After seeing the Toy Fair 2013 coverage around the net, I would have to say that Hasbro is really shaking things up this year. Considering Hasbro's abysmal year, the impending new movies, rising costs in China (approx 20% a year), and increasingly discerning collectors it has been obvious that things needed to change. As such, they are wise to have divided their Star Wars brand into kid orientated products and pricier collector oriented collectables. Here are my impressions:
Saga Legends
There has been a lot of negativity surrounding the 5 Points-of-Articulation Saga Legends figures but I think they are a fantastic idea. I can now allow my son to build a collection of figures that are cheaper and less likely to have ball-jointed limbs falling off everywhere. I love that these figures pay homage to the vintage Kenner collection as well. I read that they are even using the same type of pvc plastic so that the figures will better fit with vintage figures. I have always wanted modern sculpting with the original Kenner style so this is a huge plus. In particular, I always wanted an updated "vintage" Vader so I am excited about the mission series 2-pack. Finally, some of the sculpts aren't bad with Jango standing out as the best representation of the character in the 3 3/4th scale. It is amusing to me that collectors who love vintage figures have rejected this line.
Cheaper Vehicles
Another Kid oriented change is the move to produce "class II" vehicles for 20 bucks a pop. While these vehicles are smaller and more hollow than some of the previous versions, I love that I can get my kid an inexpensive vehicle that he can bang around without concern for breaking something pricey.
Black Series
While the 3 3/4th Black series figures seem no different than the usual fare, the 6 inch figures look spectacular! I am very excited about this line as I have scaled back my Sideshow 1/6th scale collecting to just core OT figures. I like that I will be able to get high-end Star Wars figures for relatively cheap prices. I just hope the production paintjobs can match what was seen at the show.
Anakin to Vader
This is a figure that has grown on me. Considering how much Medicom charges for their figures with voice boxes and lit up lightsabers, it is amusing to see this for a measly $25. While this is not the sort of thing I usually buy, I will probably give in since it seems like such a neat toy...and the helmet sculpt doesn't look too bad.
12 Inch Figures
Great idea.....horrible sculpting. It is almost if Hasbro intentionally wanted these to look like crap. Their 5 POA 3 3/4th figures don't look like they have rigor mortis so I do not understand why the bigger figures need to.
Scored two Gam Guards at Walmart.
he was joking about any hasbro involvement.
