Figure of the Day: Day 224: Imperial Officer

IMPERIAL OFFICER Head #1 of 3
Power of the Jedi Collection 2
Item No.: Asst. 84455 No. 84659
Number: n/a
Includes: Blaster pistol, Force File
Action Feature: n/a
Retail: $6.99
Availability: Fall 2001
Appearances: Star Wars

Bio: The Imperial Officers are cunning, calculating and ruthless. They have survived a grueling training program to earn their rank. Whether he is giving commands on the bridge of a Star Destroyer or leading a garrison of stormtroopers, the Imperial officer is in complete control and rules with an iron fist. Failure means death, as many found out in the service of Darth Vader. (Taken from the figure's Force File.)

Image: Adam Pawlus' toy shelves. The gloves are not blue, but gosh darn it, the flash makes it look that way.

Commentary: There was a time when "super articulated" wasn't even thinkable, and figures like the Imperial Officer were considered good just for being nicely articulated. One of the better figures of its day, this figure boasts 10 points of articulation, which is just about what you'd want in a figure like this. With lots of wrinkles, a fairly generic face, and about all the details you would want, the Imperial Officer is the kind of figure you'll need piloting your Shuttles, working on your Death Stars, or bossing around lazy Stormtroopers. There are no holsters for the guns, and no real action feature to speak of, but dammit, Vader's gotta choke someone. Why not this guy? He's not... well, "special." But he's very cool and a must-buy figure so you can add him to your Empire of plastic. If you don't have a little army, don't care about the Empire, and are looking to save money, this is a fairly generic figure you don't need. But if you don't buy Imperial figures, you're probably not reading the right column for someone with your... unique taste.

Collector's Notes: In 2001, the Power of the Jedi version (reviewed here) came out and had but one head, but Hasbro indicated it had two variant heads ready to go. These would arrive on blue Saga packaging in very early 2003 as part of the end of the 2002 line (confusing, yes.) The new heads were a blonde, and another head with brown hair that is similar (but different) to this one. All three are slated to be rereleased in 2007 on new packaging with coins, so if you haven't bought them yet, waiting might be a good idea.

Day 224: December 16, 2006