The fever is nearly upon us! Time to unleash the dogs of rampant speculation as we charge into this year’s San Diego Comic Con!
So the early reports are in, and we know what we’re looking at for at least most of Hasbro’s 2014 6-inch Star Wars offerings. Tubby crime lords? Check. Acrobatic Muppets? Check. We know the coolest means of Imperial transportation will be taking delivery this fall, so it truly raises the question: what the hell will they do for an encore?
The LucasArts Universe: 1000 to 1
There are a few sad notes going into this new era of Star Wars fervor, and among those is that there are some elements that are going to get left behind. Chief among those is probably going to be some of my favorite characters and elements from the “old” video game worlds. With LucasArts being folded in, even with in-progress games, and Disney handing the reins over to their own gaming branches, the chances of getting Dark Troopers, X2, and possibly even my boy Kyle Katarn are looking at permanent backseat status, even though some of these characters have crossed into….
The Expanded Universe: 500 to 1
It pains me to say this, but the only downside of having a new movie speeding around the corner is that the satellite parts of this universe just can’t compete when it comes to marketing dollars. Maybe someday we’ll see the Qel Droma brothers or Dash Rendar, but it probably won’t be during a movie year. On the plus side, the movies may foster new interest in these outer graphic novels, regular novels, and games, so the odds may improve down the road.
Big Ass Vehicles!: 450 to 1
The door has definitely been opened a crack with the Speeder Bikes, but I don’t expect to see any AT-ATs or X-Wings fitting through there, at least not this year. I would like to tell you something like an AT-ST or maybe an A-Wing is a bit more likely, but even so, I anticipate Hasbro will wait to see how the deluxe-priced stuff sells before going any bigger. And here again, if the response is positive, I could see much better odds going into next con.
Clone Wars Saga: 150 to 1
Getting on to the more positive angles, I think we might see a hint of the players from this excellent Cartoon Network series, thanks in no small part to Netflix. Characters that can easily translate from the anime look of the show to the more realistic style of the line might rate under 100, but I balance that against the humanoid characters who would essentially need to be redesigned. Sorry, Ashoka.
Prequel Trilogy: 10 to 1
I’m a little concerned that Obi-Wan’s less-than-stellar performance in the line might signal a weakness in the lesser trilogy, but if Anakin comes out as good as his previews look, that might give this section a boost. As it is, I can’t imagine not getting a Mace Windu or some ARC Troopers or a Grievous in this line eventually.
The OTC Gang: Count on it
With the original trilogy looming huge in the next installment, you can bet nostalgia for the middle three movies to be at levels we haven’t seen since the ’90s. Expect some more iconic looks for big name characters and plenty of supporting cast members to get their shot as well, especially if they’re bounty hunters.
Whatever it is, just make it come quicker than the last three waves, Hasbro!
