Star Wars Figure of the Day: Day 2,146: Ezra Bridger (Cadet, Star Wars Rebels Mission Series)

EZRA BRIDGER (Cadet) and Kanan Jarrus
Star Wars Rebels Mission Series
Item No.: Asst. A5228 No. B1384
Manufacturer: Hasbro
Number: #MS18
Includes: Helmet, repck of Kanan Jarrus with lightsaber
Action Feature: n/a
Retail: $9.99
Availability: March 2015
Appearances: Star Wars Rebels

Bio: Ezra impersonates a cadet to get inside an Imperial academy, as Kanan seeks more opportunities to disrupt the Empire's control. (Taken from the figure's packaging.)

Image: Adam's photo lab.

Availability: Click here to buy it at Entertainment Earth now!

Commentary: While the Kanan in this set is one of no less than four ways to buy pretty much the same exact figure, Ezra Bridger is new.   And not just a little new - a lot new.  The figure is almost a half of a head shorter than the previous release for reasons I do not understand, making this a bit of a surprise.  The outfit was worn by several academy students in the cartoon, including several who never took off their helmets - making this an ideal body to use and reuse for several new figures, provided Hasbro elects to make new heads.

The helmet is similar to the last one, but is cast in a whiter plastic with new, unique red markings. I have no idea what any of these markings mean - I assume it's just something each cadet adds for fun, but perhaps there's a rank or honor system here.  He has no blaster or weapon, but press photos show him carrying Kanan's lightsaber for some reason.   The deco is pretty clean on the figure, with boots, gloves, and various jacket details painted in within the lines.

I realize this doesn't sound exciting, but I've seen (and bought) a lot of sloppy toys over the years.  Seeing rows of figures that all look good is a nice change of pace.

If you've been following the new, simplified figures you know what to expect out of this one.  He stands fine, sits fine, and doesn't offer a lot new other than being a good representation of something you probably didn't buy yet.  If you don't have Kanan, you're basically paying $10 for the first (and so far only) new costume figure for any of the main cast of this show.

I don't assume we'll see a lot more given that the line seems to be crawling along slowly, and things like new movies will no doubt quickly distract Hasbro from supporting the TV line.  (See: 3-D movie reissues decimating new The Clone Wars product.)  I assume you have Kanan by now, as to be "complete" for this line you're going to have to buy at least two of him just to get this Ezra and the holographic Obi-Wan.  And should Hasbro make any other gift sets, you'll probably need to get those, too.  I'd say get this figure because it's a unique costume, a unique sculpt, and if The Clone Wars is any indication you're going to be really, really sorry if you skip anything from this show in the long run.

Collector's Notes: I got this from Entertainment Earth.  This set started appearing in stores late in March.   You may find it in a store today.

--Adam Pawlus

Day 2,146: April 16, 2015