Figure of the Day: Day 95: Eeth Koth

EETH KOTH Jedi Master
The Power of the Jedi Collection Collection 2
Item No.: Asst. 84459 No. 84662
Number: n/a
Includes: Lightsaber
Action Feature: n/a
Retail: $6.99
Availability: Fall 2001
Appearances: Episode I

Bio: Eeth Koth is a Jedi Master and Council member known for his highly developed will power and ability to withstand intense pain. He is an Iridonian Zabrak from Nar Shaddaa, a harsh "smuggler's moon" that forced him to learn fortitude at an early age. (Taken from the figure's cardback.)

Image: Adam Pawlus' toy shelves.

Commentary: File one under "resculpt!" The Eeth Koth figure was not only a bizarre sculpt, but also reused for other purposes. Posed in an action battle stance, this figure is one of few whose personality, pose, and abilities in no way match his appearance in the movies. As all he really did in the first prequel was sit around silent, one thinks it would be an easy figure to replicate-- but Hasbro was trying something new, and not entirely awful. With no real meaningful leg articulation, all this figure is capable of is assuming a number of battle poses, but they're neat unto themselves. Eeth Koth is a lot like an Unleashed figure in the 3 3/4-inch size, so fans of extreme poses, this is one for you! The sculpt is great, the facial expression is unique, but as we've never seen Mr. Koth enter fits of rage, it's a little out of "character." I use quotes as he really didn't do much in the movie beyond that what a potted plant might do.

Collector's Notes: Hasbro indicated this figure was going to be new and in the style of Episode II figures prior to its release, and they were right! With its extreme pose and the first-ever removable lightsaber blade, it foreshadowed what was to come in 2002. The sculpt was reused for the questionable Jedi Council Screen Scenes from 2003-2004, with the entire figure being repackaged (sans weapon) and another version being resculpted from the waist down to represent Agen Kolar and, of course, Eeth Koth. This is the best Eeth Koth you can buy today, and the best Agen Kolar was the original sculpt from Revenge of the Sith-- so buyer beware, there's no lightsabers in those multipacks!

Day 95: August 9, 2006

Figure of the Day: Day 94: Spirit of Yoda

YODA Jedi Spirits
The Power of the Force Collection Cinema Scenes
Item No.: Asst. 84035 No. 84058
Number: n/a
Includes: Display Base
Action Feature: n/a
Retail: $19.99
Availability: Fall 1998
Appearances: Return of the Jedi

Bio: Obi-Wan Kenobi, Anakin Skywalker, and Yoda-- three individuals with lives intricately intertwined. Before Obi-Wan Kenobi was forced into a life of hiding, before Anakin Skywalker gave in to the dark side and became Darth Vader, even before Yoda was known as the last Jedi Master, a young Anakin was presented to the Jedi Council for permission to train the boy in the ways of the Force. Many years later, the Galactic Republic crumbled and the evil Empire rose in its place. Only after the defeat of the Empire, at the hands of Anakin's son Luke Skywalker, would the three great Jedi be reunited after death as spiritual guides for Luke and the New Republic. (Taken from the figure's box back.)

Image: Adam Pawlus' toy shelves.

Commentary: A much-requested figure but one that didn't seem to make a big splash, the Jedi Spirits Yoda was a bright blue (and frosted) non-poseable figure with no accessories. What you see is what you get! In the context of the 1998 line, it was an exciting release-- after all, the number of Endor-specific figures could be counted on two hands, more or less, with little hope in sight for more with Episode I due in early 1999. With no articulation, and hands posed to hold a cane that doesn't exist, it's a unique figure and for fans of Yoda and the Jedi in general, this is a must-buy. The only fault of the figure is its weak coloring, much like his companions. In 2004, Hasbro proved they can do great translucent colored figures with their then-new Spirit of Obi-Wan which serves as a fine example of what these figures could be if and when Hasbro updates them.

Collector's Notes: Nearly 8 years later, there's been no buzz of revisiting the concept, which is a real shame-- Yoda sells, and for some reason it seems fans have warmed up to transparent reissues of figures. This one is a good one, and this figure is worth picking up-- this week. As soon as it gets updated, nobody will care about this release outside its Ewok Village display base, which I should note it was screwed to during shipment. As in, actual screws-- you need a screwdriver to remove the figure from the base.

Day 94: August 8, 2006

Figure of the Day: Day 93: Obi-Wan Kenobi

OBI-WAN KENOBI Coruscant Chase
Saga Collection Collection 1
Item No.: Asst. 84851 No. 84854
Number: 0246
Includes: Lightsaber, ASN-121 Droid
Action Feature: Magnet in hand connects to droid or lightsaber
Retail: $4.99
Availability: March (or April) 2002
Appearances: Attack of the Clones

Bio: Ten years after losing his master at the hands of the Sith, Obi-Wan Kenobi has become Anakin Skywalker’s Jedi mentor. Given the mission to protect Senator Amidala after an attempt on her life, Obi-Wan finds himself hanging from a fleeing ASN-121 assassin droid as it tries to escape through the maze of Coruscant cityscape! (Taken from the figure's cardback.)

Image: Adam Pawlus' toy shelves.

Commentary: The first figure shown to the world from Attack of the Clones was this Obi-Wan Kenobi figure. With a metal lightsaber, magnets, and seven points of articulation, it pretty much set the stage for the year. Which is to say, decent quality, low price, and loads of play features. The figure's sculpt was based on scanned data from the sets (or so we were told) with additional input from toy designers, otherwise it would be a statue. The figure's quite capable of holding on to the droid, but be careful-- it's not a very strong magnet and it could drop. The sculpt is par for the course-- good, but not great. The likeness is not at all bad, however the paint job doesn't do it any favors. The expression (and parts of the face) do look like Ewan McGregor, but obviously a little paint goes a long way and in this case, it could've used a little more. The dirt on the boots was a nice touch, though, and as the de-facto "standard" figure of Obi-Wan for the movie, this figure was adequate for its time, although revisiting this figure would be nice, now that we can have ball joints and even better sculpting.

Collector's Notes: This figure was rereleased, with all of its accessories, in the Toys "R" Us exclusive Jedi Warriors set. (Yes, we know, very exciting.) Unlike Episode I, the figures from the second prequel made a big leak in March, over a month before their targeted release date. Fans all over the United States stumbled on cases of them sitting in the middle of the floor (or on the pegs) at Wal-Marts, Targets, and other stores, thus leading to an added crazy degree of excitement that you normally don't get from a launch feeding frenzy. Of course, four years later, and interest in the figure isn't exactly high.

Day 93: August 7, 2006

Figure of the Day: Day 92: Teemto Pagalies

TEEMTO PAGALIES Pod Racer
Saga Collection Collection 2
Item No.: Asst. 84861 No. 84813
Number: 0246
Includes: Goggles, debris, droid
Action Feature: n/a
Retail: $4.99
Availability: Fall 2002
Appearances: Episode I

Bio: Proud of his new cycling-electromagnetic stabilizer, Teemto Pagalies is entering his barely tested Podracer in the Boonta Eve Classic, believing that it will give him the winning edge. (Taken from the figure's cardback.)

Image: Adam Pawlus' toy shelves.

Commentary: With Attack of the Clones, Hasbro decided it would be a good idea to make figures spanning the entire saga, and wisely so. Fans were treated to characters from the first prequel like Teemto Pagalies, one of many requested figures from the Pod Races. While not loaded with features, this figure had just enough articulation to be good, a fantastic sculpt, and one of the finest paint jobs in the entire line. With so many textures, colors, ridges, and pouches, it would be easy for Hasbro to overlook details like the belt buckle, or the strips of cloth around his wrist, or an awesome accessory like the removable goggles. Even though some of the paint ops were a little sloppy, there's no missing the amount of work that went into the figure to ensure that, despite its small size, that you feel Hasbro put just as much (if not more) work into it than they would a full-size action figure. The added debris and droid (which we'll showcase later) only add to this figure's spectacular value at the low-low price of $4.99 upon its initial release.

Unfortunately, as a minor character who exists as a vehicle pilot, there's not a lot to write about this spectacular figure. It's a funky alien with normal articulation that looks great. There really aren't any good dioramas for him to stand around in, nor is there a vehicle for him to pilot. Still, he's one of the best figures Hasbro cranked out in 2002, which is really saying something as that was one of their most prolific years in the line's history.

Collector's Notes: Short of being rereleased with a vehicle, this figure is about as perfect as it gets. And, big shock, nobody seems to care. Would you believe this figure can be had for as little as $4 shipped? That's collector apathy for you. To date, several Pod Race drivers still need to be released, but the collection is growing and two more-- Mars Guo and Dud Bolt-- will be released this Fall.

Day 92: August 6, 2006

Figure of the Day: Day 91: Han Solo in Hoth Gear

HAN SOLO in Hoth Gear
Power of the Force Collection
Item No.: Asst. 69570 No. 69587
Number: n/a
Includes: Blaster Rifle, Blaster Pistol
Action Feature: n/a
Retail: $4.99
Availability: March 1996
Appearances: The Empire Strikes Back

Bio: In his history as a smuggler, Han Solo has been in a lot of hot spots. As a reluctant hero for the Rebel Alliance in the years following the destruction of the Death Star, he found himself in a cold spot...on the ice planet of Hoth, to be exact. Hiding out from the intergalactic crimelord jabba the Hutt, Han and his copilot, Chewbacca, had stayed with the Rebellion for several years, adventuring, piloting, smuggling, and ranking up an impressive rap sheet and bounty not only from Jabba, but also from the Empire. Following the evacuation of the Rebel base on the fourth moon of Yavin, Han helped the Alliance scout out new locations for their base, and helped establish Echo Base on Hoth.

The newly commissioned "Captain" Solo worked with his friend, Luke Skywalker, and others to scout the barren planet for life-forms. Riding the smelly, two-legged tauntauns, Han wore bundled, thermal clothing and protective gear to brave the harsh, icy winds. When Luke failed to return from a scouting mission, Han braved the elements at dusk, facing a high possibility of death. Although he lost his own tauntaun, Han did find Luke. Erecting an emergency shelter, Han managed to save both of their lives until Rebel search teams could find them the next morning. Shortly thereafter, the Empire launched an attack on Hoth. Han helped evacuate Echo Base, taking Princess Leia Organa and C-3PO with him and Chewbacca, aboard the Millennium Falcon. As he escaped into the stars, little did Han know that his future lay an Imperial trap on Bespin and a deeper cold in a carbonite prison than any he had ever felt on Hoth. (Taken from the figure's cardback.)

Image: Adam Pawlus' toy shelves.

Commentary: Any new figure was cause for celebration in 1996, even a really odd duck like Han Solo in Hoth Gear. Upon his initial release, he was snapped up like crazy. And then Kenner remolded his hand, as the first release (pictured) could not hold a gun in both hands-- and fans snapped it up. Then fans stopped buying, as this figure didn't look a thing like the vintage figure and started the debate of what Han's costume was supposed to look like. As an early figure with six points of articulation, it didn't have much going for it and the hat-on-hood-down look was not one most fans were used to seeing. When asked about making a new figure with the hood up, Kenner said for quite some time that this one did poorly enough that they don't think they'd revisit it for a while. (Which turned out to be 1998, with the Han Solo Tauntaun.)

The figure itself really isn't all that bad. He isn't too beefy, his pose isn't too awkward, and he can sit down without too many problems. As a toy, it works. As a figure for the discriminating collector, in 2006, this is an easy figure to skip-- it really doesn't add much to the collection beyond being one more figure to collect. Other, later versions are largely better.

Collector's Notes: This is the figure that caused fans to hate core characters. Initially released at 2 per case, the figure shipped for a brief time and stopped selling fairly quick. Along with the first Dagobah Luke, the figure was a poor seller a couple of waves down the road and backed up on the shelves at numerous stores. Eventually, these two figures were the first that Hasbro (then Kenner) actually took back from the stores for a fate which, to this day, remains unknown. Han Hoth figures sat around for quite some time when they weren't picked up, and I personally saw them as recently as 2001 at a Kmart. (It may seem odd to remember, but seeing this figure so long after it was gone was even odder.) This was one of two "orange card" figures never rereleased on a "green card" later-- the other, of course, being Luke Dagobah.

Day 91: August 5, 2006

Figure of the Day: Day 90: Luke Skywalker with Skyhopper

LUKE SKYWALKER with T-16 Skyhopper Model
Power of the Force Collection
Item No.: Asst. 84185 No. 84211
Number: n/a
Includes: T-16 Skyhopper, scraper, CommTech Chip Base
Action Feature: n/a
Retail: $6.99
Availability: Fall 1999
Appearances: Star Wars

Bio: While tinkering with his model T-16 skyhopper and tending to his uncle's new droids, Luke unwittingly short circuits R2-D2's recording system, triggering the holographic appearance of a young Princess Leia. The image implores the help of Obi-Wan Kenobi, but vanishes soon thereafter. (Taken from the figure's cardback.)

Image: Adam Pawlus' toy shelves.

Commentary: In 1999, another Luke Skywalker seemed like a real pain. After having received about 4 resculpts of the figure in the previous year, this new release seemed unnecessary-- but with added knee joints, new swivel arm joints, and some new accessories, it wasn't a total loss. The figure sold fairly well, but can still be easily had if you poke around online. The sculpt was pretty much the same, but the garage-specific accessories were the reason to buy this. The Skyhopper wasn't just a recycled MicroMachines vehicle, and the scraper was exclusive to this set. To set up your very own Tatooine garage, this is a good figure to buy, but, of course, it's not the see-all and be-all of Tatooine Lukes as such an "ultimate" figure with all the articulation, accessories, and so on and so forth has yet to be released. This figure never broke any new ground, even upon its release, but it's still a pretty good figure to pick up and a part of a very good collection. All the Trilogy-based CommTech figures are very well done and by and large fairly cheap.

Collector's Notes: Hasbro's love of Luke Skywalker pretty much hit a brick wall in 1999 with the release of this figure. After nearly 30 figures in 4 years, just of Luke, the company took a big step back after this release and we didn't see another new Luke until 2001 with the X-wing Pilot in Power of the Jedi. From there on out, things were slow, but this figure was more or less reissued later-- we won't be focusing on it in FOTD, but the same figure was released with a lightsaber and a display base instead of these accessories in 2003. (As it's an accessory swap and no new parts were developed, we aren't going to mention it here. Beyond this.)

Day 90: August 4, 2006

Figure of the Day: Day 89: Sly Moore

SLY MOORE Post-Original Trilogy Collection
Post-Original Trilogy Collection
Item No.: Asst. 85161 No. 85172
Number: 0503
Includes: Shadow cloak, blaster, base
Action Feature: n/a
Retail: $5.99
Availability: Winter 2005
Appearances: The Phantom Menace and Attack of the Clones

Bio: Sly Moore is the staff aide for Chancellor Palpatine and is never far from his side. She has a piercing gaze and can only see in the ultraviolet spectrum. Her species, the Umbarans, are rumored to be able to influence and even control the minds of others. It is believed that she is very close to Palpatine and knows his deepest secrets. (Taken from the figure's cardback.)

Image: Adam Pawlus' toy shelves.

Commentary: At the beginning of 2005, Hasbro made good by cranking out a couple of waves following the hugely popular Original Trilogy Collection with some fantastic minor characters like Sly Moore. According to the rumor mill, this figure was in development for a 2002 release but got delayed, tweaked, and released in 2005. (I don't necessarily believe it.) Continuing the proud tradition of roles for bald chicks in sci-fi, this figure represents an aide to Palpatine with her own shadowy secrets. (And if you squint right, she looks like a friend of mine's ex.) She has about six useful points of articulation with a ball joint at the neck and ball-ish joints at the elbows. She's capable of moving as much as you could hope for, and then some. To remove the cloak, her head pops right off-- again, very useful. Her sculpt is simple, as is her deco-- a little makeup, some feathers, and an icy gaze compensate for the fact that she's not exactly much of a toy. Also, she has a gun and her arms are visible which, I believe, is not how she's ever seen in the movies. (Taking toyetic license for a better action figure is a good thing, by the way.) In short, it's (as Hasbro once put it) a pretty nice "stand there and look good figure" as opposed to being an action figure.

Collector's Notes: Released alongside such figures as Senator Yarua, Pablo Jill, and another Queen Amidala, Sly Moore was never a big hit, and was a bit of a slow seller. Her figure goes for a smidge more than retail, but it's still very cheap. As no other versions of the character have been made as an action figure, it's easy to advise fans to snag her if they're fans of assistants, political types, or any figures to keep around Palpatine. Good job, Hasbro!

Day 89: August 3, 2006

Figure of the Day: Day 88: Cloud Car Pilot

CLOUD CAR PILOT Original Trilogy Collection
Original Trilogy Collection
Item No.: Asst. 84715 No. 85054
Number: OTC #19
Includes: Helmet, commlink, blaster, base
Action Feature: n/a
Retail: $4.99
Availability: Summer 2004
Appearances: The Empire Strikes Back

Bio: When the Rebels arrive at Cloud City, the city becomes involved in the battle to save the galaxy. Cloud cars fly in the air around Cloud City. They keep order in the skies and guide arriving vehicles safely to the landing areas. In case of trouble, cloud cars are equipped with a laser cannon. When the Millennium Falcon arrives at Cloud City, a cloud car escorts it to a landing platform. (Taken from the figure's cardback.)

Image: Adam Pawlus' toy shelves.

Commentary: It's no secret that a lot of obscure characters have built-in fan demand solely because they were produced in the vintage line, like this Cloud Car Pilot. Hasbro decided to give us what we asked for, and then some. Not content to merely update the figure, the toymakers pulled out all the stops and gave us one of the finest figures ever produced. The figure itself is one of Hasbro's best, at the time, and it remains so to this very day. With a healthy 12 points of articulation, the figure is capable of assuming a great number of poses. The kind of joints used on the knees aren't as awesome as some of the more recent ball-joints, but combined with the boot joint it allows about as much movement as is needed. The design really never received significant screen time in the movie beyond the helmet, really, and as such the figure is fairly true to the concept art for this design as well as the vintage figure from 1982.

As far as accessories go, this is a real hum-dinger. Revamps of the original Kenner blaster and commlink are included, but that's not all! These accessories plug into the belt or to his hands, and he's sporting a nifty removable helmet. Hasbro succeeded in doing something that's quite tough, and that's taking an obscure character and turning it into one of the most fun toys in the entire run of the modern Star Wars line. If you don't own this figure, there's something wrong. It's so good that it reflects poorly on you as a collector for not having had the foresight to buy it, so be sure to get this one before the other collectors point and make fun of you.

Collector's Notes: Despite being a short-run figure in a very popular sub-line, fans didn't jump all over the Cloud Car Pilot. Heck, many probably didn't even buy two for a hypothetical release of the Cloud Car. The item was clearanced out in many markets, and today goes for a couple of dollars of its original price. On the bright side, if you snoozed, you won't lose-- this figure's still easily had and is an excellent example of Hasbro making a figure in a way that no sensible fan, even in jest, could complain about. At this time there are no confirmed plans for the Cloud Car vehicle, although an Expanded Universe Cloud Car was released in 1998 based on concept artwork from the film. A companion concept Cloud Car Pilot was included with the vehicle.

Day 88: August 2, 2006

Figure of the Day: Day 87: Han Solo in Stormtrooper Disguise

HAN SOLO in Stormtrooper disguise
Power of the Force Collection
Item No.: No. 84198
Number: n/a
Includes: Helmet
Action Feature: n/a
Retail: n/a
Availability: August 1995 - December 1996 + 90 days
Appearances: Star Wars

Bio: Han Solo was a cocky Corellian with a wry wit, a reckless disposition, dry humor, and technological savvy, who began his career as a smuggler. He went through several employers, had a short military career, met and befriended Chewbacca, and upset enough sentients to have several bounties placed on his head before becoming swept up into the Galactic Civil War against his own wishes. Never intending to stay, he left the Rebel Alliance after receiving pay for the rescue of Princess Leia Organa, but returned soon afterward to play a part in the Battle of Yavin. (Stolen from Wookieepedia.)

Image: Adam Pawlus' toy shelves.

Commentary: This was it: utopia in a box. The Han Solo in Stormtrooper Disguise figure had some newly tooled parts, and was an actual free figure-- with 2 proofs-of-purchase and an order form, you were sent one of your very own. Free, gratis, no check or nothin'. The figure was basically the (at the time) newly released normal Stormtrooper with a new head, new helmet, new arm, and new leg. Otherwise, he's basically the standard Stormtrooper. The head sculpt was good, and the neck was covered in black rings from the body glove, just like in the movie. (This is especially notable as this detail was ignored on the Luke in Imperial Guard disguise figure.) The old, bulky Stormtrooper sculpt is obviously a little weird to look at in 2006, but it's a special figure in that for many, this was where their new collections started. That, and anything with a removable helmet is cool.

Captain Solo came with the then-standard 6 points of articulation. For most fans, this was the very first modern figure they had the opportunity to purchase, although delivery would come in 60-90 days. The offer ran through 1996, and the cereal boxes were available through Fall of 1996 in many markets.

Collector's Notes: This was the first-ever official Han Solo in Stormtrooper disguise action figure. In the vintage line, only Luke in Stormtrooper was released, which no doubt inspired a lot of customizers to make the unproduced companion figure. Initially selling for upward of $30 for several years, this figure now goes for about $5.

Originally, this figure was to have a double-handled blaster rifle. Kellogg's doesn't allow for guns to be included with mail-in offers-- so this figure, various G.I. Joe figures, and others over time couldn't include what could be easily identified as a weapon. The double-barrelled gun was produced, though, and was apparently ready-to-go until it was released in 1998 with the Freeze Frame release of Princess Leia, which had the extra gun as a bonus. Subsequent releases of that Leia did not include the Han Stormtrooper gun. As the figure was specifically sculpted to hold that unique gun, it's worth tracking down if you own the Han figure.

As a mail-in offer from Froot Loops, this thing was nothing short of a marvel, it brought back the magic of collecting to lots of fans as well as fond memories of mailing away for figures as a kid.

In 1995, this was the first exposure most people had to the then-new line of Star Wars figures, and I know I first heard about it as a rumor on the AOL Star Wars boards-- I thought it was a hoax, so I wrote Kellogg's and got a "we cannot discuss this" letter long after I found it in stores, thus cementing the bizarre "we can't discuss anything at this time" answer that we still hear today. This was also the figure that pushed me to write online on August 1, 1995, because after I did find this in a grocery store, I decided it might be a good idea to make sure other fans knew about it. And that was 11 years ago today.

Day 87: August 1, 2006