Figure of the Day: Day 98: Padmé Amidala (Lars Homestead)

PADMÉ AMIDALA Lars Homestead
Saga Collection Collection 2
Item No.: Asst. 84861 No. 84843
Number: 0336
Includes: Cloak, display base
Action Feature: n/a
Retail: $4.99-$5.99
Availability: Fall 2003
Appearances: Attack of the Clones

Bio: While being guarded by Anakin Skywalker after attempts were made on her life, Padmé accompanies Anakin to Tatooine on a mission to rescue his mother. Tormented by nightmares, Anakin decides he can wait no longer to go to her aid, and Padmé chooses to stay by his side, even if it means going against the decisions of the Jedi Council who are trying to ensure her safety. (Taken from the figure's cardback.)

Image: Adam Pawlus' toy hole.

Commentary: With the advent of the ball-jointed neck, figures like this Padmé Amidala had new and interesting features that could really only be exploited by popping off their heads. With a great sculpt and a colorful costume (as there isn't a whole lot of bright blue in Star Wars), this is a figure that makes a lot of fans happy, mostly because it shows a lot of skin, I presume. The figure has very limited articulation and upon its release, I commandeered her display base for Asajj Ventress. This version of the former queen can stand find with no added support, and as such, is a great figure. Except, like many complain, she's essentially a statue-- you buy her to look at her. She won't be sitting in any vehicles, nor will she be taking a seat at the bar. If your figures spend their lives on the shelf, this is a figure for you-- it looks great and does little. If you buy it in the package, take note: her cloak is packaged off to the side.

Collector's Notes: The tail end of 2003 was a nasty time and a lot of the figures were a little tough to get, including this version of Padmé. She hasn't been reissued and I think she's got the most defined midsection in the 3 3/4-inch action figure scale. As such, as a collector, she's worth snagging-- Padmé had a lot of great costumes in the second prequel and this one manages to give you two in one! Also take note at the neck on the cloak. The figure's cardback shows the neck clasp area separated, the actual production piece is fully connected. To date, I am not aware of a production change, it just seems Hasbro changed the production piece.

Day 98: August 12, 2006