Thursday, March 8, 2012

Star Wars Figure of the Day: Day 1,757: Ekelarc Yong

EKELARC YONG Rebel Pilot
The Legacy Collection Battle Over Endor
Item No.:
Asst. 97639 No. 21451
Manufacturer: Hasbro
Number: #1 of 2
Includes: Blaster, helmet, hoses, 3 additional figures
Action Feature: n/a
Retail: $24.99-$31.99
Availability: January 2011
Appearances: Return of the Jedi

Bio: Bravery. Skill. Loyalty. These are defining characteristics of the starfighter pilots on both sides of the conflict at the Battle of Endor. Whether they are Rebels or Imperials, these elite pilots are all focused on the same goal: victory. They are deeply aware that they are deciding the future of the galaxy, and will do everything they can to complete their mission. (Taken from the figure's packaging. Note, there's no character-specific copy on the packaging.)

Image: Adam Pawlus' Battle Over Endor backdrop.

Commentary: As the line continues, I can call people filthy liars for saying they've "always wanted that character." I recognize the costume of Ekelarc Yong from the films, but ain't nobody got a clue of what his name was until recently. Heck, I still don't know what it is. Electric Gong? Alacrity Bong? Three yaks and a dog? Linda? (Apologies to Ben Edlund and laxative log.) I'm not sure how it's pronounced either.

As first names go, I'm either showing my complete cultural ignorance and/or insensitivity to the names from other cultures, or the Lucas camp is just pulling Scrabble tiles out of a hat. The body is based on the 2008 B-Wing Pilot body with a new head and a nifty helmet. Oh, and because of the bulk and heft in the crotchial region, the dude can't sit in the recent Y-Wing vehicles. Boo Hasbro, boo. As a collector of figures, I admire the deco, the tampo on the helmet, the color scheme. It's a pretty nice figure. But as a toy? Ugh. I've got a TVC Y-Wing that needs a pilot, chop-chop. It's a shame you have such a great looking pilot figure that, released in 2011, preceded a wonderful Y-Wing WITH an astromech slot that cannot easily accept this figure as a driver.

Collector's Notes: While by no means essential, it's cool and probably still available at a Toys R Us near you. This is the only white-suit Y-Wing Pilot action figure, and as such I consider it worth a look just because as Rebel pilots go, this one stands out as being distinctive. If you aren't picky about vehicle and figure compatibility, this figure (and set) is delightful.

--Adam Pawlus


Day 1,757: March 8, 2012

3 comments:

Shades of Grey said...

He fits in my new "vintage" y-wing just fine with his matching R5 unit. Just squeeze his legs together a bit to get them in, then he's fine.

Personally, I'm far more confused about the dangling hose, which clearly has a plug on the other end, but nowhere to attach.

Unknown said...

I agree. The first thing I did after purchasing the new Y-wing was cram this dude and his droid into it. It is a little tight to get him in, but once he's in there's plenty of room to get him comfy in the pilot's couch.

Philip Ayres said...

I didn't want this character..... but I've wanted a grey suited Y-wing pilot for years.

And yes, he fits fine in my Y-Wings