SW TV Figures

[ProgMatinee]

I really hope SSC and LFL are in cooperation to provide SW TV series figures in a TIMELY manner.

Star Wars has traditionally been on the ball with immediate marking campaigns and figure releases with everything from the Special Editions to the prequels and even the whole Shadows of the Empire.

SSC has occassionaly been on the ball to provide items for a current campaign, such as Fantastic Four or Van Helsing, but usually they release stuff way after its release such as LOTR and now Shaun of the Dead. They still haven't produced a Casino Royale Bond.

What I am hoping for is that LFL and SSC get together prior to the airing and start working together so that SSC can be a part whats sure to be a huge marketing bonanza and not be left 6 months to a year behind.

 

[pfronz]

It would be cool if they got some Force Unleashed stuff done to coincide w/ the multimedia release as well. I'm thinking specifically about that female Imperial officer...

 

[MaulFan]

That sounds cool and all, but with the pace things are at, I'd rather see dioramas from the TV series if anything, or maybe 1-2 figures from it, but there are just too many characters to touch upon from the films, I'd rather the focus stay on touching all the main bases their before getting too heavily into the EU. So far, we've had 2 EU pieces in like 20+ offerings, I'd like to keep that pace, we still have people like Lando, Tarkin, OT Palpatine, Dooku, etc. that should get the SSC treatment before a new show.

 

[ProgMatinee]

That sounds cool and all, but with the pace things are at, I'd rather see dioramas from the TV series if anything, or maybe 1-2 figures from it, but there are just too many characters to touch upon from the films, I'd rather the focus stay on touching all the main bases their before getting too heavily into the EU. So far, we've had 2 EU pieces in like 20+ offerings, I'd like to keep that pace, we still have people like Lando, Tarkin, OT Palpatine, Dooku, etc. that should get the SSC treatment before a new show.

I definately would prefer film characters over EU, but a film or show opening only happens once, so if SSC is ever going to make figures from the show, I would want them to do it when the show is fresh and hot. Not years afterwards.

 

[pixletwin]

I would have to see the show first and feel invested in the characters... then maybe I would consider buying figs based on the show. But as a marketing tool for the show before its really gotten a foot hold yet? I say "NAY!"

 

[Batty]

I don't want to stir the pot, but look how long it's taken us NOT to get Vader.

 

[MaulFan]

I definately would prefer film characters over EU, but a film or show opening only happens once, so if SSC is ever going to make figures from the show, I would want them to do it when the show is fresh and hot. Not years afterwards.

True, but the show is also going to be full of new characters we won't know much about most likely. Unless there's characters like Darth Maul where there's collectibles appeal just from a few pre-release images, these figures would be tough sellers; no one will know what characters they like or not and be making choices on who they want to collect yet. I think it'd be a poor business move to make stuff from the series before knowing who's hot or not. The films usually saturated the market with known selling characters, then the rest would follow once popularity was gaged, or LFL makes a decision on wanting to push someone like Grievous was pushed for ROTS. There may be characters I'll want as figures from the show, and there may be ones that just seeing them as a figure with no background I may be interested in, but I'm not going to buy a figure then find out the character sucks and wish I had my money back, and I'm sure many collectors would approach it with the same reservations because afterall, just because it's Star Wars doesn't mean this show won't be a bust and tank after a season.

 

[ProgMatinee]

True, but the show is also going to be full of new characters we won't know much about most likely. Unless there's characters like Darth Maul where there's collectibles appeal just from a few pre-release images, these figures would be tough sellers; no one will know what characters they like or not and be making choices on who they want to collect yet. I think it'd be a poor business move to make stuff from the series before knowing who's hot or not. The films usually saturated the market with known selling characters, then the rest would follow once popularity was gaged, or LFL makes a decision on wanting to push someone like Grievous was pushed for ROTS. There may be characters I'll want as figures from the show, and there may be ones that just seeing them as a figure with no background I may be interested in, but I'm not going to buy a figure then find out the character sucks and wish I had my money back, and I'm sure many collectors would approach it with the same reservations because afterall, just because it's Star Wars doesn't mean this show won't be a bust and tank after a season.

Thats true. I guess I'm assuming there will be atleast 1 marquee character that LFL will be basing the marketing push right off the bat with that they can supply SSC with enough details and such for them to run with it.

Maybe a teenage Boba Fett or something.

 

[pixletwin]

Has it been confirmed that Daniel Logan is playing Fett? He is actually looking cool enough to go on playing Fett...

 

[Darklord Dave]

I would doubt we'd see any of the TV characters until well after they debut. It's not like a new feature film where a company has to release product to coincide with it's first appearance. Everyone knows what Star Wars is - it ain't going anywhere.

 

[MaulFan]

Thats true. I guess I'm assuming there will be atleast 1 marquee character that LFL will be basing the marketing push right off the bat with that they can supply SSC with enough details and such for them to run with it.

Maybe a teenage Boba Fett or something.

Like I said, it could be a great show, and I'm sure there will be some central character, it wouldn't be entertaining if you were just shown a random series of events, and likely Lucas will push that character from a marketing standpoint, but just because it's pushed doesn't mean the fans will take to it. Grievous is a good example of where design image sells, but character doesn't. I think a lot of people agree that his film performance wasn't as badass as the CW Cartoon led us to hope for, it was nice, but from ROTS, his design was the better aspect. I'm anxious to see where the series goes, but because it's live action and TV, that limits who will make appearances from the films, and that means we'll see mainly new characters and the story will have to develop to grow attachment. My guess is Lucas' Clone Wars sees more marketing than the live action series, at least out of the gate.

 

[OSCORP]

Bring em on i'll take em.

 

[ProgMatinee]

I was pretty cool with Hasbro running out of the gate with Shadows of the Empire...even if it didn't have the biggest success story. A company making SOTE figures now would not have much success...

I'm pretty sure SSC could sell at least as many of an unknown and unproven character as they did with the Ilum Padme, so I wouldn't be concerned about fan rejection of the series affecting sales. If anything, waiting to see if the show succeeds could cost them business because even with a successful series, I doubt SSC increases the production much.

Pix, last I heard on Daniel Logan was that Rick McCullum was pushing for him to play Fett if Fett were to appear.

 

[MaulFan]

I don't know if you could use Shadows as a template, those were $5 figures, not $75, people will be more particular about buying something that pricey if it's totally unknown. Why wouldn't Shadows collectibles do well now? I thought it was a great story, a nicely done Xizor 1/6 would look great with the intricacy of the wardrobe in the comics plus the design of his portrait.

 

[Stendec]

Im pretty sure that scripts for the new series will be written with potential merchandise in mind

 

[pixletwin]

Im pretty sure that scripts for the new series will be written with potential merchandise in mind

Yeah, thats a no brainer.

 

[The Mike]

I don't want to stir the pot, but look how long it's taken us NOT to get Vader.

We don't have Vader because of the armor issue NOT because its Vader. I'm assuming if Hasbro is gearing up for the FORCE UNLEASHED and Lucas himself is getting involved in a full media campaign then I would just assume that other licensees are gearing up as well. I expect the TV Show to be hitting with the full force of one of the films in terms of merchandising and exposure so I'd say its a safe bet to get characters from those shows weaved in with the existing lines.

As for the FORCE UNLEASHED? I'd think if SSC was going to provide 1/6 figures from that line we'd get an offshoot of that line specifically titled "FORCE UNLEASHED" that will have a specific number of releases and then go away.

 

[IrishJedi]

My guess is Lucas' Clone Wars sees more marketing than the live action series, at least out of the gate.

Exactly. Don't forget that Lucasfilm is going to be pushing licensees to crank out product based on the upcoming new CLONE WARS 3-D Animated series long before we see stuff from the live action show (which probably won't air until 2010 or 2011 anyway).

 

[The Mike]

The question is with the Clone Wars 3-D cartoon heading out will SSC create figures that are realistic likenesses like they did with Asajj and Padme to accompany?

 

[IrishJedi]

The question is with the Clone Wars 3-D cartoon heading out will SSC create figures that are realistic likenesses like they did with Asajj and Padme to accompany?

My guess would be "Yes", if they focus on any new CW characters at all.

Then again, a lot of the main characters in the show are core characters from the prequels anyway (Plo Koon, Dooku, etc). But perhaps we'll see Anakin in his CW gear or Obi-Wan with some clone armor (yeah, right )...