Hasbro wants our Questions:

[Bloodant]

Damn brother you do have some Q's!! Nice!

I agree, although it seems "aggressive" new vehicles" idea was asked twice.

[Commander Ando]

Damn brother you do have some Q's!! Nice!

I agree, although it seems "aggressive" new vehicles" idea was asked twice.

It was? What was Hasbro's answer?

[Darth Spice]

THE latest!

1) On the new animated series Obi-Wan figure, you have added a ball joint at the shoulder that is covered up and solid, and it looks a lot more aesthetically pleasing than previous figures that had the connector showing. Was this a test run of this new type of joint, and will you be adding it to other figures going forward? I'd love to see it put in place as a standard on all figures with ball jointed shoulders, and hopefully ball jointed shoulders will become the standard.

We have migrated the size of the shoulder joint down somewhat over all the figure lines, but it's still a case-by-case basis and it does come with a range limitation when we do it.  The Obi-Wan figure is an example where the joint is inset into more of a pocket since Obi-Wan's tunic and shoulder pads project out somewhat.  On, say, the animated Clone Trooper, the joint is more visible but that's because it is less inset, allowing for a greater range of movement (including the ability to bring hands together in front of the body.  So while we do make progress overall in continual refinement of the aesthetics, it is always with an eye toward individual functionality.

2) I have heard rumors of a Bespin Han Solo in the Vintage packaging line coming this year or the next. Is this true? Will he be a new sculpt or one based on the same anorexicly thin body/small head that's been used to make the vintage Endor, Bespin Torture, and sandstorm Han?

What you have heard is false.  There is no Bespin Han in the works for this year or next (most likely in 2010).  In addition, we have gone on record as saying that the Vintage line is not coming back in 2009, but we are looking at ways to get it back out after that.
 
3) The move to a build-a-figure format is encouraging, a proven formula it showed with the Marvel line. Do you plan on expanding this idea in the future? Maybe a build-a-weapon, build-a-Sith, or build-a-Jedi figure? Maybe you can incorporate this with your vehicle line and make a build-a-death star.

We do not have plans to expand this beyond droids. We will not be expanding the concept to flesh-and-blood figures as that doesn't fit the direction of Star Wars, as we treat characters as whole entities rather than pieces.  The exception is droids of course, where by their very nature they can be disassembled.  The Death Star would require an insane number of pieces, and would require too many purchases over too long a period of time to be tenable.  We have no plans to go there.

[Commander Ando]

New question:

"To follow up on an answer given to Rebel Scum on November 7th, regarding the Commando Battle Pack due in Spring 2009, which weapon will be featured? The standard DC17 blaster or the DC17 anti armor variant that was included with the Republic Commando/Super Battle Droid Comic Pack? Will he be the black armor or another armor color variant that we have yet to see and will the upper body articulation remain the same or has the figure been completely redone?

You also stated that the Republic Commando that will be included will be one that has never been done before (Fi). Wasn't Fi included in the 2007 Entertainment Earth Clones and Mandalorians Pack that included among other figures, the entire 4 member Omega Squad?"

[jacensolo66]

You recently confirmed the the 6th figure in the ESB wave would be the emperor. My question is why the emperor as he only appeared in the ESB as a huge holographic head?

[CommanderNaruto]

maybe thats the holo version with the mechano walking chair thingie

[jacensolo66]

maybe thats the holo version with the mechano walking chair thingie

that would be from the phantom menace and they say he is coming out next year. and the one in the esb wave was confirmed as an evolutions emperor with a new head.

[Master Frank]

Just wanted to say THANKS for asking my build-a-something figure question!
I think this was the first time I saw a response incorporate the word insane!
I know it's a reach, but the seed had to be planted. The build-a-something line could be so much more than the simple droids that it is now! Luckily Hasbrp hasn't included a must-have droid in the line yet, forcing me to buy figures that I don't want just to get the parts.

Frank

[Darth Zombius]

Yeah lucky you... Not so for me... I need a BAD 12 step. Its ok! It's not that bad really... 

[Commander Ando]

DZ, how was the comic book show?

[Darth Zombius]

It was great... Got a huge score. And mighty cheap too! Dustin was there too. Good times! I posted my haul in the latest SW purchases! Good day for my Droid Army building!

DZ, how was the comic book show?

[Commander Ando]

It was great... Got a huge score. And mighty cheap too! Dustin was there too. Good times! I posted my haul in the latest SW purchases! Good day for my Droid Army building!

I pulled all of my vehicles out of storage and set them all up (ARC-170's, Gunships, AT-AP's, and all 6 of the AT-TE's) so I could photograph them and realized that I have a TON of stuff. I emailed my pics to Dustrho, so as soon as I have my collection posted, I will start a thread.

You're building a Droid Army? We may have to talk about that. My CIS/Droid Army takes up one full Rubbermaid bin and I may be interested in selling it off to make room for more GAR/Clone Army vehicles. There will be photos of the CIS/Droid Army included, so look it over and if you're at all interested, send me an email.

[Darth Zombius]

Will do bro!

It was great... Got a huge score. And mighty cheap too! Dustin was there too. Good times! I posted my haul in the latest SW purchases! Good day for my Droid Army building!

I pulled all of my vehicles out of storage and set them all up (ARC-170's, Gunships, AT-AP's, and all 6 of the AT-TE's) so I could photograph them and realized that I have a TON of stuff. I emailed my pics to Dustrho, so as soon as I have my collection posted, I will start a thread.

You're building a Droid Army? We may have to talk about that. My CIS/Droid Army takes up one full Rubbermaid bin and I may be interested in selling it off to make room for more GAR/Clone Army vehicles. There will be photos of the CIS/Droid Army included, so look it over and if you're at all interested, send me an email.

[masterbennybro]

One vehicle that is getting quite a bit of screen time in the new Clone Wars series is Padme Amidala's Naboo yacht. This vehicle is pretty important in the Prequels, bringing Padme and Anakin to Geonosis, taking Padme and Yoda to Ilum, and now being pretty prominent in the last Malevolence episode and on Rodia. This ship isn't really that big, about the size of the Sith Infiltrator toy, and could easily retail for $20. All it would consist of would be the cockpit and boarding ramp really. What are the chances of this happening?

[Major fett]

One vehicle that is getting quite a bit of screen time in the new Clone Wars series is Padme Amidala's Naboo yacht. This vehicle is pretty important in the Prequels, bringing Padme and Anakin to Geonosis, taking Padme and Yoda to Ilum, and now being pretty prominent in the last Malevolence episode and on Rodia. This ship isn't really that big, about the size of the Sith Infiltrator toy, and could easily retail for $20. All it would consist of would be the cockpit and boarding ramp really. What are the chances of this happening?

Sure that's all we need is another Infiltrator debacle!
If they are going to do those type of ships that aren't considered Starfighters they need to invent a new price point for $30 ships! Granted it's cool looking but at $20 it really left me wanting think if they went the extra mile and got a #30 ship how awesome it could have been, look at the EPII Gunship it was a $30 price point back in the day and it's one of my faves to this day. My vote is no more midsized ships until they make a new line for them.

[Darth Spice]

THE latest:

1) To follow up on an answer given to Rebel Scum on November 7th, regarding the Commando Battle Pack due in Spring 2009, which weapon will be featured? The standard DC17 blaster or the DC17 anti armor variant that was included with the Republic Commando/Super Battle Droid Comic Pack? Will he be the black armor or another armor color variant that we have yet to see and will the upper body articulation remain the same or has the figure been completely redone?

The figure has new knee and ankle articulation, and he will be predominantly blue-colored. We did not change the upper body.  He is based on the cover of the Karen Traviss novel Omega Squad: Targets. His weapon is the version that came with the Republic Commando Delta Squad set, as opposed to the version that came with Scorch basic figure or the comic pack. We have an important update on the wave of Evolution packs that includes this pack as well as Rebel Pilots #3 and Imperial Pilots #2. Originally scheduled as a continuation of the Evolution Packs lineup in Spring '09, development schedule delays have pushed this wave out and as such it will not receive distribution at all retailers. Once we nail down which retailer(s) will be carrying these packs, and the expected on-shelf time, we'll get an update out to all of the Star Wars sites.

2) Hasbro has said that we will continue to see large vehicles again if the Millenium Falcon and the AT-TE sell well. Let's say that hypothetically they are selling well: What is the next large vehicle we would likely see and when? Turbotank?

It's too early to discuss the future of any Star Wars large-scale vehicle.  If we do make another announcement, it would not be before Toy Fair 2009.   

3) Is it at possible that Hasbro could reconsider their position on selling figures in an on-line form. Small runs, exclusives, limited editions similar to how Mattel is doing with their new Masters of the Universe Classics collection? Obviously no one would be willing to pay a $20 premium for a 3 3/4" figure but at a reasonable amount like $10-13. This would allow collectors to finally get a hold of some not so kid friendly figures. It could also allow Hasbro to release some figures from other lines. GI Joe, Indiana Jones and Transformers.

Hasbro has pursued this option in the past, with no-so-great results. Quite simply, aside from special figures that we do for Comic-Con or for a specific promotional cause (such as R2-KT), these items are not successful for us we concentrate our items on bigger opportunities - such as the robust exclusive program already in place.  Internet distribution just does not have the reach - many collectors still prefer the "thrill of the hunt" of shopping in store - and because of that we prefer to bring our exclusives to our retail partners for the best overall program.

[Jaing Skirata]

blue? thats the silvery grey armor... man hasbro PLEASE don't mess up a potentially awesome figure!

[Napseeker]

No offense to anyone but I really wish people would stop asking these "hypothetical" questions about the next big vehicle.  Hasbro simply isn't going to tell us -- they may be able to answer a question like "what would you LIKE to see get made in big size" (which they have answered in the past already) but that's far different from a so-called hypothetical question that we all know will be interpreted as gospel the moment Hasbro gives us anything resembling a real answer.  Hasbro employees may have their own likes for a big ship like a Star Destroyer but their accountants (and common sense) can veto that we know.   And moreover, this big ship question has already been asked by other sites in varying ways for the past 6 months.

BTW just to clarify, I have no issues about asking Hasbro if a certain big ship might be on their roster to be made someday i.e. trying to sway them to make say a big Slave1, but I just don't think generically asking them to name us a given ship is a good use of a question slot.  We know Hasbro would love to make more...but I would bet even from their own secret list they have no idea which to pick until they know how well the BMF and AT-TE sells.  If the AT-TE sold better, they'll just pick the list item that caters to that price level; if the BMF sold better, they'd be more inclined to make one of the higher-priced items on their list (although the US recession might have them rethink that).

Note too that they just said they won't reveal anything until ToyFair:

JI: Can you tell us if the sales of recent large vehicles like the AT-TE and BMF Falcon have been decent enough to warrant more large-scale vehicles and or playsets in the foreseeable future? This question is from JI reader AstroJedi.

Hasbro: We have no plans for adding playsets to the line. It's too early to discuss the future of any Star Wars large-scale vehicle, as we still have a long way to go this holiday season. If we do make another announcement on vehicles, it would not be before Toy Fair 2009.

[darthdan]

No offense to anyone but I really wish people would stop asking these "hypothetical" questions about the next big vehicle.  Hasbro simply isn't going to tell us -- they may be able to answer a question like "what would you LIKE to see get made in big size" (which they have answered in the past already) but that's far different from a so-called hypothetical question that we all know will be interpreted as gospel the moment Hasbro gives us anything resembling a real answer.  Hasbro employees may have their own likes for a big ship like a Star Destroyer but their accountants (and common sense) can veto that we know.   And moreover, this big ship question has already been asked by other sites in varying ways for the past 6 months.

BTW just to clarify, I have no issues about asking Hasbro if a certain big ship might be on their roster to be made someday i.e. trying to sway them to make say a big Slave1, but I just don't think generically asking them to name us a given ship is a good use of a question slot.  We know Hasbro would love to make more...but I would bet even from their own secret list they have no idea which to pick until they know how well the BMF and AT-TE sells.  If the AT-TE sold better, they'll just pick the list item that caters to that price level; if the BMF sold better, they'd be more inclined to make one of the higher-priced items on their list (although the US recession might have them rethink that).

Note too that they just said they won't reveal anything until ToyFair:

JI: Can you tell us if the sales of recent large vehicles like the AT-TE and BMF Falcon have been decent enough to warrant more large-scale vehicles and or playsets in the foreseeable future? This question is from JI reader AstroJedi.

Hasbro: We have no plans for adding playsets to the line. It's too early to discuss the future of any Star Wars large-scale vehicle, as we still have a long way to go this holiday season. If we do make another announcement on vehicles, it would not be before Toy Fair 2009.

I think people ask this of hasbro because Hasbro has hinted in the past that they may make the turbo tank, and that they made a prototype of it for ROTS, but never produced it.  they have mentioned it as a possibility if the falcon and at-te are succesful...... so people keep asking to see if hasbro will finally break down and tell us.

[Lt. Starfox]

i like the idea of knee and ankle articulation on commando's, woo hoo!

[Incom]

i like the idea of knee and ankle articulation on commando's, woo hoo!

About time, but shame they're keeping the upper joints the same. So, no ball jointed shoulders  Looks like the RC figure is Hasbro's five-year project. Add a ball joint every year, so to speak. Geez.....

The way I see it, the RC figure needs this and nothing less:

Ball jointed shoulders, elbows, wrists, mid section, hips, knees, ankles. As for the helmet, I prefer a bulb neck, but I can understand the need for real clone heads underneath. It's just not my thing. Apart from that, his piece should have interchangeable addons, just like in the game and novels. Oh and a retractable wrist vibroblade 

Man, sounds like that custom I'm working on... also a long term project 

[jokabofe]

Here's a question:

By now I'm sure you've seen some of the many talented people out in cyberspace that make custom figures, whether it be simple repaints (which I'm sure you're verrry familiar with) or actual sculpted from scratch action figures. My question is this: how would one go about applying to a position with Hasbro to help make toys? What type of education/degree would one need? And then, how would someone actually go about applying? Bring a portfolio of work to a convention that Hasbro attends? Send an email to a particular person at Hasbro HQ?

Not part of it:

Or do I need to be a 8 year old kid living China willing to work for $.22 an hour?? 

[scalperhunter1]

i like the idea of knee and ankle articulation on commando's, woo hoo!

Fox, I always knew you had a fetish for knee articulation but ankles? Hmmmmmmm.

[Major fett]

About time, but shame they're keeping the upper joints the same. So, no ball jointed shoulders  Looks like the RC figure is Hasbro's five-year project. Add a ball joint every year, so to speak. Geez.....

lol!
I totally agree with you it wouldn't be that hard since they are already updating that figure to add ball-jointed shoulders big woop hasbro!

Here's a question:

By now I'm sure you've seen some of the many talented people out in cyberspace that make custom figures, whether it be simple repaints (which I'm sure you're verrry familiar with) or actual sculpted from scratch action figures. My question is this: how would one go about applying to a position with Hasbro to help make toys? What type of education/degree would one need? And then, how would someone actually go about applying? Bring a portfolio of work to a convention that Hasbro attends? Send an email to a particular person at Hasbro HQ?

Not part of it:

Or do I need to be a 8 year old kid living China willing to work for $.22 an hour?? 

Quite possibly you might need a degree in art sculpture in addition to a showcase of your work, I mean if they hired some Jo blo off the street who makes customs it might offend the people who went to school in that field who want the job. I do think there are a lot of talented customizers out there that should be working for them, especially when I see stuff like the leia figure from the Xizor Comic!  

[Napseeker]

Here's a question:

By now I'm sure you've seen some of the many talented people out in cyberspace that make custom figures, whether it be simple repaints (which I'm sure you're verrry familiar with) or actual sculpted from scratch action figures. My question is this: how would one go about applying to a position with Hasbro to help make toys? What type of education/degree would one need? And then, how would someone actually go about applying? Bring a portfolio of work to a convention that Hasbro attends? Send an email to a particular person at Hasbro HQ?

This may partly answer your question - it came from the Feb 2008 session:

Q: As I'm sure you are aware, there are many talented customizers - sculptors, painters, builders, etc. - that spend hours and hours sitting in their workshops (or at their kitchen tables) creating toys (and not just Star Wars toys, either).  What does it take for someone to get a job working for Hasbro, sculpting or painting toys, designing packaging, and the like?

A: We'll tackle each of the disciplines one at a time, since they are a little different.  The large majority of our designers and sculptors have industrial design backgrounds, and there are several great schools that specialize in this and with which we have a strong relationship when it comes to internships, etc. We look for folks with solid all-around skills and ability.  This includes work with diverse materials, incorporate features, and cost management.  We look for a very diversified skill set as it is very rare for a designer to stay on one line for more than a couple years before moving to the next assignment; they could be working on girls toys, vehicles, or any other type down the road. For painters, we have a small team in house that handles our painting needs, but we do contract with outside resources to handle the workload.  When evaluating painters, we have hired a wide range, including a wide range of backgrounds from fne artist to hobbyist (i.e. the folks at home).  We evaluate painters on their ability to apply very fine detail and ability to color match.  Anybody interesting in painting for us should contact Hasbro Human Resources (links are found on our web site).  For package design, we typically look for candidates with a degree in graphic design or fine arts, and with experience in packaging and illustration, as well as specialized structural engineers trained in that discpline who direct the structures and materials of our diverse needs.

[Major fett]

1. Since we were treated to a Robed Jedi version if Bultar Swan and Quinlan Vos, might we see the same for Koffi Arana as seen here?

2. Now that you have the mold for a Bothan, how far out is a Kai Hudorra figure?

3. What's the possibility of a Naboo Queen Evolution Set with Queen Apilana
Queen Jamillia and a new Queen Amidala figure, or just the first two being released?

Thanks!

[Commander Ando]

I am totally excited about the answer regarding the Republic Commando design and which weapon we'll see. But I am NOT excoted about the possibility of it being an exclusive.

[CommanderNaruto]

snowspeeder luke has been confirmed for a ESB 2009 wave

[VadersFist]

But I wonder WHERE the Snowspeeder is going to be because I didn't get one back in 06'. I mean IF we are getting this luke WHY not reissue the Snowspeeder again so he has a vehicle to go into.

snowspeeder luke has been confirmed for a ESB 2009 wave

[Napseeker]

In a previous Q&A, Hasbro did respond to someone asking about a possible new Snowspeeder, one that would fit in the $20 line and which would be smaller than the vintage (i.e. more accurate to the size seen in TESB).  I don't remember the exact answer, but I do believe they suggested that a more accurate Snowspeeder toy is something that might come to retail in the future. So that may be why we will keep getting snowspeeder pilots in Evo and Luke as a way to get us geared up for that.

Of course, the cynic in me says they are giving us Snowspeeder Luke because it's an easy kitbash of the Evo pilot body and the Stormtrooper Luke head.  Even if they don't have a Repaint wave next year, doesn't mean they won't have cheap kitbashes in other waves (although not that this isn't going to be a good figure, but I still wish they'd give us the grappling gun and attachment).