Comic Convergence
Force Friday, 2015
Toys R Us Auburn
If you were in attendance at one of the many Force Friday
events Thursday night eagerly awaiting the midnight release of the Episode 7
merchandise, then you already know the feelings of excitement, anticipation and
eagerness that buzzed throughout the duration of the evening. Most of the
attendees in front of the line were fans that grew up with the original trilogy
and have had a connection to the force since its beginning. Some have been
collecting for years and some are new to the hobby but regardless of tenure
everyone was able to share pictures of pieces acquired and tell great stories
of their experience as fans of the Star Wars culture.
We arrived at the Auburn Toys R Us in Massachusetts around
7:30 pm which was early enough to secure spots 2 and 3 in line – spot 1 had
been there as early as 5:00pm. We immediately started networking and discovered
we were all there for the same line of merchandise, the popular and detailed 6”
Black Series figures and vehicles. As the night went on more people started to
slowly make their way into the line and curious shoppers not there for the
event would stop and ask about what the midnight event was all about. In order
to pass the time, we played quite the game of Cards Against Humanity – the perfect
game to play at a Toys R Us…and had some good laughs as the hours passed.
When the time finally came for the doors to open, the
manager of the store informed us that they had not received all of their
shipment and were short some items-he would not say what they were missing.
This was not the news we wanted to hear after spending almost 5 hours in line.
We were all able to get a limited edition poster and Lego brick for attending
as we hurriedly marched towards the Star Wars section of the store. Of course
what they were missing was what many of us were there for…the Black series
figures. According to the store, they only received 1 box of the black series
figures-which contain only 6 figures. Spot 1, 2 and I were able to grab them
all and divide them up as fair as we could amongst ourselves.
It was certainly a
let-down not to be able to get everything on our wish lists. I can’t help but
wonder if the store was actually short items or if the employees hid them away
for themselves. Either way, the hunt is on for the rest and we all look forward
to seeing these characters that we collect come back to life!
May the Force Be with You!
-John Joubert, Comic Convergence
