Hasbro Star Wars 6-Inch a Reality – Announces Black Series on USAToday.com

Yes, the rumors of 6-inch Star Wars figures are true, and it looks like Hasbro has given the nod to Gentle Giant.

I thought we would have to wait for Toy Fair in a couple of weeks for confirmation, but Hasbro announced the Star Wars Black Series on USAToday.com. While the article says that the line will focus on the original trilogy, the first wave of four figures will include Episode 1 baddie, Darth Maul. Rounding out the first wave due in August are X-Wing Luke (shown at the right), R2-D2, and an Imperial Sandtrooper, with a planned retail price of $19.99 each. Hasbro is planning a second wave of four figures before the end of the year.

Although Hasbro referenced Marvel Legends, it does not look like the Black Series will incorporate the Build-A-Figure concept. Could you imagine a 6-inch scaled Rancor?

I’m sure there will be lots more questions, but at top of mind for me right now are these two. First, with the line launching so close to San Diego Comic-Con, will we see an SDCC exclusive to really kick this line off? And second, Hasbro always announces a huge vehicle at Toy Fair – could it be something in the 6-inch scale this time around?

Hasbro unveils ‘Star Wars’ Black Series action figures

New toys are on a bigger scale and will focus on characters from the original movie trilogy.

After 35 years of fantastic plastic standing tall in pop culture at 3¾ inches, Hasbro is releasing the Star Wars Black Series this year, beginning a new set of 6-inch figures that will feature more articulation and an increased attention to detail.

Priced at $19.99 each, eight figures are planned for 2013 — Hasbro will primarily draw characters from the original Star Wars trilogy of films while also bringing in key players from the prequels.

The first wave of four, due out in early to mid-August, includes Luke Skywalker in his X-Wing Fighter flight suit, fan-favorite droid R2-D2, bad guy Darth Maul and an Imperial Sandtrooper.

“We consider them the best figures that Hasbro’s ever produced for Star Wars that meets the sensibilities of romancing the character as well as the playability and poseability that fans really appreciate,” says Derryl DePriest, Hasbro vice president of boys marketing.

Hasbro has had success with the scale before with the 6-inch Marvel Legends figures based on Marvel Comics heroes and villains. In terms of Star Wars, though, the Black Series will act as a transitional point between the 3¾-inch toys — “which is rooted in the childhood memories of generations of now-grown kids,” DePriest says — and the 12-inch Sideshow Collectibles figures for adult collectors.

The current “vintage”-style line of 3¾ figures will also continue under the Black Series banner.

Whether it’s holding a blaster or a lightsaber, Luke Skywalker is ready for action in his X-Wing Fighter outfit as part of the ‘Star Wars’ Black Series.(Photo: Hasbro)

In creating something new and different with Star Wars, the color black became an inspiration for toy designers, DePriest says. “It’s one of the main colors of Star Wars all the way back to the beginning, and it’s the approach that Lucasfilm has taken with their collector-oriented product line. We’re bringing that simplicity and essence and focus on the character now to the toy aisle.”

The Black Series appeals to those newbies who want to start a series from the start as well as those hardcore collectors who gobble up anything having to do with the words “Jedi” or “Empire” and “are looking for something new and their interest isn’t as piqued by the 15th cantina alien we have yet to do,” DePriest says. “We realize folks want their iconic characters delivered up in a new way.”

With Star Wars: Episode VII coming from new Star Wars director J.J. Abrams in a couple of years, as well as comics, novels and other media adding to the universe George Lucas started in 1977, it’s a good time to figure out different scales and toys for the next generation of Star Wars fan, according to DePriest.

Before then, however, the Black Series also gives a chance for parents to connect with their own little Star Wars fans.

“Our focus here is the adult collector, the dad,” DePriest says. “We know they have their own generation of youngsters they like to share the adventure with. It can be something for dad, and the 3¾ world can be something for the kids to share.”

via Hasbro unveils ‘Star Wars’ Black Series action figures.