If you’re a Star Wars fan (and who isn’t?), it’s hard to stay away when you learn that subscription box services like Smuggler’s Bounty, Loot Crate, and Nerd Block are offering up loads of exclusive collectibles in their subscription boxes. The downside to many of these is their reliance on exclusive Funko Pop! bobbleheads. Funko Pops!–those over-sized cartoony versions of everything from The Walking Dead to Guardians of the Galaxy–seem to have flooded the market in the past year with variants that make the Kenner Star Wars action figure line seem like child’s play. Just check out the wall of them at your local Books-a-Million. If you collect Pops! then these boxes are just for you. But one new limited edition, one-time only box didn’t take the Pop! route, and is crammed full of so many Star Wars goodies it might crush all the monthly boxes we’ve seen so far.
That box is Loot Crate’s Limited Edition Star Wars Crate. It arrives in a gigantic 2-foot by 14-inch cardboard crate–that’s more like a suitcase. It’s the kind of box that should encourage all box services to consider that benefits of sending one quarterly giant box instead of the monthly boxes. Shipping charges, which benefit no one, make a single box like this–that sells for $100 instead of the standard box at $30–simply a better buy.
Many box companies spend some time on their box design, often giving members something to display their collectibles on. The dimensions on Loot Crate’s Star Wars box are large enough to reveal a beautiful, frame-worthy image of the Millennium Falcon. And the case includes sturdy compartments like you’d find in a steamer trunk. But no one buys these for the cardboard box, right?
Here’s the blurb from Loot Crate:
A limited edition curated collection of cool Star Wars™ collectibles and gear for Jedi, Padawans, Bounty Hunters, Rebels, Stormtroopers, Scruffy-Looking Nerf Herders and serious fans of Star Wars™. Nine items, including an exclusive BB-8 raglan t-shirt, $150+ value for $100 USD Domestic/$130 USD (VAT included if applicable) International including S&H! In addition, 20 randomly-selected Star Wars™ fans will receive a Funko Hikari C-3PO variant figure valued at $80!
You’ll find nine items in the box, with four items exclusive to this Loot Crate. First up is the obligatory crate T-shirt–a Raglan with an exclusive BB-8 design. The only negative about the box is that this shirt runs small. If you like Raglans or have a friend to hand it off to, it can be a worthy insert. Approximate value = $15.
The most fun item is the Darth Vader Mr. Potato Head. It’s simply a great toy for fans of all things retro and kids of all ages. Nicely designed, and sturdy, you know someone who would happily post Vader Tater at their desk. Approximate value = $24. (You can get one at Amazon.com here
The variety of items assembled was well thought out. You get a dopp kit or gadget bag as they call it, with Rebel Alliance logo. Everyone needs one of these for travel, and it’s big enough to hold all your toiletries for your next voyage to parts unknown. Approximate value = $24. (You can get one at Amazon.com here
You get one of three randomly inserted Zak Designs ceramic mugs featuring either BB-8, Kylo Ren, or Darth Vader. We received the 10 oz. BB-8 and it’s a good representation of everyone’s new favorite droid. It probably makes a better desk ornament than a practical mug. Approximate value = $17. (You can get one at Amazon.com here
Nostalgia fans who haven’t already picked one up will appreciate the Little Golden Books six-volume Star Wars boxed set that was released last year. Although we figure these are more for adults who had this style of book as a child, someone you know will enjoy these condensed versions of the first six Star Wars films. Approximate value = $30. (You can get one at Amazon.com here
Comic book collectors and fans of Marvel Comics’ new Star Wars series will be glad they nabbed an exclusive cover variant of Vader Down, Issue #1. These are reselling on eBay and it seems every new variant for box services is in such short supply that they quickly increase in price on the secondary market. Approximate value = $20.
The box includes a Metal Earth model of Kylo Ren’s shuttle from Star Wars: The Force Awakens. Depending on your skill and patience, these can be easy to build. The little metal kits are also becoming a regular insert in various box services. Approximate value = $12. (You can get one from Amazon.com here
Finally, the box includes a pair of winter weather gear–an AT-AT stocking cap and coordinating scarf. It may be a little late in the season for these, but you can always save them for next year. The designs are sharp and these kinds of items–where you get to let your nerd show–are trendy. Approximate value = hat: $25; scarf: $20. (based on similar items at Amazon.com).
If you like all the box has to offer, then you’re getting about $187 worth of items for your $100 spent. If a few items look good, save some money and grab only those you want at Amazon.com using the above links. But if you’re in, and this is the Crate you’re looking for, you can still purchase your own Loot Crate’s Limited Edition Star Wars Crate at Loot Crate’s website here — just select the “Pick a Crate” tab at the top and select Star Wars from the drop-down menu.
May the Force Be With You!
C.J. Bunce
Editor
borg.com
