Toy News Blog

Welcome to this week's market report! Let's delve into the market activity from April 13th to April 19th, 2024, providing insights into the valuation of portfolios and notable figures sold.

Overall Market Activity

Over the week, 731 items were transacted, totaling AUD 148,694.21. Notable variations occurred across different days, reflecting shifts in demand and supply.

Breakdown by Day

Notable fluctuations were observed throughout the week, with Sunday and Monday registering the highest market values. These variations could be attributed to factors like new listings, auctions, or buyer behavior [[1](URL)].

Types of Items Sold

The market saw a diverse range of items, including loose figures, Mint-On-Card (MOC) figures, accessories, and coins. Each category contributed differently to the overall market value, highlighting the diversity of collector interests.

Top 5 Loose Figures

The top-selling loose figures included iconic characters like Jawa, R5-D4, and Boba Fett, with values ranging from GBP 399.99 to GBP 1,075.25.

Top 5 MOC Figures

MOC figures fetched high values, with Luke Skywalker Farmboy (Yellow hair) leading at USD 1,800.00. These figures are sought after for their pristine condition and rarity.

Top Accessories

Accessories also played a significant role, with items like the Cantina Adventure set contributing substantially to the total market value. Collectors often seek accessories to complement their figure collections.

The market report offers valuable insights into recent trends and transactions, guiding collectors in their future acquisitions and investments. Stay tuned for more updates in the dynamic world of collectibles!

ASC Pty Ltd Aust uses the resources of star wars tracker in the compilation of data.

In the enthralling world of collectibles, every auction has its standout stars. However, the recent event hosted by Hakes.com showcased some truly remarkable pieces that stole the limelight in unexpected ways. Let's delve into the thrilling highlights that set the collector community abuzz.

General Madine Takes Center Stage

In a twist of fate, General Madine emerged as the unexpected hero of the auction. A Palitoy 70B variant featuring this elusive character fetched a staggering USD $42,242, securing its place as the highest-priced Star Wars item and the second-highest overall in the entire event. What makes this particular find even more remarkable is its modest AFA 60 Yellow grade, making a bold statement about the power of rarity.

The allure of this item lies not in the figure itself, which is relatively common, but in the rarity of its cardboard backing. The General Madine figure on this specific cardback is akin to a mythical creature—a unicorn among collectibles. This auction marked the first public price recorded in Star Wars Tracker, sparking anticipation for potential future discoveries.

Vinyl Cape Jawa: A Record-Breaking Moment

Another notable highlight was the record-setting sale of a carded Vinyl Cape Jawa. Graded AFA85+, this Kenner 12A variant fetched an impressive USD $36,603, marking a historic milestone for Star Wars Tracker as the highest-grade specimen yet documented.

Early Bird Mail-Away Kit Shines Bright

Among the treasures showcased, the Early Bird Mail-Away Kit stood out with its inclusion of a DT Luke figure. This exceptional set, boasting an AFA85 grade, commanded a final price of USD $25,960, further emphasizing the enduring allure of vintage Star Wars memorabilia.

Cherry-Picked Gems

While the spotlight shone on these headline-grabbing pieces, several other items made waves with their strong finishes. Notable mentions include the ESB Special Action Display Stand, fetching USD $7,500, the Revenge of the Jedi MOC mock-up cardback sold for USD $22,000, and the Leia Boushh conceptual mockup, which fetched USD $6,500.

A Vibrant Marketplace

The auction, spanning from March 16th to March 22nd, showcased a vibrant marketplace with a total of 1,061 items valued at AUD 570,141.79. Each day saw a diverse array of offerings, highlighting the dynamic nature of Star Wars collecting.

Top Picks from Across the Galaxy

Among loose figures, the top spot was claimed by a Luke Skywalker Farmboy (Yellow hair) graded CAS85+, which sold for USD $1,752.30. In the realm of MOC figures, the General Madine AFA60Y stole the show with its remarkable USD $42,242.11 price tag. Accessories also made their mark, with highlights including the Battle Damaged X-Wing Fighter AFA80, which sold for USD $2,999.99.

Power of the Force Coins

The allure of Power of the Force coins was evident, with standout pieces including Zuckuss, Boba Fett, and Yak Face commanding impressive prices, showcasing the enduring appeal of these collectible tokens.

In Conclusion

The latest Hakes.com auction was a testament to the enduring passion and enthusiasm within the Star Wars collecting community. From iconic characters to rare variants, each item showcased a piece of cinematic history, igniting the imaginations of collectors around the globe. As we eagerly await the next auction, one thing remains certain—happy collecting awaits all who venture into this galaxy far, far away.

In the vast galaxy of Star Wars collectibles, a new force has emerged, one that threatens to overshadow the once-revered empire of Hasbro. As fan and collector channels buzz with activity, it’s evident that Hasbro’s grip on the Star Wars IP is slipping, and their failure to adapt to the digital age spells impending demise.

A Galaxy Far, Far Away: The Rise of Fan-Made Creations

In the realm of Star Wars merchandise, 3D printing has become the ultimate weapon wielded by passionate fans and collectors. Across social media platforms, countless makers are harnessing this technology to produce stunning replicas, customized figures, and intricate dioramas that rival anything Hasbro has to offer.

From meticulously crafted lightsabers to lifelike action figures of beloved characters, these fan-made creations are capturing the hearts of enthusiasts worldwide. With each new design shared on forums, Facebook groups, and YouTube channels, the gap between Hasbro’s mass-produced offerings and the bespoke creations of fans widens.

Hasbro’s Missteps: A Path to Financial Ruin

As fan and collector channels thrive, Hasbro finds itself lagging light-years behind. The once-mighty toy empire is now grappling with serious financial troubles, and the root of their downfall can be traced to two critical errors: neglecting social media and pandering to misguided ideals.

While fans are busy sharing their latest 3D-printed masterpieces and engaging in vibrant communities, Hasbro’s social media presence remains lackluster and out of touch. Instead of embracing these passionate communities, Hasbro has opted to pander to generic woke ideals, alienating their actual customer base in the process.

The Dark Side of Disconnection: Hasbro’s Irrelevance in a Digital Age

As fans continue to produce and customize Star Wars collectibles for their own needs and those of fellow enthusiasts, Hasbro watches helplessly from the sidelines. Their IP, once a cornerstone of the toy industry, is now at risk of becoming worthless due to time lags and poor reference media from Disney.

While fan-made creations flourish on platforms like Instagram, Twitter, and Reddit, Hasbro’s products languish on store shelves, unable to capture the imagination of consumers. The disconnect between Hasbro and its audience grows wider with each passing day, signaling the company’s inevitable demise.

The Final Chapter: Hasbro’s Last Stand

In the twilight of Hasbro’s reign, there may still be a glimmer of hope. By embracing social media, listening to their loyal fan base, and reimagining their approach to product development, Hasbro could potentially stage a comeback. However, time is running out, and the window of opportunity is closing fast.

As fan-made Star Wars collectibles continue to dominate the digital landscape, Hasbro must heed the warning signs and adapt or face extinction. The choice is theirs to make, but the consequences of inaction are clear: a once-proud empire reduced to dust in the annals of toy industry history.

In the end, the fate of Hasbro rests in their ability to recognize the power of fan communities and harness the force of social media. Whether they rise to the challenge or succumb to irrelevance remains to be seen, but one thing is certain: the galaxy of Star Wars collectibles will never be the same again.

In the ever-evolving and passionate world of collectibles, the past week has seen a flurry of activity that has left collectors and enthusiasts alike buzzing with excitement. Amidst the quiet anticipation and fervent bidding wars, a particularly rare sighting on the open market has captured the attention of many: a DT Darth Vader, graded CAS85, which sold for a whopping USD $6,999 on eBay, we have however seen a U90 version sell for AUD$32,000 so that was actually a bargain. Such items, typically reserved for the hallowed halls of high-end auction houses, making a rare appearance on a platform as accessible as eBay, is a testament to the shifting dynamics of collectible trading.

This event coincides with the launch of the latest Hakes.com auction, a treasure trove for collectors, featuring items that span the breadth of rarity and nostalgia. Among the offerings, a unique trio of Jawa figures stands out, encompassing the American Kenner VCJ, Australian Toltoys VCJ, and Lili Ledy with a removable hood, all presented in a CAS75 graded display. These figures represent the pinnacle of Jawa collecting and underscore the diverse origins and histories of these iconic characters.

Adding to the allure of this auction is a limited-run ESB Special Action Display Stand, a rose-coloured gem of a piece, with very few counterparts ever discovered. This rarity is complemented by the inclusion of a Revenge of the Jedi cardback mock-up, as peculiar in appearance as it is scarce, alongside a Leia Boushh unreleased mockup, offering a glimpse into what might have been.

However, the round-up of rarities would not be complete without mentioning the AFA60Y Tri-Logo General Madine. Known among the collecting community for its scarcity, this tri-logo cardback variant is one of the rarest carded figure variations, seldom seen in public sales.

The market activity from March 2nd to 8th, 2024, showcases a bustling trade, with 911 items trading hands for a total of AUD 197,022.49. The days saw varying levels of activity, with a notable peak on Sunday, reflecting the continuous interest and investment in the world of collectibles.

Highlighting the top loose figures and Mint-On-Card (MOC) figures, the DT Saber Darth Vader and the Yellow Hair Luke Skywalker Farmboy (AFA85) led their respective categories, each fetching impressive prices and demonstrating the high stakes involved in collecting these prized pieces. Accessories and Power of the Force coins also saw significant trading, underscoring the wide-ranging appeal and depth of the collectibles market.

As we look forward to the closing of the current Hakes.com auction, the anticipation and excitement within the collecting community are palpable. The coming days promise to unveil the destinies of these rare and cherished items, as collectors around the globe vie for a chance to own a piece of history. Until next time, happy collecting!

A reminder to all enthusiasts: the world of collectibles is vast and full of wonders, and every auction brings new opportunities to discover and cherish. Good luck to all involved, and may your collections grow ever more fascinating.