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Would The Market Support A Newly Tooled Scout Trooper?

Posted by Chris on 10/25/24 at 07:05 AM Category: Vintage Collection

https://www.banthaskull.com/images/news/scout_troooper2.jpg

I have a feeling that I already know the answer to this one. I predict the comment section will be filled with:

Pass. I'd rather the new tooling dollars go to Glup Scissorpunch.

Nonetheless, I feel like having the discussion. Moreover, please note that the question is framed around the market. It's difficult to compare our personal "Glups" versus an army builder. Hardcore fans buy deep cut characters individually, but buy army builders by the case. This is not to downplay the deep cutters. I maintain they are important to keep fan engagement high, but their release needs to be managed, and the overall output needs to be throttled. I'm just saying that for this exercise that alternative wishlisting probably doesn't help in this case. This is more of straight up "thumbs up" or "thumbs down" discussion.

Anyway, the impetus for this is the presale of the Vintage Collection Snowtrooper on Wednesday. This is purely anecdotal, but is was the best single-day selling figure on our Entertainment Earth affiliate account in the history of this site. VC231 - Stormtrooper has sold more over time, but Snowtrooper sold more in its first day than any other figure. I've checked with some of our friends, and they are reporting similar sales. It was also the #2 best selling item in the action figures category on Amazon trailing only the interactive Buzz Lightyear, which is obviously a true toy versus an adult collectible. At risk of jinxing it, I'm pretty sure the Snowtrooper is going to be a massive hit for Hasbro.

This confirms my belief the OT army builders are still one of the safest bets for Hasbro (so long as they are done well). The problem is that there simply aren't a lot of them, especially when considering the white plasteel armored ones. The Episode VI Scout Trooper is really the only one left to tap (if you consider the Sandtrooper as just a Stormtrooper variation). But is there enough of a market for it? The first problem I foresee is the dreaded "good enough" syndrome. The current Scout Trooper sculpt started life as the 2006 VTSC Biker Scout. It was then tweaked twice for both the 2012 and 2023 Speeder Bike releases, with the latter giving it rocker ankles. But I would strongly argue that it's miles away from "definitive" in 2024. Others won't care, however.

The other problem comes down to whether or not you consider the Biker Scout to be a true army builder. Unless you're setting up an Emperor's arrival scene, or your name is Tyler, you might not. I ended up with a lot of the old version, but that was really more because I couldn't resist the "deal" when it was repacked into the 30th Anniversary Collection Saga Legends line for only $7. Side note: the TAC Saga Legends line was straight up epic. In reality, I probably view the Scout Trooper as more of a squad builder then an army builder (incidentally, I feel the same for Sandtroopers). I bought a lot of the Snowtrooper. I'd probably only buy a case of a new Scout Trooper. That give me a little trepidation in saying that it could be a worthwhile successor to the Snowtrooper.

All I know is that I don't think the existing Scout Trooper is good enough. In fact, it's quite far from it in my opinion. The old "horse riding" hips give it a bow legged stance, and hinged wrists are critical for good poses on the bike. I'm sad that I'll probably retire from collecting before it gets updated.

Update: Don't forget to check out Bossk's Bounty's Instagram page and YouTube channel tomorrow for MCM London Comic Con coverage. There will be at least one Vintage Collection reveal.


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