Star Wars Figure of the Day: Day 1,435: Queen Amidala

QUEEN AMIDALA Yet Another Gown
The Legacy Collection Basic Figures
Item No.: Asst. 87535 No. 92884
Manufacturer: Hasbro
Number: #BD08
Includes: Blaster, droid part
Action Feature: n/a
Retail: $24.99
Availability: Septmeber 2009
Appearances: The Phantom Menace

Bio: The queen returns to Naboo to free the planet from the clutches of the ruthless Trade Federation. Amidala hopes to enlist the aid of the native Gungans to fight the Federation and its large battle droid army. (Taken from the figure's cardback.)

Image: Adam Pawlus' TV tray.

Commentary: The Queen Amidala wardrobe was extensive-- Padme had so many costumes from the first prequel that we're still getting figures ten years later. Hasbro seemed to have nailed how many they should make to ensure sales, and this figure did just fine in most markets. Essentially a statue with super-poseable arms, this purple costume appeared on the big screen and apparently struck enough of a chord for Hasbro to give us a toy of it. And here it is. Aren't you thrilled?

There aren't a ton of figures from Episode I that fans were itching for, but there always seems to be a steady, non-specific stream of requests for more action figures of Natalie Portman in increasingly ornate gowns. They don't have a lot of play, but hey, at least they're prettier than another trooper repaint. The figure has deco appropriate to the outfit, with the makeup on the face, the purple hair thing, a brownish gown, and very little leg articulation. This figure is about as much fun in the package as it is out of the package, mostly because all she can do is stand. Her legs may be uneven-- your samples may vary-- and she can gesture with her hands if you're so inclined. The blaster is a nice bonus, but this figure is diorama filler more than anything else. For fans, I think you'll like this. If you buy her just to complete your L8-L9, I think you'll be OK with that too. As a separate unique figure, she's not terrible thrilling. Perfectly well-done but, well, even the most awesome version of this character in this costume can only be so cool.

Collector's Notes: This was not a highly demanded figure, and eBay proves this-- she goes for about four bucks before shipping. That's a level of indifference you don't see much for a reasonably new, short-run release. Loose samples, I believe people will pay you to take away. Odd, as it's a quality product just not an exciting one. (Hey, just like most of 2010 vintage! I kid. [Not really, it's been a slow year for movie.])

--Adam Pawlus

Day 1,435: December 14, 2010