Thursday, May 13, 2010

Figure of the Day: Day 1,282: Padme Amidala

PADME AMIDALA Ambush on Ilum
The Anniversary Collection Target Exclusive Battle Pack
Item No.:
No. 87213
Manufacturer: Hasbro
Number: n/a
Includes: Removable cloth cloak, blaster
Action Feature: n/a
Retail: $19.99
Availability: January 2007
Appearances: Clone Wars

Bio: The frigid ice world of Ilum was one of the most sacred locations of Jedi power in the Republic. Nearly every Jedi made a pilgrimage there at least once during their training to receive visions in the Force-rich caves and construct a first lightsaber. The Jedi temple there was subject to a vicious Separatist attack that might have dealt irreparable damage to the Jedi Order had it not been for the timely intervention of Padme Amidala. (Taken from the figure's packaging.)

Image: Adam's yard.

Commentary: Since her appearance in The Clone Wars, Padme Amidala has been on a short list of figures fans wanted from that animated series. Hasbro wasn't exactly known for newly-tooled figures in their exclusives at this point in the line's history, so it was a bit of a surprise that they actually up and did one. She looks more like an idealized "Padme" than Natalie Portman, but it basically looks like a good action-posed figure good for standing and shooting at things, and little else.

Thankfully a super-articulated version would come out in 2008, but seriously, who ever expected to get this one twice? She only has eight points of articulation, and the hood sits sorta funny on her noggin. Those wrist joints are good for positioning her aim, but not for much else. Hey, it looks decent enough, and fans of Padme or the Expanded Universe should add this set to their stash. Of course, I'd advise you to buy everything based on that Clone Wars series.

Collector's Notes: This Battle Pack is basically worthless. So get it for cheap and love it! The whole set should cost you $10 or less these days.

--Adam Pawlus


Day 1,282: May 13, 2010

1 comment:

Bravo said...

POTF2 figure released in 2007.

Good example of Hasbro "this is the only time we'll make this", then within 2 years, a newer, better one appears. Jodo Kast, anyone?

Lesson, don't buy a bad figure. Wait for something better. Worst case scenario, you may have to buy the bad figure but for less than retail on the aftermarket (with a few exceptions).