Hasbro wants our Questions:

[Napseeker]

Hahaha, I actually like that question above... sort of damning with faint criticism. A LOT of figures churned out by Hasbro through the years were crap (PotF2 He-man era, the pre-posed action-feature laden Saga (AotC) era, this Clone Wars line except for of course the SA clonetrooper).  If Hasbro hadn't made a massive shift towards SA for RotS, I'd have quit collecting entirely. The figures above are perfect examples of poor design and quality.  I owned 2 of the blue arc and asked myself the same thing about those outward pointing feet!

We should ask if anyone, a head designer or product head, got fired for some of these disasters over the years and if new blood is responsible for the upsurge in better (considerably better) figures that we've seen since RotS.

[delvec]

forget the feet, ever see those arms? Good grief

[meandnooneelse]

Many people complain about repacks, personally I like the ability to pick up a figure I may have missed without having to pay way too much on eBay. Maybe there are other solutions that can make both collectors and Hasbro happy, but swivel elbows are not one of them!

OK, but what about when the repacks are figures that are still sitting on shelves in their original packaging? Plenty of the new Legacy repacks can still be found at retail in their original pack.

I didn't say that Hasbro always made the right decision on which figures to repack. (IE: 500th Darth Vader, TSC Hoth Darth Vader, TSC Bespin Darth Vader, TAC Saga Legends Darth Vader,  Bespin Betrayal Battle Pack Darth Vader. Thankfully they didn't use it as the base for the 2 piece removable helmet Vader!)

[jokabofe]

So you want more repacked Darth Vaders then?? 

[meandnooneelse]

So you want more repacked Darth Vaders then?? 

No, you @$$!! I was agreeing with you. They should be more selective about what they repackage and how many of the same figure gets repackaged in the same line.

[jokabofe]

I know that. Sheesh. Don't you know what  means? It means     

[Bloodant]

Dear Hasbro

Let me just say, I am thrilled with all the upcoming releases! Those Comic Packs with the Amanin and Sunber were a real treat to see!
My question is, when will we see the Yuuzhan Vong? As one of the biggest species to impact the Star Wars universe, I'm sure they deserve the plastic treatment. Also, will we ever see any Vehicles from the Clone Wars game? The Fighter Tank, GAT, and the Maru would make excellent Vehicles and Beasts.

Many Thanks!

I like this question!!

*********
Now, as I was always told-don't just come with a problem (or precieved problem), come with a solution i.e.-exclusivity, limited availabilty, less figures in a wave, no 3 second characters (this means you Bane Malor/Dice Ibegon/Lak Sivrak/etc. etc.), consessions (I want a S.A. Death Star II Luke, and I'll settle for a "Kenner-Style" articulated Sim Aloo/I want a S.A. ROTS Darth Vader and I'll settle for a "Kenner Style" articulated Admiral Ackbar), repacks, repaints.
************
I like this, give a solution to the problem not just a complaint.  Give them kids a SA Vader without swivels and the Ice Cream stealing 3 second man can have none, great idea. Back ground characters can stay in the background.

In the 80's I had wished Star Wars figures were built like GI Joes.

Gee, I'm still wishing that.

Hell no.
Why did I collect SW instead of GI Joes, they could not stay standing. Hated that rubberband crap. And cheap vehicle plastic..

[meandnooneelse]

I like this, give a solution to the problem not just a complaint.  Give them kids a SA Vader without swivels and the Ice Cream stealing 3 second man can have none, great idea. Back ground characters can stay in the background.

I disagree. If there were no background characters made the line would get real boring. It would be continual re-releases of the same characters/figures. As for background characters, I love my Bane Malar figure. I'm happy Hasbro made him. He looks great and has all the right articulation. However I could do without the Ice Cream Maker Guy. I think there's got to be some other way to properly articulate every figure and still maintain (or increase) Hasbro's profit margin without raising figure prices.

[Bloodant]

I like this, give a solution to the problem not just a complaint.  Give them kids a SA Vader without swivels and the Ice Cream stealing 3 second man can have none, great idea. Back ground characters can stay in the background.

I disagree. If there were no background characters made the line would get real boring. It would be continual re-releases of the same characters/figures. As for background characters, I love my Bane Malar figure. I'm happy Hasbro made him. He looks great and has all the right articulation. However I could do without the Ice Cream Maker Guy. I think there's got to be some other way to properly articulate every figure and still maintain (or increase) Hasbro's profit margin without raising figure prices.

I did not mean no background characters, just no SA on them like Dafox mentioned, just a solution, maybe not the best solution but a semi -happy medium.
I agree with you, that most of these suckers should have good articulation and have arms, legs etc that dont fall off.

[Blackader69]

consessions (I want a S.A. Death Star II Luke, and I'll settle for a "Kenner-Style" articulated Sim Aloo/I want a S.A. ROTS Darth Vader and I'll settle for a "Kenner Style" articulated Admiral Ackbar), repacks, repaints.

Buuut nooo, I want a S.A. Rune Haako to go with my S.A. Lott Dodd and S.A. Neimoidan pilot (with swivel chair and console) and I also don't want a price increase either.

Blackadder69?:>}
(Next Incarnation of The Master)

What I was saying was, to have a "ultimate Darth Vader" I'll accept a basic 5 points of articulation Icecream guy, or maybe a "pepper pot" Imperial Dignitary.

You can have your "3 Second" screen filler dude, but keep the articulation to the bare minimum, so you can have your S.A. D.S. II Luke.

People shouldn't expect an entire wave of S.A. figures, it's just not finacially feasable at this price-point.

And Menadnoonelse, how do you know the amount the raw goods went up for Hasbro, are you in the toy buisness?-So maybe the price jump is warranted, the price jump from TAC to Clone Wars was $.22 (I believe)-with the price of diesel fuel @ historic highs shipping figures x-country has increased as well as the raw materials.

So if rising prices are the issue with you, rethink your collecting habit.  I gave up my 1 of everything mindset and now get what I really truly want (droids/Imperials/clones/and the occasional kewl looking character.

"So Long and Thanx fer all da phish"
Blackadder69?:>}

[darthdan]

oil is used to make plastic, so plastics raw costs have gone up....

[meandnooneelse]

And Menadnoonelse, how do you know the amount the raw goods went up for Hasbro, are you in the toy buisness?-So maybe the price jump is warranted, the price jump from TAC to Clone Wars was $.22 (I believe)-with the price of diesel fuel @ historic highs shipping figures x-country has increased as well as the raw materials.

Yes, I am well aware of rising fuel prices. Who, other than the f**k-ups in Washington, isn't? I would not be complaining if figures had only gone up 22 cents, but in my area they've gone up a dollar, two dollars at K-Mart. So I'm gonna bitch whether anybody likes it or not.

So if rising prices are the issue with you, rethink your collecting habit.  I gave up my 1 of everything mindset and now get what I really truly want (droids/Imperials/clones/and the occasional kewl looking character.

I've had to be creative to afford buying ANY in the first place. So I've been "rethinking" my collecting habits since I started collecting. I pick and choose what I will buy and what I won't. I get most of my figures on eBay below retail prices. Still somethings if I want 'em I have to get 'em locally. If so, I don't want to pay more than MSRP. I think that's fair.

[darthdan]

And Menadnoonelse, how do you know the amount the raw goods went up for Hasbro, are you in the toy buisness?-So maybe the price jump is warranted, the price jump from TAC to Clone Wars was $.22 (I believe)-with the price of diesel fuel @ historic highs shipping figures x-country has increased as well as the raw materials.

Yes, I am well aware of rising fuel prices. Who, other than the f**k-ups in Washington, isn't? I would not be complaining if figures had only gone up 22 cents, but in my area they've gone up a dollar, two dollars at K-Mart. So I'm gonna bitch whether anybody likes it or not.

So if rising prices are the issue with you, rethink your collecting habit.  I gave up my 1 of everything mindset and now get what I really truly want (droids/Imperials/clones/and the occasional kewl looking character.

I've had to be creative to afford buying ANY in the first place. So I've been "rethinking" my collecting habits since I started collecting. I pick and choose what I will buy and what I won't. I get most of my figures on eBay below retail prices. Still somethings if I want 'em I have to get 'em locally. If so, I don't want to pay more than MSRP. I think that's fair.

yeah k-marts  starwars prices are so out there now, I don't even bother going in there any more

[Napseeker]

I agree with a lot of the points being raised here, but maybe all of this needs to be moved to another new thread by the mods?  We're waaaaaaaaaaaaaay off-topic for this particular thread at this point.

[darthdan]

I agree with a lot of the points being raised here, but maybe all of this needs to be moved to another new thread by the mods?  We're waaaaaaaaaaaaaay off-topic for this particular thread at this point.

Possibly. but these questions do generate discussion, that need to be discussed somewhere.

[darthdan]

getting back on topic..... here's a question    Dear Hasbro, now that the force unleashed has been released as a graphic novel, how about giving us Proxy (starkillers faithful training droid) with another character,  say juno eclipse in rebel clothing (with new head sculpt) or Garm bel Ibis or some other character you have in mind.  Until I read the graphic novel I had no idea that Proxy was major character in this storyline.  So how about it hasbro how about a force unleashed EU 2 pack with Proxy, what is the possibility of something like this?  You could even divide the graphic novel into 2 or 3 comic books and create even more EU 2 packs if you wanted.

[VadersFist]

Dear Hasbro,

With the Force Unleashed coming out on Sept 16th, will their be any of the Rebel Troopers from the game making it out this year. Or if not this year, possible next year since by then almost everyone that has heard of the game has purchased it. With this Rebel Trooper, will we also possible see a Rebel Trooper with a Turret as well from the Force Unleashed game. I don't knw if this question/s has been asked but it was a thought.

[sithmasterc]

Hasbro,

What is the scoop on the Stormtrooper Commander that is suppose to be out when the Force Unleashed game hits?Its showing up in Canada as well as a few on Ebay.What game store is going to offer it?Here is a link to one of the ebay auctions.

http://cgi.ebay.com/Stormtrooper-Commander-The-Forced-Unleashed_W0QQitemZ330265873082QQihZ014QQcategoryZ158675QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

[Bloodant]

Hasbro,

What is the scoop on the Stormtrooper Commander that is suppose to be out when the Force Unleashed game hits?Its showing up in Canada as well as a few on Ebay.What game store is going to offer it?Thanks.

Hopefully they can answer this one quickly, inquiring minds want to know.....

[Darth Spice]

THE latest:   

1) Why does it cost more money to manufacture a ball joint for a Star Wars figure than for a GI Joe figure?

There are many reasons why we cannot directly compare the costs involved in making figures across different lines, including royalties and negotiation with our vendors on costing.  This needs to be accounted for up front when making any decisions on what can/cannot be worked into a line.
 
2) Hasbro often (understandably) cites the costs of production as a crucial aspect of their decision-making process. This being the case, how much does it cost to take an entirely new (not re-paints or older heads on new figures or vice versa, etc.) basic action figure from proposed idea ("How about a Fixer figure?") to prototypes ("Do you like this one with a bigger hat or this one with goggles?") to finished product ready for mass production ("That's the one. Go."), including the card and packaging? As a follow-up, what is the average number of a basic figure that is produced (like the Legacy Yarna, for example) and what are the average costs of mass production, shipping, etc.? Finally, how much does a cloth robe, poncho, dress, jacket, etc. add to this cost? I realize these costs are not fixed and vary widely but as a corporate entity, you must have the information somewhere. Again, averages/estimates are fine.

We will never reveal specific production quantities or development costs regarding the manufacturing of any product at Hasbro. While this may seem a great question that fans would like answered, this information is proprietary to Hasbro and would reveal valuable competitive information that we cannot share.  What you should know (and probably do already), is that everything comes at a cost - if a new line can afford all new tooling, great, if not then we look for ways to offset the cost by adding some new parts or soft goods in an effort to keep the overall wave in target.  In a related vein, the quantity we release of any figure is also factored into the equation, and characters like Yarna and other "collector only" figures are factored in at the lowest release quantities compared to the main heroes or high-demand troopers.
 
3) We've seen the Clone Trooper Power Quad for the kiddies, what's the chance of converting a similar Hasbro product into a Dewback or maybe Speeder Bike? PLEASE?

Troops- we have NO idea what you are talking about on this one. Care to elaborate?

I shared a picture so they can learn what their own products are.

[darthdan]

maybe the clone bigwheels wasn't a hasbro product??

[philippi]

Dear Hasbro,
Have you considered the idea of a game pack that would include two figures and an older PC game, similar to what is being done with the comic packs? This could be a great way to get at least a few of those game characters that collectors crave out there. Just think, KOTOR along with Bastila Shan and HK-47, Galactic Battlegrounds with Sev'rance Tann and Echuu Shen-Jon...

[cuyvaldar]

Hey Hasbro...

Since we have a release of Cade Skywalker...

Is there any chance on the rest of the crew of the mynock being released?

[fishboy_254]

I know we're going to drive this one in the ground and still not get a definative answer, but how in the world can they justify mass producing decently articulated build a droid parts for pack-ins and not find a way not to include the same articulation across the line.

[jksonny]

Thanks for asking Hasbro about their overhead costs. Their answers were basically non-responses but at least we tried.

Here's an idea/question:

1. Hasbro clearly has a good idea as to which figures will sell and which will warm the pegs and I understand the necessity of offering only a few obscure/fan fave figures each year. I also understand the high costs of producing playsets/diorama like the Sarlacc and Lars Home pieces. I'm sure even repacking and repainting of older vehicles is expensive. Frankly, I RARELY purchase any standard SW vehicles (not couting the BMF and AT-TE Tank). However, I would be willing to shell out $20 or $40 for a vehicle repaint or new playsets and dioramas if they included 1 or 2 unique figures. Just a few ideas: Fixer and Camie with a landspeeder repaint/modification), Emperor and Vader with a Throne Room Diorama (and a decent throne, for once), Luke and Leia in Robes with Med. Frigate table/diorama, McQuarrie TaunTaun with Concept Hoth Soldier, Mothma, Madine, and Ackbar with DS Attack diorama (maybe 2 or 3 of these sets with Rebel soldiers and commanders like the Jedi Council and Geonosian Waro Room Sets), Star Destroyer diorama with Tarkin and Daala, with some other McQuarrie, Joe Johnston, and Jon Mollo concepts offered in the same package with the finished creation (it would offset costs of a new figure by including a re-hash version of a character already produced - Lando's Female Aide and Lobot, McQuarrie's Jabba and Finished Jabba or even Jabba's human stand-in with the final Jabba, etc., etc).  Hasbro seems to be doing well with the comic and Evolutions lines but some characters and their history don't involve comics or the Evolutions concept in meaningful forms - such as Ackbar being Tarkin's slave). I realize this is a SW-based site but this format could perhaps succeed in the IJ line as well with Lao Chee and Willie Scott in Club Dress, IJ and the Waiter, and Che's 2 other sons all with pieces of the dining table, the shiskabob, the diamond, the antidote, and the Nurhachi remains. Any chances of seeing this a way of provding a new character to consumers and giving yourselves the repack opportunity to lessen Hasbro's costs?

Thank you!   

[kkvolution]

Dear Hasbro,

Did Hasbro ever made a Count Doku spacecraft before? Sorry if it a stupid question...

[darthdan]

Dear Hasbro,

Did Hasbro ever made a Count Doku spacecraft before? Sorry if it a stupid question...

no not in 3 3/4"..... when are we going to get dooku's solar sailer already?

[darthdan]

Dear Hasbro, now that you have nearly perfected the snowspeeder pilot body via the new evo packs, what are the chances of getting an updated version of Dak Raltir (Luke's gunner)?

[VadersFist]

So THAT'S what the big thing is called of Dooku's, is the Solar Sailor? I have always wondered what the name of this really cool flying umbrella.

Dear Hasbro,

Did Hasbro ever made a Count Doku spacecraft before? Sorry if it a stupid question...

no not in 3 3/4"..... when are we going to get dooku's solar sailor already?

[jedibrian77]

Dear Hasbro, now that you have nearly perfected the snowspeeder pilot body via the new evo packs, what are the chances of getting an updated version of Dak Raltir (Luke's gunner)?

I want to know the answer to this