Star Wars Figure of the Day: Day 2,021: General Grievous

GENERAL GRIEVOUS Carded Version
Clone Wars Cartoon Network / Tartakovsky Animated Series Action Figures
Item No.: Asst. 85661 No.    85469
Manufacturer: Hasbro
Number: n/a
Includes: 2 lightsabers, 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.

Commentary: One of the strange side effects of their being so much Star Wars is we get to see characters evolve in both merchandise and on the screen.  This General Grievous is painted quite differently from the version in the movie (and the cartoon version in the subsequent animated 3-pack), but it matches his first cartoon appearance pretty well.  The figure is pretty much the same from either release except deco, with this release (the first one) having a bluish body with a cream cape lining, and the 3-pack version being more of a bone color with a red cape lining.  You can't miss it.

Essentially a good (and cheap) maquette, the figure has moving arms and an articulated neck, plus a swivel waist.  You can get some pretty good poses out of the mold, although its lack of hip articulation can get annoying as his big legs aren't necessarily flush with the ground.  It's good... it could be better.  As a carded collectible or a desk-based display piece I give it high marks.  As a toy?  Heck no.

Collector's Notes: The secondary market pretty much confirms that this wasn't a figure people were really wanting.  It's pretty cheap, and was even cheaper in December of last year.  I'm not saying don't buy it... just don't overpay for it.  Ten bucks or so is about right.

--Adam Pawlus

Day 2,021: March 13, 2013