Figure of the Day: Day 368: Poggle the Lesser

POGGLE THE LESSER Geonosian War Chamber
Saga Screen Scenes Collection
Item No.: Asst. 84997 No. 84980
Number: 1 of 2
Includes: Cane, half of table, other figures
Action Feature: n/a
Retail: $24.99
Availability: Summer 2003
Appearances: Attack of the Clones

Bio: Poggle the Lesser was the Archduke of Geonosis before and during the Clone Wars, and was a leading member of the Separatist Council. As planetary leader of the Geonosians and a member of the Techno Union, Poggle controlled the vast droid factories found on his planet. (Stolen from Wookieepedia.)

Image: Adam Pawlus' toy shelves.

Commentary: There's not a lot of articulation on Poggle the Lesser but sometimes, a little is enough. This being the first release of the character as an action figure (another would follow in 2006), the colors are a bit muted, the pose is a little more action oriented (or at least active), and well, he can stand around. Due to how the figure was designed, he can't do much other than stand around menacingly-- sure, he can move his arms and legs, but the v-hips prevent him from looking normal while being seated. This is a great figure for dioramas, but as a toy, it fails-- he's not going to go in any ships because of his wings, and he's devoid of action features that may make him fun for the kiddies. What you see is what you get, folks.

Collector's Notes: The 2006 release has better coloring and a display stand, but the 2003 release has half a war room table, Count Dooku, and San Hill. Which will you buy? Decisions, decisions. Until San Hill is available separately, or elsewhere, this set should be on your must-buy list if you like prequel toys.

Day 368: May 9, 2007

Figure of the Day: Day 367: Princess Leia Organa

PRINCESS LEIA ORGANA Early Bird Kit
Early Bird Kit Wal-Mart Exclusive
Item No.: No. 85868
Number: n/a
Includes: Blaster, display pegs
Action Feature: n/a
Retail: $29.99
Availability: Fall 2005, Fall 2006-Present
Appearances: Star Wars

Bio: Sent by her father to find one of the greatest heroes of the Old Republic, Princess Leia's ship is captured by a Star Destroyer under the command of the evil Darth Vader (Taken from the figure's cardback [tin release].)

Image: Adam Pawlus' Early Bird Kit.

Commentary: A common thread in all of these features is a simple question: what makes a good figure? Does this Princess Leia Organa figure rock because her sculpt is so damned good, or does she suck because she really only has four meaningful points of articulation? It's the eternal question. I daresay there is no better looking version of Leia from the original film on the market today-- her face is nice, her body isn't some crazy out-of-proportion action stance nightmare, and she can actually hold her gun with no problems. Figures like this show that Hasbro can put out a perfectly awesome action figure if they want to, but things like detail or fantastic paint might have to take priority over articulation and play features.

It's hard to say if articulation would hurt or help this figure, because the dress is sculpted so perfectly, but I feel we're obligated to make suggestions for improvement on a future release-- so here goes. One, swappable heads would be nice so I could have her posed with her hood down. Two, the inclusion of the sporting blaster instead of the Stormtrooper blaster would be nice because we never saw her fire this gun with her hood up. Three, if we're feeling saucy (like Hasbro was when they made the Dagobah Luke figure in 2004), I'd love to see swappable arms too. Some sculpts are too nice to muck up with articulation, so why not just make separate arms I can pop on for different situations? I'd love to see this figure tweaked to look as she does on the vintage cardback photo as the body is perfect, it just needs some slight modifications on the arms and head. Four, and this is me just speculating wildly, the figure might benefit from a smidge of make-up paint. Of course, I still feel this is one of Hasbro's strongest sculpts of all time, at this point any changes on it would switch it over from "awesome" to "best ever." Just remember, that's "best ever" figure, not toy-- there's a difference. As far as toys go, the "Vintage" Leia from 2004 is far, far better because she can do things like sit.

Collector's Notes: This figure was originally sold as part of Wal-Mart's exclusive Early Bird Kit in 2005. In late 2006 (and into 2007), Hasbro released this as part of its Episode IV Collector's Tin gift set with no significant changes. Either version is worth getting, each for different reasons which basically boil down to if you want a tin and which other figures you like better. Also, I can't say enough good stuff about the cardboard Early Bird Display Stand-- it's a shame it didn't do better as it's one of my favorite display pieces.

Day 367: May 8, 2007

Figure of the Day: Day 366: R4-G9

R4-G9 Sneak Preview
Revenge of the Sith Sneak Preview Collection
Item No.: Asst. 85172 No. 85364
Number: 4 of 4
Includes: Display base, planet projection
Action Feature: n/a
Retail: $6.99
Availability: March 2005
Appearances: Revenge of the Sith

Bio: R4-G9 is an astromech droid that accompanies Obi-Wan Kenobi on a mission to the sinkhole planet of Utapau, where Obi-Wan hopes to destroy General Grievous, the supreme commander of the Separatist droid armies. (Taken from the figure's cardback.)

Image: Adam Pawlus' toy room.

Commentary: Twist the dome, leg pops out. Lots of articulation. A socket to plug in a projection. R4-G9 has it all, and is one of the best astromech droid molds ever. The proportions are good, the gimmicks are great... what's not to love? It's a shame it was premiered on such an obscure droid, but hey, they reused it time and again to make old droids we always wanted and new versions of old favorites. This new gold droid has a little dirt, a little grime, and tons of personality. Sure, he didn't do much in the movie but he looks cool and that's what really matters with these droids. Fans of droids already bought it, and if you're looking to own all the astromechs, you just gotta get one. If you aren't a droid fan, or think one R2 unit is plenty, you can skip this one without fear of missing out.

Collector's Notes: Aside from being the basis of many, many astromech droids to follow, this figure was rereleased in 2006 in the Saga Collection-era Greatest Battles line. As such, there are two major packaging variants to be had.

Day 366: May 7, 2007

Figure of the Day: Day 365: McQuarrie Concept Boba Fett

BOBA FETT McQuarrie Signature Series
30th Anniversary Collection McQuarrie Signature Collection
Item No.: Asst. 87500 No. 87240
Number: 30-15
Includes: 2 heads, blaster, flame projectile, collector coin
Action Feature: Swappable helmets, stomach opens to reveal gun
Retail: $6.99
Availability: April 2007
Appearances: n/a

Bio: Boba Fett was one of the first new characters to be designed for The Empire Strikes Back. The costume began as a Mandalorian supercommando suit and went through various designs, as well as being aged, dented, and painted to give it a battle-scarred appearance. It's final look hides a plethora of built-in weapons - and the identity of the ruthless bounty hunter it encases. (Taken from the figure's cardback.)

Image: In the cockpit of the 1996 Shadows of the Empire (later Power of the Force) Boba Fett's Slave I vehicle. Other images from other sources around Adam Pawlus' place.

Commentary: Few things excite collectors as much as the prospect of a completely new Boba Fett action figure. Every few years, we get a new one-- and it's always an exciting time. In 1995, days after Christmas, the first modern one hit stores in limited numbers. In 1996, we got a retooled version based on The Empire Strikes Back to be followed by a "Deluxe" offering with a giant jet pack in 1997. In 2000, we were shown the 300th Edition figure. In 2003, we got a new one that had rockets blazing and flames shooting out the back. In 2004, we got the spiffy (and now largely considered to be the definitive) figure from the Vintage Original Trilogy Collection. In 2006, we got a mishmash of the 2003 and 2004 versions. But it's 2007-- and it's time Hasbro gave us a new take on the most popular bounty hunter in cinematic history.

This one is based on several pieces of concept art for the character, putting together some of the more memorable (and in the case of the alternate head and gut gun, more forgettable) aspects of this character's birth. As a white trooper-style figure, this Mandalorian Supercommando could be army-built were one so inclined, as it's generic enough to make it easy to imagine having an army of these guys fighting Jedi and Rebels. The figure itself is a strong combination of things fans like-- loads of articulation, tons of parts, and just enough decoration to be considered classy. The figure is close to super-poseable-- basically, it has all the joints you could want except for ankles. So there's a total of 12 worthwhile joints here, which is pretty much plenty. Ankles or an added knee joint allowing lower leg rotation would have been cool, but there are sufficient features on this figure to make such requests sound like we're just never able to be satisfied. (Which we can't. And I'm OK with that.)



The figure's parts are worthy of mention. First, there's the gut gun. This built-in feature is rubber-banded shut when you open the figure, and it's a little tricky to flick it out. When you finally do, you'll see that it's a little disappointing, and, sadly, probably not worth having included in the figure. It's just an extra little feature that shows Hasbro designers are willing to innovate and try new things (that's good) but for some reason, the thin walls around the waist joint allow the figure to be split apart very easily with virtually no force (that's bad).

Of course, that's one bad feature-- the rest are largely good. The flame projectile plugs in to a gauntlet, which doesn't look at all excessively large. Usually you end up with ridiculously oversized parts so you can work in a feature like this, so it's nice to see Hasbro make it look good without having to junk up a figure. The holster is sized appropriately, and his nifty pistol fits right in without any real problems. The heads pop on and off easily, and hey, that's pretty awesome. (Actually, it's kinda like getting two figures in one.) The sculpt is subtle, and Hasbro did us a solid by not cheaping out and repainting an older mold white and claiming it's based on a preproduction costume. Huzzah and kudos, Hasbro.

Collector's Notes: This figure was the second figure in the McQuarrie Signature Series, the first being a Stormtrooper released weeks earlier. This figure was, obviously, well-received upon launch and will continue to ship for several assortments to fill demand. More Boba Fett figures are on the way in 2007. A redeco of a previously released figure in cartoon colors is coming this Summer, with a reissue of the VOTC figure coming in the Saga Legends line. It's a good year for Fett fans!


Of course, there are still at least two more "conceptual" Boba Fett figures left to do, now that we have to get really specific about these things. One is Proto Fett, the costume used in pre-ESB photography with brown gloves, a yellow gauntlet, and slightly different coloring. (This was the basis for the two 1979 figures and the packaging.) It also has the little flame thrower on the left wrist. This one I'd peg as likely, and the first POTF2 one seems somewhat based on this (or these) design(s). Another is the white costume used for various film tests at Skywalker Ranch. This one seems like if you took the VOTC figure and painted it white, gave it other guns, a different rocket, and a new helmet, you could probably do it pretty easily. It doesn't seem overly likely though.

If you stick to the artwork, there's still other helmet designs, like the one with the poncho and lots of other variations that could make for some fun action figures. I for one would be happy to see these. If Batman can have a bazillion costumes, why not delve into the archives and crank out a new style of Boba Fett every year? It'd be better than getting the dull 2006 version again and again. And then there's the vintage 12-inch coloring. Or the comic coloring-- which would be really slick, really. (But it's a lot like the 12-inch figure.) All I'm saying is they can probably squeeze another four to six figures out of the concept designs.

Day 365: May 6, 2007

Other: This article celebrates one whole year of daily postings in Galactic Hunter's Figure of the Day feature. At this time I have no plans to stop writing new entries, but now is a good time to point out what will and won't make the cut for future installments of the column.

We will continue to focus on the modern movie-style action figure line, which means we will not be looking at animated style action figures or the seven unique silver (or other metallic colored) promotional figures. We will not look at vintage (1978-1985) figures or the figures from the 1995 Classic Four Pack, which featured 4 remakes of vintage action figures.

Figure of the Day: Day 364: Captain Tarpals

CAPTAIN TARPALS Naboo Final Conflict
Original Trilogy Collection Toys "R" Us Gift Sets
Item No.: No. 34514
Number: n/a
Includes: Kaadu, feathers, shoulder armor
Action Feature: n/a
Retail: $19.99
Availability: Fall 2004
Appearances: The Phantom Menace

Bio: Captain Tarpals served as a leader in the Security Forces of Otoh Gunga. He was one of the leaders of the Battle of Grassy Plains. (Stolen from Wookieepedia.)

Image: Adam Pawlus' toy room.

Commentary: Due to the hard-and-fast marketing gambit for Episode I, everybody pretty much burned out on the flick in a few months-- meaning that very few toys would follow the initial burst. Thankfully, Toys "R" Us took on this set which featured a partially retooled Captain Tarpals, which was actually a pretty cool character. From the waist-down, the figure has been given new knees so he can sit on the heavily retooled Kaadu, which is also pretty cool. The figure isn't exactly loaded with detail, but there's loads of color and paint that makes this figure look like a lot more work went into it than actually did. So what you have here is about 8 points of articulation, a good (but not great) sculpt, and a figure designed pretty much specifically to sit on top of a medium-sized creature. The figure works well as far as its purpose goes, but you might want to get the regular carded version-- you know, the one with an actual weapon-- for the purposes of dioramas or other forms of play.

Collector's Notes: The main reason this figure is exciting is it comes in a good gift set, with a retooled (and action feature-free) Kaadu, a redecorated Battle Droid, a Gungan Soldier, and a Naboo Soldier. For $20, it was a killer deal-- and hopefully Hasbro will reissue this four-pack (plus beast) as a Battle Pack some day as it really is a fun set of toys and for $20, is a great gift item. Even though it's Episode I.

Day 364: May 5, 2007

Figure of the Day: Day 363: Super Battle Droid

SUPER BATTLE DROID Firing Arm Blaster
Revenge of the Sith Collection 1
Item No.: Asst. 85173 No. 85281
Number: III-04
Includes: Spare rocket firing arm, blast effect
Action Feature: Arm fires rocket
Retail: $5.24-$6.99
Availability: April 2005
Appearances: Revenge of the Sith

Bio: Manufactured by Count Dooku, the tough, deadly and durable super battle droids are used by the Separatist forces in battle. These droid armies clash with the clone troopers throughout the galaxy. (Taken from the figure's cardback.)

Image: Adam Pawlus' desk.

Commentary: If there's one thing fans like, it's troopers-- in theory. Collectors never really were all that gung-ho about Battle Droids, even the Super Battle Droid. This particular release is notable because it contains elements from a previously released figure, and another previously released figure, and comes up with something more or less new. Or new enough. You see, the rocket firing arm is adapted from a 2002 Super Battle Droid. The rest of the figure comes from a deluxe two-pack with Yoda from 2002. The deco is mostly new, but the figure has little in the way of detail work.

The droid itself is pretty nice and shiny, looking as if it just came off the assembly lines of the galactic confederacy. The lines are clean, the design is smooth, and it has five points of articulation. The figre itself is pretty excellent, but when you have reduced articulation, the sculpt becomes more important than ever, as a couple of crappy legs mean that a figure will be doomed to not stand properly, lean over, or just exist solely as cannon fodder. Some samples of this figure do have issues leaning and will require a display base, otherwise gravity will bring them down faster than a Jedi strike force. This is a fun figure to play with, as its firing arm and simple articulation structure gives it that pick-up-and-play aesthetic that, in theory, we all really want. Problem is, for me, a figure that cannot stand up stops being fun really quick because you can't have another figure "attack" it and knock it over if it's already going to play dead on its own.

Collector's Notes: The mold for the body was originally used in 2002 with the Yoda vs. Super Battle Droid deluxe set. Then it was reused here, in the Battle of Geonosis Battle Pack (with slightly different deco), and a Kashyyyk Super Battle Droid redeco as well. This mold is quite common, but as it's not exactly well articulated, collectors on a budget would be best served steering clear of this one and picking up the 2007 30th Anniversary Collection release.

Day 363: May 4, 2007

Figure of the Day: Day 362: Darth Sidious

SIDIOUS Chancellor's Office
Revenge of the Sith Battle Arenas
Item No.: Asst. 85241 No. 85438
Number: n/a
Includes: Display Base
Action Feature: Dueling base
Retail: $19.99
Availability: April 2005
Appearances: Revenge of the Sith

Bio: Recreate the battle between Jedi Master Mace Windu and Darth Sidious in the Chancellor's office on Coruscant! Only the winner remains standing when the fighting ends! (Taken from the figure's box.)

Image: Adam Pawlus' toy shelves.

Commentary: There were a lot of Sidious/Palpatine figures in 2005 based on the duel in which he was disfigured and was revealed to be you-know-who. It seems each had a unique feature-- one had swappable heads, one had light-up lightning, and this one, well, what you see is what you get. He has one quasi-ball jointed shoulder, an articulated wrist, but don't expect him to, for example, sit. This figure was created for "fighting," and it more or less succeeds. Unfortunately, when you make a figure for one specific function, it often fails on other levels. This one looks good (take a look at that gnarly head) but beyond that, well, uh, it's a statue. Basically. So if you need another version of this character in this costume, this is a can't-miss purchase... otherwise, you've probably got enough of him between all the other releases.

Collector's Notes: I have little doubt that this figure will show up in a multipack some day. In a way, it's a pity this wasn't used in the Order 66 pack, but oh well. Right now if you want this sculpt, it's the Arena or bust. And if it's going to cost you $20 on eBay, we vote for "bust." The figure was packaged with a pretty decent Mace Windu, but overall neither warrants the original retail price.

Day 362: May 3, 2007

Figure of the Day: Day 361: Amdiral Ozzel

ADMIRAL OZZEL Executor Assault
Saga Collection
Item No.: Asst. 84715 No. 84770
Number: 0416
Includes: Blaster, Display Base
Action Feature: n/a
Retail: $4.99
Availability: Spring 2004
Appearances: Empire Strikes Back

Bio: Clumsy and inept, Ozzel was the Imperial Navy officer in command of the Imperial Death Squadron prior to the Battle of Hoth. He disregarded a report of life signs on Hoth and came out of hyperspace too early, alerting the Rebels of the fleet's presence and thus allowing them to escape. For this mistake, Vader used the Force to strangle Ozzel. (Taken from the figure's cardback.)

Image: Adam Pawlus' toy shelves.

Commentary: Requested by fans for years, Admiral Ozzel delighted many in 2004 when he came out in stores. He can be posed like he's being choked, but he doesn't look bad in the process. Despite the lack of places for them to stand around and bark orders, Imperial figures are in big demand, so if and when you ever get a Star Destroyer, this figure will be right at home, standing around or being choked. He looks cool, has 10 points of articulation, and hasn't been reissued since... well, ever. So go get one.

Collector's Notes: Parts of Ozzel were used in 2006/2007 to make the Death Star Briefing set, but Ozzel himself hasn't returned to stores-- so while this figure was somewhat popular upon release, he wasn't so popular that you can't get one today for a fair price.

Day 361: May 2, 2007

Figure of the Day: Day 360: Anakin Skywalker

ANAKIN SKYWALKER 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: As a figure that's been Special Edition-ed out of the saga, this Anakin Skywalker is a bit of an artifact. It's essentially a statue, but he has a good face sculpt, interesting decoration, and good texturing that show it to be from a good era of action figures. However, what you see is what you get-- it doesn't like to move and there isn't much to it. Anakin seems to have the most different figures at different stages of his life. You have the 10-year-old, the 20-year old, the cyborg, the tattooed warrior, the warrior, and now, the dead guy. There's also room for more Expanded Universe Anakin figures in there which, no doubt, we'll someday see due to the neverending popularity of the Skywalker patriarch and the need for new product. Here's hoping, really-- such a great character could stand to have some more toys made for him, perhaps a "live action" figures of the various Clone Wars Volume II costumes?

Oh yeah, and it mentions the Expanded Universe construct of the New Republic on the box. Cool, no?

Collector's Notes: As the old Sebastian Shaw Anakin was replaced by Hayden in 2004 when the DVDs came out, a lot of fans are crossing their fingers for a new version-- and if you believe the rumor mill, we'll get one in the next year.

Day 360: May 1, 2007