Hasbro Press Event Q&A

A plethora of details were unveiled to those who asked, and lucky for you, we did just that.

On rereleases of figures from 1995-2002:
Hasbro plans to stand true to its “everyone that wants a figure will get a figure” policy. What does this mean? Basically, if there are figures people don’t presently have, they will try to release them until they can sell no more. Ephant Mon should appear again in the future, and while there are no plans to release the Masters of the Dark Side Darth Vader on a Saga card in the immediate future, don’t count it out. As stated before, Hasbro will put stands with the re-released figures, but, as you might expect, there’s a “but.” The stands on the previously released figures will be clear stands much like those packaged with the recent Sandtrooper army builder set—clear, oval, and nondescript. Since Hasbro is also striving to make these figures as close to identical to the originals as humanly possible, there is no reason for anybody but those looking for a complete carded set to
rebuy all the rereleases. Future rereleases will continue to happen, and of course, fan rumblings will help to select just who we see again.

On Cartoon figures:
The Clone Wars range began development over half a year ago, long before the cartoon was made official. With that in mind, it didn’t make sense for Hasbro to develop toon-styling for a series that may or may not have actually happened. While we were told not to count out the possibility as cartoon figures to compliment the current Clone Wars range in the future, there are no plans to do so at this time.

On the Clone Wars:
Each licensor is entitled to tell the story in, more or less, their own special way. This will result in a variety of different looks for the same character,
as the ARC Trooper tends to look a little more beefy in his comic incarnation than he does in his plastic one. The cartoon itself will premiere in prime time on November 7, and like Samurai Jack there will be little dialogue and a strong emphasis on action.

On Packaging:
The packaging will see yet another overhaul in 2003 and these aren’t necessarily the final versions. The movie title will be listed on the left of the package and the card itself will remain fairly generic and fairly blue.

On Playskool:
While there are no plans for new installments in 2003, the future is wide open and they are still listening to fan input on this much beloved segment of Star Wars toys.

On new releases:
There will be two—yes, two—Imperial Dignitaries upon their release which won’t be until later this year or earlier next year. While they may share a part or two, like legs, they will look considerably different and have different heads. Apparently, this is something fans should look forward to. Bail Organa is in development for a future release.

On multi-packs:
There will be at least three Clone Wars “troop packs” as well as four “screen scenes” from Saga, and none of these items are to be exclusive to any one retailer. More on these below.

On Darth Vader, Bespin Duel:
Many fans have noted that the figure’s robes are in a style similar to his appearance in A New Hope and not The Empire Strikes Back. This was an error that got by, and for the curious, it will not be corrected. The other Bespin Darth Vader from the unreleased CD ROM sets could still see production, but it is not on the slate for the immediate future.

On the Mexiconvention Exclusive:
There will be an exclusive figure for Mexico, but it will be shared and made available to fans elsewhere. So for those unable or unwilling to travel to Mexico, don’t fret.

On Imperial Officers:
Imperial Officers will continue to ship throughout 2003.

On Han’s Jacket:
With the color of Han Solo’s snow gear the subject of debate, Hasbro decided to capitalize and promote this phenomenon. A new ad makes light of the debate, and to satisfy all fans, the figure will be made available in both brown and blue, which is interesting because some fans also say it’s a light charcoal color. Word on the street is to expect the blue version first.

On the Bespin Security Guard:
While no variant heads were issued during Power of the
Jedi, apparently it was something that almost
happened.

On the Return of the Y-Wing:
After much inquiry from fans, I mentioned that the POTF2 edition of this vehicle is fetching a princely sum on eBay, and as a result they may consider
bringing it back.

On the exclusives for 2003:
Hasbro did not have information available as to changes made to craft like the upcoming TIE Fighter.

On Clone Wars gear:
While many of the heroes of this line are covered in bandoliers and headgear, the majority of these are removable thus allowing fans to have a more basic, film-friendly version of their favorite hero.

On Large Gangster Slugs:
There will be another large gangster slug toy, but not in 2003.