Figure of the Day: Day 217: Obi-Wan Kenobi (Lava Reflection)

OBI-WAN KENOBI Lava Reflection
Revenge of the Sith Target Exclusive
Item No.: No. 85923
Number: n/a
Includes: Lightsaber hand, display base
Action Feature: Squeeze legs for slashing action
Retail: $12.99
Availability: Fall 2005
Appearances: Revenge of the Sith

Bio: Obi-Wan Kenobi obeyed his Jedi Master's dying wish and trained Anakin Skywalker in the ways of the Force. Now he is pitted against his former Padawan in a lightsaber duel of epic proportions! (Taken from the figure's cardback.)

Image: Adam's toy shelves.

Commentary: In the Spring of 2005, Target had tremendous success with a direct-mail campaign advertising the first-ever exclusive Lava Reflection action figure with Darth Vader. They decided to try it again in the Fall, without the campaign, and the resulting figures of Darth Vader (Anakin, really) and Obi-Wan Kenobi proved a little baffling. Why do these things cost $13? Why don't they have as many accessories as the non-lava versions? We never really got an answer, but the fan interest in $12.99 figures has dropped-- a fourth "flame-covered" figure, General Grievous, would come out in 2006 and prove fans really aren't in the mood for this kind of pricing.

Obi-Wan offers nothing new but a display base (previously packaged with the Mustafarian figure) and new deco, and the deco is kind of nasty. Lots of orange, red, and dirty colors make it look like the Jedi General has just gone through Hell during his duel with his former friend, and as such, it works-- for what it is, it's a very nice concept, but for how it was sold, not so much. The sculpt is good, but a better Obi-Wan Kenobi sculpt was introduced around the same time and was sold as a "pilot" figure for about five bucks. With Obi-Wan (Lava Reflection), what you see is basically what you get. The weapon is not removable from his hand, but the hand with the weapon is removable from the figure.

Collector's Notes: When this came out in 2005, I bought it on the spot at full price. It stayed in the package because I really didn't feel like cracking it open until I got a second one, at the time not yet knowing how rare (or common) it would be. I didn't get the one you see in the picture until November of 2006, when I stumbled in a Target in LA that I hit on a regular basis and saw it for about $1.60. It just goes to prove that if you don't like the price of something, waiting just might pay off.

Day 217: December 9, 2006

Figure of the Day: Day 216: Clone Trooper (Evolutions)

CLONE TROOPER The Clone Wars
Revenge of the Sith Evolutions
Item No.: Asst. 85553 No. 87050
Number: n/a
Includes: Clone Helmet, Pilot Helmet, Blaster
Action Feature: n/a
Retail: $19.99
Availability: Fall 2005
Appearances: Attack of the Clones through Clone Wars

Bio: The evolution of the galaxy's most powerful army is captured in these figures! The clone troopers fight for the Republic, to try and save the galaxy from chaos. But secret plans change their loyalties, and they help the evil forces of the Sith to take control! No longer known as clone troopers, they are now stormtroopers, the loyal soldiers of the Emperor, enforcing his harsh will throughout the galaxy! (Taken from the figure's box.)

Image: Adam's toy shelves. Pilot helmet not shown.

Commentary: In late 2003, Hasbro introduced what was considered to be the definitive Clone Trooper action figure. It was repainted as an exclusive, and considered the top-- until this version came out in 2005, and now there's some debate. This version has slightly refined sculpting and a removable helmet, but no waist articulation. The figure also has some particularly ornate battle damage, and is not as prone to yellowing so far. (Which means it's good.) So, are 13 points of articulation enough? Possibly. Since Clone fans tend to build armies, this is automatically worth adding to your collection just for the sake of variety, but there's more to it. It has a bonus Clone Pilot helmet, so the figure can be a makeshift pilot or a normal Trooper. The dirt/damage deco is very impressive as long as you don't get too close-- you can see the printing patterns if you squint. It's a good figure, and arguably one of the best Clone figures ever... but does the removable helmet matter to you? Or the waist joint? These are things to consider before tracking this down.

Collector's Notes: This is the second release of this mold. The first was in the first Clone Trooper Evolutions pack, and was yellow (a commander). The third release was profiled earlier in this column, and was a blue redeco sold in the 30th Anniversary Tins gift set collection. This white Clone has the strongest overall deco and is also the most generic, making it well worth owning. Since it'll probably cost you $20-$30, it isn't all that bad. The set also includes an Episode III Clone (in "ARC Trooper" deco, according to Hasbro) that can be reconfigured to also be a Coruscant Trooper. The third entry in this Evolutions set was an ultra-filthy Sandtrooper, who can be a Sandtrooper-- or if you have other Troopers, you can switch out the pauldrons and make a custom squad with a little more variety. (I recommend this.)

Day 216: December 8, 2006

Figure of the Day: Day 215: C-3PO (Endor)

C-3PO with Ewok throne
The Saga Collection
Item No.: Asst. 85770 No. 85940
Number: 042
Includes: Endor throne, display base
Action Feature: n/a
Retail: $6.99
Availability: Summer 2006
Appearances: Return of the Jedi

Bio: No one was more surprised than C-3PO by the sudden manifestation of godlike powers brought on by the golden droid's frustration at being unable to convince the Ewoks to free his friends. Then his sudden short, Force-induced flight around the village drove the superstitious Ewoks into a panic. After that, he was able to make his lack of interest in a delicious meal made up of Han, Luke, and Chewbacca fully understood. (Taken from the figure's cardback.)

Image: Adam's coffee table. Throne not shown. Escape Pod not included with this particular C-3PO.

Commentary: For years, fans have had one big request for C-3PO, and that was knee joints. In 2006, Hasbro made good by taking the basic figure from 2005 and adding some features to make it just a little bit better. On my open sample, the figure can sit fairly well-- although one of the legs doesn't move forward as much as the other, making it hard to sit well. Still, if you love articulation, this is the best C-3PO to date. The only thing this droid could possibly have is an extra arm joint or two, but it doesn't really need that sort of thing for this particular scenario. The Ewok throne is a nice touch, as many of us owned the original one with our Ewok Village playset. It's nice to have again, but the old one was (as toys go) a little more stable and overall, felt less likely to bend in some screwball shape. Also, there really is no easy way for Ewoks to carry this throne, partially because of the rubbery plastic, but also due to the lack of Ewoks on the market today. While the figure is neat due to his knees and wonderful expression, the throne itself fails as a toy because there really is no way for it to be carried around. And that's the point of this particular accessory, really. Without the ability to carry it around, the extra poles are worthless and just add to the cost of what may well be one of the more expensive figures in the assortment.

Collector's Notes: There are some variants out there, most of which involve the droid's knees-- the non-metalized part on the right leg may also be found in gray/silver. The figure itself is still fairly common, but don't expect to be tripping over them. It's a good figure as C-3POs go, but don't expect to get too much out of the throne as far as a plaything goes. Accessory aside, this C-3PO figure is one of the strongest in the entire line and unless Hasbro makes something better, this is going to be my default C-3PO for all Trilogy-based needs. It's cool.

Day 215: December 7, 2006

Figure of the Day: Day 214: Chewbacca (Mynock Hunt)

CHEWBACCA Mynock Hunt
Saga Collection Collection 1
Item No.: Asst. 84851 No. 84960
Number: 0314
Includes: Mynock, Bowcaster, Red Projectile
Action Feature: Firing Bowcaster, Mynock with Suction Cup
Retail: $4.99
Availability: Spring 2003
Appearances: The Empire Strikes Back

Bio: In a desperate attempt to escape pursuing Imperial ships, Chewbacca and Han fly the Millennium Falcon into an asteroid field. Landing inside an asteroid, they attempt to remove mynocks, energy-feeding parasites, that have attached themselves to the ship. As the asteroid starts to make strange movements, they discover that they are actually in the gullet of a huge creature that lives in the dark asteroid cavern. (Taken from the figure's cardback.)

Image: Adam's toy shelves.

Commentary: The second Mynock Hunt-specific Chewbacca was, like the first, a real winner of a figure and a fine example of a Chewbacca toy. It also exposed a lot of the flaws in the thinking of the 2002-2003 action figures, namely weird poses, articulation that doesn't really enhance the figure, and weird, non-remobable accessories. For starters, Chewie's breathing mask if glued in place, and the strap is sculpted on his head. Unlike the 1998 version, it isn't removable. His added articulation at the knees-- bizarre, unnecessary swivel joints-- really don't do much other than make him look awkward when sitting on a shelf. The figure isn't really designed to sit or do anything other than stand and aim, and isn't really stable enough to make the most out of his firing bowcaster. I mean, it requires a fair amount of pressure and really isn't all that much fun to play with as a toy. Since it has a weird red rocket, it isn't much fun to look at, either. As such, this figure doesn't really work so well in the long run and it doesn't seem too unlikely for Hasbro to revisit Mynock Hunt Chewbacca a third time in the coming years.

The newly sculpted Mynock accessory is pretty nice, although like most toys, the suction cup truly does suck. It looks nice enough, though, and fans will do doubt want one to stick to their Millennium Falcon ship.

Collector's Notes: He was a little tough to get for a while, but time heals all wounds, and makes all figures a little less desirable. (Except for the ones it makes more desirable.) The figure could be had for $4.99, and shipped alongside such legends as Boba Fett from the Pit of Carkoon (which went on to have green or blue color variants) and the even more legendary Han Solo in Hoth Gear, which was both blue and brown. Browsing closed auctions on eBay, I'm seeing scores of this figure for $1 or less, with $5 shipping, and no bids. So if you want one, you can totally get one easily.

Day 214: December 6, 2006

Figure of the Day: Day 213: Yoda

YODA Jedi High Council
Saga Collection Collection 1
Item No.: Asst. 84851 No. 84968
Number: 0253
Includes: Lightsaber, chair
Action Feature: Force Power magnet in hand attracts lightsaber
Retail: $4.99
Availability: Fall 2002
Appearances: Attack of the Clones

Bio: Well into his 800s, Yoda is the oldest member of the Jedi High Council, as well as its most deply perceptive Master. A great traveler in his younger years, Yoda has quietly visited hundreds of worlds on his own, spending years learning different lifeways and appreciating the infinitiely variable nuances of the Force. His experiences have made him cautious and reflective. (Taken from the figure's cardback.)

Image: Adam's toy shelves.

Commentary: Yes, another Yoda, as there are many of them. This is a figure that was released for Episode II, based on a sculpting for Episode I, most likely as a result of Hasbro needing to whip up some quickie new product at the end of 2002 due to high demand for the action figure line. Is it good? Well, yes and no. The original figure was fairly well done, except it didn't offer a lot in the way of accessories, and the decoration was weird. This redeco makes the figure look a little better, adds a magnet to his hand, and packs in a bonus lightsaber. Since the Yoda of Episode I (or more specifically, its press shots) was a smiling puppet, this figure looks a little out of place when you look at the all-CG and slightly more serious looking Yoda of the Clones. The texture of the sculpt is good, the overall look of the figure is good, but it isn't great. After all, it's a figure from 1999, and Yoda toys have improved significantly since the world saw him jump about and fight with a lightsaber.

Collector's Notes: This was a fairly easy to find figure, but also quite popular with kids and new collectors. After all, everybody loves Yoda. Since there are so many Yoda figures, and Hasbro keeps cranking out the new (and old) ones repeatedly, this is a fairly cheap figure on the secondary market, and that's assuming you want to track it down at all. Since he has a magnetic hand and metal lightsaber hilt, he's fun to play with. (Actually, I think he's the only Yoda with a magnetic hand.) As such, he's a lot of fun, and the Jedi Council chair is a nice touch. However, if you have the Episode I Yoda, this figure has little to offer beyond cosmetic changes and, of course, the magnetic hand and weapon.

Day 213: December 5, 2006

Figure of the Day: Day 212: Muftak

Kabe and MUFTAK
Power of the Force Internet Exclusive
Item No.: No. 84071
Number: n/a
Includes: Blaster
Action Feature: n/a
Retail: $12.99
Availability: Summer 1998
Appearances: Star Wars

Bio: Muftak was orphaned at Docking Bay 12 of the Mos Eisley spaceport on Tatooine. He grew up among the cantina's regular, local customers, performing odd jobs to make a living. He always knew that he was different from almost every other race that passed through Mos Eisley, but he couldn't learn who or what he was. (Stolen from Wookieepedia.)

Image: Adam's toy shelves.

Commentary: Back in 1998, Hasbro was still allowed to sell products directly to consumers through its web site, like Muftak here. For a few bucks, you could order him along with Kabe and they'd be sent directly to your door. The larger-than-average figure has six points of articulation, a hefty blaster, and is big and fat and cuddly. (Awww.) The fur sculpt is excellent for its day, and the figure turned out rather nicely especially when compared to the quality of Chewbacca toys that would come both before and after it. This is a really great Cantina alien, and one you should track down. After all, not every figure has metallic fur!

Collector's Notes: These were blown out at stores like Factory 2U and Entertainment Earth for reasons I haven't yet quite understood, meaning there's a fair amount in circulation and they aren't too expensive. Snag one if you see it, or buy Foul Moudama-- all his clothes are removable, and without them he's pretty much the same as Muftak here.

Day 212: December 4, 2006

Figure of the Day: Day 211: Luke Skywalker (Complete Galaxy)

LUKE SKYWALKER Complete Galaxy
Power of the Force Complete Galaxy Collection
Item No.: Asst. 69805 No. 69826
Number: n/a
Includes: Lightsaber, globe, stand
Action Feature: n/a
Retail: $19.99
Availability: Fall 1998
Appearances: Return of the Jedi


Bio: Far from the center of the galaxy lies the twin-sunned, desert planet Tatooine, homeworld of Rebel Alliance hero Luke Skywalker. Geographically, the rocky Jundland Wastes span a vast area of the planet and include sights such as the Dune Sea and craggy Beggar's Canyon, where the young Skywalker maneuvered his T-16 skyhopper. (Taken from the figure's box.)

Image: Adam's toy shelves.

Commentary: One of many "new sculpt" figures to be released in 1998, this Luke Skywalker is a recreation of the young Jedi during the skirmish above the Sarlacc pit. Unfortunately, there were a lot of Jedi Luke resculpts starting in 1998-- there was this one, one with the Rancor, one with the Jedi Final Duel set, and another with the Tatooine Skiff. This one is distinctive in that it's a little dirty, and he has no blaster mark on his hands. With the basic six points of articulation and a new (for the time) wrist joint, this was a pretty spiffy figure for a little while, but after the newness wore off, fans realized it was just another Luke resculpt and that the best was still yet to come. The deco is acceptable, but the figure itself is nothing special, and certainly nothing to worry about adding to your collection if you're already covered in Jedi Luke Skywalker figures.

Collector's Notes: It was $20 at release, and hard to find too-- with clearances and the glut of product, now it's easy to find and pretty cheap. If you want a Complete Galaxy set, you can get this unique figure without too much trouble on the secondary market. The globe it comes with is arguably more interesting than the figure, and is what makes this figure particularly interesting.

Day 211: December 3, 2006

Figure of the Day: Day 210: G2-9T

G2-9T Star Tours
Star Tours Collection 3
Item No.: No. 10146
Number: n/a
Includes: n/a
Action Feature: n/a
Retail: $10.00
Availability: Summer 2004
Appearances: Star Tours

Bio: The fate of the Star Wars universe is in your hands! Whenever your plans call for intergalactic transport, call on STAR TOURS for state-of-the-art travel excitement! Tour the galaxy aboard the STARSPEEDER 3000 and experience the expertise of the sector's newest and most reliable droid pilots! (Taken from the figure's cardback.)

Image: Adam's toy shelves.

Commentary: The droid G2-9T is a repaint of G2-4T, who was sold a few years earlier-- if this is confusing, don't worry, as both have their names written on their heads in English. It's pretty much the same figure, except the red is now blue-- and the blue one, I think, looks just a little bit better. With barely six points of articulation and a lot of loose wires, the figure looks weird, ugly, and just barely Star Wars-y... but it does fit in nicely in certain environments, like a Sandcrawler or junk dealer's shop. There's not too much detail here, but it's just enough to give you the feeling that G2-9T is barely held together, it looks like a collection of loose parts and wires that'll fall apart if you look at them funny. Thankfully, the figure is slightly more durable, but there are some weak points so take care as not to snap off what seems to be some sort of coat hanger sex organ handing in front of the area between his legs.

Collector's Notes: It was $10 originally, and can be had for that or less on the secondary market. Despite their limited nature and generally light distribution, these figures aren't exactly worth a lot. Maybe it's because they look weird, maybe it's because fans just don't care or know they exist-- but they can be had for their original price with almost no problems. Unfortunately, many of the theme parks no longer sell them, so eBay is your best bet.

Day 210: December 2, 2006

Figure of the Day: Day 209: Han Solo with Smuggler Flight Pack

HAN SOLO with Smuggler Flight Pack
Power of the Force Deluxe Assortment
Item No.: Asst. 69610 No. 69612
Number: n/a
Includes: Big Giant Backpack
Action Feature: n/a
Retail: $9.99
Availability: Summer 2006
Appearances: n/a

Bio: Han Solo was a cocky Corellian with a wry wit, dry humor, a reckless disposition, and technological savvy, who began his career as a smuggler circa 10 BBY. He went through several employers, had a short military career, met and befriended Chewbacca. He was the captain of the Millennium Falcon and upset enough sentients to have several bounties placed on his head before being swept up into the Galactic Civil War against his wishes. (Stolen from Wookieepedia.)

Image: Adam's toy shelves.

Commentary: In 1996, for Kenner, Batman was king-- so it made sense to try some of those Batman-friendly tactics on Star Wars. This thinking got us Han Solo with Smuggler Flight Pack, a well-conceived but ill-developed concept. The idea from Kenner was simple: Han would have to do stuff in space around the Millennium Falcon, and he'd have to have something to help him get around. This is very sensible-- but the end result, not so much. Let's start with the basics-- in space, you need something to help you breathe. You need something to help you survive the vacuum of space. And you need something that's a little sensible-- the claw on the bottom doesn't make a whole lot of sense, and the flip-out guns are baffling. Oh, and they don't work too well-- they tend to pop out on their own a lot. The deco is good, though, so Kenner's colorists did a fine job. The problem is that the accessory doesn't make a lot of sense for its stated function. Batman's crazy scuba gear makes sense on some level because it helps Batman swim, or whatever. I don't get how this helps Han smuggle anything.

The figure itself is essentially a retooled & revised 1995 Han Solo. His torso has some oddball harness, his head is cast in this freakish, semi-translucent plastic, and he can't stand to save his life. There wasn't a lot nice to say about this figure as a new release, and now that it's 10 years later, this is a figure that I'm almost sorry I own.

Collector's Notes: If you want one, odds are a collector somewhere will be willing to give you one for free. Try asking around, odds are you'll get lucky. There's about zero chance you'll ever see this figure at retail again, as it wasn't exactly welcome the first time around. It seemed to sell fairly well, though, but fan reaction wasn't what you'd call positive. Save your money, kids!

Day 209: December 1, 2006