Figure of the Day: Day 7: Anakin Skywalker

ANAKIN SKYWALKER with Lightsaber
Power of the Force Flash Back Photo
Item No.: Asst. 69680 No. 84047
Number: n/a
Includes: Lightsaber, Flash Back Photo
Action Feature: n/a
Retail: $5.99
Availability: Spring 1999


Bio: As a youth, Anakin Skywalker was brought before the Jedi Council as a candidate for Jedi training. With some dissension, the Council voted to allow Anakin to become the apprentice of Obi-Wan Kenobi, and over time Anakin became a powerful Jedi. The Council's concerns, however, proved to be well founded. The Dark Side soon overwhelmed Anakin and changed him, creating Darth Vader, Dark Lord of the Sith. Darth Vader faithfully served at Emperor Palpatine's side, leading the Imperial efforts to crush the Rebellion. He was even ready, if necessary, to take the life of his own son, Luke Skywalker. But in the final confrontation between father and son, Luke's pleas finally awakened the good buried deep within Darth Vader. (Taken from the figure's cardback.)

Image: More shelf fun.

Commentary: A surprise, to say the least, produced (we assume) as a nod to the vintage Anakin Skywalker figure. While a clear "Spirit" version came out a few months before this one, this one has the bonus of being one of many figures ultimately edited out of the Star Wars saga as of the latest DVD releases. It also comes with Obi-Wan Kenobi's lightsaber, for no good reason as far as can be told. The figure itself has a great sculpt, and was a fine example of how to do a figure right when it was released. At least in terms of sculpting. Once you get past that, it's a little confusing as to why Hasbro made it. With six points of articulation, only the neck and shoulders are especially meaningful as the robes restrict any other movement.

Collector's Notes: One of three figures based on the Sebastian Shaw Anakin Skywalker design. The first came out around 1984 and was a Return of the Jedi mail-in figure that eventually was sold in stores. In 1998, a Jedi Spirits version came out as a 3-pack with Yoda and Obi-Wan Kenobi. This version was released in 1999, and remains confusing to this day as a spirit version was already released, and the lightsaber just adds to the head-scratching. Still, it's a nice looking figure with a good sculpt that, if for no reason other than being a little weird, is a fun figure to add to your collection. (MORE IMAGES)

Day 7: May 13, 2006