Star Wars Figure of the Day: Day 1,496: John Branon

JOHN D. BRANON Rebel Pilots III III
The Legacy Collection Wal-Mart Exclusive Evolutions
Item No.: Asst. 87874 No. 91508
Manufacturer: Hasbro
Number: n/a
Includes: Blaster, helmet
Action Feature: n/a
Retail: $12.96-$24.96
Availability: August 2009
Appearances: Star Wars

Bio: Rebel Alliance fighter pilots have a legacy of bravery that ultimately carries them to victory against the Imperial forces of the Galactic Empire. John D. Branon ("Red Four") flies in Red Squadron at the Battle of Yavin, losing his life in the attack on the Death Star. Shira Brie joins Rogue Squadron after the Battle of Hoth and gains the trust of her fellow pilots. Jake Farrell pilots an A-Wing at the Battle of Endor and celebrates the end of the evil empire. (Taken from the figure's packaging.)

Image: On my old desk.

Commentary: You probably didn't know you wanted a John Branon figure. The pilot is one of the many not-quite-but-may-as-well-be nameless heroes in the saga, and I'd say most fans probably have no idea which movie he was in until they bought the figure and read the box or did the research. Based off a retooled version of an X-Wing Luke figure, John uses the same basic body you also saw with Wedge Antilles and Nrin Vakil. The only truly new elements are the head and the helmet deco, and the head looks so much like Wedge that if they just reused it, odds are there wouldn't be too many complaints. While the figure doesn't break any new ground, it is another Rebel Pilot and it does indeed have a distinctive helmet.

It's a shame that a figure like this-- which has a very nice head sculpt and a nifty red painted helmet-- doesn't warrant more commentary. I'm actually reaching here trying to figure out how I can tell you that this is or is not a good figure. It's certainly not bad, but like so many figures in the line there's a "samey" element that you really can't ignore. If you need a lot of pilots, get it. Otherwise? Well, this set is probably mostly just going to appeal to people (who are me) that got it because they were crazy about getting a Shira Brie figure.

Collector's Notes: This set was eventually dumped at Ross stores due to poor overall sales of the assortment.

--Adam Pawlus

Day 1,496: March 9, 2011