ARC2149Nova

No offense intended. Well true. My biggest gripe with the clones as is is the Jet Trooper's legs (they shouldn't have gotten that wrong), but still, I really don't get why the arms had to be white in all honesty. I'm probably not gonna replace them, but they will look quite odd next to the ones I already have. As far as Stormtroopers go, as long as they don't give them another update, I think most of us will be happy. The prints aside, it is a bit tiring to get a bunch of mix-n-match troopers. Especially since we never got the 501st in the 2014 style. I hope so. I'll probably be refreshing Lego's website until 12 am September 1st!

Not to restart anything, of course, but there were ways to soften the "shock" like @jdubbs said. And like I said, they've done it before. One example failed miserably (AT-AP Shock Troopers), but the Stormtroopers were wonderful. I think they could learn from those old Stormies. I don't think the hips are the problem, at least not the color, but how it's very plain. An example would be T-Shirts. A white T-Shirt is very plain, but a black T-Shirt, while still plain, seems cooler by comparison. It's a lot less noticeable, if you will. I also think less people would have a problem with the hips if the arms had the appropriate coloring (even if it's just dual-molded arms). I didn't even notice the white hips at first, but I did notice the arms being white. Also, just for a fun observation, I recently purchased a 501st Jet Trooper from CAC, and it has white hips. Why it works? The printing of the belt is split between torso and hip piece. EDIT: Sorry for the double-post. I guess the merge timed out.

So, I know with COVID-19 stock has been quite limited, but I'm wondering: Will the Death Star ever come back in stock? I was actually going to spring it this year, and it disappeared before I could. So could it come back soon? Or could it take til the end of the year to return? I know it's not "finished" since it's "temporarily out of stock". So was Obi-Wan's Hut and the AT-AP and they came back (however briefly). And on that note, will we see these sets in extremely limited quantities? I'm worried the 501st and AAT sets will end up missing within a day or two of release. Any guesses as to any of these? Like with the Imperial Dropship Battle Pack. I'm fine considering it a "Legends" vehicle since in any case, it's decidedly non-canon. Going further, the Shadow Trooper is only in Battlefront 2 (EA edition) as far as Disney Era canon goes, so it's not from any movie or tv show, and it's a remake of a non-canonical set. Things like the RO packs are different, since they're specifically marketed as being Rogue One related, same with the Clone Walker/Assassin Droids battle packs. Scout Speeder and Dropship came out and weren't marketed beyond being OT army builders. So, to that end, those sets fell outside of the realm of canon, even by battle pack standards.

Yes, but Vader actually is an improvement. The new clones, less so. 2013 introduced a new Phase 2 helmet, people did complain, but the helmet was an improvement. This isn't about a new part being better than the old, it's about the color of existing pieces. One thing would've fixed the plainness issue: Blue/White arms. Simple. If we had just a splotch of blue on the arms, with maybe blue stripes around the cuffs for maximum "accuracy", I'm positive the white hips wouldn't matter. The color of the hips themselves do not matter, but the overall look of the figure suffers due to everything being white (save the obvious stripes). For 501st Troopers, they're a lot closer to Shinies than elite, decorated soldiers. I don't believe we should be blinded by "Accuracy" in favor of what actually works for the product. If it ain't broke, don't fix it. When you try to fix something no one took issue with, the result is a lot of unhappy people. Even the prints involved have sparked controversy. They may be closer to TCW show, but they end up in between the 2013 figures (which I love) and the movie-style 2014 figures (which I also love). They're too movie for the old cartoon figures, and too cartoon for the movie figures. Long story short: Lego tried to fix what wasn't broken, people complained, time for lunch. Improvements are a good thing, but this isn't an improvement, in any sense of the word. For accuracy, maybe they should've put more effort into making the Jet Trooper's legs right than giving them white cod pieces.

I think the real problem is contrast. We've had white hips clones before (2007's AT-AP Shock Troopers). Clearly, it was ahead of it's time, and didn't look good then, and it looks no better in hindsight. The old 327th Troopers had white arms, where yellow would've been more accurate, but they still look good (at least to me). But these new figures are clearly missing something. That something is contrast. Also, we've had 4 white hipped Stormies before too. Guess where? Imperial Inspection from 2005. And those are still cool Stormtroopers. Thing is though, they had printing on the hips that transitioned the belt from torso to legs. That was something they could've done with the clones here, but they didn't. Case in point: Airborne 2.0 (let's call him Barlex). Barlex looks damn good, and he's got the same things going on as the 501st. Difference? Well the kama doesn't hurt, but there's enough contrast with the orange and black on the torso, and as others have noted, his print carries through the hips. (Sidenote: His legs lack the scratch-marks, which irks me, but oh well) From a design aspect, Lego is allowed to take creative liberties. Black hips and blue arms fall under that. 501st Troopers might not have full blue stripes down the arms, but their arms are far from bare. Fine, arm printing on a mass produced troop-builder is costly, then just give us the blue arms... You could've even made the hips black, applied white printing with a blue spot on the actual "cod piece" if we're going for accuracy. But you didn't, and people aren't fine with it. Senate Commandos should be Clone Wars, the figures are identified as such, but I think it's branded Legends due to the build (in which case, so should half the battle packs). Imperial Dropship is more of a "Lego-created ship" so it counts as Legends. In the instructions, they pretty much say that outright. So, regardless of the figures, the ship makes it legends (especially since the figures themselves aren't specifically from any one source. 2008 Rebel Scout Speeder is another example of this) Geonosis Troopers is the definition of Red in Lego's ledger... Seriously, they pretty much created their own clones, with useless camouflage, when there actually was Geonosis specific troopers, none of which we've ever received. They could've even just reused the ARF Trooper helmet mold, but they didn't, and I'll never forgive them for it. (I really hated that battle pack )

My bad then, I was a bit shook at the satisfaction comment, so I apologize. I see your point a bit clearer now. Again, I apologize for misunderstanding earlier posts. Like I said, it's a strategy issue at LEGO, one that hopefully can be fixed now that the movies have halted.

You seem to be extremely combative. My point is that some concerns are quite valid. And I'd like for you to quit bringing up my previous statements as a reason to shut down my argument. Whether you agree or not, it doesn't change the fact that some people (and I'm not talking about myself for the record) being disappointed in this wave's selection. I've given my thoughts on the wave, and for the most part, I think it's quite good, all things considered, but the fact remains the same, it could always be better. Would anyone really complain if Soulless One was an ARC-170? Would anyone really complain if AAT was any other vehicle with the same or similar figure selection? The answer is no. Or at least, not many. So yes, some fans are disappointed. They have every right to be, just like everyone else has the right to meme on Snowspeeders, wish for more detail, etc. I'm also not saying that there aren't people who wanted a new AAT, Grievous Fighter, whatever else. But I did suggest simple changes that would keep the sets fresh (Anakin's fighter being green, Soulless One costing less, etc.). But, you cherry-pick my response and bring up a past comment as reason to dispel any critique of Lego and their choices. I tend to follow the SW fandom at large, so I have my reasons for certain opinions, but my "original" post was defending other fans who were disappointed. I never said the prequels are the only sets with remakes, and I contended your examples of "pointless remakes" to prove a point that some remakes are quite warranted. But perhaps we should be talking about Lego's strategy at large, regardless of the material involved. If people are upset over this wave, it's their right. Just because you like it, just because I'm okay with it, doesn't mean everyone has to agree. I'll also add to that the fact that most of our last few prequel sets have been mostly limited to Kashyyyk (as far as the movies go), and I now understand many fans' problems with Hoth. The prequels are full of various locales, many of which we still haven't seen. That's also an issue with OT sets, most of them recently have been Tatooine related, with few ventures outside of that. I believe that perhaps 2021 will see a greater variety, with more long-awaited vehicles/characters from across the board. I feel like this is more of the problem. Taken objectively, this is a good wave, all the sets offer something of value. But put together, it's an odd bunch.

With rumors swirling of a Marvel CMF, could Star Wars be in the future? I hope so. This is my ideal Star Wars CMF series. (Note: ST figures are missing simply due to the fact that meaningful variations of them have all been well-covered, so except for Rey, all others are absent for now). 1. Anakin Skywalker (Padawan). New hairpiece, comes with his lightsaber. 2. Obi-Wan Kenobi (Exile). Comes with hood and poncho, as well as baby Luke. 3. Padme Amidala (Battle Dress). Comes with new pistol. 4. Luke Skywalker (Rebel Hero). Yavin jacket without the medal. New dual-molded legs. 5. Princess Leia (Bespin Escape). New hairpiece, blaster. 6. Han Solo (Endor Jacket). New face, and comes with his newer hair and blaster. 7. Chewbacca (Wookie Prisoner). New "Wet" head mold. Has bowcaster and C-3PO's head. 8. Rey (Scavenger). Comes with a new print for 2018's Rebel Pilot helmets, new face prints, and a bread portion. 9. Darth Sidious. Comes in his dark red Revenge of the Sith robes. Has a gold-hilted lightsaber and lightning. 10. Darth Maul. New face, longer hilt, Comes with hood and horns, plus a probe droid. 11. Count Dooku. Has dark brown and black legs, with a fabric skirt. Also has his lightsaber. 12. Commander Cody. New helmet, comes with jetpack and a hairpiece. 13. Grand Moff Tarkin. Olive green suit, dual-molded legs. Comes with Death Star plans. 14. Nute Gunray. His Phantom Menace outfit. Comes with mechanical chair. 15. Captain Typho. Comes with pistol. 16. Darth Vader. Finally has red lenses, black hilt, new face, ANH specific robes ("suspenders" version).

I was literally trying to remember that piece the other day (long story), thanks for reminding me.

It might be time to release Emmet's hair in a new color, if they wanted to go with an existing piece, but a new one is probably due. I feel the same way about Padawan Obi-Wan/Anakin's hair, the old male hair and slicked back pieces are far from ideal. Maybe that's were some new molds for Star Wars can come from, more accurate hair pieces every year or so.

I never said it was a problem unique to the prequels, but my post was in response to the notion that just because half the wave is prequel based, fans of that trilogy should be satisfied. I like the sets we got, I really do, but like I said, clearly there could've been better options. An AAT is nice, but a Mandalore-based set would be even nicer. The Mandalorian gets scene specific sets, Clone Wars can too, I believe. But, like I said, we got what we got, doesn't mean it's necessarily terrible, but could be better. As for other remakes, as others have pointed out, not everyone buys every version of every set. My first Lego Star Wars set was 2010's Luke Landspeeder. Never bought another one until this year's release. Yes, there was one in 2014 with Mos Eisley, yes there was one in 2016, but I just so happened to get this one, and I'm very happy with it. I do understand the frustration with it, but again, no two collector are completely alike. Also, that 2016 Y-Wing is my favorite version of that craft to-date, and up to that point I never owned a Y-Wing. Plus, the Cargo Shuttle and AT-ACT would not fit in the price range of either $40 or $70, so I don't really think the Y-Wing or AT-ST would've been easily replaced. Also, the AT-ST was the first one since 2009, right? 2007 if you're only looking at single releases. I didn't buy the TIE Fighter, but that was moreso because I didn't spring it in time. It too was the best version since 2012 (and the FO variant doesn't count), but also, looking up the TIE Heavy, and I really don't see how that's a TIE worth fawning over. It's literally just a gun beside the cockpit...Now a Bomber/Interceptor, I wouldn't mind, and I think the Bomber was in the movie, but by and large, the Solo sets were very fresh. Also, the Falcon is the Falcon, not only is it the best version since (imo) 2010, but it's simply iconic. Ochi's ship could've come out after the movie, but the Falcon stays where it is. I'm not opposed to remakes, but I do think the choice in remakes are a bit odd. Swap the AAT for a Mandalorian speeder, still get Ahsoka, 332nd Trooper, but now you also get Mandalorians, which are very popular right now (almost too popular ). Maul's Super Commandos go for no less than $20-$30 a pop on Bricklink, that's absurd. Anakin's fighter could've been the green version, then maybe the Mustafar robes would at least make sense! And hack $20 off of the Soulless One's price, and everyone's happy. No way the good General costs that much to make. Anyway, not all remakes are created equal. Simple changes to what we got, largely keeping the elements most liked the same, and voila!

On the subject of PT/TCW sets: There's certainly a difference between quality and quantity. Sure, there are 4 sets from the era, but one is hilariously overpriced, lacks any real desirable figures, and is a ship most of us wouldn't mind going without. Another is a semi-pointless remake, at least make it the green variant or something. The other two are only receiving praise (mostly) for the minifigs. I find it dismissive to shoo away complaints just because "it's 4/9 sets, be happy". I don't think the number is the problem, but the selection. Certainly, ignoring the 501st set, there were better options, but we got what we got. Also, knowing Lego, there are major characters missing that we may never see (not just from TCW), and so that's a factor to consider in some people's disappointment.

Loving the Mon Mothma update and Ventress as well. (Ventress has the Spooky Boy arms and Narcissa Malfoy's dress, for anyone curious)

Hopefully never , but yes if you are looking at it as an investment @ArrowBricks, then this is the way. I'm not entirely sure how the demand for it will rise though, given the design of the craft (or more accurately, how it's portrayed in-universe) has been lambasted. I personally like the design itself, but knowing it's capabilities ruins it for me. But, as far as someone collecting all the Resistance Pilots, for instance, then it'll likely keep value.

A long time ago I researched the same question, unfortunately, as far as I'm aware, that pilot hasn't been identified in any promotional material (like a visual dictionary), or any current Expanded Universe material. It's likely a concept art design that never made it to the final film (replaced by Finch Dallow, I suppose). That's all I was able to gather.

US can't catch a break can we? Anyway, I'm gonna have to get that Vader, so good on you Lego. *slow clap* Impressive, most impressive. Glossy pictures make these sets look good, but then you remember the prices... AAT looks to be literally a "repaint" of the 2015 one, so I can't wait to compare the two. That cannon is still atrocious, and it looks like the third base cylinder is actually a cone? That will complicate things. The shape is decent, but far too long it is. Soulless One is just a sleeker version of the 2010 set, for $30 more. Thank God for Walmart discounts, since I'm sort of interested, and of course the new Airborne will be quite rare on the secondary market. Ever since someone pointed out the wrong legs for the Jet Trooper, I've been a bit soured on them, was it really so hard to give 4 different clones 3 different leg prints? Lego is lazy and cheap, but still. Anakin's Fighter looks a little better than the 2014 version, like extremely slightly different, but I don't need another R2 and Headset Anakin. The ship itself is fine, but the updates are so slight, it's essentially the same set. No love for the Night Buzzard. Shocking, I know. I do like how Lego had to change the name. "Knights of Ren Transport Ship" really rolls off the tongue. I'm going to decide which version of the Final Duel I'll get. If I spring for the 2015 version, I'll end up getting Vader on his own. Also, I don't really like the soft capes for certain figures, and the 2 Royal Guards I own have the old style, so I'll probably bricklink more of those figures. The build itself is mirrored, if you will, with the reactor and the collapsing platform having switched sides. Still not enough for a remake, but it's...something. Also, I love DS sweater Vader. I need DS sweater Vader! It's also useful for civilian figures, so there's that. I'm probably going to use the IT-S for a civilian longhauler, it's got that look and feel to it, I've got no love for any current EU material (outside of Thrawn), so the figures will just be parts for customs. So, 501st Legion, AAT are shoe-ins for me, Both Vaders are a must, the IT-S is a strong possibility, and Soulless One at discount (can't believe I'm saying that). Could be worse right? Actually, the Final Duel is quite better than the 2015 model, looking closer. Oh well, another one on the wishlist.

I feel like this is an expectation of failure. Is it so horrible to expect more PT-era UCS sets, given we've had nearly a whole 20 years of purely OT ones? I'd hate to think the conversation would be skewed the other way if it were sequel vehicles instead. Sure, you might not buy an LAAT at that price, but there are people who would/will. People can save money for stuff they want. $400 worth of other sets will always be there, but a $400 Gunship won't. And again, I'm one of those people who cares more about the model than the figures. Also, a lot of you fail to realize the absolutely absurd amount of money some kids have. Not everyone is a struggling college student. To say that is to really ignore the reality of the situation. Some people, as they grow older, might actually tend to gravitate towards more collector-focused sets, saving their money to get a few key pieces, and that's that. To combat the minifig problem, then maybe after the Gunship, we get a UCS playset from the PT. That way both camps are satisfied. Essentially, don't underestimate the willpower of a fan or even entire fanbase. Not all financial situations are created equal, and adults like these movies too. I'd say more 20-30 year olds buy UCS than older adults, but that's just what I've seen.

You make good points, however I will say that some of us (I know for myself) do actually care about the actual display value that represents the UCS brand. It's true a lot more people care about the figures, but I personally believe there will be fans that can understand that UCS is more collector-focused. For years, I've actually been wanting to make the jump to UCS, and I think that if vehicles aren't the best candidates (for now at least), then at least some UCS-scale playsets, like Ewok Village or Cloud City. That way, we technically still get decent display models (I liked Cloud City for what it was), and we get a decent selection of figures. A balance, I suppose. I love minifigures a lot too, and I'm more likely to MOC up some figures than a full on vehicle or scene, but I do appreciate the display value my sets have. But, again disposable income is a factor to consider, so you and @2maxwell are probably right on that front. I personally hope the Gunship is $200, and if so it'll likely debut in 2022, but I think going too expensive for this (even if the model itself is godly) will hurt their sales. Subconsciously then? It just seems like it sometimes, given some of their absolutely ludicrous decisions. I still haven't forgiven them for Geonosis Troopers. I can't imagine Grievous' starfighter (for example) selling at all well, just by fact that it's really poor value. Or even Anakin's fighter. But, we'll see.

That's a very good point. I've seen a lot of UCS Venator MOCs, so I would imagine there's some demand, but ultimately would be outpaced by other CW-era vehicles. You and me both.

Fair points. I will still point out that many prequel fans that are also fans of Lego could fit that category. But age isn't even the only parameter, but I do agree that disposable income is important. Not just me, many people have long suspected this at least on Disney's part. And I'm not talking strictly video marketing (such as YouTube ads for the tv show) but physical merchandise like T-shirts, action figures, and yes, even Lego. And Lego and Disney are companies, but Disney's really not been on the larger fandom's good side for years. But is that simply those vehicles or in general? Because I'd imagine anyone not willing to drop $400 on a Lego set won't do so, regardless of what it is. Regardless, if we're getting the Shuttle, we're getting the Shuttle. No sense in prolonging hypotheticals.

A lot of 20-30 year-olds like The Clone Wars though. Just because one group of fans grew up with the show doesn't mean those are its only fans. I for one would definitely do whatever was in my power to purchase a Venator at any scale at this point. Right, because a few bones is clearly acknowledgement. Considering how little pre-Empire content Disney has sanctioned, it's not silly, it is well-founded. It's not about small nods and Easter eggs, but dedicated content. This isn't the forum for that conversation though. And I wish we would stop saying that just because we get Grievous Fighter (which nobody likes due to the price), Anakin's Fighter (which few people are going to get due to sheer laziness of rerelease), a good 501st pack, and a mixed-reception AAT means that Lego clearly loves its prequel fanbase. Those are bones, and looking at how the Soulless One's setting up for failure, I rest my case. Lego is smart. Overprice here, go light on the figures there, and voila a prequel set nobody really wants. Then when it inevitably sells poorly, they'll say, "it's because nobody likes the prequels". All the pieces are in place.

I remember people complaining that the ISD was and is just a stack of grey bricks (what they were expecting I dunno ), but a Venator is at least a bit more colorful than your standard imperial ship. I'd say prequel designs by and large are very iconic, from the Vulture Droid and Landing Craft to the ARC-170 and Jedi Temple. I don't think Lego was surprised by the fact the Gunship won, Lego (and Disney first and foremost) have been shafting the prequels since the Lucasfilm buyout. It's a miracle we got Season 7 of the Clone Wars, and they clearly don't want to really market it. The Gunship affirms that people want PT UCS sets, and I think it would be foolish to not incorporate the market further in future products. Of course, Lego could always self-sabotage and then imply the Gunship didn't sell because "nobody likes the prequels" , but let's try to keep some hope alive. As for unique sequel UCS candidates: "Lies! Deception!" (Aside from maybe the Flying Fortress) See my above points. If it isn't a test, like you said, then it shouldn't matter. UCS sets in general have tanked before, but we still get them. Plenty of Lego sets sell poorly, but we still end up getting rehashes and variations. If Lego and Disney want to continue ignoring the prequel market, they can always tip the scales in favor of that agenda. It's not just about the buyers, it's about Lego too. I'm not saying Lego is dishonest, but they certainly make questionable decisions, decisions that affect their product output.

Fair point, but I have to contend that being-iconic can be debated depending on the vessel. And as I mentioned, I don't necessarily think that the Gunship is an example of Lego finally "caving" to prequel fans, as it were, but being willing to try again. I do think they've got a lot of new UCS candidates up their sleeve. Also, Cloud City is technically a re-make , just a larger scale one, but I understand what you mean.

You make good points, but I will contend this one specifically: The Khetanna may be the last truly new OT set for a UCS variant, however, and I'm trying to word this tactfully, we need to stop acting like the Gunship will be our first PT UCS set. It is our first in a nice long while, and will more than likely be better than its predecessors. But, even still, I think it's putting unfair pressure on the LAAT to carry the future of PT UCS vehicles. I can see vehicles like the ARC-170, Vulture/Tri Droids, and yes, even remakes like the N1 Starfighter doing well. Even so, I understand where you're coming from, even though it still feels cheap by Lego. I'm not exactly opposed to the Imperial Shuttle, but it does seem like an odd choice for a remake. That doesn't necessarily mean we couldn't have gotten another new UCS. It didn't happen, sure, but that's not to say the concern isn't valid. Like I said before, UCS sets are much more spaced out in their release, so remakes are a bit more delicate. But, I'm sure they'll have done a nice enough job with it.

That goes out the window with all the stuff (rehash or trash) we've gotten in the last five years. Remakes are nice, but certainly there are more pressing ones? TIE Interceptor's been mentioned, and that's been way longer, even for a System version. UCS sets are also spread out in their releases, so while a new X-Wing or B-Wing might be preferable to some, at the expense of new sets, OT/PT, without a UCS variant? I don't think so.