Toyfare Magazine - War Games

What two words best sum up the past 12 months for Star Wars collectors? Emotional rollercoaster.

After the release of Star Wars-Episode 1: The Phantom Menace - which disappointed as many fans as it delighted - Star Wars products were plentiful. Beyond plentiful. The unfortunate by-product? A lack of new figures, since retailers couldn’t find room amidst the teeming legions of Jar Jar Binks figures choking the nation’s narrow toy aisles.

Though nothing can take back those excessive Jar Jars, Hasbro assured fans at this August’s GenCon - the largest gaming convention of the year - that it’s rethinking its plan for Star Wars.

Here’s a rundown of what 2001 will hold for Star Wars toys.

How is the Power of the Jedi line different from the Power of the Force?

Including a mix of new and classic figures, POTJ will see a new and spiffy consolidated design on the packaging, whether it’s the prequel’s Lott Dodd or the original trilogy’s Lando Calrissian. The icon has been replaced by young Obi-Wan and his one-time apprentice Darth Vader, as they represent both sides of the Force and are perhaps the two most significant characters in the saga. And say goodbye to the much-maligned CommTech chips Instead, each figure will include a Jedi Force File - a small foldout brochure featuring lots of cool info on your fave characters.

What new figures will the POTJ line include? When can I get them?

The Episode 1 line will include Anakin’s mom, Shmi Skywalker as well as new versions of Boss Nass, Anakin and the ever-exasperating Jar Jar Binks. Also on tap for 2001 are several classic figures like a new Bespin Luke Skywalker - complete with bloodied face and that trademark tousled hair, a Bespin Darth Vader, General Leia Organa, tubby pilot Jek Porkins and Ben Kenobi. K-3PO and a new Biker Scout could possibly be made available around the holidays.

What’s up with Hasbro’s recent acquisition of Wizards of the Coast?

Look for Wizards of the Coast to release an exclusive figure of the young Wookiee Rorworr, a character from the upcoming roleplaying game. According to WotC representatives, the figure will be included with the starter level set of the Star Wars adventure roleplaying game due this November. This set, which includes basic rules and everything a gamer needs to get started, will retail for $14.95.

What’s the deal with the Target exclusive figures?

Target has already ordered 2000 skiffs with Luke Skywalker, which will be available on their website, target.com, beginning in October. The 12-inch speeder bikes will also be appearing in larger quantities this fall.

Tell me everything you can about the new 300th edition Boba Fett!

This figure won’t be carded, but will come in super-special display packaging. With articulated arms, Fett will have a cloth cape and possibly a missile-firing backpack. Although Boba will initially be released in limited quantities before Christmas, don’t go spending your savings bidding for everyone’s favorite bounty hunter on eBay just yet; Fett will be plentiful early next year.

What about R2-D2 with Holographic Princess Leia?

Hasbro is looking into ways to get more of this extremely rare figure out to the public, possibly through the Star Wars Fan Club.

How will the Episode II line be handled differently from the Episode 1 line?

Expect a far more conservative amount of Episode II figures, primarily because of the mountain of leftover Episode I stuff that prevented the release of new Star Wars merchandise. Expect the Episode II roll-out to begin with at least one “sneek peek” figure.

Can you please tell me who the Episode II sneak-peek figure will be? Please?

Hasbro’s keeping it under wraps, so keep guessing.

So when will the Episode II sneak-peek figure be available?

Look for the sneak-peek figure by late summer or early fall 2001, about 10 months before we’re graced with the presence of Episode II.

[photo coming soon]