Figure of the Day: Day 1,067: OOM-9

OOM-9 with Blaster and Binoculars
Episode I Collection 3
Item No.: Asst. 84105 No. 84127
Manufacturer: Hasbro
Number: n/a
Includes: Antenna, Blaster, and Binoculars
Action Feature: n/a
Retail: $6.99
Availability: May 1999
Appearances: The Phantom Menace

Bio: As a commander droid for the Trade Federation army, OOM-9 strategically coordinates the fully automated droid army against the Naboo and Gungan combined forces. (Taken from the figure's cardback.)

Image: Adam's back yard.

Commentary: After dozens of figures in the past 10 years, precious few Battle Droids have been made as toys and given an individual name. Actually, this OOM-9 is really the only one so far. While similar to the basic carded Battle Droids, this mold is actually fairly different. For starters, the neck can be crammed down into the torso rather than rotate down and forward. The figure still has a good range of movement, like a ball-jointed neck, elbows, shoulders, knees, and hips. Not surprisingly, this figure can easily sit and pilot your vehicles, plus he can hold a blaster or a pair of binoculars. It's pretty swell. The head is pointier than other droids of his day, so maybe that'll bug you. It don't bother me none.

Collector's Notes: This mold was never reused, although a similarly painted figure was released in one of the first Saga Legends 2007 Battle Droids 2-packs. This is the best "Commander" you can buy for your Battle Droids right now, but seeing as there's only two so far, there aren't a whole lot of options. This one's pretty cheap so you may as well get this one if you're going to get one. It's possible Hasbro may do a better version some day, but Battle Droid articulation started to go downhill as of 2002, so I wouldn't bet on it.

--Adam Pawlus

Day 1,067: July 16, 2009

Figure of the Day: Day 1,066: Padme Amidala

PADME AMIDALA Evolutions - Episode III
The Legacy Collection Evolutions
Item No.: Asst. 87874 No. 87601
Manufacturer: Hasbro
Number: n/a
Includes: Crappy birthing gown
Action Feature: n/a
Retail: $24.99
Availability: July 2009
Appearances: Revenge of the Sith

Bio: Padme devoted her life to the people of Naboo and became a key figure in the dramatic events that changed the galaxy. Her courage and compassion deeply affected those around her, and was the pivotal legacy she gave to her children, Luke and Leia. While Queen of Naboo, Padme stood up against the Trade Federation’s siege of her planet. As a Senator, Padme fought to keep the Republic from falling into war. Her last act was to give birth to the twins who would fulfill her legacy by restoring peace to the galaxy. (Taken from the figure's cardback.)

Image: TV tray.

Commentary: When I first got this Padme Amidala boxed set I wasn't sure who the gown was for because it didn't seem like it would easily fit on any of them. Turns out it was for this one. Ah well.

So now you've finally got a Padme from the final prequel that isn't from the last chunk of the movie. Congratulations! While she does have very ornate hair and a decent likeness (although the paint could use some work), and the costume is pretty good compared to the film, there is one big problem. And that problem? She's big. Like, fat. Those are some meaty arms there. The advent of the fan demand for insane articulation has resulted in some figures getting joints where fewer joints would be ideal, this figure would probably be a heck of a lot better (with thinner arms) if she dropped the elbow and forearm movement. It's just short of being a great release because, well, she's as big as a house. Since she's pregnant it's not entirely inappropriate, but geez, look at those meaty paws.

Since we'll probably never see a second version of this figure, you can either buy this one or go through life without it. Since getting it last year, mine has basically spent her whole life in a box. I'm not going to say you should never get it, but depending on the kinds of dioramas you crank out, odds are this is going to be a toy best left on the shelf. Other than standing around, she can't do much.

Collector's Notes: You can probably still buy this one if you look hard enough. This wasn't a particularly strong seller, but it's a good set for fans looking to up their Natalie Portman quotient.

--Adam Pawlus

Day 1,066: July 15, 2009

Figure of the Day: Day 1,065: Borsk Fey'lya

BORSK FEY'LYA & Wedge Antilles
The Legacy Collection Comic Packs
Item No.: Asst. 87504 No. 87747
Manufacturer: Hasbro
Number: n/a
Includes: Blaster, Wedge figure
Action Feature: Working holster
Retail: $12.99
Availability: January 2009
Appearances: Rogue Squadron Comic Books

Bio: Wedge Antiles and the rest of Rogue Squadron are enjoying some R&R, but trouble soon ends their break. Acting-Emperor Sate Pestage is captured when the Empire discovers he's made a deal with the Rebel Alliance. Rogue Squadron is tapped to rescue Pestage, but Provisional Council member Borsk Fey'lya is hostile to the plan. (Taken from the figure's cardback.)

Image: TV tray.

Commentary: After first appearing in the first three Star Wars novels of the big 1991 relaunch, it's about time we got a Borsk Fey'lya figure. The Bothan race has been pictured in a few different ways, and now that we have an action figure this is probably how they're going to be from now on. Depending on where you sit, this is either really exciting or a case of "this would have been awesome 15 years ago." The fact that we now have a physical representation of an alien species first named in 1983 is pretty awesome, but what are you going to do with it? Is he going to stand around and be a dick to your other figures?

So either you're jazzed to see the character, or you aren't-- that's going to be your main motivation to buy this one. As a figure it's one of those decent-but-not-spectacular releases with 14 points of articulation, but the elbows are swivels and the legs can't really easily sit. Borsk's face looks sort of old and not exactly action-packed, but he does have a blaster which I suppose makes him a slightly more combat-friendly toy. Collectors and hardcore novel fans will likely want to pick this one up, it's not a lot of fun to play with. It does look nice, and it's a new alien, but after 1,000+ figures sometimes I can get a little jaded.

Collector's Notes: You can probably still buy this one if you look hard enough. A repackaged version should be hitting real soon, possibly already if you live in the right area.

--Adam Pawlus

Day 1,065: July 14, 2009

Figure of the Day: Day 1,064: Jes Gistang, the first female Stormtrooper of Joker Squad

JES GISTANG World's First Female Stormtrooper
The Legacy Collection Entertainment Earth Exclusive
Item No.: No. 87923
Manufacturer: Hasbro
Number: n/a
Includes: Blaster, helmet, bazooka, 5 more figures
Action Feature: n/a
Retail: $39.99
Availability: March 2009
Appearances: Legacy Comic Books

Bio: Jes Gistang was a Corellian Human female who served as a stormtrooper in Darth Krayt's Galactic Empire circa 137 ABY. As a young woman, she decided to join the 407th Stormtrooper Division through the Imperial Mission, an organization that helped individuals to spread Imperial influence. (Stolen from Wookieepedia.)

Image: Backyard, ho.

Commentary: For years, fans have asked "what would a Stormtrooper look like with boobs?" A few years ago Dark Horse gave us an actual glimpse of a character with real lines and stuff in the Star Wars Legacy comic book series, and yes, she had boobs. The armor was similar to that of the regular troops, but was a little thinner and more appropriate to her form. This leads me to wonder if in the future, if someone like Porkins would be able to get custom-built armor or if they only make armor for skinny chicks.

The figure is, for the most part, new. The legs seem new, the body and arms are new, and the head is obviously new. The blaster is recycled, the bazooka is a reuse of a G.I. Joe weapon (just like Hondo Karr's dagger), and the helmet is a typical Stormtrooper helmet. It's a little snug, but it fits. This figure lacks a holster, which is fine really-- those things just get in the way of sitting. It's very unusual for Hasbro to make completely new molds for Internet boxed set exclusives without reusing them, so it's pretty awesome to have a set with two of them in it.

While there's a fair amount of discussion on the authenticity of the figures, it seems to be a case of artistic license. The Legacy comic artists are fairly inconsistent with how the Stormtrooper armor is drawn in the 100+ years after Palpatine ate it, so little things like the helmet detail and some aspects of the torso armor seem to get drawn differently. The knee armor, well, that doesn't quite match the comic art generally. The upside is that these figures could mix with your regular Stormtrooper squadrons, Jes could probably also make a great Leiatrooper, should the need ever arise in a story or game or something. I think she turned out great, but I'm a sucker for a good trooper figure.

Collector's Notes: Full disclosure: we asked for this from Hasbro as part of my day job at, you guessed it, Entertainment Earth. These figures are currently available. I have seen people break up the set to sell figures individually, and Jes (along with Maleval) are the ones that command premium pricing. As such, she seems to be one of the more desirable ones for now, but that changes as fans get into something else.

--Adam Pawlus

Day 1,064: July 13, 2009

Figure of the Day: Day 1,063: Astromech Droid (ARC-170 Elite Squad)

ASTROMECH DROID ARC-170 Elite Squad
30th Anniversary Collection Target Exclusive Battle Pack
Item No.: No. 87388
Manufacturer: Hasbro
Number: n/a
Includes: 2 ARC-170 Troopers, 2 Clone Pilots
Action Feature: Twist dome, third leg retracts
Retail: $19.99
Availability: November 2007
Appearances: n/a

Bio: A small number of the Republic ARC-170 starfighters are crewed by elite Clone Troopers, trained to go deep into enemy territory on the most dangerous scouting missions and raids. These squads undergo advanced "aggressive reconnaissance" training taught by Advanced Recon Commandos to equip them with the skills necessary to survive the varied and treacherous mission profiles to which they are assigned. The ARC-170 Elite Squads served with distinction during the Outer Rim sieges, providing crucial intelligence and support during campaigns on the major Separatist homeworlds. (Taken from the figure's box.)

Image: Adam's yard, again.

Commentary: Seriously, what the Hell Hasbro? Is "Astromech Droid" the best you and Lucas Licensing could come up with for this one? Was the format of R[number 2-5]-[letter][number] a challenge? What next, are we going to see a new Cantina alien labeled "Some Dude"? Geez.

Whatever effort Hasbro would have "wasted" on nomenclature was put into a fairly colorful original droid design, easily one of Hasbro's best original efforts. This little guy has a red dome, blue legs and body, and a really dark brown set of feet. Since it's the R4-G9 mold once again, Hasbro managed to use one of their best designs to bring you this generally nameless little droid. Do you like the colors? Then you'll like this figure. If you're any sort of purist, this figure has appeared in exactly nothing outside the toy line. While I admire new droids getting made, well, uh, I guess this one is easier to skip than most due to its not being from anything. But since it comes in a box of clones, really, why not get it, I guess? Whatever.

Collector's Notes: Designed to match the Clone Wars "space whale" ARC-170 Fighter (or Gunship), this is a decent enough release if not exactly something that fans were begging for. It's a little frustrating to not have a name for it. It's not like Hasbro and Lucas didn't make up names for other droids that needed them. This was a one-time release and, not surprisingly for Target, hit the clearance bins pretty quickly.

--Adam Pawlus

Day 1,063: July 10, 2009

Figure of the Day: Day 1,062: McQuarrie Concept Han Solo

CONCEPT HAN SOLO McQuarrie Signature Series
30th Anniversary Collection Basic Figures
Item No.: Asst. 87500 No. 87408
Manufacturer: Hasbro
Number: #3047
Includes: Cape, lightsaber, hilt, blaster, coin
Action Feature: n/a
Retail: $6.99
Availability: October 2007
Appearances: n/a

Bio: McQuarrie's concept painting of central characters in A New Hope depicts Han Solo as a fierce Jedi Knight rather than a rougish smuggler. Wearing close-fitting battle gear, he is ready for combat with his lightsaber blazing and his face set with stern determination. (Taken from the figure's cardback.)

Image: Adam Pawlus' place, on the window.

Commentary: When the concept series was announced, we all hoped that Han Solo would be one of the characters to see release in plastic. The downside is that most of us knew it from black-and-white sketches, and we weren't really expecting a purple-tighted warrior with frosted tips. I somehow doubt this is what George Lucas was thinking, but eh, what are you going to do?

The sketch was rough enough that pretty much anything would look like an accurate translation, so Hasbro pretty much perfectly updated it into a figure. It has everything you might hope for, like 12 points of articulation (no ankles), a lightsaber clip. And weird blond hair. And a purple jumpsuit. Really, this guy looks more like Flash Gordon than Star Wars. As a figure you buy to finish your set, this is a sensible one to pick up. The working holster and saber clip are both cool features, but when you get right down to it the figure really can't work in most dioramas as background fodder because he looks just too damn weird. If you have a McQuarrie collection box or shelf, though, this is one you'll want. And I personally believe that every collector worth a damn probably is going to want a complete set of the concept figures from over the years, so yeah, I think you should get one even though it looks kinda goofy.

Collector's Notes: At press time this mold has only been used once, but generally Hasbro finds a way to reuse these things somehow. Eventually. Maybe. This one sat around for a while at some toy stores so who knows. One thing I found particularly smart-- which Hasbro sorely needs to try again-- was the McQuarrie figures' distinct packaging. Rather than have red highlights, they had blue markings which really made them pop off the pegs both visually and in terms of sales. People knew they were special, and all it took was changing up one simple color.

--Adam Pawlus

Day 1,062: July 9, 2009

Figure of the Day: Day 1,061: Battle Droid (Dirty)

BATTLE DROID Dirty Variation
Episode I Collection 1
Item No.: Asst. 84085 No. 84092
Manufacturer: Hasbro
Number: n/a
Includes: Blaster, Backpack, CommTech Chip
Action Feature: n/a
Retail: $6.99
Availability: May 1999
Appearances: The Phantom Menace

Bio: The greedy Trade Federation has created an army that requires no food, no drink, no sleep. Millions of these high-tech battle droids amass into a virtually unstoppable armed force. (Taken from the figure's cardback.)

Image: Adam Pawlus' yard. This is probably my favorite photo I've got out of this column so far.

Commentary: There are four variations on this Battle Droid, all with the same packaging-- this one is "dirty," as it is covered in a brown grime. In addition to this one, there are tan ones in "clean," "sliced," and "shot." This figure marks Hasbro's very first attempt at having multiple versions of an army builder in the marketplace at once all under the same basic SKU, which I felt was pretty awesome. Ideally, they'd do this more often-- after all, why settle for selling me one droid when you can sell me two different ones?

Ten years later, I still like this figure a whole bunch and wish I had more of it. At the time, it was one of the most articulated figures as it had knees and elbows, which was pretty uncommon. You can even fold him down into a compact wad for storage, which is nice. He can stand fairly easily, and gravity doesn't cause his limbs to bend out of shape like most (OK, pretty much all) releases from 2002 and beyond. It's really unfortunate Hasbro didn't keep using this mold as it seemed to make for the very best toys. One downside of this figure is that after 10 years, it's a little sticky-- the signs of the plastic aging are an unfortunate side-effect of the hobby, so if you own these you might want to check them and wipe them down with a damp cloth or rubbing alcohol. Just be careful not to wipe the paint off.

Collector's Notes: The 1999 Battle Droid mold didn't see a heck of a lot of use. While the other three paint jobs were eventually used on the Saga Legends mold in 2007 and 2008, this one wasn't-- so if you want this "flavor" of droid, you'd better get this one.

--Adam Pawlus

Day 1,061: July 8, 2009