Reviews of Kenner and Hasbro Star Wars action figures. Presented by Galactic Hunter.
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EZRA BRIDGER Hero of Lothal The Vintage Collection 3 3/4-Inch Action Figure
Item No.: Asst. F6878 No. F9978 Manufacturer:Hasbro Number:#318 Includes:Lightsaber, Hilt, Blaster Action Feature:Working holster, lightsaber plugs in belt Retail:$16.99 Availability:May 2024 Appearances:Star Wars Rebels
Bio: One of the few Jedi trained after the fall of the Empire and an early member of the Rebel movement, Ezra Bridger vanished in the battle to liberate Lothal, disappearing into deep space. (Taken from the figure's cardback.)
Commentary: Is it retool... or pre-tool? Ezra Bridger (Hero of Lothal) shares a lot of parts with the as-of-yet unshipped pack-in figure with the HasLab The Ghost vehicle. From the pictures it lokos like it may be mostly deco changes. That version seems to have the same accessories as this version, but also sports a lothcat and one of Ezra's special helmets. I would say you might want both due to the changes painted on the figure, and this is the lesser of the two releases.
Much like Thrawn not being quite a perfect Rebels figure, Ezra isn't a perfect Ahsoka figure. I do like the engineering overall though - the gloves look good, the waist joint hidden in the belt region is good common sense, and the legs all seem to move without too much fuss. The colors are on-point, the eyes are expressive, and he's even got the scars under his eye. The figure's hair doesn't quite match the cartoon (or live-action), but it's Ezra-esque. It has his spirit, though, and I feel adult collectors in their 40s and 50s don't want spirit so much as authenticity.
This figure seems to be a design made that wasn't quite made to mimic Eman Esfandi - but Eman Esfandi was cast in Ahsoka as Ezra because he kind of looks like the drawings on which this figure was based. Given it's a figure based on a hologram, and the hair isn't quite right, and he doesn't have the scuff, but the outfit is pretty good, this is probably one of the more exciting figures from Hasbro in this scale lately. We've had so many attempts to do and redo Thrawn, Mando, Vader, and others, that accuracy aside just getting another character is some cause for excitement. The costume is fantastic, but the head doesn't match the performer, and as a repaint of a cartoon-turned-realistic figure, it shouldn't. It would be nice if Hasbro sprang for a new head on this one, but given development times (and costs) it's less surprising that a repaint is what we get in 2024. We're having to do a lot more "settling" these days, aren't we?
If you're OK with this figure being what amounts to a concept art version of the costume from the show, it's good. Articulation is typical of this series, with decent ranges of motion. While it's kind of hard to get both hands on his lightsaber, the legs swing forward perfectly and he should be able to fit in your vehicles just fine. The figure's costume fits much better than the one in the packaging photo of the actor, too, although both do match rather well. (The cartoon had a lot more yellow on it.) Approaching the figure on its own merits, it's pretty good. While this is a perfectly nice figure, it is probably a bad move to put out a figure that - assuming fans don't ignore it - will make fans ask for a more authentic version. I think it's nice but the funny thing is if they just pop a more accurate head on this body, I'd also complain about that. That's what we're getting with Thrawn, after all.
EZRA BRIDGERRealistic The Force Awakens The Black Series 6-Inch Figure Item No.: Asst. B3834 No. E4507 Manufacturer:Hasbro Number:#86 Includes:Lightsaber hilt, blade, and a helmet Action Feature:Hilt connects to belt holster or blade Retail:$19.99 Availability:June 2019 Appearances:Star Wars: Rebels
Bio: Growing up, Ezra learned to trust no one and to rely on his street smarts - and subconscious Force abilities - to survive. The all changes with his introduction to the crew of the Ghost, a small band of rebels fighting back against the Empire. Ezra comes to believe in their cause, and sees that he can help change the galaxy for the better. (Taken from the figure's packaging.)
Commentary: Really good! I was surprised by how much I liked Ezra Bridger as a "realistic" figure. The face looks a little cartoony, but that's due to the character's design. He strikes me as a mix of Punky Brewster, Elizabeth Taylor, and 1992 Aladdin. What's great about figures like this one is that Hasbro has some wiggle room to get creative. At least I assume it's Hasbro, I don't know who specifically sculpted this one. By departing from Disney's pre-approved 3D model for pretty much all of the merchandise, we get something that's different, more or less on-model, yet stylized in a new way that allows we the fans to wave away any concerns about it being a bit off. As long as the general strokes of the costume are correct, everything else is going to be fine.
Ezra is appropriately a smidgen shorter, with very dark black with a hint of purple hair. The costume is orange with a brown vest and yellow trim, complete with a very McQuarrie-ish bit of armor to match his trooper helmet. The belts are more pronounced than the CG TV model, and his right leg has a hook for his staple-gun lightsaber. While the gloves lack the white triangle from the TV show, it's not like I even noticed until I compared them. Toning down some of those details helps the figure fit in with the movie-ish other releases a bit, too.
Articulation is on par for this line, as there's really not a lot of room nor call for improvement at this point. You get bend-and-swivel wrists, double knee joints, and the usual. The only thing missing from this figure would've been that weird little slingshot he's too old to be using, or possibly his backpack or another spare helmet. You're getting your money's worth with this one if you're a fan of the show, and Hasbro has largely done an excellent job with its "realistic" takes on those animated figures.
Would be nice to have a Vlix to go with them, I'd say.
EZRA BRIDGER Now with Lightsaber The Force Awakens Snow and Desert Figures Item No.: Asst. B3963 No. B4180 Manufacturer:Hasbro Number:n/a Includes:Helmet, lightsaber, some sort of mortar shield thing Action Feature:n/a Retail:$7.99 Availability:September 2015 Appearances:Star Wars Rebels
Bio: An orphan and con artist on the planet Lothal, Ezra was unaware of his connection to the Force until he encountered Kanan Jarrus and learned the truth about his powers. (Taken from the figure's packaging.)
Commentary: I don't always like surprises - when I saw Ezra Bridger was getting yet another run, I wasn't so thrilled. Hasbro didn't announce much to us, so really all we have to go on are blurry cell phone photos and reports from non-reporters - so at first glance, it looked like all we were getting was the single-carded figure again with a new build weapon. The good news is that this was only partially right - Hasbro opted to pack in his unique staple-gun lightsaber, which (from where I sit) drives the purchase and makes this the currently definitive take on the character as an action figure.
This figure is the same one from last year with a notable change... depending on when you bought your first version. The artwork on the back of his vest is the "revised" version - the first one had a fuzzier tampo design - with everything else more or less staying put. He still seems colored similarly to Liz Taylor, he still has the cosmic Punky Brewster pants going on, and he still has the wrist communicator on his left hand - if you missed the individually carded version of Ezra, this is pretty much the exact same thing. He's even got the AT-DP/Cadet helmet, so if you're a completist you'll want this one, and the one in the Toys R Us "Mystery" three-pack with Obi-Wan Kenobi (Holographic) and Kanan. Unless you can live without Obi-Wan, in which case, just get this one.
The selling point that will make this figure desirable down the road (pending reissues and threeissues) is his lightsaber. Previous releases omitted the Jedi weapon, which was more or less consistent with the line - most figures got 1 or 0 accessories, so Ezra got a helmet and nothing else. No slingshot, no lightsaber. It felt incomplete, but now with the weapon he seems totally fine. It fits in his hand perfectly and comes with a painted silver hilt. If - big if - there's a long-term kid audience for this line, when they get older and decide to collect, this is the one they'll probably want to get. If 3 3/4-inch action figures are still a thing - and I assume they will be. I know it's dumb to suggest you buy a figure for one specific and small accessory, but here we are.
The "Combine!" accessory is about as worthless as the rest - you get a three-part shield/mortar/kickstand thing. It stands next to your figure and doesn't resemble anything you've seen in the saga, other than perhaps a TIE Advanced wing on a tripod. You can plug other weapons into it, and it is dull. It's a good thing this figure had the lightsaber from the show, because otherwise this would be pretty pointless.
If you're a fan of The Clone Wars you may know that figures from that show are either very cheap or very expensive - there's little middle ground. Unique accessories that create an obvious divide between "the good version" and "the bad version" can make a big difference - and it's possible fans, tourists, and speculators will just buy this figure not knowing he's a reissue. You know better - this is a figure you're buying solely for the accessories if you're otherwise caught up. Since he can stand, sit, wear his helmet, and fit in vehicles, he's a good one. It wouldn't surprise me if he pegwarms after he hits widely, but even if he does - please - if you're a fan of the show, just get him early. I can't imagine Rebels is going to balloon up into something huge after the movie, so get while the getting is good.
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.)
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.
EZRA BRIDGER Secret Exclusive Figure Star Wars Rebels Mission Series The Ghost Toys R Us Exclusive Item No.: No. B0315 Manufacturer:Hasbro Number:n/a Includes:Helmet, Kanan Jarrus figure, Obi-Wan Kenobi figure Action Feature:n/a Retail:$19.99 Availability:September 2014 Appearances: Star Wars Rebels
Bio: Born the day the Galactic Empire was founded, Ezra Bridger has been a lone rebel for his entire life. That is, until he crosses path with Kanan Jarrus and discovers a mysterious hologram from a Jedi named Obi-Wan Kenobi. What secret will be revealed? (Taken from the figure's packaging.)
Image: Adam's photo lab.
Commentary: I do not anticipate I will have warm fuzzies for Ezra Bridger after watching the show. The heroic young scamp isn't my favorite archetype, when I was a kid I was much more interested in the Lukes and Venkmans of the world, people my own age would not have been appealing role models to me. I hope he turns out well - the character was intended to be the same age as Luke Skywalker, but I was surprised to read on the bio that he's the exact same age. The fact that his weapon is a slingshot is, well, it's certainly cloying but it wasn't included here. Instead, he has two hands ready for weapons, but only sports a helmet from an AT-DP pilot. I absolutely adore the idea of a character that steals enemy hardware for a variety of reasons - because our collector ilk is represented, and because it makes toys interesting. It's expensive to make new ships - so why not let the good guys steal TIE Fighters and paint on a symbol saying "My other starship is also stolen" on the bumper? I like this line of thought.
He's wearing a suit that is, to say the least, piecemeal. Let's say Punky Brewster meets Star Wars. His right shin seems covered in McQuarrie-inspired Imperial armor, while his left leg seems like normal pants. His orange suit recalls that of the future Rebel pilots, and the vest with sleeves... I have no idea if I should be reading into this one bit. But the back of it has a swell bird-like symbol on it, and I'm surprised Hasbro is going through the trouble to make these figures look good from all angles. We don't get a ton of detail due to the animation style, but it seems the important stuff is all here. His left wrist has a communicator of some sort, with silver buttons and a brown cuff - it's nice. It's real nice.
The helmet is a tight squeeze, but it fits. Actually, it fits Obi-Wan and Kanan more easily, but it will fit over Ezra's ample and wide hair without too much of a fuss. It looks similar to one of the Snowtrooper concept helmets, plus it has a fair amount of black deco and off-white plastic that should keep it looking good in the long term.
The head sculpt matches the TV show renderings I've seen so far, so I'm going to say it's good because I haven't seen it in motion much. The dark black hair feels like it has hints of blue, and the face paint is pretty clean. I couldn't find a bad one in the bunch - the entire case of these looks excellent at the store. I am expecting this figure to be identical to the Saga Legends single-carded version, but we'll have to wait and see to know for sure. Regardless, buy this one - you'll want the bonus Obi-Wan, and the Kanan, so just cave in now and call it a day.
Collector's Notes: As far as I can tell this is the first action figure release for Rebels and potentially the first "stealth" action figure exclusive to hit before a formal announcement in quite some time. Kudos, Hasbro - well done sneaking this one past us. Please consider more introductions like this - I'll buy any multi-pack of upcoming figures with a bonus exclusive figure without a single complaint if they keep coming out before the basic, non-exclusive versions. And for the collectors - as this is the note section - keep in mind that Ezra and Kanan will be packaged individually in just a few weeks for about $6 each. Kanan will also be bundled with the Phantom vehicle at Target.
