Star Wars Figure of the Day: Day 2,030: Boss

BOSS Republic Commando Delta Squad
The Saga Collection Shared Exclusive
Item No.: No. 87269
Manufacturer: Hasbro
Number: n/a
Includes: Blaster, backpack, 6 other action figures
Action Feature: n/a
Retail: $33.99-$39.99
Availability: December 2006
Appearances: Star Wars: Republic Commando

Bio:      Known to his men as "Boss," Three-Eight doesn't talk much, except to bark out orders in a voice that carries over the fiercest artillery barrage.  (Taken from the figure's box.)

Image: Adam's desk.

Commentary: It may not seem fathomable today, but back in 2006 the idea of new and interesting Clone Trooper figures based on video games was exciting, uncharted new ground.  By 2013 we got three versions of Republic Commando Boss, but this was the very first version of the chief of Delta Squad.  Hasbro made the entire team by reusing its Scorch mold, and the item was a shared exclusive between a few online accounts.  As such,  you could grab it basically anywhere that wasn't Walmart, Kmart, Toys R Us, Target, and a long-forgotten chain called Kay-Bee Toys.  They used to be in malls.  Malls were these buildings you could go to and buy things like shoes or books or an Orange Julius while seeing girls that would never, ever give you their phone numbers while you and your buddies for some ungodly reason went to see "Carpool" starring Tom Arnold and underrated character actor David Paymer.  Oh, good times.

Fan complaints are pretty much what drives the internet, and these early Commando figures received their fair share mostly due to the lower-than-anticipated articulation tally.  Scorch had only 10 joints, so his brothers did as well - no knees, no ankles, and the shoulders could only swivel.  Some fans found this abhorrent, others shrugged and went on with their day.  Considering it was about $35 for 7 figures ($5 per figure) I didn't have much reason to complain, a single figure in 2006 was about $6.99 normally and frankly I didn't expect this figure to ever occupy a vehicle anyway.  (Since I got it, it never has sat in a ship.)

With a bright blue visor and orange-striped armor, Boss was a striking release and to this day, still looks awesome standing around holding his gun.  The oversized blaster is modeled after the video game Star Wars: Republic Commando, and his backpack is shared with Sev... minus a piece.  This figure also has more intense mud on his boots plus a black outline around his visor, which I prefer.  The light, white scrapes also seem more pronounced on this earlier release, but the gun's lack of scuffing and the figure's lack of leg joints may give the later version of Boss a slight edge.  I hesitate to declare any of the versions as the big winner, because each has its own unique benefits, which is a nice way of saying Hasbro never did completely top this figure from nearly seven years ago.

Collector's Notes: The set, in the box, is awesome as you get a video game background inserted in a quasi-vintage The Saga Collection box.  It's a beautiful display piece with several unique figures, and may be priced accordingly.  It was as high as $100 over the last few years, but I'm seeing them sell for closer to $60 and I gotta say $60 is pretty good for the entire package.

--Adam Pawlus

Day 2,030: March 26, 2013

Star Wars Figure of the Day: Day 1,469: Geonosian Warrior

GEONOSIAN WARRIOR Republic Commando Delta Squad
The Saga Collection Shared Exclusive
Item No.: No. 87269
Manufacturer: Hasbro
Number: n/a
Includes: Blaster, 6 other action figures
Action Feature: n/a
Retail: $33.99-$39.99
Availability: December 2006
Appearances: Star Wars: Republic Commando

Bio: Though they lack ranged weaponss, they have the ability to fly, giving them an acute advantage on an open battlefield, and their powerful force pikes can kill with a single blow. (Taken from the figure's packaging.)

Image: Adam Pawlus' kitchen.

Commentary: While at first glance it would seem that this Geonosian Warrior is just a repack of the 2002 figure, well, you'd be wrong. Based on the unfinished "nude" design of the alien, this figure repaints that first 2002 offering in a less metallic, more toy-like coloring with similar-but-different colors. His green eyes stand out as being different, and he is really good at holding on to that giant sonic blaster. The figure has spindly limbs and a mere 6 points of articulation (plus articulated wings), but he has absolutely no problems carrying that big stupid gun which was released quite a while after the figure made its original carded debut.

As a spindly figure, be careful storing him if you open the boxed set-- his limbs could become distorted over time, and the same can be said with his weapon. His awkward pose is actually ideal for standing upright without a display stand, aside from the fact that he lacks the armor seen in the movies this is a top-notch trooper. Sometimes simple works, and considering his role in life is basically to be beaten on by Clone Commando figures, it's not like this is a figure that needed to be anything too special. Which is good, because it certainly isn't too special. Separated from the set, you probably wouldn't give it a second look-- but as part of the collection? It's not too bad... just a little more naked than I'd prefer.

Collector's Notes: The price of this set continues to climb-- after a successful run at about $34, it now commands $70-$120 on eBay. Individual clones can get $30. As such, be careful when making a purchase, and be wary of future toy announcements at all times now-- Hasbro has hinted more than once they may redo these four figures, meaning you should probably not buy them as soon as that announcement comes down. It takes a long time for prices to depreciate as (surprisingly) it takes a long time for fans to catch on when their toy has just been devalued. So even IF a new set is announced, I'd expect it to be 2-6 months for the original set's price to go back down, given how similar items have behaved in the past. Or, you could just wait for the newer and probably better set that may or may not happen some day.

--Adam Pawlus

Day 1,469: January 31, 2011

Figure of the Day: Day 1,460: Scorch

SCORCH Republic Commando
The Saga Collection Basic Figures
Item No.: Asst. 85770 No. 85987
Manufacturer: Hasbro
Number: #021
Includes: Stand, backpack, hip ammo, holographic mini figure, blaster
Action Feature: n/a
Retail: $6.99
Availability: Spring 2006
Appearances: Republic Commando

Bio: When the battle begins on Geonosis, clone trooper Scorch is ordered to engage the Separatist droid army. Scorch's Delta number is Six-Two, but he is well known for his humorous mishaps. Although he is a competent soldier and an excellent explosives technician, "Scorch" earned his nickname after an ordnance accident that left him without eyebrows for a short time. (Taken from the figure's packaging.)

Image: Adam Pawlus' desk.

Commentary: What Hasbro says and what actually sells regarding the Expanded Universe is tough to reconcile-- we're told these aren't popular figures, but then you rarely saw Scorch, Darth Malak, and so many others hang on the pegs more than once if at all. This particular Clone proved so popular that despite fan complaints regarding articulation, it consistently sold through and was quickly redecorated and repackaged as part of a boxed set with the entire Clone Trooper Delta Squad commando team. This is a true success.

Scorch was produced in 2006, when not all figures were expected to be super articulated just yet but most were approaching that level of detail. With 10 joints, and non-ball-jointed shoulders, many fans saw him as a disappointment even though all he's likely to ever do is stand around and aim his gun, which he could do without too much trouble. Had Hasbro not released a super-articulated clone in 2005, odds are people would have been more accepting of his unjointed knees and ankles, but well, we have high expectations. The figure matches his Xbox appearance nicely, plus a good amount of dirt adds a little life to this armored release. Back in 2006, he was a Big Deal and proved difficult to find, that is until the boxed set with him and his brothers.

Collector's Notes: The individually carded Scorch and the one in the Delta Squad boxed set are effectively identical, with minor changes so small I don't consider them unique. If you have one, aside from the missing display stand in the boxed set, you're good to go. You should have no problem getting the individually carded version (which sports an awesome Xbox-inspired backdrop) for $5-$10, although the complete boxed set of Delta Squad may be closer to $80. (It started life at about $40.) Good hunting!

--Adam Pawlus

Day 1,460: January 18, 2011

Star Wars Figure of the Day: Day 1,411: Obi-Wan Kenobi

OBI-WAN KENOBI Battle of Coruscant
The Saga Collection
Item No.: Asst. 85770 No. 85945
Manufacturer: Hasbro
Number: #28 or #TVC16
Includes: Lightsaber hilt, lightsaber, cloth cloak, display base (2010 release drops base, has pilot gear)
Action Feature: n/a
Retail: $6.99
Availability: Spring 2006
Appearances: Revenge of the Sith

Bio: The Jedi Knights ordered to rescue Palpatine have suddenly crash-landed on Grievous' flagship. In an amazing display of Force knowledge and athleticism, Obi-Wan Kenobi ejects from his starfighter, swoops through the air and cuts down dozens of battle droids with his lightsaber. As he and Anakin Skywalker battle through the ship, they defeat the evil Count Dooku, rescue the Chancellor and barely land back on Coruscant in time for a heroes' welcome. (Taken from the figure's packaging.)

Image: Adam's kitchen. The loose figure is the 2006 release, the carded one is the 2010 Vintage release.

Commentary: If you're going to reuse a mold, reuse a good one. The 2006 Obi-Wan Kenobi from Revenge of the Sith improved on an already great figure, adding cloth robes which allow the figure to look like he doesn't know how to hire a good tailor. On the bright side, they do allow the figure to sit or engage in actions of some sort while wearing them, and that's a huge plus. The figure has 14 points of articulation and his lower plastic robes are flexible enough that you should be able to get him into a ship with minimal problems. The sculpt is pretty good, as Hasbro gave the figure a good range of movement and the clothing shows a fair amount of detail. The head is a decent likeness, and you'll notice some very subtle greying to the sides of his hair. There's not much Hasbro could really do to improve the figure's appearance short of finding some plastic that just happens to make it look a tiny bit better, so it's reasonable to see this release on the market again.

Since it looks good and plays well-- his lightsaber hilt plugs into his belt nicely, for example-- you really ought to get some version of this figure. There are several-- this is about as good as any, depending on which accessories you want and how much you want to pay for it. I'd say there's no harm in picking up this one if you're so inclined.

Collector's Notes: This mold is one of Hasbro's most reused. It started out as a "Pilot" Obi-Wan in 2005, and this version in 2006 was the second take on it, now with a cloth cloak. The 2010 Vintage release builds on the 2006 version, adding the communicator gear from the 2005 release but dropping the stand. Given the prices, the 2006 version may be a better bet. A 2008 version of this mold added hip articulation and a newly sculpted head. It is not known why that version wasn't made for the 2010 Vintage release since it is arguably Hasbro's most advanced. There are other figures that use this mold, but I don't have all day.

--Adam Pawlus

Day 1,411: November 10, 2010

Star Wars Figure of the Day: Day 1,408: Hem Dazon (Arcona)

HEM DAZON Cantina Alien
The Saga Collection Basic Figures
Item No.: Asst. 85770 No. 86790
Manufacturer: Hasbro
Number: #033
Includes: Glass, blaster, table, display stand
Action Feature: n/a
Retail: $6.99
Availability: Summer 2006
Appearances: Star Wars

Bio: Hem Dazon, one of the more infamous reptile-like Arconas, is enjoying a drink at the Mos Eisley cantina when trouble suddenly erupts. An old Jedi Knight and a young boy suddenly tangle with two "wanted" men. Using a lightsaber, the Jedi Knight disables both men rather quickly. Being accustomed to outbursts like this at the cantina, Hem settles himself after the skirmish and goes about his business. (Taken from the figure's box.)

Image: Adam's Cantina diorama.

Commentary: The first alien we encountered at the Mos Eisley Cantina was Hem Dazon. Hem Dazon was a head on a stick-- there was no outfit there, Hasbro got to fabricate one. (Galoob did the same thing in the late 1990s.) As such, there's a good reason this character may look a little more modern than his siblings, as Hasbro got the benefit of referencing nearly 30 years of creature design before selecting this specific outfit and unique leg structure which rumor has it was inspired by existing Expanded Universe sources, but I'm not so sure about that. It's a nice design, but he looks a little more formal than the approved backstory would have me believe given the dude's supposedly a junkie and not some sort of military or police person. Maybe he's an intergalactic FedEx guy.

The design itself is mostly pretty good as a toy, but falls apart in the legs. These weird designs aren't conducive to long-term standing and it's not unusual to see him sag, tipping over forward ever so slightly with time and heat. As such, be careful if you plan on keeping him out long-term. There's a great amount of detail in the exposed skin, wrinkly skin has mutiple colors on it to bring it to life nicely. Even the eyes are really swell, gold with a hint of green-- again, this references the back story of his species being addicted to salt. With 12 points of articulation it's a pretty good release, and if you're careful you can pose him on a bar stool, too. Unfortunately, standing up is a little more important, and that's not exactly his finest skill-- unless you live in a really cold climate, in which case he might be just fine. (Heat softens plastic just a little and may be all a figure needs to tip over if unattended to for a few weeks at a time. It's rare, but it happens in some figures.)

Collector's Notes: There's a variant in the glass-- some have an opaque blue glass, while others are clear. Neither is more desirable. The figure has never been reissued and this is the only Hasbro toy of Hem Dazon to exist at press time. Given sales of minor Cantina aliens, this will likely be its only release. He goes for below SRP in most cases, so don't feel like you need to overpay for this one.

--Adam Pawlus

Day 1,408: November 5, 2010

Figure of the Day: Day 1,328: Darth Vader

DARTH VADER Hoth Redux
The Saga Collection Basic Figures
Item No.: Asst. 85770 No. 85933
Manufacturer: Hasbro
Number: #013
Includes: Lightsaber, cape, helmet, stand
Action Feature: n/a
Retail: $6.99
Availability: March 2006
Appearances: The Empire Strikes Back

Bio: The Dark Lord of the Sith is obsessed with finding the young Rebel who destroyed the Death Star. Vader and his master are certain that this boy is the offspring of Anakin Skywalker. Following up on a probe droid lead, Vader quickly identifies the Rebel base on Hoth but arrives too late, as the last of the Rebels flee Echo Base in the Millennium Falcon. (Taken from the figure's packaging.)

Image: Adam Pawlus' kitchen.

Commentary: At some point Hasbro decided that you need to own this Darth Vader figure. The body mold has been sold in so many configurations that if you bought all the variations, you would probably have a pretty sizable collection. (More on that below.) With 14 points of articulation, it's pretty good. It's also unique in that the knee joint is a sort of Revoltech-esque ball, the figure's legs are jointed directly below the knee rather than at the heel. This allows for some unique poses and preserves the look of the sculpt. His elbows are cut joints, not ball-joints, which makes it a step back from previously released versions of the character. He does have the cool removable dome which exposes a scarred skull, but lacks the swappable hand as seen in the original mold's release as the 500th Darth Vader. While ubiquitous, the figure is not essential because superior versions were released prior to and after this one, and odds are you can get one of these for next to nothing on one of the many repacks available on the market. It's not a bad figure by any stretch of the imagination, it's just painfully common and Hasbro has one-upped it with several subsequent superior releases.

Collector's Notes: This mold started life as the 500th Edition Darth Vader in 2005. This release came next, which was reaccessorized as a Bespin Confession figure. The body was used in comic packs, Saga Legends, Battle Packs, and elsewhere. Also, this specific release came with a bonus holographic figure-- six different blue ones. I've been tempted to get every last flavor of this mold, but so far, have not done so because while obsessive I gotta stop somewhere. I did get all 6 blue holo variants, plus I kept a loose one on my desk since his release in 2006 until I moved my office in 2010. So I guess I can't dump on it too much, it's a nice one to keep around because it really does look nice.

--Adam Pawlus

Day 1,328: July 16, 2010

Figure of the Day: Day 1,273: Sora Bulq

SORA BULQ Jedi
The Saga Collection Basic Figures
Item No.: Asst. 85770 No. 85980
Manufacturer: Hasbro
Number: #015
Includes: Lightsaber, stand
Action Feature: n/a
Retail: $6.99
Availability: Spring 2006
Appearances: Attack of the Clones

Bio: Fighting has erupted in the Geonosis execution arena. Sora Bulq is one of a taskforce of 200 sent to save Obi-Wan Kenobi, Anakin Skywalker, and Padmé Amidala from execution. Sora uses his Jedi skills to destroy attacking battle droids and to protect his friends. In the end, he is one of the few survivors of this fierce conflict. (Taken from the figure's cardback.)

Image: Adam's yard.

Commentary: If you're a reader of the comics, you know who Sora Bulq is-- but it's possible you didn't realize he was originally in Attack of the Clones before becoming a Dark Jedi in the pages of the Republic comic series. This Weequay Jedi has 12 points of articulation (no knees), a strong, dynamic sculpt and surprisingly ornate hair. The braids are thin and flexible, and are molded separately from the flesh of his alien head. There's really nothing wrong with this figure, or anything overwhelmingly remarkable. He has the outfit, the sculpt is of a good quality, and he's yet another Jedi to add to your ranks. If you like Jedi or aliens, he's worth getting. If you're sick of Jedi figures, well, no reason to pick this one up. The simple outfit has a lot of detail and sculpted motion in the fabric, so if you're a diorama fan, or need to fill out a Geonosis arena, this is probably worth your while to get.

Collector's Notes: He never proved particularly difficult to find, so if you can get one, don't pay too much.

--Adam Pawlus

Day 1,273: April 30, 2010

Figure of the Day: Day 1,218: Rebel Trooper

REBEL TROOPER Facial Hair Edition, Battle of Endor
The Saga Collection
Item No.: Asst. 85770 No. 86980
Manufacturer: Hasbro
Number: 046
Includes: Blaster, backpack, helmet, display stand
Action Feature: n/a
Retail: $6.99
Availability: Fall 2006
Appearances: Return of the Jedi

Bio: Hand picked by Han Solo for the mission to Endor, these troopers are the best and brightest of the Rebel Alliance. Survivors of some of the toughest battles of the Galactic Civil War, each one of them is a skilled marksman, expert in demolitions, and an easy match in hand to hand combat for any stormtrooper. Each of these men can survive in the wilderness for weeks at a time, remaining silent and unseen, until the command is given to strike. (Taken from the figure's cardback.)

Image: Adam Pawlus' back yard.

Commentary: This Rebel Trooper is a pretty solid release. Unlike a lot of previous troopers, it genuinely looks like a specific person-- who, I don't know-- but it's not a generic army guy. As one of two figures sold under this SKU (the other is a pasty white dude with a headset), this one really looks sharp and has a darker costume. The figure was based on a 2002 Endor Rebel mold, but with new legs. The main improvements are the legs, which now sport knees and ankles, plus improved decoration and a new belt with a holster. The backpack still falls off easily, and the figure has limited arm movement due to the jacket, but it looks nice. And as you can see in the picture, you can still wrangle some good poses out of it, but it's hardly the ultimate final version of an Endor Rebel-- a super articulated version, I hope, is still in the wings. These are all good, but we can always do better. This figure is worth adding to any Endor strike team you assemble, of course, so be sure to get one especially if you can score it for a good price.

Collector's Notes: This excellent figure wasn't around too long, and it was used as the basis of the Rebel Vanguard Trooper in November of 2008. I prefer the Endor version.

--Adam Pawlus

Day 1,218: February 12, 2010

Figure of the Day: Day 1,194: Major Bren Derlin

MAJOR BREN DERLIN Battle of Hoth
The Saga Collection Basic Figures
Item No.: Asst. 85770 No. 85928
Manufacturer: Hasbro
Number: #008
Includes: Blaster, stand
Action Feature: n/a
Retail: $4.99
Availability: February 2006
Appearances: The Empire Strikes Back

Bio: Major Bren Derlin has a tough call to make. With heroes Luke Skywalker and Han Solo stranded out in the frigid conditions on the ice planet Hoth, Derlin must side with caution and close the base doors for the night. He bravely takes responsibility for the decision and informs Princess Leia himself. (Taken from the figure's packaging.)

Image: Adam's printer.

Commentary: Some figures exist because of some level of fame in fan circles, and Major Derlin seems to be one of these. He was written into the Return of the Jedi radio drama, but he's mostly known as being a tiny role for John Ratzenberger during the Battle of Hoth. Because people love Cheers and/or Pixar films, and fans are a vocal bunch, and Hasbro desired to release "trooper"-type figures with names, here he is! While not superb, he's pretty good-- certainly not awful. With eight points of articulation and a decent face sculpt, he's worth snagging just because of the novelty factor alone. Why not pick him up, really? The sculpt is going to fit right in with your Hoth display, he has a holster for his gun, and the outfit itself seems designed quite nicely. The figure isn't a stunner due to the swivel joints and his inability to sit easily, but hey-- this is a figure you pick up to say to people "did you know Cliff was in Star Wars, and that I've got the figure to prove it?" Worth getting if you like a good story behind your toys.

Collector's Notes: A repaint of this figure was sold as a Target exclusive in 2007. It was not called Derlin. No additional versions of Derlin have been sold.

--Adam Pawlus

Day 1,194: January 11, 2010

Figure of the Day: Day 1,171: Holographic Ki-Adi-Mundi

HolographicKI-ADI-MUNDI
The Saga Collection Basic Figures
Item No.: Asst. 85770 No. 85944
Manufacturer: Hasbro
Number: #027
Includes: Stand, lightsaber
Action Feature: n/a
Retail: $6.99
Availability: Spring 2006
Appearances: Revenge of the Sith

Bio: During the battle of Coruscant, Jedi Master Ki-Adi-Mundi is assigned to lead a strike team to battle the droid armies stationed on Mygeeto. He appears to the Jedi Council via hologram and reports on his progress. He fights bravely until his clone troopers suddenly change and turn on him. (Taken from the figure's packaging.)

Image: Adam's desk.

Commentary: Hasbro has understood the importance of getting the most out of a mold for quite some time now-- look at Transformers, for years nearly every mold got at least one repaint. Applying this to Star Wars, there are precious few figures you can just slap a new coat of paint on and get some other new figure from it. Thankfully George Lucas pitched in and added characters like Holographic Ki-Adi-Mundi to the movies so Hasbro could get one more squeeze out of the mold, without paint to boot. Hasbro took the 1999 Ki-Adi-Mundi, gave him a newer lightsaber mold, and cast the whole thing in clear blue. He can't sit, and he doesn't have the definition or slight coloring like he does in the movie either. So really, this is a figure that personifies (plasticifies?) the very idea of a cheap repaint.

Really all he can do is stand around since he has six points of articulation and his lower robes block most leg movement. I guess this could also serve as some sort of ice sculpture, too. As line filler it's more interesting than, say, a straight reissue. Still, a reissue might have sold better, given that the audience for a normal figure is slightly larger than that for a frozen blue Jedi-sicle.

Collector's Notes: Some holographic figures enjoyed brief success as collectibles. Most go on eBay and can be bought for a song. Care to wager a guess on this one? I actually segregated the holographic figures in a separate container so they're not mixed in with the painted ones for some reason. It just seems like they should be kept away from the real ones.

--Adam Pawlus

Day 1,171: December 9, 2009

Figure of the Day: Day 1,156: Mace Windu

MACE WINDU Force Combat!
Revenge of the Sith Collection 1
Item No.: Asst. 85173 No. 85283
Manufacturer: Hasbro
Number: #III-10
Includes: Lightsaber, Sith lightning
Action Feature: Squeeze legs for swinging action
Retail: $5.24-$6.99
Availability: March 2005
Appearances: Revenge of the Sith

Bio: Mace Windu is a courageous fighter and respected member of the Jedi Council. In a desperate attempt to save the galaxy, Mace leads a daring confrontation against Supreme Chancellor Palpatine. (Taken from the figure's cardback.)

Image: Adam's back yard.

Commentary: For whatever reason, Hasbro has struggled a little with Mace Windu. Sure, the 1998 mail-in figure looked great, but most of them since have been all over the place. This particular one had great arm articulation-- the best-ever for the character when released-- plus a great costume sculpt, which, of course, Hasbro had plenty of chances to nail down. Unfortunately, there seems to be a bit of difficulty making it look like Samuel L. Jackson's head, outside of being black and bald. This figure looks a little bit like him, but due to his exaggerated shoulders and very thick neck, doesn't really do the actor justice. The super-articulated version from 2007 is different, but doesn't exactly fare significantly better overall.

This figure's best selling point is its action feature. You can put some Sith Lightning on him, and squeeze his legs so he swings his arms and can shake it off. It's pretty neat, not necessarily useful in displays, but a fun little way to mess with the figure when you're bored and have one on your desk. Despite having a plastic "skirt" blocking his legs, the plastic is generally quite flexible, and can sit in some vehicles. Overall, this figure works well as a toy, so if you enjoy action features and unique accessories, it's worth picking up if you can get one for cheap. And most likely, you can.

Collector's Notes: This figure sold in 2005 and was repackaged in 2006. The same figure was reused for the Mace Windu's Attack Battalion Battle Pack for Target, but it swapped out the lightning for a cloth cloak.

--Adam Pawlus

Day 1,156: November 18, 2009

Figure of the Day: Day 1,147: Darth Maul (Sith Training/Concept)

DARTH MAUL Sith Training
Saga Basic Figures Collection 1
Item No.: Asst. 84851 No. 84905
Manufacturer: Hasbro
Number: #0242, #053
Includes: Lightsaber, droid, droid stand, lightsaber blades, display stand (2006 only)
Action Feature: Turn dials for arm and wrist movement
Retail: $4.99-$6.99
Availability: September 2002, Late 2006
Appearances: n/a

Image: Adam's desk.

Bio: The chosen apprentice of the Sith Lord Darth Sidious, Darth Maul has undergone years of demanding and sometimes brutal training to become an incredible warrior for the ancient order of the Sith. After expertly wielding his lightsaber to prove his skill, he bows respectfully before his master. (Taken from the figure's cardback.)

Commentary: Why is it that Star Wars' most popular characters have the fewest costume changes? Hasbro must have been banging their heads against the wall before realizing they can mine the various behind-the-scenes books for new costumes for the likes of Darth Maul here. This costume was based on one of many, many illustrations generated of the Episode I Sith Lord. Trading in his traditional all-black robes, these new ones have red highlights. A new design gives the costume a leathery look, complete with gloves that seem similar to those of Darth Vader in the original film. It's nice to see Hasbro wasn't content just to make another black outfit, there are numerous alterations to the coat design.

This figure is particularly interesting in its design-- it's unlike anything else Hasbro has created. Rather than include the now-common ball joints or even the old hinges for the knees, Maul's legs are made of three separate swivel joints. The boot is one piece, the upper leg is another, with a third "knee" piece swiveling to allow for various standing and kneeling poses. Not matter what you do his legs are going to look somewhat bent, so you're pretty much guaranteed to get some sort of action pose out of this guy. The rotating arms are controlled by two dials on the figure's back, giving this action figure a puppet-like play feature. Generally, we get "squeeze the legs" or "push the button," so this is a feature unique to this figure.

The final feature on this figure is the magnetic wrist. Like many 2002 Jedi and Force-users, he has a magnet in the palm of his hand which can "grab" his metal lightsaber to varying degrees of success. On this figure, it basically works. There's a lot more going on with this Maul than most others, and while this isn't the definitive Sith for your collection it is so totally different than other figures you may have bought that you should totally pick it up to futz with it. I keep a spare on my desk at work.

Collector's Notes: This figure was available in blue Saga packaging in Fall of 2002. In very late 2006, it was introduced in black-and-silver The Saga Collection packaging as one of several repackaged and repainted figures. If you can only get one of the two, know that they're virtually identical but that the 2006 release also includes a stand. So all things being equal, the packaging and contents of the 2006 release are superior. The figures are virtually identical.

--Adam Pawlus

Day 1,147: November 5, 2009

Figure of the Day: Day 1,138: Saesee Tiin

SAESEE TIIN Jedi Master
Revenge of the Sith Collection 2 and beyond
Item No.: Asst. 85174 No. 85358
Manufacturer: Hasbro
Number: #III-30
Includes: Lightsaber blade, lightsaber hilt, display stand (2005 only), cloak (2006 and beyond), coin (2007 only), clone gear (2008-2009)
Action Feature: Spring-loaded rocket launcher
Retail: $5.24-$7.99
Availability: August 2009
Appearances: The Clone Wars CG TV series

Image: Adam's TV tray. Version pictured is the Jedi vs. Darth Sidious Battle Pack release, which was the first with the cloth robes accessory.

Bio: Jedi Council member Saesee Tiin is well known for his exceptional starfighter piloting skills and daring space battles. His telepathic abilities and strong connection to the Force make him a powerful member of the Jedi Order. (Taken from the figure's cardback.)

Commentary: Arguably the best Jedi figure out of Hasbro's 2005 lineup, this amazing Saesee Tiin has been in circulation for quite some time. While the initial release lacked the cloak, this figure really worked well with the added garment packaged with later releases. If you're going to just get one of the releases, I do suggest you get the cloak because, as seen here, it actually wraps around his head nicely with his horns holding the hood in place. Unlike other figures, where the hood just sort of sits there awkwardly.

The figure itself is pretty close to perfection. While some fans may cry about the lack of ball-jointed elbows, or any ankle joints, Tiin pretty much has everything else more than taken care of. He can sit easily because Hasbro engineered a cloth lower body, his knees bend just fine, and he has no problem being posed in most battle-ready positions. The head can look around nicely, the detail in his garments is sculpted on par with anything you might see in stores today, and the deco is excellent. There's a good reason Hasbro kept this one in circulation over the past few years-- it's some of their finest work.

If Hasbro ever does go back and redo it, which history says they probably will, I would expect a lightsaber that can attach to the belt and some added articulation in the arms and legs. Perhaps some coloring may change slightly, but as it is this is one of the better Jedi Knights to come out of the Revenge of the Sith line, which was packed with some of the best Jedi figures ever seen before or since. This is a figure you should absolutely make sure is in your collection, even if it is rather common with all the reissues. Hasbro deserves a big pat on the back for this one.

Collector's Notes: This figure has been kept in circulation since 2005, appearing in the many incarnations of Saga Legends as well as in Battle Packs. The 2005 release includes a display stand, other releases include a cloth cloak (pictured) and sometimes a bonus accessory like a coin or a box of weaponry.

--Adam Pawlus

Day 1,138: October 23, 2009

Figure of the Day: Day 1,112: Yarael Poof

YARAEL POOF Jedi Master
The Saga Collection Basic Figures
Item No.: Asst. 85770 No. 87355
Manufacturer: Hasbro
Number: #069
Includes: Lightsaber, display stand
Action Feature: n/a
Retail: $6.99
Availability: January 2007
Appearances: The Phantom Menace

Image: My floor.

Bio: Jedi Master Yarael Poof is skilled with the use of a lightsaber, but his preferred means of combat is mind tricks, which he uses with incredible proficiency to confuse his opponent. He is present on that fateful day when Qui Gonn-Jin brings young Anakin Skywalker before the Council for training. (Taken from the figure's cardback.)

Commentary: The pin-headed Yarael Poof was killed off in a comic before Attack of the Clones came out, and his figure didn't first hit until 2003.

This is the second of (so far) two releases. The first one has a seat and no lightsaber. This one has a lightsaber and a stand. They're pretty much identical, or are close enough where I've made a decision not to review both the 2002 Saga Scenes version and the 2007 The Saga Collection releases.

As articulation goes, this figure has a fairly odd setup which prevents it from standing on its own. Dig this: the hips are one piece, like the 1990s Jawas or a Playmobil figure-- so you can't have one leg sit and the others not, they both move together. He has knee joints, so he can basically look awkward or be posed better while sitting. He also has swivel wrists and swivel biceps, so this is a figure engineered from the get-go to be a figure that sits. Actually, his first release was packaged sitting down, and it seems like Hasbro didn't ever really plan on anyone trying to get him to stand up. That's why I'm pretty happy that this release (the second one) has a display stand. Oh, and the lightsaber? A clever reuse of the McQuarrie Concept Stormtrooper's weapon, which is why it looks unlike any other lightsaber from any other Jedi figure.

The figure is, overall, pretty good. 2002 and 2003 sculpting tends to hold up well for the most part, short of fixing some articulation and gravity woes the figure is about as good as it can get. There are lots of wrinkles and folds, and the deco is really something. But if you only get one, make sure a stand or seat is included. Otherwise this figure is basically worthless and will fall over.

Collector's Notes: This figure is a semi-repack of a previously released Yarael Poof.

--Adam Pawlus

Day 1,112: September 17, 2009

Figure of the Day: Day 1,096: R2-C4

R2-C4 Astromech Droids Series #1
Saga Collection Entertainment Earth Exclusive
Item No.: Asst. 87055 No. 87056
Number: n/a
Manufacturer: Hasbro
Includes: n/a
Action Feature: Twist dome for retractable third leg
Retail: $39.99
Availability: January 2006
Appearances: The Phantom Menace


Image: Adam Pawlus' place.

Bio: Serves Queen Amidala and her retinue. (Taken from the figure's packaging.)

Commentary: This one did not turn out as I had hoped-- of the entire set, R2-C4 doesn't quite fit with the deco on the others. For starters, he is the only one in these 5-packs with a light-up eyeport. He has dirt, and the others don't. Based on the familiar and beloved R4-G9 mold, this figure is basically the proportions you'd want on the most fantastic droid in the entire saga. This isn't that droid, but hey, it's a quality product! Called R2-D3 before the figure came out, this is the yellow astromech that looks just like R2-D2 on Amidala's ship from the first chunk of the movie. It's a good replica of that robot, and for those of you like me-- and there are many of you-- you're probably going to be glad it exists just so you have another astromech for your droid pool. It doesn't bring much new to the table other than being a good design in yellow, which is a plush.

The figure moves at the dome-- which raises and lowers the middle leg-- and has jointed "feet" and "shoulders." So in short, it does everything a droid should short of fixing your broken machinery.

Collector's Notes: These aren't too uncommon, and you can get the boxed sets on eBay these days now that they've sold out from Entertainment Earth. The individual droid, out of the box, is probably going to set you back $15-$20, and the set tends to go for much cheaper. My advice: get the boxed set.

--Adam Pawlus

Day 1,096: August 26, 2009

Figure of the Day: Day 1,058: Obi-Wan Kenobi

OBI-WAN KENOBI With Pilot Gear!
Revenge of the Sith Basic Figures Collection 1
Item No.: Asst. 85173 No. 85665
Manufacturer: Hasbro
Number: #0227
Includes: Lightsaber, cloak, hilt, headset
Action Feature: Jedi Power Kick!
Retail: $5.24-$6.99
Availability: Fall 2005
Appearances: Revenge of the Sith

Bio: Aided by his droid R4-P17, Obi-Wan Kenobi flies an Eta-2 Jedi starfighter on a mission to rescue Supreme Chancellor Palpatine. His acute Jedi instincts help him battle overwhelming odds. (Taken from the figure's cardback.)

Commentary: Early Hasbro solicitations for this Obi-Wan Kenobi figure mentioned things like "Red Squadron," which gave a lot of us a feeling that he might be more than what he is. Which sounds negative, I'm sure, but the fact is that this figure either is or is the basis for every great Obi-Wan Kenobi to follow. You may disagree that it's perfect, but it's really fantastic. He has a top-notch likeness, 14 points of articulation, and has little problem sitting. He's so good, Hasbro reused the same body to make a similar figure with a cloth robe (2006), a Grievous Fight version (2007), a Comic Pack version (2007), and even a Mustafar duel version with retooled hips to let him "kick" (2008-present). The basic figure construction is just that good.

Since the costume is reasonably simple, Hasbro realized early on that if they made a really great figure, they could repaint it, change up the accessories, and re-sell it to us as a new figure. While this is unfortunate on paper, we did end up with a lot of really nice figures as a result. Sure, the big plastic cloak accessory is worthless for a pilot toy (it goes into a pile, not on the figure in the ship) but it's nice to have. The hilt was a nice touch, and the headgear fits perfectly and will serve Obi-Wan Kenobi well when fragging the Covenant over Xbox Live. Because of his unique accessories and the overall awesomeness of the figure, this one holds up well and you should absolutely be sure you own ones. I think the head on this one is better than later releases, and while the articulation has been slightly improved, this one is the best overall from ROTS. Get it, or be sorry.

Collector's Notes: See above for other versions. This figure found its way into other packaging for a while, so there's a Greatest Battles version from 2006 too. Either way, it's worth owning, the 2006 packaging is arguably the better of the two.

--Adam Pawlus

Day 1,058: July 3, 2009

Figure of the Day: Day 1,054: Grievous Bodyguard

GRIEVOUS'S BODYGUARD Battle Attack! (First Release, Grey)
Revenge of the Sith Collection 1
Item No.: Asst. 85174 No. 85202
Manufacturer: Hasbro
Number: #III-08
Includes: Cape, staff
Action Feature: Squeeze legs for battle attack, removable cloak (and head)
Retail: $5.24-$6.99
Availability: March 2005
Appearances: Revenge of the Sith

Bio: General Grievous is surrounded by droid bodyguards. They protect the commander of the droid armies with impenatrable electrostaffs as the Republic forces attempt to stop this dangerous and deadly enemy. (Taken from the figure's cardback.)

Commentary: When the General Grievous' Bodyguard figure first hit, fans were already expecting a revision. That should tell you something. An actual honest-to-goodness update of the movie figure never happened, although a "battle arena" version was released which was a step backward. This first release is as good as the movie mold ever got, although a repaint of it in a creamy color would hit before the end of 2005.

Considering what Hasbro was trying to do, the figure is pretty decent. Squeeze-legs-for-action for Star Wars were normal-ish at this stage, plus they crammed in a decent amount of arm articulation-- the wrists, elbows, and shoulders have a good range of movement. Aside from that, you've got the head and hips, there's no leg movement in the knees or ankles plus there's no waist. Given the movie wasn't even done yet, the sculpting and design is excellent here. It'd be nice to be grittier or meaner, but it's a pretty great plastic replica of the movie design. You could do worse. We've since seen updates to his weapon, but the figure itself hasn't ever been released with a cloth cape or leg articulation like a few of us wanted. I suppose there's no real demand for it these days, but it's something you can probably expect the next time Hasbro does a couple of Revenge of the Sith-themed assortments.

Collector's Notes: This figure has been released with different accessory configurations and in different colors, but those are different enough that we're treating them as such. If you want one Grievous Bodyguard, this is as good as any as of now.

--Adam Pawlus

Day 1,054: June 29, 2009

Figure of the Day: Day 1,005: Colonel Wullf Yularen

COLONEL WULLF YULAREN Death Star Briefing
The Saga Collection Diamond Exclusive
Item No.: No. 87268
Manufacturer: Hasbro
Number: n/a
Includes: Imperial Blaster
Action Feature: n/a
Retail: $39.99
Availability: January 2007
Appearances: Star Wars

Bio: Though none of the officers present know it, Yularen is an agent of the Imperial Security Bureau tasked with informing on any treasonous activity among the officer corps abord the Death Star. (Taken from the figure's box.)

Image: Adam Pawlus' living room.

Commentary: One of the Imperials that fans have been asking about for ages is Colonel Wullf Yularen, mostly because he has facial hair and a unique white costume that really stood out on the Death Star. In early 2007, we got our wish, and now we see him as a younger man serving in the Clone Wars. The character's rank and history is complicated and likely full of contradictions, and the figure is similarly argued over. Cast in a cream colored off-white plastic, some fans insist he's supposed to have darker pants and a white shirt. I haven't really done the research to verify this, but the look of the uniform seems more "right" as seen here than with this costume.

Based on the Jerjerrod body with the Ozzel legs, this figure has modified hands and a new head, plus the new coloring. He has difficulty sitting, but the cut joints at the shoulders, elbows, and wrists allow for limited movement above the waist joint. The head is a ball joint, and overall, this is a little weak because this figure and his box-mates were in a scene where they were all seated at a table, and none of these figures could actually sit at a table. It's unfortunate, but it still looks quite nice. Just don't expect to be able to properly recreate the briefing scene.

Collector's Notes: This set lingered. A lot of web stores are out of it, but Suncoasts, movie stores, comic shops, and other smaller toy stores may still have it. On eBay, it isn't hard to get the set for under $25 before shipping is factored in. Given the set has six pretty great Imperials and yet another Darth Vader, I'd argue it's worth your money. You should be able to get him loose for under $10 shipped, which is why I think you should spring the big money and get the whole set instead.

Day 1,005: April 21, 2009

Figure of the Day: Day 999: Snowtrooper

SNOWTROOPER with stand
The Saga Collection Basic Figures
Item No.: Asst. 85770 No. 85931
Manufacturer: Hasbro
Number: #011
Includes: Blaster, stand, bonus holographic figure
Action Feature: n/a
Retail: $6.99
Availability: February 2006
Appearances: The Empire Strikes Back

Bio: The snowtroopers escort Darth Vader as they storm into Echo Base. Once inside, they find that most of the Rebels have already fled. Only the Millennium Falcon remains, hampered by persistent electrical problems. As the snowtroopers mount their heavy repeating blasters, Han Solo quickly deploys a secret blaster on the Falcon's underside to keep the attackers at bay. . (Taken from the figure's cardback.)

Image: Adam's junk table.

Commentary: Hasbro sure likes to recycle parts! While it can get annoying with some figures, I actually quite like to see it with the likes of the Snowtrooper. Why? Well, if you're the kind of person who likes having a small army, it's really great when not every figure is in the exact same pose. This one takes the figure from the waist-up from 2003 and bashes it together with the legs from the 1997 edition, resulting in a release that actually stands up better and is a little more stable. In other words, Hasbro engineered this figure to be superior from its predecessors without using any new tooling. That's really impressive.

For 2006, this figure didn't have great articulation. You've got shoulders, neck, waist, and hips-- that's it. As such, this figure may not be ideal for all dioramas, but if you need troopers to fill out a scene or to fill out an AT-AT cargo hold, this is a good one to pick. The deco is great, there's not a lot of mud or brown here unlike the early modern Snowtroopers. Oh, and his blaster fits into his holster-- a nice touch!

Collector's Notes: A fairly strong seller in 2006, this figure has since been rendered obsolete by future releases-- namely the "Vintage" Snowtrooper, which was just reissued on a basic cardback with more accessories. As such, don't get this one as your main Snowtrooper, but if you're wanting multiples make sure you get one or two of these to fill out the ranks.

--Adam Pawlus

Day 999: April 13, 2009

Figure of the Day: Day 987: Snowtrooper

IMPERIAL STORMTROOPER Hoth Battle Gear
30th Anniversary Collection Vintage Collection
Item No.: Asst. 87295 No. 87305
Manufacturer: Hasbro
Number: n/a
Includes: Helmet, blaster
Action Feature: n/a
Retail: $9.99
Availability: Spring 2007
Appearances: The Empire Strikes Back

Bio: Snowtroopers, also known as Cold Assault Stormtroopers, were Imperial stormtroopers trained to operate in arctic climates. Some snowtroopers were deployed under Death Squadron's Blizzard Force, as well as other arctic forces. (Stolen from Wookieepedia.)

Image: A desk.

Commentary: In the old days, Kenner didn't use shortcuts-- they spelled names out. That's why to my generation, a lot of fans will call this guy Imperial Stormtrooper (Hoth Battle Gear) rather than "Snowtrooper." I have no idea why one name was used over another, but I gotta say the shorter names like Snowtrooper and Sandtrooper have done wonders for the world of brevity online. This figure is particularly neat in that it combines aspects of the original figure as well as some benefits from the modern day, plus a newfangled notion of including a removable helmet. If you pop off the helmet/hood, you'll see a face of a Clone Trooper. This sort of thing upsets some fans as it supposedly means that all the troopers in the movie were spawned from the DNA of Jango Fett, which retroactively destroys your childhood perceptions of the figure. It's also possible that Hasbro just did this to do something different and it means nothing in the grand scheme of continuity. Either way, the face looks good, the expression is decent, and if you don't like it you can leave his hat on.

He's super articulated, which means he has that full range of 14 points of movement. He can basically sit, he can stand, and he has a cloth skirt-- an improvement over the vinyl piece that always fell off or tore in the 1980s, and a huge improvement over the rock-solid, never-gonna-bend hard plastic skirts used in the 1990s and early 2000s. This is clearly the superior trooper, and for once Hasbro had the good sense to not sculpt on the command rank marking on his chest armor so you'll have an incentive to buy a lot of them. The one thing that really struck me as odd about this figure is his helmet. While the armor is as good as or better than all previous attempts, the helmet seems wider. I'm used to seeing a more elongated looking head, so this is a little off-putting. It's not enough to ruin the figure, though, and if you really can't stand it you can pick up the 2006 tin edition Snowtrooper and swap helmets. If you're looking to fill an AT-AT or crush some snow Rebels, this is your go-to figure. Don't expect it to get much better than this in the next five or so years.

Collector's Notes: Hasbro isn't shy about reusing this mold. In 2007, it came out in the Spring. Come November, it was repainted for the exclusive Target Ultimate Battle of Hoth Battle Pack. In early 2009, the figure was released as a basic carded Saga Legends figure with all his original gear plus a bonus weapons locker. So this new release is cheaper and has more stuff than the original. How great is that? This version is just as good as the Target repaints, I'd say buy both just for some variety.

--Adam Pawlus

Day 987: March 26, 2009