Questions for Hasbro

[James]

As of yet Droids and Ewoks.com is still not able to send in questions, but believe me, I'm trying to find a way! Anyway, here is a question that I have and will hopefully be able to send in some day:

Hasbro,
Have you considered branching out a bit from the concept art figures a bit into something like a Star Wars Artist Series subset? It's no secret that there are some incredibly talented artists out there that have done officially licensed work for Lucasfilm. One of my favorites would have to be Chris Trevas. Some of his work shows well known characters as they have never appeared in any other source, such as Sith apprentice Palpatine, Luke and Ben Skywalker with various Jedi at Mara's funeral, and this cool picture of Han in a space suit dumping Jabba's cargo from the Falcon (see link) http://www.christrevas.com/starwars/swgalaxy4.html. Wouldn't you say there are some good figure choices here?

[James]

Here is some good news about Ewoks movie figures that was posted over at Rebelscum today:

Rebelscum: I love what you have done in the Paploo & NoApaak Ewok 2 pack. From what I read in the collecting community, all of the Ewok packs sell through very well. My question/request has to do with your selection process for the Ewoks in these packs. It seems like you are packing main Ewoks with background Ewoks. If you continue to do this down the line, could you please throw us lover's of the Ewok movies a bone on some figures? You could easily make packs like Wicket and Deej, Logray and Kaink, Teebo and Chukha-Trok. All of them would be an instant hit and sell just as well as any other Ewok pack, plus it would be a way to get these figures to the die hard fans.

Hasbro: The Ewok packs have been indeed doing well, and this gives us confidence to keep them going in the lineup every year in one form or another. We do have all of the Ewoks mentioned on our short list, and given time all of them should see the light of day. It may take a few years, however.

That's great news for all Ewok fans. Come to think of it, we need to start up a Ewoks movie section here!

On another front, here's some terrible news from Jedi Temple Archives:

Q. A question on Star Wars TV characters: In a previous Q&A session you indicated that some of the unique Holiday Special cantina aliens like the Y'bith and the early Nikto could someday be made into action figures. I personally think this would be a great idea since they had a really nice character design and would fit in seamlessly with the Episode IV cantina figures. I hope these guys really do have a shot. But what I'm really wondering is if there will ever be any new figures based on the Ewok movies, Ewoks cartoon or Droids cartoon (beyond the awesome new Boba Fett and BL-17 of course!) It would be an absolute shame if you didn't at least give it a try. At least for the cartoon series characters, couldn't the the idea of a figure two pack with an episode on a DVD be tried? Apparently there was an issue with rights to the cartoons when the DVD's were still in distribution, so this couldn't be done in the past. Perhaps the situation has changed now since the DVD's have been off the market for a few years?

A. The characters from the cartoon short in the Star Wars Holiday Special are not necessarily off limits (as we have seen with Boba Fett), but the forgettable special and the live action TV characters who appear therein will not be produced in toy form (sorry, Ackmena). As for live acion Ewoks, they are not off limits but we just have not felt compelled to go there yet. The cartoon Ewoks and Droids are a different story; Lucasfilm has OK'd that they are OK to do, but they'd have to be produced in an animated storyline (not realistic) which means that they would require extensive new tooling, far more than would make sense for this niche entertainment interest. As a result, we've decided to skip any more characters from these series and focus our figure slots on the movies and more prominent EU sources.

[David]

Only makes me want Ackmena more. I will never stop begging!

[James]

Here's another question in case we ever get to send some in:

Hasbro,
In the past you have stated that you probably won't be to the original Clone Wars cartoon for many more figure choices, the exception being maybe Commander Fordo. I'm wondering if perhaps Asajj Ventress could be another possible exception. With the near definitive Clone Wars figures made in the 30th Anniversary Collection, wave 2 of Legacy, and now L8-L9, a definitive Ventress and maybe even a Nelvaan warrior or Mace Windu would go a long way to making the original Clone Wars collection seem like a complete set. Given that Ventress and Windu are still fairly important characters in the saga, do you think original Clone Wars versions could see production someday?

2. Do you plan on having the buildable droid concept return at some point in the future? I sure hope so! There are still so many great droid models still waiting to be made like a GE3-series protocol droid from the Knights of the Old Republic games, a Junk Droid from the Force Unleashed, Han's old droid ZZ-4Z, and of course Proto One, BUN-Dingo, a Pirate Droid and everybody's favorite comedian droid LIN-D from the Droids TV series! Come on, our Sith lords and troopers could use a laugh!

[James]

Yay! I just received news that we are allowed to submit questions for the Hasbro Q&A! This year they will be only accepting two questions per round from each site, but if you have something that you would like to have asked, please post it here.

Here's one from me:
1) If you add any more concept art figures to the line in the coming years, who would be some characters that would be at the top of your list? Of the two characters at the top of my list, one would have to be the Kenner concept Clone Warrior. Being developed in the mid 80's, this is probably the earliest Clone Trooper concept ever. Here's a link so you know who I'm talking about: Clone Warrior. The other would be Count Dooku. In this picture he looks a lot like he is from the same species as Ventress: Count Dooku concept. Whoever you choose to make, I really hope that you are able to continue the concept line in the near future.

[James]

1) Now that the main line looks like it's going to become mainly collector focused, I'm wondering if there's a chance that you may consider adding a few classic animated characters to the line. Core characters like Luke or a brand new Boba Fett based on the Holiday Special art (this time around with animated style sculpt not just colors), or some of the main characters from Droids or Ewoks seem like they would have a lot of appeal to many of the older collectors. Now that the line is really going for that retro feel for at least the next few years, could the time be right to attempt something like this?

2) Although EU figures may not be returning until 2011, I'm wondering if you can give away any details about what the EU cards in the vintage collection might look like? Personally, I'm hoping that you can draw at least some some inspiration from the original vintage EU cards (Droids and Ewoks). Traditional art, in the style of what was done on the Droids cards sure would be nice! A few updates to some of the vintage EU characters would be nice too!

3) Unless I missed it, I don't recall hearing from all the Toy Fair coverage if there were any updates as to the status of the Jarael and Rholan figures from Knights of the Old Republic. I'm a big fan of the KOTOR comic series, so I'm really hoping that you can find a way to get them out there. It would be nice to get Zayne and Gryph someday too, and even though EU has been scaled back, I hope those two will have a secure place in your parking lot until you find an opportunity to make them. But in the meantime, I'm anxiously awaiting Jarael and Rholan, and hoping that they will be available soon. By the way, do you have a picture of Rholan with his helmet on that you could share?

[James]

Since Jedi, Sith and the many epic battles between them have always been some of the biggest highlights of the Star Wars movies, books, comics and video games, I'm wondering what your thoughts would be on making two packs to commemorate some of these duels? What I'm thinking here is something similar to the special Vader vs Ben Kenobi set that was made for the 25th anniversary of A New Hope, but with more simplistic packaging (go green!) and modern sculpts featuring previously released and all new figures. Jedi and Sith usually seem like they are popular sellers, and this could also be a way to get some of the rarer figures like Darth Revan out there again, as well as being a cheaper alternative to comic packs.

[shmashwitdaclub]

At one time you indicated that Widdle & Ooche were scheduled to be released as an exclusive - is that still the case and if so when can fans expect them? If not, will they be making their way to fans by some other means in the near future?

[James]

Thanks for submitting a question! For some reason, Hasbro seems to be taking a bit of a break here. The next two questions don't need to be sent in until May 7 and will be returned May 24.

Just so I remember come deadline time, here is another question that was sent to me by PM:
"Dear Hasbro, after the very disappointing news that you wont be pursuing animated characters like Princess Kneesaa and Proto One - can you instead give us a few more realistic Ewoks from the made-for-tv movies? We're very excited to be receiving a Teek figure, and while Kaink is good to see - she leaves much to be desired. Can you include a few more characters from the movies, like Chukha-Trok, Kaink (in proper movie attire), or Deej? We realize you making any of the human characters is slim - but how about one of the cool aliens, like a Sanyassan Marauder? King Terak and his soldiers would make really cool figures!"

Update: May 6th
The above two questions were sent in today. Thanks for the questions!

[shmashwitdaclub]

thanks for asking my question! pitty the reposnses to both of the questions submitted - though part of me thinks Hasbro is not being 100% truthful.

also notice there is no mention of Sanyassan Marauders or King Terak. Sure that could have been an oversight on Hasbro's part but I dunno....

I will be back shortly, hopefully I can dream up some more Ewok themed questions

[darth_sidious]

Dear Hasbro, in recently revealed case assortment details, we see Wicket is listed as coming with Kneesaa - can you confirm this? If so, you'll be making many fans very happy. Did you include a second figure because collectors have previously stated that a single Ewok might not do well at retail because of its perceived value?

[James]

Dear Hasbro, in recently revealed case assortment details, we see Wicket is listed as coming with Kneesaa - can you confirm this? If so, you'll be making many fans very happy. Did you include a second figure because collectors have previously stated that a single Ewok might not do well at retail because of its perceived value?

I just got a message from Hasbro saying that the Q&A will not be returned today as scheduled, but should be in soon. This question was asked in it, and I'm looking forward to hearing their answer. I hope it's good news and not another major letdown, like saying that this figure has since been canceled. Keep your fingers crossed folks!

[James]

New questions need to be sent out tonight, so here's the two that I will be sending.

1) Can you share any more information on the canceled Ewok multipack that Chukha-Trok was going to be a part of? Would it have been made up mainly of EU Ewoks? Would any female Ewoks like Latara, Kneesaa or Malani have been included? It's too bad this had to be set aside, but I hope you can find a way to make all those Ewoks available sometime soon. We can't get enough of them!

2) Back when I was a kid, I wondered why we never did get a Mungo Baobab figure in the vintage line. Turns out one was indeed sculpted, but never did see production. I know his chances are not great at the moment for making it into the modern line, but seeing how every year I am surprised to see figures that I never thought would be made (BL-17, Teek, Willrow Hood), I'm going to hold out hope for Mungo and give him a bit of a plug at the same time as well. Hopefully he can be a candidate for a slot in a future EU wave!

[darth_sidious]

Dear Hasbro, in recently revealed case assortment details, we see Wicket is listed as coming with Kneesaa - can you confirm this? If so, you'll be making many fans very happy. Did you include a second figure because collectors have previously stated that a single Ewok might not do well at retail because of its perceived value?

I just got a message from Hasbro saying that the Q&A will not be returned today as scheduled, but should be in soon. This question was asked in it, and I'm looking forward to hearing their answer. I hope it's good news and not another major letdown, like saying that this figure has since been canceled. Keep your fingers crossed folks!

I cant wait to hear what they have to say!

[James]

The next batch of questions are due to be sent in on July 26, so if you would like to submit a question you still have a little time to do so. The last round was supposed to be returned yesterday, but apparently the is a delay. In the meantime, here is a question that I thought of.

Hasbro,
If at some point you decide to make Evolutions sets again, would you consider making animated style sets that could be part of the Clone Wars line? Since animation has been part of the saga since the Holiday Special, it seems like this could be a way to bring attention to the changing styles of Star Wars animation over the years. A couple example ideas are a heroes set and a villains set with three characters per set drawn from either the Holiday Special animated segment, Droids, Ewoks, the original Clone Wars and of course the current Clone Wars series. An obvious Evolution set would also have to be one featuring R2-D2 and C-3PO, since they have appeared in each animated series (except Ewoks) but to date only have action figures drawn from the modern Clone Wars.

[Chukha-Trok76]

Here's my big question. It has been confirmed that Chukha-Trok has been sculpted and Kneesaa also was tooled. Can you give us any details whether or not these figures will be included in the Ewok multi-pack and when this set will come out?

[shmashwitdaclub]

I have a question in the works in my head, but I need to review "Caravan of Courage" to get my specifics nailed down. Hopefully I will have some time before you have to submit again.

[James]

Oh yeah, you have tons of time now that the next round doesn't have to be submitted until August. I'm pretty disappointed with the responses from today's Q&A. It get frustrating sometimes with all of the 'no' responses to Ewoks and Droids questions. We're in for a long battle here, but I think with enough persistence (respectful not nagging), and enough effort given to drawing attention back to 80's EU TV, both here and at places like the starwars.com forums, eventually someone at Lucasfilm and Hasbro may take notice and give us a break. Ah well, gives us something to work for!
One one note of good news, someone at banthaskull.com asked a Droids and Ewoks figure related question. Of course the answer was negative, but it's great to have them coming from more than just here!

[darth_sidious]

The answers do tend to be frustrating, but I think its clear that any figures we'll see from Droids and Ewoks will be just that - either a droid or an Ewok character - none of the humans or other secondary characters. Likewise, I doubt we'll see animated versions of any cartoon characters, I think Lucasfilm may ease up and allow them to be made in realistic form like Boba Fett and BL-17, but only if we continue to be very vocal about it and show that there is demand.

[darth_sidious]

Dear Hasbro, any chance that the Kaink figure from the Star Tours multipack will be repacked or retooled for a future Ewok multipack or carded release?

[shmashwitdaclub]

It took some time to research - but here you go!

In the Ewok movie "Caravan of Courage" I am sure you are well aware of the epic scene in which Logray gives our heros "The Sacred Totems of the Legendary Ewok Warriors". In this scene Deej receives his "White Wings of Hope", Weechee receives his "Red Wings of Courage", and Widdle receives his "Blue Wings of Strength". Wouldn't it be cool if in the Ewok exclusive pack(s?) these three Ewoks could have these removable wings to go on top of their plastic hoods? And while we are on the subject, Chukha-Trok would need his "Ivory Tooth" and throwing Axe(s), and a repacked Kaink with plastic hood/robe to better match the rest of the Ewoks could use her magic staff with "Crystal of Power". Then you could round off the pack by including Wicket with his "Magic Walking Stick", Shodu with her wokling (Winda?), Cindel with her "Candle of Pure Light", and, at the risk of delving too deep, Mace with his "Rock"! Man wouldn't that be a cool pack?!?!

[Chukha-Trok76]

Personally, I'd even be satisfied if they just continued the Ewok movie figures occasionally by themselves. They could give Logray his crystal immage spinner (OR the Sunstar Shadowstone!) and his pouch and staff. Deej could come with his hunting horn, knife and sheath and his white wings. A Shodu/winda pack would be cool. they could re-tool Nippet to be lying flat and give her a little soft-goods blanket so she could fit into Shodu's arms. I agree with C-Trok coming with his axe, removable breastplate and ivory tooth necklace. I doubt we'll ever see Cindel or Mace or Noah alas. I also agree on a repackaged and re-tooled Kaink to include her hood/robe in more detailed plastic and her crystal staff. I had to make a staff for my Kaink by carving a small stick down, and attaching a small rock crystal atop it.

[darth_sidious]

I think once we find out if another retailer is going to pick up the exclusive Ewok sets, we'll find out who the second Ewok from the tv-movies is, which will help us to form solid questions about getting more of them...but we need to keep pushing for more Ewoks in general to make sure it stays fresh in Hasbro's collective mind.

[shmashwitdaclub]

@Chukha-Trok76 - some good points made there. I did actually think about the same thing with Logray and the spinner - but I kinda left him out of the quesiton because I am pretty sure we will be seeing him at some point in the Vintage line. We may not, but it is a strong possibilty imo.

@Darth _Sidious - when did we get word that there will only be 2 Ewoks fromt he Ewok movies in the supposed exclusive?

did you guys like the way I worded everything? I thought it was a pretty strong question/suggestion to Hasbro.

[darth_sidious]

They discussed it already in the Hasbro Q&A and also mentioned a few other Ewoks that are slated for those packs, like retools of Widdle and Oochee...

Eventhough I would love to see a multipack based solely on the tv-movies, its not something thats going to happen. Outside of the exclusive multipacks, I think our best bet is to see if they can continue doing Ewok 2-packs, one being from the movie and the other from either the cartoon or the tv-movie - thats the most viable solution from a marketing standpoint.

Take for example the recent Ewok 2-pack with Paploo, who is a well known Ewok, yet his counterpart is a background character that Lucasfilm / Hasbro basically created. They could easily pack Kneesaa with any movie ewok, as well as any number of combinations...

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