Star Wars Figure of the Day: Day 521: C-3PO with Battle Droid Head

C-3PO with Battle Droid Head
The Saga Collection Basic Figures
Item No.: Asst. 85770 No. 85982
Number: 017
Includes: Blaster, stand, backpack, spare head
Action Feature: Head can be exchanged to create Battle Droid
Retail: $6.99
Availability: Spring 2006-present
Appearances: Attack of the Clones

Bio: R2-D2 has always had a knack for getting C-3PO into trouble. Such is the case when the two droids stumble upon the massive droid factories on Geonosis. An impatient Artoo accidentally knocks C-3PO onto one of the conveyer belts, where he is filled with a new droid head. The usually cordial Threepio briefly takes on a new, more aggressive persona until Artoo makes sure that his counterpart doesn't lose his head anymore. (Taken from the figure's cardback.)

Image: Adam's TV tray.

Commentary: This figure started life in 2002, when it was part of a larger "deluxe" set. The sculpts were identical, but both heads included a magnet so you could pull them out with an included "playset" which allowed you to "build" droids. The deco was similar, and the set also included a full body for the Battle Droid. Overall, it was a great set for the money, and its legacy lives on in this set. Hasbro keeps shipping them to stores, much to the disappointment of collectors, but kids seem to enjoy buying this one because it's a really fun figure. The deco seems to be cleaner on this release, so if you're all about the paint job, this is probably the one for you.

The figure can be taken apart (the head, arms, and legs are removable) and its parts can be switched with the Battle Droids in the two-packs currently on the market. Mix and match them to make your own freakish droid! Or don't. The main selling point for this figure is that it's configurable and actually gives C-3PO a battle function, which, nearly a decade after the announcement and non-release of the "Attack C-3PO" action figure, is something most fans probably wouldn't think about. Still, it's C-3PO, and he has a gun, so he can do more than just whine for once. If you don't have any version of this figure, you should totally get it. And if you do, well, it's up to you-- it has a nice package and the wires on his torso are painted well, so I'd buy one, although it is going to be in an upcoming Battle Pack so you'll no doubt have several more shots at it.

Collector's Notes: There are several variations of this figure. In the Saga Collection packaging, the figure is configured either with the C-3PO head on the body, or the Droid head on the body. The C-3PO head one has a "good guy" hologram, and the battle droid has a "bad guy" hologram. Also, the figure is available with blue or red holograms. As an added bonus, the figure was rereleased in Saga Collection packaging, resulting in yet another variant, this time with a coin. As far as variations on a single figure go, I believe this one has the most-- are you up to the challenge?

Day 521: October 9, 2007

Star Wars Figure of the Day: Day 520: Boba Fett

BOBA FETT Animated Debut
30th Anniversary Collection Basic Figures
Item No.: Asst. 87500 No. 87296
Number: 30-24
Includes: Blaster, coin, backpack, lance
Action Feature: Holster for blaster
Retail: $6.99
Availability: September 2007
Appearances: Star Wars: Holiday Special, Star Wars: Droids

Bio: The first appearance of Boba Fett was in an animation short in the Star Wars Holiday Special, whose first and only televised airing was on November 17, 1978. In the cartoon, Fett's clothing and armor are much brighter, more colorful, and much less battle-worn than how they will appear in The Empire Strikes Back. While he still wears his jet backpack, he carries a twin-pronged weapon instead of his now-trademark blaster. (Taken from the figure's cardback.)

Image: Adam's TV tray.

Commentary: Because I love anything remotely associated with the Droids TV show, I just adore this version of Boba Fett. Technically, it's based on the infamous Holiday Special, but since they reused the same design for Droids, it'll do. The figure's mold is essentially the 2004 "Vintage" Boba Fett, but with all new forearms & hands as well as a brand new belt with a working holster. The rest of the figure's mold is pretty much the same, and even the figure's body suit is essentially the same color as the 2004 release. The figure has 16 points of articulation and meets the standards of what most fans consider "super articulated," which is, of course, a good thing.

The figure acts pretty much the same as the previously released Fett, except it also has a holster. The hands are in the same pose, but have smoother gauntlets and less detail on them. The Wookiee scalps are still present, the backpack comes off easily, the head pops right off, and the cloth cape is still cloth, except now it's brown. If the figure could benefit from anything, it would be smoother coloring (perhaps more like the upcoming Animated Boba Fett Bobble Head from Funko) with less "realistic" detail. The bumps and scrapes are OK but the silver over it seems like a bit much when you're dealing with a brightly colored figure like this one. Still, I love it, and odds are you will too.

Development Notes: At Toy Fair 2007 and in Hasbro's print ads, this figure features a completely different helmet sculpt. You can tell because the visor shape is different, and there's a little line sculpted over the visor rather than the two back-to back arrows you see there now. I have no idea at this time if we'll ever see this other mold or why it was changed, as it was pretty slick and made this figure stand out even more. The prototype/ad figure also features Boba's chest emblem, and has slightly different shoulders.

Collector's Notes: There are two versions of this figure: one has a silver coin, one has a gold coin and comes with an "Ultimate Galactic Hunt" sticker on the package along with gold foil elements. The gold one is much tougher to get.

I've opened two of these so far and have found some things you should keep an eye out for. One has a very loose waist joint, which is something you might not be able to identify until after you opened it. The other had too much dark blue on his helmet on one side, which made it look like someone smeared it with a blue Bic pen. This, you can see before you open it.

Day 520: October 8, 2007

Star Wars Figure of the Day: Day 519: R2-D2

R2-D2 with Extension Arm
Original Trilogy Collection Vintage Collection
Item No.: Asst. 85213 No. 85270
Number: n/a
Includes: Removable panel, gadget panel, two gadget arms
Action Feature: Removable third leg, light-up eye port, twist dome and sensorscope pops up
Retail: $9.99
Availability: Fall 2004
Appearances: Return of the Jedi

Bio: R2-D2, also known as Artoo for short, was an astromech droid, the most famous unit of the R2 series, and long time friend of Protocol droid C-3PO. Along with his resourcefulness, R2 had many tool-tipped appendages that allowed him to be a great starship mechanic and computer interface specialist. (Stolen from Wookieepedia.)

Image: On the "Early Bird"/Vintage shelf.

Commentary: This one is not as "vintage" as it should have been. R2-D2 takes the packaging used in 1983 and 1984, but puts an R2-D2 figure on it that never existed in the original line. For accuracy, it should've been a recreation of the Sensorscope figure. While this figure has that feature, it doesn't pop out as much as it did in the films, and the added arms are a nice touch. The sculpt has been reused for many figures since this one, so by now you've no doubt seen it more than once and probably own it four or more times over. The figure's most notable feature is a pop-off panel that can be replaced by an "open" panel in which you can plug a claw or a data arm, both of which are excellent features. For whatever reason, all future releases of this mold had the panel glued shut-- so if you want the awesome arm action feature, you have to buy this one. The figure had the first-ever "wires" coming out of the feet, which was a nice touch, plus brought back the questionably popular metalized dome. Some love it, some hate it, but here it is.

Collector's Notes: Hasbro loves this mold, period. It's been used to make R2-R9, R5-D4, R5-J2, R5-F7. It's also been used to make the Early Bird R2-D2 of 2005, the Hoth R2-D2 from 2006, the upcoming Endor R2-D2 of 2007. It's pretty good, but the metalized dome isn't so hot-- frankly, I wish they'd do away with it, but that's what we get some times.

Day 519: October 7, 2007

Star Wars Figure of the Day: Day 518: Obi-Wan Kenobi

OBI-WAN KENOBI Jedi Duel
Episode I Collection 1
Item No.: Asst. 84085 No. 84073
Number: n/a
Includes: Lightsaber, CommTech Chip
Action Feature: n/a
Retail: $6.99
Availability: May 3, 1999
Appearances: The Phantom Menace

Bio: Although young and headstrong, Jedi apprentice Obi-Wan Kenobi will become one of the greatest Jedi to ever protect the galaxy. (Taken from the figure's cardback.)

Image: Adam Pawlus' toy shelves.

Commentary: Back in 1999, fans were thrilled that Hasbro upped the ante with tons of articulation and in many cases, better sculpting and deco than we were used to. We got figures which seemed great, like this Obi-Wan Kenobi with a whopping 10 points of articulation, a display base, and a lightsaber which had multiple colors of paint on the hilt. Eight years later, it's still pretty good, and for better or worse it's probably the best Episode I-themed Kenobi for this costume Hasbro ever made. It certainly has the most articulation and the most range for poses, but it could certainly benefit from a less squared-off set of shoulders, a new head, ball joints, and of course a lightsaber hilt. The old likeness is decent, the texture is OK, and the inclusion of wrist joints-- uncommon for the time-- was pretty gosh darn cool. You probably want this figure, just because Hasbro has yet to do much better.

Collector's Notes: While fans are out there hoping for a new set of Obi-Wan Kenobi figures, like an Evolutions pack, it doesn't seem likely in the short term. While I'd flip out over super-poseable versions of this figure, the Episode II version, and a Clone Wars armor version, well, I've found it good not to get too excited for such things. Who knows what the future holds, though?

Day 518: October 6, 2007

Star Wars Figure of the Day: Day 517: Chewbacca

CHEWBACCA Death Star Escape
Power of the Force Toys "R" Us Exclusive Cinema Scenes
Item No.: No. 69737
Manufacturer: Kenner
Number: n/a
Includes: Stand, manacles
Action Feature: n/a
Retail: $14.99
Availability: Summer 1997
Appearances: Star Wars

Bio: The Rebel Alliance has infiltrated the Galactic Empire's most powerful battle station, the Death Star! posing as stormtroopers escorting a prisoner, Han Solo, Luke Skywalker and Chewbacca attempt a daring rescue of the captive Princess Leia. Can they escape the dreaded Death Star, or is the Rebellion about to suffer the loss of its newest heroes? (Taken from the figure's box.)

Image: Adam Pawlus' toy shelves.

Commentary: Behold, the first-ever Cinema Scene! Featuring Luke and Han in Stormtrooper outfits as well as Chewbacca, this new product segment was both exciting and maddening all at once. The figure is basically a barely-changed version of the original 1995 Chewbacca, except his arms have been repositioned so you can "cuff" him. It's pretty cheesy, but it gets the job done. The sculpt is, in this day and age, antiquated. It doesn't have the charm of the vintage 1978 figure, nor does it have the modern flair we've all come to love. No, it's just an old figure. There are a few shades of brown to make his fur look more realistic, but when you get right down to it his waist is too small, he's too short, his head is off, and he just won't do the job right. As part of the boxed set, it's pretty cool, and as a packaged toy this item is probably worth owning. With the backdrop and scenery, it's pretty cool. As a loose figure all by his lonesome, it's not too hot. For packaging fans and completists only.

Collector's Notes: This was just the first of many versions of Chewbacca in chains in this scale. Kenner did one in 1998 based off of Jabba's Palace, and another in 2006 based on the same scene. A "Death Star Capture" Chewbacca has never been revisited outside this original release, meaning we're probably about due for a new take on this old figure.

Day 517: October 5, 2007

Star Wars Figure of the Day: Day 516: Boba Fett

BOBA FETT Battle of Carkoon
Saga Collection Basic Figures
Item No.: Asst. 85770 No. 87052
Number: 006
Includes: Stand, Flames, Blaster
Action Feature: Push down rocket for quick-drawn action
Retail: $6.99
Availability: January 2006
Appearances: Return of the Jedi

Bio: A fearless, cunning and ruthless bounty hunter, Boba Fett delivers the carbonite-frozen Han Solo to Jabba the Hutt, when Luke Skywalker and friends attempt to escape the jaws of the almighty Sarlac, Fett must use his rope-firing wrist gauntlet to capture the crew. His jet backpack accidentally activates and Fett rolls into the clutches of the Sarlacc, where it seems as his bounty hunter days have come to an end... (Taken from the figure's cardback.)

Image: Adam Pawlus' toy shelves.

Commentary: As the third (or fourth, if you count variants) attempt at a Carkoon-specific Boba Fett, one would assume this would be the best. It's pretty great, as it combines some good parts of older figures, adds in some good deco, and fixes an eyesore from a previous release. The overall figure is decent, but what it is in actuality is two previous figures with a new rocket in his backpack. From the waist down, the figure is the 2004 Vintage Boba Fett figure, which means it has a normal pose, ball-jointed knees, ball-jointed ankles, and normal hips. The waist joint is nothing special, and from the waist up, the figure is the 2003 (and 2004) Boba Fett with the quick-draw attack. The end result is a figure that looks good in dioramas, is a decent toy. The sculpt is good, the deco is excellent, and that little flame stand is fun to futz with-- however, if you were a die-hard collector, you more or less had the parts of which this figure is the sum. Snag it if you're a Fett fanatic, otherwise you can probably give this one a miss.

Collector's Notes: This figure shipped throughout 2006 and was not hard to get. Seeing as many fans saw it as a step back, it remains fairly easy to get for a good price, especially in light of the more collector-friendly Saga Legends version hitting stores now. It's a neat figure, but it didn't really advance the science of toys or collector-friendly figures ahead much, it just cobbled together some good parts of two toys to make a decent, but not fantastic, new toy.

Day 516: October 4, 2007

Star Wars Figure of the Day: Day 515

HAN SOLO Carbonite
Saga Collection Basic Figures
Item No.: Asst. 85770 No. 85802
Number: 002
Includes: Stand, Carbonite block, Force Pike, Bonus Holographic Figure
Action Feature: n/a
Retail: $6.99
Availability: January 2006
Appearances: Return of the Jedi

Bio: After Han Solo is captured by the Empire and put into carbon freeze, Boba Fett delivers his prize to Jabba the Hutt. Trapped, but in perfect hibernation, Solo is freed from carbonite by Princess Leia. Jabba, however, has other plans for Solo and orders that he and his friends be executed in the Pit of Carkoon. After a harrowing battle and a close call with the almighty Sarlacc, Solo and friends escape and set their sights on taking down the Empire. (Taken from the figure's cardback.)

Image: Adam Pawlus' toy room.

Commentary: As one of those legendary 1980s figures that was super rare, Han Solo in Carbonite is and will always be something special to fans of the original Kenner figure line. This particular release is awesome, as all modern Carbonite figures, in that it offers something genuinely new. Not only is the figure a 100% new sculpt, but the Carbonite block is the first-ever one to be released in a mid-melting state. You can even put a light behind it and it looks like it's glowing-- it's pretty damned sweet. It's also more authentically proportioned than many other blocks, however the front panel doesn't quite fit perfectly with the rest of it, and it was not designed particularly well if you wanted the figure to be fastened inside the accessory. In a way, it's like getting two figures for the price of one because you really can't use both of them together, but then again, by themselves, each piece would be a disappointment.

The Han figure itself is notable in that it does something a lot of figures can't do, and that's to be a good toy. Han can stand, sit, turn his head, fit inside a vehicle with no problems. These are all things most modern Han figures are incapable of doing due to holster-related issues, but as this figure has no holster, he can do pretty much anything that doesn't involve bending knees. In a lot of ways, he's like a hyper-modern 1980s figure-- his shoulders and hips are very old school, as is his pose. He has a ball-jointed neck, a waist, cut elbows, and normal wrists to round out the figure, making it an excellent toy and a pretty good collectible. The texture is good, the proportions are excellent, the "muck" on his costume is pretty cool, and the only real gripe I have about him is that the head could be a smidgen better. Still, everything else is cool-- the icing on the cake would have been variants, or a pistol, but it's still a decent figure for the money.

Collector's Notes: This figure shipped throughout 2006 and had at least three major variants (plus a few others): First release had a bonus blue holographic figure, Second release had a red figure, and there's an Ultimate Galactic Hunt release that came with a silver figure. It's pretty slick. Also, it's worth noting that, to date, Hasbro has never made a Han Solo with Carbonite designed to be specifically from The Empire Strikes Back. On, and Han's pike? Very similar to the one that came with the original Barada, so you might want to lend it to other Skiff Guard figures in need... like the modern Barada.

Revisiting This Mold Notes: This part is for Hasbro, if they're reading today. You have a great mold here: so trot it out some more. A rerelease of this figure could be incorporated into Saga Legends, but with the Carbonite painted in the full-silver color. The mold itself could be altered as well-- toss a vest on this figure and you have a great Han Solo figure that can actually sit inside the canopy of the Millennium Falcon quite easily. All I'm saying is that if you're going to reissue and rehash figures anyway, there are some decent changes you could make to this one to make it fundamentally more exciting to re-buy.

Day 515: October 3, 2007

Star Wars Figure of the Day: Day 514: Mace Windu

MACE WINDU General of the Republic Army
Clone Wars Basic Figures
Item No.: Asst. 84851 No. 84848
Number: #0348
Includes: Lightsaber, removable gauntlets
Action Feature: n/a
Retail: $4.99
Availability: Fall 2003
Appearances: Clone Wars

Bio: Forced by the sweeping tide of events to put aside the art of diplomacythat he favors over art of war, Mace Windu reluctantly wields his lightsaber to repel the dark forces that are undermining peace. A man of great wisdom and experience, Mace in nonetheless a skilled and formidable opponent as he is one of the best lightsaber fighters in the Jedi Order. As a General, Mace leads Clone Troopers in ground battles across the galaxy. Also an accomplished pilot, Mace takes part in space battles during the Clone Wars, piloting a Jedi Starfighter in skirmishes against the Separatist forces. (Taken from the figure's cardback.)

Image: Adam Pawlus' toy room.

Commentary: Seemingly having "got it," Hasbro expanded the universe in 2003 by designing its own costumes for several figures during the Clone Wars, or at least enhancing other designs. Mace Windu was part of the second wave, and was quite popular at retail. And of course, why wouldn't he be? With added armor, some of the best (at the time) articulation, added armor, and appearances (more or less) in part of the biggest multimedia project of the year, he was a hit. Sure, his face didn't really look like Sam Jackson. Yeah, the leg articulation sucked and the robes prevented him from sitting down easily. The figure has ball-jointed shoulders and elbows, plus one of the first-ever ball-jointed necks. Sure, it kinda sucked-- but it was significant, dadgummit. If you take off the figure's removable gauntlets, you're left with an above-average sculpt with decent articulation that almost looks like he could have come straight out of the movies, plus he comes with the first-ever purple Windu lightsaber with a plastic grip. (Look it up.) This is feeling like a very schizo entry, but since this figure is both awesome and awful all at once, that seems to be fitting. For fans of the films, you can skip this, but for lovers of unique toys, you can't miss this.

Collector's Notes: Like many Clone Wars figures, this one never saw a second release-- after 2003, he was gone forever. There's no good reason to reissue him given the unusual armor on his outfit, but I wouldn't be shocked to see him-- or parts of him-- again somewhere.

Day 514: October 2, 2007

Star Wars Figure of the Day: Day 513: Obi-Wan Kenobi

OBI-WAN KENOBI Star Wars: Republic
30th Anniversary Collection Comic Book Packs
Item No.: Asst. 87504 No. 87519
Number: #07
Includes: Alternate head, lightsaber, ARC Trooper Alpha, comic book
Action Feature: Swap head for capture mask
Retail: $9.99
Availability: Summer 2007
Appearances: Several Star Wars Comic Books 2002-present

Bio: Obi-Wan Kenobi is sent to the rain-soaked world of Jabiim, where the war is going badly for the Republic forces. The AT-AT walkers are mired in mud, the opposition leader eludes capture, and much-needed reinforcements will not arrive in time. With the support of the ARC trooper Alpha and Anakin Skywalker, Obi-Wan launches a major attack... but will it be the last battle he ever fights? (Taken from the cardback.)

Image: Adam Pawlus' TV tray.

Commentary: Taking a cue from its G.I. Joe range, Hasbro finally introduced the comic book plus figure set to a galaxy far, far away. For most of the first two waves, though, the products were redecorated figures or flat-out repaints, leading to some unique designs like this Obi-Wan Kenobi figure based on the Clone Wars. The figure itself uses a body and legs from a 2002 release, but adds soft goods, retools the belt, adds new arms, a new head, and a new robe. The end result is a figure that's practically all-new and super-articulated. Sure, the hard cloak keeps him from sitting, but it also helps him stay standing in any Jedi kicking duels you might be setting up. The figure's sculpt is top-notch, with wonderful textures throughout his garments and the kind of articulation you wouldn't expect as part of a value priced two-pack. As an added bonus, you can swap his head with the "prisoner hood" head included or with the head of the 2005 Obi-Wan Kenobi from which this figure was designed. A little head swapping made easy never hurt nobody, and it makes this good figure even better.

Collector's Notes: Very easy to get and priced right, this is a can't-miss figure. It's packaged with a Clone ARC Trooper named Alpha, which has a removable helmet and is also essentially super-articulated. For the price, you won't do better, and I can't say I expect Hasbro to ever do a better non-armored Clone Wars version of General Kenobi. If you like the Clone Wars premise, you absolutely need to own this comic pack.

Day 513: October 1, 2007