Figure of the Day: Day 126: Asajj Ventress

ASAJJ VENTRESS Jedi vs. Sith
Revenge of the Sith Battle Packs Jedi vs. Sith
Item No.: Asst. 85554 No. 85667
Number: n/a
Includes: Lightsabers
Action Feature: n/a
Retail: $19.99, part of a gift set
Availability: Summer 2005
Appearances: Primarily The Clone Wars

Bio: Asajj Ventress is a disciple of the dark side of the Force and a follower of Count Dooku. Full of anger and bitterness, she is skilled in lightsaber combat and a sworn enemy of the Jedi. Her powerful ability with the Force makes her a formidable enemy. (Taken from the figure's box.)

Image: Adam Pawlus' Clone Wars shelf.

Commentary: A long time ago I reviewed the first version of this Clone Wars villain, but this figure of Asajj Ventress is arguably the definitive one. Since she's modeled after the cartoon designs, a lot of fans jumped at the chance to get her. It also made a lot of people upset, as they liked the more comic book version released in 2003. Either, way, it's a good figure in its own right with two linkable lightsabers, a unique pose, and arguably significantly better presence. With her more evil looking face, better posture, and added height, she looks like a more formidable opponent than the first release which, while good, looks more like a sickly goth girl by comparison. So with her ball-jointed shoulders and neck, we can say this is a fine figure and one you should add to your collection-- if you can accept the idea of non-movie toys.

The figure doesn't break any new ground, she just refines an existing concept. When I first saw this figure, I assumed it was a repaint of the 2003 release, but Hasbro actually went out and tooled up an all-new figure when they didn't even have to. I really admire seeing Hasbro refining its better sculpts into something really great, so it's hard to say too much about this figure other than "it's good" and "buy it."

Collector's Notes: One of three new molds from the Jedi vs. Sith Battle Pack, this Asajj is the one you should want. It's still fairly priced, about $20-$30. It originally sold for $20 or more at most stores, which was a killer deal for five action figures. I'm actually surprised this item isn't more expensive and popular given how many Clone Wars fans there are, and how little product there is. You should totally get one.

Day 126: September 9, 2006

Figure of the Day: Day 125: Han Solo (Death Star Escape)

HAN SOLO Death Star Escape
Power of the Jedi Collection 1
Item No.: Asst. 84445 No. 84626
Number: n/a
Includes: Stormtrooper Blaster, Force File
Action Feature: n/a
Retail: $5.99
Availability: Fall 2001
Appearances: Star Wars

Bio: Han Solo's reputation as a notorious smuggler and pirate also makes him a target for bounty hunters. After his ship is impounded by the Empire, Han helps Obi-Wan and Luke rescue Princess Leia from the Death Star. A corageous and daring pilot, Solo eventually realizes his personal stake in the Rebels' fight for freedom. (Taken from the figure's Force File)

Image: Yet another Adam's Pawlus toy shelf.

Commentary: Over the years, typically, Han Solo figures got better and better. This was until Power of the Jedi, where the super-cool Bespin Han Solo was followed up by this monstrosity and the "my neck is cut" Han from a two-pack with Chewbacca. (But more on him later.) This figure has an awkward head sculpt, a rotten pose, and can't stand properly. He also has articulation inferior to a previous release which, really, isn't cool in any toy line. The figure itself is very much a "what you see is what you get" release, and I can't say much good about it in the grand scheme of things. It's an OK figure, and one of very few Han figures with a Stormtrooper belt. It's nice that Hasbro made an all-new sculpt in 2001 rather than tweaking the 1999 figure, but honestly, a tweak would've been better. I think if the head on this figure were particularly well done, the figure would have been saved but when you're talking about a figure that can't stand well on its own with an awkward face, there's really not much nice to be said here. For collectors only.

Oh, for the record: eight points of articulation. The typical six, plus arm swivels.

Collector's Notes: This figure came out in a wave with Darth Vader with lightning bolts on his head, and Luke Skywalker in his pilot get-up with buck teeth. It wasn't a proud time to be a fan, as the complaints could be heard for quite some time. The wave hit Target stores' mega-clearance after the holidays, but that shouldn't be seen as a critique on the line as a whole, it just ended up that Han was part of a very weak Collection 1 send-off near the end of the line. It's too bad this figure has been done better so often, but hey, at least this was the low point. I've seen other lines where the figures are far, far worse. I'm probably being a little too harsh but I remember this figure going from the package to a tackle box pretty quickly, and that's disappointing for your favorite characters.

Day 125 September 8, 2006

Figure of the Day: Day 124: Geonosian with Massiff

MASSIFF with Geonosian Handler
Saga Collection Collection 2
Item No.: Asst. 84861 No. 84803
Number: 0234
Includes: Leash, lizard-dog
Action Feature: n/a
Retail: $4.99
Availability: Spring 2002
Appearances: Attack of the Clones (technically)

Bio: Massiffs are ferocious creatures with razor sharp teeth and agile movements. Although small in size, these aggressive beasts are difficult to restrain, even by their handlers. (Taken from the figure's cardback)

Image: Yet another Adam's Pawlus toy shelf.

Commentary: Here's a unique situation. The main character in the set is a Geonosian Warrior, but this particular product was marketed as a Massiff in 2002, allowing for an unusual dynamic-- is the accessory now the most exciting part of the figure? The Geonosian is a good figure, not a great figure, but one of the first really good Geonosians. The very first Geonosian Warrior was totally naked, no armor or anything. This one is properly outfitted, at least, and is uniquely colored and looks pretty slick. Of course, the Massiff is pretty awesome with only one point of articulation-- his jaw. Together for $5, this was an incredible value and lots of fun at a low price. Of course, the Massiff species never made the final cut on Geonosis.

Collector's Notes: Originally designed for Geonosis, the Massiff species of lizard-dog only appears on Tatooine in the movies. Part of the backstory for the saga indicates the two planets are reasonably close together and spacers helped the species migrate from one world to the other, hence the need for a Tusken Raider with Massif set which was released later in 2002, and was also an awesome deal for the price. The Geonosis set is good as well if for no reason other than to help you build your armies. Deleted scene figure fans take note, this is one you should be adding to your collections.

Day 124 September 7, 2006

Figure of the Day: Day 123: ASP-7 Droid

ASP-7 with Spaceport Supply Rods
Power of the Force Collection 2
Item No.: Asst. 69605 No. 69704
Number: n/a
Includes: Spaceport Support Rods
Action Feature: n/a
Retail: $4.99
Availability: Summer 1997
Appearances: Star Wars: Special Edition, Shadows of the Empire

Bio: ASP-series droids, also known as asp droids, were general-purpose labor droids manufactured by Industrial Automaton and found throughout the Galaxy. Simple-minded droids, the ASPs were strictly working droids and nothing more; their vocabulary, likely a variant on CBell-1, consisted of only "Yes" and "No" or "Affirmative" or "Negative." The most common of these models was the ASP-7, which stood at 1.6 meters. The Prefect of Mos Eisley kept a large amount of ASP-7s throughout the settlement, such as ASP-704.

A more advanced model, the ASP-19, was used by Darth Vader to hone his lightsaber dueling skills. (Stolen from Wookieepedia.)

Image: Adam's other toy shelf.

Commentary: While I think some of the information on Wookieepedia about the ASP-7 droid is in error (that or the toy's goofed up), it's a notable figure in the history of the line because it's one of the first all-computer generated Star Wars characters to be produced as a toy. Articulated at the neck twice (so he can nod or look up) as well as the shoulders and hips, it's a fairly good robot and a welcome addition to any quasi-industrial setup you may have in your collection. The sculpt is simple, as is the design from the films. All this figure is really capable of doing is carrying his cargo (or if you have a spare, a lightsaber) and standing there-- he can't really sit; he can't really enter a pose that makes it look like he's doing much aside from fighting or staying put. As such, if you like the look of this figure-- and I do-- I can't say enough good about it. If you want a figure that's probably likely to spark a kid's imagination, this is a good one because it really doesn't have too much of a backstory. If you want a super-posable crazy awesome droid, get something else.

Collector's Notes: ASP droids were first seen in the Shadows of the Empire project, but an action figure wasn't made until Summer of 1997 for the Special Edition line. Back then, nobody cared about this figure. Today is no different, although it's a unique droid and one of my favorite action figures. Despite the unique design from Lucasfilm and an appearances on screen and in the expanded universe, these droids vanished from the Star Wars continuity almost completely after 1997.

Day 123: September 6, 2006

Figure of the Day: Day 122: Rebel Trooper

REBEL TROOPER Tantive IV Defender
Power of the Jedi Collection 1; Saga Collection Troop Builder Set
Item No.: Asst. 84455 No. 84658; No. 26816
Number: n/a
Includes: Rebel pistol, Force File (POTJ only), Display Stand (Saga only)
Action Feature: n/a
Retail: $6.99-$19.99
Availability: Fall 2001
Appearances: Star Wars

Bio: The Rebel Blockade Runner Tantive IV was on an urgent mission to Tatooine. Princess Leia Organa, armed with secret plans to the Death Star, was on her way to find General Obi-Wan Kenobi when the ship was attacked by an Imperial Star Destroyer. The heroic Rebel troopers were the last line of defense as the ship was boarded by Darth Vader and a platoon of Stormtroopers. (Taken from the figure's cardback.)

Image: Adam's other toy shelf.

Commentary: When first released, the Rebel Trooper was something of a surprise because it used a new form of leg articulation that Hasbro had never used before, but was popularized by 21st Century Toys' 1:18 scale military lines. Here, a cut joint in the knee allowed for a greater range of motion without using a ball joint or a hinge, and I'd say the results are mixed. It isn't bad, but it's not a type of joint that all figures could pull off well. In addition to these unique joints on the knees, he has boot articulation (which is required for any pose with these knees), wrist joints, and the obligatory neck, waist, shoulder, and hip joints. So he's quite posable but not perfect by a longshot. This figure was a long-requested resculpt of the 1997 Rebel Fleet Trooper, a figure with the wrong pants who could tower over Darth Vader. As such, this new figure became a favorite quickly by virtue of it not sucking. The sculpt is good, the face is generic, and the costume is authentic. What more could you ask for? (Well, a working holster probably. But you ain't gonna get one.)

Collector's Notes: This is where it gets complicated. In 2001, Hasbro said they would release variants of this figure and the Imperial Officer figures with new heads. Both figures would each receive 2 new heads when released in the Saga line at the end of 2002/beginning of 2003, but this is the only head released in Power of the Jedi packaging. To make matters more complicated, unless you examine them side-by-side, the two different Saga heads look virtually identical-- really the only easy way to distinguish them is hair color despite their having unique sculpts.

Before that, though, this exact figure would be released in a plain white box Internet-only Troop Builder 4-Pack which also included clear display stands, but was identical to the first figure's release. Finally, this figure was also included in a fairly rare Mexico-exclusive Power of the Jedi 4-Pack with Darth Vader, Luke Skywalker, and a Sandtrooper. So, in short, you can get this figure in nearly any configuration-- but I recommend the troop builder box.

Day 122: September 5, 2006

Figure of the Day: Day 121: Shock Trooper

SHOCK TROOPER Clone Trooper
Revenge of the Sith Collection 1; Episode III Greatest Battles Collection
Item No.: Asst. 85173 No. 85279; Asst. 87181 No. 87258
Number: III-06; 11 of 14
Includes: Rifle, pistol, shoulder armor with and without logo
Action Feature: Squeeze legs for quick-draw attack
Retail: $5.24-$5.99
Availability: Fall 2005-Fall 2006
Appearances: Revenge of the Sith

Bio: Shock Troopers are elite members of the Clone army. Under Palpatine's new regime, they are assigned as escorts and bodyguards to the Emperor. (Taken from the figure's Greatest Battles cardback.)

Image: Adam's Episode III shelf.

Commentary: While technically a variant, the Shock Trooper started life as a running change for the plain white quick-draw Clone Trooper. Hasbro wanted to get more product out without making a "new" figure, so repainting an existing figure made it easy to get this in stores in 2005, before it was given a real release with its own name and unique packaging in 2006. The figure's action feature doesn't get in the way beyond it effectively removing the waist joint, but aside from that, this figure is super-poseable with ball joints nearly everywhere. With a full range of movement, two weapons, and a sculpt that's definitely good enough for almost every use of a Shock Trooper, this is a figure worth buying. In multiples if possible.

Collector's Notes: The most amusing thing is that this figure doesn't appear on its own packaging, ever. In 2005, the Shock Trooper was released in the plain white Clone's packaging, so to look at the package, it's easy to mistake it for a "swapped out" or customized figure at first. In 2006, the packaging shows the action figure for the Skirmish in the Senate Shock Trooper, which uses a different mold and is easily distinguished by his belt and backpack. Either way, this figure is a good one no matter the packaging. Buy two, they're cheap.

Day 121: September 4, 2006

Figure of the Day: Day 120: R2-D2 (Hoth)

R2-D2 Battle of Hoth
The Saga Collection
Item No.: Asst. 85770 No. 85930
Number: 010
Includes: Cargo box, rations, lantern, personalized display stand, random bonus holographic figure
Action Feature: Removable third leg, twist dome to reveal pop-up sensorscope
Retail: $6.99
Availability: February 2006
Appearances: The Empire Strikes Back

Bio: As the assault on the Rebel's secret base on Hoth comes to an end, R2-D2 (Artoo-Detoo) is ready to take off in Luke Skywalker's X-Wing fighter. As the two flee the ice planet, Luke informs Artoo that he is not planning tomeet at the rendezvous point with the other Rebels. Instead, Luke is planning to go to the Dagobah system, a decision that makes Artoo a bit uneasy. (Taken from the figure's cardback.)

Image: Standing on the wing of the 2006 Toys "R" Us exclusive X-wing Fighter with Dagobah odds and ends.

Commentary: Few molds have been made in to as many "different" versions of the exact same character as this venerable R2-D2 mold. In 2004, it started life as a Vintage Original Trilogy Collection figure. It's basically the same as this release, except there was a panel you could pop off and attach some tools there. In 2005, it became the mail-in Early Bird R2-D2-- which is identical to this figure, except for the accessories and dirt deco. As release #3, it's probably the best looking, but the first release has the most functionality. The figure has a removable (not retractable) third leg, and the usual compliment of droid articulation-- "neck," feet, arms, etc. What really makes the figure shine are his many accessories for other figures, most of which were first packaged with a Toys "R" Us exclusive Dagobah X-wing from 2002. (Yeah, there's a lot of exclusive X-wings.)

Collector's Notes: This figure is currently available and in a variety of configurations and "variants." I use quotes because the only really significant change is that of the random holographic figure, which is available in six varieties and in red or blue. Blue being the first release, red being the second. So if you're crazy, collect all 12. If you're just wanting a good, solid R2-D2 figure at a decent price, you can find this particular release at most better low-traffic toy stores. So go to your local crappy Wal-Mart for this one.

Day 120: September 3, 2006

Figure of the Day: Day 119: Darth Sidious (Holograph)

DARTH SIDIOUS Holograph
Episode I Collection 2
Item No.: Asst. 84095 No. 84081
Number: n/a
Includes: CommTech Chip
Action Feature: n/a
Retail: $6.99
Availability: 2000
Appearances: The Phantom Menace, Attack of the Clones, Revenge of the Sith

Bio: The evil and mysterious power behind the Trade Federation's blockade of Naboo, Darth Sidious appears over vast distances as a holograph in order to communicate to his many subordinates. (Taken from the figure's cardback.)

Image: Adam Pawlus' Clone Wars shelves.

Commentary: By 2000, it was obvious that corporate America's gamble on the prequels were slightly misplaced. While a massive event movie, overproduction, collector burn-out, and the film itself were responsible for figures like Darth Sidious (Holograph) seeing limited distribution because other, older items were so overproduced that there was little room for anything new. The figure itself was (and remains) one of the better holographic figures ever made, because a lot of smart decisions when adapting the regular Darth Sidious mold. For starters, the original figure's individual legs were all remolded into one central body piece. Also, the figure added paint to flesh out the hands and face, while most later figures were solid-color or had weird blobs and "shimmers" to accentuate the figure's decoration. (The lone real exception being Jedi Luke's Holograph from 2002 and the 2004 Spirit of Obi-Wan Kenobi.) So the figure is fairly solid, and it looks good. As far as articulation, each arm has three joints, and beyond that you don't need much more-- the head doesn't really move, but it is a separate piece.

This figure more or less accurately represents every portrayal of Darth Sidious as a holograph-- standing still, and being mostly clear. It isn't perfection, but it's very, very close and I personally have a hard time picturing Hasbro ever doing a better job than this, the very first attempt at a holographic hooded Palpatine. Hasbro would try again two more times. In 2004, Hasbro took the 1997 Emperor Palpatine figure and molded it in clear, unpainted purple plastic. In 2005, Hasbro took the 2005 Emperor Palpatine figure and molded it in the same unpainted purple color. To this date, the original, 2000 Darth Sidious Holograph from Episode I is easily the best. If you only get one clear Emperor, get this one.

And for the record, there are also smaller versions of this character as holographs. In 2002, Lott Dod and Count Dooku were packaged with miniature, hooded holographic figures. In 2006, all villains had the opportunity to be packaged with red or blue versions of a lightsaber-brandishing Darth Sidious bonus figure. To date, no character has had more unique holographic toys made of it.

Collector's Notes: In addition to the regular US release, a foreign release was made as well. In it, a bonus Pit Droid was packaged with this figure, and there are three variants. These cross over into the lower echelons of "Holy Grail" status as they're quite hard to get, and combine an awesome figure with an awesome overseas exclusive. Good luck finding them. But I digress.

Issued only once and in limited numbers, this figure is essentially a collector's item in a vaguely true sense of the world. It's not hype, this is actually a good item, collectors dig it, and it isn't too dirt cheap but can be had for cheaply. Under $15 shouldn't be a problem, under $10 is also doable. Were I a new collector, I'd put this high on my wish list.

Day 119: September 2, 2006

Figure of the Day: Day 118: Luke Skywalker in Trash Compactor

LUKE SKYWALKER in Trash Compactor
Power of the Force Escape the Death Star Game
Item No.: No. 40905
Number: n/a
Includes: 3 Blasters, 3 Lightsaber
Action Feature: n/a
Retail: $24.99
Availability: 1998
Appearances: Star Wars

Bio: Luke Skywalker was the son of Jedi Knight Anakin Skywalker and Naboo Senator Padme Amidala, and the older twin brother of Leia Organa Solo. A celebrated pilot and leader, Skywalker was most famous for destroying the first Death Star and prompting Darth Vader to kill Emperor Palpatine, which led to the eventual downfall of the Galactic Empire and made him the greatest hero of the Rebel Alliance. He was later promoted to general, became an influential member of the New Republic and a prominent Jedi Master. Trained in the ways of the Force by Jedi Masters Obi-Wan Kenobi and Yoda, Luke eventually closed the chapter in his life as a soldier and established the Jedi Praxeum to create the New Jedi Order that would serve as guardians and peacekeepers in the New Republic. He married fellow Jedi Mara Jade, with whom he had a son, Ben Skywalker, and ten years later, officially claimed the title Grand Master of the Jedi Order. (Stolen from Wookieepedia.)

Image: Adam Pawlus' toy shelves.

Commentary: One of the big pushes by 1998 was to get action figures with everything. Kenner realized the cash cow that was the Star Wars action figure, so figures like this Luke Skywalker were packaged with PC games, board games, vehicles, elaborate gunner stations, and more. The figure itself is a 1996 Stormtrooper Luke Skywalker figure with a newly sculpted head, but obviously, it looks a little funky (which is why we had to include the inset photo). Initial reports from Toy Fair 1998 in New York were questioning just who this was supposed to be-- we weren't entirely sure of it was meant to be Luke or someone else. Legend has it (and I never confirmed this, so take it as a load of crap) that Steve Sansweet himself said of this figure "well, we've never seen a Stormtrooper with its helmet off before." I have no idea if it's true, but given the fan reaction to this figure, it doesn't seem totally implausible.

So, it's Stormtrooper Luke with maggots on his armor and his hair slicked back. The figure doesn't include a removable helmet-- which I've always felt was a huge mistake-- and came packaged with a board game. It's a unique idea and one that, thankfully, Hasbro hasn't been too keen to revisit short of the Wookiee Scout in the Power of the Jedi days. In and of itself, this is not an exciting figure. The appeal of someone in disguise is the ability to disguise them, and without a helmet, this figure fails. As such, we give this one the "neat for collectors, not for anyone else" stamp.

Collector's Notes: This figure was never particularly sought-after and I never actually played the game myself. The entire package with the figures can be had for a very reasonable $5 in some cases, which is a stellar deal considering you get 2 figures and 6 weapons. Plus this Luke has a unique head sculpt which was never reused, and surely, that's worth something right?

Day 118: September 1, 2006