Figure of the Day: Day 1,132: McQuarrie Concept Starkiller Hero

CONCEPT STARKILLER HERO McQuarrie Signature Edition
30th Anniversary Collection Basic Figures
Item No.: Asst. 69570 No. 69716
Manufacturer: Hasbro
Number: #3037
Includes: Blaster, Backpack, lightsaber, coin, mask, goggles
Action Feature: n/a
Retail: $6.99
Availability: September 2007
Appearances: n/a

Image: Adam's back yard. Or Endor.

Bio: A concept painting done by Ralph McQuarrie depicts an early version of the Luke Skywalker character as a young woman. The initial character envisioned for the epic was explored in various ways including whether "Starkiller" would be male or female. This image in this painting captures the heroic idealism of the character that was to ultimately become Luke Skywalker. (Taken from the figure's cardback.)

Commentary: History lesson: in early drafts of Star Wars, the characters of Luke and Leia were basically a single entity. The Starkiller Hero (which was known as Luke Starkiller before it was changed, evidence remains on the coin) was something of a weird legend people read about in early making-of books, so it was more than a little surprising to see it come to pass in plastic. As the drafts of the script were revised, "Girl Luke" was no longer needed-- but Ralph McQuarrie drew it before shooting started, so there you go.

The figure itself is a mostly super-articulated colorful female character that looks like she could pass for an extra from the Droids cartoon, which is about as high a compliment as you can pay to a toy. While she has no ankles and only swivel elbows, the figure is fairly poseable and looks pretty awesome. The purple body suit goes well with the light brown gloves and vest, and the hat with goggles looks delightfully retro (or club chic ca. 2000, whatever.) She has the McQuarrie-style lightsaber with the fat blade and a nifty little blaster. I like this one a lot, mostly because it's such an odd pick to make her. For an artifact of the 1970s, it's totally '80s. So get one.

Collector's Notes: A hot figure in 2007, the Starkiller Hero is getting a straight-up reissue (sans coin) in a shared Toys "R" Us/Diamond exclusive duo of McQuarrie Concept boxed sets. The body parts were not recycled as of yet, but who knows what tomorrow will bring?

--Adam Pawlus

Day 1,132: October 15, 2009