AN UNPOPULAR TAKE:  Anger Over The Fett Repaints Is Ridiculous

You might be thinking this article is odd considering this very same outlet published THIS ARTICLE poking fun at the recently announced Target-exclusive comic book inspired Boba Fett repaints. That article is satire, which I personally view as a very important and effective means of conveying a message. I don't personally agree with that message. I love these Boba Fett repaints. They are 100% legitimate publishing takes on the bounty hunter unlike some arbitrary and kitschy repaints, such as Carbonized, for which I have no desire. I also think the cards look great, and I can't wait to add these to my collection. Even though I didn't personally agree, I do recognize that the article expresses the simmering "repaint fatigue" frustration within the community, and I think Dustin's article was a perfect way to sunlight those concerns. All good jokes start with the truth and add exaggeration.

There are others, however, whose reactions are vitriol-laced missives, and that goes too far, in my opinion. Rolling your eyes is understandable. Silently voting with your wallet is virtuous. Playful mocking is, as stated above, the spark of the divine, especially when done so creatively. Getting upset and angry, on the other hand, lacks perspective. You can hate these repaints all you want, but in no way, shape or form, do they affect you. As stated innumerable times, exclusives are not in place of something else. They are additions to the line. They are not getting released in place of something else. If you don't want them, congrats, you just saved some money. What is there to be upset about? Don't buy it, and go on about your day, free to pursue a life of religious fulfillment.

Here's the real head-scratcher. When store exclusives are too good, such as the awesome VC231 - Stormtrooper, the community has an absolute meltdown because of the difficulty in acquiring them. Then when a store exclusive is perceived as lackluster, such as these Fett repaints or Carbonized, the community has a meltdown because they are "uninspired money grabs.” WHICH IS IT?!? Hasbro can't win. Is there some sort of Goldilocks Zone of Mediocrity where a store exclusive is not so good that it causes undue stress in preordering, but better than a "lame repaint"? That margin seems so thin that it's like bullseying womp rats in a T-16.

Since I feel the message of these articles is often misunderstood, I'm not telling you to like the Fett repaints. I'm not criticizing anyone who thinks they are lame. Everyone is entitled to their opinion, and I certainly understand those who have no interest in these. They're a bit niche. I absolutely understand the disappointment that comes from waiting for a new and exciting reveal, especially with the 40th Anniversary of Return of the Jedi looming, only to see something with minimal newness. I'm just saying that in no way do they affect you (barring some mental gymnastics), and there is no reason to rise to the level of outrage over something that has no impact on you. It's like getting angry at something in a television show that you don't watch.

My main concern is that the community reaction has cost me a chance at an Infinities Vader. That would look SO amazing on a Vintage Collection card. Finally, regarding the Jedi 40th, my gut tells me the best is yet to come.

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