Is 2025 The Greatest Year For The Vintage Collection Ever?

Last year was the second worst year for the Vintage Collection, trailing only the legendarily abysmal 2020. Some of this was due to the delay of Skeleton Crew, which likely bumped at least Jod Na Nawood to the end of the year. Even though the media shuffling was out of Hasbro's control, the repacks and repaints that filled the void was not. Their selections were uninspired, led by the re-release of the Force Awakens Finn. It was perhaps the overall collecting malaise in 2024 that lead to how crushed I felt regarding the under-painted IG-12 deluxe line reveal late last year.

Last Wednesday's Fan Stream had me feeling some 2024 vibes, but as I said in my reaction article, it was a temporary down blip for me this year. It was a rare bad day for the 2025 TVC slate. The 1985 Bears were the most dominant single season team in the history of the NFL, but even they got boat raced by the Miami Dolphins 38-24 in week 13 on national TV. It happens. In the context of our hobby, a random Wednesday at the end of February is perfect timing for a trap game. We've got some big events coming up, and I'm confident the Vintage Collection will bounce back.

If it does, and we get a few more surprises to round out 2025, there is no question this will have been the greatest year for the Vintage Collection ever. But I would argue we're already there with the cards we currently have in our hand. It's pocket aces. As far as product that has already shipped, we've barely scratched the surface for the year, and I already have three figures that will be on my Top 10 list come December:

• VC347 - Anakin Skywalker
• VC349 - Imperial Snowtrooper (Hoth Battle Gear)
• VC344 - Luke Skywalker

I haven't even deployed those figures into my displays yet. They've remained on my desk as I continue to marvel at them.

Then, we already have the following confirmed for later this year, which are either 100% newly tooled, or close to it:

• Baylan Skoll
• Shin Hati
• Anakin Skywalker (Episode III)
• The first ever Joruus C'Baoth
• The first ever Tonnika Sisters
• Greedo
• Han Solo (Episode IV)
• Ben Kenobi

Good gravy! BUT THAT'S STILL NOT IT. There so much good stuff coming that I couldn't even fit it all into the lead in image. Here's the spill over:


Absolutely incredible. Plus, even the partial tools are exciting:


I didn't love Obi-Wan Kenobi, but I love Obi-Wan Kenobi.

There are two things I think stand out about this year so far. First, the love is getting spread around. Yes, the OT is deservedly getting a lot of attention, but there's a little bit of everything with representation for D+ shows, the PT, The Clone Wars, and even publishing. Second, the non-main line stuff has been massively exciting so far. The Heir to the Empire carded three pack reveal was a "pinch me" moment. Last year's carded multipack (Escape From Order 66) was an expensive snoozer. Also, I feel like Hasbro is putting the brakes on the drastic cuts to the paint apps. They've now twice called out the washes given to specific figures (Baylan and Momaw) in recent livestreams.

You often here old timers say something like:

I wish I knew those were the "good old days" when we were in them.

It's only March, and we're in the midst of an absolute banner year. There's definitely more to come, which is going to make it even more amazing. I wanted to take a minute to acknowledge this as it's happening.

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