1. So, [Hasbro's new action figure line, the 4-inch] Epic Hero Series... what are the odds it gets to wave 2? $10 action figures of toyetic characters that kids today might actually want to buy seems like a really good idea…but if it’s Walmart exclusive, that's probably going to hurt its visibility...
--James

I have good news - this isn't the only wave, and Walmart isn't getting it as an exclusive (so far as I know, it's offered to all accounts.) Walmart stores seem to have the Deluxe figures and - it appears - solid-packed cases of Darth Vader and The Mandalorian right now, but I had been previously informed anyone who wants to stock these figures can do so.

Granted anything can happen that suddenly causes an item to not materialize, but I would bet money that wave 2 will, eventually, be produced. Seeing we had no fanfare of any kind for wave 1, which just hit, it might be a while before Hasbro feels like actually playing up what could be a pretty interesting development. If it turns out Walmart is the only retail store that carries these in the end, it might not have much of a future - but it looks like Mando is selling at the one Walmart near me that has stocked these so far.

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2. Did you get any other questions this week?
--You

Nope! It's been slower lately, but that doesn't mean I won't have something interesting for you to watch. Dana Gould's Hanging with Dr. Z series is back for another season, and if you remember the pre-internet era you should probably give it a look. It's a fake comedy talk show with one of my favorite comics in Planet of the Apes 1970s-chic clothing with a set to match. You'll love it.

There won't be a New York Toy Fair in 2024, but that doesn't mean we won't have news. The Bad Batch will be back for a triple-header season premiere on February 21 and, as you've noticed, there isn't much 3 3/4-inch toy news to be had there. The Acolyte season 1 and Andor season 2 are both expected later in 2024. Skeleton Crew is also currently expected in 2024. I doubt Lucasfilm is going to cram three full seasons of live-action Star Wars at the end of the year, so anyone going to Vegas may want to put $50 on one of these being pushed to 2025. It's also worth noting that Young Jedi Adventures is currently running new episodes, and other short-form programming is probably likely.

If you have a question, please Email me with Q&A in the subject line and I'll do my best to get you an answer, if I can.

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FIN

What a week.

I was sad to hear that Carl Weathers died - he's one of those guys who you knew from beyond Star Wars thanks to decades of incredible roles. He is missed.

The big news I was alluding to last week was Entertainment Earth Announces Appointment of Billy Lagor to CEO. I've worked with Entertainment Earth for years and while I don't know what Aaron and Jason are up to next, I can tell you that ex-Hasbro Billy Lagor was hired to work at Hasbro a long time ago by Derryl DePriest, and that he worked on G.I. Joe during the Valor vs. Venom and the DTC products. Those had a lot of really nice toys and creative ideas on there, plus Derryl wrote the book on G.I. Joe and did not hand over the brand lightly. Does that have anything to do with being CEO? Probably not. But I thought it was interesting.

A new HasLab is up for Transformers Omega Prime, a toy I was old enough to buy as an import in college. The price is lower than the last reissue of the toy with the original molds, plus has a companion figure. As I write this, there are no known plans for a date for the next Star Wars crowdfund, but Masters of the Universe Origins Eternia - a Mattel Creations crowdfund - is hitting doorsteps now. (I did not have the foresight to buy that one. Maybe someone will dump it on the cheap some day.)

Another thing that hit me when plodding around toy aisles is just how old some of us are. The elementary school kids of 1977 are likely 50 or older, meaning we're now at the age where we may be seeing new grandparents in addition to older fans and children of the classic fans. Some toys seem to be forever - Barbie, Mr. Potato Head, and Hot Wheels have enjoyed multiple generations of fans coming back for more. I'm still sitting here crossing my fingers for a Masters of the Universe Origins-style relaunch of Star Wars to bring Kenner-flavored (but not straight remakes of) figures and vehicles that will tickle the nostalgia ivories of parents and grandparents while also appealing to kids, but it might be difficult to launch a focused Star Wars line again. But mostly I'd just be happy to see a chunky 3 3/4-inch scale X-Wing made available to those who adore such things.

Having said that, I have never heard anyone talk up the grandparent demographic when marketing toys or talking about sales reports. That could be an incredible market to tap.

See you next time!

--Adam Pawlus

Got questions? Email me with Q&A in the subject line now! I'll answer your questions as soon as time (or facts) permit.

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