Figure of the Day: Day 1,078: Rebel Ground Crew

REBEL GROUND CREW Scramble on Yavin
The Legacy Collection Battle Packs
Item No.: Asst. 87752 No. 87781
Manufacturer: Hasbro
Number: n/a
Includes: Blaster, helmet, additional figures and transport vehicle
Action Feature: n/a
Retail: $24.99
Availability: Spring 2009
Appearances: Star Wars

Image: Adam Pawlus' back yard.

Bio: An active base is always bustling with people including the grounbd crew who perform various functions. Some drive transports that move personnel and equipment to different areas while others prepare the starfighters for battle. (Taken from the figure's box.)

Commentary: In this particular Battle Pack, one figure and vehicle are new. The figure is the Rebel Ground Crew, a lamely named figure which most fans insist is actually actor Ryan Stiles. Hasbro has been trying to get one of these technicians made for a while, and this is the first one to actually make it out. The figure's jumpsuit could be adapted to other figures in the future, but when you color it grey and have this helmet, you get a ground crew figure. It's super articulated, with the 14 points needed for such things, plus his blaster fits in his holster. It also tends to fall out, so be careful when displaying or storing this one. While the Battle Pack isn't particularly cheap or easy to find, it's one of Hasbro's best. It's rare that one of these sets is stuffed with figures which are new or at least significantly different enough to warrant a purchase, and the mini-vehicle is just an added bonus. Get it if you can.

Collector's Notes: Only released once so far, this awesome release was packaged with a ground transport vehicle, Red Leader Garven Dreis, and Garven's droid R5-K6. Hasbro could easily make more of these by swapping out the heads, but I'm not expecting that as a likely thing to happen.

--Adam Pawlus

Day 1,078: July 31, 2009