Star Wars Figure of the Day: Day 2,434: Emperor Palpatine (The Last Jedi Line Look)

EMPEROR PALPATINE with Force Link
The Last Jedi Target Exclusive Three-Pack
Item No.:   No. C3197
Manufacturer: Hasbro
Number: n/a
Includes: Cane, alternate lightning hands, Emperor's Royal Guard with Force Pike, Luke with slightsaber
Action Feature: Force Link sounds
Retail: $8.99
Availability: November 2017
Appearances: Return of the Jedi

Bio: Luke Skywalker was a Force-sensitive human male Jedi Master who was instrumental in defeating the Galactic Empire and the Sith during the Galactic Civil War. (Stolen from Wookieepedia.  Packaging has no bio.)

Image: Adam's photo lab.

Availability: Click here to buy it at Amazon now!

Commentary:  I didn't think I wanted a new Emperor Palpatine but Hasbro did a superb job here.   I would almost say it's too good - I've still got Galen Erso on my desk, and looking at the new Emperor versus Galen from just a few months ago there's no competition.   Galen looks awful.   Palpatine is crisp throughout, with really wonderful textures on his robes and one of the best faces of any original trilogy figure.  Ever.  It's great.

The figure has robes that connect to his hood.  Arms are separate jointed pieces, as are the neck and hips.   Thanks to the robes he won't be doing much sitting, but the belt, boots, and everything look really slick.   The face looks a lot more like the make-up, and I have to wonder if they had a superfan or improved reference for this one.     If you're a fan that just wants the best-looking Emperor for a display, this is it.

The hands are posed in interesting ways - the lightning hands are weird and a tiny bit ugly as the fingers merge with the lightning.  The paint isn't super clean, so it looks like his fingers are melting into the lightning - and maybe htey are.  It's weird.  If you don't look too close, it's a pretty awesome effect.   The normal hands are similarly good - one hand is designed for his cane, while the other is beckoning or taunting.   Both allow for a decent amount of gesturing, which is helpful when a figure can't do much other than stand and move his arms thanks to costume limitations.   Everything is old and gnarled and perfect.

This is the Emperor you want.  This is evidence Hasbro still has a booming creative force inside that can make awesome things for us when they so choose - it's uncommon, but it's real, it's here.  It's great.  While I expect the set may hang around a bit, support something awesome and go buy it for yourself or a collector buddy at (or near) regular price.  Send Hasbro a clear message that when it comes to exclusives, all-new sculpts of original trilogy figures are most welcome.

Force Link Notes: "Wipe them out, all of them."  "In time you will call me Master."  "You will bring him before me." Sith lightning sounds.

Collector's Notes: I got mine from Target.  It was on sale for 25% off.

--Adam Pawlus

Day 2,434: December 8, 2017