Figure of the Day: Day 94: Spirit of Yoda

YODA Jedi Spirits
The Power of the Force Collection Cinema Scenes
Item No.: Asst. 84035 No. 84058
Number: n/a
Includes: Display Base
Action Feature: n/a
Retail: $19.99
Availability: Fall 1998
Appearances: Return of the Jedi

Bio: Obi-Wan Kenobi, Anakin Skywalker, and Yoda-- three individuals with lives intricately intertwined. Before Obi-Wan Kenobi was forced into a life of hiding, before Anakin Skywalker gave in to the dark side and became Darth Vader, even before Yoda was known as the last Jedi Master, a young Anakin was presented to the Jedi Council for permission to train the boy in the ways of the Force. Many years later, the Galactic Republic crumbled and the evil Empire rose in its place. Only after the defeat of the Empire, at the hands of Anakin's son Luke Skywalker, would the three great Jedi be reunited after death as spiritual guides for Luke and the New Republic. (Taken from the figure's box back.)

Image: Adam Pawlus' toy shelves.

Commentary: A much-requested figure but one that didn't seem to make a big splash, the Jedi Spirits Yoda was a bright blue (and frosted) non-poseable figure with no accessories. What you see is what you get! In the context of the 1998 line, it was an exciting release-- after all, the number of Endor-specific figures could be counted on two hands, more or less, with little hope in sight for more with Episode I due in early 1999. With no articulation, and hands posed to hold a cane that doesn't exist, it's a unique figure and for fans of Yoda and the Jedi in general, this is a must-buy. The only fault of the figure is its weak coloring, much like his companions. In 2004, Hasbro proved they can do great translucent colored figures with their then-new Spirit of Obi-Wan which serves as a fine example of what these figures could be if and when Hasbro updates them.

Collector's Notes: Nearly 8 years later, there's been no buzz of revisiting the concept, which is a real shame-- Yoda sells, and for some reason it seems fans have warmed up to transparent reissues of figures. This one is a good one, and this figure is worth picking up-- this week. As soon as it gets updated, nobody will care about this release outside its Ewok Village display base, which I should note it was screwed to during shipment. As in, actual screws-- you need a screwdriver to remove the figure from the base.

Day 94: August 8, 2006