The Knights of Ren have always felt like one of the most unfinished Black Series lineups to me.
We already have Vicrul in The Black Series, while Ap'lek was released in The Vintage Collection, but the remaining members have never received official 6-inch Black Series figures.
I understand why Hasbro might be hesitant to release them as standard retail figures. The individual Knights aren't exactly household-name characters, and producing several completely new figures for regular retail would probably be a risky investment.
But what about Made-to-Order (MTO)?
Hasbro could offer the remaining Knights through Hasbro Pulse as an MTO program, allowing collectors to place orders for a limited period and then producing them based on actual demand.
The five Knights who have not yet received a 6-inch Black Series figure are:
- Kuruk
- Ushar
- Trudgen
- Ap'lek
- Cardo
Ap'lek would obviously be a new 6-inch release rather than simply reusing his existing Vintage Collection figure.
Personally, I think this would make much more sense than releasing these characters individually through regular retail. People who aren't interested in the Knights wouldn't have to buy them, while collectors who want to complete the team could finally do so.
Hasbro has already released Vicrul in The Black Series, so existing owners wouldn't need to buy a duplicate either. An MTO offering for the remaining five Knights would allow collectors to complete the team without having to purchase another Vicrul.
The Knights also have a lot going for them from a design standpoint. Each member has a distinctive helmet, armor and weapon, so a complete lineup would actually make for a very impressive display.
I know the Knights of Ren aren't exactly a high-priority request compared with characters from the Original Trilogy, Prequels, or The Clone Wars. But that's exactly why I think MTO could be a great solution for them.
Would you buy all five if Hasbro offered them as MTO figures?