Star Wars: The Black Series

src: www.actionfigurepics.com

Star Wars: The Black Series (TBS) is an ongoing Star Wars toy line produced by the Hasbro company. The toy line includes action figures, vehicles, Force FX lightsabers, and collectable items.

Many of the actions figures are based off characters from the movies, shows, books, comics, and video games from both the Expanded Universe and canon.

Video Star Wars: The Black Series

Announcement

Star Wars TBS was first announced by Hasbro in January 2013 in an article by USA Today written by Brian Truitt. Although this was not Hasbro's first foray into collectible 6" action figures it is the most recent. The line of toys was released in response to the hype revolved around the release of Star Wars: The Force Awakens, in an order to monetize on the renewed interest in the brand. The figures typically start at MSRP of $19.99.

Maps Star Wars: The Black Series

Products

6-inch action figures

The first wave of 6-inch figures was released on August 1, 2013 and included four characters: Luke Skywalker (X-Wing Pilot), Darth Maul, R2-D2 and a Sandtrooper (Squad Leader). The line continues to remain popular, with many of the harder to find characters selling out quickly.

2013 - 2014

This series featured packaging with orange design details. The figures were released in four waves.

1. Luke Skywalker (X-Wing Pilot)
2. Darth Maul
3. Sandtrooper (Squad Leader)
4. R2-D2
5. Princess Leia (Slave Outfit)
6. Boba Fett
7. Greedo
8. Han Solo
9. Stormtrooper
10. Obi-Wan Kenobi (Episode III)
11. Luke Skywalker (Bespin Outfit)
12. Anakin Skywalker (Episode III)
13. *Chewbacca (Figure was delayed and moved to 2014 - 2015 lineup)
14. Clone Trooper

2014 - 2015

This series featured redesigned packaging with blue design details. Numbering was restarted, and the figures were released in five waves.

1. Sandtrooper (Corporal)
2. Darth Vader (Episode VI)
3. Luke Skywalker (Jedi Knight)
4. Chewbacca
5. TIE Pilot
6. Yoda (Episode V)
7. Clone Trooper Sergeant
8. Obi-Wan Kenobi (Episode III; reissue)
9. Han Solo (Stormtrooper Disguise)
10. Bossk
11. Emperor Palpatine (Episode VI)
12. Luke Skywalker (Stormtrooper Disguise)
13. Clone Trooper Captain
14. Clone Commander Cody
15. IG-88
16. Princess Leia Organa (Boushh)

2015 - 2018

This series features redesigned packaging with red design details. Numbering was restarted to focus around the releases of new films in the sequel trilogy and standalone Anthology series. As of September 2017, the figures have been released in twelve waves with more planned.

1. Finn (Jakku)
2. Rey (Jakku) & BB-8
3. Kylo Ren (Episode VII)
4. First Order Stormtrooper
5. Chewbacca (Episode VII)
6. Captain Phasma
7. Poe Dameron (X-Wing Pilot)
8. Guavian Enforcer
9. Constable Zuvio
10. Resistance Trooper
11. First Order TIE Fighter Pilot
12. First Order Snowtrooper
13. First Order General Hux
14. X-Wing Pilot Asty
15. Jango Fett
16. First Order Flametrooper
17. Finn (FN-2187)
18. Han Solo (Episode VII)
19. Kanan Jarrus
20. Ahsoka Tano (Star Wars Rebels)
21. Luke Skywalker (Episode IV)
22. Sergeant Jyn Erso (Jedha)
23. Captain Cassian Andor (Eadu)
24. K-2SO
25. Imperial Death Trooper
26. Kylo Ren (Unmasked)
27. Director Krennic
28. Scarif Stormtrooper Squad Leader
29. C-3PO (Resistance Base)
30. Princess Leia Organa (Episode IV)
31. AT-AT Driver (Incorrectly labelled AT-AT Pilot during initial production and release)
32. Obi-Wan Kenobi (Episode IV)
33. Sabine Wren
34. Darth Revan (Legends)
35. Snowtrooper
36. Chirrut Îmwe
37. Baze Malbus
38. Imperial Royal Guard
39. Lando Calrissian (Episode V)
40. Qui-Gon Jinn
41. Tusken Raider
42. Hera Syndulla
43. Darth Vader (Episode IV)
44. Rey (Jedi Training)
45. Kylo Ren (Episode VIII)
46. Luke Skywalker (Jedi Master)
47. Grand Admiral Thrawn (Star Wars Rebels)
48. Stormtrooper (reissue)
49. Maz Kanata
50. Elite Praetorian Guard
51. Finn (First Order Disguise)
52. General Leia Organa
53. Captain Poe Dameron
54. Supreme Leader Snoke
55. Rose Tico (Resistance Tech)
56. Jaina Solo (Legends)
57. DJ (Canto Bight)
58. Rey (Island Journey)
59. Clone Captain Rex
60. Death Star Trooper
61. Jawa
62. Han Solo (Solo: A Star Wars Story)
63. Grand Moff Tarkin
64. Range Trooper
65. Lando Calrissian (Solo)
66. Qi'ra (Corellia)
67. 4-LOM

Deluxe 6-inch action figures

These figures were released with a vehicle or animal companion set.

2014 - 2015

1. Jabba the Hutt (Episode VI)
2. Speeder Bike with Biker Scout
3. Han Solo (Hoth Outfit) and Tauntaun
4. Luke Skywalker (Hoth Outfit) and Wampa

2015 - 2018

1. First Order Special Forces TIE Fighter with First Order TIE Fighter Pilot Elite
2. Luke Skywalker's X-34 Landspeeder with Luke Skywalker (Episode IV)
3. Rey's Speeder (Jakku) with Rey (Scavenger)
4. Dewback with Sandtrooper

The First Order TIE Fighter with pilot is the largest deluxe edition released, measuring in at nearly 20" x 24".

Exclusive 6-inch action figures

Hasbro has partnered with many companies like Target, Wal-Mart, Amazon, Entertainment Earth, Kmart, Walgreens, and Toys'R'Us in order to provide exclusive 6" TBS figures to collectors. Hasbro has also released a number of exclusive figures only available at events like San Diego Comic Con (SDCC) and Star Wars Celebration.

2013 - 2014

1. Boba Fett and Han Solo in Carbonite (SDCC 2013)

2014 - 2015

1. Jabba the Hutt's Throne Room with Salacious Crumb (SDCC 2014)
2. Boba Fett (Prototype Armor) (Walgreens Summer 2014)
3. Cantina Showdown with Han Solo and Greedo (Toys'R'Us)
4. Imperial Shadow Squadron -- Speeder Bike with Shadow Scout & Shadow Stormtrooper Commander (Target)

2015 - 2018

1. First Order Stormtrooper (SDCC 2015)
2. Kylo Ren (Starkiller Base) (Kmart 2015)
3. Rey (Starkiller Base) (Kmart 2015)
4. Darth Vader - Emperor's Wrath (Episode VI) (Walgreens 2015)
5. Poe Dameron & First Order Riot Control Stormtrooper (Target 2015)
6. Imperial Shock Trooper (Star Wars Battlefront) (Wal-Mart 2015)
7. First Order Snowtrooper Officer (Toys'R'Us 2015)
8. Imperial Forces Multi-pack - Sandtrooper Sergeant, Crimson Stormtrooper, Lieutenant Oxixo, R2-Q5 (Entertainment Earth 2015)
9. Trooper Evolutions Multi-pack - Phase I Clone Trooper Commander, Phase II Clone Trooper, Imperial Stormtrooper, First Order Stormtrooper Officer (Amazon 2015)
10. Obi-Wan Kenobi with Hologram Princess Leia Message (Episode IV) (SDCC 2016)
11. Droid Multi-pack - R2-A3, R5-K6, R2-F2 (Toys'R'Us / SDCC 2016)
12. Sergeant Jyn Erso (SDCC 2016)
13. Kylo Ren (Unmasked) (SDCC 2016 / Star Wars Celebration Europe 2016)
14. C-3PO (Episode IV) (Walgreens / EB Games 2016)
15. Imperial Hovertank Pilot (Toys'R'Us 2016)
16. Sergeant Jyn Erso (Eadu) (Kmart 2016)
17. Scarif Stormtrooper (Walmart 2016)
18. Imperial AT-ACT Driver (Target 2016 / Toys'R'Us Canada 2017)
19. Rogue One Multi-pack - Imperial Death Trooper, Captain Cassian Andor, Sergeant Jyn Erso (Jedha) (Target 2016)
20. Order 66 Multi-pack - 442nd Siege Battalion Clone Trooper, 212th Attack Battalion Utapau Trooper, Coruscant Guard (Phase II), 501st Legion Clone Trooper (Entertainment Earth 2016)
21. Clone Commander Gree (Toys'R'Us 2017)
22. Admiral Ackbar and First Order Officer (Toys'R'Us 2017)
23. Rey (Jedi Training) on Crait (Toys'R'Us 2017)
24. Elite Praetorian Guard (with Heavy Blade) (Amazon 2017)
25. First Order Stormtrooper with gear (Amazon 2017)
26. Guard Multi-pack - Senate Guard, Imperial Royal Guard, Emperor's Shadow Guard (Legends), Elite Praetorian Guard (with Double Blade) (Barnes & Noble / GameStop / Disney Store / ThinkGeek 2017)
27. Supreme Leader Snoke (Throne Room) (GameStop 2017)
28. First Order Stormtrooper Executioner (Target 2017)
29. Luke Skywalker (Jedi Master) on Ahch-to Island (Target / EB Games 2017)
30. Obi-Wan Kenobi (Force Spirit) (Walgreens / EB Games 2017)
31. Kylo Ren in Throne Room (Episode VIII) (Walmart 2017)
32. Grand Admiral Thrawn (Star Wars Rebels) (SDCC Exclusive 2017)
33. Rey (Jedi Training) and Luke Skywalker (Jedi Master) (Episode VIII) (SDCC Exclusive 2017)
34. Clone Captain Rex (Hascon Exclusive 2017)
35. Inferno Squad Agent (Star Wars Battlefront II) (GameStop 2017)
36. Gammorrean Guard (Target 2018)
37. Clone Commander Wolfe (Barnes & Noble / GameStop / Disney Store / ThinkGeek 2018)
38. Red Squadron Multi-pack - R2-D2, R5-D8, R2-X2 (Amazon 2018)

40th anniversary 6-inch action figures

In celebration of the 40th anniversary of the release of Star Wars: A New Hope, Hasbro announced the 6-inch Black Series Legacy Editions at the New York City Toy Fair in February 2017. First released in spring 2017, the series mirrored the original Kenner toy releases, including throwback packaging with cardboard backing and a plastic bubble containing the figure. The series reissued previous figures in the Black Series rather than updated models.

1. Han Solo
2. Luke Skywalker
3. Princess Leia Organa
4. Ben (Obi-Wan) Kenobi
5. Artoo Detoo (R2-D2)
6. Death Squad Commander
7. Chewbacca
8. Stormtrooper
9. Jawa
10. See-Threepio (C-3PO)
11. Sand People
12. Legacy Pack with Darth Vader

The Legacy Pack includes a display stand for 12 figures with a reversible cardboard backdrop. It is an homage to the "Early Bird Kit" pre-order for Star Wars figures by Kenner in 1977. Production was not going to meet the holiday season, so the pre-order promotion offered a certificate that could be sent in to claim 4 of the 12 initial figures of the toy line when they became available: Luke Skywalker, Princess Leia Organa, Artoo-Detoo (R2-D2), and Chewbacca. The kit included a cardboard backdrop, sticker sheet, club membership card, and the certificate. Figures were shipped beginning in February 1978.

Exclusive 40th anniversary 6-inch action figures

1. Luke Skywalker: X-Wing Pilot (Star Wars Celebration Orlando 2017)
2. R5-D4 (Gamestop / EB Games 2017)

3-3/4-inch action figures

The 3-3/4-inch scale figures were released in conjunction with the 6-inch figures. However, on September 4, 2015 Wal-Mart was announced as the exclusive provider for the 3-3/4-inch scale action figures. The first wave of Wal-Mart exclusive action figures was available in stores beginning October 2015, with pre-orders available for upcoming releases available that same month. There are still a limited amount of exclusives that are available outside of the U.S. based retailer.

2013 - 2014

1. Padme Amidala
2. Clone Trooper Sergeant
3. Anakin Skywalker
4. Biggs Darklighter
5. Luke Skywalker - Ceremonial Outfit
6. Darth Vader
7. Biker Scout
8. Clone Pilot
9. R2-D2
10. Pablo-Jill
11. Luminara Unduli
12. Clone Trooper
13. Stormtrooper
14. Mara Jade
15. Merumeru
16. Commander Neyo
17. Vizam
18. Darth Plagueis
19. Mace Windu
20. Bastila Shan
21. Luke Skywalker - Dagobah
22. Yoda
23. Toryn Farr
24. Snowtrooper Commander
25. Dak Ralter
26. Darth Vader
27. Skiff Guard
28. Ree-Yees
29. Wedge Antilles

2014 - 2015

1. R5-G19
2. Luke Skywalker - Wampa Attack
3. Darth Vader
4. Darth Malgus
5. Galen Marek
6. Yoda
7. Darth Vader
8. Stormtrooper
9. Captain Rex
10. Jon "Dutch" Vander
11. Chewbacca
12. Commander Wolfe
13. Commander Doom
14. Imperial Navy Commander
15. Commander Thorn
16. C-3PO
17. Princess Leia Organa - Boushh
18. Mosep Binneed
19. Han Solo
20. Han Solo in Carbonite
21. Jawa

2015 - 2017

1. Admiral Ackbar
2. Ahsoka Tano
3. AT-ST Driver
4. Captain Phasma
5. Cassian Andor
6. Chewbacca
7. Darth Vader
8. Death Trooper
9. Emperor's Royal Guard
10. Finn
11. Han Solo - Starkiller Base
12. Han Solo
13. Jyn Erso
14. Kylo Ren
15. Lando Calrissian
16. Luke Skywalker
17. Poe Dameron
18. Princess Leia Organa - Ceremonial
19. Princess Leia Organa
20. Rey
21. Scarif Sandtrooper
22. Stormtrooper

3-3/4-inch exclusives

1. AT-ST Driver, Princess Leia Organa, Stormtrooper, Chewbacca, Han Solo, Imperial Officer, Tippet, Flitchee (Toys'R'Us Battle on Endor 8-Pack)
2. Luke Skywalker, Princess Leia Organa, Jabba The Hutt, Gamorrean Guard, C-3PO (Toys'R'Us Jabba's Rancor Pit)
3. Jabba's Bartender, QT-KT, R2-A5, R2-C2, R7-D4, R7-F5 (Entertainment Earth 6-Pack)

Force FX lightsabers

The movie quality lightsaber toys have gone through many changes over the years. They were originally released as FX-Lighsabers by the company Master Replicas, however, the product line was taken over by Hasbro in 2008 where the name changed to Signature FX-Lighstaber. The name was changed a final time when they were released under The Black Series to Force FX Lightsabers. They are high quality reproductions that light up and create sound effects when powered-on, powered-off, and when they impact objects. These sounds replicate the movie sound effects, to create a high quality display toy.

1. Yoda - Attack of the Clones (Green)
2. Darth Vader - A New Hope (Red)
3. Luke Skywalker - A New Hope (Blue)
4. Kylo Ren - The Force Awakens (Red with Cross Hilt)
5. Luke Skywalker - Return of the Jedi (Green)
6. Obi-Wan Kenobi - Revenge of the Sith (Blue)
7. Rey (Jedi Training) - The Last Jedi (Blue)

Helmets

The Helmets are designed to be worn and include an electronic element that is meant to change the wearers voice to recreate the magic of the movies. There have only been very few released as of today, with one of them being an Amazon exclusive. These items are very popular with collectors, and can be difficult to find. The replicas are very close to movie quality for a mass-produced item.

1. Kylo Ren
2. Stormtrooper
3. Shadow Trooper (Amazon Exclusive)
4. Poe Dameron
5. Darth Vader

src: i.ytimg.com

Future releases and plans

src: starwarsblog.starwars.com

References

src: truimg.toysrus.com

External links

• Star Wars Black Series Visual and Price Guide
• 6" Black Series Facebook Group

Source of the article : Wikipedia