Star Wars Figure of the Day: Day 3,319: Padmé Amidala (The Vintage Collection)

PADME AMIDALA That white outfit, before it gets torn
The Vintage Collection 3 3/4-Inch Action Figure
Item No.: Asst. G2611 No. G2612
Manufacturer: Hasbro
Number: #383
Includes: Two blasters, cape
Action Feature: Blaster goes in holster
Retail: $19.99
Availability: January 2026
Appearances: Attack of the Clones

Bio: The brave Padme Amidala fought for peace as Senator of Naboo - but her forbidden marriage to Anakin Skywalker would prove to have dire consequences for the galaxy. (Taken from the figure's cardback, spoiling the picture.)

Image: Adam's photo lab.

Availability: Click here to buy it at eBay now!

Click here to buy it at Amazon now!

Commentary: The $19.99 figure price point does sting a bit, but when Hasbro makes actual all-new figures you can sometimes say "yeah, I can see it." If you compare this 2026 Padme Amidala to the ripped-shirt version from 2002 ($4.99) or the "Droid Factory" version from 2003, which also had the cape, you can see some real changes. The figures in 2002 and 2003 employed 3D scanned likenesses in the product development, with more realistic proportions and face sculpts that looked eerily similar to the real people. Paint hadn't yet caught up, but it was a radical departure from the 1990s where Kenner and Hasbro could capture personality and character, but the likenesses had a ways to go. Those 2002 and 2003 figures started to add articulation, but they were usually still given the same shoulder, neck, and hip swivels as Kenner's originals from 1978-1985.

I bring up the 2002/2003 figures because those things are almost as much of a dinosaur in 2006 as Kenner's original figures were in 2002. We've seen steady improvements in most figure likenesses, and Hasbro has delivered a Natalie Portman likeness that's about the size of a couple of peas with slightly exaggerated deco so real it seems to spit in the eye of life itself. And of course, in 20 years, we'll call this figure garbage because Hasbro will invent something even better. Padme's wig is separately molded, perfectly placed, and a consistent brown. Her eyes glisten a bit, Hasbro gave her a little much eye make-up - but at this size, it helps the peepers pop. The lips are painted pink, and Hasbro even put the smallest, intentional dot on her check for Ms. Portman's mole. Her eyebrows are also excellent. Sure, she's not screaming like the 2003 figure but it's realistic almost to a fault. The 2023 The Retro Collection figure was also very good in its restraint. This figure has none. I'd love to say something snarky here about how the head sculpt somehow doesn't seem worth the $16.99 it was designed at, or the $19.99 it costs because politics. But I can't. It's really something, and it's a shame our eyes are degrading with age so it's harder to appreciate.

And that's just the head. The body feels like it keeps the same basic outfit we've gotten over and over and over, with more articulation. The figure improves on the 2013 The Black Series 3 3/4-inch Padme with Nexu rips [FOTD #3,281], which was also amazing and very similar. I assume Hasbro has been trying to find new ways to make the same basic joints better, and has. The hips swing forward all the way without the belt getting in the way. The knees have a little bit of an overhang, hiding the ring joints. The ankles rock. Her wrists swivel, and her waist joint pivots just behind her belt. The jointing is a massive improvement, better than we'll likely ever need given most previous figures were good enough. But it's the very best, so far at least.

She has two blasters. The small one fits in her holster, the big one doesn't. She can hold it with no real problems. The cape's texture looks incredible, and being plastic it hangs nicely. It limits the poses you as a fan can do in your dioramas, and if I really felt like there were a ton of Attack of the Clones Tatooine dioramas being built that would matter. I assume this figure will mostly stand around on a shelf in a row with other figures, or maybe stay carded. In that respect, it's perfect. The sculptor nailed it, and should be asked to do more plastic versions of cloth things that hang off a figure in the future.

Could the accessories be better? Sure. I'd love them to have included her deleted scene hat/cloak parts, especially given that Qimir got a few more parts in his figure. Most of Padme is molded in color, so the deco budget has got to be lower here - but Hasbro did paint teh blaster grips. That's nice. This is a pretty great example of Hasbro's evolving an action figure from "a thing a kid can afford and play with" to "a collectible for adults to nitpick, photograph, and in some cases store in a box in a storage unit." She's a technical marvel, and like a lot of the women in The Vintage Collection feels like another figure that I could tell you may be one of Hasbro's very best. Most figures are "fine," and this one only gets more and more impressive as you compare her to other previous releases.

Prequel fans or fans of impressive action figures, get one. It exceeds expectations, and is somewhat eerie. Also, Hasbro has shown us just how well they can do a human face now. It makes a few classic figures from last year, like Han and Obi-Wan, look a little worse by comparison. Maybe it's just that her face is more conducive to being reduced in size and cast in plastic, but Hasbro did a great job and I am excited to see what we'll see at Toy Fair this weekend.

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

--Adam Pawlus

Day 3,319: February 12, 2026

Star Wars Figure of the Day: Day 3,281: Padmé Amidala (The Black Series 3 3/4-Inch)

PADME AMIDALA On Geonosis, Nexu Pets You
The Black Series 3 3/4-Inch Action Figure
Item No.: Asst. A5077 No. A5158
Manufacturer: Hasbro
Number: #01
Includes: Battle Droid blaster, Naboo blaster
Action Feature: Working holster
Retail: $9.99
Availability: July 2013
Appearances: Revenge of the Sith  

Bio: Padme Amidala is captured during a mission to Geonosis and must fight for her life in the execution arena. (Taken from the figure's packaging.)

Image: Adam's photo lab.

Availability: Click here to buy it at Amazon now!

Click here to buy it at eBay now!

Commentary: Way back in 2013 I cut back writing these reviews - after 2,000, I wanted to stop, it seemed silly to keep going. And I guess I'm at 3,281, only doing 2 a week most weeks - so there's a lot I could go back and revisit, like Padme Amidala. She came out in 2013 in a wave that was all updates of figures that had already had figures in the past decade, and were basically updates of updates - I was cranky, especially in panel reveals, mostly because what I want as a collector is something I don't have yet. You're not going to get me to applause for another Clone Pilot in 2013, so I was equally grumpy to see them in 2025. It doesn't mean they weren't good - it's just hard to spend hundreds (thousands) of dollars on stuff that you realize isn't going to take your collection to new heights, even if it's an improvement. I'll take a new ewok, barfly, pilot, Jedi, anything that I don't have at home seems like a good time. But Hasbro has done multiple releases of this Padme at 3 3/4-inches, and we got another one coming up in 2026 - or two, or more, who can say?

Speaking with hindsight, I can say that this Padme was, in 2013, interesting. She was a new mold, possibly based on an existing sculpt but unquestionably a new mold with different details on any hypothetical shared parts. They're clearly not from the same mold - but enough elements look similar enough that I wouldn't doubt an old wax sculpt got reworked, or had an alternate version, or something. They're different but seem consistent enough to be from the same hands. This figure is more off-white, rather than brighter white like the Padme figures we got in 2002, 2008, 2007<2024, and others based on those molds too. There are a bunch of these, and they're all pretty great for their time. Heck, the frumpiest one is 2024, and it's still pretty good. The rest all look a lot like Natalie Portman's head and costume, with liberties taken with the body.

For 2013, this was a more or less standard figure with the bells and whistles of the time. She has a working holster, non-rocking ankles, ball-jointed knees, swivel wrists, a perfect mid-torso pivot joint that uses the costume to determine the articulation, bend-and-swivel elbows, and swivel shoulders. Everything is good, except I would complain the bare elbow's ring is the white color instead of skin color. Why they didn't gang mold it with the fists, I don't know - but if you poe her with the elbow bent, you won't notice. That's how she's been on my shelf... for twelve years. I have a bunch of Attack of the Clones figures lined up on risers and haven't touched them since putting them there. She stood, she never fell over. That's good engineering.

The sculpting itself is good, with a costume that doesn't get in the way of the articulation and abs that say "you fat loser, do some sit-ups." In addition to bodyshaming middle-age toy collectors, Padme's joints are perfect to allow her to assume a number of action poses and not fall over. Given the trouble some later figures have with stability from their hip or ankle joints, she's impressive. The paint is also minimal, but good - her face, cuffs, and some of her skin has added pigment. I am especially impressed that she has not discolored, and her hand (molded in flesh) and arm (painted) still match after this much time. The level of detail on the costume - the raised piping, the creases - are all great. They're more pronounced than other Action Jumpsuit 3 3/4-inch figures, but they're nicely defined and her hands have different personality. This one can point! It's a little thing, but it changes up the figure's whole vibe.

Photo printing in 3 3/4-inch figures is a relatively new thing. Before they printed eyes and make-up on the heads, they had paint masks or hand-painted each one to the best of their ability. The factory did a great job here, the eyebrows look decent, the eyes aren't exaggerated much, the lops are fine, and the hair seems good. On her back, she has Nexu claw marks and the requisite blood marks. Also her pants are tight.

This figure may not be up to 2025 standards, what with rocker ankles and ball-and-socket hips with a photo-real face... but she's good. I bet Hasbro's new one will look stunning in 2026 but there's nothing wrong with this old one. She's expensive on the secondary market and generally quite good. If Hasbro didn't have a new one, I'd recommend this one to new fans (at the right price) because it's eerily good at certain angles. Obviously the face painting could be better today, and I think if Hasbro reissued this one with new face deco people would probably say "eh, good enough." I think this was only the third sculpt (but fourth release) of a "torn" costume Padme, and it's the best of them so far.

Philosophical Notes: One of the bigger questions I've had lately is "what does it mean to collect?" If you were collecting toys from or before the 1980s, most toy lines were generally new things that didn't last long. In 1994 there were only a few Optimus Prime toys, and they were all different. Battle Beasts had sticker variants (or Lasers) but they're all pretty distinctive. You could buy one of every Star Wars figure from the original Kenner line and not feel anything was too samey - not so with these today. The shift to collectors has stopped figures from being in circulation for years at a time, and now we're seeing reruns of reruns of reruns - even this Padme was a re-re-remake at her time. No child has had the chance to buy a Padme on a toy shelf in years, and won't when The Vintage Collection one comes out due to price and distribution. It's weird to see how toy collecting has been seeking out weird things on the secondary market, to hunting stores, to ordering online, to upgrading things you probably own and maybe forgot you bought. Presumably the upgrade cycle will continue as technology - and our willingness to pay more - continues to increase, but it's also why I find kid stuff and Retro so charming. It is what it is, and money can't make it better.

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

--Adam Pawlus

Day 3,281: October 2, 2025

Star Wars Figure of the Day: Day 3,208: Padmé Amidala (The Retro Collection)

PADME AMIDALA Kennerized
The Retro Collection 3 3/4-Inch Action Figure
Item No.: No. G0371
Manufacturer: Hasbro
Number: n/a
Includes: Blaster, cape, another 5 figures
Action Feature: n/a
Retail: $59.99
Availability: November 2024
Appearances: Attack of the Clones

Bio: The Star Wars Retro Collection is inspired by the original 1970s Star Wars figures and features original figure design and detailing! Continue your collection from a galaxy far, far away. (Stolen from the marketing copy. 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!

Click here to buy it at eBay now!

Commentary: This The Retro Collection Padme Amidala is very good - some parts almost seem to go above and beyond Kenneryness, while some - presumably as a result of digital sculpting - seem a little weird. I think the personality and pose show massive improvements over other "new" figures, but if I have to nitpick (and I do!) the boots seem off. So you should totally get this figure - and she's better than most old-style figures I see these days.

Let's start with her gear. The cape is really neat, with the elements wrapping above (and under) one another giving the figure a distinctive look I just don't see on other figures. The fuzzy white material reminds me a lot of the 1983 Jedi Knight Luke Skywalker cloak, so I would say Hasbro nailed it. It's not as bulky as the one in the movie, which is kind of amazing - when you do soft goods at this size it's incredibly difficult to make things thin and sturdy that hang well.

Her blaster is all new and more or less perfect for the format. Hasbro de-evolved the design to something simple in a light gray color that seems close to some of the older Kenner blasters. I assume if this were an actual Kenner figure, they might have just tossed her a Battle Droid blaster or an existing Squid Head blaster. This looks better than that, so kudos to Hasbro for doing a good job on something new - but I'd be just as happy with a recycled blaster, given how often Kenner did that.

But how about the figure herself? She's good. I feel like a lot of complaints fans had about Hasbro's other "new" Kenner figures were addressed well. She stands tall, but not stiffly - her back has a curve to it and her head sits forward a bit. Each arm is posed differently, with a slightly bent right arm that can hold a blaster and a mostly straight left arm that is not capable of gripping an accessory. Each arm has a silver band and is incredibly skinny - most Leia figures had arms with a little bulk on them. I think this is better than I would have expected, so nicely done Hasbro. Her torso is smooth and tight, and could probably benefit from a wrinkle or two on the front. The back has some, and the front is just a little too pristine - it doesn't look bad at all, but a little more detail would be nice.

Her legs are posed well and proportioned pretty well, again, they're thinner than we usually got in our human figures. (There were so few women it's not like we have much to compare here.) The boot coloring and proportions seem right, but the boot detail seems a little too perfect. I assume these were sculpted digitally because the straps on the back all seem to be lines that are a little too straight, a little too clean. The ones on the front are so subtle, they feel like a modern figure. Kenner was not known for subtlety, as you can see if you have legit old-school Hoth figures from 1980-1982. There were some deep, exaggerated cuts and this figure is certainly not about that sort of thing.

While her hair is a little light on sculpted detail, the paint is good, and the paint is in the right place. Hasbro did a great job with her pose and accessories, with a face that feels Kenner-appropriate and some sculpted elements that are a tiny bit overcooked - but with the cape, you probably won't even care. I doubt Hasbro will make more figures from Attack of the Clones in this format, but I hope they consider it. Three figures from a movie isn't a collection, it's not even a sneak preview wave. (We got four there!)

Collector's Notes: I got mine from Hasbro Pulse.

--Adam Pawlus

Day 3,208: January 21, 2025

Star Wars Figure of the Day: Day 3,133: Queen Amidala (The Retro Collection)

QUEEN AMIDALA with Better Articulation than the 2000 Figure
The Retro Collection 3 3/4-Inch Action Figure Target 6-Pack
Item No.: No. G0370
Manufacturer: Hasbro
Number: n/a
Includes: Battle Droid, Jar Jar Binks, Qui-Gon Jinn, Darth Maul, and Obi-Wan Kenobi
Action Feature: n/a
Retail: $59.99
Availability: March 2024
Appearances: The Phantom Menace

Bio: The Star Wars Retro Collection is inspired by 1970s Star Wars figures and features original figure design and detailing! Continue your collection from the galaxy far, far away! (Stolen from the marketing copy. Packaging has no bio.)

Image: Adam's photo lab.

Availability: Click here to buy it at eBay now!

Commentary: I had low expectations for Queen Amidala and turned out to be quite impressed. This is probably the most marketed image of the character from the movie's time in theaters 25 years ago, and while we got dolls and toys at Taco Bell, we did not get an action figure until the following year. That Power of the Jedi Queen Amidala (Theed Invasion) [FOTD #3] was more or less a salt shaker with arms, but it was a nice sculpt and a decent looking figure. She couldn't sit, which meant there wasn't a great figure to sit in the throne in the Royal Starship... until now!

Unlike many, many incarnations of the figure, this Queen Amidala can actually sit. The designer of this figure - and if the same person did the others, well, oops - seemed to study the specific elements of actual old figures and incorporate some of them. For example, her left hand can't actually hold anything - much like a lot of Kenner-era Leia figures. The right hand could, but no accessory is included. The legs swing forward really well, and the tabard bends a little - now that's something I don't think Kenner would have done, but the sculpted detail on the leg interiors is something I really dig. You can see rolling fabric, just like the legs on the original mail-away Anakin Skywalker action figure. The eyes and make-up look great, and all of the details are not necessarily beautiful, but mutated. This figure's tabard is all gold, while the previous one was mostly red, and the movie costume was red with gold detailing. Getting it a little bit wrong is trademark Kenner, so I think it worked nicely here.

Sculpted details are pretty good - as usual, the body is a little botoxed with smoothed-out pleats and wrinkles, plus a narrower footprint that can fit in some vehicles. The arms are bowed out a tiny bit in a way I don't quite love, but that's not unusual with modern retro-style figures. The most unusual design element is that she has a collar around her neck, above her shoulders, attached to her tabard. It's sort of like a reverse cape, and is quite clever. I can't name any old figures I've had with quite this sort of bib, though, although figures have had belts or actual cloth aprons. I assume if Kenner did this in the 1970s, it might have been made sort of like a vinyl cape, perhaps Bespin Gown Leia's as it had a printed pattern on it. This solution looks a lot better, and gives the figure a lot more to do than just stand there like a chess piece.

Amidala doesn't quite have the posture of an old-school Kenner figure, nor does she have any sort of real "motion" in her pose like some figures, but she does a better job getting closer to it than a lot of other new guys. Kenner would never have had the hair hanging down the back, or the necktie, but I like thinking that maybe they would have done it this way eventually. She's lighter on sculpted detail with softened sculpted detail compared to a real vintage Kenner figure, but you know what? She's good. If she were an individually sold release I'd recommend picking her up at twelve bucks, and she's my new favorite figure from this set so far. I'd say that I like this figure so much I'd love to see them do a few more, but I can't imagine they'd do an Anakin or C-3PO or Darth Sidious at this point. I can dream, though.

Collector's Notes: I got my set from Target. It was in a pile of stuff on the "Collectibles" shelves without any real indication as to where it should have been.

--Adam Pawlus

Day 3,133: May 14, 2024

Star Wars Figure of the Day: Day 2,789: Queen Amidala (2021 Redux, The Vintage Collection)

QUEEN AMIDALA (Redeco, 2021 reissue)
The Vintage Collection
Item No.: Asst. E5912 No. F1885
Manufacturer: Hasbro
Number: #84 (reissue)
Includes: Blaster
Action Feature: n/a
Retail: $12.99
Availability: February 2021
Appearances: The Phantom Menace

Bio: Padmé Amidala, also known as Padmé Amidala Naberrie, was a human female senator who represented the people of Naboo during the final years of the Galactic Republic. (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: The current era of The Vintage Collection splits its time between repaints - a lot of repaints - and the occasional retool, part-swap, or the even less occasional new release. Queen Amidala is a reissue of a figure from 2012. I was pretty unexcited when I reviewed Queen Amidala [FOTD #1,816] almost nine years ago - and it's pretty much the same figure with new deco. There's not a lot going on here, and the original was just fine. The 2021 version is better and cheaper (when compared to the secondary market), and as Hasbro has selected characters due to things like available tooling and fan interest, it makes sense that we'd see a wide variety of characters that long-time fans have and don't want to buy again.

Gown deco was slightly revised, but the main selling point is the head. Hasbro has done countless really good head sculpts that have been done in by their factory budgeting limits. Sometimes Hasbro would crank out an amazing Anakin sculpt with an off-color skin tone and weird eyes that, in the hands of an artisan, could look excellent. With Padme here, they deployed their fancy printing tech and you can see the dots from the printing around her hairline to give the make-up an added sense of realism. The eyebrows and dots are finer, and the eyes are eerily lifelike. The eyeliner is almost hard to see, but it makes her peepers pop quite nicely. While I am not terribly excited for more reissues, deco like this does show us why Hasbro might want another crack at some of these figures. Sure, it's easy money if the tooling is available, but you also get a nearly perfect likeness on a head the size of a peanut. That's impressive.

The gown was mostly black before, and it's black again. Metallic highlights are a tiny bit sharper and more muted, so you may prefer your original. I like the silver and gold elements a lot, but the figure's sides look more interesting than the front and back. The sleeves are ornate with big patterns painted on them, while the front obfuscates them under the swishing robes of her garments. It's almost a shame she didn't come with some solar-powered base which could spin her around so you could see the design work Trisha Biggar and her team put in on these stunning prequel costumes, but such is life. Also nobody seems to want that.

The first release of this figure was scraping fifty bucks, so I can see why Hasbro thought they should run more. But even if she does look amazing, she's not fun, and in the current era the prequels largely seem unimportant and ignored. As there's no complete program - her wave was something of a grab bag with a TIE Pilot, an Attack of the Clones Anakin, and a Battle Droid, it doesn't seem like a great jumping-on point or a place where buying the full wave seems rewarding. But if you missed her before, and want her now? This is great. I don't assume Hasbro will ever have a need to improve this release because I can't imagine a better head sculpt or deco in the coming decade.

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

--Adam Pawlus

Day 2,789: March 18, 2021

Star Wars Figure of the Day: Day 2,578: Padme Amidala (The Black Series 6-Inch)

PADME AMIDALA 6-Inch Debut
The Force Awakens The Black Series 6-Inch Figure
Item No.: Asst. B3834 No. E4081
Manufacturer: Hasbro
Number: #81
Includes: Pistol hand, rifle hand, cape, pistol, rifle
Action Feature: n/a
Retail: $19.99
Availability: March 2019
Appearances: Attack of the Clones

Bio: Padme Amidala was a courages, hopeful leader, serving as Queen and then Senator of Naboo - and was also handy with a blaster.  Despite her ideals and al she did for the cause of peace, her secret, forbidden marriage to Jedi Anakin Skywalker would prove to have dire consequences for the galaxy.   (Taken from the figure's packaging.)

Image: Adam's photo lab.

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

Click here to buy it at Amazon now!

Commentary:  Run and do not walk to your favorite online store or actual store to get yourself a 6-inch Padme figure.  It has been six years since The Black Series 6-inch figures debuted, and this is the very first Padme Amidala in any costume.  I would say she's worth the wait - the posture seems to match that of Natalie Portman, with exceptional range of movement in the elbows. 

Oh, and check the face printing. There can still be blemishes. Unfortunately.

The cape slides over the head - no decapitation necessary - and she has two different right hands depending on which blaster you prefer to use.   Both weapons have painted highlights and/or scuffing - they didn't cheap out here.  The texture on the cape is amazing, and the belt is loose enough to swivel around.  My only gripe on this figure is that both right hands are preposterously loose - it might just be my sample, but they just sort of fall with gravity.  For an exceptional figure with amazing articulation and a sculpt that hides most of her 29 points of articulation I assume we'd always find something off, but the gun hand being loose is a real bummer.  They did such a good job making sure she could hold her blasters!

This is a good wave, and I was wondering why Hasbro would double down on her in the case - it turns out it's because she's dang near perfect.   I assume a Nexu Damage variant has to be under consideration, but at least we got this one with all the gear first.  For whatever reason, Hasbro has done a generally good job getting Natalie Portman's face pretty close to the mark and this may be one of the best.  It's a pity there's no matching Anakin or Obi-Wan to go with her yet, but perhaps Hasbro will have something to announce in the near future.  After all, they're going to have to put out something in absence of new movies.

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

--Adam Pawlus

Day 2,578: April 18, 2019

Star Wars Figure of the Day: Day 1,877: Queen Amidala

QUEEN AMIDALA Royal Decoy
Power of the Jedi Collection 2
Item No.: Asst. 84455 No. 84657
Manufacturer: Hasbro
Number: n/a
Includes: n/a
Action Feature: n/a
Retail: $5.99-$6.99
Availability: Fall 2001
Appearances: The Phantom Menace

Bio:  As the Trade Federation plan to invade peaceful Naboo unfolds, Queen Amidala must appeal to the Senate for help. In times of danger, the handmaidens serve as secret bodyguards by posing as the Queen, such as on her way to the Galactic Senate on Coruscant, in which Sabe served as the dependable and nonchalant decoy for the Queen.   (Taken from the figure's cardback.)

Image: Adam's photo dump.

Star Wars Figure of the Day: Day 1,841: Queen Amidala

QUEEN AMIDALA  Zip-Line Backpack!
Discover the Force Movie Heroes Basic Figures
Item No.: Asst. 36563 No.  36572  
Manufacturer: Hasbro
Number: #MH17
Includes: Blaster, backpack
Action Feature: Zip-line backpack
Retail: $8.99
Availability: February 2012
Appearances: The Phantom Menace

Bio:  Queen Amidala fights to free Naboo from the invading Trade Federation forces. Disguised as one of her handmaidens, the queen infiltrates the Theed Royal Palace. She uses a zip-line to ascend the outer walls of the palace and reach the throne room, in an attempt to capture Viceroy Nute Gunray, the leader of the Trade Federation.  (Taken from the figure's box.)

Image: Adam's photo area.

Star Wars Figure of the Day: Day 1,816: Queen Amidala

QUEEN AMIDALA  Yet Another Black Dress
The Vintage Collection Basic Figures
Item No.: Asst. 37499 No.  37504  
Manufacturer: Hasbro
Number: #VC84
Includes: Blaster
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' closet.

Commentary:  As we wind down-- I'm assuming we're winding down-- it's kind of interesting to see how some things are just a little less exciting.  Genuinely new and different characters are rarer and rarer, so when we got a wave of 12 Phantom Menace figures it was nice to see that 3 of them were all-new characters and another 3 were significantly different takes on existing characters and troops to the point where it is, without question, a different figure.  Queen Amidala is one of the latter, the obligatory new Natalie Portman figure that's different and new but you may or may not care.   Back in 1999, ornate gowns were a novelty in this line and statistically, they still are.  But what am I supposed to do?  It's like I checked a box on a list.  Yes, this outfit has never been made before and Hasbro was cool enough to add super-articulated arms on what is effectively a pepper shaker of a body, but that doesn't mean that there's fun to be had with this figure beyond her standing and gesturing.  The sculpt is good.  The head sculpt is one of the better Padme heads, and I appreciate the blaster.  Heck, the gown is really nicely done with lots of nice texture and some great silver and gold paint bringing it to life.

There's no question that this is a good figure, but unfortunately it leaves me feeling empty.  "Now what?"  I know there's a small group asking for all of Padme's gowns-- but after 17 years, the fanbase is big enough where there's at least a few dozen people excited to get pretty much everything.  I'm not one of them.  Even though the vast majority of TVC figures feel like new takes on things we already bought, they're still a lot more fun than Queen Amidala as toys go.  Luke is loaded with fun gear, Lando has so much stuff it almost makes you forget he's supposed to be black.   But the Queen?  This is a figure that probably would have been about 20% more exciting as a non-Vintage release.  The higher price point, reduced packaging footprint, and the lack of bonus gear associated with said smaller footprint just makes her a lot less exciting than a brand-new sculpt figure should be.  Get her if you like the outfit-- it's a nice outfit-- but if you're at a point in your collecting career where you just know some figures are going to go on a shelf (or worse, in a box) after purchase you might just want to consider letting this one go and blowing $10 on another line.   (Two words: Bot Shots.)   No offense to the people who worked on this-- you people did and continue to do excellent work-- it's just that it's so hard to pretend to care that yet another salt shaker Natalie Portman figure is remotely interesting.  The Peasant Disguise figure had way more going for it, and that's probably $4 or $5 at T.J. Maxx right now.

Collector's Notes: You shouldn't have too much trouble finding her, and I'd almost suggest waiting for clearance here.  The rest of the wave is pretty fun, this one is the biggest snooze of the batch.  When the rest of the wave is packed with Jedi, Sith, and aliens, it's hard to compete though.   No offense if you're a fan of this figure, either, it's just... eh.  Boredom.

--Adam Pawlus

Day 1,816: May 30, 2012

Star Wars Figure of the Day: Day 1,595: Padme Amidala

PADME AMIDALA Naboo Senator
30th Anniversary Collection Basic Figures
Item No.: Asst. 87500 No. 87458
Number: #3056
Includes: Glass, scarf thing, shawl, coin (or stand)
Action Feature: Removable shawl, scarf
Retail: $6.99
Availability: November 2007
Appearances: Attack of the Clones

Bio: After Padme's life is threatened, she is placed under the protection of the Jedi Knights to ensure her safety. Anakin escorts Padme back to her homeworld of Naboo, where the two rekindle their friendship -- and begin to fall in love. Padme is delighted by Anakin's playful use of the Force during a quiet meal they share together. (Taken from the figure's packaging.)

Image: Adam Pawlus' old desk.

Commentary: Back in 2002, when fans heard George Lucas designed some weird sexy leather dress for Natalie Portman fans went "wow, neat!" In 2007 we got this Padme Amidala figure and well, it's obviously based on the likeness of Natalie Portman but it's not particularly pretty. The sculpt is more or less there, and I think this is a time we can blame deco-- she needs paint on her face, be it additional color to bring out the flesh or some form of colorful make-up to really sell the onlooker as to who this is supposed to be. The dress is basically fine though, and the tiara is well... I don't get it. But I don't get hoop earrings or nose piercings either. The texture on her costume is quite good, a feathery shawl tops off a leathery gown with lots of sculpted detail. Hasbro gave her no articulation below the waist-- her legs are basically just one piece-- but she has ball-jointed shoulders and elbows plus swivel wrists, a swivel waist, and the ever-popular ball-jointed neck. In terms of engineering, Hasbro did this one right-- sure they could have made her dress out of cloth, but odds are it wouldn't look nearly as good.

This is a nice figure, and I'm sure a good customizer could do a great job bringing her portrait to life with some paint. Or Hasbro, if they'd reissue it, and I'll bet they never will.

Collector's Notes: Basically worthless. You should be able to get one for $5 or less. There's also a variation-- the 2007 release had a coin, the 2008 release had a display stand. Most figures from 1995-2008 are pretty much worth retail or less.

--Adam Pawlus

Day 1,595: July 26, 2011

Star Wars Figure of the Day: Day 1,527: Padme Amidala

PADME AMIDALA Peasant Disguise
The Vintage Collection Basic Figures
Item No.: Asst. 97568 No. 24992
Manufacturer: Hasbro
Number: VC33
Includes: Pistol, headdress, other headdress
Action Feature: n/a
Retail: $7.99-$10.99
Availability: January 2011
Appearances: Attack of the Clones

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 Fore be with you! (Taken from the figure's packaging. There is no bio.)

Image: My kitchen, on a G.I. Joe diorama box. I spare no expense.

Commentary: While not a highly-requested costume, Hasbro did a great job recreating Padme Amidala in her "peasant disguise." I find it funny that this qualifies as a peasant disguise, because it looks pretty damned ornate for the kind of garb you'd expect on a refugee or the lower class. According to Hasbro, the creation of this figure resulted in a bit of archival weirdness-- she wears one headdress in the movie, but the official costume photography shows another. So what is the solution? Produce and include both. (This is the correct answer, and one I hope Hasbro arrives at more often in the future.)

The figure itself is fairly ornate-- the face paint is good, and the scarf is sculpted as part of the head. The yellow headdress is removable, and a second one has been included as well. Her arms are fully jointed, and from the waist down she's basically a pepper shaker with no meaningful movement. Hasbro did sculpt legs and pants underneath, though, so that's good. The gown is covered in fine detail, with sculpted and painted accents bringing the fabric to life. To add more heft to the figure, they even included some cloth elements to make her appear slightly less stiff. All in all, a great job on a figure you probably didn't want to buy. It's nice to see this kind of effort go into a figure like this, not just because I appreciate quality but because it also means Hasbro will probably never have a reason to revisit this figure in this costume. She even has a gun, although I don't suppose you'll need it.

Collector's Notes: Like the rest of the figures from her wave, she's packed at 1-per-box. So far, it seems she sells fairly quickly so there's no real danger of her becoming a pegwarmer at this time.

--Adam Pawlus

Day 1,527: April 21, 2011

Star Wars Figure of the Day: Day 1,498: Padme Amidala

PADME AMIDALA Evolutions - Episode II
The Legacy Collection Evolutions
Item No.: Asst. 87874 No. 87601
Manufacturer: Hasbro
Number: n/a
Includes: Additional figures, cloak, shawl, hood, blaster
Action Feature: n/a
Retail: $24.99
Availability: July 2008
Appearances: Attack of the Clones

Bio: Padme devoted her life to the people of Naboo and became a key figure in the dramatic events that changed the galaxy. Her courage and compassion deeply affected those around her, and was the pivotal legacy she gave to her children, Luke and Leia. While Queen of Naboo, Padme stood up against the Trade Federation’s siege of her planet. As a Senator, Padme fought to keep the Republic from falling into war. Her last act was to give birth to the twins who would fulfill her legacy by restoring peace to the galaxy. (Taken from the figure's cardback.)

Image: On my old desk.

Commentary: Hasbro cranked out a few versions of this Padme Amidala costume as a figure so far, this one is the most comprehensive and includes materials from a deleted scene. The hood and shawl are really the big-deal new parts, but it's also worth noting that the figure is a new super-articulated sculpt with a decent likeness. The white outfit isn't riddled with wrinkles, but has enough going on with it that it looks more like a real costume in a tiny size and less like a small plastic figure. With a working holster, it's pretty impressive and arguably one of the better Padme figures in recent years since it just isn't a girl in a dress that can't sit down. No, this one can be posed and actually looks pretty decent-- arguably the best of the Padme figures of this outfit so far, if not one of the best Natalie Portman toys you can buy of any kind. Easily worth tracking down, but if you're a betting man, you might see her at retail again some day. So don't overpay, but do track down.

Collector's Notes: A poor seller, this set could be had cheaply. As an added bonus, this figure was later sold individually on a regular retail card in The Legacy Collection.

--Adam Pawlus

Day 1,498: March 11, 2011

Star Wars Figure of the Day: Day 1,435: Queen Amidala

QUEEN AMIDALA Yet Another Gown
The Legacy Collection Basic Figures
Item No.: Asst. 87535 No. 92884
Manufacturer: Hasbro
Number: #BD08
Includes: Blaster, droid part
Action Feature: n/a
Retail: $24.99
Availability: Septmeber 2009
Appearances: The Phantom Menace

Bio: The queen returns to Naboo to free the planet from the clutches of the ruthless Trade Federation. Amidala hopes to enlist the aid of the native Gungans to fight the Federation and its large battle droid army. (Taken from the figure's cardback.)

Image: Adam Pawlus' TV tray.

Commentary: The Queen Amidala wardrobe was extensive-- Padme had so many costumes from the first prequel that we're still getting figures ten years later. Hasbro seemed to have nailed how many they should make to ensure sales, and this figure did just fine in most markets. Essentially a statue with super-poseable arms, this purple costume appeared on the big screen and apparently struck enough of a chord for Hasbro to give us a toy of it. And here it is. Aren't you thrilled?

There aren't a ton of figures from Episode I that fans were itching for, but there always seems to be a steady, non-specific stream of requests for more action figures of Natalie Portman in increasingly ornate gowns. They don't have a lot of play, but hey, at least they're prettier than another trooper repaint. The figure has deco appropriate to the outfit, with the makeup on the face, the purple hair thing, a brownish gown, and very little leg articulation. This figure is about as much fun in the package as it is out of the package, mostly because all she can do is stand. Her legs may be uneven-- your samples may vary-- and she can gesture with her hands if you're so inclined. The blaster is a nice bonus, but this figure is diorama filler more than anything else. For fans, I think you'll like this. If you buy her just to complete your L8-L9, I think you'll be OK with that too. As a separate unique figure, she's not terrible thrilling. Perfectly well-done but, well, even the most awesome version of this character in this costume can only be so cool.

Collector's Notes: This was not a highly demanded figure, and eBay proves this-- she goes for about four bucks before shipping. That's a level of indifference you don't see much for a reasonably new, short-run release. Loose samples, I believe people will pay you to take away. Odd, as it's a quality product just not an exciting one. (Hey, just like most of 2010 vintage! I kid. [Not really, it's been a slow year for movie.])

--Adam Pawlus

Day 1,435: December 14, 2010

Figure of the Day: Day 1,298: Queen Amidala

PADME AMIDALA Evolutions - Episode I
The Legacy Collection Evolutions
Item No.: Asst. 87874 No. 87601
Manufacturer: Hasbro
Number: n/a
Includes: Additional figures
Action Feature: n/a
Retail: $24.99
Availability: July 2009
Appearances: Revenge of the Sith

Bio: Padme devoted her life to the people of Naboo and became a key figure in the dramatic events that changed the galaxy. Her courage and compassion deeply affected those around her, and was the pivotal legacy she gave to her children, Luke and Leia. While Queen of Naboo, Padme stood up against the Trade Federation’s siege of her planet. As a Senator, Padme fought to keep the Republic from falling into war. Her last act was to give birth to the twins who would fulfill her legacy by restoring peace to the galaxy. (Taken from the figure's cardback.)

Image: Adam Pawlus' desk.

Commentary: Since 1999 fans have observed that Queen Amidala figures were in short supply, relative to her many costumes at least. In 2008 and 2009 Hasbro cranked out a few new ones, and this Episode I release was one of those. Sure, it was in the movie for like a scene, but it was a swell costume and now you have it as an action figure. Since her legs are wrapped in a robe, there isn't much need for leg movement. There are ball elbows and swivel wrists, but really, on a figure like this does it even matter? I appreciate the extra work Hasbro did here, but they already provided figure fans with a great sculpt. The added articulation doesn't do much to add to it other than insure the people who complain about joints can't point at it and say "Hasbro didn't do a good job here!" If anything, this is a case of too much figure-- they did a great job overproducing what should have been, essentially, a statue. It's great that they put in little details like the sleeves which hang down, the top-notch face paint, and all these little folds and creases in the dress. But the extra arm joints? Almost too much. It's great that Hasbro included them, and that's why this is one of their great recent figures. If you like the character, this is a great figure to own, and since it's part of an assortment that ultimately saw more production than necessary it's very likely to be had cheaply.

Collector's Notes: Likely still available at a slower store near you, the set is good, but didn't do well. This is one of those cases where Hasbro basically made a set of things fans specifically asked for, and we didn't exactly buy the numbers they expected. As such, well, that's all for Evolutions. The set is indeed worth picking up for $15 or less, even $25 or less. I figure that in the distant future I'll be able to point this out as one of those great things that happened which well always be sorry didn't continue. It's too bad the Evolutions line quickly descended into repackaged figures with the odd repaint.

--Adam Pawlus

Day 1,298: June 4, 2010

Figure of the Day: Day 1,282: Padme Amidala

PADME AMIDALA Ambush on Ilum
The Anniversary Collection Target Exclusive Battle Pack
Item No.: No. 87213
Manufacturer: Hasbro
Number: n/a
Includes: Removable cloth cloak, blaster
Action Feature: n/a
Retail: $19.99
Availability: January 2007
Appearances: Clone Wars

Bio: The frigid ice world of Ilum was one of the most sacred locations of Jedi power in the Republic. Nearly every Jedi made a pilgrimage there at least once during their training to receive visions in the Force-rich caves and construct a first lightsaber. The Jedi temple there was subject to a vicious Separatist attack that might have dealt irreparable damage to the Jedi Order had it not been for the timely intervention of Padme Amidala. (Taken from the figure's packaging.)

Image: Adam's yard.

Commentary: Since her appearance in The Clone Wars, Padme Amidala has been on a short list of figures fans wanted from that animated series. Hasbro wasn't exactly known for newly-tooled figures in their exclusives at this point in the line's history, so it was a bit of a surprise that they actually up and did one. She looks more like an idealized "Padme" than Natalie Portman, but it basically looks like a good action-posed figure good for standing and shooting at things, and little else.

Thankfully a super-articulated version would come out in 2008, but seriously, who ever expected to get this one twice? She only has eight points of articulation, and the hood sits sorta funny on her noggin. Those wrist joints are good for positioning her aim, but not for much else. Hey, it looks decent enough, and fans of Padme or the Expanded Universe should add this set to their stash. Of course, I'd advise you to buy everything based on that Clone Wars series.

Collector's Notes: This Battle Pack is basically worthless. So get it for cheap and love it! The whole set should cost you $10 or less these days.

--Adam Pawlus

Day 1,282: May 13, 2010

Figure of the Day: Day 1,192: Padme Amidala Naboo Pilot

PADME AMIDALA Coruscant Attack
Saga Collection 2
Item No.: Asst. 84851 No. 84904
Manufacturer: Hasbro
Number: #0241
Includes: Exploding radar, blaster, helmet
Action Feature: Push button for quick-draw action
Retail: $4.99
Availability: Fall 2002
Appearances: Attack of the Clones

Bio: Senator Amidala, the former Queen of Naboo, returns to Coruscant to vote on the critical issue of creating an army of the Republic to assist the overwhelmed Jedi. As her Naboo Cruiser arrives, an explosion tears apart the ship. Fortunately, Padme, disguised as a Naboo pilot, eludes danger, but her decoy Corde, disguised as Senator Amidala, was not as lucky. (Taken from the figure's packaging.)

Image: Adam's yard.

Commentary: She's a pilot! One of the great things about Star Wars is that they have the foresight to give the female lead something to do other than look hot and/or wear a dress, so this Padme Amidala figure is an honest-to-goodness action figure. She's a pilot, so you can put her in your Naboo Fighter. This means she has a removable helmet, too. Her blaster plugs into her belt, and the articulation is pretty good. She even has an exploding piece of scenery to simulate the assassination attempt. Really, this is one of Hasbro's finer figures in the Saga-era, because Hasbro hit it right on the nose.

The head sculpt is good, but the deco on the face is iffy. The rest of the costume is pretty much perfect, it's almost a shame there aren't too many more female pilots from Attack of the Clones to do because this one would be a great place to start several other figures. Ah well. As Padme figures go this is probably the best in terms of toy qualities, to snag her if you can.

Collector's Notes: Plans existed for her to be in a Kay-Bee exclusive gift set with a Naboo Fighter, but these were wisely put on hold when someone realized that putting out a figure that exists with a ship that exists is a pretty lame collectible item. Gift set, sure, but unless you're a sucker for package variant vehicles, it's a real drag. The figure was released just once, and the demand isn't what you might call big.

--Adam Pawlus

Day 1,192: January 7, 2010

Figure of the Day: Day 1,158: Queen Amidala

QUEEN AMIDALA Battle) with Ascension Gun
Episode I Collection 2
Item No.: Asst. 84095 No. 84273
Manufacturer: Hasbro
Number: n/a
Includes: Grapple gun, CommTech chip base
Action Feature: n/a
Retail: $6.99
Availability: Spring 2000
Appearances: The Phantom Menace

Bio: Cornered in the Theed palace by battle droids, Queen Amidala and her entourage escape through a palace window. Using ascension guns, the heroes are pulled up to the throne room level to challenge the Viceroys for control of the palace. (Taken from the figure's packaging.)

Image: Adam's back yard.

Commentary: In the early days of the prequels, Hasbro wasn't shy about cranking out numerous Queen Amidala figures. It has since slowed down a bit, but in the first year there were about 4 figures based on Natalie Portman's character, two of which were basically the same. This figure wears the same costume as one released in 1999, but now it has a cloth dress piece ("soft goods"), a neck with an added joint to allow her to look up as she aims her gun, and a redesigned body to better work as an action-packed wall climber. The purple and gold outfit has all the detail you might expect, and the head sculpt is pretty good for its day. Sure, Hasbro could do better, but they haven't revisited any of the outfits from Episode I that have already been done as of this figure, and it seems unlikely that they ever will. As one of very few Natalie Portman figures with the ability to sit, she's probably worth picking up. Particularly if you have a Flash Speeder vehicle in need of butts to put in the seats.

Collector's Notes: This figure was surprisingly tough to get in 2000, and hasn't been in circulation since. She continues to have a high asking price, but nobody seems to be paying for it.

--Adam Pawlus

Day 1,158: November 20, 2009