Repacks Returning To Stores Near You

Hasbro Hedging Bets On New Collectors

Hasbro knows the cost of redesigning packaging is much less than the costs involved in producing new toys. With the release of the New Clone movie on DVD they also seem to be hoping to tempt new collectors (or kids who simply want to play) into buying figures that have already been made available several times in the recent past. The boxes may be different, but the figure selection, mold, and even the paint applications are all the same.

Even with newer sculpts and paint schemes available for specific figures, Hasbro is continuing to push out sets it has already offered. The new Clone Wars wave 5 Kit Fisto, which is arguably the best sculpt we've seen of the Jedi master yet, is right around the corner and still the Jedi vs. Darth Sidious, which is on it's third round of packaging, incorporates the 2005 Revenge of the Sith sculpt. Why? Because in these hard economic times Hasbro must get the most money they can for every mold they produce. (Who would buy a new Kit Fisto single-pack if the new figure was in a re-issue multi-pack? And will the older sculpts really matter at all to the kids who just want some Jedi and an Emperor to play good-guys/Bad Guys with?)

Clone Attack on Corsucant and Jedi Training Training on Dagobah are also receiving the packaging update for their own 3rd releases.

Collectors who once collected every packaging style of every set are finding themselves a bit strapped as three purchases of a single set makes their cost $75 per set to complete their collections. Many are waiting until future years when they can buy the sets for large percentages off at conventions, garage sales, and people dumping collections on eBay.

The kids? It's just what the doctor ordered! For $25 Mom and Dad can put a five figure set under the Christmas tree and watch the joy as their child replays out the Dagobah scenes with Luke, R2-D2, Yoda, Obi-Wan Kenobi, and even the spirit of Darth Vader!

Hasbro has always insisted that they were in it for the kids, and not the collectors. This year they're sticking to their guns. Collectors may grumble about re-releases but the future of Star Wars fans is solidly cemented in the availability of affordable Star Wars action figures for the next generation.