On Friday, the long-rumoured and highly-anticipated Star Wars The Vintage Collection The Ghost HasLab was officially announced by Hasbro at San Diego Comic-Con (SDCC).
Fans and collectors hoping for the Ewok Village from Star Wars: Return of the Jedi may have to wait a little longer.
The Ghost as it appears in the Star Wars live-action spin-off series Ahsoka is coming in hot.
Hasbro needs a win after the previous Star Wars HasLab The Black Series Rancor and Reva (The Third Sister) Force FX Elite Lightsaber both failed to be backed. Ironically, the Rancor almost got funded after one of the creatures appeared in The Book of Boba Fett on Disney+.
Hasbro and Lucasfilm have learned lessons.
Like many fans, I thought the iconic Ghost spaceship from Star Wars Rebels was going to be £599.99 or more. However, it's £499.99 (still expensive) and will go into production if it reaches a minimum of 8,000 backers by the deadline of 7th September, which it will quickly achieve.
This HasLab wisely eschews early bird incentives that can be divisive. The base offering includes General Hera Syndulla and Phantom II with a mini bust of Chopper. The stretch goals are Ghost crew members Ezra Bridger, Kanan Jarrus and Garazeb "Zeb" Orrelios.
Sabine Wren will be sold separately as a deluxe figure. There will be fans aggrieved at this. However, Hasbro could announce bonus stretch goals if the crowdfunded project is highly successful like the Star Wars HasLab Razor Crest.
I've not owned a large-scale Star Wars vehicle since Kenner's Imperial Shuttle from Star Wars: Return of the Jedi. The Ghost is a gigantic collectable and will look amazing alongside The Mandalorian N-1 Starfighter. Like the N-1 Starfighter, the Ghost doesn't include electronic lights and sounds. This may be a deal-breaker for some fans.
We're in a cost of living crisis, but I've backed the latest Star Wars HasLab (my first) and will worry about clearing space for the Ghost later - it's not expected to ship until December 2024 - a lot can happen in 18 months.
Whilst The Vintage Collection Jabba the Hutt and Boba Fett's Throne Room sets (available in limited quantities during SDCC) are enticing after a 40-year wait, I've cancelled both my pre-orders on Hasbro Pulse to fund the Ghost.
Will you be backing the Star Wars The Vintage Collection The Ghost HasLab on Hasbro Pulse? What do you think of the price? How do you feel about crowdfunded collectables? Should it be a retail release? Let me know in the comments below.
The set looks really impressive but I feel as though the price is a bit steep since it doesn’t include the entire crew, lights or sounds. Still, crowdfunding might be the best option for sets like this.
ReplyDeleteYes, the lack of electronics is inexcusable! Bandai is leading the way with its Star Trek Universe range! I have the USS Enterprise NCC-1701 in my study, and it's gorgeous!
DeleteThe Ghost needs a display stand, which Hasbro included with the Star Wars HasLab Razor Crest!
£500!!! Unless I get some kind of cost of living cheque from the government to assist I don't think this will be happening.
ReplyDeleteFunny that you should say that...
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