Star Wars Figure of the Day: Day 1,451: Han Solo

HAN SOLO Shield Generator Assault
The Legacy Collection Battle Packs
Item No.: Asst. 87752 No. 87779
Manufacturer: Hasbro
Number: n/a
Includes: Blaster, R2-D2, Rebel Trooper, Imperial Officer
Action Feature: n/a
Retail: $19.99
Availability: August 2008
Appearances: Return of the Jedi

Bio: Han Solo and Princess Leia have to get inside the Imperial bunker; inside is the shield generator that protects the second Death Star. R2-D2 starts to unlock the blast doors, but a Stormtrooper's well-aimed shot fries the droid's circuits. Using a captured AT-ST walker, Han tricks the Imperial officers into leaving the bunker, where they are quickly surrounded by Rebels and Ewoks. (Taken from the figure's packaging.)

Image: Adam Pawlus' desk.

Commentary: Thankfully this Battle Pack was a good one, because it does have a weak piece. This Han Solo hits "just different enough to make you mad" on the head by giving the vintage trenchcoat Han Solo a new head and no coat. Other than that, it's very been-there, done-that which is increasingly tiring with this mold. Heck, Target sold it coat-less in its Ultimate Battle Pack, and anyone can take a coat off. It's a nice (and improved) head sculpt but it still really doesn't look anything like Harrison Ford in any meaningful way. It's clearly Han Solo, but it's the Disney Stunt Show versions of the character. The costume is good and the articulation is excellent, but 14 joints means little if your head is awful. And while not awful, it's just... there. It's passable.

The figure is notable with one very good piece and one bad one all around his waist. His mid-torso joint works really well, giving the figure a good range of movement despite giving it an added awkward cut. On the other hand, his holster is just awful, the plastic feels stretched thin and it hangs oddly. Hasbro can (and has) done better, as previous Han figures didn't suffer the indignity of an accessory that looks like it's permanently falling off.

Collector's Notes: This was not a great seller-- you may be able to find it at a store near you today if you keep your eyes peeled. (I realize I said that yesterday, but it's true here too.)

--Adam Pawlus

Day 1,451: January 5, 2011