A few notes on this afternoon's Hasbro presentation:
The big news announcement, especially for Vintage Collection fans is the specially carded Revenge of the Jedi cardbacks featuring the unproduced title and logo for Episode VI. There will be 12 figures carded with this logo including a new Slave Leia, B-wing Pilot, Death Star Luke. These will not be considered chase Galactic Hunt figures and should be readily available in retail.
After failing twice in their early online registration process, Comic-Con organizers attempt a trial run this morning by registering 1000 registrants using what is expected to be a more robust system by company TicketLeap. Last month, the online registration site was overwhelmed by a reported 250 hits a second, which was three times the volume in 2009.
Organizers for San Diego Comic-Con International were forced to shut down registration again this morning under the heavy burden of traffic which overwhelmed servers. The company responsible for the registration engine, EPIC, states that it could be weeks instead of before badge sales are schedued to resume.
Let's try this again. After a technical glitch forced the shut down of Comic-Con International registration last week, attendees will have another opportunity on Monday, November 22nd beginning at 6 am Pacific Time to purchase passes for the mega-event which takes place July 21-24 at the San Diego Convention Center.
Breaking news from The SD Union Tribune reports that Comic-Con International will remain in San Diego for another 5 years. The ultimate decision hinged on 64 hotels committing to discounted rates for the mega event. San Diego was always a sentimental favorite for event organizers, where the pop culture gathering has been held since its modest inception in 1970.
So, a couple (few) weeks ago we began monitoring [hint — encouraging] comments (for quality control, naturally) for a bit as we packed our bags and went through our checklists leading up to Celebration V in Orlando, FL. Comments, as we noted at the time, could lead to goodies like Hasbro's Star Wars posters from Comic-Con 2010 (and maybe even surplus posters going back a few years); a set (or more once we take stock) of those oh-so frame-worthy backer cards (from Hasbro, naturally); and whatever goodies we stumble upon along the way. As always, the most stylish replies win*. (Void where prohibited, watch your language, prizes available while supplies last, and this offer is only valid in the continental United States. *Most stylish replies are determined by, well, me... so address to impress or something. Comic-Con freebies contest ends [ended] on August 10 because Celebration V travel and check-in is busy time.)
We will be monitoring [hint — encouraging] comments (for quality control, naturally) for a bit as we pack our bags and go through our checklists leading up to Celebration V in Orlando, FL. Comments can lead to goodies like Hasbro's Star Wars posters from Comic-Con 2010 (and maybe even surplus posters going back a few years); a set (or more once we take stock) of those oh-so frame-worthy backer cards (from Hasbro, naturally); and whatever goodies we stu
Did you make it to San Diego last weekend to wait in a line to get some figures? If not, HasbroToyShop.com has some of their items in stock right now, including Darth Maul vs. Owen Lars. If you're looking for some figures, don't wait and order your goodies quickly.
There was noticeably a greater confluence of Emma Frosts and Red Queens this year than Amidalas and Leias (except for the Slave variety). But Comic-Con still showed its muscle and staying power, though its future in San Diego remains uncertain.
Our Hasbro Comic-Con Image Bank is updated with new shots of the upcoming final 4 Comic Packs exclusive to Entertainment Earth. They include Darth Nihl and Deliah Blue (Legacy #7), Jaster Mereel and Montross (Open Seasons #2), Jareal and Rohland Dyre (KOTOR #6), and Baron Fel and Ysanne Isard (Rogue Squadron #29).
Here's a link to a .PDF version of Hasbro's collector panel presentation. (It's a large download.) Also, here are just a mere few of the "Best-In-Show" highlights. (The real Best-In-Show or Beast-In-Show, Jabba-The-Hutt, was curiously missing from the panel despite being on actual display.) He's just that large and in-charge. (It's probably Oola's fault!) On with the show! (Beware of large downloads!)
Hasbro is giving away a Vintage Collection Boba Fett proof card today at their Comic-Con booth with Han Solo in his Echo Base outfit the card to be given out Sunday. These have been quite popular at the Con, and in terms of packaging art, is quite suitable for framing. An awesome way to kick off the "what's old is new again" Vintage Collection! For those who couldn't make it to the Con, look for a contest giveaway coming up soon!
Our Galactic Image Bank is updated with new photos from Gentle Giant, LEGO, Sideshow, Kotobukiya, EFX Collectibles, the Lucasfilm Pavilion, and last but certainly not least, our traditional Views From The Floor. Enjoy!
You can now order the Comic-Con exclusive Visionaries Comic Pack at StarWarsShop! The price is $14.99 each and they're ready to ship. Click here to order yours!
The proof card of the day at the Hasbro Comic-Con booth is Bespin Luke. Two more cards remaining and we've been told they will be Boba Fett and Han Solo. Hasbro's on point with these awesome mock proof cards and here's hoping they return for Celebration V!