"The information we've stored...is vital to the survival of the Republic."

Read here textual reports and information relating to new Kenner Star Wars toys.

troops have entered the base since March 1st, 2000.

HasbroCollectors.com Press Release - 11/09/98

Variety Article on Episode I Movie Poster Production - 11/09/98

Variety Article on Episode I Preview Toys - 10/08/98

Hasbro Announces Episode I Preview Toys - 10/03/98

Hasbro Acquires Galoob Toys - 09/29/98

Interview With Hasbro's Jen Donahoe at The Kenner Cantina - 07/09/98

Interview With Hasbro's Jen Donahoe by Hunter's Guild - 07/05/98

Lego Acquires Star Wars License by Wall Street Journal - 04/30/98

Toy Fair Report with Addendum by Paul Barr - 02/11/98

Hasbro Chat Transcript at The Kenner Cantina - 02/09/98

Hasbro Chat Report by Scottie Prince - 02/09/98

Hasbro Chat Report by Michael Mierzwa - 02/09/98

Data Tape Archives

2/05/99 - I'd like to thank everybody for supporting the site the past few years. Please allow me to explain the lack of updates recently. I'm currently working on a couple of other web sites that have yet to debut which I feel are more important than this one. There are already so many web sites out there covering the new Star Wars toys, that I'm not sure mine is as useful as a more unique site will be. I've also experienced a lot of frustration with trying to track down Kenner's poorly distributed product in 1998, and have lost some interest in the line. I plan to continue updating the various lists with new classic trilogy product as the months go on, however I don't expect to have time to continue the news update section. I currently have no interest in covering the prequel toys, because I find it hard to get excited about a movie I haven't seen yet. I will limit the scope of this web page to classic trilogy only from now on. Feel free to check back for updates to the various lists, but you may also want to bookmark Rebelscum.com, which is the best site I have found for breaking news on the various new Star Wars toys.

12/02/98 - The EU Dark Trooper and Spacetrooper have debuted in the US, at TRU and possibly Target stores. You can view some cool images of them at this auction page. The case assortment is unconfirmed at this point.

11/19/98 - Entertainment Tonight will also be showing the trailer Thursday. Access Hollywood may be showing it today too.

11/18/98 - JCPenney apparently has a 20% off sale on their catalog again, good until December 3, 1998. You have to ask for operator JM98 when you call.

11/18/98 - The latest Expanded Universe assortment continues to ship to Target, Wal-Mart, and TRU.

11/18/98 - You can see a picture of the Aunt Beru w/ Treadwell Droid figure at Rebelscum.com.

11/18/98 - The store stock codes for the Target exclusives are as follows: 087061037 Han in Carbonite & 087061038 Emperor and Royal Guard. The employees can tell you how many are in stock with these numbers, and you don't even have to tell them what the item is. Some people have been successful getting rainchecks, others have been refused, and some think that none may be honored by the computer system no matter what the employees tell you, because they were not in a promotional flyer, nor are they planned to be featured in one. It's rumored that both exclusives may debut on or around Black Friday (November 27th).

11/18/98 - The UK-carded figures are now known to be available in many European countries, just like the 3 12" action variation dolls. You may want to ask anyone who's offering the dolls if they can also get these figures. They may not realize they are wanted here in the U.S. since we have had these figures available on our style cards for many months. I added a new name to the list of European traders:

11/18/98 - The Episode I trailer is making waves across the net today. A fan-made copy straight out of the theatre from yesterday's debut is available for download, as are four different formats direct from The Official Star Wars Web Site. The best site I know of to download it has lots of mirrored links to every version, Countdown: The Ultimate Fan Site. The trailer will be shown in theatres on random movies this weekend. The TV show Access Hollywood will also be showing it on Friday, and probably more movie preview shows to come. Try www.tvgen.com to look up when the show airs in your area.

11/12/98 - The first pictures of a carded Episode I figure have debuted on the net. View Obi-Wan at Master K's StarWars Prequels HomePage. I suggest you save the images to your hard drive because Lucasfilm and/or Hasbro are bound to try to get these pictures removed when they find out.

11/11/98 - Philip Wise at Rebelscum.com has put up pictures of many new UK-carded figures. The new UK design is widely considered to be the best-looking POTF2 card design in the world, with a nice, large movie picture of the character adjacent to the figure bubble. I am uncertain on the availability of these figures in other European countries outside the UK.

11/11/98 - Images of Episode I's theatrical teaser poster and banner have debuted at The Official Star Wars Web Site. They are available for pre-order through the Star Wars Fan Club at the usual numbers (1-800-878-3326 in the U.S. and Canada, 1-303-574-0907 overseas) at respective prices of $12.95 and $199.95 plus shipping. They will be available elsewhere of course including Mos Espa Marketplace. Keep in mind the Episode I trailer debuts in theaters November 20th attached to a variety of films.

11/09/98 - Check out the Articles and News Archives for a press release on HasbroCollectors.com, Hasbro's retooled web site, opening tomorrow, and a Variety article discussing the production of Episode 1's theatre posters.

11/09/98 - Stephan Künze from Germany sends word of more European 12" exclusives. The Han and Vader are pictured on the back of Luke's box for a reason. Han Solo is now available with a blaster-swinging action and an apparently new and unique facial likeness. Darth Vader is also out.

Vader is apparently the same or similar design as the recent electronic version in the U.S., but with only breathing and battle sounds, no voice (probably due to the language barrier I would guess). Here are some people I've found advertising to sell or trade the figures. Thanks to Stephan for scanning the large Luke pic and the Han pic, and "afdepot" for the small Luke pics.

11/07/98 - Here are some pictures of the first 12" Star Wars European exclusive. It is a Luke Tatooine with a lightsaber swinging action feature activated by pulling a lever on the back. I'm not sure if this means the arm itself moves or if the figure rotates at the waist.


Front

Back
Here is a larger scan of the front

11/07/98 - There is a coloring variation on the STAP and Battle Droid. The variation is on the STAP vehicle itself. There is a long pole-like piece thinner than a pencil going down the center of the STAP from the top to the bottom. It is most easily visible near the bottom, directly above the stand. Some STAPs have this long piece colored a pale yellow, the same color as the Battle Droid. Others have it colored a rust brown, the same color as the STAP vehicle itself. The latter is probably the correct version since it matches the rest of the vehicle. There also may be darker paint highlights on the Battle Droid figure in the correct version, but that may just come from the randomness of the paint application.

11/07/98 - Service Merchandise has a coupon out in newspapers for $5 off any purchase of $15 or more, good from November 6th to 8th. This will work on the 12" Hoth Leia. Thanks to Terry Mankus for the info.

11/07/98 - Target stores should be featuring the STAP in their ads tomorrow, for $14.99. They should have plenty in stock.

11/06/98 - FAO Schwarz is sending out $10 rebate coupons to people who ordered the 12" Slave Leia via mail order, as an apology for the item's production delay.

11/06/98 - More rumored Classic figures from JediJimmie's POTF2 Page, a battle-damaged Stormtrooper and Squid Head (a.k.a. Tessek).

I'm beginning to lose track of all the upcoming figs myself, so I am going to try to compile all these likely rumors onto the POTF2 checklist page, and just remove them later if they turn out to be false.

11/06/98 - More news from Shabby Blue, Aunt Beru will come packaged on card with the Treadwell Droid figure that has been rumored for some time.

11/06/98 - Here is some info on Hasbro's special figure pack-in next year, the CommTech sound chip, courtesy of Shabby Blue. The chip will be placed on the front of the card, underneath a character photo. The chip itself also will have a character photo printed on it, making it easy to tell which chip goes with which figure once you open the package.

"The CommTech Reader, which will be sold seperately in a box for around $10-$15, looks like a TV remote control. You stand the figure on it and insert the small CommTech chip that came with the carded figure into the reader device. The reader has three buttons, each one playing a different sentence of spoken dialogue from that character in the movie. The CommTech reader or the CommTech chips have nothing to do with vehicles or playsets, which has been rumored for a couple of weeks now. The CommTech chips will be including with Classic figures AND Episode 1 figures. The first waves of the new Classic figures will still come with the Flashback cards and you won't be seeing the CommTech chips included with any Classic waves that are coming out before the release of the Episode 1 figures. Therefore, the 2nd wave of Classic figures (adult Anakin, Aunt Beru, and Shop Worn C-3PO) will probably come with Flashback cards rather than CommTech chips. In fact, I predict you'll be seeing young Anakin, Shmi Skywalker and early C-3PO on those three figures' respective Flashback cards. The third wave of Classic figures first mentioned on Entertainment Earth and set for release in May are probably the first Classic figures to also come with CommTech chips instead of Flashback cards, since they will be arriving in stores at the same time or after the first Episode 1 wave is released. I'd also like to add that the alleged Hasbro price increase for figures in 1999 has not yet been confirmed. Finally, here is a sneak peek at what a CommTech chip looks like. The black censor box was added to cover up the tiny photo of the character whose chip this is."

11/06/98 - Going by the support retailers have given to any toys relating to the debut of a big new movie, and Star Wars toys in general, when the two are put together next spring, expect the biggest roll-out of a toy line ever seen in history. Here is loads of info on the big Episode I toy launch coming next May, courtesy of Kenneth Robinson.

"Hasbro has told retailers to expect delivery of SW: Episode 1: The Phantom Menace figures and toys sometime in April of 1999 for a time-release date of May 5th. This applies to Hasbro toys, and its subsidiaries Galoob, Tiger, Parker Brothers, Milton Bradley, Hasbro Direct, and Kenner. No store should place the merchandise on the shelf until May 5th. This is time-sensitive merchandise. 'Failure to abide by this contract could result in (your) particular store or chain being delayed in the receipt of newer merchandise and re-orders when they become available.'

Three assortments will be shipped simultaneously in April 1999. One 32-figure assortment, and two 16-figure assortments. The line will start with an initial 16 standard figures, plus 4-6 vehicles, 3 beasts, 2 playsets, 2 games, 2 new lightsabers, puzzles, Buddies, 8 Action Collection dolls, Micromachine packs, Action Fleet vehicles, Micromachine playsets, hand-held electronic games and merchandise, and numerous other products. Classic Movie merchandise will also be offered, but time-sensitivity does not apply.

Looks like Wednesday, May 5th is the day to be at your nearest Wal-Mart, TRU, Target, etc. I'm camping out the night before! (Although I'm sure some stores will release the stuff as soon as it arrives in april!)

Source: Entertainment Earth (the best source on the Internet for SW news right now), and the Wal-Mart new product '99 flyer (sorry, no pics!)."

11/06/98 - JCPenney's is running a sale on all Star Wars toys in their catalog, but unfortunately the sale ends on the 7th. Hopefully it should still be valid on Saturday. You need to call in with the code "BIGGEST SALE" for a 20% discount. Check my marketplace page for the catalog items and order numbers as always. Thanks to Mark W. Nelson for the information.

11/06/98 - The Kay-Bee Toys web site is offering a $2 coupon on any purchase of $10 or more, valid until November 30th, when you fill out their web site guest book registration form. You print the coupon out directly from your browser. They also have a $3 coupon for Star Wars games, including Star Wars Trivial Pursuit, available from their main page.

There is a comments section in the guest book where you can respond to topics such as "collectibles." My comments to KB are below. I encourage anyone who agrees to copy or paraphrase it into theirs, or write your own comments about your own ideas for improving the retail-to-collector distribution of toys.

My Comments: "The first retail store that works with manufacturers to allow collectors to pre-order and reserve any item of their choice months in advance will dominate the collector market share. Independent comic book stores as well as many video game chain stores have operated this way for years, using the advance order information to make sure they always order enough of the most in-demand merchandise. Collectors hate searching all over town only to find empty shelves and scarce high-priced items on toy show dealer's tables. A retail store like KB should offer collectors the chance to reserve, for instance, the entire Star Wars Episode I first wave of action figures now, or as soon as they enter the manufacturer's catalog, for a fair amount of 10-20% money down. This will ensure that sales of the items go to KB, because collectors won't even need to shop at the competitors. I plan to write every retail chain about this policy, in the hopes that at least one will see the advantage and put it into action. I also hope that KB can lower its prices to standard Wal-Mart and Toys 'R Us levels, at least on pre-ordered merchandise."

11/06/98 - Some Sam's Club stores are getting in the 12" Anakin and book set. Their price is the lowest heard anywhere yet, at $34.99 each. The item number is 454849. Unfortunately, only about 15% of the stores will be stocking them. E-mail Michael S. Nakamoto to ask if a store near you will have them.

11/04/98 - Here's a nice big picture of the 12" FAO Slave Leia in open box (scan by bobafett@centraltx.net):

11/03/98 - Amazon.com has lowered their price on the 12" Anakin doll and book to $52.50. Their price now matches the Barnes & Noble price exactly. People have reported that Amazon packs this item and all their items more carefully than B&N, in a big box full of peanuts to prevent jostling of the item during shipping.

11/03/98 - The small Han Tauntaun beasts are showing up at Caldor. STAPs are shipping in large quantities to Toy Works for their ad as well as Target, who plans to feature it in an upcoming ad. TRU and Wal-Mart have also stocked them. With the incredible and speedy retail support for this item it looks like a good omen for availability of Episode I merchandise.

11/03/98 - Galoob has debuted pictures of their Sneak Preview Episode I toy online.

11/03/98 - The Star Wars Lego toys are showing up in Lego product catalogs now. View the scans from the catalog. Don't forget to check the bottom First Side of Sheet link to see the layout of the full Star Wars catalog page.

11/03/98 - Entertainment Earth has announced yet another wave of classic POTF2 figures which should be out around May of 1999. They will include Jawa w/ Power Droid, R2-D2 w/ Leia Hologram, and Luke Tatooine w/ T-16 model. Each of these figures will come with a new accessory called a COMMTech sound card.

10/31/98 - The Hills retail chain has been stocking a lot of Lobot wave cases and an equally large amount of Luke Tauntaun/Wampa beast assortment cases. One store has Wampas and Tauntauns on a high shelf practically piled to the ceiling.

10/29/98 - More rumors about upcoming Cinema Scene releases began circulating today. The previously rumored Jabba's Guards set is said to include Klaatu, Nikto, and Barada. A Cantina Confrontation set with Han Solo, Greedo, and Wuher the Bartender, and a Jabba's Palace Aliens set with Amanaman, Hermi Odle, and Ephant Mon are also said to in the works. However, Hasbro seems unconvinced whether stores will order them or not, so at this point they could easily wind up in limbo status along with the Carbonite Freezing Chamber playset.

10/29/98 - Toys 'R Us is taking phone orders for their 12" Electronic C-3PO and R2-D2 2-Pack at 1-888-333-4108, item number R142174.

Everyone who I've heard from who received it via mail order complained that the box was stuffed in a too small mailer box and crushed. Some also have arrived with a large warehousing sticker stuck to the toy's package that causes damage if removed. Most of the reviews indicate this is one of the poorest 12" exclusive releases of the year, especially at a price of $50, when the standard C-3PO and R2-D2 cost under $35. The figures feature dirty paint jobs. While C-3PO has dialogue and light-up eyes, R2-D2 has only one light as his feature. Toys 'R Us may be surprised to see this not selling anywhere near the quantity of their Han Solo and Tauntaun exclusive. I expect it to be easily available on store shelves by the end of the year.

10/29/98 - The FAO 12" Slave Leia 2-Pack has begun arriving at people's doorsteps. Shouldn't be long before it arrives in FAO stores.

10/28/98 - Rite Aid drug stores have been getting in a lot of the newest figure and beast cases.

10/28/98 - The next Expanded Universe figure case has begun hitting Targets. New figures include Mara Jade and Kyle Katarn, along with the debut of Jedi Leia and Clone Emperor outside of the Sears catalog. Dark Jedi Luke, Grand Admiral Thrawn, and Imperial Sentinel continue shipping for now.

10/28/98 - The KB exclusive 12" Trilogy 3-Pack has begun arriving in stores.

10/27/98 - The Service Merchandise 12" Hoth Leia is now available for mail order. The phone number is 1-800-338-3333 and the stock number is 57110KE.

10/27/98 - Several new items have been founded listed in Wal-Mart's inventory tracking computer system. Along with the Cantina Diorama rerelease with Sandtrooper, and the Jabba's Palace Diorama with Han Carbonite, there will be a Hoth Rebel Base Diorama with Hoth Leia. This may be a simple rerelease of the upcoming Fan Club exclusive carded figure. Along with the upcoming Cantina Aliens and Rebel Pilots Cinema Scene 3-Packs, there will be a Jabba's Guards 3-Pack with unknown figures. And finally, upcoming POTF2 classic trilogy carded figures include Yavin Ceremony Han, Luke X-Wing Pilot Gear, Uncle Owen Lars, and a second Ewok 2-Pack, possibly with Chief Chirpa and Teebo.

10/27/98 - The Wal-Mart exclusive 12" scale figures R2-D2 w/ gadgets, Wicket the Ewok, and R5-D4 debuted today in regions of the West Coast. They are sold individually at a price of $12.96 each. They appear to be evenly packed in cases.

10/27/98 - Correction: The KB ad described below is actually a KB Toy Works ad. Whether it corresponds to normal KB stock or prices is probably dependent on the policies of your local KB.

10/25/98 - KB stores are having a sale next week. On November 1st for one day only, standard figures will be 2 for $5. They are also supporting the STAP vehicle in a big way. It will be on sale for $14.99 from November 1st through the 7th. KB's regular price is $17.99. Get there early and it's another great opportunity to pick from fresh figure shipments. They show some Removable Helmet Vader and Blast Shield wave figures in their ad.

10/24/98 - Uncle Gus reports that Ames is sending out flyers for a monthlong toy sale that starts Wednesday, 10/28 and runs through Tuesday, 11/24. The start of a new sale is usually a good time to look for fresh shipments of new items. You can also hang onto the flyer all month and use it for price matching at the retailer of your choice.

Here are the sale prices:

10/24/98 - The 12" Anakin and book set is out. It has been spotted in Barnes & Noble bookstores and their web site has begun shipping them out.

Some firsthand opinions on the set from Edward Lee...great face sculpt, the outfit is not identical to Obi-Wan's, the box has a flap that lifts up like the recent FAO exclusives, the Anakin is displayed on the left half behind a window, the book is on the right half, and the book is removable without messing up the packaging.

10/24/98 - The next Expanded Universe case assortment has been finalized by Kenner. It is currently available at ActionAce.com.

Note that all the movie-related figures including 8D8 and Ugnaughts have been dropped. The first EU figures are still included, but Sentinel has been dropped to 1-per-case. Kyle Katarn is debuting at only 1-per-case. Spacetrooper and possibly the most anticipated of the bunch, Darktrooper, have yet to debut.

ASST. 69605.200? ---> November '98? (12 pieces)
2 Mara Jade
2 Jedi Leia Organa-Solo
2 Clone Emperor
1 Kyle Katarn
2 Grand Admiral Thrawn
2 Dark Jedi Luke Skywalker
1 Imperial Sentinel
 

10/22/98 - In regards to Target putting the Emperor/Royal Guard 12" 2-Pack out this weekend, more likely Sunday, Brian writes, "I know a stocker at the Target nearest me...I know they are going to be there." I hope you'll be there too, if you can!

10/21/98 - It seems that the Fan Club's pricing of the Pote Snitkin wave has created more anger, frustration, and disappointment among collectors than anything since the sold-out and limited 12" exclusives fiasco of last year. Read a reply from the Star Wars Fan Club's president Dan Madsen, and an account of one collector's telephone conversation with him today.

10/21/98 - JCPenney will be releasing a supplemental holiday catalog, "Best Gifts," early in November, possibly as early as the 1st. This will contain more Star Wars toys, including Expanded Universe figures. Previously only Sears had offered EU figures. You can call them at 1-800-222-6161 to have one delivered to you free of charge. Thanks to Mark W. Nelson for the info.

10/20/98 - Correction: JCPenney's offer of 25% off items in their catalog applies to the Fall/Winter catalog, not the Christmas catalog. This offer is until October 27th, and you need to ask for for operator SS25 when you place your order, but no Star Wars items are in this catalog.

10/19/98 - Possibly authentic images of the upcoming Lego Star Wars mini-figures have debuted at AGONN.

10/19/98 - Word from Hasbro at last weekend's Plano toy show is that the Jabba's Palace Diorama (styled similarly to the Cantina Diorama) will be out later this year, with a half-melted carbonite block and a Han Solo with articulated arms and handcuff accessory. Hasbro also said to expect 50 figures next year from Episode One, 5 ships, and a few beasts.

10/19/98 - One source says the Target exclusive Emperor/Royal Guard 2-Pack will not be featured in either of the next two upcoming sales flyers. Someone else reports that Targets near him have had the sets in their storeroom for weeks now. Some are speculating that Target will put the sets out soon if not this weekend, but avoid creating the mad rush that comes putting it in the sales flyer.

10/19/98 - The Star Wars Fan Club (1-800-878-3326 in U.S. and Canada, 1-303-574-0907 foreign) started taking pre-orders today for the Pote Snitkin wave, the final four Freeze Frame carded figures. They are sold only in sets of two, which I was told consist of Pote Snitkin & AT-AT Driver and Leia Hoth Gear & Death Star Droid. Unfortunately, pricing is in line with their Oola exclusive, $19.95 for each pair, for a total of $48.40 with shipping for a set of all four figures. I was told they would not ship until after Christmas. Some people were told late November or early December. I suspect it may be the earlier date, and that they just decided to be extra careful not to promise delivery in time for Christmas, in case unexpected delays occur.

There is still a chance you can get this wave elsewhere, from collector's specialty shops who order from Diamond Comics Distributors (Previews magazine), from overseas trading partners, or dealers based overseas. The only limit placed on distribution of this wave is that it will not be sold to U.S. retail stores. Presumably, this is so Kenner and Lucasfilm can make sure stores get the Episode One-related toys on the shelves in time to promote the movie. Right now, most stores are at least two months behind where they should be in ordering and stocking new figures.

10/18/98 - Have you checked your Ames lately? The Lobot wave, Ree-Yees wave, and Wampa beast assortment have been found there within the past couple of days. K-Mart has also been getting in the Lobot wave recently.

10/18/98 - You may be hearing rumors about a supposed new Star Wars exclusive 2-Pack on the way from Kay-Bee. Unfortunately, this is not true. The stock number 352278 and price of $49.99 that people are reading in KB's computers refer to the 1997 Han and Luke Stormtrooper 2-Pack. Stock code information typically remains in a store's computer system for a while, but it does not mean they are able to order any more. If a KB gave you a pre-order on this item it was a mistake and you should ask for your money back.

10/18/98 - Some Kay-Bee stores are giving away a free "Kenner Star Wars Special" Dark Horse Comics "KB Toys Comic Exclusive" with purchase of $20 or more in Star Wars merchandise. I got mine for putting down my two $10 deposits on this year's exclusives.


Front

Back

The cover features a gold metallic ink logo with a painted picture of C-3PO and R2-D2 in front of an explosion. The back features a Kenner ad for Expanded Universe Dark Luke, Power F/X X-Wing, and the AT-AT. The 12-page comic is written and illustrated by Russ Manning, and colored by Chris Chalenor. It's dated August, 1998. It appears to be a reprint from old 1970s Star Wars newspaper comic strips. There is also an ad for various Dark Horse Comics Star Wars paperback comic collections on the inside back cover. Not all KBs may be putting the sign up for it in their aisle. Regardless, make sure you ask about it when you make your purchase.

10/18/98 - 12" Leia Hoth is shipping to more Service Merchandise stores, and in greater quantities than previously reported. One reader writes in to say that some stores in his area have between 20 and 30 cases each in stock. Many SMs appear to be withholding their stock until November 1st, when presumably the doll will be featured in a sales flyer. However many people have had success calling SM with the stock number and getting them to bring one out of the back for them.

10/18/98 - Hasbro has added a picture of the Wal-Mart exclusive mail-in poster to their home page.

10/18/98 - Pictures of the first POTF2 wave of the next year have debuted across the net. This is the wave formerly known as "Classic Collection." The cards feature extensive pictures from Episode One. View images at Calvin's Action Figure Collection Home Page

The good news that no one seems to be pointing out is that this wave is debuting with its own brand new assortment number. This means that they will be heavily ordered and stocked by stores, as were the SOTE and Tarkin waves which also debuted with original stock codes. Most retail ordering is done by computer. A new stock code means the store will register an inventory of zero for that item, and order many more cases. Hasbro could ensure that every single wave they release is ordered in mass quantity if they debuted each one with a new stock code, such as Toy Biz does with their Spider-Man lines or McFarlane with his various lines. Unfortunately Hasbro is making this year's figures difficult to find and losing untold profits due to their ignorant refusal to adopt this policy.

10/18/98 - The STAP w/ Battle Droid has begun shipping. Toys 'R Us is the only store which has started receiving them so far.

10/18/98 - Hasbro's survey was taken down almost as fast as it went up, as you may have noticed. The reason not everybody was let in was because they wanted certain amounts of certain age groups or collecting preferences. Once the amount was reached for some category, that category was closed off. Unfortunately, their site design seems to be getting poor reviews from those who were able to see it.

10/16/98 - Hasbro has launched a survey that allows collectors to browse a prototype of their new collector-oriented home page and offer opinions on it. You can apply to take the survey. Hasbro's prototype home page is visible without taking the survey.

If you get in, and complete the survey, they claim that they will send you $10.00 in the mail within 4-6 weeks. Not everyone is allowed in. Through trial and error, it seems that at present the only people getting in are those who click off every single toy line where Hasbro asks which of them you own or collect.

10/15/98 - Target stores are rumored to be featuring their 12" Electronic Emperor/Royal Guard 2-Pack in a sales flyer on Saturday, October 24th for the following day. There is also a rumor that Service Merchandise may feature the 12" Hoth Leia in one of their flyers.

Some quick math on the 12" Hoth Leia. There are about 350 Service Merchandise stores nationwide. Just for the doll to reach the scarce 20,000 supply level that last year's KB Luke/Han Stormtrooper 2-Pack reached, each store would need to get in almost 10 cases of 6 dolls each. But given that Leia figures have consistently been more popular than the male heroes, and that this one features an entirely new likeness and outfit design, it's likely to be in even greater demand. I don't know if SM is going to have the foresight to put the 15-20 cases necessary to satisfy the market in each of their stores. I recommend you call the mail order department early if you want to get one of these.

10/15/98 - Service Merchandise's 12" Hoth Leia has begun shipping. The item number is 57110KE. You should be able to call any SM store with the item number and have them tell you if it is in-stock there or at any store in your region.

There are 6 of her to a case. One store was reported to have received 3 cases. The back of her package shows the new 12" ROTJ wave figures. If you think you'll have trouble picking it up in person at an SM store, SM's mail order department at 1-800-338-3333 is telling customers they will begin taking orders for the doll on November 1st.

10/15/98 - Thankfully Kay-Bee has now made the 12" Electronic Boba Fett available for reservation as well.

The reservation info:

10/12/98 - The newest wave of Action Fleet Battle Packs, numbers 16, 17, and 18 debuted at Target stores today. These will probably mark the end of the line, at least in its current form. Included is the Lars Family Landspeeder and Imperial and Rebel figure packs. As usual pics can be viewed at the excellent, complete, and always up-to-date Galoob Web Site.

10/12/98 - It looks like the full price on this year's KB 12" exclusive 3-Pack will be $89.99. 12" Electronic Boba Fett is not on their in-store reservation list, but this may be because the list only goes up through November release dates. It's rumored that Fett may be delayed until early next year.

The reservation info one more time:

10/12/98 - Wal-Mart's exclusive Max Rebo/Doda Bodonawieedoh 2-Pack has shown up in the US today, following up a slightly earlier worldwide debut in Canada.

It is shipping in full cases by itself. No word on if this means the previous 2 2-Packs have ended production. I think it would be a good idea to finish them up soon, to prevent another pileup like the Cantina Showdown suffered last year. Unfortunately while some Wal-Marts are swimming in 2-Packs, it seems like most of them are sold out.

10/10/98 - Kay-Bee has made a very smart, customer-friendly move in making their first 12" SW exclusive, the 3-Pack w/ Leia Boussh, available for in-store pre-order. Just go in, tell them the name of the item and/or its SKU of 510719, and give a $10 deposit. They will hold one for you and call you when it comes in.

No confirmation on the total price of this item but it will probably be $80-100. If only all the stores would make collecting exclusives as easy and FAO and KB. Although given their higher prices these two stores can certainly afford to provide the extra service.

10/08/98 - One can only wonder what is gumming up the works, but the Hasbro Star Wars Web Site has finally been updated today after eight weeks of nothing but missed deadlines.

I'm afraid the update is minimal. There are pictures of the Stap and Mace, and ordering info on Mace, info that has already been spread across the net. There is a sneak preview pic of Muftak and Kabe, but still no ordering info. The best thing is a nice, long interview with a longtime Kenner employee who has worked on both Star Wars toy lines and many others. Hasbro has backdated the updates to Oct. 1st and Oct. 2nd, but I can assure you it had not been updated by this morning. They probably made the updates this afternoon.

10/08/98 - A brief article in Variety, which mentions a Hasbro web site update yesterday that did not happen, suggests that the prequel mail-in offer is for a choice of Mace Windu or Stap w/ Battle Droid. We'll have to wait and see if this is a mistake or not.

10/08/98 - The retail price on 12" Star Wars figures will most likely be going up to $24.99 at stores who currently charge $19.99, and $29.99 at stores who currently charge $24.99. This may take effect as early as with the ROTJ wave shipping right now.

The wholesale unit price for stores who purchase the figures overseas and ship them to the US themselves will rise from $12.99 to $16.95 (or $15.49?), and for the smaller stores who have to buy them after Hasbro has shipped them out of China, the wholesale price will rise from $18.99 to $24.50 (or $21.49?). Prices on the small figures are not going up. They will continue to wholesale for $4.99 as they have since this year's dollar price hike.

10/08/98 - The Expanded Universe figures from Sears have begun shipping, however the sets now include Luke, Leia, and Clone Emperor, all from the Dark Empire comics.

No word on if anyone is getting the set as advertised. This one has more appeal to casual buyers, but both Thrawn and Sentinel are likely to be harder to find in stores due to higher collector demand for Thrawn and a potentially lower supply of Sentinel. I'm sure Sears would accept returns since the item is not delivered as advertised, but I'm keeping mine since I eventually want them all. I only wish they offered an option to buy all of the EU figures.

10/03/98 - Hasbro's official press release announcing the Sneak Preview Episode I toys was added to the text information sub-page. They didn't have to bother releasing it, since it's all old news now.

10/03/98 - Wholesale price on 12" Star Wars figures is rumored to be going up to $24.99 starting next year. This is the price the stores buy them at, so retail price on the standard 12" figure will likely be raised to $29.99.

Chalk it to up to a shameless move by Hasbro, attempting to exploit their exclusive license for every cent they can get. Expect this to hurt collector demand. Few buying one to open and one to keep MIB will continue to buy two, and everyone will get more selective as to which characters are worth adding to their collection. Likewise expect it to virtually kill off casual buyer demand. $20 is the perfect price point for a birthday gift item, but $30 is likely not unless it's impressive enough to count for two birthday gifts. This means if Hasbro continues to ship Lukes and main characters in higher ratios, they will see a pile-up at retail that hurts their future orders.

10/03/98 - Expanded Universe Wave 1 is showing up at some Wal-Marts, complete with more Ugnaughts, 8D8s, and 2nd variation Ewoks. They're also getting in Galoob Action Fleet ships including the Sail Barge, E-Wing, and TIE Defender. Wal-Marts in other parts of the country are getting Mynock Hunt, and the small beast assortment including Han w/ Tauntaun and Luke w/ Wampa.

10/02/98 - The Pote Snitkin wave, in addition to shipping overseas and to the Star Wars Fan Club, will also be available to comic shops through Diamond Distributors. This means the figures may also show up at places like software stores, if they have a contract with Diamond. Only major retailers seem to be left out of the supply chain.

10/01/98 - Images of some splendid figures from the upcoming Cantina Aliens 3-Pack debuted on the web today. Go to the pictures section for details.

10/01/98 - Diamond Comics debuted their Episode I Sneak Peek today, some pictures of the Stap w/ Battle Droid and its package that may be of higher quality than you've seen on the net so far.

10/01/98 - FAO Schwarz has been mailing out the latest wave of non-exclusive 12" figures to people who ordered through the catalog. Some are arriving at FAO stores as well. Their mail order department is already sold out of the Chewbacca in chains.

It shouldn't be long before the wave shows up at other retailers. Remember you can order the full set from the Sears catalog as listed in my marketplace section for $100. I have mixed feelings on this wave. The figures in it are great characters and mostly very good designs. But if you're not a strict completist the other versions of these figures might satisfy you. If you already have the FAO Luke Jedi, Wal-Mart Band Member, and first Chewbacca, you may want to pass on these. And if you expect to get the electronic Emperor/Royal Guard Target 2-Pack this year, you may want to pass on the Emperor as well. However these make great substitutes for any that prove too difficult to find. The case pack is 2 each of Luke Jedi and Emperor, 1 each of Chewbacca and Bith Band Member. Sales on this wave should be strong throughout the holiday season.

10/01/98 - Diamond Comics is supposed to be offering sneak preview pictures of Episode I toys today. Keep an eye on their Toy Chest Main Page

9/30/98 - Wal-Mart's flyer debuts today. The stores should have plenty of Rebo 2-Packs and new Complete Galaxies in stock.

The ad states that the Rebo sets are a one-time offer, and some managers have been quoted as saying they will not be able to order any more. Others say that they will be able to order up through the rest of the year. At any rate, you may see a lot on the shelf but I wouldn't wait to buy them if you want them.

9/29/98 - The earliest Droopy McCool 2-Packs found have date stamps of 9813. This means they were manufactured in early April.

The Sy Snootles packs appear to have been made in late July. A two-month delay between toy manufacture and delivery in U.S. stores is about average, although it has occasionally been as low as 5 or 6 weeks. We know that Hasbro had planned the release of these 2-Packs at 3 separate times, with Droopy being the first. What this info tells us is that it seems Wal-Mart was responsible for the delay, not Hasbro. The last thing Hasbro probably wanted to do was warehouse the Droopy 2-Packs for 3 months until Wal-Mart decided they wanted to order them. This just shows how a lot of the responsibility for the lack of new product on the shelves this year falls on the shoulders of the retailers. I'd like to know how Toys 'R Us, for example, expects to increase profits by neglecting to order many toys for 3/4ths of the year. Collector toys are equally popular all year, not just during the Christmas season. Retailers' ignorance of how to serve the needs of this market will only lead to missed opportunities and decreased profits for them and for Hasbro, which in turn leads to less overall items produced by Hasbro. Collector toys will be underordered 9 months out of the year, and in some cases severely overordered during 3 months if current trends at retail continue.

9/29/98 - The Pictures and Episode I section have been updated with links to new images.

9/29/98 - You can call 1-800-308-4500 and give your U.S. or Canada address for a free Star Wars poster from Lucasarts, while supplies last.

9/29/98 - It looks like Kay-Bee ended up with a lot of the 69605.38 assortment, which is packed heavy with Ugnaught and Ewok 2-Packs.

They are hitting the shelves of KB stores now. KB Toy Works stores (located in larger buildings outside of malls) are also running a buy any Star Wars item, get a second of equal or lesser value for a penny promotion. Hills is reported to be receiving the followup assortment, which includes 8D8 as well. The Wickets from both of these cases appear to be the later variant with the dark brown painted stitches in the hood.

9/29/98 - Read the complete, official press release concerning the Hasbro/Galoob buyout.

I can't understand why these official statements always make note of Hasbro's international distribution power, when Hasbro's offers are so often exclusive to certain countries, and many countries do not receive anywhere near the complete line of Star Wars figures.

9/28/98 - Crisis at Galoob! There is a tremor in the Force as Hasbro buys out the company for $220 million.

Read the report at MSNBC News. Hasbro's Star Wars monopoly grows more threatening as they overtake the company who arguably put out the most creatively designed and high-quality Star Wars items of the '90s. One can only wonder what this means for the fate of the Micro-lines. Everything Hasbro does wrong comes from the distant, confused, cost-cutting characteristics that plague many big companies. Huge hierarchical structures are the most greedy, not the most efficient way to run a business. Will Hasbro keep all current Galoob staff well-cared for and doing what they do best? Will they cancel the lines the way they do all products that don't sell in the mega-millions? Or will they continue at a greatly reduced quality? Toy industry giant Mattel recently bought out the wonderful, fan-favorite, most remarkable new company of the '90s, Thinkway, noted for their Toy Story releases. The first Toy Story offerings since the buyout come at higher prices, with lower quality plastic, and severely reduced articulation. The absorption of the financially struggling Galoob by Hasbro is likely to mean the end of Galoob's Star Wars lines as we know them. All it means is less competition for the Star Wars toy dollar in the marketplace, and less incentive for Hasbro to work harder at producing superior products.

9/28/98 - This year's 12" Star Wars exclusives were unveiled by Hasbro at the New Jersey Toy Expo to teeming crowds. The one bit of new info is that Wal-Mart's exclusives, R2-D2 w/ Sensorscope, R5-D4, and Wicket the Ewok will be sold individually, not as a 3-Pack.

This could mean trouble for collectors, as Wicket the Ewok is likely to be the most popular among fans as well as hugely demanded by parents looking for Christmas gifts. If Hasbro does not ship a higher ratio of Wicket, he will likely be terribly hard-to-find. Hopefully these will be rereleased next year as a follow-up to the Yoda/R2-D2/Jawa assortment. Expect this year's whole line of 12" exclusives to be even more popular than last year's releases. The quality looks top-drawer, the character selection is mouth-watering, people will be rushing to get them after suffering last year's tiresome sell-outs, and collectors are starved for new releases that stores actually order and put on the shelf.

9/28/98 - Crisis at Hasbro! Rumors are flying that Lucasfilm has expressed serious reservations about Kenner's planned Classic Edition line, that could mean a major restructuring or redesign of the figures and/or the packaging, and significant production delays.

It turns out it may not be Hasbro's fault that their web site updates have been delayed. Lucasfilm is mandating that they rework the planned Classic Edition line already previewed to retailers in Hasbro's pre-Toy Fair catalog. There will be a logo change, in fact The Power of the Force logo will remain. Maybe Lucasfilm didn't want people to think of the original trilogy as a retired, old-time classic, perhaps "Classic" seemed misleading considering the prequels take place *before* the original trilogy chronologically, or maybe they decided to save the "Classic" moniker for future rereleases of the original 1978-85 figures. The flashback pictures on the front may also be dropped. I can understand why, since they may be confusing (People might think, "If this one shows a young Emperor, then are these a young Luke and Leia?"). Right now, speculation is rampant, but the proof for the logo change can be found at the bottom of Diamond Comics' News Page.

9/28/98 - Retailer disinterest is responsible for the Carbonite Freezing Chamber playset being put on release "hiatus."

Hasbro has no idea if or when the playset will ever come out. Personally I wish the retailers had made a move like this on Epic Force or Gunner Stations. As long as a handful of huge retail chain stores, who have no system for taking feedback from their customers, dominate the toy distribution marketplace, they will always have the power to ignorantly destroy products that consumers would love to buy.

9/26/98 - The title for Star Wars Episode One has been announced at the Official Star Wars Web Site: Episode I: Production Updates Page.

9/26/98 - The Droopy McCool Two-Pack has shipped in the U.S. on .00 card with .00 insert.

Variation watchers may be interested to note that the .00 card has shown up in Wal-Mart's recent shipment after previously only .01 cards were available. The .00 shows a picture of Sy Snootles from the original trilogy on the back instead of the Special Edition redesigned one. Some Wal-Marts are putting out their promotional stock of Rebo packs early and these were found among them. The official promotion should start Wednesday, September 30th. Still no sighting of the .00 insert Sy Snootles Two-Pack, which would presumably be a text change saying Sy is from the Classic Trilogy rather than the Special Edition.

9/24/98 - Wal-Mart is going to give a big promotional push to the Rebo Two-Packs next week. A weekend toy flyer will feature the figures. Stores are right now beginning to get in large shipments, which they are supposed to store in the stockroom until the flyer comes out.

9/24/98 - Pictures of the Stap w/ Battledroid prequel preview toy have debuted in force. View them at Philip Wise's Prequel Toy Page.

By all accounts, the toy is a wonderful piece of work, a refreshing and promising start for Hasbro's prequel toy line. They probably have not done a small Star Wars figure yet with this much posability. It's nice to see the line start off with an instant attention to attractively designed minor characters. The figure should debut within a matter of weeks, since it is considered a preview toy, and will advertise the Mace Windu figure offer which expires this year.

9/20/98 - The first wave of Expanded Universe figures has debuted, at Target stores, according to Kenneth Robinson.

I recommend picking up 8D8, Ugnaughts, and particularly Imperial Sentinel as this case ships since they do not appear to be scheduled for any future assortments. Target has also started a sale on figures for $3.88 each this week.

9/20/98 - Complete Galaxy Luke Jedi Knight and Ewok have debuted, at Wal-Mart stores.

9/20/98 - While the Pote Snitkin wave is exclusive to the Star Wars Fan Club in the U.S., it is shipping in normal assortments in Australia and the orient.

The full wave except for Death Star Droid has debuted in the 69705.37 assortment. ActionAce.com has full cases in stock for $135. Other dealers who purchase product overseas may have them too. The case assortments and marketplace sections have been updated with the new case and a link to ActionAce.

9/16/98 - Wal-Marts are beginning to set up their Star Wars aisles with new shelf display banners and special offer coupons. The coupons are for Hasbro's standard Mace Windu offer as well as a Wal-Mart exclusive offer for a 22" by 28" poster of the entire POTF2 1995-98 figure line.

These offers are apparently intended to help Wal-Mart clear out their backstock of old figures. Note that the earliest required date for the receipts is the day after the Wal-Mart $2-off coupons expire. You don't need the special offer coupon to order the figure, which is the same offer being promoted everywhere (ordering info listed in the prequel section of this site), nor the poster. The poster is limited to one per household and only available within the USA, and orders must be postmarked by 01/15/99. To order the poster, send the below to:
Star Wars/Walmart Poster Offer
PO Box 8776
Young America, MN 55551-8776

9/16/98 - While JCPenney's first Mon Mothma 4-Pack order has sold out, they are expecting another one on October 26th.

It looks like they are calling people to ask them if they want to keep their previous order under the new delivery date. You may want to call and check on the status of your order, and/or confirm it for the later date.

9/15/98 - JCPenney's is starting to inform people that they are sold out of the Mon Mothma 4-Pack figure sets.

People who ordered only a few days after the catalog came out are getting notices in the mail saying Penney's has cancelled their order and will call them if they can get any more sets from Kenner. It may be regional, since Penney's has many warehouses around the country that serve different areas. If you haven't ordered yet, it would be wise not to wait any longer. Of course these figures are supposed to be available in regular stores throughout the year.

9/15/98 - Kenner may be starting entirely fresh with the Star Wars toy lines in 1999. In fact the Kenner logo itself will be phased out as the company formerly known as Kenner surrenders itself once and for all to the Hasbro identity. Kenneth Robinson writes about a conversation with a Toys 'R Us buyer.

Everything released up to the Expanded Universe figures will cease production at the end of 1998. Kenner will maintain two assortments in 1999, Prequel and Classic Edition. No old figures will reship on the new cards. Any characters that reappear will be resculpted, a la the Classic Edition releases announced so far. This suggests that Kenner's final releases of the year will be hard-to-find, but hopefully stores will order enough quantities around Christmas to satisfy demand. Word is this is part of Hasbro's new licensing agreement with Lucasfilm, i.e. the new contract dictates strictly new and different product. Or it may just be that Kenner wants to avoid shipping the same figures for too long a time after they've overestimated demand so many times in the past.

9/15/98 - Some Wal-Marts are clearancing older figures released before the Freeze Frame introduction for $4 each, or a bargain of $2 after using the instant coupon (which is supposed to expire in just two weeks, so don't delay). These appear to be strictly figures, like Hammerhead, Death Star Gunner, Tusken Raider, and R5-D4, that were discontinued prior to the Freeze Frame promotion and are not being produced on Freeze Frame cards.

If anyone needs help getting a lot of these figures, e-mail me. If I get your payment within two weeks I can buy as many of the figs as I can find and will charge you nothing above cost and shipping.

9/15/98 - Along with the full-color Anakin Skywalker, the second wave of new figures in Kenner's Classic Edition packaging will probably include Aunt Beru and a C-3PO, possibly a battle-scarred version.

9/11/98 - The rereleased Millenium Falcon Carrying Case with new Imperial Scanning Crew figure is beginning to show up at stores like Wal-Mart.

I didn't buy the first and I won't buy this one. Like the Wedge figure, this figure's body is basically just a repaint of a previous figure's (AT-ST Driver). Kenner has to learn that they can't pack new characters with expensive, unrelated stuff and expect us to pay for it. I have faith that Wedge and this new figure will be rereleased in an improved and more affordable form later on.

If you do buy it, be warned they are showing up with copyright stickers placed over the UPC code. The cashier will rip it off and damage the box, so either remove the sticker yourself carefully, be ready to tell the cashier the code number is 76281 27728, or bring two to the register, one for them to scan and one for you to take home.

9/08/98 - A rumor going around that Hasbro is planning more Millenium Mint Coin figures is most likely false. The confusion came from a catalog listing for Hasbro's Alliance, Millenium, and Galactic assortments, a.k.a. Collection 1, 2, and 3.

The list of figures rumored to be coin releases for next year just happens to be the same as the Collection 2 figures Kenner was shipping in 1997 when they renamed Collection 2 the Millenium assortment. It would have been nice to get even halfway reproductions of some of those rare coins like 2-1B and Yak Face, but I think Hasbro realizes by now that packing the coin with a rehashed figure and doubling the price is not the way to score big sales.

9/08/98 - A Two-Pack of cantina creatures Muftak and Kabe will be Hasbro's next web site exclusive.

It will ship boxed in the exact style of the Oola exclusive. View an image of the figures at YakFace's Realm. Congratulations to Hasbro for producing wonderful-looking figures of these two obscure characters never released in the original toy line. No details on price or date to order are yet known.

9/03/98 - There is some misleading info in RTM's Hasbro catalog scans. The description "Product Name: Star Wars Classic Edition 3-D Diorama with Figure Asst." goes with the Sandtrooper w/ Cantina Diorama rerelease and future similar releases (possible Oola with Jabba's Palace diorama). The "living" Anakin, Ben, and Yoda shown will be single-carded Classic Edition releases.

9/03/98 - Classic Edition will be the new name for the toy line formerly known as POTF2. See pictures of mock-up packaging for the upcoming figures, as well as a brand new 12" alien coming in the next ANH assortment at Raving Toy Maniac. Links are below in the pictures section.

9/03/98 - 12" variation news: Be careful when buying the new 14" Removable Helmet Vader. Some versions (especially from KB but possibly anywhere) do not have Vader's breathing sound after any dialogue clips. Also, there's still little hope of finding a blue-plated 12" Snowtrooper for a low price. Although the JCPenney catalog picture shows a blue-highlighted Snowtrooper in their 12" 4-Pack, the one that people are receiving with the set is the latest variation with no blue highlights and the longer face covering.

9/01/98 - Nine new items not yet in retail stores including the debut single carded Expanded Universe figures are now available for order through the Sears Christmas Catalog. View all ordering details on the marketplace page of this site. These new items may not ship until the last day of September.

8/29/98 - Images of test shots of the first six known Episode I action figures have debuted on the web. Find the link in the Episode I toy section below.

8/28/98 - These 4 rumored Fan Club exclusive figures will likely be sold in pairs according to John Sorja. Hoth Leia and AT-AT Driver come as a set while Pote Snitkin and Death Star Droid comprise the second set.

Unfortunately this kills the chance to buy multiple AT-AT Drivers (or DS Droids). At least people who are satisfied with the previous Leia Hoth and AT-AT Driver figures can just order the two brand-new ones.

8/27/98 - POTF2 freeze frame carded Leia Hoth, AT-AT Driver, Death Star Droid, and Pote Snitkin are rumored to be the next batch of Star Wars Fan Club exclusives. Plans to ship them to retail stores appear to be nullified.

As we know stores are not ordering cases fast enough, so Kenner probably wants to get these figures out of the way to make room for the "Classic Collection" resculpts before Christmas. Read my letter to Kenner at hasbro2@eos.net concerning this move, their most recent response to the current state of the marketplace.

8/26/98 - Check the marketplace terminal to find how you can get Mon Mothma and 3 other new figures for $24.99!

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Eric Sansoni
snag2@geocities.com or eas179@psu.edu
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