Figure of the Day: Day 333: Holographic Luke Skywalker

HOLOGRAPHIC LUKE SKYWALKER Jabba's Palace
Saga Figures
Item No.: Asst. 84715 No. 84745
Number: 0411
Includes: Lightsaber, Base
Action Feature: n/a
Retail: $4.99
Availability: March 2004
Appearances: Return of the Jedi

Bio: As part of the plan to rescue Han Solo, Luke sent the two droids, R2-D2 and C-3PO, to the palace of Jabba the Hutt. R2-D2 played a holographic message to Jabba in which Luke requested an audience with the infamous crimelord and, to prove his sincerity, asked the Hutt to accept the two droids as gifts. While the nervous C-3PO was startled at this news, it was all part of Luke's plan to put everyone in position for the planned rescue attempt. (Taken from the figure's cardback.)

Image: Adam Pawlus' Toy Shelves.

Commentary: The funny thing about Holographic Luke Skywalker is that it's a repaint, and the mold on which it was based was released in the wave prior to this one. This almost instant release silenced requests for a holographic version before they could start, but it's just odd to go to a store and see regular and holographic figures at the same time. I love the concept, and the figure has excellent articulation-- however, its paint kinda sucks in the head department. There tends to be a lot of stray paint, and the clear plastic doesn't photograph too well. It doesn't look all that great in person, either, but the "translucent" (barely) plastic used for the costume looks great. It's obviously a great attempt, but the head paint brings this figure down a few pegs. The lightsaber is an unnecessary accessory, but since this figure is a straight repaint and doesn't offer much new to fans, it's pretty obvious that Hasbro felt they had to toss in some form of extra to get people to buy this.

Collector's Notes: This wasn't the world's strongest seller, but diorama fans would be well-served to buy this one. Just turn him so he faces Jabba and away from you, and it's a pretty good release. Pay careful attention to the paint on the head, even the hair-- it's the one area where most samples of this figure fall short.

Day 333: April 4, 2007