Hasbro wants our Questions:

[Jaing Skirata]

Dear Hasbro,

In regards to the answer we received about the updated, and more articulated, Omega Squad Fi figure:

Is it too late to correct your error or can you correct it now, as the figure you're about to make and label as Fi is a cannon ERROR and is not Fi or any member of Omega Squad. If you recall with several of your 501st Commander figures from a couple years ago, you relied on artwork from comic books without having the names of the character and mislabled them. You're about to do that with Fi. The art from Targets that you're using is an unknown commando. If you had or could invest in the storyline of Omega Squad, you would know that Omega Squad's original armor (before the switch to the black armor) was silvery grey (distinctly NOT white) with no other color markings on the armor. So, from what you've said, we can expect to see a Fi figure that is white with Boss' blue markings. That is not Fi or any of his Vode. Are you too far along in the production of the run to correct this? I seriously hope you're not as this new RepComm figure will be a big jump forward from the previous one and would definatly be an army builder for me and others. However, and I'm speaking only for me but I'm sure MANY a REPCOMM fan will be in the same boat, if this figure is released innaccurate to cannon, it will be a no sell for me. Please give us the correct Fi in the silvery grey armor. Help Hasbro Marketing and Development; you're my only hope!

[philippi]

Dear Hasbro,
I'm just wondering if you plan on giving any consideration to expanded universe material from the pre-Thrawn trilogy era (70's & 80's) apart from the Marvel comics material. There is actually quite a bit to draw from such as the Holiday Special (which you have stated can't be touched), the Ewok movies, the Droids and Ewoks cartoons, novels such as Splinter of the Mind's Eye, the Han and Lando novels, and storybooks that originally included records like Planet of the Hoojibs and Droidworld. True, none of them have a lot of exposure today, but they would certainly be remembered by collectors that grew up in a time when these were some of the only sources of Star Wars fun apart from the OT.
So what do you think? Is there any chance that figures based on some of these sources could ever be made, perhaps as chase figures, exclusives or some other type of release?

[Darthfox4565]

Dear Hasbro

This coming wave of New Hope figures have given us, the fans, 4 more Mos Eisley/Cantina aliens, and Kudos to you because I always wondered what Dice Ibegon would look like with a body. We have Trinto, Dice, Pons (Brainiac) and Wioslea, but we are missing ONE last crucial alien for the cantina. I am of course referring to BOM VIMDIM. Wheres the figure love for are favorite horned patron?

And also, will we see any more unique aliens in the future? Such as more Podrace pilots, Felucians, etc?

[Darth Spice]

THE latest:

1) 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?

Virtually none.  We are pursuing some great new vehicles, but they are more aggressive vehicles central to the battles in Clone Wars. The Yacht is, as yet, too passive for us to consider.
 
2. 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?

Hasbro is always looking for talented sculptors and designers.  The main criteria for consideration is having an industrial design education.  All of our designers and sculptors have this key background, since beyond the ability to draw or sculpt they are called upon to problem solve for incorporating and designing features, different materials, achieving costing targets, manufacturability, and the like.  There are numerous great educational institutions out there, many of which have co-op programs with Hasbro, and we encourage folks serious about being in the toy industry to seek out the education needed and then come talk to us at the appropriate point.
 
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?

After the last three Evolutions sets next Summer, the line will be put on hiatus and we do not know when/if it will be back.  It is a popular format, so we don't rule out its return some day.  If it does return, the pack you mentioned is a very interesting one.  It might also be likely that we get to the Queens before then.  If we do, Jamillia would be the first and most important one to do.

[General Grievous]

Can we expect to see any Confederacy Droids released in the Mighty Mugs line??

[CHEWIE34]

Very good questions... just wish that the Naboo Yacht was more of a possibility... and that they weren't walking away from Evolutions for a while...

 

[sithmasterc]

Dear hasbro,

Not a Star Wars Question but a question about GI Joe.Is the Translusant blue Variant of the Wraith still available?I have seen pictures of him but I have not seen him in person.There were reports that people got the figure from Cases they bought from Online stores like BBTS and EE and some have found them at retail.Is this version still being produced or am I just wasting my time in trying to find it?

[SHB033196]

Dear hasbro,

Not a Star Wars Question but a question about GI Joe.Is the Translusant blue Variant of the Wraith still available?I have seen pictures of him but I have not seen him in person.There were reports that people got the figure from Cases they bought from Online stores like BBTS and EE and some have found them at retail.Is this version still being produced or am I just wasting my time in trying to find it?

If they even take the time to answer this, they are probably going to direct you to online resources, i.e. ebay. I'm still considering it...I want one pretty badly to finish out 2008, but they are so pricey....

[Commander Ando]

New Question:

In the previous round of questions, we asked about Padme's Naboo Yacht and were told "We are pursuing some great new vehicles, but they are more aggressive vehicles central to the battles in Clone Wars."

Which vehicles would these be? Delta 7B repaints? Clone Wars era Y Wings? The Twilight? The Nu Class/Republic Attack shuttle?

[sithmasterc]

Dear hasbro,

Not a Star Wars Question but a question about GI Joe.Is the Translusant blue Variant of the Wraith still available?I have seen pictures of him but I have not seen him in person.There were reports that people got the figure from Cases they bought from Online stores like BBTS and EE and some have found them at retail.Is this version still being produced or am I just wasting my time in trying to find it?

If they even take the time to answer this, they are probably going to direct you to online resources, i.e. ebay. I'm still considering it...I want one pretty badly to finish out 2008, but they are so pricey....

Yeah,you got a point.The cheapest of the Wraith Variant 49.99 on Ebay and that is the buy it now price.

[VadersFist]

Ebay is NOT a place to go for something like that anyway. Thats just asking to be ripped off for that figure. But thats just my own thoughts on that.

[Major fett]

Ebay is NOT a place to go for something like that anyway. Thats just asking to be ripped off for that figure. But thats just my own thoughts on that.

Yeah you'd think Hasbro would get the hint to repack the figures that are going for insane high prices on ebay like Revan, Malak, Amidala TPM (Celibration Ceremony) etc. instead of stuff just laying around in a bin in the corner that hasn't sold in two years!

[Master Frank]

Not sure if I overlooked this in the previous q&a's but does anyone know if Hasbro is rereleasing the Stormtrooper Commander from the FU wave? This is the one were you had to buy a video game from a specific store. Should I try to get one off eBay for $40, or are they releasing it as part of the 2009 wave of figures?

Thanks.

- Frank

[jacensolo66]

Not sure if I overlooked this in the previous q&a's but does anyone know if Hasbro is rereleasing the Stormtrooper Commander from the FU wave? This is the one were you had to buy a video game from a specific store. Should I try to get one off eBay for $40, or are they releasing it as part of the 2009 wave of figures?

Thanks.

- Frank

it was asked on another site and hasbro said it is coming back as an sdcc 09 exclusive for hts or sws

[philippi]

Dear Hasbro,
I was wondering how you go about selecting characters for comic packs? Are there actually people at Hasbro scouring through hundreds of Star Wars comics looking for good character choices? Are you watching forums to see which characters people are currently talking about? Or are the choices made by LFL and passed on to Hasbro? Whichever way you do it, I hope that you still continue to look to some of the old Marvel comics for inspiration. As I'm sure you know, there are still some cool characters there that deserve a look, like the Imperial droid Z-X3 from Marvel Star Wars 47 (see pic) http://www.droidsandewoks.com/z-x3.htm, and the uniquely armored white TIE Fighter Pilots from Marvel's Droids series #8 (see pic) http://i226.photobucket.com/albums/dd257/jmacole/droidsTIEPilot.jpg. Would either of these two stand a chance?

[darthdan]

A battlepack idea that comes too mind is from the cw scene where Plokoons ship has been destroyed by the Maleovlenece and the charcters are in an escape pod battling rocket droids.... an escape pod with plokoon, a clone grey suited officer and clonetroopers vs. some rocket droids.... might be a nice clonewars battlepack or ultimate battlepack.....  Most of the figures would be repack or kitbash/repaint, the pod being the only truly new thing, thus keeping cost down some.....What do you think the chances are of something like that?

[jksonny]

I'm very happy with the Legacy ESB Wave but many fans are already expressing concern over the 'Green' Emperor's hood. My thought/hope is that the proto figure may have a hood designed to show Palpatine's new/old face and that the final figure will be corrected. Is that the case? If not, what's the story with the hood's dreadful appearance?

In any event, please correct the issue before mass production so that a great figure isn't ruined.

[Darth Spice]

Thanks again Troopers and please do reply and keep 'em coming. We can never have TOO many good questions. I really do try to use our best discretion and select the best ones. Thanks again for making our community YOUR choice.

[Major fett]

So do we know when Q&A is returning?

[Darth Spice]

It's on a 3 week schedule now and we should have our first set of the year back next Friday.

[Major fett]

Ok I don't know since I was out of the loop for a bit but has a new figure for Oola been confirmed yet by Hasbro and if not can we ask when they plan to revisit her?

[CommanderNaruto]

hasbro has alrdy said no to Oola since youve been outta the loop Major fett, sorry to crush your dreams. and before you ask, the tonnika sisters are not coming back as well, its ok man, just let it all out.

[Master Frank]

In 2007 I saw the economic tide changing and posted this question. Maybe we can ask them this today seeing how the economy has taken a dive and sales of many toy lines has become stagnant.

"Dear Hasbro,

Are there any plans to produce a small scale ship or figure line to be carded and sold for the one dollar price point similar to that of Hot Wheels and or Matchbox cars? Maybe Titanium ships 1/2 the size? Maybe even produce your own Treasure Hunt style chase figure? This line could be similar to the miniatures on individual cards.

Many Star Wars product are too expensive for the young consumers (basic figures $6.99-$8.99), a dollar price point would be a great way to introduce the young fans into the Star Wars universe. At one dollar I would imagine more stores carrying Star Wars product, as Hot Wheels seem to be sold everywhere.
Thanks.

Frank"

[Commander Ando]

Dear Hasbro,

Will folks at Toy Fair be getting a peak at a mock up or finished version of the JUST ANNOUNCED Clone Turbo Tank? If not, how soon can kids and collectors expect to see pictures?

Will this vehicle be comparable in size and play features to the AT-TE including lights+sounds and room for 20 clones?

[jokabofe]

Here's a question I'd like to see the answer to...

It's not uncommon to hear answers like "Cost cutting measures" and the like when questions are asked about extra articulation, or extra pack-in items, accessories, weapons, etc. However, what reasoning is behind the recent unmatched color for ball joints on some of your newer figures? The two figures that come to mind first (since they are sitting right in front of me as I type this) are Moff Trachta and Grand Admiral Thrawn from the most recent comic packs. Why were these figures given black boot tops, and black feet - but white ball joints in between? Do black ball joints cost more? While these two figures are exceptionally well done - of course, Trachta could have been better with ball jointed knees, but I digress - they seriously suffer from white ankle joints. It's the equivalent of wearing white gym socks with a tuxedo on your wedding day! They stick out like a sore thumb.

[jokabofe]

Dear Hasbro,

Will folks at Toy Fair be getting a peak at a mock up or finished version of the JUST ANNOUNCED Clone Turbo Tank? If not, how soon can kids and collectors expect to see pictures?

Will this vehicle be comparable in size and play features to the AT-TE including lights+sounds and room for 20 clones?

While this seems like a valid question, the next session that is sent probably won't be returned until after Toy Fair, so it seems kind of pointless...

[Major fett]

Here's a question I'd like to see the answer to...

It's not uncommon to hear answers like "Cost cutting measures" and the like when questions are asked about extra articulation, or extra pack-in items, accessories, weapons, etc. However, what reasoning is behind the recent unmatched color for ball joints on some of your newer figures? The two figures that come to mind first (since they are sitting right in front of me as I type this) are Moff Trachta and Grand Admiral Thrawn from the most recent comic packs. Why were these figures given black boot tops, and black feet - but white ball joints in between? Do black ball joints cost more? While these two figures are exceptionally well done - of course, Trachta could have been better with ball jointed knees, but I digress - they seriously suffer from white ankle joints. It's the equivalent of wearing white gym socks with a tuxedo on your wedding day! They stick out like a sore thumb.

This is one of my big pet peeves with them, I mean it can't be that hard to have those parts match! You mean to tell me they didn't notice the little white spot right in the middle of all that black? I actually heard somewhere Thrawns boots were painted black so that may be the reason for the white joint.

[Darth Spice]

I wonder where the latest set is, they should have been returned yesterday.     The three week schedule is only good for making us fall asleep on this. 

[philippi]

Dear Hasbro,
So far in the build a droid line you have given us R2, R4, R5, R7, R-A7 and 3PO units as well as the upcoming HK-47. Will there be any other types of droids to assemble in 2009 like maybe an R1, R3, 2-1B  medical droid or even an Imperial Darktrooper?

[Major fett]

Dear Hasbro,
So far in the build a droid line you have given us R2, R4, R5, R7, R-A7 and 3PO units as well as the upcoming HK-47. Will there be any other types of droids to assemble in 2009 like maybe an R1, R3, 2-1B  medical droid or even an Imperial Darktrooper?

I'd like to expand on that to add an R9 Series Astromech please!