Figure of the Day: Day 127: Emperor Palpatine

EMPEROR PALPATINE Firing Force Lightning
Revenge of the Sith Collection 1
Item No.: Asst. 85713 No. 85285
Number: III-12
Includes: Lightsaber, lightning
Action Feature: Spring-loaded lightning attack
Retail: $5.24-$19.99
Availability: April 2005-present
Appearances: Primarily Revenge of the Sith

Bio: The Supreme Chancellor extends his power and controls the Galactic Senate. As the Clone Wars rage, he sets into motion the final part of his plan to rule the galaxy and destroy the Jedi. (Taken from the figure's cardback.)

Image: Adam Pawlus' Revenge of the Sith shelf.

Commentary: Few figures define overkill as much as Emperor Palpatine. Basically, he's just a guy in a black cloak, and yet he's had close to a dozen different figures of himself in this costume. And this one wasn't even really seen all that much in the movie. It is, however, a great, action-packed figure. With ball-jointed arms, firing lightning, a lightsaber, a ball-jointed neck, and a creepy little face to scare your other toys, he may well be one of the finest Emperor figures ever. There's no getting past the detail on the robes, the oddly colored fingernails, and so much more. The only thing I think this figure is missing is his cane, but that's probably a good thing as this figure isn't about the faux feeble Palpatine, but the raging ball of evil Palpatine. There are no other Palpatine figures that can provide the play value of this one. And due to its widespread availability, there's a good chance you can get one so cheap, someone will pay you to take it away.

Collector's Notes: The figure's only bad/good/bad again side is his widespread distribution. It's possible no figure has been offered so many ways in such a short period of time... except for maybe CommTech Han Solo. This Palpatine was first sold in the configuration listed above. Later, he was in a Kmart exclusive Battle Pack of the Death Star Throne Room, but without all his accessories. In 2006, he's been packaged in Target's Skirmish in the Senate Battle Pack and on a regular "Greatest Battles" cardback which is, without a doubt, the best packaging you can get for this figure. This is a great figure and one of the best versions of this character ever, but they're so easy to get, you really shouldn't pay any real amount of money to get one.

Day 127: September 10, 2006