VC Blowback

 This past week, Hasbro revealed new VC items. Well, 2 new things along with 2 old things not available for a while. Needless to say, the VC collecting community did NOT like what was shown. Takes me back to an older post:

https://sundaystarwars.blogspot.com/2021/11/are-star-wars-collectors-spoiled.html


So what are collectors griping about now?! For starters, the reveals were an AT-ST with an uncarded Chewbacca from Return of the Jedi. The second reveal was the Endor Bunker with a carded Rebel Commando in Biker Scout disguise. All fine and good. Or so I thought. Boy was I wrong.

Now, for the AT-ST it is a repack of previous versions, so it's old. A problem had been its legs not being stable. In the video promoting the release, Chris from Hasbro says they have a fix on that problem, although the video was under a minute so he didn't show how. Personally if they use a sturdier plastic it should be alright in my opinion. Also that sculpt for the AT-ST isn't bad, and the paint apps seen in the release are a huge improvement over the Black Series and Best Buy exclusive Raider AT-ST. Now Chewbacca doesn't exactly fit in the cockpit, and he doesn't come on a card, which is another reason why collectors are upset. While the VC won't likely get a ROTJ carded Chewbacca next year, I predict one for 2024, it will come so only for that I am being optimistic. The $90 price tag has some sticker shock but as you can see buying groceries, paying utilities the prices are all going up.

Now the Endor Bunker I thought was the star of the reveals! The bunker is an all new sculpt, and although it is like the 1997 piece, it is taller, has better working doors and even a latch for Han Solo to hot wire the doors. There's even a socket for R2 to "plug in"! Now based on the picture, fitting Han & Leia should be easy. Also fitting R2 & 3PO might not work. Now for the Biker Scout, it's the same buck, but this time with a Nik Sant/Rex head sculpt with a removable helmet. But this figure is on a card, which has collectors happy. But the $60 price tag isn't popular, as expected. But inflation, blah blah blah. I already talked about it.

Several sites made some valid points. Collectors now have to vote with their wallets. True. But saying these releases are "mediocre", I cannot agree with. Hasbro, like us has increasing labor, materials, etc. To make ends meet and pay their workers, and make products they have to raise prices. It's just the way things are now. I argue that competition at the 3.75 inch scale would be good for Hasbro to have (see my post from a few months ago on this very subject here: https://sundaystarwars.blogspot.com/2022/08/what-if-other-toy-companies-made-118.html). Sure, we'd love a new mold for the AT-ST, we'd love to get a newly sculpted Chewbacca. But Hasbro's cost analysis says different. Otherwise it would be new.

As far as the products: judge for yourself if they're worth it. The Bunker is a buy, for me anyway. How about you? 

1. AT-ST and Chewbacca

2. Endor Bunker and Rebel Commando 

Images from Entertainment Earth and Hasbro PR