The Case For Supporting The Gunship HasLab

 Honestly, I don't like to do multiple blog posts in a week. Sure, it was fun with the VC Top 25 in 2025. But, it wore me out. But then I read articles on websites and get gems like this in the comments section in one of them: 

Yeah. So these 2 "experts" have made their points known. Okay. I've seen similar comments on another fan site, but these 2 stood out the most. Another commentator on the same site had a even headed assessment: 

I had go black out the screenshots because I didn't ask their permission to use them. While this commentor makes a sane point, this isn't 2013 anymore. Wages of workers has gone up, the demand for plastics has gone up, tariffs are a thing now, and the action figure industry hasn't been the same since Covid hit the world. Also, there's no longer a Toys R Us, where something like this could be sold at. And no brick and mortar retailer would want a large Hasbro vehicle, how many Target stores actually had the Smugglers Run Millennium Falcon physically on a shelf? None in my state did. Could it have been a Pulse exclusive? If they had the old Gunship mold, maybe. But this is something brand new. And with a LOT more detail than the older VC version, which came out in 2013. 

I took that screenshot off the Rebelscum photo archive, but in 2013, it cost $120. If it were released as is, in 2025  according to an inflation calculator this is how much it would cost: 

So in today's money $166 more or less. That's what it would cost, assuming wages, materials, labor, paint, and everything else stayed at 2013 level prices. With as of this moment (July 29th), the Gunship HasLab sits at 2373 backers, with 8,000 needed to fund. I'm going to make a case for why you should back this, if financially able to do so. 

Before I begin, I would love to back it. But I have the possibility of a surgical procedure happening, and I have car maintenance I need to do. So, for those reasons, I'm not able to back it. Especially if I do need surgery, which would mean I'd have to take out a loan, which would tie me up for a while. 

REFUTING THE NAYSAYERS 

1. I can get an older one for a lower price. 

Hahahahahahahaha!!!! Check this out: 

Sure, there are some that are under the HasLab price. But what are you getting? 

In these cases, you get either an older version, or versions that are incomplete. One seller offers some good figures, but you're taking a chance on sellers, although these sellers are highly rated. I've been gun shy on eBay for a while, so you can go this route. But, for a lot less money, you can get an all new Gunship that has far more detail, and fits better with modern figures. 

2. It's too expensive! 

Well, yeah. But it will never be as low of a price as it is now. If you want it, and can afford it, then now is the time. 

3. It's too large to display! 

Chris at BanthaSkull made a great point: the display stand included gives you many display options. It can go on a desk, or any level on a bookshelf. More advanced displays it could be attached to the ceiling, you get the point. 

4. Hasbro is greedy! Why not make this for stores?!

Well, yeah. Their goal is to make money. But as I pointed out retail has changed. Toy sections shrink, retailers have gone out of business. The Toys R Us at Macy's barely has any toys, or space for something like this. 

5. Why aren't all the tiers available from the get go?! 

Well because then it isn't fun! If the Gunship is the cake, the tiers are the decorative icing. We could get them all, and I'm certain the cost is figured into the project. I had fun with the Ghost and Cantina tiers, seeing where it would go, etc. It's fun! If the HasLab fully funds, there's a chance the tiered figures get a future release on a different card image, and number. 

6. I'm not going to buy something I already have!

Okay. Let me ask you this: did you ever upgrade a vehicle before? I had the POTF2 X-Wing which was a reuse of the Kenner X-Wing. Then I got Red Leader's X-Wing and then Luke's X-Wing. It's better, more detailed, and I can fit an R2-D2 in the droid socket. The new Landspeeder looks great, and Darth Vader's TIE Fighter looks like a miniature film prop. If you haven't upgraded any older vehicle with a new one, your argument there holds zero weight. 

7. I'm waiting on the (Death Star, Sandcrawler, Theed Palace, etc). 

That's fine.  I get saving money, I'm in the same boat. But, while it may not be YOUR dream, it could very well be someone else's dream. I've commented a few times in the past that a Gunship HasLab makes sense. The OT has had a great run with HasLab's: and now it's time for Prequel fans to get in on the action. Younger people, especially on YouTube prefer the Prequels over the OT. And for the Prequel fans: this is your shot to get more one day in the future! So if your finances can handle it, please consider it. 

MAKING THE CASE

Before I go, here are the final points:

1. Display stand gives better options for storage.

2. It will never be as cheap as it is right now.

3. It may not be your dream, but it's someone elses.

4. There will never be a better version down the road. 

5. It's okay to pass if you can't afford it. The Vintage Collection won't end. 

And that's a wrap. Thanks for reading!