Figure of the Day: Day 990: Anakin Skywalker

ANAKIN SKYWALKER Battle of Christophsis
The Clone Wars Target Exclusive Battle Packs
Item No.: Asst. 87931 No. 89000
Manufacturer: Hasbro
Number: n/a
Includes: Lightsaber, projectile, launcher
Action Feature: n/a
Retail: $62.99-$72.99
Availability: November 2008-present (March 2009)
Appearances: The Clone Wars

Bio: Anakin Skywalker (nicknamed Ani by his loved ones) was a legendary Human Jedi Knight who served the Galactic Republic in its final years, and later became the Sith Lord Darth Vader. (Stolen from Wookieepedia.)

Image: A TV tray.

Commentary: So how is this Anakin Skywalker "just different enough to make you mad?" Well, for starters, if minor changes don't bother you stop reading-- you don't need this version. For me, though, it's different enough. There are no changes made to the sculpt or articulation, as far as I can tell. This means you have the same super-articulated arms plus the same hips-only leg joints. It's certainly able to stand, and it can sit just fine if you don't mind the position making it look like his robes are rising and that he's happy to see you. (Just sayin'.)

Unlike the basic carded figure, this one has some minor deco changes which make it stand out as being unique enough to warrant a purchase. The head is the most obvious spot-- he's got a very pronounced scar over his right eye. If this sort of thing bothers you, don't get it. I like the slight change as Anakin did indeed have some battle damage, and it's nice to see it highlighted a little. His armor seems a little darker, and the "wipe" over his shoulder armor is different than the basic carded release. Also, his projectile is a richer, darker blue color which looks a lot better. I like this figure more than the basic carded one, but it may not be different enough for you. Since the head is, to me, significantly different I'll consider this a different version of Anakin. So there you go. Buy as you see fit. But if you have multiple Anakins, don't use this one as a vehicle pilot unless you want it to look screwed up after you remove it from the vehicle in the future.

Collector's Notes: This set is a strange one in that it behaves very differently from Hasbro's usual Target exclusives. It has shipped on and off since November 2008 to the present, and is still available without having been clearanced out. Upon its release, stores sold it for one of three unique retail prices, and today you might find it on varying levels of being slighty marked down. Expect to pay at least $50 for this boxed set, which isn't too shabby when you consider two exclusive vehicle repaints ($20-$26 each) combined with 6 action figures (comparable to the $8 retail products). Oh, and this figure doesn't have the exact same accessories as the basic one-- so you may wish to buy both.

--Adam Pawlus

Day 990: March 31, 2009