Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back - Retro Collection - Hasbro 2020

[@anakinskywalker4325]

I actually bought all the current retro figures for my Dad as a gift bc he lost almost all his childhood original star wars figures, and he actually really enjoys these figures and displays them in his office with pride

[@darrenccwong]

Keeping them in carded form is the best way

[@thesimpletonautum5567]

Let's be honest, that kinda mindset is what collecting is about

[@idkwhattohaveasausername5828]

That’s cute :)

[@TheColonelSponsz]

Having played with these toys as a kid I'm here (and at Analog Toys) for the nostalgia, I don't have a collection so I don't have a dog in this fight. However, as an outsider the puritanical zeal of the anti-repro faction says to me that they are very insecure in their position. I can respect people who don't want repros in *their own* collections - what I can't respect is people who don't want repros in *someone else's* collection.

[@MichaelJShaffer]

I liked your idea of boxing Luke and Dak together or Tarkin and Wedge. They could ditch the board games altogether and do some of those adventure packs. LOVED your pointer. I may have paid more attention in class if the teacher had used that instead of a yard stick or a wooden pointer. A elegant teaching device for a more civilized age.

[@milanondrak5564]

I have Tarkin, my brother got me board game as nostalgic Christmas present as we had the game when it was originally released way back in the 80s.

[@KJ-tz7vc]

I hope the Return of the Jedi series includes a Slave Leia, even if we have to buy a board game to obtain her.

[@namelessjedi2242]

That is the best and only choice for a “missing” major figure we never got. Now watch Hasbro not do it...

[@troypol343]

I want R2 and C-3PO in this retro collection.

[@cerethpainting6606]

This video just proves you dont have to pander. When something is good, Michael says so. You knew he was going to review these with a fine tooth comb. Great video! The good, the bad, and the ugly clearly laid out.

[@jacosisaba]

I absolutely love these figures. I take the figures out of the box so the packaging didn’t bother me. This is giving me the chance to experience the originals without having to pay an arm and a leg.

[@mechamanblade8465]

The Kenner Hoth Han was one of my first Star Wars figures along with the AT-AT Driver, Yoda, IG-88 and the Rebel Transport. Its a shame that Hasbro isn't reissuing Retro Kenner vehicles as well.

[@TheNerdHolden]

nah, for some reason hasbro doesn't like to print money

[@thecollector4332]

I gotta say man, I love how objective you are. I really like how you aren’t just blindly hating on the new figures and claiming it was all perfect with the Kenner figures. You actually praise improvement and criticize missteps equally. I love your reviews and your channel man.

[@brock2443]

The only figure from Wave 1 or 2. I ever found in stores was the board game with Tarkin.

[@The1queencollector]

A box set of vintage pilots would be fantastic with Biggs, Porkins ect all together, maybe a box of guns for troopers, official vintage reproductions and if they released a vinyl cape Jawa it would fill a gap in many collections. So many options we will never see.

[@Brian_is_Not_Sus]

I wish they would've included Hoth Stormtrooper

[@Retsler54]

Yes but back in 1982 nobody said "Snowtrooper". I said "Stormtrooper Hoth Battle Gear', the official name and way more awesome.

[@skylx0812]

Kitbashed an escape pod for Hoth Leia out of an old Zebco spincast reel back in the day. I carved the windshield to resemble the Falcon's cockpit. It had lights inside and out and a transparent air mask for her. Looks like we may have to go back into shelter in place soon and I'll need a hobby to while the time away till the next riot. I may give it a go if I can find a Leia figure just for funzies.

[@leoleo2707]

If you also notice vintage Bobba fetts head is smaller than the retro fett. Retro Bobba head is bigger. Looks way better ! I actually didn't mind buying both board games. They look pretty cool with the figures inside.

[@Markusewitz]

Thanks...I thought I'm the only one who likes the board games :-) !

[@pendaco]

Yoda looks pretty fabulous with that orange shawl 🐸

[@triumphantsam]

Had the Kenner originals when I was a kid. What’s funny is as a kid, I never cared about not having a Tarkin figure. As an adult, I now want the Tarkin figure. Darn nostalgia…

[@Miakel]

Remember, aim away from face when attempting to get a lightsaber working. These things should come with a warning label

[@retroblasting]

Pfffft

[@fireknightification]

That is why I love watching your show, you are honest when it comes to Star Wars figures.

[@skabcat242]

What a missed opportunity to have that guy on Bespin with the ice cream maker finally get his own figure.

[@retroblasting]

They did make modern version of Willrow Hood

[@thedudeofren]

I'd bet either Fans Strike Back or Stan Solo would be willing to do that

[@DarthVader-1701]

@@retroblasting yeah and after the 20 people that wanted him got theirs he warmed the pegs for months. I remember going into multiple Targets and seeing at least a dozen of those things sitting on the pegs and thinking why was this guy even made.

[@AL-ws5yi]

I never knew that so many variations of the figures exists. Thanks for the education.

[@monstermasterhaunts1054]

I honsetly didn't even realise they made retro emipres. Im done with hasbro, but keep up the great content Michael!

[@ArkSucksAtGames]

You should move to lego

[@mrsinister8978]

I just read somewhere that their upcoming marvel legends sentinel figure costs $349.99. Its like they are becoming the EA of the toy industry.

[@mrsinister8978]

@@spaceknight793 still they could have had it at 100 dollars or something.

[@anakinfilm9467]

LEGO Boba Fett, agreed

[@80sfreak42]

@@ArkSucksAtGames heroin..

[@brycevo]

This is a nice set, and I'm glad they fixed them. But I wish we could get more, and they were easier to get

[@mrsinister8978]

I wish Boba was easier to get. They had all of them at Wal-Mart except boba which made me pissed.

[@pnrcomps]

Great revue, liked seeing old and new next to each other for comparison, and have seen lots of the regular ones minus Fett in WalMart, Fett is always gone!

[@trippsallee]

You just helped me realize I’ve been given a minty 1979 Taiwan Boba Fett with blaster from my father, who, despite playing with his Star Wars toys a lot, apparently kept his Fett in excellent condition and handed it down to me in 2005. Cool stuff. Thanks, dad!

[@lukebrooks8071]

Thanks Micheal and Melinda for great videos

[@ryangann5037]

These look better than I expected honestly. Good enough and close enough that I’d be tempted. But being as I grew up with the original figures it’s difficult to say I’d be 100% happy with these just knowing they aren’t the original Kenner figures. That said I like that they are trying to make these as good as they are

[@Christolclear101]

I work for Walmart, I help unload the truck, and since these have come out, I have only seen my store get 1 case in, and I was there when it came in. I recently started collecting the original Kenner line, so these had me psyched as I was completely unable to get the ones from 2019. As soon as they hit the sales floor, I immediately snagged up Boba Fett, Yoda, and Luke Skywalker. I know since then that’s the only case that my store has received, and another one next to me has only 1 case come in, so either they’re only ordering 1 case or that’s the only case they’re going to receive, which is a shame, as I’m really wanting the rest of this line. And until your video, I was completely unaware of the board game. Awesome video as always!

[@MarkyD1967]

And there you go. Walmart employees buying up the retro Boba Fetts before they even hit the shelves. I knew this was going on. Explains why it never existed.

[@Christolclear101]

MarkyD1967 I waited till it actually hit the sales floor. Considering what I’ve been seeing scalpers trying to fetch for this figure, I refuse to pay 4-5 times the average retail price. The real problem is either Hasbro not distributing enough of them to meet demand or Walmart not ordering additional cases to meet demand.

[@johnfronczek5408]

I bought the (Hoth) Han Solo and (Hoth) Leia from a collectibles store. I agree with the flimsy and “fake” damaged packaging. Thank you, Michael.

[@MidnightsEdgeAfterDark]

I picked up a Yoda...I really wanted 3P0 and R2...

[@davidnetherton9456]

Hope they at least make a ROTJ retro line before they stop and make the card thicker

[@maxrico6660]

I found a lot of the Retro Star Wars. Target had them in the Men's department instead of the toy department so it threw everybody off. I found it by accident and hit the jackpot! I bought two of each and about four Stormtroopers. The ESB Retro I found them all but ended up just picking up Boba Fett. I hope they do rerelease all of them. I really like the Vintage Retro Collection.

[@paulb9890]

Why wasn’t it Bespin Han instead? Always felt he was the best vintage Han.

[@warpartyattheoutpost4987]

For sure! I played with Bespin Han, Chewie and the Falcon more than any of my other figures. Those were my best Star Wars adventures as a kid.

[@SkyFireDrone2022]

My favorite too. The bulk of my SW toys were from ESB. In fact, I never even owned an x-wing!

[@Knightrogue24.]

They chose hoth Han because of one of two things: 1; hoth Han was the first of many from the 1980 Kenner assortment to be the 1st attire for Empire strikes back when he's in the ice. 2; he was never re-packaged in the force link assortment from that two pack with hoth Luke in the rebels lineup. And he could've been packed with a new mold of a new sculpted tauntaun action figure ride vehicle too. But he didn't. And that's Hasbro's loss not kenners because they gave the figures vehicles and play sets to go with them. It sucks because Hasbro created a wampa along with a new sculpted hoth Luke 5.poa figure but no hoth Han or tauntaun with that assortment. Yes only hoth Luke & hoth Leia but no hoth Han to go with them not even a tauntaun either. Unless you want a tauntaun you can find one with a mini sized miniature hoth Han. It was a good thing the retro collection chose hoth Han over bespin Han again because I already had a bespin Han in my collection along with bespin Luke and every other character from esb. Well besides Lando, lobot, Han hoth, C-3po removable limbs. Any of those ones. Bespin Luke and bespin Han with boba fett and hoth Leia I got first. Then I knew something was missing: "Hoth Luke with wampa" I found a wampa with hoth Luke after all this time but then I noticed again no this wasn't right I was missing hoth Han. I finally received a hoth Han then later I picked up Lando and lobot. I received c-3po with removable limbs before I received hoth Han but then sooner after a couple days later I received hoth Han after I had just got him. Then I was missing a tauntaun too until I got a hold of one. I also received another hoth Leia too. Then afterwards that was that. I'm still missing snow troopers, At At drivers, ugnaughts, bespin guards, R2-d2 with sensor scope n pop up lightsaber. And even at at commanders and imperial officers. Even hoth rebel soldiers and commanders. We need 5 poa action figures to return otherwise the company who owns star wars will let the merchandise die. And I know George Lucas wouldn't let Disney do that. He wouldn't. He needs to take star wars back at must.

[@TheOnlyLinked]

Got damn they don’t got any Brain cells

[@namelessjedi2242]

The people deciding this don’t understand such things. They likely wanted some “Hoth representation” and thought Bespin Han looked too similar to the original one they already made. I’m convinced people making these things never played with toys as kids.

[@indigoyarkindell968]

learned something new about the Yoda figure

[@benhopper3363]

Hasbro obviously saw Michael's previous rant about the yellow lightsabers and were trying to make him happy with the blue one, and then DOH! Now he wants the yellow!

[@joluzonng2302]

Fantastic, in-depth yet concise review. I love all the comparisons to the older figures, as well as the quick look at Tarkin and Snowspeeder Luke. Exactly what I was searching for! 👏

[@colt5189]

Yes, they should have also included a blue lightsaber with the Bespin Luke. So that way we can choose to have him hold a movie accurate blue lightsaber, or the Kenner accurate yellow lightsaber. Just like on those He-Man Commemorative reissues, it would have been nice if they included both halfs of his sword in gray so we could have a complete gray sword, or maybe just make a new gray sword that was one piece like in the cartoon. I always hated that half sword.

[@robk.6591]

I was able to get the ESB Retro Bespin Luke & Hoth Han Solo. They're some of the best SW figs I've bought in awhile. For some reason, though, many of the Bespin Lukes have a pink dot on his belt.

[@lizardking2767]

Probably to differentiate from the original. Just a guess.

[@jaceandjulianasworld3565]

I believe that's supposed to be his penis. Bold design choice if you ask me.

[@EDFCentral]

They had them all at my Walmart on clearance for 5 bucks each. A week later they are full price again. Granted I took advantage of the $5 clearance and got them all now.

[@SecretOfMonkeyIsland784]

In the UK these were quite easy to get via pre-order on online stores, this is refreshing as obviously we dont get access to stuff USA gets like SDCC exclusives.

[@kevincoleman5080]

I got the Tarkin with the game on clearance at Target. Like you said, it was the only I wanted. For $5 I jumped on it, keep the figure and sold the game.

[@rosshound911]

If Hasbro follows their imperial procedures its inevitable that they will follow up with a Retro Return of the Jedi line. And finish it off with a Retro Power of the Force line. Likely with Yak Face as one of the 6 figure offerings.

Can't wait for the toys for the new Groundhog's Day! I heard Les Claypool is included.

[@johnathankirkland4801]

Another enjoyable viewing. Concise, informative and open minded approach. Top production values too. Quality all round. Thanks. 👍

[@ewanthrelkeld9047]

My name is in the new ASDA in Worksop and they were £9.99 and I bought the Luke and Han

[@kieronball8962]

Michael provides a short and sweet, detailed review for this Empire Strikes Back retro collection, highlighting all of their pros and cons, for the dedicated Star Wars fan! Sadly, I cannot abide the awful packaging, with its fake, aged wear and tear, or the obvious money grabbing scheme behind the Luke figure enclosed with a crap board game! As Michael often mentions, these days, it's the fans who are making the best Star Wars figures and in turn, putting Hasbro to shame!

[@unimpressedlink2507]

Neat outro, gives it the feel of an 80s talk show!

[@billpagan3070]

Really glad you got you a set and reviewed them!👍 I really like the Retro Collection! I have bought several from wave 1 and wave 2.😁

[@_The_Worst_]

I've always preferred my vintage Yoda's with an orange snake...👍🏼💯✔

[@the_amazing_crappo]

The original X-Wing Luke also used a cardback image where he isn't wearing a helmet.

[@brandonknight3527]

Good review. I'm not collecting the Vintage style Retro figures, but, the newer TESB ones do look pretty nice. If I still had all of my original vintage figures, I might have considered it. The Snowspeeder Luke does look pretty good, and I agree with you on it being pretty crappy that you have to get a board game to get the figure. Certainly people will want more than one to add to the collection and fill in the Hoth scenes, but having to get two games is a little ridiculous.

[@j.t.w.7985]

As German collector i got used to searching everything online as toy fairs an Fan Stores vanished during the 90s, so i don‘t expect to go to a toy Store and find Anything interesting Star Wars (i don‘t even mention the recent hasbro Crap). But despite being a Long Time vintage line collector i like the Retro figures a lot. Unpacking some favorite Characters was still nice Nostalgia throwback to my childhood.

[@kitfistosdentalplan1319]

I want Retro Collection figures for the non-OT material in that same era- rebels, Rogue One, the Mandalorian, Solo, I think they’d fit together well. Especially with Rebels taking such a direct influence from the Kenner Figures and Macquarie concepts!

[@GrosvnerMcaffrey]

I don't know I don't associate the Disney crap with the old films

[@kitfistosdentalplan1319]

Grosvner Mcaffrey Frankly, outside of the sequel trilogy itself, I’ve loved the storytelling on screen from disney!

[@GrosvnerMcaffrey]

@@kitfistosdentalplan1319 rouge one was the only exception solo was a waste of time rebels has nothing on clone wars and have you seen high republic it's simply dreadful

[@JackSparrow-df4nk]

Yes, I prefer non hasbro stuff anymore too, but good work as always Michael and Melinda

[@saturdaymorningfan3123]

Empire strikes back is in first place at the american box office this week! First time in over 20 years!

[@Michael_Johnson_5446]

Expertly analysed. You've told me everything I need to know about these figures.

[@nealmundy9662]

Very well said and done Michael.

[@georgelea4297]

Thanks for another quality review Michael and Retroblasting keep up the amazing work

[@AgentM79]

Great vid. Lots of useful collector info. Hasbro needs to make OT SW figures because they literally can’t GIVE AWAY sequel-based toys.

[@TenkoVA]

I personally would love to see modern characters, or modern versions, in the retro kenner style. Maybe some variations of stormtroopers, or clone wars versions of anakin and obi wan. I'd kill for a kenner style death trooper honestly

[@TomSchreck-n1t]

Of all these, I think Yoda is the one I'd buy.

[@impossiblepie]

I want the boba fett. Wish I could find one in store. Hasbro's should make more so people will something to put on their $100 staircase to no where.

[@JoKeer80]

I got Yoda and Luke for the lightsaber and cane for my vintage figures, eventually I will upgrade, but this works for now. I use the 2 figures together with the blue vintage collection Yoda backpack. It looks good together, but hard to keep standing.

[@OnlyOneKenobi]

Thorough as usual and awesome Michael! Great work once again. 👌🏻 O.O.K 💙

[@manko8852]

It probably wouldn't have broken the bank for them to give you a toothpick in both colors or even two guns like they should have when we were kids. IG-88 was always my favorite because he came with 2 guns.

[@PrimeTimeTreasureHunter]

Another amazing video!

[@timpagan71]

Come on Hasbro. Make the retro collection with better card backs and without that stupid Retro Sticker. I only purchased the Boba because I love my original collection. I loved this video and how you broke it all down how Hasbro has improved on them. Thanks and be safe.

[@gutz1981]

Is Vac Metal an issue still? I bought a Masters of the universe He-Ro toy just came out and it has a gold vac metal chest. Did I miss something?

[@garym6315]

Regarding the repro argument; I preordered a retro Yoda figure just so I could get a new snake, cane, belt & robe for my old figure. I don't care if it's original, official repro or unofficial repro, I just want my collection to look like it did before the child me lost these little accessories.

[@razorsedge5145]

Very late to the party so I missed out on all of these. I just wanted a few for memory sake but I could never find them. With raising a family I won't pay Ebay prices either. Oh well live and learn I guess. Great video, thank you.

[@retroblasting]

Solid priorities! Well done!

[@ronanranger855]

I would love to see the prequel characters in the retro collection.

[@marialillygeorge3891]

Great video i have been in Walmart's looking for these and all ive been told is they are discontinued and not getting anymore but that was after i found leia and lando then besbin luke and hoth han still looking for yoda and boba oh well

[@marcgordon8040]

Great Video Michael

[@lordhumungus3578]

The original 12 back toys paid my rent for three months when the 2008 recession hit

[@Daldi564]

I might track down a Bespin Luke Skywalker given its my favourite character from my favourite film

[@themaypole]

A nightcap for us in the UK, cheers RB!

[@COMBOY]

Two X-Wing Luke figures are more than fine for me to put on the Snowspeeder, there's no need for a 'Snowspeeder Luke' variant, apart from the gloves and the glasses, they look almost the same.

[@garym6315]

I've ordered a few of these (the Han Hoth, Leia Hoth that I never owned in childhood, and a Boba Fett so I've not got my childhood one out all the time) but Zavvi still haven't delivered.

[@dennisbeckholt3205]

Great content and likely headed to patreon soon to support you and other creators.. this is better than Hulu or Netflix

[@hondorockz]

Make sure when you light up that lightsaber it's blue not yellow lol, thanks for the video Michael, and have a great weekend!

[@MonsterGrove]

Use the snowspeeder pilot as Dak and xwing luke as luke viola both for snowspeeder

[@Merylstreep1949]

Does the new retro Lando finally come with a can of Colt 45???

[@michaelramova]

Excellent review. Keep them coming, French.

[@Jcc2224]

I think it would be neat to see a ReAction style line for Star Wars. Give us some OT characters that never got love in the vintage line. Would they also make PT and ST characters? Eeh... I don't think that's necessary, but I'm sure they'd make a Rey or something and it would pegwarm...

[@markcuthbert5881]

They should make the rebel guards with the funny helmets

[@LewisChristisonVids]

Hasbro can't even be bothered to keep the modern "Vintage" collection up and running. I doubt they could handle a whole extra retro line, too.

[@kenpowers01]

Glad to see your take on this wave. I got the Hoth pilot Luke but I was disappointed. I didn't care for the light yellow visor color (Honestly, I think the visor should have been up or transparent plastic, as seeing the eyes gives the figure some identity). Also, the figure is very tall compared to other vintage figures (Mark Hamill isn't exactly a starting forward). But like you, I'd like to see them make more missed figures in the vintage style (and get away from making those pack-ins), as I thought Tarkin was solid. I really enjoyed adding him to my Death Star after all these years. Anyway, thanks again for all the great videos.

[@DJKCP]

News: Haslab just confirmed a $349.99 Marvel Legends Sentinel, I'd love to hear you chew them out!

[@doctorgoodguy1]

I had all these figures but I did not have nice, complete versions of all these characters. It's nice to be able to get Luke with his weapons, Lando with his cape, etc. etc. I am hoping there will be a ROTJ wave.

[@localjams]

Snowtrooper would have been nice. I'd have really liked the 2 Bespin Guards also. Oh and IG88!!

[@mogmuffmunch]

Aaarrrgggghhh! Collecting Vintage SW is hard enough! I really don't need these muddying the waters even more!

[@TwoCentsToys]

If there is any opinion I would trust on these retro figures it’s Michael French’s. I’m glad I was able to help. I can’t wait to see what separates these from repro figures. Is it who made them?? Is it who holds a license? Because I’d say that the fans own the nostalgia they bring, not a faceless corporation who makes you pay for the privilege. Toys and the memories they bring are for everyone. Not just those who can afford to be happy.

[@williamwallace9427]

I really like the shorter intro!

[@castaway_toys]

Dude I love your channel! I just found you and I’m hooked!

[@francoisregis2155]

Interesting just hope I will be able to get them before scalpers does

[@WishItWas1984]

While I get that "Snowspeeder Outfit" Luke is technically a new figure, I definitely am not paying for that board game to get him like I did with Tarkin. This is an obvious money grab into adult collector pockets and X-Wing Luke scratches this itch in my display just fine. I might not have this opinion if they didn't have General Rieekan as an option. Hell, I would've taken Toryn Farr (the woman sitting at the console) instead of another Luke.

[@GregArmstrong40]

Thanks for your awesome review 😀!

[@davidj5910]

Just got my Boba in the mail yesterday. Haven't been able to get ANY of the previous few releases of Boba due to the ridiculous 2ndary market.

[@thetreeshaker4143]

I got my wave for.great price. It it was 3rd party and I really wish I could buy toys at the store like I was able to with the plasma series

[@cronocomics]

That was a great video.

[@805warriortentwelve9]

Great video 👍🏻