Questions to Hasbro - Indiana Jones Edition

[jokabofe]

We just sent off our first batch of questions to Hasbro pertaining to the Indiana Jones line. Here's hoping that they answer them for us, and let us participate in the Q'n'A sessions going forward. Of course, if they do that, then I'll need some questions to send them every 2 weeks. So let's hear what's on your mind with this line folks. Have a question for Hasbro about their line for everyone's favorite adventurer that you need answered? Ask it here and we'll send them off.

Here's the complete list of what's been asked/answered. But keep sending those questions in!!

Questions for May 24th, 2008

Q: For the IJ & KOTCS line, there isn't a Marion Ravenwood figure. The classic ROTLA one is nice, but will there be a KOTCS version?

A: We actually don't have a KotCS Marion figure in the works yet, as there are still some additional figures we'd like to get to first. We're confident with time and the continued interest of kids and collectors that we will someday get to her.


Q: For the Star Wars line, there have been a few George Lucas figures released. Any chance of this continuing in the Indiana Jones line? Any possibility of Steven Spielberg being made as a figure?

A: Right now we will say "no" but you never know what the future could hold.


Q: I've personally been to at least 3 different Targets, 3 different TRUs and 4 different WalMarts, on several occasions after the May 1st street date, and I've found Indiana Jones figures at exactly two of them (both TRU stores FWIW). And I don't mean that the other places had been sold out and had empty pegs, they didn't even have sections or shelf tags for Indiana Jones toys. Any idea what's going on with that? I would have thought that on May 1st everyone would have their selections out in full swing.

A: By now, you probably see IJ at pretty much every store. The reality is that even when we date-stamp the cartons, we still rely on the retail chain's actual changeover teams to get the change done, and that varies by chain, by region, and our own Hasbro field help that sometimes pitches in to help facilitate. So 5/1 was always the start, with the goal of being 90% set going into the weekend.


Questions for May 9th, 2008

Q: Though probably not the most 'exciting' concept for an action figure around, will we see a 'Professor Indy' any time soon?

A: We haven't gotten to this most iconic version yet, mainly because we are still debating which action feature to include: chalkboard writing action, hidden artifact reveal, or "student befuddlement" facial expression change. When we figure that out, we'll slot him in. In all seriousness, we have several more great Indys planned for next year, but haven't been able to get Prof. IJ in the line just yet.


Q: What are the chances of you releasing a Dietrich figure in the next wave of Raiders of the Lost Ark figures? For those of you that dont know the name, he was the German Crnl that melted with Toht and Belloq when the Ark was opened.

A: Dietrich is in the plans for early 2009.


Q: Now that you've got that fantastic horse mold, is there any chance of seeing it used for packs from the closing scene in Last Crusade or in the Star Wars line for Ewok/Marauder mounts (c'mon, who wouldn't want Chukha-Trok with a horse?) or in GI Joe (there was that one cartoon where the Joes were riding horses through the deserts of Kentucky to catch Cobra's bullet train)?

A: You can bet that this great horse will be reused in upcoming IJ sets. Interesting thought on the use of the tool as a possible equus companion to Chuhka-Trok if we ever do any sets tied to the live action Ewoks show. Thanks for the idea.


Questions for April 25th, 2008

Q: Do you have inside info on if there will be a midnight madness sale for Indiana Jones toys on 5/1?

A:There are no plans as far as we know for a 5/1 Midnight Madness-type event for IJ. If you hear of anything, let us know!


Q: I have a question for hasbro regarding the new Indiana Jones line. I was rather impressed with the 3-d cardboard backdrops that were used for 2 starwars scenes a few years ago(jabba's palace and cantina)and i was hoping that these could be redone in an indy format? I think there is much potential for a ravenwood bar with exclusive marion figure or the temple in the opening of raiders where the idol could be enshrined:) My thinking is one it would also touch the nostalgic hearts of my generation that got treated to a cloud city playset or a cantina adventure catalog exclusive. Many play enviroments with the cost of cardboard and ink.I can think of countless play enviroments or even as a premium of some sort.

A: That is a great suggestion, and one that in Star Wars we have been looking at as well (the recent Captain Rex mail-in has a bit of this thinking, although not full blown like a wide diorama). While we have no formal plans at the moment, it is something we are evaluating.


Q: Most (if not all) of the previewed Indy figures seem to have removable hats, which makes the hats seem just a little too large. Are there going to be any Indiana figures with hats sculpted onto the heads to avoid this problem?

A: Actually only one of the basic figures has a removable hat (the KotCS Indy); the rest are adhered to the head.


Questions for April 4th, 2008

Q: Will a 3 3/4 Ark of the Covenant be made?

A:Yes, indeed. It will be found in our Deluxe series ($9.99 SRP), paired with an Indiana Jones in the Map Room robes.


Q: Hasbro currently has the SW license until 2018, what time frame does Hasbro have the license for Indy and any hints at some surprise goodies to come?

A:It is a long-term license for us, although we don't want to discuss the length of the agreement publicly. We have plans for a long and bright future for IJ, especially if as we suspect the movie hooks in a generation of "Indy kids" who will enjoy the franchise just as we have. We have shown the majority of the line for the year already, but we will be debuting a glimpse into what 2009 holds at San Diego Comic Con.


Q: Can you give us a list of what "artifacts" we can expect to find packed in with the 3.75" line coming out soon? And were there any that you couldn't get to do that you'd like to include somewhere down the line?

A:See the attached Indiana Jones relic list. There are a couple types of relics, including those from the film, and those that have hi storical reference. We used a mix of both types. We haven't specified which figures have which artifacts...that is for you guys to discover. But they are all "dedicated" - not randomly packed. Happy hunting!

    * Relics that are in the film, and have historical reference
          o Shankara Stone
          o Ankh
          o Crystal Skull
          o Holy Grail
          o Eye of Horus
          o Anubis Statue
          o Aztec Sun Dial
          o Fertility idol
    * Relics not featured in the films, and have historical reference
          o Easter Island Head
          o Terracotta Warrior Statue
          o Terracotta Horse
          o Spear of Destiny
          o Nurhache’s Urn
          o Battle axe of Leif Ericson
    * Relics featured in the films, and have no historical reference
          o Headpiece of the staff of Ra
          o Grail Tablet
          o Temple Relief Sculpture
          o Temple of Doom Medallion
          o Cross of Coronado
          o Christies Chalice
          o False Grail
          o Knight’s Shield
    * Relics not featured in the films, and have no historical reference
          o Arrowhead
          o Dagger
          o Diamond
          o Funerary Mask
          o Chinese Lion
          o Chinese Dragon
          o Spartan Helmet

[Bloodant]

Dear Hasbro,
Will a 3 3/4 Ark of the Covenant be made?

Hasbro currently has the SW license until 2018, what time frame does Hasbro have the license for Indy and any hints at some surprise goodies to come?

[jokabofe]

We asked - they answered!! Here's the first round of Q'n'A from Hasbro:

1: Any chance we'll see some "Vintage" Indiana Jones figures similar to the Vintage Star Wars line?

On a unique package background?  No, at least not in the first 12-18 months.  Most, if not all, of the "vintage" characters/outfits will be finding their way to the basic figure line, though.  Eventually, we could do a vintage-type of package treatment but it wouldn't be for a while.

2: At the Toy Fair Q'n'A you announced that Henry Jones would be coming out as a figure. Can you give us any more details? Will he be single carded, deluxe, or possibly a pack-in with a vehicle?

We are assuming you mean 3-3/4" and not another expression (like Adventure Heroes).  Yes, he will be coming out later this year.  Stay tuned!

3: Again, at the Toy Fair Q'n'A a question was asked about the possibility of future playsets. What would you guys like to see made for the Indiana Jones lines, and would the old molds be used or would they be completely new toolings?

The original Kenner tools do not seem to be available, at least as far as we can find, so anything we did would need to be new.  As far as what we'd like to see, without question something in the Map Room/Well of Souls vein would be cool (and the most vintage-inspired).  However, playsets are very expensive to produce and we have to see how Akator does (and kid demand for IJ in general) before we can consider any more.

[jokabofe]

Guys, we need your help!!! We've run through out stockpile of questions. We've got absolutely NONE left to send for the next round in two weeks, so please post some questions that you have for Hasbro.

[Lt. Starfox]

are we gonna get snakes as accessories for Indy?

[Bloodant]

What vehicles if any do you have in store for us?

Any Battle pack plans?

Will any Indy figs have super articulation?

[VF]

I'd like to know a little more about the 12" line of Indy figs that was revealed at Toy fair in that "How many are to be expect for the line of 12" and will the 12" line continue though all the figures". I would also like to know are we going to see a 12" Indy fig with his white horse in 12", just like the SW biker scout 12" that was made.

I tryed Dave C, so hope maybe you could use some of these questions if not all maybe.

[jksonny]

What about figures of Barranca, Sapito (Satipo), Captain Katanga, and Lao Che and his sons? These were much-missed figures in the Kenner line.

As for a playset, what about the Raven Bar? I was suprised that Kenner did not offer this as they could have easily re-tooled the cantina bar from the SW line (like they did for the Butch & Sundance line). Of course, I believe everyone would prefer a more up-to-date playset.

Speaking of playsets, when a previous mold is missing or un-usable, why are you not able to work in reverse? In other words, why can't you use an existing example of the desired playset and create a mold from that?

Thanks!

[MonkeyCrumb]

Q. For the upcoming 2-pack of German Soldiers, will their hats be removable? And if so, any chance for a Star Wars ANH Yavin Medal-holder kit-bash, maybe in a battle back?

Q. For the IJ & KOTCS line, there isn't a Marion Ravenwood figure. The classic ROTLA one is nice, but will there be a KOTCS version?

Q. For the Star Wars line, there have been a few George Lucas figures released. Any chance of this continuing in the Indiana Jones line? Any possibility of Steven Spielberg being made as a figure?

[darthjaybay]

Here are a few questions:
 - Will the indy figure included in the Temple of Doom wave have the missing sleeve and ripped shirt as seen on the rope bridge?

- What are the chances of you releasing a Dietrich figure in the next wave of Raiders of the Lost Ark figures?  For those of you that dont know the name, he was the German Crnl that melted with Toht and Belloq when the Ark was opened.

[Quazar]

So many of the questions seem to be in the "are you going to make _____?" mold, which Hasbro can't always comment upon.

So here's something different -

Most (if not all) of the previewed Indy figures seem to have removable hats, which makes the hats seem just a little too large.

Are there going to be any Indiana figures with hats sculpted onto the heads to avoid this problem? 

Also -

You have indicated plans for one wave from each movie for this year.  Will future waves in 09 (and beyond) continue to be broken down by movie or will there be a mixture?

And -

You have indicated a reluctance to create figures from the "Young Indiana Jones Chronicles" show and movies.  Would you consider characters from other IJ media, such as video games?  For example, Sophia Hapgood?

[jokabofe]

Hasbro sent back the newest batch of answers this evening.

Q: Will a 3 3/4 Ark of the Covenant be made?

Q: Hasbro currently has the SW license until 2018, what time frame does
Hasbro have
the license for Indy and any hints at some surprise goodies to come?

Q: Can you give us a list of what "artifacts" we can expect to find packed
in with
the 3.75" line coming out soon? And were there any that you couldn't get
to do that
you'd like to include somewhere down the line?

Make sure you check the answers out right here.

[jeffm]

I have a question for hasbro regarding the new Indiana Jones line,
I was rather impressed with the 3-d cardboard backdrops that were used for 2 starwars scenes a few years ago(jabba's palace and cantina)and i was hoping that these could be redone in an indy format?I think there is much potential for a ravenwood bar with exclusive marion figure or the temple in the opening of raiders where the idol could be enshrined:) My thinking is one it would also touch the nostalgic hearts of my generation that got treated to a cloud city playset or a cantina adventure catalog exclusive.
     Many play enviroments with the cost of cardboard and ink.I can think of countless play enviroments or even as a premium of some sort.
thanks and i hope hasbro gets my question!! these displays can span all 4 movies as well-Fingers are crossed!!!

[Quazar]

Wow, that list of pack-in relics is amazing!

I may have to make a "museum" diorama just to showcase them all!

(Of course, there's currently no Marcus Brody figure on tap, so they had better get cracking!)

I think there is a minor error in the list, though, since the Nurhachi urn was, of course, in the films - in the opening sequence to Temple of Doom.

[jokabofe]

I may have to make a "museum" diorama just to showcase them all!

Wow, that sounds like a really cool idea. I may have to steal that one 

[Lt. Starfox]

Map Room Indy in robes with the Ark = Awesome!

[Bloodant]

I may have to make a "museum" diorama just to showcase them all!

Wow, that sounds like a really cool idea. I may have to steal that one 

Hasbro, will a "museum" be made to display all the wonderful artifacts coming out from your previous QnA answer?

What is the most exicting thing or idea you are working that you could share with the fans?

[darthjaybay]

Here are a few questions I had before last round that have not been asked and a new one:
 - Will the indy figure included in the Temple of Doom wave have the missing sleeve and ripped shirt as seen on the rope bridge?

- What are the chances of you releasing a Dietrich figure in the next wave of Raiders of the Lost Ark figures?  For those of you that dont know the name, he was the German Crnl that melted with Toht and Belloq when the Ark was opened.

- Are Lao Che and his sons, from the Temple of Doom, on your radar for possible 2009 figures? 

[Quazar]

Here's another question for Hasbro - my other questions above still demand an answer! 

"Dear Hasbro,

Though probably not the most 'exciting' concept for an action figure around, will we see a 'Professor Indy' any time soon?"

[JimAbell]

Several questions here, not sure if you'd want to use any of them or spread them over a few Q&As...

1. Will there be any M&M based Indy figures like the Chocolate M-pire PVCs of 2005?

2. Now that you've got that fantastic horse mold, is there any chance of seeing it used for packs from the closing scene in Last Crusade or in the Star Wars line for Ewok/Marauder mounts (c'mon, who wouldn't want Chukha-Trok with a horse?) or in GI Joe (there was that one cartoon where the Joes were riding horses through the deserts of Kentucky to catch Cobra's bullet train)?

3. If there aren't going to be any waves devoted to the Young Indy series, can we please get an Evolutions type pack with Corey Carrier, Sean Patrick Flannery and George Hall Indys?

4. Will the artifacts continue into next year or will we get a different type of pack-in?

5. Any chance for Indy figure stands or protective cases through HasbroToyShop?

6. Will there be another KOTCS wave for the DVD release?...  Ray Winstone's character and Marion seem noticably absent.

7. Any chance for Short Round's car or any of aircraft used in the films?  How about the elephants?

8. Any chance for an 3 3/4" Ark Ghost seeing as how the Adventure Heroes line has one?.

[jokabofe]

Thanks for all the questions guys, and keep 'em coming!! Hasbro sent back the latest batch, and I posted tham RIGHT HERE for everyone to check out.

[Bloodant]

Sounds good to me, seems they keep the questions, they answered two of my questions from 3-17.

[hemble]

Here's a few questions for Hasbro.
I don't know if these have been asked but I go ahead anyway.

Q - I think that you have done a bang up job recreating some of the 3-3/4 vehicles such as the Cargo truck and scout car. Are there going to be any possible future releases of other vehicles such as the Flying wing, bi plane or even the tank from TLC.

Q - with such array of possiblities for 3-3/4 action figures have there been any thought of creating figures from the Young Indiana Jones Series such as Young Indy, Old Indy and Historical Characters.

Thanks
Ron

[jeffm]

I have a comment on the new indiana jones line then i would like to follow up with a question or 2.
First off let me say that i have gotten my hands on about 10 of the figures and they are by all respects AEWSOME!!!!!.All the indy's have surpassed all my expectations,only the huge holster on temple of doom indy is a little obtrusive but the figure rocks!!Hasbro has done a wonderful job on these figures and i hope this continues-thank you,waiting almost 24 years for hasbro/kenner figures you made it worth the wait!!
Question- cinema scenes ala starwars were a big hit for a while but later waned for some reason,any chance for a future set like the starwars target boxed exclusives of Christmas past?A vehicle 3-5 figures and a 40-50.00 price point?Maybe a truck chase diorama?HMMM
HINT HINT HINT??
question 2- since we have seen 12'' scale,3.3/4'' scale any chance we could see a 6-8 inch scale?Or a unleashed series both large or small?
Or how bout going the route of the competition and doing a 27'' rotocast doll of indy?vader would be aewsome as well!!!! It worked for ol batsy and spidey
Last question i know i'm pushin it-any chance we can see again a catalog exclusive like the good ol days?maybe by some big catalog retailer or e-tailer?
thanks if you choose any of these questions i would be most appreciative thank you

[Quazar]

Dear Hasbro,

Absolutely LOVE the concept of the pack-in relics.  A stroke of genius, I loved opening up those little boxes and finding a little added bonus to the fine Indy figures.  Probably your best pack-in idea ever, in this man's opinion.

However, I was disappointed in seeing the rather oversized "Sankara Stone" relic.  While I'm sure properly scaled Sanakra stones will be issued with figures in the Temple of Doom line, this relic feels especially useless.  I am worried other future relics might be similarly disproportionate. 

While I applaud your team for including many fascinating relics from the films, from history and from mythology, may we humbly ask that all future relics be properly scaled with the figures, even if they seem on the small side.  I'd rather have something small and useful (like the cool Dagger of Atreus) than something so big and goofy that it will have no place next to my figures.

[jokabofe]

Maybe they are doing a cross-packing promotion, and they are intended for use with the 12" figures?? 

[jeffm]

Let me start off with may 1st was most most disappointing!!!!
If this line is to survive it needs that push that hasbro gives to GI JOE and STARWARS!!!! I went to 1 midnight store nada nothing but 2 boxes of 12'' and they said they had no figures-so much for the "SUPER" in super wal-mart.When labels were scanned they stated that they had 6 cases but could not locate them.Hasbro this is unreal not one wal-mart but 3 ,2 bright spots were 1 wal-mart the lady actually dug in the back and brought me out 4 cases-very nice and toys r us the gentleman was very helpful!!
NEWSFLASH- if the stock is in the back guess what it doesn't sell!!!!
At any rate i just had to let hasbro know how i felt,i'm sure i'm not the only one that was a little more than miffed!!!
QUESTION--- was scanning technology used on the crystal skull figures?i can tell indy's face from raiders looks a little less like him but the kotcs figures are dead on!!!
2nd i guess last crusade figs will be out around june/july??,when will kotcs be revisited with figures like MAC,harold oxley,charles stanforth,marion?
last question when will the akator playset(mustafar/starwars) be avaialable?
thank you for taking the time to both read this and hopefully answer the ?'s

[Leonardo T Dragon]

Here's a question that might already been asked:

Will we ever seen figures from the "Young Indiana Jones Chronicles" tv series?  I'm thinking a Sean Patrick Flannery Indy and a figure of Remy would be FANTASTIC!

[Quazar]

^I'm pretty sure that was answered during another Q&A (not necessarily sandtroopers) and the answer was no.

I am going to rephrase my above relic-related question to make it shorter and more accurate:

While I think the "relics" are arguably the coolest pack-in idea you've ever had, is there any way you can focus exclusively in the future on making relics that are in-scale with the figures themselves?  I have no idea what to do with an oversized Sankara Stone or Staff of Ra headpiece.

On the other hand, the other, properly-scaled relics are fantastic and really fire the imagination!  They're perfect for creating dioramas or for imagining countless other adventures for Indy to go on.  Please stick with the scaled relics in the future!

[MaxGoof]

Here's a question that I believe is on everyone's mind:

Many, MANY collectors have complained about poor-quality, sloppy-painted faces on the Indiana Jones line. Is Hasbro aware of this problem, and is anything being done to correct it?