Star Wars day was packed with lots of announcements and some glimpses of what we’ll be able to see at the end of the month when Star Wars Celebration begins. For the collectors out there, some very cool products have been announced. It doesn’t matter who’s your favorite character or your budget, there’s something for everyone.
Hasbro’s Black Series figures are very important to Star Wars collectors, but they’re not the only ones who offer good products. Companies like Sideshow and Funko are two other big contenders when it comes to selling Star Wars merchandise. As the tradition dictates, both of them made special announcements on May 4th. Here’s what we’re going to get.
Celebrating 20 years of Attack of the Clones
Sideshow and Hot Toys have announced sixth scale figures to celebrate the 20th anniversary of Star Wars: Attack of the Clones. With the exception of R2-D2, all figures are approximately 30cm tall, R2-D2 is 18 cm tall. These figures are expected to ship: April 2023- September 2023.
C-3PO
The first one is C-3PO. His unpolished look and exposed circuits are on point. I remember laughing a lot when C-3PO had that small incident in the factory where his head was changed, later to be seen in the Geonosis arena yelling “Die, Jedi dogs!”. It’s refreshing to see that they included a swappable Battle Droid head!
This C-3PO sixth scale figure includes a figure base that resembles the ground of the Geonosian arena, a special designed commemorative packaging, a blaster, a swappable head, LED light-up eyes, six interchangeable hands, and over 26 points of articulations. The weathering effects are amazing, it’s going to look good no matter where you display it.
R2-D2
What would be of C-3PO without the most reliable droid in the galaxy as his partner? R2-D2 saved Anakin, Padmé, and C-3PO more than once on Attack of the Clones. It was also the first time it used the rocket thrusters to fly for a little while, I was shocked to see how resourceful R2-D2 is.
The number of accessories it includes is unreal; universal computer interface arm, utility saw, utility arm, one pair of computer interface arms, two multi-function utility and interface arms, a repair arm, two lock pick arms, a computer terminal arm, life-form scanner, tether cable, one pair of rocket thrusters for flight mode with two real-like thruster fire effects, one C-3PO mechanical head with LED light-up function, one infrared remote control for R2-D2’s sound effect and LED light-up functions and one specially designed figure stand.
As you can see, they really made a good job including everything we’ve seen in the movies; accessories, weathered paint job, and light-up effects. Pairing the iconic duo of droids with their Attack of the Clones appearances is going to improve any Star Wars collection.
Clone Trooper
Attack of the Clones was the first time we met the Grand Army of the Republic, fearless legions that were modeled after Jango Fett, one of the best bounty hunters in the galaxy. Their training, genetic code, and loyalty to the Republic would make things much harder for the CIS.
The sixth scale Republic Clone Trooper figure includes the following accessories: one rocket launcher, one blaster rifle, one blaster pistol, one backpack, one interchangeable Clone Trooper Phase 2 helmet and a specially designed figure stand with Star Wars logo and character nameplate.
I love that they include the Phase 2 helmet and different weapons. The battle of Geonosis is my favorite part of the movie and I’m happy that they made a piece that, in my opinion, is definitely worth every penny.
Clone ¨Pilot
The Clone Pilots had some of the most dangerous and important jobs among the troops of the Grand Army of the Republic. Carrying the troops to a landing zone, rescuing survivors, providing supplies, escorting important military figures, or just facing the endless droid ships of the CIS. I believe that they are rarely given the recognition they deserve, so I’m stoked for this figure.
The Clone Pilot figure features: One blaster rifle, one blaster pistol, one interchangeable Clone Pilot helmet, binoculars, two thermal detonators, and a specially designed figure stand with Star Wars logo and character nameplate.
Battle Droid
A mindless soldier used by the CIS to take control of weaker planets. Despite being inferior to a Clone Trooper, the way they were able to produce thousands of droids in a short period of time gave them the numerical advantage on almost every battlefield.
This B1 battle droid includes: one blaster rifle, binoculars, one set of attachable antennas, a backpack with extendable antennas, one dessert-like diorama accessory, one C-3PO mechanical head with LED light-up function, and a specially designed figure stand with Star Wars logo and character nameplate.
Funko & Loungefly team up for Star Wars Celebration
Funko and Loungefly have announced that they will be hosting a joint booth at Star Wars Celebration 2022. New and exclusive products will be available at their booth, from backpacks to vinyl figures. If you’re not attending, there’s no need to panic yet, some of their exclusives will be available to the public at 6am PT on Friday, May 27th, 2022 on their website. Check their socials for details.
The first exclusives and arguably most important ones are Darth Vader, Luke Skywalker, Princess Leia, Chewbacca, and a Stormtrooper. All of them with their classic appearance from A New Hope. I wonder why they didn’t include Han Solo.
The next one is Lando Calrissian piloting the Millennium Falcon and a commemorative Funko tee of Star Wars Celebration. I’m not the biggest fan of the tee but since it’s a convention exclusive it holds a certain value for collectors.
Boba Fett and Luke Skywalker soda cans with their respective figures. The first thing that caught my attention was Luke’s red lightsaber, I wonder which Legends story inspired this. The soda cans look very cool and I’d definitely like to try one.
Grogu has quickly established himself as one of the most popular characters of Star Wars modern era. Everyone loves him and his face is everywhere, I’m sure his most dedicated fans are going to enjoy having this peculiar Grogu with Diamond Glitter on their shelves.
The Concept Series will now include a two-pack with R2-D2 and C-3PO. Darth Vader will also be available as part of the Concept Series. Please note that this Darth Vader is not the same as the previous versions.
Loungefly has some very cool stuff, especially if you like matching accessories. Wrecker, Hunter, and C-3PO get their set of matching bags and wallets. An R2-D2 cross bag with the perfect size to carry essential stuff to your favorite con. Some very cute droid pins to gift to a friend.
My favorite item is the X-Wing bag with the removable R2-D2 figure, it’s such a simple but cool concept to implement on a Star Wars bag. There’s no better choice for this idea than the iconic X-Wing, I’d certainly gift it to my sister.
Are you attending Star Wars Celebration 2022? What kind of Star Wars merch will you get your hands on?
