Wednesday, January 10, 2018

Star Wars Figure of the Day: Day 2,445: Rey (Jedi Training, The Last Jedi Line Look)

REY (Jedi Training) with Force Link
The Last Jedi Basic Figure Orange Assortment
Item No.:
Asst. C1503  No. C1504
Manufacturer: Hasbro
Number: n/a
Includes: Blaster, staff, lightsaber
Action Feature: Force Link sounds
Retail: $8.99
Availability: September 2017
Appearances: The Last Jedi

Bio: Rey was a human female Jedi and scavenger who discovered her latent Force-sensitivity while on a journey to find the legendary Jedi Master Luke Skywalker and bring a new hope to a galaxy on the brink of war.  (Stolen from Wookieepedia.  Packaging has no bio.)

Image: Adam's photo lab.

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

Click here to buy it at Amazon now!

Commentary:  In 2015 Hasbro underestimated the popularity of one character, mostly because nobody knew that Rey was the new lead.  Finn had the lightsaber on the poster, so the day after The Force Awakens' release the modestly moving Rey figures were gone.   Hasbro did their best to respond, but since most figures were produced in equally weighted quantities in each case that meant Darth Vader being repackaged or a Stormtrooper would be as popular as Rey.   It's a gamble - and at the time, it was a sensible one to keep the secret.  And then after the movie, there was a lot of demand for more Reys and Hasbro has clearly heard the fans with multiple variations in many sizes.  This specific Rey is made in two barely different versions - which I find to be very irritating.   One was made in China and the other in Vietnam, so each figure is just a little bit different and required a completely new mold to produce.  We could've had yet another figure instead.  Such is life.

This is a good figure - the detailing is a little softer than Rey [FOTD #2,415] from the 2-pack with the Praetorian Guard - but her accessories are more detailed on this single-carded release.  The single-carded figure's legs are hindered slightly by her robes, while the 2-pack has a cut to allow for better movement.  She stands just fine, but this figure doesn't offer a lot unique to this release.  Perhaps that's why she's a little easier to find at retail.  I love that they kept the blaster and the holster, and as individually carded figures go Rey is the champ of accessories.    Three weapons in this day and age is an astounding feat, although she can't wield them all at once.

For those who are truly nuts and have great eyesight, take a good look at her lightsaber.  There are tiny details and grooves on the single card release that are clearer and sharper than the Vietnamese 2-pack counterpart, and I would say that's true of the entire line.  Poe pilot redux has more texture on his costume, for example.   It's such a minor thing that nobody but someone who has to have everything would notice or care, but I ask that you not judge me.

If you can only get one Rey, get the 2-pack since you'll want her Guard companion anyway.  The only reason to also buy the single version is completism and a love for the Force Link chips as each figure has different sounds.

Force Link Notes:  "Get out of here!"  "I feel the Force."  "I’m not giving you anything!"  "I’m not leaving without you!"  "WeYou will release me."  Also a smattering of blaster and lightsaber sounds, mostly from The Force Awakens.

Collector's Notes: I got mine from Entertainment Earth.

--Adam Pawlus


Day 2,445: January 10, 2018

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