As we pass a little over the halfway point of 2014, many collectors are wondering if this has been the worst year of collecting ever. While we’ve had some highlights for The Black Series, especially in the 6 inch scale, one can’t help but feel that 2014 is more of a “placeholder” year. A transition period that came as a result of the dynamic changes for the franchise in 2013 with Hasbro having to change up strategy and make quick realignments of their resources for Episode 7. It sure seems that way with the scarcity of product since the beginning of the year. But based on what Hasbro previewed during their annual Comic-Con Star Wars Day panel, we have some good things to look forward to for the back to school/holiday season and Q1 of  2015.

Hasbro provides us with official photos of their 2015 reveals from yesterday's panel. Click here to check them out!

Walgreens.com posted two exclusive figures this morning.  Click here for the Star Wars Boba Fett Figure, and click here for the  Spider Man Marvel Legends Infinite Series Agent Venom Figure.  Each 6-inch figure is $19.99, and shipping is free when you spend $25 or more.

Ad: Looking for the latest and greatest in Star Wars: The Black Series action figures like Jabba's newly renamed Skiff Guard who isn't actually Doallyn but is instead Brock Starsher, Ree-Yees, or the newest 6-inch Darth Vader?  Click here and pre-order dozens of new, single figures from The Black Series in both sizes, plus Marvel 3 3/4-inch figures like Ant Man and Transformers Generations figures like Windblade and Sky-Byte.   Click here and order direct, order collect, and order today!

Rounding out this week's Figure of the Day special run is a Snowtrooper Commander!  It has a great sculpt, a ton of articulation, and two weapons - you can't beat it!  Well, maybe you can, but it would be tough.  Check it out, and read on!

A new character!  It's Toryn Farr, who is like Uhura with slightly less to do.  The Hoth hero here has headphones and a cool blaster.  Her build is basically 2010 Hoth Leia, with a new head, new vest, new hands, and new forearms.  You're going to love it - even if you don't think you need it,  you totally do.  Read on!

The article: Prototype Boba Fett Black Series Figure – Exclusive Reveal!

Supposedly (depending on the reports) between August and some time this fall, we're going to have access to a $19.99 white "prototype" 6-inch Boba Fett.  A mail-in version of this costume was made for the 3 3/4-inch scale a couple of years ago, so now we'll have access to a bigger version of this character.   Somehow, pre-orders will start at Comic-Con in a few weeks.

If you're looking for a figure that aspires to give you 1980 engineering with 2014 prices and sculpting, Yoda is it! The new The Black Series 3 3/4-inch figure has a cane, flute, coat, belt, and backpack while somehow only having 5 points of articulation at about $11.   It fits in his backpack just fine, and the jacket needs some fidgeting - but is it good otherwise?  Read on!

And we're back!  This new Luke Skywalker figure is shipping now if you ordered online somewhere like our sponsors at Entertainment Earth.   It has more articulation than nearly any other Star Wars figure at this size, and has quite the accessory pool.   It even looks better than some of the early promo images - but is it worth tracking down during the summer heat?  Read on!

Sponsor Entertainment Earth started shipping Star Wars: The Black Series Wave 4 sets and cases this week.  We'll be looking at these next week in more detail, as is the way of our people.  As far as I know, major brick and mortar stores haven't put these out yet.  Click here to pre-order yours for a future shipment, if you haven't already.  (Order a case, get two full sets and free shipping!  Order a set, and get the set.)  Quick impressions after the jump.

Itching for something new?  Would you settle for half-new?  Mission Series 2-Packs Wave 3 are hitting Target stores right now - I personally eyeballed Bespin Luke Skywalker (new) vs. Darth Vader (tweaked) and Obi-Wan Kenobi (tweaked) vs. General Grievous (new!) on Sunday.  You can also order them online after the jump.

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Also available - Jabba the Hutt and the Speeder Bike!  Click through for pricing and availability.

Ad: NEW! Click here to pre-order Star Wars Black Series 3 3/4-Inch Action Figures Wave 5 right now and get Free Shipping.  New figures like Sgt. Doallyn, Hoth Wedge, and the first new Ree-Yees since 1998 are all here!  Entertainment Earth has a July ship date listed. Click through for pricing, breakdown, and availability.

Rounding out the new foursome from the great white north, the Snowtrooper is one of those figures you'll be mad you can't get more of.   The split "skirt" lets him sit, but the wide sculpt may make it difficult to cram him in certain vehicles - but he's perfect for filling out your AT-AT's cargo hold.

From Canada, with love!  This new Darth Maul is in stores now - there, not here - and is an all-new sculpt with a flared blade on the lightsaber, if you keep tabs on such things.  He can fit in the Sith Infiltrator vehicle, stand, and fight.  Can you ask for more? Probably, but you won't get it for the price.  Read on!