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Hasbro releases confusing 'deluxe' Book of Boba Fett Vintage Collection figure

Star Wars

Hasbro releases confusing ‘deluxe’ Book of Boba Fett Vintage Collection figure

Boba Fett may not tolerate price gouging in Mos Espa, but that won’t stop Hasbro from attempting to blatantly rip off Star Wars collectors.

UPDATE: Less than an hour before the figure in this article went up for sale, Hasbro’s PR team began distributing a PR statement, which read:

Following the reveal of the STAR WARS: THE VINTAGE COLLECTION BOBA FETT (MORAK) Figure we wanted to share an update regarding the figure’s pricing and preorder availability. Unfortunately, there was an error with the original pricing information communicated yesterday. Please see below for the information on this figure, including the updated corrected $20.99 SRP, and let us know if you have any questions.

That’s still $7 more than a standard/regular release (and $5 more than most retailer exclusives), which is what the figure should cost due to the lack of accessories. That being said, it’s good to know that the Boba Fett Tax isn’t quite as high as well feared.

Unfortunately, this item went the way of most Target exclusive preorders and was gobbled up by scalper bots within minutes. Congratulations to the few collectors who managed to snag one.

On Monday, rumblings began on social media about Hasbro releasing another Boba Fett figure in the Star Wars: Vintage Collection line based on the character’s recent appearances. Unlike the last release (which was revealed only a few weeks ago) this version will have a slightly different deco and fewer accessories while still carrying the “deluxe” $26.49 price tag. Adding insult to injury, it wouldn’t even have the “deluxe” label to justify the markup.

I thought this had to be a mistake and thought nothing of it until Banthaskull.com posted a full press release from Hasbro’s PR department last night confirming the absurdity:

STAR WARS: THE VINTAGE COLLECTION BOBA FETT (MORAK) Figure
(HASBRO/Age 4 years & up/Approx. Retail Price: $26.49/Available: Fall 2022)
STAR WARS: THE VINTAGE COLLECTION 3.75-INCH scale classic figures and vehicles feature original vintage-inspired packaging and Kenner branding. This STAR WARS: THE VINTAGE COLLECTION BOBA FETT (MORAK) figure is inspired by Boba Fett, the legendary character in STAR WARS: THE MANDALORIAN, and once the most feared bounty hunter in the galaxy. This collectible figure features premium detail and design, collector grade deco, and is highly articulated with a fully poseable [sic] head, arms, and legs. The Vintage Collection action figure comes with 4 entertainment-inspired accessories. Available for preorder beginning 1/25 at 1pm EST. See StarWars.com for more details.

This Boba Fett figure is based on the version we saw in The Mandalorian during the penultimate episode of Season 2. Here are some pictures of it (along with the four “entertainment-inspired accessories”), which admittedly look pretty great.

Now here are some pictures of the other Boba Fett figure that was revealed a few weeks ago. Keep in mind that according to Hasbro’s press release, this figure costs the same as the one pictured above.

As you can see, the paint operations are slightly different, but the previous release comes with two additional accessories: A jetpack flame effect and the stormtrooper helmets.

Despite what seems like an obvious difference in value, the Boba Fett figure announced on Monday evening still carries the $26.49 “deluxe” price point instead of the standard $13.99 one we’ve see for most single carded Vintage Collection figures…or the $15.99 price point for retailer exclusives…or the $20.99 price point of other deluxe Vintage Collection releases.

The figure also appears to be using the same mold as the previous one, thus negating any argument about tooling costs. Additionally, the newer/higher priced version doesn’t have the acid scarring that would match his on screen appearance, thus making it even less worthy of the inflated price tag.

Can someone please tell me what I’m missing here?

Hasbro releases confusing 'deluxe' Book of Boba Fett Vintage Collection figure

All snark aside, this feels like confirmation of “Boba Fett Tax” that Hasbro appears to be testing on its customers. If that turns out to be true, then it’s a crappy thing for them to do. I get that they’re a business trying to maximize profits, but this is a pretty clear-cut case of price gouging.

If you’d like to support Hasbro’s efforts at nearly doubling the price point of its single carded Vintage Collection figures, then this one will be available for preorder on Tuesday beginning at 1:00 PM EST. It’s expected to arrive later this fall.

UPDATE: The figure has been revealed to be a Target exclusive, so making a successful preorder is likely a moot point, anyway.

As for me, I’ll be skipping this release along with many other collectors. I also can’t wait to see if the Hasbro Star Wars team is willing to address this issue when it’s inevitably brought up during their next livestream. Perhaps a correction will be announced revealing some accessories that weren’t included with the 16 official pictures of the figure. Or maybe Hasbro will just come out and say it was a copy/paste mistake and adjust the figure’s price. Sadly, I think it’s just as likely that they’d keep the inflate price tag and see how things play out.

It’s worth contemplating what Boba Fett would do if he saw a business in Mos Espa attempting to rip its customers off like this. In the real world, however, the best we can do is vote ‘NO’ with our wallets.

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