Friday, August 31, 2012

Star Wars Figure of the Day: Day 1,883: Darth Vader (Dagobah)

DARTH VADER Dagobah
Power of the Jedi Collection 1
Item No.:
Asst. 84445 No.  84472
Manufacturer: Hasbro
Number: n/a
Includes: Lightsaber, Force File
Action Feature: Removable head, removable faceplate, lightsaber, cape
Retail: $6.99
Availability: Fall 2000
Appearances: The Empire Strikes Back

Bio:  Taking the form of Darth Vader , the Dark Lord of the Sith, this spirit is the embodiment of the dark side of the Force. It dwells in a cave on the swamp-covered planet of Dagobah. Although defeated by Luke Skywalker in combat, its unmasked face revealed that Luke has yet to master the ways of the Force and become a Jedi.   (Taken from the figure's Force File.)

Image: Adam's desk.

Thursday, August 30, 2012

Star Wars Figure of the Day: Day 1,882: Darth Maul

DARTH MAUL & I-5YQ
The Legacy Collection Droid Factory Wal-Mart Exclusive
Item No.:
  Asst. 87638 No. 94076
Manufacturer: Hasbro
Number: #4 of 5
Includes: Cloak, lightsaber, Dark Trooper legs, I-5YQ figure
Action Feature: n/a
Retail: $17.00
Availability: July 2009
Appearances: Various novels, comics

Bio:  In the novel Darth Maul: Shadow Hunter, the Sith apprentice goes after an information broker who knows too much about a plan to destroy the Republic. The broker's modified protocol droid I-5YQ is left without an owner after the deadly outcome between his master and Darth Maul.  (Taken from the figure's packaging.)

Image: Adam's desk.

Wednesday, August 29, 2012

Star Wars Figure of the Day: Day 1,881: Clone Trooper

CLONE TROOPER Red Variant / Captain
Clone Wars Cartoon Network / Tartakovsky Animated Series Action Figures
Item No.:
Asst.     85655 No. 85661
Manufacturer: Hasbro
Number: n/a
Includes: Rifle, display stand
Action Feature: n/a
Retail: $6.99
Availability: Early 2005
Appearances: Clone Wars 2003 series

Bio: Through the creative vision of Lucasfilm Ltd. and the Cartoon Network, the Clone Wars are brought to life in an exciting new series of short animated chapters. A unique animation style captures the drama of this epic period in galactic history along with its outstanding heroes and adversaries. Noble Jedi warriors lead Clone Troopers into battle against the evil Separatist forces and their droid armies. Anakin, Obi-Wan, Yoda and their comrades struggle against the rising power of the dark side and confront personal challenges against a backdrop of war-torn planets.   (Taken from the figure's packaging.)

Image: Adam's photo hole.

Tuesday, August 28, 2012

Star Wars Figure of the Day: Day 1,880: Power Droid

POWER DROID Droid Set
The Vintage Collection  Target Exclusive Special Action Figures Set
Item No.:
Asst. 32976 No. 32976
Manufacturer: Hasbro
Number: n/a
Includes: Death Star Droid, R5-D4
Action Feature: Removable chassis
Retail: $14.99, $24.99, $26.99, other (varies)
Availability: July 2012
Appearances: Star Wars

Bio: These three, together with R2-D2, were captured and transported by the Jawas in the sandcrawler across the Tatooine Desert. R5-D4 was originally purchased by Luke. The power droid was first seen in the sand crawler dungeon together with a gleaming silver Death Star Droid.  (Taken from the set's packaging.)

Image: Adam Pawlus' photo area.

Monday, August 27, 2012

Star Wars Figure of the Day: Day 1,879: Commander Bacara

COMMANDER BACARA Battle on Mygeeto
30th Anniversary Collection Battle Packs
Item No.:
Asst. 87503 No.     87815
Manufacturer: Hasbro
Number: n/a
Includes: Blaster, 4 other figures
Action Feature: n/a
Retail: $19.99-$24.99
Availability: Summer 2008
Appearances: Revenge of the Sith

Bio: As a stronghold of the InterGalactic Banking Clan, the crystalline world of Mygeeto is caught in the maelstrom of the Clone Wars. It is where much of the Separatist movement’s wealth is kept, and so it is targeted by the Republic: gain control of Mygeeto, and the Separatists lose crucial funding. Ki-Adi-Mundi is stationed on the icy planet with the mission of wresting it from the Separatists. Together with Clone Commander Bacara, Ki-Adi-Mundi and the Galactic Marines battle the droid army in fierce urban fighting, pushing forward against a grim onslaught of super battle droids and enormous tri-droids.   (Taken from the figure's packaging.)

Image: Adam's photo hole.

Friday, August 24, 2012

Star Wars Figure of the Day: Day 1,878: Durge

DURGE Series 2
Clone Wars Cartoon Network / Tartakovsky Animated Series Action Figures
Item No.:
Asst. 85003 No. 85221
Manufacturer: Hasbro
Number: n/a
Includes: Lance, display stand
Action Feature: n/a
Retail: $6.99
Availability: Late 2003
Appearances: Clone Wars 2003 series

Bio: Through the creative vision of Lucasfilm Ltd. and the Cartoon Network, the Clone Wars are brought to life in an exciting new series of short animated chapters. A unique animation style captures the drama of this epic period in galactic history along with its outstanding heroes and adversaries. Noble Jedi warriors lead Clone Troopers into battle against the evil Separatist forces and their droid armies. Anakin, Obi-Wan, Yoda and their comrades struggle against the rising power of the dark side and confront personal challenges against a backdrop of war-torn planets.   (Taken from the figure's packaging.)

Image: Adam's photo hole.

Thursday, August 23, 2012

Star Wars Figure of the Day: Day 1,877: Queen Amidala

QUEEN AMIDALA Royal Decoy
Power of the Jedi Collection 2
Item No.:
Asst. 84455 No. 84657
Manufacturer: Hasbro
Number: n/a
Includes: n/a
Action Feature: n/a
Retail: $5.99-$6.99
Availability: Fall 2001
Appearances: The Phantom Menace

Bio:  As the Trade Federation plan to invade peaceful Naboo unfolds, Queen Amidala must appeal to the Senate for help. In times of danger, the handmaidens serve as secret bodyguards by posing as the Queen, such as on her way to the Galactic Senate on Coruscant, in which Sabe served as the dependable and nonchalant decoy for the Queen.   (Taken from the figure's cardback.)

Image: Adam's photo dump.

Wednesday, August 22, 2012

Star Wars Figure of the Day: Day 1,876: Nho'Apakk

NHO'APAKK and Paploo
The Legacy Collection Basic Figures
Item No.:
Asst. 87535 No. 93129
Manufacturer: Hasbro
Number: #BD18
Includes: Hood, staff, droid piece, extra Ewok
Action Feature: n/a
Retail: $7.99
Availability: September 2009
Appearances: Return of the Jedi

Bio:  Nho'Apakk and Paploo are two of the Ewoks who inhabit the forested moon of Endor. Like all Ewoks, they prefer to avoid confrontation but are fearsome warriors when threatened. They fight alongside the Rebels to subdue the stormtroopers during the Battle of Endor, ultimately helping to defeat the Empire.  (Taken from the figure's packaging.)

Image: Adam's bathroom?  I think he's standing on toilet paper.  I took this picture a few years ago and I don't know exactly what I was thinking.

Tuesday, August 21, 2012

Star Wars Figure of the Day: Day 1,875: Jar Jar Binks in Carbonite

JAR JAR BINKS in Carbonite
The Vintage Collection Comic-Con 2012 Exclusive
Item No.:
No.  39683  
Manufacturer: Hasbro
Number: n/a
Includes: Block
Action Feature: Block has nail hole, reversible front
Retail: $75.00
Availability: July 2012
Appearances: The Force Unleashed (gag)

Bio: Celebrate the legendary Star Wars saga that changed the universe forever! This collection brings to life the incredible story of good versus evil that captured our imagination and took us to a galaxy far, far away. Iconic Star Wars heroes and villains are captured with incredible detail and premium features to commemorate each epic tale in the Star Wars saga. May the Force be with you!  (Taken from the figure's packaging.  No specific character information.)

Image: Adam's photo hole.

Monday, August 20, 2012

Star Wars Figure of the Day: Day 1,874: Qui-Gon Jinn

QUI-GON JINN  Duel on Naboo
Discover the Force Battle Packs
Item No.:
Asst. 37822 No.  37855
Manufacturer: Hasbro
Number: n/a
Includes: Lightsaber, game stuff, additional figures
Action Feature: n/a
Retail: $22.99
Availability: April 2012
Appearances: The Phantom Menace

Bio: Qui-Gon Jinn and Obi-Wan Kenobi battle Darth Maul during the invasion of Naboo.  The two Jedi encounter the Sith Lord in the palace hangar and fight a fierce lightsaber duel that ends in the Theed Generator Complex.   Obi-Wan becomes separated from Quik-Gon by the complex's security shield, and can only watch as his Master continues the battle alone. But when the shield lowers once more, Obi-Wan attacks Maul with grief-stricken determination. (Taken from the figure's packaging.)

Image: Adam's photo hole.

Friday, August 17, 2012

Star Wars Figure of the Day: Day 1,873: Tippet

TIPPET Ewok Princess, Ewok Pack
Discover the Force Toys R Us Exclusive
Item No.:
Asst. A0790 No. A0791
Manufacturer: Hasbro
Number: n/a
Includes: Packaged with Flitchee, Nanta, Teebo, and Kneesaa figures
Action Feature: Swappable hoods, knife, spear
Retail: $39.99
Availability: August 2012
Appearances: Marvel comics

Bio: The Ewoks of Bright Tree Village join forces with the Rebels to battle Imperial troopers.  These diminutive natives of Endor are fierce fighters with an array of weapons to help defeat the troopers and immobilize Imperial walkers.  Armed with spears, clubs and weapons taken from overpowered troopers, the Ewoks do their part to free the galaxy.   (Taken from the figure's packaging.)

Image: Adam's photo hole.

Thursday, August 16, 2012

Star Wars Figure of the Day: Day 1,872: Princess Leia (Bespin Gown)

PRINCESS LEIA  Bespin Gown
The Vintage Collection Basic Figures
Item No.:
Asst. 37499 No.  37512  
Manufacturer: Hasbro
Number: #VC111
Includes: Blaster pistol, blaster rifle, helmet
Action Feature: n/a
Retail: $9.99
Availability: July 2012
Appearances: The Empire Strikes Back

Bio: Celebrate the legendary Star Wars saga that changed the universe forever! This collection brings to life the incredible story of good versus evil that captured our imagination and took us to a galaxy far, far away. Iconic Star Wars heroes and villains are captured with incredible detail and premium features to commemorate each epic tale in the Star Wars saga. May the Force be with you!  (Taken from the figure's packaging.  No specific character information.)

Image: Adam's photo hole.

Wednesday, August 15, 2012

Star Wars Figure of the Day: Day 1,871: Quinlan Vos

QUINLAN VOS  First Movie Edition
The Vintage Collection Basic Figures
Item No.:
Asst. 37499 No.  37506  
Manufacturer: Hasbro
Number: #VC85
Includes: Lightsaber, hilt, blaster
Action Feature: n/a
Retail: $9.99
Availability: January 2012
Appearances: The Phantom Menace

Bio: Celebrate the legendary Star Wars saga that changed the universe forever! This collection brings to life the incredible story of good versus evil that captured our imagination and took us to a galaxy far, far away. Iconic Star Wars heroes and villains are captured with incredible detail and premium features to commemorate each epic tale in the Star Wars saga. May the Force be with you!  (Taken from the figure's packaging.  No specific character information.)

Image: Adam's photo hole.

Tuesday, August 14, 2012

Star Wars Figure of the Day: Day 1,870: Yoda

YODA Series 2
Clone Wars Cartoon Network / Tartakovsky Animated Series Action Figures
Item No.:
Asst. 85003 No.     85222
Manufacturer: Hasbro
Number: n/a
Includes: Lightsaber, display stand
Action Feature: n/a
Retail: $6.99
Availability: Late 2003
Appearances: Clone Wars 2003 series

Bio: Through the creative vision of Lucasfilm Ltd. and the Cartoon Network, the Clone Wars are brought to life in an exciting new series of short animated chapters. A unique animation style captures the drama of this epic period in galactic history along with its outstanding heroes and adversaries. Noble Jedi warriors lead Clone Troopers into battle against the evil Separatist forces and their droid armies. Anakin, Obi-Wan, Yoda and their comrades struggle against the rising power of the dark side and confront personal challenges against a backdrop of war-torn planets.   (Taken from the figure's packaging.)

Image: Adam's photo hole.

Monday, August 13, 2012

Star Wars Figure of the Day: Day 1,869: Jek Porkins

JEK PORKINS The Fat One, Yavin Pilot Pack
Discover the Force Toys R Us Exclusive
Item No.:
Asst. A0790 No. A0792
Manufacturer: Hasbro
Number: n/a
Includes: Blaster and helmet, packaged with R5-D8, Tiree, Davish Krail, and Mauler Mithel figures
Action Feature: Removable helmet
Retail: $39.99
Availability: August 2012
Appearances: Star Wars

Bio: The Battle of Yavin is a decisive battle in the fight to free the galaxy.  The Rebels achieve an important victory when they destroy the Death Star.  The pilots of Red Squadron and Gold Squadron, supported by their trusty Astromech Droids, take on the menacing Imperial pilots in a ferocious space dogfight around the battle station.  (Taken from the set's box.)

Image: Adam's photo hole.

Friday, August 10, 2012

Star Wars Figure of the Day: Day 1,868: Ewok Kneesaa

KNEESAA Ewok Princess, Ewok Pack
Discover the Force Toys R Us Exclusive
Item No.:
Asst. A0790 No. A0791
Manufacturer: Hasbro
Number: n/a
Includes: Packaged with Flitchee, Nanta, Teebo, and Tippet figures
Action Feature: Swappable hoods, removable  bola sash
Retail: $39.99
Availability: August 2012
Appearances: Ewoks comics, TV, etc.

Bio: The Ewoks of Bright Tree Village join forces with the Rebels to battle Imperial troopers.  These diminutive natives of Endor are fierce fighters with an array of weapons to help defeat the troopers and immobilize Imperial walkers.  Armed with spears, clubs and weapons taken from overpowered troopers, the Ewoks do their part to free the galaxy.   (Taken from the figure's packaging.)

Image: Adam's photo hole.

Thursday, August 9, 2012

Star Wars Figure of the Day: Day 1,867: Bib Fortuna

BIB FORTUNA  The 2004 Redeco
Original Trilogy Collection Basic Figures
Item No.:
Asst. 84715 No.      85381  
Manufacturer: Hasbro
Number: OTC-31
Includes: Stand, blaster, cloak
Action Feature: n/a
Retail: $4.99
Availability: Fall 2004
Appearances: Return of the Jedi

Bio:      Bib Fortuna screens those who try to enter the palace of Jabba the Hutt, checking to see why they want to see the crime lord. He has worked for the Hutt for decades, until he is tricked into allowing Rebel hero Luke Skywalker inside. When the Rebels are freed at the Great Pit of Carkoon, Bib escapes from the sail barge before it is destroyed.   (Taken from the figure's packaging.)

Image: Adam's photo area.

Wednesday, August 8, 2012

Star Wars Figure of the Day: Day 1,866: Darth Vader

DARTH VADER  Light-Up Lightsaber Blade!
Discover the Force Movie Heroes Basic Figures
Item No.:
Asst. 36563 No.  37287  
Manufacturer: Hasbro
Number: #MH20
Includes: Stand, card, die, cape
Action Feature: Lightsaber lights up
Retail: $8.99
Availability: May 2012
Appearances: The Empire Strikes Back

Bio:  Darth Vader is a master of the lightsaber.  Many years have passed since the Sith Lord has fought someone who can also wield the legendary weapon of the Jedi and the Sith.  Calling upon his powerful connection to the Force, Vader ignites his lightsaber to battle young Luke Skywalker.  (Taken from the figure's box.)

Image: Adam's photo area.

Tuesday, August 7, 2012

Star Wars Figure of the Day: Day 1,865: R5-D4

R5-D4 Droid Set
The Vintage Collection  Target Exclusive Special Action Figures Set
Item No.:
Asst. 32976 No. 32976
Manufacturer: Hasbro
Number: n/a
Includes: Death Star Droid, Power Droid
Action Feature: Pop-up bad motivator, removable third leg
Retail: $14.99, $24.99, $26.99, other (varies)
Availability: July 2012
Appearances: Star Wars

Bio: These three, together with R2-D2, were captured and transported by the Jawas in the sandcrawler across the Tatooine Desert. R5-D4 was originally purchased by Luke. The power droid was first seen in the sand crawler dungeon together with a gleaming silver Death Star Droid.  (Taken from the set's packaging.)

Image: Adam Pawlus' photo area.

Commentary: This was one I was waffling on including, but I did because R5-D4, despite being a repack of a 2006 figure (which used the "vintage" R2-D2 body and has the working bad motivator) was painted just sharply enough to say that it was a noticeable improvement.  At first glance it's very similar to The Saga Collection release, as it comes from the same basic tooling.  If you get in a little closer, though, you can see how the eyes and silver parts are painted.  The 2006 release was smudgey and had some slop around it, specifically on the silver parts.  You might not even notice the difference unless you have them side-by-side, but it was one of the first things I noted when I got this new version in my hand.  It's striking how much cleaner it is, but if you didn't collect the 2006 line you probably don't care.

While still not a 100% perfect miniaturized version of the movie prop, it's definitely improved.  A blue "stripe" just below the silver ring on his neck would be great, and I'm not 100% sure if the back of the figure is accurate but then again, I don't much care as much.  (If Hasbro leaves off a paint app on the back of a figure I wouldn't even realize was missing to save a few cents, I'll live.)  Still, it's good, the level of deco precision is hugely improved, and that makes this figure arguably worth the purchase-- especially for variation hunters.   As far as I'm concerned, I'll buy pretty much any R2-D2 or astromech droid with a significant change with a smile, since this was sold in a 3-pack with the MB-RA7 I wanted a duplicate of and a new mold Power Droid, I was all set.  For $15, this set is a droid lover's dream.  For $20, it's not bad.  For $25 or more... wait for a sale.

Collector's Notes:  The "Droid Set" and "Villain Set" actually started appearing at Target stores before Hasbro officially announced them in July of 2012.  The kicker was that the announcement said they would be available in October, which, obviously, isn't quite accurate.  You can find a video review I did of all 3 figures below, or Mike's Galactic Hunter review here.  Once more, the Power Droid is new, the Death Star Droid is a repack of the build-a-droid from 2008, and R5-D4 here is a hugely improved redeco.

--Adam Pawlus


Day 1,865: August 7, 2012

Monday, August 6, 2012

Star Wars Figure of the Day: Day 1,864: Han Solo (Carbonite Pack-In)

HAN SOLO IN CARBONITE Slave I Pack-In
Shadows of the Empire and Power of the Force vehicle pack-in
Item No.:
No. 69565
Manufacturer: Kenner
Number: n/a
Includes: Slave I vehicle
Action Feature: n/a
Retail: $29.99
Availability: Summer 1996
Appearances: The Empire Strikes Back

Bio: Han Solo was a Human smuggler from the manufacturing planet Corellia who achieved galactic fame as a member of the Rebel Alliance and later the New Republic.  (Stolen from Wookieepedia.)

Image: Adam Pawlus' photo area.

Friday, August 3, 2012

Star Wars Figure of the Day: Day 1,863: Clone Commandery Cody

CLONE COMMANDER CODY Commemorative DVD Collection
Clone Wars Cartoon Network / Tartakovsky Animated Series Action Figures
Item No.:
Asst. 34542 No.     34577
Manufacturer: Hasbro
Number: n/a
Includes: Rifle, display stand, General Grievous, Obi-Wan Kenobi figures
Action Feature: n/a
Retail: $14.99
Availability: Spring 2005
Appearances: Clone Wars 2003 series

Bio: Through the creative vision of Lucasfilm Ltd. and the Cartoon Network, the Clone Wars are brought to life in an exciting new series of short animated chapters. A unique animation style captures the drama of this epic period in galactic history along with its outstanding heroes and adversaries. Noble Jedi warriors lead Clone Troopers into battle against the evil Separatist forces and their droid armies. Anakin, Obi-Wan, Yoda and their comrades struggle against the rising power of the dark side and confront personal challenges against a backdrop of war-torn planets.   (Yes, this press release was taken from the figure's packaging.)

Image: Adam Pawlus' photo area.

Thursday, August 2, 2012

Star Wars Figure of the Day: Day 1,862: Battle Droid

BATTLE DROID  with STAP
The Clone Wars Tpys R Us Exclusive
Item No.:
Asst. 18609 No.  18608  
Manufacturer: Hasbro
Number: n/a
Includes: 2 rockets, STAP, clear plastic stand, backpack
Action Feature: STAP fires rockets
Retail: $17.99
Availability: Fall 2009ish
Appearances: The Clone Wars

Bio: Celebrate the legendary Star Wars saga that changed the universe forever! This collection brings to life the incredible story of good versus evil that captured our imagination and took us to a galaxy far, far away. Iconic Star Wars heroes and villains are captured with incredible detail and premium features to commemorate each epic tale in the Star Wars saga. May the Force be with you!  (Taken from the figure's packaging.  No specific character information.)

Image: Adam's photo area.

Wednesday, August 1, 2012

Star Wars Figure of the Day: Day 1,861: Naboo Royal Guard

NABOO ROYAL GUARD  Take Two
The Vintage Collection Basic Figures
Item No.:
Asst. 37499 No.  37503  
Manufacturer: Hasbro
Number: #VC83
Includes: Helmet, blaster
Action Feature: n/a
Retail: $9.99
Availability: January 2012
Appearances: The Phantom Menace

Bio: Celebrate the legendary Star Wars saga that changed the universe forever! This collection brings to life the incredible story of good versus evil that captured our imagination and took us to a galaxy far, far away. Iconic Star Wars heroes and villains are captured with incredible detail and premium features to commemorate each epic tale in the Star Wars saga. May the Force be with you!  (Taken from the figure's packaging.  No specific character information.)

Image: Adam's closet.