Here we go! Here we go! Here we go!
OK, so… I'm over here in this little corner for the moment until some site issues are resolved. I'm going to be free and clear to write as I see fit. (It's very empowering and uplifting.)
Oh, but meanwhile… Let's talk toys.
Cool factoid (that I'm not sure I've seen elsewhere) – the new BaR2-D2 features removable cups (that attach to pegs on the "bar" part). That's so much cooler than I ever imagined, and I hope the factory can pull off the sturdier (but not brittle) "bar" piece to make this the best R2-D2 ever. [Hasbro, please consider selling the more "rugged" BaR2-D2 directly to the collector market (via HasbroToyShop.com and other e-tailers.) We'll be gentle. Note that's not a paid/sponsored link.]
Is the new modern/Vintage Collection C-3PO made with the removable face/mask so that a future update (probably exclusive) can feature the face of Anthony Daniels behind the mask? I doubt that we'll see it in time for Comic-Con 2011, but there was a whisper campaign about the very cool idea (especially considering that Anthony Daniels has graciously hosted so much for fans/collectors).
Who isn't getting an exclusive one-of-a-kind figure these days??? I happily welcome Jon Stewart and Mr. Howard Roffman to the club. At Toy Fair 2008 I ramblingly thanked Mr. Roffman for his amazing contribution to the hobby, and his foresight that took a little "space movie" and turned it into the very messy roommate that seems to leave its mark all over my house. (Is it too late to ask LFL to hire someone to archive and organize my collection as a prize?) Bugger…
So… the Droid Factory Galactic Swap Meet was a notable success. Kids LOVED it. Collectors brought parts that I'd never imagine they would part with. I stood by (a lot) watching and getting a kick out of seeing children beam with happiness when they traded a part to finish that one droid that they really needed to finish. (Star Wars kids are sharp and very precocious. I was stunned to see that they have such determination and focus.) It was one of the few things that could be done for FREE at the big show, and Hasbro really stepped up to the plate to make the Droid Factory Galactic Swap Meet a great experience. At the end of the show, I had traded enough that I was just handing out droids to kids.
That said, I'm crossing my fingers and hoping that Hasbro will whip up a Droid Factory/Build-A-Droid playset (which can be mostly cardboard even). I think the Droid Factory Galactic Swap Meet was proof that kids and collectors LOVE building droids. Also, Team Hasbro was asked repeatedly if the Droid Factory Galactic Swap Meet would "open up swap" at future events, and I think we might see the Jawas from Rhode Island haul out their Sandcrawler (and its treasure trove) for future events. Maybe we can convince them to make an exclusive droid (paint job) that is ONLY available by swapping pieces? [Blogger's Note: I like droids, what can I say?]
As always, feel free to comment, and we'll hope that Hasbro will hear our pleas and create a Droid Factory set (but don't call it a playset). I think the p-word is the kiss-of-death.
