my neutal-postive opinion:
Tamer: I think it's a solid point to say that this carbonized line is a cheap way to pay off tooling costs. Talking about creativity there are certainly more creative ways for alternate deco. BUT if I was a boy I think I'd like the shine of these. Similar to the attraction of holographic trading cards. I used to be crazy about Pokémon cards as a kid. And if I saw these carbonized figures through a boy's eyes I might think these are rarer than the regular ones - already telling by the foil printed packaging. Speaking of the packaging art, I think these are very nice additions for MISB collectors. I'm a loose collector by now and only buy most nostalgic items in box if they're not too crazy expensive. But I'm also a customizer and here's my main point:
I think these are actually a great chance for us customizers. If we don't like a figure's paint job, we'll just repaint it right? If we don't like specific details, we'll change 'em to the better.
Centurion's Corner on YouTube does that a lot.
I think these carbonized figures are a great opportunity for us because
a) we can use them for customs e.g. complete repaints if
b) they are cheaper than the regular release, which they are not as far as I know.
If you missed on them the first run and they haven't made it to the Archive Line, yet, I think these are great second chances. Paz Vizla has a name now, but that's not enough for me to buy another one. What I really like about him though are the extra details in metal finish. His armor looks great like that overall, so I might actually get him.
A Scout Trooper is always a win in my book and it's so overdue that Hasbro give us one on ROTJ card for TVC. But that's a different topic. I'd get the Scout if found cheap.
The Shore Trooper looks too shiny for me though. Easy pass. Didn't like the silver Stormtrooper already and this one is too golden for me. There's so much other great stuff to buy instead.
But the best think about this hobby is that you can buy whatever you like - unless you're a completist. Hence I'm glad you stopped forcing yourself to buy
everything.
I only buy stuff that appeals to me or that I can use for customs. Don't spend a penny on things I don't like - simple as that.
Personally, I got The Mandalorian and Boba Fett in carbonized edition. I like how the metal finish makes them look different. If I was a fan of the Sequels I'd definitely get the Sith Trooper in red metallic as well. But at the same time I rather buy a 1/18 scale model car in that paint.
JDeck: Wow, I didn't know about Kenner planning to release a metallic paint series of figures. I'm always amazed by the insider knowledge you have, JD! Thanks for the insight!
I'm fine with these carbonized choices. Either way they'll help to make new molds/figures possible.