Figure of the Day: Day 116: Wedge Antilles

WEDGE ANTILLES Rebel Pilots
Power of the Force Cinema Scenes
Item No.: Asst. 64035 No. 84057
Number: n/a
Includes: Helmet, display base
Action Feature: n/a
Retail: $19.99
Availability: Fall 1999
Appearances: Primarily Return of the Jedi

Bio: For generations, an evil power has spread throughout the galaxy. It began with Darth Sidious' sinister plot to conquer the planet Naboo and peaked with the Empire's domination of the galaxy. Throughout the era, brave starfighter pilots flew into space to fight this power. Naboo pilots braved impossible odds to save their planet from the superior forces of the Trade Federation. years later, X-wing pilot Wedge Antilles, B-wing Pilot Ten Numb, and A-wing pilot Arvel Crynyd were part of the assault on the second Death Star. Their success at the Battle of Endor released the iron grip on the galaxy. (Taken from the figure's box.)

Image: Adam Pawlus' toy shelf. Shock.

Commentary: This particular Wedge Antilles action figure is a 1998 Biggs Darklighter figure with a new head and removable helmet. It was released in 1999. The first Wedge figure was released in 1997, using a Luke Skywalker body with a new head that, upon its initial release, was painted all wrong. And in 2005, the 1999 Wedge head came back, this time placed on Dutch Vander's body as an Internet exclusive. See a pattern here?

So, what's the deal with this figure? It's pretty good, but not great. The head sculpt is OK, but not fantastic. The body has the traditional six points of articulation. I hate to give such a cop-out commentary, but there's little to say about this figure beyond it being "nothing special" to a fault. I'd love nothing more than to rag on it, or laud it, but it's so plain looking in 2006 that it's difficult to do either. As he comes with two other good figures, that will probably make you want to get this one, but by himself he's not so great and is outclassed by the 2005 Wedge figure. Which, really, ain't all that great either.

Collector's Notes: In 1999 and 2000, this figure was actually considered to be somewhat rare. It also shifted the balance of collector power in the tally of "Imperial Officers vs. Rebel Pilots" in the war of which can get the most nearly-identical figures to market. (I think Imperials are ahead this week.) Today, the Rebel Pilots 3-pack goes for a few bucks, with closed eBay auctions as low as $5. It's a far cry from the $30-$40 people were asking shortly after its release. Most shocking of all is that of all the closed auctions, those for individual figures from this set close higher than a sealed-box three-pack. So buyer beware!

Day 116: August 30, 2006