RetroBlasting or RetroB!tching? HASLAB Star Wars Cantina Drama

[@simonb7861]

Hasbroblasting and his boy toy at ANALog toys are what happens when you give sad angry people a platform For used to love Michael’s channel However it went from a celebration of retro toy collecting to straight up crying about hasbro

[@Beaker709]

I saw the RetroBlasting video and thought that he did a great job of presenting what he thought was lacking in the playset. I didn't see his video as wanting to take the fun away from other people. Rather, I though he did a good job of telling prospective consumers about the negative things that HE saw. If I was going to spend $550 CAD for something like this, I would want to watch as many different videos as I could to learn about all of the pros AND cons before laying down my money.

[@Digger318]

I left a comment on his video about the GIANT LEGO cantina set, and that is such a better example on what a cantina set can be :D

[@branmichael]

I decided on my own that I am definitely getting this. In fact, I've been collecting cantina creatures for many years, hoping we would get a diorama set for them

[@LloydChristmas-vx2wh]

I also watched the RB video on the Haslab Cantina, and I think GeekFushionTV is accurate.

[@BiggestDawgEver]

It's fine fine to agree with Retroblasting. Michael makes some very good points at times, but that is the trick. He has a bias and an agenda. His bias is that he doesn't like modern toys(except when he does), and gushing over retro toys and attacking modern stuff is what his channel and livelihood are based upon. I have tried to engage with him in his comments section in a friendly discussion, but he is a troll and a bully. He simply will not entertain any perspective but his own, and he clearly enjoys when his militant fan boys pile on. There is a word for people that insist that a Fandom has to be enjoyed their way, and that is gatekeepers. Michael is a world-class gatekeeper who wants everyone to be as mad as him. I don't like the concept of crowdfunded mainstream toys either, but Retroblasing has been on a crusade to kill the Haslab beast for years. It clearly kills him that Moby Dick continues to swim on.

[@Beaker709]

@@BiggestDawgEver Everyone has a bias. Everyone has different factors that are more important to them compared to other people when it comes to making a decision.

[@betaraybob]

I used to love the Retroblasting content as well (the Roton video/song was great) but like you, after the change I eventually unsubscribed and ended my Patreon support. I still occasionally check their content to see if anything interest me but usually find nothing. I did see that they made a 5 hour video about Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny.... 5 hours is more than twice the length of the actual movie. It only took me about an hour of watching on a plane before falling asleep for a good nap and waking up with no desire to go back and see what I missed to know I didn't like the movie. I just don't understand what drives someone to spend that much time (estimating it probably took 30 - 50 hours of pre-production, production and post-production) making content about something they don't like... and then continue to do that over and over again. But maybe I just don't understand how things work on KZbin and that is why Retroblasting has 10s of thousands of subscribers and I haven't broken 100 yet. Anyway, all that to say, good on you for calling them out and encouraging others to make up their own minds about toys and hobbies.

[@OldManTheseDays]

I don’t mind that the guy is critical, I don’t mind that he’s negative. I mind that he’s the definition of gatekeeper, I mind that he goes out of his way to attack other KZbinrs, I mind that he gets offended if anyone else has opinions. He gaslights, he’s vindictive, he’s hypocritical. Its not somebody I would support. I unsubbed and removed my Patreon a long time ago.

[@sjdrifter72]

I'm not wasting half a thousand dollars on a bunch of plastic pieces that doesn't even have a floor, electronic lights and sounds, or action features. Not to mention the way Disney has been treating the fans, I say "Fuck it" and won't be getting this overpriced crap out of protest.

[@masonj4779]

Half a thousand dollars 😂😂😂😂. Protest all you want. Snowflake.

[@MarkisMellow]

I agree that Retroblasting can be unnecessarily negative sometimes but I actually agreed with him in this video, that price for a playset where people just sit and drink is bs

[@lutherheggs451]

I used to love Retroblasting, and then it all became about how everything is woke, everything is ruined because of woke, or if you enjoy something he doesn't you must be stupid or a "corporate bootlicker". It did stop being about toys and started being about bitching. There is alot of overly sensitive "woke" stuff out there, but god damn the people who need to constantly cry about everything being woke are more insufferable than the people who want everything to be woke.

[@mercer1st]

I agree... I used to watch and enjoy his retrospective videos... but then over time, his complaints got too much.. seemed like whining... but perhaps that's his youtube angle to get likes and subs... or he saw the responses to his complaint videos and his subs agree so he kept going with it.

[@BEAST_of_VYPA_SQUAD]

Emperor's throne room comparison was really good point where it only works with 3 characters, the Cantina can be displayed with any and every figure in a collection. Can have a group of bounty hunters, mandolorians, jedi, imperial officers, pilots, not to mention from any era as well.

[@GeekFusion_TV]

Exactly, thanks 4 watching

[@LloydChristmas-vx2wh]

Accurate and well said. A few pointers for you: 1) turn down or off the music; 2) don't patronize Michael; 3) look out for his accolytes (already in the comments I see), for they represent his wrath.

[@AU79PLUS1]

Excellent video. That guy is insufferable. He really has the arrogance to think that he speaks for the entire Star Wars collecting community. He makes it seem like no one would want this. Meanwhile, this is by far my number one most desired playset.

[@thekidfromiowa]

Thin-skinned. Gets bitchy at light-hearted criticism or snarky remarks.

[@thorswars1268]

The funny thing is that he has bashed every single TVC Haslab, and they all got made 😂😂😂

[@LloydChristmas-vx2wh]

@@thorswars1268 💯

[@Hail2daking]

I love trolling Michael because he gets really mad super fast and his fans kiss his ass whenever he gets pissed at someone .

[@chrisdaugherty8265]

I’m convinced they would commit a crime for him. Seriously, the same guys would send him all sorts of expensive stuff for free every week to his livestreams, just for him to call their names out. It was insane! It’s like he has an onlyfans page for middle age geeks! “Send me free expensive toys and candy, your king Michael demands this!!!!”

[@Hail2daking]

@chrisdaugherty8265 I'm gonna start a new Instagram account so I can comment on his post and pretend to be one of his ass kissers and see what happens.

[@Hail2daking]

@@chrisdaugherty8265 I made a bunch of deep fakes of him , I posted them and tagged him , I'm waiting for him to try to ban me or talk to his local police station.

[@the80sguy80]

@@chrisdaugherty8265 Pretty much, and what are they getting out of it? He posts maybe like two videos a month.

[@75YBA]

It’s a cult, and he’s in need of a wellness check.

[@kaioken654]

I feel bad for the dope that buys their stuff based on what other people have to say about it

[@asgads]

His evangelion video is one of my all time favourite yt vids. It's a masterpiece of spite and a man's descent into madness😂

[@JedimillerReturns]

I agree with Michael. Haslab is a pos and its messing with fans. And playsets are too expensive. He is 100% right. Still i paid for the 400 dollars cantina. First time haslab for me.

[@jasonhinman6173]

I see exactly what you're saying. I occasionally see Retro's point, which is typically much older vidz, but he is always negative. He takes current hindsight to besmirch anything in the history of toys, having no experience in the profession, then bashing those in the profession. Not to judge on appearance, but he looks old for his age, and I feel like I've seen him age super fast. Guy needs to find his joy. I could not sit through his last video about how the Cantina is not a good playset. It is just people siting and standing. Crazy.

[@patluvsvettes]

Stopped following RetroBlasting a LONG time ago! Just got turned off by all the negativity from Michael French. God help you if you ever corrected him on anything! Also kinda found the whole Kylie Minogue thing a little creepy.

[@kylekullin2520]

I love my Batman Forever Batcave!

[@GeekFusion_TV]

Yup, that's a great playset

[@Sithfire30Creations]

Some of his points are valid concerning the Haslab but yea, I can see where he's falling out with modern collectors and becoming a "back in my day" type of commentator. LOL!

[@GeekFusion_TV]

He's has a lot of valid points about Haslab and many other things, but it has started to become more than that I'm the last couple years ...... he spends such te berating people who disagree with him and trying to bash anyone who doesn't take his opinion as gospel, that it's become malicious

[@ProtoPunk]

I just want to know why his shirts are so big and have so many useless pockets.

[@thebeestingconspiracy]

I can barely afford to collect toys these days, so I'm always grateful for these entertaining playground battles.

[@AlphaTrion92]

I’ve watched RB since he had 600 subs. Even back then, he and Melinda gave off vibes of obnoxious A Holes. But the content was informative. But now, even just make a normal comment, and he will come back at you with some sarcastic response. If not him, his little groupie Tim Ward. I think what happened to Michael was that he was bullied a lot as a kid, and now has this “power” from the amount of social pull he has, and he’s letting it go to his head. I think his bitching and snobbish responses to comments, are ways to make up for not standing up for himself when he was picked on. Kinda like if you gave a nerd a magic potion that made them have super powers..it would just be hard to control and they would get a bloated ego. I think he’s a very insecure person, that has the emotional fortitude of a glass rod. Bend him a little and he breaks. All this over a bunch of stupid toys that middle aged men collect….

[@punisherxs6654]

@::AlphaTrion92 Good psychology there.

[@LloydChristmas-vx2wh]

😆

[@timothyward8695]

It's always nice to have someone talk about your behind your back

[@richardmoreno4280]

I was going to say something similar but I think you nailed.

[@chrisdaugherty8265]

Alpha that is the best summary I’ve seen for Michael and the way he is. Yeah, Timmy is all up on that D, just look he is here in the comments. Give that white knight his armor!!!!!

[@mrmola3295]

You cant knock someone for their opinion, its their right wether they think something is value for money or not. I have a bias, ive collected 3.75 star wars since the phantom menace released in '99, and i know this haslab is grossly overpriced. As someone who has worked in 3 plastic injection molding factories, i know, in terms of plastic usage, this haslab costs less than 50 bucks to produce. They could charge 300 bucks each and still make a profit. Its greed, plain and simple.

[@sirmustardofhousemayonnais9907]

You can't fix stupid people with facts. Shills are going to shill no matter what, which is why they get so bent over negativity

[@TheGryxter]

WORD!!

[@JMECO73]

Yes!❤ also when Mikey says nothing happened and he generally suggests that the only thing you can do with it is display it exactly and only like in the 3mins on screen is a gross lack of imagination

[@lindyxmjh4589]

The problem with French is that he's not entirely wrong on all points. HasLabs are expensive and when you break it down probably a bit overpriced (although that arguably is all toys it's just especially noticeable for items costing hundreds of dollars), and it is shady that these major companies are doing crowd funded items and aren't taking chances anymore. But after those points, everything else is just sour grapes. He and his group thought everyone would agree and take a stand against HasLab and nothing would ever fund, but it caught on because there are collectors who like this big ticket collection centerpieces and are buying in, and that's just making this guy more and more bitter. That, and 3POA guys are in deep with Bobby Vala, and you have to be overly critical of other companies especially Hasbro all of the time less you be dressed down by their defacto leader and gravy train who holds their internet cred and reputation by the balls.

[@majingunplero8472]

At first I agreed with RetroB, ArticulatedN, and EliteL about the HellCharger HasLab but with the Giant Man HasLab they were making the exactly same complaints, so for me their "we fight for the community" mask fell off. There's a huge segment of the community that they simply don't enjoy collecting, they simply want to play the victim card. In Puerto Rico we have a say that goes "Si se lo meten gritan y si se lo sacan lloran". These adults will never be happy with their toys and whatever the dying toy industry offers them.

[@GeekFusion_TV]

I know exactly what you mean ..... The Hell Charger was trash, but Giant Man was a good deal, and yet it was the same bitching from all those people ...... It just becomes obvious that they just hate Hasbro and Haslab, which is fine, but why try to make other people feel bad about liking what they like? It's just a dick move on their part

[@sirmustardofhousemayonnais9907]

You people are absolutely delusional. Why are you concerned about what they say, do or how much something does or doesn't give them enjoyment? Worry about YOU. the only person who can take enjoyment away from you... IS YOU. genuinely r.etarded you all are.

[@starlord157]

A good deal? Or a better deal than what we were all expecting. They all said Giant Man was good but still a bit overpriced which it was.

[@LloydChristmas-vx2wh]

I had no interest in Giant Man, but for those who were interested, I was happy it funded.

[@sirmustardofhousemayonnais9907]

@@LloydChristmas-vx2wh why

[@philipcao1275]

I love how he constantly complains about modern toys wich normally he doesn’t even collect (except when he does), because he is into vintage stuff. I only collect vintage or modern stuff in the vintage style like retro collection figures or custom made figures. Just like Retroblasting. However I do not complain nonstop about modern toys. It’s not my domain. Now I’m not saying he cannot have an opinion on modern toys and the industry behind them as a whole. But it comes off a bit disingenous to complain so much about stuff he doesn’t collect. I don’t think modern collectors complain half as much as he does. Also he criticizes the toy industry about a bunch of things, that weren’t even correct, as seen in the debate with Spector Creative who pretty much debunks a bunch of stuff Michael is saying, as he, actually has working experience in the actual industry.

[@multi-eyed_blob]

I don't understand how he has a problem with Hasbro's prices but praises a $122 Ubrikkian 9000 Speeder by Stan Solo. Sadly the days when Star Wars sold like hotcakes at retail are over, so Hasbro would be dumb to produce 100k Cantinas that will end up at Ollie's for the clearance vultures. Retailers already don't want products from them anymore because they don't sell.

[@LloydChristmas-vx2wh]

🎯

[@popculturehero]

I enjoyed the older retroblasting content, brilliantly edited skits and reviews. I even met Michael at a toy show years ago. But yes some of the more recent content has been negative and reactionary. I do back Haslabs frequently. But I need the shelf space for the Ghost they have not shipped yet. I get the utility of a cantina as a hang out place for figure photography and display. but we have options so I don't see the point in complaining.

[@GeekFusion_TV]

RetroBlasting used to be one of my favorite channels, I have watched him for years, and I loved what he was doing ...... Now, if I want good content about retro and vintage stuff, I watch Michael Mercy, because everything RetroBlasting does is complaining

[@timothyward8695]

@@GeekFusion_TV Mercy's an ass. He puts up a front about being a peaceful, Zen collector... a warrior poet. All the while, in private messages. he tries to manipulate and control his close supporters. He comes off as more of a cultist than a passionate collector.

[@the80sguy80]

I enjoyed his channel too back in day, but I guess its way easier to make bitching video`s, then actual scripted, informative videos. And it doesn`t seem like he`s losing any subs, even thou his channel has pretty much "Jumped The Shark".

[@941asland]

I used to watch him too. It's sad what his channel turned into. He is constantly in the comments section reeeeeeing at people who disagree.

[@thekidfromiowa]

Even when he reviews things he likes, he never smiles.

[@bradhig]

Reblasting once posted a video claiming to be objective about the star wars fanbase. At the of it were two starwars logos. One with the word lovers in the middle of it and one with the word haters in it. The lovers logo moved off the top of the screen and disappeared while the haters logo moved into the center of the screen. That made my blood boil as I have no problem with the sequels.

[@punisherxs6654]

Michael French likes the sound of his own voice, his channel is way to negative for my liking , can't stand the bloke.

[@sirmustardofhousemayonnais9907]

Aw you gonna cry?

[@nicholasdickens2801]

He does says he’s very even handed but he does just mown about most things. Perhaps the channel subscribes to the theory of negativity sells.

[@sirmustardofhousemayonnais9907]

@@nicholasdickens2801 you're delusional, the channels that are always positive and the shill channels have vastly more subs and views then the so called negativity channels

[@benjamindobalina7493]

@@sirmustardofhousemayonnais9907 You need trolling lessons, or a testosterone booster...Something.

[@keeblergraham211]

First-World Problems.

[@NeoTux100]

I don’t think Micheal meant it that way. I love his channel. I appreciated his opinion on the set. He never said don’t buy it. I think a lot of people miss the point of these types of channels, the critical discussion of toys.

[@benjamindobalina7493]

He 100% means to tear things and people down. He has let his wee-little scrote inflate with the modicum of nerd-notoriety he's received. I've blocked him from my feed. Somehow he still pop's up. It's one thing to discuss, it's another to brood and form a vendetta against others. He'd last about 10 seconds where I grew up.

[@artkingofwholefoods74]

You can make your own play set with lights, and paint for FAR less than almost 600 dollars after shipping, and taxes. I wish they had given us a vehicle. I think it’s just a couple hundred bucks too much. Shit. If you’re proficient with servos, you could even have automatic working doors. So go out and do it. I know, but I’m just sayin. In this economy there’s just no way I could afford one. I’m eager to see how people mod theirs. Even though it’s stalling a bit, I think it’ll fund. It’s doesn’t really bother me that populating it with the accurate figures will cost you. I would be happy with any figures patronizing the bar. I didn’t absorb his video like he was trying to NOT get me to buy it. I found his video pretty insightful. I like that Micheal is a Contrarian. 😂 Remember “The Great Toy Debate”? That was AMAZING, and HILARIOUS! 😂 Tony from Analog Toys is nUtZ! 🤣 I like the fact that you’re making this video. I LOVE the drama. 😂 This community is AWESOME. I NEVER would have imagined it would be this entertaining. There was this one guy who was getting everyone “Copy Struck”. That one was pretty low. But to see how the community got together to defend themselves was a sight to see! I think my favorite channels are Retro, and Spector. :) I’m gonna subscribe to yours. This is my first time watching you. :)

[@GeekFusion_TV]

I appreciate ya watchin

[@sirmustardofhousemayonnais9907]

​​@@GeekFusion_TVyou would never debate me in real time, fragile turd

[@AU79PLUS1]

It's cool if you could make your own cantina. I do not have the skills or time to attempt something like that. The Haslab money is a lot, but it's worth my while.

[@artkingofwholefoods74]

@@AU79PLUS1 it’s at 71 with only 14 days to go. What do you think?

[@AU79PLUS1]

@@artkingofwholefoods74 there is always a big surge at the end, so I expect that will happen. It probably won't hit all the bonus tiers, but I do think it will fund.

[@edwinsmith-jones6205]

Simon Quilank lives! I keep expecting Michael to announce, "You can drink your weak lemon drink now"

[@Takeshi357]

If he thinks people in the cantina just "stand around", well, I've got just one thing to say. For such a giant manchild, he sure has a lot of trouble understanding the concept of _playing._

[@applehead6179]

Covert narcissism is real. Misery loves company.

[@Daniel-zy8rz]

I agree with all of your comments. Michael, for all of his intelligence and creativity, doesn't have the wherewithal to realise he's become a complete joy vacuum. His pettiness, vitriol and inability to take any others opinion onboard sadly damages Retroblasting's legacy.

[@LloydChristmas-vx2wh]

Excuse me, but don't patronize him.

[@Daniel-zy8rz]

@@LloydChristmas-vx2wh excuse yourself. This is my opinion and I'll express it if I want to. 👌

[@LloydChristmas-vx2wh]

I've now excused myself, and would like to insist that you don't patronize him.

[@Daniel-zy8rz]

@@LloydChristmas-vx2wh Insist away genius, and while you're at it why don't you look in your 'Big Book of Trolling' for something original to regurgitate. 😄

[@chrisdaugherty8265]

“Don’t patronize me Scott!”

[@jaycon3460]

Nerds slapping each other with lilies

[@Atlas-hu9wk]

I feel you can say the same to a lot of them, RB, Analog toys, articulated ninja and Bubby skull. The ones i like but get bashed like shratimus and egmo cus they like everything supposedly.

[@mcrmaza]

Even when i was a very young kid i always thought to myself when watching sci fi "why is everyone human?" (then as an adult i learned they made most of the characters in sci fi human because of budget reasons) , the Cantina will always have that magical feeling of seeing all those different species in one place and for me it will always be a very special part of Star wars. I would take a diorama of this over any other. Also i really don't get why someone would see this and only think about the specific scenes it was shown, Drunk Iron man over there in a corner, Drax and Bossk arguing both with a few drinks to many: over there in the other corner, X bounty hunter negotiations: at the end booth, etc, etc.

[@GeekFusion_TV]

I love the idea of using that to display other characters like iron man and Drax!

[@jasondismuke4837]

My lego cantina has Muppets and Loony Tunes characters. It's your toy to do what you want.

Been collecting for 30 years and never knew about toy tubers at all until 2017 . In my opinion the social media thing about toy collecting is a major part of destroying the hobby i have loved for so many years . Everyone is trying to shill for companies or sell a membership or even toys that i have zero interest in and everything is just about making easy money off a bunch of sheep or showing off your toys on ig . its all bs at this point . Half the people with popular channels barely know anything about toys at all and barely talk about them on their 3 hr shows . I even see one who babbles about mental health and im thinkn to myself who is watching this crap ? I myself have never did a crowd fund not over money but the fact im not giving my money up for something i wont get for a year . I hate waiting for a purchase for a week let alone a year .

[@JD_ATX]

I like Michael with Retroblasting but I find that he can sometimes be a bit negative and/or overly critical when it's just not necessary. In recent months, I've had to refrain from watching his vids for that reason.

[@75YBA]

Sometimes?

[@krp2nyte]

That dude probably would be all positive of the cantina if it was not a Haslab.

[@kenbest76]

I'll always have fond memories of RB coming after me on social media and trying to make fun of my last name and then he said something about my mother for some reason. All because I said something about people acting like children. Oh, the irony 😂😂😂

[@duagrentia]

I don't know why but it seems that almost everything is an insult to Michael. His inferiority complex is off the charts.

[@kenbest76]

@@duagrentia Some say people are a product of their environment and we all know that KZbin and alot of these other social media platforms are not the best environment. Dude probably gets shit on so much in the comments that now it's just a knee-jerk reaction. 😆

[@sirmustardofhousemayonnais9907]

That's the consequences you face when you attack someone personally over inanimate objects. You're too stupid to understand the logic though

[@LloydChristmas-vx2wh]

Don't patronize him, Ken.

[@bryanheinrich371]

@@LloydChristmas-vx2wh this comment always makes me smile! 😁. Thank you sir!

[@nerdybrothers]

Hey man, thanks for this. I think you touched on a much more profound topic about creating content, which as an old fart GENXer, really bugs me. It's the economy of contrarians that sadly seems to get rewarded by clicks. It almost seems like unless you have the words "fail, cringe, or awful" (or some variation thereof) you're not trending or playing the game. I've had a similar experience with a video game retro channel, which suddenly decided (or maybe realized) that it got better "engagement" by jumping on controversial topics for current generation consoles, including identity politics. I go to these retro channels to be reminded of my childhood and glee over toys and games I no longer have or wanted to have as a kid. Everyone is of course entitled to put out whatever content they want, it just makes me sad that what tends to "work" is negative click bait. I realize there's a bit of hypocrisy here as I'm complaining about the complainer, but you get what I mean... As far as the cantina, come on now, that is the scene that helped introduce a whole new world of possibilities and adventure in a galaxy, far, far away. It's the literary equivalent to the Inn in Treasure Island, where you set sail for adventure.

[@sirmustardofhousemayonnais9907]

You're a moro.n, you're too old to know how the Internet works

[@groorg24]

I used to enjoy Retroblasting, didn't always agree with Michael, but when he just constantly craps on Hasbro (the Sail Barge is a masterpiece) then tells us a guy in his basement charging absurd amounts of money for one retro figure is "doing the best work" my BS meter went off. Could you imagine the vitriol Michael would exude if Hasbro charged $60 for a retro Star Wars figure?

[@ThePlasticUnderworld1313]

Yep. I buy what i like and i don’t give a rats arse what others think of it. I’ve been a collector since 1993 (i was 20) and i haven’t looked back. I buy vintage and modern and whatever some KZbin nobody thinks of certain lines or whatever means nothing to me. I buy what i like and what makes me happy. That’s all that matters at the end of the day. Concerning Retroblasting i have watched his videos for a while now and they tend to get rather boring after a while.

[@beavis6363]

He felt it was a low value play area. I'm thinking if I where a kid, I'd have plenty of meetings to set up espionage, arrangements, for other play. Obviously bar fights will break out, nasties will hide and ambush. Bless RetroBlasting, long time sub, but, hmmm, he did seem predisposed to dispose on this one. This whole thing isn't my bag, but if it's yours, remember the imagination and joy of creating your own sub plots and plans. Play. Oh, in all fairness to the critique, omission of the stage *is pretty bad I admit it.

[@GroguTruthBombs]

That's the problem. There was no band stage in the movie. Normally he is the guy who knows such details. When Victoria's Cantina (KZbinr since 2013, has been campaigning for the Tonnikas to be made forever) told him about it in the comments he completely blew her off like she's just someone who is trying to troll him. His reply: "The cantina has no action/play value. I feel I explained this quite clearly. But hey, keep wringing those hands at me. That'll work." When another commenter said that there must have been a stage because they saw a picture of Figrin D'an standing next to a window and it was at his waist, Michael replied: "Exactly. They are fooling themselves to try and gaslight YOU." Sure, Michael.

[@DanyTV79]

Yeah. Retroblasting used to be one of my favorite toy channels. But I realized if you don't agree with him 100% he insults/make fun of your point. I have a tick skin but when you can't say anything but what he wants to listen... I agree with most of what Michael has to say about HasLab but I had to stop watching when he become unsufferable after watching and following his channel 15 years. You can disagree with anyone but being mean is a very different topic.

[@thekidfromiowa]

He gets more sour with each year. He went from delightfully snarky to just plain miserable.

[@ericcoates941]

This guy whines and complains about everything. No body pays him no mind. I don't know how many videos, I've seen. Where people are poking fun at him. He's hilarious!😂

[@MrAlexEart]

People do listen, the reason for this response vid. Retro Blasting has a large follow if you like em or not.

[@sirmustardofhousemayonnais9907]

If that were true then this video wouldn't exist. Clowns ankle biting Micheal because he dared to say something negative

[@jameshamer481]

His follower count never goes up

[@THAMAINMAN2025]

I think he bought subs and probably does the same for his view count.

[@k-dawgbroadcasting5444]

Have you followed him for years? You know why his count does have, AND IT DOES, a slow upward climb.

[@jameshamer481]

@k-dawgbroadcasting5444 I have followed him for years but after 10+ years still 126,000??????

[@k-dawgbroadcasting5444]

@@jameshamer481 predictably he has unfollows. That's nothing against Michael, that's against the people that don't understand his thought process and their brains go "negative nancy"

[@theguyonthecouch42024]

Only thing that truly matters is quality and an appropriate price, I check toy reviews for intere$t, not their personality., personality is just for fun🎭

[@KatieMarshall-s8c]

I agree, I used fo really enjoy him and Melinda talk about older toys they had restored, they genuinly seemed to enjoy their hobby of things from childhood. Genuinely giving great and clear points on the good and bad of toys without being aggressive. Nowdays he seems a different person, hateful and bitter. 😢 I miss the old Micheal.

[@Rocketman10057]

His outdated views are hilarious.

[@Dennis_Nedry]

People don't realize what collectors will pay for carded exclusive figures like Wuher and the Tonnikas. This is a good deal.

[@JustMe-tm5dc]

He buys Next17 figures, but finds this playset too expensive / #unnecessary. The irony . 🤣👍 I think he only collects the old Kenner figures, therefore came to the conclusion that he wouldn't have any figures to populate it with. 😆👍 Let me give y'all a flashback. He bought Greedo's airship, that has like 1 second of screenplay for 120 bucks plus a Custom Greedo figure that costs another 37$ so with shipping we should be at 160. Now back to the Next 17 figures, that are pretty cheaply made, do all have the same exact body mold and are painted with rather cheap paint. These figures cost each 40bucks. Looking through his video archive he at least acquired 3 figures (out of possible 7) from the Cantina. Since he is in support acquiring those figures, it is just evident that you would get all 7 eventually. So 160+280 = 440$ . Michael is the best, don't you agree? 👏🤣👍🏆

[@LloydChristmas-vx2wh]

Valid points

[@jerryparks3706]

Do you understand the difference between small businesses creating specialty items versus massive multi-billion dollar corporations creating "fan funded" items? Example: The next 17 figures are made in a limited quantity, meaning the production of the items is more expensive than the mass-produced product Hasbro creates, making it cost more for the product. Hasbro has an insane amount of wealth to create product with, but rather than take a risk on vehicles and Playsets like any other toy company, they created a risk-free method that involves massively overcharging fans for product with the hopes that the "goals" will unlock and make the product worth the price. It's just shady business practices that we shouldn't be encouraging.

[@JustMe-tm5dc]

@@jerryparks3706 First of all. I don't need to understand anything, ok? Money is money. If your product stinks ,they stink. Why would I think that one party is more fit receiving money over the other? What good does it do me, if I pay that one party all my money for products that are inferior over the other? I don't need to care if they are limited or if they are more expensive to make. If your product is inferior and is just as expensive as other peoples product, maybe this business isn't meant for you. Using the same exact body mold ,using cheap paint surely isn't an "indication" that you are in "love" with me😘. You see , Stan Solo Production figures cost just as much, but his figures for some reason are quality wise even above Hasbro's. Funny it is when you tell me that those figures are "expensive" to produce, but then there are figures like "Baby Wampa" "Sith Ben Kenobi" Hologram Baby Wampa lol. Knock yourself out.🤣👍🏆 Hasbro is free to market itself how it wants. At the end of the day, it is still I, who decides if I invest my money into their project. 👌🤝

[@jerryparks3706]

@@JustMe-tm5dc No worries, you're allowed to be a mindless cash machine for big business, cheers

[@JustMe-tm5dc]

@@jerryparks3706 Get lost you whiny loser

[@jamesringland6141]

Great video. I used to watch his channel too but I think “The Last Jedi” broke him. I totally agree on the Cantina. It had not one but two playsets in the original Kenner line. It was a focal point for a lot of kids when the original movie came out.

[@CarbonScoring]

Bat Cave comparrison on point.

[@GeekFusion_TV]

Thank you sir, appreciate ya watching

[@Stiffkittens01]

@@GeekFusion_TV how? was the batcave a crowdfunder? was it available in stores?

[@SlashTheWeasel]

I use to enjoy watching RetroBlasting but Cantina Haslab .... Personally I hope HasLab Cantina gets funded. I see the joy of it. I have never funded any HasLab but if I collected Star Wars I would buy it cause I see its worth over all the other HasLabs. I have 3D printed sets galore for my Transformers and its lot of work and materials to do, but so worth it cause play sets are lot of fun. My fave is my bar/grill that I have bar with energon cubes and beer that I have made among other things.

[@Digger318]

7:00 B arthur sang a song there. Iconic... :P The Haslab version is kinda bad mid especially for the price... The lego version (i know not an action figurescale ) is a way better example on how to do a cantina set, The black series set with obi wan and the 2 guys is kinda neat too.

[@Jeremiah3-22]

I watch a lot of videos, mainly to see the collections, get info from vintage stuff, or get latest updates on new stuff coming out, etc.. I do think Michael comes off bitchy at times, I do agree with that perspective!. But I also see others piss and moan as well, or complain they can't find stuff, or those mythical scalpers beat them to the scalp!! I'm mostly downsizing at this point, taking the axe to a lot of stuff I just don't feel the need to hold onto anymore.. at some point it's better to just have one or two focal points and let the rest go.. otherwise your junk just ends up owning you!! 👍

[@charlesalexanderjr2247]

Micheal does have a point......once hasbro( a multi billion dollar company) saw that people would fall for there crowd funding..... SOMETHING THAT A MULTI BILLION DOLLAR COMPANY SHOULDNT DO OR EVEN HABMVE TO DO. They knew they could come out with near anything and say ...oh we cant make this any other way...

[@3dartistguy]

i used to like Retroblastng videos, but lately he just comes off being a negative about everything, some of it is totally justified, but this latest rant on the new haslab cantina playet comes comes off as being a perpetual Negative Nelly.

[@Lazrael32]

Honestly i do think RB can get a bit too critical. and he does seem to have trouble enjoying things. but as prices go up and quality goes down it's not hard to figure out why. He did a video on the in line of duty series that was a lot of fun. I think he needs to do more things he's passionate about and maybe a few less he is upset about. Honestly i don't think him complaining is a big deal. But i think it'd be better for him and his audience to keep making stuff on what he is passionate about. because those ones are fun to watch.

[@JustMe-tm5dc]

Michael French is overheating. He is like an old PC when trying to operate with new technology. He will overheat and eventually just break apart. I would avoid him as much as you can. There is nothing you and me can do. Michael chose to be in the spotlight. And like a Kenner figure he will degrade even faster than people who chose to be in the dark.😘👌

[@GeekFusion_TV]

I agree

[@lutherheggs451]

I guarantee that the "bitching" videos have taken over more so than anything else because HE much like the grifters like Dumbcuck and Midnight's Sludge have figured out that negative videos get more views than any of the retrospective videos he's done. He constantly has to claim that he had to stop making the "new" video to make a bitching video and yet there is still no new video besides the dreamland podcast and the occasional 7-8 minute video about one thing. Probably doesn't help either when your calling your audience either imbeciles or "corporate bootlickers" because they might enjoy something that you don't.

[@richardmoreno4280]

Exactly! I used to love his channel but over the past few years it all changed. I think AlphaTrion92 down in the thread nailed it with his comment

[@mikecrowe9888]

I lost all respect for Michael french when he and bobby Valaverses boyfriend at Anal og Toys started bitching about all of the companies that didnt stroke their egos. Frenchie tried to debate Spector Creative in an ambush dressed up as fair fight but poor frenchie was schooled by Spector Creative in spite of numerous technical difficulties. Anal og Toys follows what Frenchie says and jumps on the bandwagon.

[@maddrop]

RetroBeee said that no one wanted a 6" Gijoe collection (obviously he was wrong again), so he is just a grumpy old man that hates everything new, or different from what he collects. With that said i think this cantina is overpriced but can´t hate who wants it for that ridiculous price. It´s their collection not mine.

[@duagrentia]

People saying that "no one wants a (insert toy)" is just funny to me at this point. I didn't expect Chester Cheetah to have an action figure of him yet I want one right now.

[@Lazrael32]

he's one of the classic joe collectors that don't want any innovation in the line. The ones that wanted the oddly proportioned O-rings to come back. which is fine if you like that. but i got tired of hearing how classified is going to be cancelled. for 2 years anything happening with the line meant it was being cancelled. Joe's biggest problem is it doesn't have the popular media to push sells and cross generations so it's alway gonna be more niche than transformers and star wars.

[@Indyowen]

Loved this video. So sick and tired of the haters. All the constant complaining... I started RBlasting video and stopped watching it after just a couple minutes. Complaining for the sake of complaining

[@Grauschaedel]

I remember when he made a video about the Eternia crowdfunding, telling people that they shouldn't back it. Shortly after that he was on 3POA together with his friend Bobby Vala and the potato-like host asked Bobby if he was going to get Eternia and Bobby was like "Yeah of course i backed Eternia". Made me laugh.

[@JustMe-tm5dc]

5) Don't listen to any of us KZbinrs, we are nothing special, just dudes sitting in our house with a camera, our opinion doesn't matter any more than yours does. Despite what some KZbinrs will tell you, we don't know any more about this hobby than you do, because it is a hobby, not rocket science. There are no videos that would fit the areas I'd watch. But I like your personality. I would choose you before a channel that covers all the material I was into. People are the most important quality in life

[@GeekFusion_TV]

I appreciate that, and thanks 4 watching

[@benjamindobalina7493]

Agreed.. Same.

[@cobracommander9138]

I watched a lot of the toy channels and really got tired of them all licking Hasbro and every other toy company's boots in hopes of getting free stuff. Then I saw Retroblasting and he was complaining about Hasbro and Neca and I thought finally someone tells the truth. Then I saw a bunch of other channels come out and also start doing the same thing copying Michael. As I was watching the channel I knew Michael was going to get a lot of hate because he was bitching, he's nerdy, he looks like he's on the spectrum as they say, so I was not surprised. I like getting different views on things and Michael's is one I enjoy. All KZbinrs are biased and have an agenda everyone should already know this. I agree with Michael that big companies shouldn't be crowdfunding. But I also know that I'm not going to change the world. I think it's labeled as a "crowdfunder" to make it seem as if "we the fans backed this project and got it done" when it's just a fancy way of pre-paying for toys with a minimum of orders threshold. I can watch Retroblasting's video on why the Cantina sucks because there's no place for the band, nothing much happened there, they are not releasing all of the cantina figures with it and we will probably have to wait years for that and completely agree with him and still say, I'm still getting it. Haslab is going to do Vintage Collection projects for at least the next couple of years so they have plenty of time to do an Emperor's throne room. The Cantina seemed like an obvious choice. I don't know what type of weak men make their decisions based on what some KZbinr said. I have bought most Haslabs (Star Wars, GI Joe, Marvel Legends) because none of them lose their value. I can sell any of my sealed Haslabs I have in my garage for the same amount I paid or likely more. I intend to put the Cantina in a coffee table in my theater room. If I decide that it doesn't work I can just sell it for what I paid for shipping and tax or even more.

[@alycynde5237]

Started watching his video on this. When he kept complaining about it being a bar he competely lost me. He conveniently forgets Kenner released a bar. It was the critical hub linking Tatooine to the rest of the story. Between his support of fakery intentionally made to where without extremely close inspection they are mistaken for the real thing which can only be explained as intentional fraud on the collectors of vintage, and his ranting about this he has zero credibility and is just another in the line of people who get channels blocked.

[@RobertGraves-b7t]

Yes I agree it’s for the each is own everybody has the thing they like this guy is just a bitching person lol . And nobody forces people to buy anything lol…

[@BiggestDawgEver]

100% agree. I also used to love Retroblasting, especially his long form documentary style features on specific IP. In recent years, though, his clear hatred of Hasbro and the toy industry in general has made his channel decidedly toxic and fun sucking. I can't watch him anymore. The Cantina is expensive, but I like it, and I would totally get it if I wasn't on a tight budget.

[@GeekFusion_TV]

I know what you mean, I was a big fan of his channel for years ...... I wish he would do that kind of content again

[@borealsquidd6901]

Wanting to have toys that are worthy of the price tag is never a crime. Of course you never have to agree with everyone to a tee. Micheal can be negative but I know it’s from a love of the medium and hatred towards corporate greed. Greed being the reason why I will never directly back a Haslab.

[@RidgeVlogt]

He has become a bully same for his bodyguard Tony

[@LloydChristmas-vx2wh]

Tony, the guy that often brings up his military experience, for no apparent reason?

[@RidgeVlogt]

@@LloydChristmas-vx2wh yeah him indeed

[@bryanheinrich371]

I just unsubscribed to any channel that does that. I would rather just be happy about collecting (as you said)

[@sirmustardofhousemayonnais9907]

Aw someone say meanie things about toy so me sad now, me lash out at meanie person because he say meanie thing about inanimate object me likey

[@LloydChristmas-vx2wh]

​@sirmustardofhousemayonnais9907 I'm sorry bryanheinrich was mean to your toy god.

[@bryanheinrich371]

@@sirmustardofhousemayonnais9907 now this is a really weird comment

[@sirmustardofhousemayonnais9907]

@@bryanheinrich371 it points out you people are brainless and emotional like females

[@greyfoxyo]

For me, it started with the Jabba the Hutt Barge haslab and the online fighting he does with several other collectors, not just danoby. That's when I stop watching his stuff .

[@Stiffkittens01]

whatever happened to Danoby giving his sale barge away as he promised?

[@BobChiceroido]

He is an extremely strange guy and his cult of followers are even worse😂

[@BlueHToys]

Hear, hear. Totally agree with you about us KZbinrs not telling collectors what to like. Ours is an opinion and everyones is different. I only watch channels that are positive. Hasbro is too easy to be negative about...that's why I hardly buy anything from them anymore.

[@eggwoke]

But seriously though... who gives a flying f * c k what you think mate?!

[@JamesThames1987]

I used to love watching this guy. His videos have that premium video series that you are lucky to be seeing for free feel. ( At times ) I loved the Star Wars: Follies series. My problem is that this man has shown that he is hot headed and has anger in his heart and that is hard to want to watch. The video where he talks about getting the Jabba's Sail Barge toy or whatever it was is where he started losing me. It was the one where he was hating on the toy, then he bought the toy, sent it to some Australian guy personally on a jet. People had conspiracies about how he bought the toy after he told everyone it sucked and they thought that he secretly wanted it for himself and then he went on this save face crusade, and I just didn't value him anymore, because it shows that he can't take criticism or just ignore the naysayers and go on about his life. Also, I heard that he went ballistic once because he was trying to restore his DeLoreon or whatever and things weren't going his way so he threw a tantrum and that just showed more anger and just didn't do it for me.

[@jerryparks3706]

L take, Michael doesnt just "bitch" about things. He makes note of these massive corporations failings when they try sneaky or underhanded tactics to fleece their buyers and leave them with inferior product. Hasbro hasn't been giving us their best efforts, it's important to call that out and not just accept any trash handed to us.

[@BobChiceroido]

He is an extremely weird/creepy guy.

[@SadisticHiddenVideos]

My niece and nephew will go nuts when they see this playset. They'll play A LOT with it. It's funny to me when middle aged men who display their toys behind glass like in a museum (please don't touch!) complain about the lack of a toy's playability.

[@StoneXCustoms]

Thanks you !

[@Stygian360]

Michael is sickly and unwell looking. I'm convinced he's battling some kind of an illness and just hasn't told his fans. This might help explain why he's become so salty in his later years.

[@LloydChristmas-vx2wh]

I don't think he looks sick. His thin frame is often a healthy sign. With that being said, constantly being negative can have a negative effect on your health, as your cells will react accordingly.

[@funkyfreshbboy]

I don't like Michael French.So anyone who makes fun of him.I'm here for it LOL

[@the80sguy80]

Ditto!

[@kingpatriot]

Someone's feelings got hurt

[@TheChadTI]

Usually, I don't enjoy watching bitching (even though I sadly do it quite a bit myself...) I really enjoy Michael/Retroblasting FOR his angry takes. 😅 Great video, thanks man 🤙 Cantina should have LED's for sure though.

[@benjamindobalina7493]

Yea dude, but his "angry takes" come across more like a surly girl scout. He has what they call a "punchable face".

[@MouseCrumb]

Nice video! It’s good to call out people like this! The cantina is boring was news to me when I watched his video. You forgot to mention that he also said that you better have figures for the cantina, that’ll also cost you money. Gee thanks Michael, I think you just defined how collecting works, lol! That was a very strange video. It’s fine to not like haslab model or the cantina, but to just straight up lying about stuff like the band, and their cost on eBay and that hasbro will somehow not reissue stuff even though that’s all they do these days. Definitely cringe.

[@michaelpantano6351]

Calling Michael French a « boomer » is inappropriate and rude. "OK boomer" is used to dismiss or mock attitudes associated with baby boomers. It’s kind of insulting to anyone watching this video who was born in that time period.

[@GeekFusion_TV]

"OK Boomer" is used to describe an attitude, not a generation, although that generation is where the stereotypical traits that are described by the term come from ..... namely resistance to new ideas, fear of anything new that they either don't understand or they dislike and a stubborness to anything they disagree with ...... Which in RetroBoy's case, describes his attitudes and reactions perfectly

[@BobChiceroido]

I actually think French's wife is actually his live-in mental health nurse

[@williamthompson5504]

Ex-wife now.

[@Grauschaedel]

@@williamthompson5504 Really? Since when?

[@jameshamer481]

Yeah when?​@williamthompson5504

[@theofficialvernetheturtley338]

@@williamthompson5504 Wait who was his wife in the first place?

[@Fauntleroy.]

@@williamthompson5504 WTF are you on about?

[@carloscunningham319]

I like your views and your videos on haslabs and other toy companies they get butt hurt because your speaking the truth,, Haslab is high but thats the only way your going too beable too get certain items plus you'll pay about the same or more too have someone too 3-D print it ,I've already looked into it ,so it's a must for me,plus I've been holding on too my cantina figures for years boxed up 😢

[@sirmustardofhousemayonnais9907]

You're* that's the only way YOULL ever get these items because you will always buy them and hasbro knows it.

[@carloscunningham319]

@@sirmustardofhousemayonnais9907 ask 3-D printers too drop their high prices and they could make them

[@kidchuckle]

this is just me... but I do like to see good and harsh reviews. At the end of the day I will still get what I like. But being harsh... keeps companies on its toes. does he come off as a bit harsh.. maybe. but I think the bigger your channel grows you're going to get a lot of negative comments. And you either have shrug it off or sour you. Even for pixel dan. where he's mostly positive... he get attacked as a shil. social media is a tricky thing. not everyone likes straight direct reviews. But if people are asking for his thoughts... thats his thoughts. I think thats valid. you have valid points too. but at the end of the day... its meant to be fun. you can collect what you want. cherry pick. change your mind. it's deffinitely a hobby if you can afford... you have fewer issues the rest of the world has. it's kind of hard to remember that in when hobbyists disagree.

[@Dr.Strangelove.]

i watched the retro video and is was like a real bad narcist ego show

[@Ghostviking69]

Yeah, RB is so wrong on the cantina playset not being interesting.... A bar full of aliens is not interesting.

[@DCMarvelMultiverse]

What does he hope to accomplish?

[@TripleXmodder]

Spot on. RetroBlssting was one of the first toy yt channels I started watching & enjoying. I’m here to relax & enjoy some toy based entertainment…. I had to unsubscribe to him a couple years ago for these reasons. It was not enjoyable to watch him bitching and attacking other channels etc etc.

[@argo2520]

Honestly this is a punching up to get attention video. Now while you tried to hit all of Retro's points you utterly missed the one huge one that he had made. There is no support by Hasbro for the cantina. All those characters that you spoke about have already came out over the past years. We as collectors did not know that there would be a haslab cantina. Unless you collected every single before hand that cantina is going to be pretty empty of those characters you touched on. Will those figures come out? Can you also give us the time stamp on when retro encourages people to go after people on social media who like the cantina please? Or are you pulling that statement out of your *** too?