Thursday, March 25, 2010

Figure of the Day: Day 1,247: Yoda (Clone Wars Wal-Mart Exclusive)

YODA and Clone Trooper Jek
The Clone Wars Wal-Mart Exclusive Set
Item No.:
Asst. 16721 No. 89320
Manufacturer: Hasbro
Number: #2 of 2
Includes: Lightsaber, Jek figure with accessories
Action Feature: n/a
Retail: $12.96
Availability: August 2009
Appearances: The Clone Wars

Bio: Yoda, Lieutenant Thire and clone troopers Jek and Rys are ambushed by battle droids on Rugosa. The troopers doubt they can prevail since they are greatly outnumbered. Yoda helps Jek see that weapons do not necessarily mean victory and that the mind is also a powerful weapon that they can use to out-think the droids. (Taken from the figure's packaging.)

Image: Adam's TV tray.

Commentary: The sculpt used for this Yoda (also used for an individually carded figure in a slightly different color) is easily Hasbro's finest work on the character of Yoda. Now, you may not prefer the cartoony coloring as used in this 2-pack but there's no denying that Hasbro crammed more articulation into this tiny figure than we're used to seeing. 12 joints-- and all of them except for the wrists, waist, and hips are ball-joints-- make this Yoda capable of assuming numerous poses. This figure can contemplate, fight, or just putter around. Its decoration is true to the animated series, but it and its carded counterpart are just slightly different. This release has a brown robe with a hint of red on it, and his cloak seems to be a little more tan than grey, and feels a lot like the original Vintage Yoda figure from 1980 in terms of color and, to some extent, personality. (Really, all he needs is a belt and a snake.) I think either version is swell, but the 2-packs were cheap so those have a slight edge if you ask me. Grab it if you can-- and if you can't, get the single version still shipping.

Collector's Notes: The set itself came and went a few times, depending on your store, and the price may have changed as well. Both Yoda and Jek were later redecorated and released on individual packages. The individually carded version of this Yoda (which we will review in a different installment) has darker green skin, a different outfit color, and a cane.

--Adam Pawlus


Day 1,247: March 25, 2010

1 comment:

The Right Noble Lord Edzo said...

Hasbro did well in updating its original TCW Yoda, which was all plastic and featured "bug eyes" not unlike the Geico Gecko's. Truly horrendous.

However, this version of Yoda is easily my favorite *ever.* The new head is infinitely pleasing and the cloth-goods cloak is perfect. No more changes does he require.