Star Wars Figure of the Day: Day 2,029: Obi-Wan Kenobi

OBI-WAN KENOBI  Geonosis Arena  Battle
Discover the Force/Movie Heroes Battle Packs
Item No.: Asst. 37822 No. 37826
Manufacturer: Hasbro
Number: n/a
Includes: Lightsaber, stand, game cards, Jango Fett, Battle Droid
Action Feature: n/a
Retail: $22.99
Availability: January 2012
Appearances: Attack of the Clones

Bio:  The Geonosian arena is rocked by an intense battle. On Geonosis, secret factories are churning out hundreds of battle droids and super battle droids for the growing Separatist movement. Obi-Wan Kenobi fights Geonosian warriors and battle droids that overflow into the arena, as Jango Fett takes on the Jedi and clone troopers. (Taken from the figure's packaging.)

Image: Adam's photo hole.

Commentary: Another example of how Hasbro has been successfully milking its past legacy is Obi-Wan Kenobi, a reissue of a reissue from 2012.  The mold started its life in late 2003, and saw a rerelease in 2009.  Today we see how the sculpt, which at the time was pretty cool, can be somewhat improved by paint.  For some reason, despite the boasting of "real scan" technology being employed in figure development, the hairstyles of the 3 3/4-inch action figures were pretty weak.  Obi-Wan's hair as a toy looks more like some sort of Classical Greek statue and less like the Scottish actor, who had slightly flatter hair and a different-looking beard.   As the figure was designed for not-fully-realized Outlander Club scene packs, he looks adequate standing around but isn't much good as a toy to play with and have sit in a vehicle.  You know how it is with the lower skirt pieces, and how articulation back then was still pretty experimental.  Chunky knee joints and swivel boots looked OK at the time, but were rendered obsolete just a few weeks later when that first-ever super-articulated Clone Trooper hit shelves.

The detail on his belt and texture on his garments still hold up quite nicely, and the "Force gesture" on his right hand is a nice touch.  This figure is also one of very, very few with a lightsaber hilt sculpted to his belt as the first release of this mold did not include a lightsaber accessory back in 2003, but rather a bar section and a drinking glass.  Here, he has a lightsaber and since he has two on his person when he's armed, it looks weird.   Ball-jointed shoulders make this figure a little livelier than one might hope, but his hands seem a little big relative to his head and as a toy it never really clicked anyway.  The head deco is improved, and the overall figure looks just fine, but it's not really fun to play with and it lacks the detail and range of motion of subsequent releases.  Were it a new mold with the neo-T-crotch design we're going to see more of in a few months I might be excited, but as it is it's pretty ho-hum for 2012 and one of dozens of reasons why the line just didn't have a good year.

Collector's Notes: The set is nifty enough to get on the cheap, but not for this figure.  If you're on the fence, don't buy it.  Unless you use the Amazon link on this page because I get a cut of the sale.  Yeah, I know that was a cheap plug, but why the heck not. 

--Adam Pawlus

Day 2,029: March 25, 2013

Star Wars Figure of the Day: Day 2,018: Davish Krail (Pops)

DAVISH KRAIL Pops / Gold 5, Yavin Pilot Pack
Discover the Force Toys R Us Exclusive
Item No.: Asst. A0790 No. A0792
Manufacturer: Hasbro
Number: n/a
Includes: Packaged with red Jek Porkins, Tiree, Mauler Mithel, and R5-D8 figures
Action Feature: Removable helmet, blaster fits in holster
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.

Commentary: Gotta have my Pops!  I confess that the name Davish Krail did not immediately bring to mind Pops, one of the few pilots from the original Star Wars to be name-checked in print before the 1990s and 2000s. (I think I missed out on his trading card in the 1990s.  Pops I know.  Krail, not so much.)  As one of the pilots with lines in the movie, it makes sense that he would get a figure, I guess, eventually.  It took about 35 years, but here he is!  And was he worth it?  Ehhhh... sort of.

Familiarity breeds contempt, particularly when I'm familiar with this same arguably incorrect body type from previous pilot releases.  Pops probably shouldn't be using the shorter Luke body, particularly with the lightsaber hole, for yet another release.  There are other pilot bodies, but I'm going to go out on a limb and assume this was an error on the part of Hasbro's factory yet again.  The packaging photography for this figure and Tiree both show the use of an alternate torso, so it's a safe bet this shorter pilot, who seems to be lacking in the neck department, was not Hasbro's intent.  Considering that this figure is a pilot and arguably should spend his life in a vehicle, it shouldn't matter... but it's a little upsetting when the figure's development is arguably quite easy.  Just slap a new head and repainted helmet on an existing body, and you're done.  When you have the wrong body, it's a little less exciting... although I could make an argument that pretty much any orange-suited Rebel pilot is now well beyond the point of being either fresh or interesting due to the fact we have... how many do we have now?   We have to be close to 30, many of which used the Luke body when the early press photos and prototypes did not. Even Vintage Wedge had the wrong body.   Argh.

Because it's a new character and part of a set with other new characters and some decent upgrades, I begrudgingly give it a "buy."  It is not great in and of itself, but new characters are far and few between, so you're basically buying this one because there's no better version yet and the last decade or so has shown us that unless you're Luke, Wedge, or Biggs, you aren't likely to get a same-character, same-outfit rerelease.

Collector's Notes: Toys R Us exclusives tend to stick around a while, and this one defied expectations (or maybe fell right into them) by selling slower than its equally-weighted counterpart, an Ewok gift set.  The Ewoks were shorter, but they were more diverse and interesting with better upgrades and even more exciting all-new figures.  Both are worthwhile purchases, but if you had to pick just one only a crazy person would pick the pilots over the Ewoks.  And yes, I am calling you crazy.  I've already got a good, comically portly Porkins so the Ewok set with the multi-Teebo and Kneesaa were more exciting from where I sat.

--Adam Pawlus

Day 2,018: March 8, 2013

Star Wars Figure of the Day: Day 2,016: Jango Fett

JANGO FETT  Geonosis Arena  Battle
Discover the Force/Movie Heroes Battle Packs
Item No.: Asst. 37822 No. 37826
Manufacturer: Hasbro
Number: n/a
Includes: Blasters, backpack, helmet, stand, game cards, Obi-Wan Kenobi, Battle Droid
Action Feature: n/a
Retail: $22.99
Availability: January 2012
Appearances: Attack of the Clones

Bio:  The Geonosian arena is rocked by an intense battle. On Geonosis, secret factories are churning out hundreds of battle droids and super battle droids for the growing Separatist movement. Obi-Wan Kenobi fights Geonosian warriors and battle droids that overflow into the arena, as Jango Fett takes on the Jedi and clone troopers. (Taken from the figure's packaging.)

Image: Adam's photo hole.

Commentary: Before Hasbro decided to make all-new, simplified molds of many characters they decided to rerun a rather old release with Jango Fett last year.  The core figure is from 2002, with slightly altered deco, a different jetpack, and a hole in his right wrist.  The original 2002 Kamino Escape Jango Fett body had a claw attachment on the wrist which made for a more compelling toy, which is important as the figure itself is nothing special and a hole begs the question "so what is missing here?"  With eight points of articulation, it was a good figure back in 2002 when the price point was a mere $4.99.  As 33 1/3% of a $23 set, it's nothing special.

The face under the helmet has been decorated quite cleanly, with the sculpted scarring clearly visible around his sharp eyes and eyebrows.  The mold has probably never looked better than this release, but that doesn't necessarily mean it's any fun by modern standards.  He can't fit in the new 2013 mini Jango Fett Slave I vehicle very well, so the main reason to track down this release is just to say that you've got them all.  Other releases of this mold should be sufficient, as cleaner paint apps are probably not a reason to re-buy the mold after several other releases as Jango (and a couple as other Mandalorians) over the past ten years.

Collector's Notes: On clearance, this set is arguably worth your money.  For ten or fifteen bucks, it's totally acceptable.  Is anyone else more or less amazed Hasbro is still getting mileage out of 10+-year-old molds when most toy lines crash and burn in a year or two, tops?

--Adam Pawlus

Day 2,016: March 6, 2013

Star Wars Figure of the Day: Day 2,014: Anakin Skywalker

ANAKIN SKYWALKER The Rise of Darth Vader
Discover the Force Adjacent Target Exclusive Movie Heroes 2-Pack
Item No.: Asst. 39612 No. 39618
Manufacturer: Hasbro
Number: n/a
Includes: Helmet, Darth Vader figure
Action Feature: n/a
Retail: $14.99
Availability: February 2012
Appearances: The Phantom Menace

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: Not every purchase I make is a happy one, as this Anakin Skywalker proves.  "Why am I buying this?" I asked myself last year, and the answer was that Anakin was just different enough to make me mad.  The figure has new deco and a helmet previously (or actually, simultaneously) seen on Naboo pilot figures.  It's a mold from 2000 with improved deco.  The same mold was used in the Walmart Mos Espa Race set, except it had dust painted on his face.  The mold isn't very good... it's not bad, but it was 12 years old at the time of its release and was not engineered to sit in vehicles particularly well.   I'm actually a little miffed Hasbro didn't kick off its new 5-joint "Saga Legends" initiative in 2012 so we could maybe have gotten an Anakin that could sit in a Naboo Fighter or Pod Racer without skirt issues.  Had Hasbro opted to issue no vehicles at all in 2012, I'd have no reason to complain but the Anakin figures are, on the whole, crappy "pilots" for vehicles.  As a figure to stand around wearing a helmet?  It's fantastic.

All whining on my part aside, the figure isn't terrible.  The jointed knees were unique back in 2000, and the swivel wrists are a nice touch.  The head sculpt is good, and the paint on the figure's head, hair, and costume are cleanly applied.   As a stand-alone collectible, it isn't bad and I'm sure fans who aren't sick to death of "evolution" sets that are just a way to repackage molds we've all bought seventeen times over will be delighted by this pairing.   Darth Vader is essentially the same figure that has been in The Saga Collection and Saga Legends since 2006, with one scarred shoulder and shiny black armor.  And loose joints.  The arm may pop off for you.

The funny thing is if Hasbro did these exact figures in these exact costumes in that new (old) Saga Legends format, so they could sit easily?  I'd drop $15 on them with a smile.  As it is, yet another squeeze from these molds in an era where materials and labor costs are so high is an odd decision, and I'm sure this is one of many reasons why Target has few to no new interesting exclusives in Q1 2013.

Collector's Notes: Were this set ten bucks, I'd probably have little reason to complain.  With Walmart's 5-figure pack at about $20, this 2-figure set for $15 is sort of, how do you say, awful.  It did hit clearance at many locations of Target stores around the USA, even though it contained a new enough to warrant your attention Anakin Skywalker.  It shipped alongside a set of Darth Maul and Darth Sidious, which I realized as of yesterday I still need to pick up for the unique deco Sidious.  So that'll be here shortly.

--Adam Pawlus

Day 2,014: March 4, 2013

Star Wars Figure of the Day: Day 2,011: Shock Trooper

SHOCK TROOPER  Movie Heroes
Discover the Force Movie Heroes Basic Figures
Item No.: Asst. 36563 No. 37284
Manufacturer: Hasbro
Number: #MH01
Includes: Stand, card, die, rifle, pistol, removable shoulder piece
Action Feature: Squeeze leg for quick-draw attack
Retail: $8.99
Availability: January 2012
Appearances: Revenge of the Sith

Bio: Shock troopers are members of the Coruscant Guard. They keep order on Coruscant, patrolling public places, government buildings and landing platforms on the planet. Coruscant is the political center of the galaxy, where business of every kind is always being conducted, requiring the shock troopers to be constantly vigilant and swiftly reestablish order whenever peace and stability is threatened.  (Taken from the figure's packaging.)

Image: Adam's photo hole.

Availability: Click here to buy it at Amazon now!

Click here to buy it at eBay now!

Commentary: This Shock Trooper is, more or less, a rerelease of a 2005 figure with improved deco.  It's a little brighter, a little sharper, and lacking literally one accessory from the original release.  The original 2005 figure had two different shoulder symbols which could be exchanged/lost, one was solid red plastic and the other had an Empire symbol on it.  (The card has a Republic symbol.)  The blank one was left out.

The figure is basically the same mold, with a nifty quick-draw figure.  If you squeeze his legs, his right arm pops up to draw his gun, adding some action to this figure.  An "action figure," if you will.   The figure has 13 joints, lacking a waist joint due to the action mechanism.  It stands well, sits well, and is quite poseable.   The red markings are a smidgen different from the previous release, but not significantly so.  I'd say any version is OK if you're after a Quick-Draw Shock Trooper, as this one keeps the brown "wood" element on the longer rifle.  We've had more articulated Shock Troopers in 2012 in our beloved Vintage Collection, but this one is still pretty nice.  The helmet is good, the proportions are decent (if the shoulders are spread out a bit), and it's quite clean.  Oh, and they painted the bottom of the boots.  That's a plus.   I like this figure, but I wouldn't necessarily suggest it's a required purchase unless you missed previous versions of this clone mold.

Collector's Notes: None of the Movie Heroes from the first wave were particularly rare.  You can probably score this one easily, and I would wager you'll get a crack at it very cheap at some point in the coming year.  It's nice.  I liked it better at $5.24 in 2005, today it's kind of pricey for what it is given how many cracks we had at it.  A nearly identical figure was sold in 2005 on Revenge of the Sith packaging, in 2006's Episode III Greatest Battles subset of The Saga Collection, and I'm no doubt forgetting one somewhere.  Other Shock Troopers were made using other Clone Trooper molds as a base.

--Adam Pawlus

Day 2,011: February 27, 2013

Star Wars Figure of the Day: Day 2,008: Battle Droid

BATTLE DROID  Geonosis Arena  Battle
Discover the Force/The Clone Wars Battle Packs
Item No.: Asst. 37822 No. 37826
Manufacturer: Hasbro
Number: n/a
Includes: Blaster, backpack, stand, game cards, Obi-Wan Kenobi, Jango Fett
Action Feature: n/a
Retail: $22.99
Availability: January 2012
Appearances: Attack of the Clones

Bio:  The Geonosian arena is rocked by an intense battle. On Geonosis, secret factories are churning out hundreds of battle droids and super battle droids for the growing Separatist movement. Obi-Wan Kenobi fights Geonosian warriors and battle droids that overflow into the arena, as Jango Fett takes on the Jedi and clone troopers. (Taken from the figure's packaging.)

Image: Adam's photo hole.

Commentary: This Battle Droid mold debuted in Target's exclusive Arena packs with giant saucer eyes which were just plain baffling.  The mold, though, was fantastic.  It allowed the figure to be sturdier than usual, it could squeeze down nicely, but there was no getting passed the deco.  The giant eyes were on many of the 2010-2011 rereleases, which had two of this droid (including an officer) on a single Saga Legends package for less than $9.  It was a spectacular deal, as this figure is significantly better than the 2012 carded Battle Droid from Movie Heroes.

With 12-ish points of articulation (as not everyone counts the same way) the figure is excellent.  It's a little chunky, but that's OK - it stands up pretty well and was one of the first times we saw ankles on a droid.  Well, it was when it debuted.  By its re-re-release in 2012 it was pretty normal, and we spoiled fans probably took for granted that the red deco with the correctly-sized eyes was a fairly decent improvement over previous releases.  (The commander antenna was left out.)  He has no problems carrying his blaster and the telescoping neck is a nice touch.  The deco isn't overwhelming, and it looks less anemic than some of the recent tan droids.  I'm still not sure why Hasbro insisted on doing an all-new Vintage  Battle Droid in 2012 when this version was still quite good and, frankly, underserved in the toy market.  I'd have bought this mold in a few more colorways, given the chance.  Ah well.

Collector's Notes: I'd say if the price is right, say $13 or so, this gift set is worth snagging.  It was not particularly popular, as the other figures were not as impressive as the Battle Droid. It's still quite  nice.

--Adam Pawlus

Day 2,008: February 22, 2013

Star Wars Figure of the Day: Day 2,006: Battle Droid

BATTLE DROID  The Better One
Discover the Force MTT Vehicle Pack-In
Item No.: No.  37905
Manufacturer: Hasbro
Number: n/a
Includes: 3 more droids just like it, blasters, Obi-Wan figure with lightsaber, 16 less-articulated droids, MTT vehicle
Action Feature: n/a
Retail: $129.99
Availability: August 2012
Appearances: The Phantom Menace

Bio:  Battle Droids deploy from massive TRADE FEDERATION MTT vehicle’s motorized troop deployment rack! Includes 20 BATTLE DROID figures: 16 INFANTRY DROID and 4 PILOT DROID figures! 20 blasters! Includes 1 OBI-WAN KENOBI figure with lightsaber. Lights and sounds! Firing missile launchers! Pivoting cannons! Front hatch opens to release troop deployument rack. Side hatch opens to reveal blaster racks. Upper hatch opens to access storage space. Works with Movie Heroes or THE CLONE WARS figures (sold separately).   (Taken from Hasbro.com.)

Image: Adam's photo hole.

Commentary: As Battle Droid figures go, we've had lots of ups and downs with this one being on the happy scale of the lower end.   While some collectors continue to insist a figure must have 14 or more joints to be worthwhile, I beg to differ - sometimes the point of the figure is to be a prop, to fill a seat, or just to be a victim for another figure to destroy.  In the case of this Battle Droid, it was designed as a pilot/gunner for the MTT vehicle so all it needed to do to succeed was sit, hold a gun, or be plugged into a gunner's port.  Armed with a traditional blaster and a backpack, the figure has 5 points of articulation which places it on the lower end of such things.   Still, the sculpt is clean and good, with very thin arms and a slightly wobbly sense of balance.  (Display stands are good if you have them here.)  The level of detail is certainly impressive given the simple nature of the figure, and the eyes are painted well.  Having the figure "clean" and free of damage no doubt brought down the cost, a necessity for a vehicle which includes 21 action figures of varying levels of complexity.

This figure will not impress anyone, but if you're interested in Hasbro's new take on superb sculpts with limited deco and/or articulation, this one fits the bill.  Good, a nice display piece, and honestly if they painted it well I'd hope Hasbro put out a ton of them for $4-$5 each somehow.  (3 for $10?)  Because you need something for your other figures to attack, this is a good figure from a decent vehicles.

Collector's Notes: The figure was redecorated for the MTT Mini-Rig in early 2013, but with  blue pilot deco.   That's worth getting too.

--Adam Pawlus

Day 2,006: February 20, 2013

Star Wars Figure of the Day: Day 2,002: Obi-Wan Kenobi

OBI-WAN KENOBI  Wait, What?
Discover the Force Darth Maul Line Look Vehicle Pack-In
Item No.: No.  37905
Manufacturer: Hasbro
Number: n/a
Includes: Lightsaber, 16 Battle Droids on the cheap, 4 more articulated droids, MTT vehicle
Action Feature: n/a
Retail: $129.99
Availability: August 2012
Appearances: The Phantom Menace

Bio:  Battle Droids deploy from massive TRADE FEDERATION MTT vehicle's motorized troop deployment rack! Includes 20 BATTLE DROID figures: 16 INFANTRY DROID and 4 PILOT DROID figures! 20 blasters! Includes 1 OBI-WAN KENOBI figure with lightsaber. Lights and sounds! Firing missile launchers! Pivoting cannons! Front hatch opens to release troop deployument rack. Side hatch opens to reveal blaster racks. Upper hatch opens to access storage space. Works with Movie Heroes or THE CLONE WARS figures (sold separately).   (Taken from Hasbro.com.)

Image: Adam's photo hole.

Commentary:  When I heard about the MTT being made for release in 2012, my first question was "Really? Why?" My next question was "And why is Obi-Wan Kenobi in here?"  I understand the need for a hero figure in a set like this, but wouldn't Jar Jar Binks make more sense?  Anyway, he's here.  So how is he?  Pretty good.   The figure has 8 points of articulation, with swivel elbows.  Those have been out of vogue for a while, but they make sense when you understand that this body was originally used for a Power of the Jedi figure from the year 2000.  The head was from a CommTech Chip version of Kenobi from 2000.  This combination was previously sold in 2006 with slightly different deco, as the carded SAGA 047 figure in The Saga Collection.  The pants and boots are a smidgen different, complete with the increasingly out-of-date old-style lightsaber.   The "real hair" braid is a good fit for the figure, as it doesn't get in the way of neck movement.  The skirt, though, remains plastic and as such gets in the way if you'd ever have him sitting somewhere.  As he is, he's designed to attack a giant, super-huge tank packed with robots.

This figure is not sufficiently different to warrant the purchase of an MTT, even on clearance.  (I'd argue the MTT itself combined with the droids is well worth it.)  It's not bad.  But it's not as awesome as the five-jointed Obi-Wan from the 2012 Naboo Battle Pack.

Collector's Notes: Clearance is likely for the MTT, so check your local stores for a deal.

--Adam Pawlus

Day 2,002: February 14, 2013

Star Wars Figure of the Day: Day 1,996: Teemto Pagalies

TEEMTO PAGALIES Podracer Pilots
Discover the Force Toys R Us Exclusive
Item No.: No. 39611
Manufacturer: Hasbro
Number: n/a
Includes: Packaged with Dud Bolt, Mars Guo, Clegg Holdfast, and Gasgano figures plus display base, flag, removable goggles, Galactic Battle Game card
Action Feature: n/a
Retail: $26.99
Availability: January 2012
Appearances: The Phantom Menace

Bio: Podracers compete in the Boonta Eve Classic Podrace, a highly competitive and dangerous event held annually on Tatooine.  During the race, Clegg Holdfast and Mars Guo crash their Podracers, victims of sabotage by a fellow Podracer.  Teemto Pagalies falls out of the race when his vehicle is shot  by a Tusken Raider.  Dud Bolt tries to eliminate a Podracer but crashes his own vehicle instead.  Gasgano is one of the lucky ones to reach the finish line, coming in second place after Anakin Skywalker.  (Taken from the figure's packaging.)

Image: Adam's photo dump.

Commentary: Why re-buy Teemto Pagalies when the 2002 release included not only the figure, but some race debris and a giant droid from a deleted scene for a mere five bucks? ...I have no idea.  The flag, I guess?  This set of Pod Racers debuted about a year ago and is still rotting on shelves, largely because the deco isn't all that different and I don't know how many suckers collectors remain who will buy a boxed set of five figures just for the flags and slightly improved deco.

The sculpt is the same as the 2002 release, with swivel legs, shoulders plus neck and waist joints.  Deco is a little sharper now, his goggles are a clearer plastic, and the strap is a slightly different color.  Paint masks seems sharper with less slop, and his red scar remains on his arm.   I hesitate to use a word like "realistic," but it really is more lively than the original release.   I'm not suggesting you upgrade, because the 2002 figure is close enough where I doubt you would notice unless you have a crazier head for this stuff than me.

The main selling point?  The flag.  The glossy plastic flag is pretty awkward and curls funny right out of the box, but it is unique, colorful, and a nice addition to a display.  It's not as cool as a droid sidekick, though.  You can sort of force the flag into the included black Galactic Battle Game display base, but it's a tight fit and clearly not meant to go there.   Hasbro managed to find a way to compel long-time collectors to buy this set with the new accessory, as its merits do not warrant a subsequent purchase unless you write a column about toys every day.

Collector's Notes: This set did poorly.  Reports of prices as low as $7.50 for the set were heard, which is actually quite a deal.  Originally $26.99, this set is effectively a pretty good price... it's just that the individual releases generally offered more stuff like Pit Droid accessories and lower price tags.  For accessory completists, it's essential.  If you just want a Teemto Pagalies pod racer pilot, the original 2002 figure sells for as little as $1 on eBay and is unquestionably worth it.

--Adam Pawlus

Day 1,996: February 6, 2013

Star Wars Figure of the Day: Day 1,984: Teebo 2012

TEEBO Ewok Warrior, 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, Tippet, and Kneesaa figures
Action Feature: Swappable hoods, axe, necklace, drumsticks
Retail: $39.99
Availability: August 2012
Appearances: Return of the Jedi

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.

Commentary: To say that Teebo's costume has been the subject of controversy would be to further demolish what little meaning words have left, so let's just say it's been a fun topic of discussion.  The Kenner 1984 Teebo had a hood like the figure pictured, while the 2001 Hasbro had a sort of a bib.  Which is more correct?  Well, neither, so Hasbro decided for this 2012 release that we'd get everything.  The short little guy has a necklace, drumsticks, different versions of a very ornate (and nicely painted)  hood, and more all plied on to the body originally used for Logray (and later used for Lumat) over the last few months.   The body type is notable for being the only Ewok buck to sport elbow joints, and the figure has a fairly robust 12 points of articulation.   Seeing how this figure came with all of the parts to replicate either previous costume used for the Teebo action figure, it's pretty much definitive.  You can throw your old Teebo figures out now.

THe face has some nice deco as well, with a little bit of flesh peeking out from around the fur near the eyes, nose, and lips.   The fingers are pink, the toes have painted toenails, and you get some decent grey stripes on the furry body.   While this set was more expensive than I would deem appropriate for the shorties, Hasbro didn't take any shortcuts on these guys.  Considering this is the last Teebo you'll ever need to buy, you may as well shell out some cash and get the set.

Collector's Notes: I got my money's worth.   Sure, I miss the days of 2 Ewoks for $6 or $7, but I also miss $1 comics at my grocery store and the ability to buy a can of soda for 25 cents.   If Hasbro's going to jack up the prices, at least they made this a fairly deluxe figure.  Still, I'm sure fans will clamor for an eventual reissue on a Vintage-style cardback, so keep your eyes open for those in, let's say, 2014 or 2015.  Because why not.

--Adam Pawlus

Day 1,984: January 21, 2013

Star Wars Figure of the Day: Day 1,975: Battle Droid (Red)

BATTLE DROID  Red Edition
Discover the Force Movie Heroes Basic Figures
Item No.: Asst. 36563 No.  37751  
Manufacturer: Hasbro
Number: #MH04
Includes: Stand, card, die, blaster, firing blaster, projectile
Action Feature: Removable limbs
Retail: $8.99
Availability: January 2012
Appearances: Attack of the Clones

Bio: Battle droids are the perfect soldiers - programmed to fight without hesitation and deployed in vast numbers that overwhelm opponents.  Individually, though, their limited cognitive ability makes them vulnerable when they go up against  skilled Jedi who can outwit and outmaneuver them.  (Taken from the figure's packaging.)

Image: Adam Pawlus' photo dump.

Commentary: There's a weird place in which some figures dwell, as solid concepts with decent executions but a fatal flaw like a bad eye deco job or a terrible price.  The Battle Droid is one of those horribly overpriced figures, I'm unsure if it was a poor execution due to factory communication or something else.  In 2010 and 2011, you could get a 2-pack of Saga Legends Battle Droids for about eight bucks, and each one had 12 or so joints.  And two stands.  And two guns.  And two backpacks.  It was more than we deserved for the price, and in 2007-2009 we frequently saw 2-packs of 6-jointed Battle Droids for $7, which was really good too.  That's why this one, at $9 or $10, was something of a stunner.  Ten bucks?  For a redeco of a six-jointed figure?

Anyway.  This figure is very similar to the 2007 Saga Legends Maroon Battle Droids 2-pack, with some minor batch differences.  If anything, I'd say the 2012 one is a smidgen redder, but it could be my imagination.  The big difference is the gun, so if you got the 2012 Tan version of #MH04 you could probably skip the red one.  I'm really not sure WHY Hasbro did a red one, as the red one was produced second and the whole Phantom Menace theme makes sense for tan droids.  Red ones are in Attack of the Clones, but whatever.  It's here.  Get one if you want!

Collector's Notes: Like the clone we looked at yesterday, ask questions before buying if you can't buy it in person.  It and a red redeco share the same SKU, but oddly have different Galactic Battle Game cards.  Were cost not an issue and this was a $5 or a $6 figure, it would be good enough for the asking price.  At $9, it's only advised that you buy this if you are some sort of archivist or toy columnist.

--Adam Pawlus

Day 1,975: January 8, 2013

Star Wars Figure of the Day: Day 1,969: MTT Battle Droid (Simple)

BATTLE DROID  The Cheapo One
The Vintage Collection Basic Figures
Item No.: No.  37905
Manufacturer: Hasbro
Number: n/a
Includes: 15 more droids just like it, blasters, Obi-Wan figure with lightsaber, 4 more articulated droids, MTT vehicle
Action Feature: n/a
Retail: $129.99
Availability: August 2012
Appearances: The Phantom Menace

Bio:  Battle Droids deploy from massive TRADE FEDERATION MTT vehicle’s motorized troop deployment rack! Includes 20 BATTLE DROID figures: 16 INFANTRY DROID and 4 PILOT DROID figures! 20 blasters! Includes 1 OBI-WAN KENOBI figure with lightsaber. Lights and sounds! Firing missile launchers! Pivoting cannons! Front hatch opens to release troop deployument rack. Side hatch opens to reveal blaster racks. Upper hatch opens to access storage space. Works with Movie Heroes or THE CLONE WARS figures (sold separately).   (Taken from Hasbro.com.)

Image: Adam's photo hole.

Commentary: There's a lot of figures we don't necessarily need resculpted, but hey, we're going to get them.  This Battle Droid is an interesting item which exists solely to serve as a slug figure in a much larger toy, the MTT.  This is a simplified new sculpt which looks really good, all things considered, and has a built-in figure stand so it may stand around on the droid deployment racks.  In short, it's as much an accessory as it is an action figure... it's cheap.  Fans lamented the fact that the MTT didn't come with 20 "Vintge" (read: expensive) Battle Droids, but given costs these simpler robots are an adequate substitute.   It's better than non-removable droids or folded-up non-articulated droids, which is what I would have expected from Kenner in the 1990s.

So how is the figure?  Good enough.  It's not great, but it actually isn't bad as a seat-filler.  Standing fairly tall, the figure has but two joints: the neck, and the right shoulder.  And that's it.  Each one includes a blaster which can be carried in the right hand, or in a hole on the back. The figure can usually stand on its own (the legs on some may need un-warping) and the only paint application is the eyes.   There's not a lot to it, but it makes for a decent driver for the hatch on your ATT or the MTT droid racks.  Since its feet are fused together, it stands fairly well and I'm quite impressed by Hasbro's decision to actually give him foot holes so you can put him on a figure stand if you're so inclined.  The arm and head are both a little loose, but the figure is likely to be more durable and likely to stay standing on a shelf than his many brothers and sisters since 1999.   It's very thin in spots, but functionally it's good.  You won't love this figure, and while some of you may even hate it there's no denying it serves a purpose fairly well.   I'm glad Hasbro gave us 16 of these buggers rather than empty Droid racks.

Collector's Notes: Not knowing how many Hasbro made, I would suspect the MTT will be showing up on closeout shelves in the coming year.  Not because it's a poor toy, but because it's pretty obscure, pretty expensive, and frankly, pretty blah compared to last year's Republic Attack Shuttle Vehicle/Fortress and the previous collector-friendly ships like the AT-TE, Turbo Tank, AT-AT, and Millennium Falcon.

Vehicle Notes:  We're pretty spoiled.  The MTT is pretty neat, but it's basically a big box with a single gimmick... even at $99.99, or $49.99, it's going to be hard to convince people that this is an excellent toy.  I almost wish the racks were not powered electronically to keep costs down, if a kid could just slide the rack out manually and push a button to deploy the droids I have no doubt it would be a much cheaper piece.   Plus the whole "deploy the droids!" play isn't as fun as, say, spring-loaded damaged TIE Fighter wings, or the ATT's battle-damage feature, or the split-apart Clone Wars Jedi Starfighters.  I do dig the numerous storage bays, though, as there are many places to keep guns and other small parts plus store spare figures.  In many respects, the MTT could have made a better action figure carry case-slash-vehicle than an electronic key driver/feature-based vehicle.  If they just stuck a handle on the thing and hollowed it out, it would be an awesome way to haul your collection around if you had a collection small enough to be carried by someone with two hands.

--Adam Pawlus

Day 1,969: December 31, 2012

Star Wars Figure of the Day: Day 1,962: Pit Droid

PIT DROID  with Ratts Tyerell
The Vintage Collection Basic Figures and also Discover the Force Mos Espa Race set
Item No.: Asst. 37499 No.  26973  
Manufacturer: Hasbro
Number: #VC77
Includes: Goggles, blaster, other figure
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 Pawlus' yard while under construction.  Yes, that is a pile of dirt.

Commentary: So while comparing this Pit Droid which came with Ratts Tyerell with the pair that came in the Mos Espa Arena Walmart Exclusive Gift Set, I found out they're all the same figure.  Harumph.  The Mos Espa Race packaging shows a Pit Droid with different deco, but that's not what you get.  You get this.  The mold is based on the infamous "Bonus Pit Droids" of 2000, a mold so rare fans actively lobbied for Hasbro to bring it out to the USA and they sort of succeeded, and the story goes (if I recall correctly) that Hasbro had to actually recreate the tooling to bring them back.  They did a nice job, it's a cute little figure.

The engineering is the same as before, and its fatal flaw is in the legs: they bend out of shape easily, and with no foot pegs he may fall over.  He has swivel shoulders and hips, plus a ball-jointed head.  The figure is filled with personality and can move his head around to emote in numerous fun little ways.  Well, a couple.  The figure has no accessories of his own, but is a nice bonus in any set.  The light, maroon-ish head has a lot of dirt and soot on it which makes this relatively simple design look amazing.  Sure, the sculpting is good, but the paint adds a lot of dimension to this otherwise more-or-less same figure.  I like it. It's cute.  More please.

Collector's Notes:  The set was widely available in 2012 at various points in the first half, so you should have got one at retail by now.  You might still be able to find it but I wouldn't hold your breath for too long... you're in the end of "crazy parents who will buy anything" season and that usually serves as a decent correction to any unsold pegwarmers.

--Adam Pawlus

Day 1,962: December 20, 2012

Star Wars Figure of the Day: Day 1,960: Obi-Wan Kenobi

OBI-WAN KENOBI Light-Up Lightsaber Blade!
Discover the Force Movie Heroes
Item No.:   Asst. 87752 No. 36571
Manufacturer: Hasbro
Number: #MH16
Includes: Stand, card, die
Action Feature: Light-up lightsaber
Retail: $8.99
Availability: February 2012
Appearances: The Phantom Menace

Bio:  Obi-Wan Kenobi battles Darth Maul in the Theed Royal Palace on Naboo. Obi-Wan becomes separated from Qui-Gon Jinn as the two Jedi duel the menacing Sith apprentice in the generator complex. When Obi-Wan is reunited with his Jedi Master, he faces an unexpected tragedy and must fight the powerful Darth Maul on his own.  (Taken from the figure's packaging.)

Image: Adam Pawlus' photo area.

Commentary: While light-up lightsabers aren't anything new (we were given 3 of them back in 1998), Obi-Wan Kenobi is less clunky in this Phantom Menace incarnation, but still has a few minor nits to pick.  The sculpt is fantastic and by and large, the engineering is great.  You can remove his lower "skirt" piece so he can sit in vehicles-- good move, Hasbro!  The head sculpt is wonderful, one of Hasbro's finer versions of the actor.  It's swimming in personality.  The figure also has decent articulation, with ball-jointed knees for no apparent reason.  I can't complain.   The right arm is swivel-only due to the lightsaber mechanism, but Hasbro was kindly enough to give us a swivel wrist and ball-jointed elbow on the other side.  Kenobi's robes are nicely done as well, and on the whole this figure shames most of Hasbro's Obi-Wan Kenobi sculpts based on the first prequel film.

My only beefs?  I got two.  One, the battery isn't replaceable.  This probably won't be a problem for years (by my findings with similar toys, perhaps 10, 15, or even more years) but it could eventually be a problem when there's a battery corroding inside my prized action figure and I can't get it out.  Two, the shoulders are a smidgen wide, undoubtedly to house the electronics.  For a kid, in the short-term (say, 10 years) this is probably one of the best figures you can get in terms of fun play value.  It's durable, you can fight with Obi-Wan's saber and not be afraid it might snap off... and of course, it lights up when you push the belt buckle.   This figure is a bizarre item in that it's clearly designed as a toy for kids, but has exceptional sculpting the likes of which we glimpse at once in a blue moon in this line.  Don't get me wrong-- most of the figures are well-sculpted, but human head are rarely done this well, with this quality of paint and plastic, resulting in an execution where I really have to reach to complain.  (But of course I'm going to complain.  Non-removable batteries make me sad.)

Collector's Notes:  This item hit big earlier in the year and may still be at a store near you.  At $10 it might be a stretch... but I'd be lying if I said that this wasn't my second-favorite version of the character from this movie.  (The first?  Naboo Battle Pack 2012.)   When you get right down to it, the only thing Hasbro could do to make this figure better is maybe remove some articulation and slash the price a couple of bucks.

--Adam Pawlus

Day 1,960: December 18, 2012

Star Wars Figure of the Day: Day 1,957: Luke Skywalker

LUKE SKYWALKER  Bespin Battle
Discover the Force Battle Packs
Item No.: Asst. 37822 No.  37824
Manufacturer: Hasbro
Number: n/a
Includes: Lightsaber, pistol, game stuff, additional figures
Action Feature: Gun fits in holster
Retail: $22.99
Availability: April 2012
Appearances: The Empire Strikes Back

Bio: During his Jedi training, Luke has a vision that his friends are in danger.  He rushes to Bespin to rescue Han and Leia, where he encounters Darth Vader and the bounty hunger Boba Fett.  The Sith Lord's plan has worked: he has lured Skywalker to the planet and intends to deliver him to the Emperor.  While Fett collects his long-sought quarry, Luke battles Vader in a menacing lightsaber duel. (Taken from the figure's packaging.)

Image: Adam's Carbon Freeze Chamber playset.


Commentary: One area where I feel Hasbro has let down fans is making good toys, for kids, at prices which aren't awful.  This Luke Skywalker is a surprisingly toy-ish release, and is one of three new sculpts in a set for $20.  That basically brings us back to latter-1990s prices, with mid-1990s articulation.   The sculpting and deco on this figure are so delightful, I would advise you all to buy it.  Yes, even though 10 of you a week email me or post on forums about how I'm a terrible person for saying it.

While the 2010 Vintage Bespin Luke is close to a perfect figure, the 2012 Battle Pack Bespin Luke is a nearly perfect toy.  With only five points of articulation, he has no problems standing or sitting.  He balances well, he bends at the hips to sit in most vehicles, and he can hold his weapons with little difficulty.  The quality of the sculpt is really amazing, with a sharp level of detail that almost looks too good.  You can see all sorts of tiny wrinkles, folds, and other details which proves the sculptors put in a ton of work.  The head sculpt is also quite nice, but the kicker is that the hair is bright yellow.  If you're under 30 as of right now, you probably hate this.  If you're over 30, you may be delighted, because the original two Kenner Luke Skywalker figures with visible hair also had Crayola-bright wigs.   This figure might look even better with a proper color, but Hasbro has had difficulty matching the color perfectly - so going in the yellow direction makes it fun, because, well, they're not trying to be perfect.  They're trying to be interesting.

I am not one of the collectors who insists each and every figure have 12 or more points of articulation.  I'm pretty happy we got a ball-jointed head here, and while I wouldn't have minded a waist joint I can't deny that the final product looks good and holds together nicely.  It is a fun figure that works well as a toy and arguably better as a desk plaything, as super-articulated figures have a nasty habit of toppling over as their "sweet spot" for standing can be tricky to find.  With this Luke, he's got one pose.  And he's going to stand in it.  If I had my way I'd ask Hasbro to make the entire 1978-1985 Vintage line in this format, plus a smattering of Clone Wars and Prequel figures, but odds are that's going to never happen.

Collector's Notes: At Celebration VI, Hasbro confirmed (to me, in a Q&A) that there would be more "simple" articulation figures like this next year.  They didn't say what, but if the quality is on par with Luke here I'm happy.  This Luke figure didn't start shipping to stores until months after showing up online, so order yours from a dotcom or cross your fingers Target still has a few.  But if you like old toys, be sure to get it before it goes away.  It's nice.  I approve.

--Adam Pawlus

Day 1,957: December 13, 2012

Star Wars Figure of the Day: Day 1,954: Nanta (Corpsey the Ewok)

NANTA Ewok Pack
Discover the Force Toys R Us Exclusive
Item No.: Asst. A0790 No. A0791
Manufacturer: Hasbro
Number: n/a
Includes: Packaged with Tippet, Flitchee, Teebo, and Kneesaa figures
Action Feature: Hood, spear, knife
Retail: $39.99
Availability: August 2012
Appearances: Return of the Jedi

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 dump.

Commentary: I'm never sure if I should be happy or sad when a "gag" figure makes it out.  I'm usually happy because when it comes to Star Wars, my love of things which are new tends to be more genuine than not.   Nanta is the fan-requested Ewok "Corpsey" but given a name that wouldn't give Hasbro or Lucas some sort of fit.   This figure's claim to fame is being the one that another Ewok cries over when it dies.   It's kind of morbid, but as the figure itself isn't "dead" in appearance it's still one more great Ewok for your dioramas, armies, or toy box horde.

Nanta's head and body are basically a tweaked Nho'apakk, with a resized neck peg and, as far as I can tell, few to no other changes.  (Why, I have no idea.)   The figure is now mostly dark grey or black fur with a little lighter grey fur, while it seems the movie has very light or even white stripes on his fur.  So it's close, but not a perfect recreation of the one photo some dude posted to Wookieepedia.  The hood coloring isn't quite a perfect match either, but it's still a solid Ewok figure that builds off an existing design and makes something new and different to the point where I assume your average fan would have little or no idea it's essentially a repaint with a new hat.   Other than the figure lacking the color of his seeming on-screen inspiration, it's a nice release with 10 points of articulation representing a previously-unmade character.  This figure is the reason people like me are still here, we buy 30 more Anakins and Vaders in between new droids, Ewoks, and Rebel Pilots.  It seems a lot less exciting as I type it out, but let me assure you that Nanta and his set are worth tracking down if you have love of Ewoks in your life.  Sure it's expensive, but it's a good set.

Collector's Notes: The set is showing up more now, which is good, because a lot of you people freak out when you don't run the math.  Why am I saying that? For some reason people decided this item is only shipping at a rate of one-case-per-store, and that's just ridiculous. I believe the initial report posted at Rebelscum regarding the run size and other 2012 Hasbro Toys R Us exclusives indicated the US run of the set to be around 30,000 sets which many do not understand is a very large number.  How do I figure? I am so glad you asked!  According to Wikipedia, Toys R Us has around 875 stores in the USA.  So assuming these numbers are correct, and as Hasbro does not reveal its final edition sizes we do not and probably will never know for sure, that puts us at an average of 34 sets per store, which is not a tiny number.   Obviously some will be a little higher and some will be a little lower, but you get the idea.   Sure, some scalper could pick up all 34 units per store as a store puts out 2-3 cases at a time, but that's pretty unlikely.  Keep your eyes peeled for these hitting the shelves, and remember: if you see them and pass on them, and regret it later, it's not my fault.

--Adam Pawlus

Day 1,954: December 10, 2012

Star Wars Figure of the Day: Day 1,950: Darth Maul

DARTH MAUL  Slashing Lightsaber Action!
Discover the Force Movie Heroes Basic Figures
Item No.: Asst. 36568 No.  38565  
Manufacturer: Hasbro
Number: #MH15
Includes: Stand, card, die, lightsaber
Action Feature: Squeeze legs, arms move
Retail: $8.99
Availability: February 2012
Appearances: The Phantom Menace

Bio:  Darth Maul duels Qui-Gon Jinn and Obi-Wan Kenobi in the Theed Royal Palace on Naboo. The Sith Lord handles the lightsaber with supreme skill, making it difficult for the two Jedi to gain the upper hand in life-or-death confrontation. Maul slashes at his opponents with his double-bladed lightsaber as the three duel from the hangar bay to the generator complex.  (Taken from the figure's packaging.)

Image: Adam's photo hole.

Commentary: With dozens of Darth Maul figures and few different costumes, it's increasingly tough to suggest any new version is worthwhile.  While the Naboo Battle Pack one had an exceptionally good sculpt and superior likeness, this one is worth getting mostly as a desk toy.   The head sculpt is OK, but the expression and paint job is merely acceptable.  The face design just doesn't seem quite right, but the leg mechanism works quite well.  If you squeeze his legs together, he does that little dance where one arm goes up, another goes down, and you can make pretend he's fighting.

As a figure to live on your desk for you to futz with while pretending to work, it's fair amount of fun.   Since it was developed for the kiddie line around a gimmick, it's more than a little limiting as it can't fit in the vehicle o really do much of anything other than "fight."  The sculpt is good, but not great, and the main reason to get really excited about this one is the one-piece double-bladed lightsaber with the "flared" blade, with extra energy deco near the hilt.   Believe it or not, no Darth Maul figure with a completely plastic lightsaber had that additional detail until 2012.

Collector's Notes: This figure was packed at a higher number in the assortments, but sold quickly due to fans loving the character and using the head as a replacement for the Vintage one.  You may be able to find one at a store still stocking Movie Heroes.  New Movie Heroes 8-packs at Walmarts just showed up with this guy and the other Wave 2 guys, all in a big envelope, for like $25.  It's a killer deal and if you love toys it's one worth getting.

--Adam Pawlus

Day 1,950: December 4, 2012

Star Wars Figure of the Day: Day 1,939: R2-D2

R2-D2  Royal Starship Droids
Discover the Force Walmart Exclusive Battle Packs
Item No.: Asst. 38606 No.  38608  
Manufacturer: Hasbro
Number: n/a
Includes: R2-N3, R2-R9, R2-B1, display stands, die, cards, droid harness
Action Feature: n/a
Retail: $24.96
Availability: January 2012
Appearances: The Phantom Menace

Bio: Astromech droids repair the Naboo Royal Starship. The shield generator and hyperdrive are damaged while escaping the Trade Federation's blockade of Naboo. The droids fix the generator, but the hyperdrive is too badly damaged. The ship is forced to land on the remote world of Tatooine to find a replacement part.  (Taken from the figure's packaging.)

Image: Adam Pawlus' photo area.

Commentary: There have been numerous versions of R2-D2, or "Artie Deetoo" as my boss' daughter once said, but this is the first one to be made from Droid Factory parts.   You can rip off his legs and head, or you can, you know, not do that.  The head swivels and the legs may be posed, with the third, central leg being fully removable if you're in to robot castration.  (Sicko.)

The design is a good one and the figure looks like R2-D2.  I mean, how could it not?  Even bad R2-D2 figures look like R2-D2.   This one I like a lot, because he has a big black central eye, the top panels on his head are all painted blue, and the little light under his eye is painted a color other than red for once.  I've got a lot of R2-D2 figures, so I'm happy to see one with different action features, accessories, or deco... and this one has all of those things.  This set is absolutely worth your while if you get a shot at it on the cheap.

Collector's Notes:  This item hit in very limited numbers in January before being all over the damn place around April.  And then it disappeared by July... I had to pick one up for my pal Daniel and they were pretty much gone by then.   You may be interested to know that this wasn't the only R2-D2 made of Droid Factory parts in 2012, you could also assemble one with some slightly different deco at Orlando's Disney Hollywood Studios as part of the Droid Factory scam thing.  If you want one now, it's either eBay or whatever place got a bunch of them after it was revealed more were waiting to come out somewhere.  I'm guessing.  I wrote this in September and am just spitballing at this point.

--Adam Pawlus

Day 1,939: November 19, 2012

Star Wars Figure of the Day: Day 1,937: Darth Maul

DARTH MAUL  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 dump.

Commentary: You can't keep Darth Maul down, no matter how convoluted the plot gets.  In 2012, we saw a half-hearted attempt to really push the character into the forefront between the 3-D reissue of Phantom Menace and numerous new installments of The Clone Wars deciding that no, he isn't dead.  Just crazy.

This figure is arguably one of the better new 2012 takes of the Sith apprentice, although his lightsaber is strictly 1999. Even though the blade is old, the figure is entirely new and sculpted with a mere 5 points of articulation.  The shoulders, hips, and neck all move nicely and as such, he won't be doing any high-kicking or crazy combat poses.  He will, however, stand up with minimal fuss and look great doing it.  The head sculpt is sme of the better work Hasbro has done at this scale, and I daresay it exceeds every Maul in this size on the market today.  I know a lot of you are skipping it because of the lack of articulation, and while you're welcome to do so, you're missing one of the few really great sculpts on the market this year.

Collector's Notes:  This set hit in April but was basically impossible to find until several months later.  By September the set was pretty common at US Target stores, so keep your eyes peeled or order it online.

--Adam Pawlus

Day 1,937: November 15, 2012

Star Wars Figure of the Day: Day 1,936: Clone Trooper Hardcase

CLONE TROOPER HARDCASE  Republic Clone Troopers
Discover the Force/The Clone Wars Battle Packs
Item No.: Asst. 37822 No.  37827  
Manufacturer: Hasbro
Number: n/a
Includes: Blaster, stand, game cards, Cutup, Bomb Squad Trooper
Action Feature: n/a
Retail: $22.99
Availability: January 2012
Appearances: The Clone Wars

Bio: Clone troopers train for combat on the planet Kamino.  Kamino is not only the place where the clone troopers are engineered; it is also where they are trained in battle tactics, fighting techniques and explosives.  Seasoned clone troopers push the cadets hard to turn them into the toughest and most skilled fighters in the galaxy.  (Taken from the figure's packaging.)

Image: Adam Pawlus' risers, which I'm not sure if I'm feeling for this display.


Commentary: Sharing a name with a Stormtrooper from the future, Clone Trooper Hardcase was part of a disjointed Battle Packs figure set earlier this year.  While figures are usually joined thematically by scene or location, these three are basically just members of the same army.  Well, sort of.  I don't believe any of the three ever shared the screen, let alone appeared in the same episode or even story arc.  It's a stretch, but I can appreciate a good clone trooper repaint delivery mechanism.

Using the later "Stone" body, this Clone Trooper lacks ankle articulation and has a mere 12 joints for your movement and amusement.  He's much thinner than many of the other troopers, but the look is closer to what you saw on TV.  His blue markings go nicely with numerous other figures, of course you could just as easily skip the lot of them if you're done with clone repaints.

Collector's Notes:  This set was the hottest seller out of wave 1 of the 2012 Battle Packs, but eventually it started to hang around.  It was the only one of the initial wave to have any new figures in it, so I would suggest picking it up if you have the means and interest.

--Adam Pawlus

Day 1,936: November 14, 2012