a journey and even though
we are nearly 15 years into this hobby as of the end of 2009, the original
line still has yet to be fully updated. Purists are dying for the day when
this feat will be completed and the line comes full circle. We will obviously
just need to develop a little more patience until this goal is reached. (It's
the nature of the beast - or sickness depending upon your own point of view.)
And vintage collectors know when they will be all set and
at ease so they can feel like their collections are complete (when all the
vintage are updated). Were
it not for all the collectors who grew up with this stuff, one would wonder
just how successful the Hasbro line would have been when it restarted in 1995.
Fans like us should indeed at least be partially credited for jump-starting
the line and creating some new stimulus for it taking off stronger than
ever the second time around. If Hasbro didn’t
feel our passion and see our dollars, they may have let the line die a long
time ago. But after all this time, vintage collectors still
keep pestering Hasbro about when the original figures will all be tackled and
updated into the modern line. Apparently, Star Wars IS forever!
With
that in mind, a list follows about what vintage figures have been realized
in the modern line thus far, and what figures are still missing in action,
no pun intended. Although there will be differences in opinion, this is merely
our take on the current situation. You may feel that some on our list already
have been tackled and/or may not yet be the definitive version
of that character. And we may be inclined to agree or disagree with
you. But for all intents and purposes, this is meant to be a "rough" guide
as to where we are in the line despite us thinking it is actually quite accurate.
Our executive decision qualifying a figure as definitive is simply our
own opinion and we have nothing to really gauge it against except for our own
individual opinions. Who knows, we could be off or we could be right on the
money. And only you can be the final decider on what constitutes a definitive
modern update for your collections. To the best of our ability, we have picked
the “most” definitive figure
to date. It may not have the best likeness or be perfectly in scale with the others, but at least we have it in some form.
Again, this is all qualitative, but we think our final list has educated guesswork.
And we think it's a great time to process where the line is and where it may
be going for 2010. For the line has certainly brought us an incredible collection
of figures thus far.
For
example, yes, we have received two POTJ Bespin Security Guard figures, one from
the Carbon-Freeze playset, and the other a basic figure from the main line, but
these are not of the same ethnicity as the vintage ones, so the mustachioed
Bespin Guard still ranks as "due us". Although
Rebel Soldier came close with 2006’s TSC Major
Bren Derlin, the costume does not perfectly match the outfit of the vintage figure.
(And these costumes were seen in TESB), so this one is due. Hasbro
cried wolf on us with Klaatu, also known as Wooof in 2009. This
figure was originally due to come in the ROTJ wave at the end of 2009, but he
is now confirmed for 2010. He gets put on this list simply for the fact that
he wasn't released in 2009. And this special report is based on all product
released through December 31, 2009. Ah,
we are indeed getting a Nikto figure (this one replaced Wooof) at the end of
2009, but this is still NOT the costume of the vintage figure. We
need Nikto with the blue shirt, grey chest armor and grey pants! Co’mon
Hasbro, please! (Does anyone out there know this character’s true
name?) We
almost had Lumat in the 30th Anniversary Collection. But
at last minute, he was quickly re-colored and renamed as Graak. So Hasbro
has the mold all ready, here is hoping Lumat is not too far down the line to
be entered in our collections. We
have previously received the computer-generated version of Sy Snootles, but we
want the original puppet version immortalized in plastic. Enough
said here. We have
received many incarnations of Barada in the modern line and these are all true
representations of him. And this is great. But
we need his distant relative Kithaba, the red-pant green Nikto forever immortalized
in the elusive vintage POTF 1985 line. Interestingly, Hasbro used the correct
image of the figure on the packaging, but the figure was based off of Kithaba,
the victim being pulled into the Sarlacc by its tentacles. Hasbro had a
penchant for misnaming their figures during the vintage line, and the “Barada” figure
of 1985 is another one of these. Please Hasbro, next time you make Barada,
please turn him into Kithaba! We
have also received two Imperial Dignitary figures in the 2003 Star Wars line.
But we are still in need of the vintage Imperial Dignitary known as Sim Aloo.
He has even been a candidate in the Fans’ Choice
polls and is one of the few never tackled since then!
Please find below
below a very light-hearted attempt to summarize and show what we have received so far and what
should be coming next (but not exactly when). Hasbro has hinted that it is an unofficial goal of theirs
to complete all the vintage figures. Well, Hasbro, we tried to make it easy
for you. Here is what you need to focus on for 2010 and beyond. Please make
the longtime hardcore collectors happy? The vintage line revolutionized the
toy industry. Let's show it the respect it deserves and update all of the figures
that make up this cherished line. We are so close with less than a dozen figures
needing consideration. And many of you out there (including us) want that
gray suited Death Star Trooper too. And even more of you want to see that Lars' Homestead Power Droid with green body and extra details (which seems to be the droid the vintage figure was modeled after). So do we. And we even want to see all the POTF2 figures updated as well. The line has come so far and we want all the vintage figures updated with the current technology. You've heard our pleas, so please satiate
our whining. After checking this out, let us know your thoughts about it and
what you think will be the next ones released. What tops your list first to
complete the line? When the line does get completely updated, it will be a
day long remembered. We here at Jedi Temple Archives hope that the remaining
ones get announced at Toy Fair in February, although it is clear that no one
will see new basic figures until the end of the summer. (Ugh, can this really
be happening, especially in an anniversary year? It's completely torturous
to make us wait that long if you ask us, but then again, we need to learn that
Hasbro likes heavy product release Fall seasons. At best, we have months to
save up for when the floodgates open up!
We hope
everyone enjoys this special report.
Vintage Figure
|
Year
|
Modern Counterpart
|
Line
|
Artoo-Detoo
(R2-D2) |
SW (1978) |
R2-D2
(Battle Packs - Resurgence Of The Jedi) |
LC (2009) |
Ben (Obi-Wan) Kenobi |
SW (1978) |
Ben
(Obi-Wan) Kenobi (BD 34) |
TLC (2009) |
Chewbacca |
SW (1978) |
Chewbacca
(Early Bird) |
TSC (2005) |
Darth Vader |
SW (1978) |
Darth
Vader (No. 16) |
TAC (2007) |
Han Solo |
SW (1978) |
Han Solo |
VOTC
(2004) |
Imperial Stormtrooper |
SW (1978) |
Stormtrooper |
VOTC (2004) |
Jawa |
SW (1978) |
Jawa & Security
Droid (BD39) |
LC
(2009) |
Luke Skywalker |
SW (1978) |
Luke
Skywalker (Resurgence Of The Jedi - Battle Packs) |
LC (2009) |
Princess Leia Organa |
SW (1978) |
Princess Leia Organa |
VOTC
(2004) |
See-Threepio (C-3PO) |
SW (1978) |
C-3PO
(Resurgence Of The Jedi - Battle Packs) |
LC (2009) |
Star Destroyer Commander |
SW (1978) |
Death
Star Trooper (No. 13) |
TAC (2007) |
Tusken Raider (Sand People) |
SW (1978) |
Sand People |
VTSC (2006) |
Arfive-Defour (R5-D4) |
SW (1979) |
R5-D4
(SAGA 32) |
TSC (2006) |
Boba Fett |
SW (1979) |
Boba
Fett (BD36) |
LC (2009) |
Death Star Droid |
SW (1979) |
MB-RA7
(Build A Droid) |
TLC (2009) |
Greedo |
SW (1979) |
Greedo |
VTSC (2006) |
Hammerhead |
SW (1979) |
Momaw
Nadon (SAGA 31) |
TSC (2006) |
Luke Skywalker (X-Wing
Fighter Pilot) |
SW (1979) |
Luke
Skywalker (SL 22) |
TLC (2009) |
Power Droid |
SW (1979) |
Jawa And "GONK" Droid |
POTF (1999) |
Blue Snaggletooth |
SW (1979) |
Zutton (Exclusive) |
OTC (2004) |
Snaggletooth |
SW (1979) |
Zutton (Snaggletooth) |
POTJ (2001) |
Walrus Man |
SW (1979) |
Ponda
Baba (Exclusive) |
OTC (2004) |
Bossk (Bounty Hunter) |
TESB (1980) |
Bossk (Bounty Hunter) |
VTSC
(2007) |
FX-7 |
TESB (1980) |
FX-7 (Medical Droid) |
POTJ (2001) |
Han Solo (Hoth Battle
Gear) |
TESB (1980) |
Han
Solo (Battle Of Hoth - UBP) |
TAC
(2007) |
IG-88 |
TESB (1980) |
IG-88 (Bounty Hunter) |
VTSC (2007) |
Imperial Stormtrooper
(Hoth Battle Gear) |
TESB (1980) |
Snowtrooper
(BD55) |
LC
(2009) |
Lando Calrissian |
TESB (1980) |
Lando Calrissian |
VOTC (2004) |
Luke Skywalker (Bespin
Fatigues) |
TESB (1980) |
Luke Skywalker (Bespin Fatigues) |
VTSC
(2007) |
Princess Leia Organa
(Bespin Gown) |
TESB (1980) |
Princess
Leia (OTC #18) |
OTC (2004) |
AT-AT Driver |
TESB (1981) |
AT-AT
Driver (BD49) |
LC
(2009) |
Dengar |
TESB (1981) |
Dengar
(Executor Meeting)
('04 #18) |
SW (2004) |
Han Solo (Bespin Outfit) |
TESB (1981) |
Han Solo (Bespin Capture) |
POTJ (2000) |
Imperial Commander |
TESB (1981) |
Imperial Commander |
TAC (2007) |
Lobot |
TESB (1981) |
Lobot
(OTC #20) |
OTC (2004) |
Princess Leia Organa
(Hoth Outfit) |
TESB (1981) |
Princess Leia (The Battle Of Hoth) |
SW (2003) |
Rebel Commander |
TESB (1981) |
Hoth
Rebel Trooper (BD 42) |
TLC (2009) |
Two-Onebee (2-1B) |
TESB (1981) |
2-1B Medic Droid |
POTF (1997) |
Ugnaught |
TESB (1981) |
Ugnaught
(BD 43) |
TLC (2009) |
Yoda, The Jedi Master |
TESB (1981) |
Yoda |
VOTC (2004) |
4-LOM |
TESB (1982) |
Zuckuss
(BD54) |
LC
(2009) |
Artoo-Detoo (R2-D2) With
Sensorscope) |
TESB (1982) |
R2-D2 (SAGA 010) |
TSC (2006) |
AT-AT Commander |
TESB (1982) |
General
Veers (SAGA 007) |
TSC (2006) |
Cloud Car Pilot |
TESB (1982) |
Cloud
Car Pilot (OTC #19) |
OTC (2004) |
Imperial TIE Fighter
Pilot |
TESB (1982) |
Imperial
Pilot (TIE Fighter) (Evolutions) |
LC (2009) |
Luke Skywalker (Hoth
Battle Gear) |
TESB (1982) |
Luke
Skywalker (Hoth Attack) ('04 #03) |
SW (2004) |
See-Threepio (C-3PO)
With Removable Limbs |
TESB (1982) |
C-3PO (New Pull Apart Feature!) |
POTF (1998) |
Zuckuss |
TESB (1982) |
4-LOM
(No. 41) |
TAC (2007) |
Admiral Ackbar |
ROTJ (1983) |
Admiral Ackbar |
POTF (1997) |
Bib Fortuna |
ROTJ (1983) |
Bib
Fortuna (SAGA 003) |
TSC (2006) |
Biker Scout |
ROTJ (1983) |
Biker
Scout (BD12) |
LC (2009) |
Chief Chirpa |
ROTJ (1983) |
Chief
Chirpa (SAGA 039) |
TSC (2006) |
Emperor's Royal Guard |
ROTJ (1983) |
Royal
Guard (Pack-in) |
TSC (2006) |
Gamorrean Guard |
ROTJ (1983) |
Gamorrean
Guard (OTC #30) |
OTC (2004) |
General Madine |
ROTJ (1983) |
General
Madine (OTC #36) |
OTC (2004) |
Lando Calrissian (Skiff
Guard Disguise) |
ROTJ (1983) |
Lando
Calrissian (Skiff Guard Disguise) (OTC #32) |
OTC (2004) |
Logray (Ewok Medicine
Man) |
ROTJ (1983) |
Ewoks: Wicket & Logray |
POTF (1998) |
Luke Skywalker (Jedi
Knight Outfit) |
ROTJ (1983) |
Luke
Skywalker (Jedi Knight) (OTC #06) |
OTC (2004) |
Nien Nunb |
ROTJ (1983) |
Nien Nunb |
POTF (1997) |
Princess Leia Organa
(Boushh Disguise) |
ROTJ (1983) |
Princess
Leia Boushh Disguise (SAGA 001) |
TSC (2005) |
Rebel Commando |
ROTJ (1983) |
Rebel
Commando (Commemorative Tin) |
TAC (2006) |
Ree-Yees |
ROTJ (1983) |
Ree-Yees |
POTF (1998) |
Squid Head |
ROTJ (1983) |
Tessek |
POTJ (2001) |
Weequay |
ROTJ (1983) |
Weequay
Skiff Guard
(Battle Packs) |
TSC (2006) |
8D8 |
ROTJ (1984) |
8D8 |
POTF (1998) |
AT-ST Driver |
ROTJ (1984) |
AT-ST
Driver
(Battle Of Endor - UBP) |
TAC (2007) |
B-Wing Pilot |
ROTJ (1984) |
Keyan
Farlander (Evolutions) |
TLC (2008) |
Droopy McCool |
ROTJ (1984) |
Droopy
McCool (Exclusive) |
TAC (2007) |
Emperor, The |
ROTJ (1984) |
Emperor
Palpatine (SAGA 043) |
TSC (2006) |
Han Solo (In Trench Coat) |
ROTJ (1984) |
Han Solo (In Trench Coat) |
VTSC (2006) |
Klaatu (In Skiff Guard
Outfit) |
ROTJ (1984) |
Klaatu (Jabba's Skiff Guards) |
POTF (1999) |
Max Rebo |
ROTJ (1984) |
Max
Rebo (Exclusive) |
TAC (2007) |
Paploo |
ROTJ (1984) |
Ewoks
(Paploo & No'Ahpakk) (BD18) |
LC
(2009) |
Princess Leia Organa
(In Combat Poncho) |
ROTJ (1984) |
Princess Leia Organa (In Combat Poncho) |
VTSC (2007) |
Prune Face |
ROTJ (1984) |
Orrimaarko (Prune Face) |
POTF (1998) |
Rancor Keeper |
ROTJ (1984) |
Malakili
(BD22) |
LC (2009) |
Teebo |
ROTJ (1984) |
Teebo ('02 #57) |
SW (2002) |
Wicket W. Warrick |
ROTJ (1984) |
Wicket
(OTC #17) |
OTC (2004) |
Amanaman |
POTF (1985) |
Amanaman & Salacious
Crumb (Deluxe) |
POTJ (2001) |
Anakin Skywalker |
POTF (1985) |
Anakin Skywalker |
POTF (1999) |
Artoo-Detoo (R2-D2) With
Pop-Up Lightsaber |
POTF (1985) |
R2-D2 With Launching Lightsaber |
POTF (1998) |
A-wing Pilot |
POTF (1985) |
A-wing
Pilot Tycho Celchu
(No. 44) |
TAC (2007) |
EV-9D9 |
POTF (1985) |
EV-9D9 |
POTF (1997) |
Han Solo (In Carbonite
Chamber) |
POTF (1985) |
Han
Solo (SAGA 002) |
TSC (2005) |
Imperial Gunner |
POTF (1985) |
Death
Star Gunner (SAGA 041) |
TSC (2006) |
Lando Calrissian (General
Pilot) |
POTF (1985) |
Lando
Calrissian
(Death Star Attack) (OTC #37) |
SW (2004) |
Luke Skywalker (Imperial
Stormtrooper Outfit) |
POTF (1985) |
Luke
Skywalker (BD 30) |
TLC (2009) |
Luke Skywalker (In Battle
Poncho) |
POTF (1985) |
Luke
Skywalker (Battle Packs - Battle For Endor) |
LC (2009) |
Romba |
POTF (1985) |
Romba
& Graak (No. 43) |
TAC (2007) |
Warok |
POTF (1985) |
Warok
(Battle Packs - Battle For Endor) |
LC (2009) |
Yak Face |
POTF (1985) |
Saelt Marae (Yak Face) |
POTF (1997) |
Bespin Security Guard |
TESB
(1982) |
Cloud
City Wing Guard (BD50) |
LC (2009)
|
Rebel Soldier |
TESB (1980) |
Update Needed |
A no-brainer, Hasbro!
|
Bespin Security Guard |
TESB
(1980) |
Update Needed |
So
close!
|
Klaatu |
ROTJ (1983) |
Update Needed |
Coming in 2010!
|
Lumat |
ROTJ (1984) |
Update Needed |
Graak took your place!
|
Nikto |
ROTJ (1984) |
Update Needed |
Close, but
no cigar!
|
Sy Snootles |
ROTJ (1984) |
Update Needed |
Never coming?
|
Barada |
POTF (1985) |
Update Needed |
Not
Barada, Kithaba!
|
Imperial Dignitary |
POTF (1985) |
Update Needed |
Sim Aloo -
We need you!
|
Be sure to stop by our Research
Droids Reviews too where you can check out our
opinions on many of the modern counterparts featured in this special report.