This is the time of year that most action figure fans and collectors look forward to, as many new products are unveiled at New York Toy Fair, which is just a few short weeks away. But earlier today, at USAToday.com, Hasbro unveiled a new 'Star Wars' Black Series line of action figures.
Over the last few days, there were plenty of rumors floating around Star Wars fan sites and message boards about a new line of action figures, but until this morning, nothing was confirmed. According to the report in USA Today, the new figures are on a larger scale and will focus on characters from the original movie. However, there are already plans for a Darth Maul figure (from Episode 1 in 1999) in the first wave. So, the original movie characters may not be the sole focus.
The initial wave, which is set to debut in August, features Luke Skywalker (X-Wing), Darth Maul, R2-D2 and an Imperial Sandtrooper. There are eight figures planned for 2013.
Hasbro has tried a mix of other sizes and has not really “hit the nail on the head” with any of them. Any lines outside of the always popular 3 ¾ inch line, has either been cancelled by Hasbro even though collectors liked it (I still miss the Unleashed line) or they sold so poorly they cancelled them mid-production. These 6-inch figures could be appealing since they will feature more articulation and crisper details, but the $19.99 each, price point might be just high enough to scare off parents and deemed “not worthy” at that price from diehard 3 ¾ fans.
Derryl DePriest , Hasbro vice president of boys marketing was quoted in the article as saying:
"We consider them the best figures that Hasbro's ever produced for Star Wars that meets the sensibilities of romancing the character as well as the playability and poseability that fans really appreciate. The Black Series will act as a transitional point between the 3¾-inch toys — which is rooted in the childhood memories of generations of now-grown kids,"
This question was posted on the Yodasnews.com Facebook page - “ 6” Black Series. Like? Dislike?” – As of this posting, it has 78 “Thumbs Up” and 27 comments and a surprising 90% of the comments were in favor of the new line, with some comments like “Love Them” from Manuel to “More Star Wars Toys? Absolutely!!!” by Kathy . We should have much more information in a few weeks when the Hasbro Collector’s event kicks off on February 9th, but collectors and parents wallets will be the final verdict on if this lines gets past the inaugural one in 2013.
Comments