Star Wars Figure of the Day: Day 1,585: Anakin Skywalker

ANAKIN SKYWALKER Order 66
30th Anniversary Collection Target Exclusive Series 1
Item No.: Asst. 87356 No. 87359
Manufacturer: Hasbro
Number: 5 of 6
Includes: Lightsaber, spare hand, additional figure
Action Feature: Squeeze legs for lightsaber swinging
Retail: $9.99
Availability: March 2007
Appearances: Revenge of the Sith

Bio: After he becomes a Dark Lord of the Sith and the Emperor's new apprentice, Anakin storms the Jedi Temple with his personal legion of clone troopers, including an elite division of airborne troopers. Together, they eliminate all the Jedi inside, sparing no one. (Taken from the figure's packaging.)

Image: Adam Pawlus' old desk.

Commentary: This Anakin Skywalker figure has received quite a few repaints, with the most significant changes being made to his eyes. The first release had dark circles around them. The second release, a variant, had Sith yellow eyes. This was the third major deco change, and the head is just plain normal-- it's a regular heroic version of the Jedi-turned-Sith, and the softer look works on this mold quite nicely. Given that "action feature" figures like this one are usually for kids, it's a nice fit. Anakin's clothing is also a little bit darker this time around, but the less-creepy head is the selling point.

Collector's Notes: This set sold well initially and now, well, check eBay. The Airborne Clone Trooper in 501st deco is the selling point of the set. A sealed set goes for about $6, so yeah... not too expensive. Don't pay over retail for this one. Also based on the package copy, it's more "Darth Vader" than "Anakin Skywalker" but Hasbro has been pretty wishy-washy about what to call him and either name is basically A-OK with me. I know what they mean.

--Adam Pawlus

Day 1,585: July 12, 2011