Friday, April 24, 2009

Figure of the Day: Day 1,008: Luke Skywalker

LUKE SKYWALKER in Rebel Commando Suit
The Legacy Collection Comic Packs
Item No.:
Asst. 87504 No. 87773
Manufacturer: Hasbro
Number: #15
Includes: Lightsaber, blaster, Deena, comic book
Action Feature: n/a
Retail: $11.99
Availability: January 2009
Appearances: Star Wars Rebellion comic books

Bio: Luke receives a message from his old friend Janek Sunber, a lieutenant in the Imperial Army, saying he wants to join the Rebellion. Everyone thinks it's a trap except Luke. The Jedi goes on an unauthorized mission to find Sunber and is joined by Deena Shan, who is looking for adventure, and a chance to prove her worth. (Taken from the figure's cardback.)

Image: Adam's TV tray.

Commentary: It's great to see Hasbro consistently coming up with new versions of Luke Skywalker that are more than an existing figure with a new hat or belt. This particular version is based on a comic book which takes place before The Empire Strikes Back in which Luke goes to track down his old pal Tank. The thing is, though, the figure looks a little bit older. Or rather, a lot older. Our hero has wind-swept action hair, a few marks to age him, and a simultaneously neat and goofy black suit covered in blue and copper colored markings. I like the fact it has Rebel faction logos on it, as few toys do, and the design does look like it stepped right off the comic page. The figure is essentially super articulated, with 12 places he can be moved. The figure doesn't have articulated ankles.

Luke sports a working holster for his blaster, and a lightsaber which he has to carry. Oddly, the lightsaber doesn't match the one he was using on the comic cover, or in that era. What gives? Odds are the factory in China just used whatever mold was hanging around, I'd wager. This figure is a great addition to your collection if you're looking for something different or if you're a huge fan of the recent Dark Horse comics. Otherwise, it's something you could probably skip, if you really wanted to.

Collector's Notes: This set is newly available. Deena Shan comes with Luke in a similar costume. Other characters also wore the suit, and I'd expect to see them eventually in future comic packs or in an exclusive boxed set of action figures.


Day 1,008: April 24, 2009

5 comments:

Anonymous said...

I like this figure immensely, just saddened that once again, Hasbro takes a top notch figure and leaves the ankle articulation out to make it less than 100%. Way to go H

Ben Carthage said...

Haven't actually managed to snag one of these yet, but I was pleased by the overall design and I agree, Adam, that it was nice that they made a NEW Luke Skywalker (though I'm not one who whines about new Lukes, I'd rather have another of him than some trash like ICMG). As for the articulation, again, two figures and a comic for $12-13. A few corners are gonna be cut somewhere. Just be grateful they made him at all. :)

Anonymous said...

With respect to you guys that like him, I think this is Luke as Batman. I thought this was a completely unbelievable series for Star Wars and an unlikely situation for Luke to be in. Luke as a spy, it was absurd TO ME. And what kind of a spy wears identifying insignias?!

Rebellion was IN MY OPINION, the worse DH series when it came to handling the main characters. I won't even go into Leia allowing rebels to sacrifice themselves. Totally out of character as is Luke in this slicky-boy costume.

And again, I mean NO disrespect to you guys who like it. I just never got into the series or its' use of Luke. I say "More MARVEL figures!"

2for_toys said...

Actually both the figures in this Comic 2-pack do have articulated ankles. Both figures are right on target between the comic and the actual toy unlike the previous Luke Skywalker and Deena Shan 2-pack. I'm not sure about the lightsaber correctness. But all in all the Luke Skywalker and Deena Shan are pretty awesome.

WesCrag said...

I'm surprised at how similar Luke's suit is to the new Rebel PvP armor announced for a 'soon to be released' Star Wars Galaxies update. Of course these two could also easily be mistaken for the mysterious "Snake Eyes" of G.I. Joe fame,sans headgear.

I will be picking up this set if only to finally have a Rebel figure dressed in the same armor many will be wearing in game.

Here's a link to the most recent producer's note which includes pictures of the armor. http://forums.station.sony.com/swg/posts/list.m?topic_id=892483

The first thing any writer learns in the Sci-fi/fantasy genre is continuity is king, an axiom obviously lost on most in the field of comics, games, and toys.