Ideas for Hasbro that could please both Collectors and Kids

[keknivek]

OK, so this is my list of ideas for Hasbro. Anyone want to add to it, feel free. This is NOT meant to be a forum for posting every figure that has ever appeared in any media and stating how much you want it. I want Jaxxon too... but he ain't happening unless a Brian's Toys or EE or convention exclusive can get done.

Idea 1:

SIMPLIFY!!!

1 big vehicle per year - or per medium. Put it in the $200 range and take a lower profit from it with the idea that people will buy figures to go with it. That used to be the general idea with vehicles. I don't need a crappy looking pilot figure, but put a decent one on a card and I'll buy that too. Hide some play features in there, make sure it makes sense, and make sure the outside looks good.
**Millenium Falcon - Tantive - Ghost - U-Wing - Shuttle (several varieties) - Gunship - AT-AT - Turbo Tank - Slave I - etc.


2-4 decent size vehicles/environment pieces per year. I don't know if you have molds to reuse or not, but whatever you have to do to get a couple in the $50 range would be great. There is a TON of vehicles past and un-made that could go in this line. And again.... don't give me a crappy pilot. Put one on a card!!! {base is my way of saying any piece of environment with which to display/play with my figures}
** X-Wing - TIE Fighter - TIE Interceptor - TIE Defender - Snowspeeder - AT-ST - Hovertank - Landspeeder w/Moisture Vaporators - Hoth base - Yavin base - Takodana base - Starkiller base - Death Star base - Scariff base - Endor base - etc.

Line of Ultra figures. Looking at the $25 range. The big figures or figures with big accessories. These are also too numerous to name, but think Wampa and ice cave or Rieekan and Tactical Screen. I'd say any of these with wanted accessories should come with a figure that might not get made otherwise.
** Grumgar and chair - Mon Mothma and Holotable - Fozec and Jabba's BBQ pit - HURID-327 - Roodown - Baba Jo - Lava Flea - etc.

More ideas to come:::::::::::::::::::::

 

[DarkArtist]

OK, so this is my list of ideas for Hasbro. Anyone want to add to it, feel free. This is NOT meant to be a forum for posting every figure that has ever appeared in any media and stating how much you want it. I want Jaxxon too... but he ain't happening unless a Brian's Toys or EE or convention exclusive can get done.

Idea 1:

SIMPLIFY!!!

1 big vehicle per year - or per medium. Put it in the $200 range and take a lower profit from it with the idea that people will buy figures to go with it. That used to be the general idea with vehicles. I don't need a crappy looking pilot figure, but put a decent one on a card and I'll buy that too. Hide some play features in there, make sure it makes sense, and make sure the outside looks good.
**Millenium Falcon - Tantive - Ghost - U-Wing - Shuttle (several varieties) - Gunship - AT-AT - Turbo Tank - Slave I - etc.


2-4 decent size vehicles/environment pieces per year. I don't know if you have molds to reuse or not, but whatever you have to do to get a couple in the $50 range would be great. There is a TON of vehicles past and un-made that could go in this line. And again.... don't give me a crappy pilot. Put one on a card!!! {base is my way of saying any piece of environment with which to display/play with my figures}
** X-Wing - TIE Fighter - TIE Interceptor - TIE Defender - Snowspeeder - AT-ST - Hovertank - Landspeeder w/Moisture Vaporators - Hoth base - Yavin base - Takodana base - Starkiller base - Death Star base - Scariff base - Endor base - etc.

Line of Ultra figures. Looking at the $25 range. The big figures or figures with big accessories. These are also too numerous to name, but think Wampa and ice cave or Rieekan and Tactical Screen. I'd say any of these with wanted accessories should come with a figure that might not get made otherwise.
** Grumgar and chair - Mon Mothma and Holotable - Fozec and Jabba's BBQ pit - HURID-327 - Roodown - Baba Jo - Lava Flea - etc.

More ideas to come:::::::::::::::::::::

I like your thought process on this but the Ultra figures price might be a tad too high and doom the line from the start. $25 for 1 action figure and an accessory is too much. I'd go with $17.00 for those at the most. Parents are not going to drop $25 for Mon Mothma and a holo display... collectors might but that figure needs to be spot on amazing for the price range with super articulation and spot on likeness to the actor or actress.

I like the idea of the $50 ships and environments as well and would love to see a return to the old model ships like the TIE Fighter, X-Wing, Y-Wing etc. I mean as cool as the large wing TIE is (and yes I have 4 of them myself) it's too big for display and I've seen kids struggle with holding it and another ship like an x-wing for play. I love the scale of the original Kenner molds.. you could have dogfights with the ships. you can't do this with the new FX Scale X-Wing and Large Wing TIE.

I'd also love to see a nice detailed playset/environment system be developed by Hasbro... they don't have to be big and they can be something simple like hallways of Starships or bases. I think these would perform well but I think they need to be an army building concept with figures. for instance a Tantive IV hallway playset which included 2 Stormtroopers and 2 Rebel Fleet Troopers would be great but no main characters that are only available in the set. these figures could be repaints/kitbashed figures.

I'd also love to see a return of the Battlepack concept (3-5 figures depending) and the Evolutions series (so many great choices that can be done there... Stormtrooper Evolution (OT-ST) )

as far as the big vehicles (200+) range.... they have been hit or miss in the last few years.. the BMF was a great toy (I have 2 myself) but it takes up too much room, the BAT-AT was an amazing update to the Kenner Mold, The Republic Shuttle was cool but again was put on clearance way to soon ( I think I picked one up for $25), The trench run 2 pack (cool concept but nothing to really get excited over), The RO AT-ACT (I have one and love it) is a great concept but the price is insane (luckily I bought mine for $150 shipped) I'd rather Hasbro concentrate on the playsets, $50 price range ships and environments, the ultra figures and make those lines work first before trying to bring back large ships.

 

[keknivek]

I like your thought process on this but the Ultra figures price might be a tad too high and doom the line from the start. $25 for 1 action figure and an accessory is too much. I'd go with $17.00 for those at the most. Parents are not going to drop $25 for Mon Mothma and a holo display... collectors might but that figure needs to be spot on amazing for the price range with super articulation and spot on likeness to the actor or actress.

I like the idea of the $50 ships and environments as well and would love to see a return to the old model ships like the TIE Fighter, X-Wing, Y-Wing etc. I mean as cool as the large wing TIE is (and yes I have 4 of them myself) it's too big for display and I've seen kids struggle with holding it and another ship like an x-wing for play. I love the scale of the original Kenner molds.. you could have dogfights with the ships. you can't do this with the new FX Scale X-Wing and Large Wing TIE.

I'd also love to see a nice detailed playset/environment system be developed by Hasbro... they don't have to be big and they can be something simple like hallways of Starships or bases. I think these would perform well but I think they need to be an army building concept with figures. for instance a Tantive IV hallway playset which included 2 Stormtroopers and 2 Rebel Fleet Troopers would be great but no main characters that are only available in the set. these figures could be repaints/kitbashed figures.

I'd also love to see a return of the Battlepack concept (3-5 figures depending) and the Evolutions series (so many great choices that can be done there... Stormtrooper Evolution (OT-ST) )

as far as the big vehicles (200+) range.... they have been hit or miss in the last few years.. the BMF was a great toy (I have 2 myself) but it takes up too much room, the BAT-AT was an amazing update to the Kenner Mold, The Republic Shuttle was cool but again was put on clearance way to soon ( I think I picked one up for $25), The trench run 2 pack (cool concept but nothing to really get excited over), The RO AT-ACT (I have one and love it) is a great concept but the price is insane (luckily I bought mine for $150 shipped) I'd rather Hasbro concentrate on the playsets, $50 price range ships and environments, the ultra figures and make those lines work first before trying to bring back large ships.

I agree with pretty much all of this.

I put $25 as a max range, but that is probably too high. I know I would be very hesitant to pay that for Mon Mothma and a holotable. I think using the same box for an Ultra Line where the prices range from $17 to $20 could work. I'd believe I'd pay the $20 for for Grummgar or some of the other large figures if they were done right with articulation, etc.

I didn't like the $50 pricepoint a lot for average size ships or bases either, but gave it a general $50 max. I'd love to have some sort of BUILD-A-SCENE happen. I've promoted that idea several times in different forums, but it never seems to catch a lot of interest. The Battlepack was a big favorite of mine. I loved getting multiple figures from one particular scene together.

When I started this thread the idea was to get some creative minds spitballing. It's so disappointing what has come out lately.

 

[keknivek]

Idea 2:

KITBASH!!!!!


1) We've heard before that Star Wars is more difficult than what Marvel does because of how they can reuse parts more easily.
OK... so reuse parts where you can. You can cut the cost of a figure by changing up the paint or just creating new parts. Heads would be the best place to start as there are tons of figures that could be created with new heads. This has been done many times in the past for everything from backgrounders (Pax Bonkik), to Clones, etc.

A) Figures that could be created with nothing but new paint.
* Lars Homestead GNK droid
* Death Squad Commander (gray)
* Spirit Yoda - similar to the Ben and Anakin ones with translucent plastic and some color

B) Figures that could be done with simple kitbash (possibly some retooling to fit heads
* Banniss Keeg - Ellors Madak head and jedi body
* Lirin Carn - Bith head and jedi body
* Salporin - Likely just needs new accessories

C) Figures that could be done with new heads.
* Lt. Sheckil - new head on Imperial body
* Lt. Daine Jir - new head on Imperial body
* Pello Scramblas - new head on Tantive Rebel body
* Theron Nett - new head on Pilot body
* Nic Sant - new head on kitbashed Endor Rebel body
* Sar Labooda - new head on female jedi body
* Geezum - Takeel head on kitbashed body (possible new accessories)
* Herat - juat add a fan and include any droid repainted

I realize some of these wouldn't be well recognized, so single carded might be a stretch, but like the Battle of Geonosis: Jedi Knights packs, could easily be done in a multipack. I could easily see a couple of the following multipacks.

Cantina pack 1:
Banniss Keeg, Lirin Carn, Sai'tor Kal Fas, Takeel --- all either rereleased, repainted or slightly kitbashed

Rebel pack 1:
Nic Sant, Pello Scramblas, Theron Nett, Hoth Rebel (new head OR reuse one and repaint) --- all either repainted or kitbashed with new heads

Imperial pack 1:
Lt. Daine Jir, Lt. Sheckil, Death Squad Commander, Admiral Piett --- a few of the many Imperials that could be done with a littel paint and some new heads.

 

[Mandalorian1129]

I think a Ultimate Tie vehicle would be an awesome thing. Give us a cockpit with movie sounds & electronics (blasters & light up engines in the back) , every movie wing configuration possible for Vaders Tie, interceptor, regular, & bomber. Give us a SA tie pilot (pretty sure there's one they already gave us). I bet this would sell out!! It would please both the die hard fan, & casual fan.

 

[Rogue82]

Put me down for one of everything. Good idea for a thread. If anything the customs on show at Imperialshipyards.com show what can be done with kitbashing figures.

One of the items that they have done in the past has been the cardboard diorama and figure sets, such as the Carbonite Han and Jabba's Palace and Sandtrooper and Cantina. Not overly expensive but a good way to get some play value with a figure. The Build-a-Figure wave's were also a great way of encouraging you to buy the whole wave to get the additional figure (helped when they were in film based Waves)

Chris

 

[VideoViper]

I've been wanting Hasbro to do a build a dio (genertic) for years.

Each set is basically a box with plastic beems, that connect to other boxes allowing kids to build small or huge playsets.

Cardboard backing would have a pre-designed picture on one side, flip it over & they can design whatever they want.

versions can include Build a Death Star/Imperial base
sand planet,
Hoth Planet/base

This would not only be compatable with Marvel/GI Joe but could be incorporated into those brands. (Heck the idea works with My Little Pony, playdoe & whatever else Hasbro can market.

You could build a Cobra throne room attached to a Death Star hanger & even add Pony Stalls if you wanted that. It's creative play, you could sell add ons & its basically made out of what the boardgames are already made out of.

It a win win situation.

 

[keknivek]

Sounds like you are talking about these. I have a few of them from when they were being produced and they are pretty great.

 

[TripleZero78]

Hello all.

Given the library of vehicles that could hopefully be re-released, I would like to see battle damage reintroduced.
- We've seen the tie fighter with the electrical damage in the asteroid field in ESB, and engulfed in flames in ROTJ. Take any tie, and make a translucent effect that can snap on to the wing panels and the pod. Picture the Endor battle pack damaged R2 and the demise of Grievous figure, but applied to a vehicle and of a better quality. Throw in a lr44 cell for light effects, if the budget allows.
- Snowspeeder, ditto with the flames, interchangeable cracked/broken canopy and panels.
- Update the old T-16, throw on Biggs' racing colors and sell as a vehicle 2 pack with Luke's in a Vintage styled box with the twin suns in the background for imagery. If budget allows, toss in womprats.....with battle damage...:wtf:

Turrets and gun emplacements could work for display and play:
- Batteries on board the Venator cruisers and the Invisible Hand. The Clone version is basically the AV-7 mobile cannon sans the legs. Add translucent plastic projectiles (non-NERF please), perhaps a port frame with a removable sheet to simulate shields. If the frames connectedyou could give enemy displays a broadside .
- Hoth turrets, a 2 pack with 1 destroyed version with flame effect. Throw in the dish cannon...available in before-and-after AT-AT blasted versions.
- Any Imperial turret: the twin cannon on a tower, motorized firing with recoil effect (doubtful, and honestly I'd take one that just rotates, "pew pew" required, not included). The single cannon pictured being manned by the gunners at Battle of Yavin etc.
- First Order turret with three barrels, firing projectiles and comes with plastic panel with FO banner.

In essence, I'm asking Hasbro to give me previous and new toys, some professionally broken please.

3.75" figures:
As mentioned by many before me: assorted multi-packs, be they cinema scenes, evolutions, troop builders or background fodder.
- Rogue One Blue Squadron multipack with 1 unique U-wing pilot and the rest are flight suit, head and helmet repaints (NO banana visors)
- Imperials: crimson stormtrooper, blaster damage stormtrooper, imperial officer with tan tunic....all too easy (repaints).
- Rebels: anything to fill out any of the ship hangars; a tech, a pilot and an honor guard for example. Environment wise, the gantry we see over x-wings and the tube that lowers astromechs into them would be welcome.
- Rebel fleet troopers: tan pants for Yavin, blue pants for in space. Comes with Vader, disc with your favorite hits and the death star plans, and the Profundity door...insert lightsaber to unlock and open.

Mini-rigs. Resurrect some of the 80s' originals, updated paint app/decals (maintain the sanctity of the originals by being different enough).

 

[keknivek]

Hello all.

Given the library of vehicles that could hopefully be re-released, I would like to see battle damage reintroduced.
- We've seen the tie fighter with the electrical damage in the asteroid field in ESB, and engulfed in flames in ROTJ. Take any tie, and make a translucent effect that can snap on to the wing panels and the pod. Picture the Endor battle pack damaged R2 and the demise of Grievous figure, but applied to a vehicle and of a better quality. Throw in a lr44 cell for light effects, if the budget allows.
- Snowspeeder, ditto with the flames, interchangeable cracked/broken canopy and panels.
- Update the old T-16, throw on Biggs' racing colors and sell as a vehicle 2 pack with Luke's in a Vintage styled box with the twin suns in the background for imagery. If budget allows, toss in womprats.....with battle damage...:wtf:

Turrets and gun emplacements could work for display and play:
- Batteries on board the Venator cruisers and the Invisible Hand. The Clone version is basically the AV-7 mobile cannon sans the legs. Add translucent plastic projectiles (non-NERF please), perhaps a port frame with a removable sheet to simulate shields. If the frames connectedyou could give enemy displays a broadside .
- Hoth turrets, a 2 pack with 1 destroyed version with flame effect. Throw in the dish cannon...available in before-and-after AT-AT blasted versions.
- Any Imperial turret: the twin cannon on a tower, motorized firing with recoil effect (doubtful, and honestly I'd take one that just rotates, "pew pew" required, not included). The single cannon pictured being manned by the gunners at Battle of Yavin etc.
- First Order turret with three barrels, firing projectiles and comes with plastic panel with FO banner.

In essence, I'm asking Hasbro to give me previous and new toys, some professionally broken please.

3.75" figures:
As mentioned by many before me: assorted multi-packs, be they cinema scenes, evolutions, troop builders or background fodder.
- Rogue One Blue Squadron multipack with 1 unique U-wing pilot and the rest are flight suit, head and helmet repaints (NO banana visors)
- Imperials: crimson stormtrooper, blaster damage stormtrooper, imperial officer with tan tunic....all too easy (repaints).
- Rebels: anything to fill out any of the ship hangars; a tech, a pilot and an honor guard for example. Environment wise, the gantry we see over x-wings and the tube that lowers astromechs into them would be welcome.
- Rebel fleet troopers: tan pants for Yavin, blue pants for in space. Comes with Vader, disc with your favorite hits and the death star plans, and the Profundity door...insert lightsaber to unlock and open.

Mini-rigs. Resurrect some of the 80s' originals, updated paint app/decals (maintain the sanctity of the originals by being different enough).

Nice List!
I do think the Battle Damage idea could work for a lot of items that currently exist. I like he "professionally broken" comment lol

Still can't believe we didn't get a new or rereleased X-wing (like Blue Squadron) or Tie Fighter when Rogue One was out... That seems like such a big MISS on Hasbro's part. There are TONS of smaller vehicles or larger accessories that could be put into a Battle Pack. The 2 different Hoth Turrets are great examples, and while I love the minirigs... I want NEW mini rigs!

 

[TripleZero78]

Thank you!

The lack of anything Blue Squadron and no regular tie baffled me too....pure repaints would have sufficed. Hopefully they make the effort in the near future.

Agreed on the battle packs, they were always a great way to get unique, or older and desirable items back on the shelves.

Hoth - Luke and Han, both with taun tauns, probe droid and crash site (repaint the sarlaac opening from the skiff pack).
Echo Base 1 - FX-7, 2-1b, Bacta tank, recovery bed with Luke ("phantom of the opera mask"), Luke in just the red flight suit without gear.
Echo base 2 - Consoles (from the Ultra set), Wampa holding cell (deleted scene), transport speeder (essentially a rolling box with car lights)
Rebel forces - Snow trench with attaching turrets, Hoth rebel (with the unique backpack seen running towards the 1st downed at-at)
Complement any of these with the 2010 snowspeeder, now with red markings.

To further the point of battle damage, I loved the Force Unleashed Vader (worst day ever disguise). Figures like Endor Leia, something as small as the blaster wound on her shoulder or the bandaged arm thereafter would be cool for a battle pack. K2-SO with sculpted blaster hits, circular console, vault door and Cassian in Imperial officer disguise = sold.

A retooled y-wing, perhaps with blast off nacelles similar to the solar panel feature of the tie fighters. Since the latter half of it may not withstand any real play, keep it attached with a hinge or strong cords (think vintage Micro World x-wing and tie battle damage features).

Definitely new mini-rigs too. My ideas thus far were all based on alterations to mostly existing toys. Ideas for new toys are forthcoming.

Enjoying this creativity of this thread!

 

[keknivek]

There are definitely a lot of options for reusing things that already exist. Just look at the number of figures that have never been rereleased since the super articulation craze started in 2004 with the VOTC!

I'm not a huge fan of a straight repack, but just a little bit of imagination gets you a new figure. I bought every new head for a pilot, Bespin guard, and trooper I could. WHY they wouldn't capitalize on this further ... especially to keep cost down for other figures... I have no clue.

 

[TripleZero78]

Truth on both accounts. With the return of the vintage brand next Spring, perhaps they will utilize their catalog to give variety to the rank and file characters. The mere fact of this line's return indicates senses have at least been partially regained. 3.75" versions of the 6" Battlefront troops are on my want list. Seeing that Aphra made the list, I truly hope it leads to more comic book characters, e.g. Triple Zero (no relation) and BT. They are both interesting to me, akin to a mirror universe evil 3PO and R2 and they fit together in a theme.

Using your idea for a spirit yoda; would be nice to round out the jedi of Christmas past with the same treatment for Sebastian Shaw's ghost of Anakin I enjoyed your "Idea 2" list. What other themes/groups would you possibly like to see?

The upcoming SDCC exclusives...having a 3.75" equivalent with all the bells and whistles for Thrawn (Ultra/Deluxe line) and Luke's Landspeeder.....one can dream.

 

[keknivek]

Truth on both accounts. With the return of the vintage brand next Spring, perhaps they will utilize their catalog to give variety to the rank and file characters. The mere fact of this line's return indicates senses have at least been partially regained. 3.75" versions of the 6" Battlefront troops are on my want list. Seeing that Aphra made the list, I truly hope it leads to more comic book characters, e.g. Triple Zero (no relation) and BT. They are both interesting to me, akin to a mirror universe evil 3PO and R2 and they fit together in a theme.

Using your idea for a spirit yoda; would be nice to round out the jedi of Christmas past with the same treatment for Sebastian Shaw's ghost of Anakin I enjoyed your "Idea 2" list. What other themes/groups would you possibly like to see?

The upcoming SDCC exclusives...having a 3.75" equivalent with all the bells and whistles for Thrawn (Ultra/Deluxe line) and Luke's Landspeeder.....one can dream.

I HEAR YA >>> I haven't bought in to the 6" line, but that landspeeder (and even Rey's speeder to a different degree) is GORGEOUS! The Thrawn packaging reminds me a bit of what they did for Jocasta Nu. I understand that the 6" is the rage now, but the 3 3/4" is still the bread and butter IMO.

I'm working up some more ideas.

 

[TripleZero78]

I thought I would not get into the 6" line....then I saw the Sandtrooper...... 3.75" to me has been the one constant since I started in '96 ('94 if you include micro machines). Jocasta Nu, that's the perfect example of how Thrawn could be presented in 4 inch!

So, a few ideas today:
1. Endor Luke, Leia and Scout trooper, 2-3 bikes, 1 wrecked speeder.
2. Ewoks vs. Stormtroopers (with bolas)
3. Re-release the bunker, but as a complete structure, not half (I bought two of the original and just put them back to back), add some blast effects, door lock wires, and wounded Leia and R2. If they're feeling adventurous, add the interior where Han and crew set the charges....it's just seats, a console and screen. Also cool if it had a spring loaded "explosion" feature.....just roof and panels going separate directions.
4. Retool the skiff to include the arms that pulled C-3PO and R2 out of the sand. The skiff would only need a minor re-tool at the bottom where the arms could be detachable (less costly than making them retractable or a brand new skiff). Offer a single carded C-3PO with protruding eye...without the slime, the previous figure was a lazy and inaccurate 2-for-1. Use a magnet in the arms and 3PO's feet for fun.....as he was collected upside down.

Trying to contain my ideas within minimalist parameters of size, cost, amount of newness (complete new tooling from the ground up etc.).

 

[keknivek]

IDEA 3:

After seeing the 2 in 1 "playset" BB-8 thing I decided to give another go at Playsets....

The idea that kids don't want to play with playsets is ridiculous in my opinion. Case in point >>>> LEGO.

OK, so we take what Lego does and apply it to playsets. You can break down many of the iconic sets that were used in Star Wars into basic parts that can be built into something else. Look at the Death Star. Walls, floors, doors, corners, consoles, computer banks, chairs, crates and boxes, windows, stairs, elevators... I mean why can't you build as big of a Death Star as you want with those pieces. Look at the original Death Star playset, it was 3 levels with different parts, some support beams, an elevator, and a trash compactor.

Apply that to Hoth. Snow walls, flooring pieces, doors, corners, consoles, computer banks, chairs, crates and boxes, hangar bits, etc.

Apply that to Jabba's Palace. Walls, floors, corners, columns, stairs, archway, palace bits, etc.

Apply that to Yavin. Walls, floors, corners, consoles, chairs, computer banks, hangar bits, etc.

Apply that to the Jedi Temple. Walls, floors, columns, windows, stairs, library, etc.

Apply that to the Cantina. Walls, floors, corners, tables, enclaves, chairs, bar, stairs, etc.

Some of the outside areas might be tough to recreate like like Dagobah, Tatooine, Mustafar, etc. but that's where you get a little more creative. The cantina could easily have 2 sided piece so the interior and exterior walls could be used for different things. Mustafar too... there was plenty of interior we saw in Ep III as well as the landing platform, etc.

Space Walls is a thing - look it up. "If they can build it... they will come"

 

[keknivek]

IDEA 4:
(no I haven't given up on this, life just gets in the way)

This is not an original idea but perhaps an original method.
Build-A-Figure

Ok, so Disney is doing Build-a-Droid and I realize that most Star Wars figures are quite unique from one another but why does every head, arm and leg connection have to be different. Standardize the ball for the heads, arms and legs and you can please a lot of customizers and kids might get into it also. Just try to pop off a head from one figure and put it on another. Very few really work well without some extra work being done.

So I say Standardize the Connectors! Maybe not EVERY one can be the same. Surely putting Leia's head on Chewbacca's body will be a futile task, but I'm referring to those that make sense. Take a look at the Hero Mashers lines that came out across multiple franchises. I didn't buy any of them because they were essentially blocky stylized action figures where I'd rather have more realistic ones. However the idea is sound. There is more play value in building something.

1) Standardize head pegs/***** in perhaps 3 different sizes (S, M, L). If you want Leia's head on a Padme Pilot body from AoTC, there you go. If you want Obi Wan's head on Boba Fett's armor, viola!
2) Standardize the arms and legs like the BAD protocol droids. (Maybe not exactly, but similar). You want Luke Dagobah bare arms on a Han Solo? You want to switch the Nikto and Weequay legs? How about giving Darth Maul robotic HK-47 arms?
3) Create parts that make for more play value. The Astromech BAD mold already had the way to plug in, so why not make a set of tank-like tracks to plug an astromech body into or even the protocol body? This might be harder to do for the alien or human characters, but since it's fantasy anyway, what about some tentacles or other alien parts just for fun?
4) Standard Build-A-Figure could still apply. Have a set of 6 figures that have a piece of another figure. Theme it out so you end up with 7 figures for the price of 6 that are all part of a specific theme.
** for example: Sail Barge: Luke Jedi, Bib Fortuna, Fozec, Gamorrean, Geezum, and Taym Dren-Garen all with a piece of Cane Adiss (a truly bizarre alien that would be popular with collectors). In this example you get a 3 fairly main characters with perhaps some new parts in Bib, Luke and the Gamorrean and you get 3 totally new figures in Fozec, Geezum and Taym PLUS a 7th new character if you buy the set.

 

[keknivek]

IDEA #5:

The "Toys to Life" genre of games is almost at an end. Skylanders, Lego Dimensions, Disney Infinity, and Amiibo are all either dead or circling the proverbial drain. (although I hear there may be life yet for Skylanders? and Amiibo still exists)

So my idea is more abstract this time, but I say Hasbro has to come up with the TOYS to ACTION genre. Toys to Life: the Sequel.

Hasbro has to find a way to innovate and not just follow trends.

1) They've done electronic lights and sounds in their vehicles, action features on figures, force action spring loaded lightsabers, voice activated Droids, remote control, exploding action, Ask Yoda, Commtech and now Force Link... what's next? I would say that some of this was much better than other innovations, but the WOW factor needs to return. NO ONE and I mean NO ONE is WOWED with 5POA action figures in 2018. Yes some will buy them on nostalgia alone and some will claim they are better than the articulated figures (to each his own), but innovation is what is needed.

2) Virtual Reality and 3D to me are a FAD. F... A... D! Remember people collecting rubber bands that hold a variety of shapes... some of which were our favorite heroes. That is the definition of Fad. Perhaps there is a virtual reality that can be developed where you can interact with your action figures in a special way? But until then, the marriage of tech and figure is lacking. The Toys to Life genre didn't die because it wasn't popular... from what I understand, it just wasn't sustainable.

3) Hasbro is not a video game manufacturer. However, they teamed up with Disney for the ill-timed Disney-Playmation idea. Hasbro could just as easily team up with EA Games for a game similar to the Lego games (Star Wars, Batman, Indiana Jones, etc.). Make the game easy enough to play, but with hard enough challenges and quests. Allow downloadable content that comes with the figures as an ability to interface in some way. Allow the player to create themselves in the game to interact with these characters and through the Internet with other players and maybe you have something. Stuff like Star Wars Galaxies and Star Wars TOR, not to mention WoW could be dumbed down quite a bit and still have rewarding game play.

4) Incentives to play and to buy more figures? I think you could easily get people to buy the action figures if, for example, you can buy Han Solo, and get to play with him if you want, but also get a selection of NPC (non playable characters). I see this like the "back of the card" showing you what figures are available. If they see they could get Ponda Baba, Momaw Nadon, or Muftak and can interact with them or get them to join their party... perhaps they'll go buy that one too so they can play as that character. Give each character a separate selection and the user is always chasing what characters might be available next?

I don't know if this unfinished idea holds any water, but I know I'm not a big fan of RPG games... but the Lego games? ANYONE can play those. Perhaps you can even ratchet up the difficulty. On the collecting side? I like collecting but someone else might like playing as different characters.

 

[SlicersHolonet]

[FONT=&quot]Where to start. I try not to collect. That may be the weirdest starting point ever but I think we all "try" not to and then tend to find ourselves wandering around to random Target's and Walmarts or find ourselves desperately looking on eBay or on different online stores for that one figure to complete the neverending hole in our collection. On the whole, if that is you I would say you are a collector and my idea is aimed solely at you. It has a couple of different levels so hear me out. I don't think the 6-inch line is broken (as long as they follow through with what they have said they plan on doing going forward from SDCC 2018). That doesn't mean they don't have easy room to grow or easy room to make money or make collecting all these great characters fun and more of an actual social experience amongst fans (If you are into that). This is a very easy way to do that and would take very little on Hasbro's part to actually do other than read this (and maybe give me a consulting job...but I digress).[/FONT]
[FONT=&quot]
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[FONT=&quot]Product AND People 1st:[/FONT]
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[FONT=&quot]Crazy idea but it just might work. You can have both. This isn't rocket science and most people would think this is business 101 but a lot of businesses get lost in the bottom line or forget how to make something fun and interesting. How do they achieve this? Easy. Open it up to the fans. Start an ACTUAL Star Wars Black Series website and App that includes the 6 inch and 3.75 line and then have a FAN section. In that section have Forums (just like this one!) that has daily and weekly polls. Maybe they could even do an Official Podcast.In the App you could even have a Picture section allowing you to overlay lightsaber effects, blaster bolt effects and different camera lenses (hell charge for that make money Hasbro!) That has interesting sections like Customize Me! or Tell Us What You WANT or Here are some Figures we are considering...which ones do you love...vote in the Poll Below or Most Wanted! or Needs Improvement. This is the easiest way for them to get direct feedback that the FANS know is being heard and they KNOW is a problem. It is also a very simple way for them to give numbers to Execs at Hasbro. [/FONT]
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[FONT=&quot]Have the ability to purchase full waves or single carded figures (preorders only) through the site (with a cut off date). This allows for something that I feel would be a no-brainer. It also is an easy way to get guaranteed sales on waves of figures and please fans who want them. Not every fan will do this BUT the ones that are into collecting these will and most likely will find it easy and convenient to have a one-stop shop.[/FONT]
[FONT=&quot]
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[FONT=&quot]Offer a Premium Membership Sign-In or Black on Black Membership. This Membership could offer early looks at figures, Special Access to Members Only Figures OR Prototype Only or Convention or Shelved Figures to buy, Weapons Packs, Early Access to buy Figures, Possibly Town Hall Type Events (ala the Web) Quarterly and a chance to get your voice heard more often.[/FONT]
[FONT=&quot]
[/FONT]
[FONT=&quot]Go back to the drawing board on Dioramas. I think they had the right idea but the wrong execution. What I mean by that is that they basically tried to amp up things instead of keeping it simple. The Dioramas should look like a snippet of background with no static figures (unless they want to include background fully articulated figures then that is another story) but should have cloth elements or blinking lights etc. In other words, people should be using these Dioramas for the figures they own and not self-built ones they put on Instagram or on here (which are FANTASTIC BY THE WAY...HIRE SOME OF THOSE GUYS TO MAKE THEM). You can freeze frame full scenes from the films and basically mentally erase the actors and look at what you need and make a 3d image of those pieces and those elements. They should be Shelf friendly and you know what if they connect to form some much longer scene great if not ...ok.You can have part of a ship in it ...even a functional part like the loading deck plank that comes up and down BUT they should fit on a shelf to house a couple of your 6-inch figures easily to form a nice scene and look really well put together. If they are any good I would think they would run from $80 to $130 depending on the scene and or the lights, smoke, accompanying figures etc. I may need to come back and put some examples of what I consider a "Nice Sized" Shelf Piece.

[/FONT]
[FONT=&quot]
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[FONT=&quot]Let's wrap it up with the figures. I love them and I love the idea of the Archive Series (Peg Warmers) being the centerpiece and throughout the year you build around those. It makes each wave much more special and unique and people get to get those special figures they didn't get to get the first time around. I also really love the Face Scanning Technology and Paint Improvements. It has done wonders to some figures and WILL DO wonders for others. I do think that Offering the ability for certain figures to have upgrades for certain aspects like cloth or more detailed paint or more weapons etc at a premium cost ...say $30 (for the Black on Black members) might go a long way. Just having them OFFER it would be nice.

What are they doing right?I would say a lot actually. They are trying to include new Canon characters from the Films, Games, TV Series, but I would like to see them start including characters from the books as well and a larger variety of them all. I love the Archived Series.I know I have seen many people angry with them but in all honesty, they are great. They allow new collectors a chance to come in while simultaneously allowing Hasbro to fix some of the face issues with older characters and offer us better versions. It is a Win Win. We should really think of these like Vinyl collectors. Most people can't afford that rare first printing of the never been opened (insert your favorite band) album but many of us can go out and get a 4th or 5th pressing at a reasonable price just to have so we can enjoy it and actually listen to it. That is all these new Archived Series figures are. They don't take anything away from the originals in the Original boxes for those that collect them that way.I do think they need to get better with distribution and timing with the stores on release dates but I know a lot of that depends on the stores that order them. I know that is something that my idea would at least help us with up top if we could order direct. Having a standard hard release date and order date and knowing when we need to pay for something is always nice.


These are all just works in progress and my ideas for where I hope Hasbro goes. I would love it if they took these suggestions and really stuck to them and allowed for a rich community and also made great figures at the same time. You can have both..they are not mutually exclusive, you just have to listen to your fan base and make financially sound changes to your own business practices. [/FONT]

 

[keknivek]

^^^ I like your idea of community and it sounds like you are advocating a Star Wars social platform of some sort. I don't think that sounds impossible, but they would have to have people to create content and cater to the fans. Currently the Hasbro Pulse is awful and I wouldn't trust Hasbro to run my dog let alone run a social media site.

I have another idea in the works that incorporates the social media.

 

[SlicersHolonet]

^^^ I like your idea of community and it sounds like you are advocating a Star Wars social platform of some sort. I don't think that sounds impossible, but they would have to have people to create content and cater to the fans. Currently, the Hasbro Pulse is awful and I wouldn't trust Hasbro to run my dog let alone run a social media site.

I have another idea in the works that incorporates the social media.

Hasbro want's to put the least effort in and get the most effort out...I get that. I want them to do that. I would prefer them to spend ALL OF THEIR TIME ON THE FIGURES. Having said that I think the smart thing is to let your community provide the social media side for you. They would need to let a 3rd party come in and have access to everything. Essentially this is the exact same way Film Studio's handle Marketing for a film. The Best possible pitch wins. This might have a twist to it. I say the best possible and professional group of fans takes the helm and works for Hasbro behind the scenes. This would more than likely save them a few bucks while also beefing up a nice Social media Department at the same time. However, if they don't want to go that route they could just get a representative from some of the sites and allow them to act as ambassadors. Regardless it can be done and I truly feel like everything else is just allowing the team that works solely separate on the social side to handle it and have full access to the content (see things like sketches, mock-ups, developments, studio, artist etc) that would allow them to then bring enough content to make the social side a lot more viable for the fans. This is something that I was working on with a former Hasbro Employee on a completely different line before he left several years ago.I have heard the challenges there and I think I have ways around them but they are not the "cookie cutter" way of doing things and they are BIG and Different as far as toys go.I think that the toy biz needs something radically new in order to really shake things up and make every part worth the money. I personally am not even in the Toy Ind. but my connection to the gentleman who was kind of allowed me to play "what if" in that world and with something like Star Wars or even say...Marvel, they are missing the boat in a big way and I don't blame the team exactly I blame the people way above them. Remember minimal effort with a maximum payout. I do think you are right though. The Hasbro Team should not be doing the Social Element and that was one part of the whole of what I am saying they need to grow. They also need to understand the buyers and the way we buy and why we think things are frustrating and make no sense and they should be able to change those pretty easily. A lot of common sense things but a lot of things that they just need to try.

 

[litofett]

HasLab Proyect: Cantina.... But, make it affordable, one or to sections per year.

 

[keknivek]

The Hasbro Team should not be doing the Social Element and that was one part of the whole of what I am saying they need to grow. They also need to understand the buyers and the way we buy and why we think things are frustrating and make no sense and they should be able to change those pretty easily. A lot of common sense things but a lot of things that they just need to try.

I wonder if Hasbro even has a social media team? It seems odd when questions are raised about when something will be out, like the Walmart Rey figure, and they say 'it's out now'... When it really isn't. I actually thought Pulse was going to be a big thing for them. And then the only news that comes out is from Steve Evans Instagram?????

The Sail Barge was basically left up to fan sites to advertise beyond a few mentions on sites like EW that fans might not ever see because they don't go to that site.
I know a few fans that didn't know it existed until I mentioned it after the fact. One even used to run his own Star Wars site for years.

 

[Masterfett]

Yes, but where else should they have advertised about the Barge? It was a crowdfunding campaign, so there wasn't exactly a budget for TV ads etc.
How is it that all these other crowdfunded action figure lines find an audience?

IMHO, if you're into collecting, you know. If you're not, you don't. No one told these people to leave collecting, or become oblivious to the offerings during that time.
If you really cared at all, you'd keep your ear to the ground on these matters.

Hasbro is after all just a company offering a product, they shouldn't have to search the country side for buyers?

 

[Tulgah]

I agree. Even when I was off this site for six years, I kept track of the hobby. The return of TVC and Haslab brought me back, actually. But it’s true that in 2018 Hasbro is so far behind social media trends that it’s almost unbelievable.

 

[Tulgah]

1). Move all SA figs out of brick-and-morter (they’ve been trying to do that anyway); just have 5-poa and movie figs in stores.

2). Make Haslab an interactive website, requiring a username and password; charge people like $8.99 a year for membership. This would annoy people, but it would ensure that only serious suggestions are made, and it would limit the number of trolls.

3). Create “threads” where people can go and review info on certain franchises and intellectual properties (Star Wars, Transformers, GI Joe, My Little Pony, etc.) and discuss/campaign for products (more on that below).

4).Every year, beginning on a certain date (say, for random example, March 1st) and ending a week later (say, March 7th), people can submit figure requests (or vehicles, or beasts, or playsets, etc., under those headings) as potential Haslab projects. ALL submissions are official and automatically get on the ballet (unless for some good reason Hasbro has to veto them). Anyway, after a short review process, they get on the ballet. You have that one week per year to nominate a character. Haslab alerts/reminds members to log in and submit.

5). People then get until a certain date (say, like three months later, like September 1st at 9:00 p.m. or whatever) to “pay” (commit to buy, just like the barge) for certain figures. They could charge absolutely exorbitant prices (like $24.99 or even a ridiculous $39.99) because they would be hand-picked dream figures. If the character gets the required buys (like 6,000 or 10,000 or 12,000 or whatever they need it to be), it gets made. That year’s SA TVC line is made. They get released over the course of the year, in “waves,” if you will, maybe the highest vote-getters going out first (but all successful submissions going out). It essentially replaces Fan’s Choice, with real results.

6). The next year, you can resubmit a guy. So, you submit Ackmena (Bea Arthur’s character in the Holiday Special). So, she’s on the ballet. People aren’t going there to “vote” for her, but to “buy” her. They’ve committed their $24.99. But, she doesn’t get the required buys (let’s say she only gets 1,113 of the needed 6,000). Over the course of the year, you campaign for her (“I’ll buy your Fozec if you buy my Ackmena”). Then, on March 1st, you can submit her again. It would be like a player waiting to get voted into the Hall of Fame.

7). The first year, Haslab would have to make like 20 figures, because the Pietts and Aloos and (whisper it) Jaxxons of the world would all get their buys. Fan would be ecstatic, because they grass-root crowdfunded their dream fig. Hasbro would have to get after it, but hey, they used to make 40 or 60 figs all the time as standard practice. It would be like Fan’s Choice, but we’d get our top 10 or 12 instead of 1 that not everyone agreed on anyway.

8). Hasbro, there’s no risk. People agree to pay upfront; you charge their card on “September 1st” if the required number is met. It is perfectly democratic, and collectors are over the moon. And you make millions.

 

[keknivek]

Tulgah, Welcome back! Very nice suggestion above^^^

I don't know that I love the idea because now we're looking at trying to make a specific figure be popular enough for people to pay 2-3 times what they would at retail. However, the idea is sound in the fact that with a subscription you would get those that are seriously interested only. I'd pay a small subscription to have access to Hasbro's design team with the agreement that I could potentially get a number of my wish list figures.

I don't know how many of my list would be on other lists, but it would be fun to find out.

This sounds like some seriously outside-the-box thinking that I'm not sure Hasbro will ever be interested in. They are a toy company, so if it doesn't have mass appeal is it worth the time? The Sail Barge showed it is feasible, but sustainable?

Great submission though!

 

[keknivek]

I think with the subscription idea and crowdfunding on top of that, you certainly would get a decent list of characters. I'm pretty sure I'd be annoyed with submissions still though. I don't want a new Tatooine Luke in this format, I should be able to get one of those in the store.
I do want Kitster & Wald, Cliegg Lars, Solomohal, Tonnika Sisters, Fozec, Sim Aloo, and EU characters like Jaxxon and Amaiza, Zayne Carrick and Gryph, Dass Jennir and Bomo Greenbark, .... that sort of thing. Perfect for Comic packs .... sigh.

 

[Hoth_My_Fav]

Ill keep it super simple-

I would suggest if Hasbro could go through the old Kenner catalog of playsets, beasts, figures and vehicles and pick a handful to produce each year, starting with the best selling from the Kenner days.

For those toys that they have released in TVC, as an example, how about looking at upgrading them, whether it be cosmetic or in function.

The Kenner made SW toys started out for the children, now that group has matured and collects as Adults. Somewhere in the mix is the ability for Hasbro to make toys that attracts children to SW toys and gets collectors to collect them at the same time.

 

[keknivek]

Wow... looking at this thread it looks like Hasbro might have been peeking.

My idea #3 is basically the Jabba's Palace Playset and the idea about social media Hasbro Toy Shop and Haslab converging seems to be happening as well.

I need to get some more ideas out there

 

[SW987]

I would like to know why Hasbro NEVER made the Tonnika Sisters !!!!! Back in 2005, Christine Hewitt (Brea) said she would like to see an action figure made of her character and she said Hasbro never approached her, she is now deceased. I spoke to her directly at Celebration III in Indianapolis.

 

[Tulgah]

Dear Hasbro,

Maybe a few less repacks.

 

[JediKern77]

Dear Hasbro,

No more repacks, repaints or retools. For a good long while at least. I'm tired of seeing Jyn Erso on the pegs; Rogue One was 2.5 years ago. Quit releasing the same figures/characters over and over again. At the bottom I posted a list of unreleased 3.75 figures that would give you potentially years worth of new characters to put out.

When you release a new wave or a new line, put out enough for everybody. The Solo wave 4 for example was a real disappointment - elusive to find. I had to go online to get mine and Quay Tolsite was either unavailable or ridiculously expensive (you need to do more against scalpers) due to being packed 1 per case. Pack the already released figures/characters 1 per case if you're gonna skimp.

When there's a movie, put out the coinciding figures/main characters in a timely fashion. The Solo wave 4 is another recent example here as it not only had almost all characters from the movie, but it was 5 months or so after the movie came out.

Have stores be changing out the figures. Target and Walmart overflow the pegs with the first 1 or 2 waves, then that's all that sits there for months even while new waves are coming out.

Make sure that stuff gets released on time. The Kessel playset was 4 months late where I live.

Unreleased 3.75 figures that you should be making instead of recycling the same ones repeatedly:

Star Wars Episode 1: The Phantom Menace
Kitster
Wald
Republic Cruiser Captain
Republic Cruiser Pilot
Tey How
Naboo Security Officer
Ann and Tann Gella
Boles Roor Podracer
Ark “Bumpy” Roose Podracer
Neva Kee Podracer
Elan Mak Podracer
Aldar Beedo Podracer
Ebe Endocott Podracer
Wan Sandage Podracer
Erdan
Jira
Sei Taria
Senator Bail Antilles
Senator Mot-Not Rab
Senator Toonbuck Toorra
Senator Edcel Bar Gane

Star Wars Episode 2: Attack of the Clones
Cliegg Lars
Corde
Dorme
Hermione Bagwa
Queen Jamillia
Ko Sai
Rune Haako
Senator Padme Amidala – Chancellor’s office
Senator Padme Amidala – Packing

Star Wars Episode 3: Revenge of the Sith
Nute Gunray
Rune Haako
Senator Padme Amidala – Reunited
Senator Padme Amidala – Birth of the Empire
Senator Padme Amidala – Chancellor Meeting
Queen Apailana
Ruwee Naberrie
Jobal Naberrie
Sola Naberrie
Ryoo Naberrie
Pooja Naberrie
Senator Fang Zar
Senator Giddean Danu
Senator Sweitt Concorkill

Solo:
Dryden Vos
Falthina Sharest
Mimban Fighter
Aemon Gremm
Sagwa
Hylobon Goon
Viper Droid

Star Wars: Rebels
Ezra Bridger – Season 3/4
Kanan Jarrus – Season 3/4
Rukh
Agent Kallus – Season 4
Admiral Sato
Ryder Ezadi
Minister Tua

Rogue One:

Star Wars Episode 4: A New Hope
Deak
Windy
Commander Prajji
Captain Khurgee
Tonnika Twins
Yerka Mig
Rycar Ryjerd
Arleil Schous

Star Wars Episode 5: The Empire Strikes Back
Lt. Cecious
Lt. Sheckil
Hoth Deck Officer
E-3PO

Star Wars Episode 6: Return of the Jedi
Fozec

Star Wars Episode 7: The Force Awakens
Lor San Tekka
Jess Pava
Leia Organa (General Outfit)
First Order Fleet Engineer
Bazine Netal
Grummgar
GA-97
First Order Officer
Kanjiklub Gang
Major Brance
Admiral Statura
Korr Sella
Chancellor Villecham

Star Wars Episode 8: The Last Jedi
Attendant/Navigator
Slowen Lo
Colonel Garmuth
Vice Admiral Holdo
General Ematt
Ach To Caretaker
Bargwill Tomder
Temiri Blagg
Master Codebreaker
Captain Canady
Captain Peavey
Lt. Connix
First Order Officer

 

[darth_sidious]

"

No more repacks, repaints or retools." If only they'd listen and slow those down...the majority of TVC releases are boring, and I don't buy them. I honestly don't mind the rehashes, but we need a better ratio that will secure interest from longtime hardcore collectors. We all get that there are some new collectors that might be interested, but I'm willing to bet their numbers are insignificant, just like how the number of kids buying these has dwindled heavily. The core collecting community the loves 3.75 figures is really being let down with TVC. Once in awhile we get a gem like Yakface, but that's rare these days. My advice - produce the fan favorites and new aliens that we've been asking for year after year, while the consumers are still there. Use the Imperial Dignitary Sim Aloo as an example - he is the last Kenner movie figure never to be resculpted in any form in the modern lines. He ranked highly in Fan's Choice polls - yet still nothing. Tossing a character like that in a wave will only help sales in my opinion - if I'm chasing him down, there is a higher chance I'll buy more figures from the wave. If I'm bored with the selection, I don't simply buy whats available - I leave it, and end up purchasing nothing.​

 

[JediKern77]

Dear Hasbro,

To continue from my previous post, since you re-started the vintage collection, 9 of those figures you've put out have been re-packs. Going back to TFA, 8 of the figures in that line were re-packs, plus 2 of the 2-packs were re-packs/re-released figures or characters. You did the best with Rogue One, with only 1 re-hashed character plus 1 2-pack. TLJ had 3 single re-packs and 2 2-packs. The worst one you did was the Solo line with 9 repacked single figures, 1 -2-pack and 2 creatures. Basically without all of the repacks, repaints and retools you could have put out 40% of my above list by now.

 

[keknivek]

Dear Hasbro,

To continue from my previous post, since you re-started the vintage collection, 9 of those figures you've put out have been re-packs. Going back to TFA, 8 of the figures in that line were re-packs, plus 2 of the 2-packs were re-packs/re-released figures or characters. You did the best with Rogue One, with only 1 re-hashed character plus 1 2-pack. TLJ had 3 single re-packs and 2 2-packs. The worst one you did was the Solo line with 9 repacked single figures, 1 -2-pack and 2 creatures. Basically without all of the repacks, repaints and retools you could have put out 40% of my above list by now.

No offense to you or your list, but about about half of those characters you listed I couldn't pick out of a lineup so Hasbro certainly isn't going to. I 100% agree that they need more new characters though, especially aliens and droids.

This isn't a direct line to Hasbro, but if you have thought out ideas on things Hasbro can do to make the whole of the Star Wars line more healthy, by all means share away.

 

[keknivek]

IDEA #6:

Who are the MAIN characters in Star Wars? I think you can pick those out. There are certainly Tiers in terms of how much focus is on a character. Luke, Leia, Rey, Kylo, Han, Vader... clearly these are top tier characters. Other characters come to the top due to popularity like Boba Fett, Jango Fett, or Darth Maul.

Want to hear a sad stat? 2004 was the last articulated ANH Princess Leia. That means the only 3 3/4" figure of Princess Leia a 15 year old child would have been able to purchase in a store would have been a 5POA or Titanium figure. This is where my idea comes in.

Rotation of Main Characters to keep them in the line.

1) Every 4 years at least, we should see a rotation of the main characters in some form coming out as an NA (Necessary Articulation) figure. I chose 4 years because the action figures have routinely stated that they are for Ages 4 and Up. This means we would essentially have main characters slated into a certain number of spots every year and the rest of the line for everything else. I know this is not a perfect idea because CLEARLY there is a limit to anything that could be done over those 4 year rotations, but then you supplement with Multipacks.

2) The Multipack, Battle Pack, Screen Scene, etc has completely gone away? They underproduced most of these and the majority of them go for double at least on the secondary market. I see the concept of multiple figures from a scene or multiple similar figures as being a huge win for everyone.
***IF, and that's a big IF... they can keep them fresh.
I don't know the logistics of repainting or kitbashing a figure. (If you look at one of my other IDEAS... it was to universalize the head, arm and leg connectors for ease of kitbashing.) What I DO know, is that people will buy a clean Stormtrooper, a dirty Stormtrooper, and a Battle Damaged Stormtrooper and not blink an eye. They would do the same with core characters in different costumes and/or variations in paint applications.

I envision wave one having 6 figures where 4 of them are mains in some capacity (Tier 1 with some Tier 2) and 2 are much more obscure. Let's say there are 6 waves... one every 2 months. Let's also say there are 4 multipacks, one per quarter, with a few exclusives scattered around. (I can't guess at what or who would be getting exclusives, but you can assume one for SDCC, Walmart, Target, Amazon, or EE...whatevs)

That gives us 24 main characters and 12 more obscure characters per year in the main line. If the 4 multipacks are a mixture, let's just put a number of figures for those a 16 and I'm going to ignore the exclusives because I can. Those 4 multipacks might be annoying to some because ( A ) you know it would likely be 3 figures you have that are just different enough and 1 that you really want, but they could ( B ) easily do some troop building there as well. You would have some repacks, but those aren't necessarily bad, especially if we ( C ) change up some paint or give some new accessories to add to the perceived value.

( A ) Beat up Luke Bespin, Darth Vader Bespin duel, Mustache Bespin Guard, Lando. Luke and Vader need to be in the line and so does Lando, so would you buy this for the Mustache Guard? Some would buy because they never got the others.

( B ) A couple Resistance Troopers with General Leia and TFA Han. We should already have those last 2, but even if I did, I'd probably buy for the troopers. *yes I realize these are all new, but those last two... the fact we don't have them is insane.

( C ) Cassian, Jyn (with Death Star Plans), 5POA K-2SO (Blasted), and New articulated Krennic. Take off Cassian's jacket, new arms, dirty him up... Dirty up Jyn as well.


In those three scenarios we have Luke, Vader, Leia, Han, Lando, Cassian, Jyn and yet they don't feel like bad multipacks. Then you can push a few of the second tier characters into the main line.

Wouldn't you take 12 relatively obscure characters per year? It wouldn't take too long for this to be exciting again. 36 individual figures and 16 in multipacks should be doable. They've done that with 5POA and can be done with NA (necessary articulation).

**Just because I have to... my 12 obscure characters: New Labria, Fozec, Taym Dren Garen, New Padme (Tatooine), Wollivan, Pre Sweevant, Kitster & Wald, Patrol Trooper (Solo), Knight of Ren, Knight of Ren, Cloud Rider, Cloud Rider

 

[Waggy]

Dear Hasbro,

Please, please, pretty please ignore all of the posts above and below this one. The SW fans are deluded and have a sense of entitlement that far surpasses both their knowledge and expertise.

Please keep doing what you’re doing.

Regards,

Waggy

 

[JediKern77]

The characters I listed all had speaking parts in the movies or they are featured prominently in the visual guides. Check 'em out. Hasbro needs to quit doing so many re-packs. As I said here's a good couple years worth of new stuff instead of the same tired repetition.

 

[keknivek]

Dear Hasbro,

Please, please, pretty please ignore all of the posts above and below this one. The SW fans are deluded and have a sense of entitlement that far surpasses both their knowledge and expertise.

Please keep doing what you’re doing.

Regards,

Waggy

Cute... and very helpful.

Not sure how entitlement figures into this thread, but whatever. This is no different than any wishlist that's been created over the last 40+ years. Congratulations though on being the first person I've seen that thinks Hasbro is right on the money with their lack of distribution and lack of product.