Figure of the Day: Day 813: Captain Tarpals

CAPTAIN TARPALS with Electropole
Episode I Collection 3
Item No.: Asst. 84105 No. 84121
Manufacturer: Hasbro
Number: n/a
Includes: Armor, pole arms
Action Feature: n/a
Retail: $6.99
Availability: Summer 1999
Appearances: The Phantom Menace

Image: Adam Pawlus' living room on some step thing.

Bio: A military leader with little patience for the exploits of Jar Jar Binks, Captain Tarpals helped lead the Gungan Army against the invading trade Federation forces. (Taken from the figure's cardback.)

Commentary: Like many figures released including a movie launch window, like some you no doubt bought recently, Captain Tarpals cardback is pretty vague. Of course, when we all saw the movie, we found out there wasn't much to his character other than to act as a competent foil to Jar Jar Binks with the added benefit of amphibious facial hair, for lack of a better description. With six points of articulation, this isn't a remarkable toy, and it's about on par of what you'd expect prior to the year 2000 when it comes to figures from the saga. The armor is nicely detailed, the face is painted well enough, and there's a lot of color in his costume. It's just that it's not exciting. He can hold his weapon with both hands, and yeah, there's some neat coloring on the arms and armor. Since the figure is basically Jar Jar with a nicer head and less annoying personality, there's not a lot to go on about here. Do you like how it looks? Get one. Or get the 2004 version with jointed knees, if you're feeling saucy.

Collector's Notes: This particular Tarpals was around briefly in 1999 and then was removed from the line. No rereleases of this figure exist but a retooled and repainted version with knee joints was sold in a Toys "R" Us exclusive gift set in 2004. Go get that one, as it's worth your money, even at a slight premium. (The set has a Battle Droid, Tarpals, a new Kaadu, a Battle Droid, a Gungan Warrior, and a Naboo Security figure. A good deal, surely, especially for its initial $20 asking price.)

--Adam Pawlus

Day 813: July 27, 2008

Figure of the Day: Day 812: Shaak Ti

SHAAK TI Jedi Master
Saga Collection 2
Item No.: Asst. 87500 No. 87429
Manufacturer: Hasbro
Number: #0210
Includes: Blast effect, Lightsaber
Action Feature: n/a
Retail: $4.99
Availability: April 2008
Appearances: Attack of the Clones

Image: Adam Pawlus' TV tray.

Bio: Shaak Ti is a powerful Jedi Master. Her highly refined Jedi skills are extremely useful in the battle against Count Dooku and the super battle droids. (Taken from the figure's cardback.)

Commentary: A very hard figure to get upon release in 2002, particularly in the U.K., this statue of a Shaak Ti figure got a brief surge of popularity until people realized it wasn't all that great. Posed so she basically can't be more than a statue, this colorful, well-painted, nicely sculpted release looks awesome on your desk. It's also a terrible toy, as it's basically a salt shaker with arms, but due to the leg poses she also has a habit of falling over. Aside from the two shoulder joints, her articulation is pretty worthless. This is a figure you should buy purely based on looks, or your desire to own a blaster deflection bolt. She can't sit, or be placed in vehicles-- she's just for looks. Hasbro's attention to deco means that she looks good, with lots of little color markings on her robes, striking salmon colored skin, lovely stripes on her head, and great face paint-- which is important. The 2005 was significantly better overall, so if you don't feel the need to own them all, you can skip this one. Unfortunately, it's somewhat cheap, and it shows.

Collector's Notes: Jedi tend to sell very well, and this one was no exception. Until saturation hit, at which time people stopped caring. She isn't hard to get, so if you want her, try to pay $5 or less- any more than that and odds are you'd be sorry.

--Adam Pawlus

Day 812: July 26, 2008

Figure of the Day: Day 811: 501st Legion Trooper

501ST LEGION TROOPER Super Articulated
30th Anniversary Collection Saga Legends
Item No.: Asst. 87500 No. 87429
Manufacturer: Hasbro
Number: n/a
Includes: Blaster, coin
Action Feature: n/a
Retail: $6.99
Availability: Early 2008
Appearances: Revenge of the Sith

Image: Adam Pawlus' TV tray.

Bio: These highly trained tactical ops clone troopers accompany Darth Vader on a mission to destroy the Jedi. Vader and the troopers storm the Jedi Temple and, with crack marksmanship and coordinated team maneuvers, quickly eliminate the Jedi inside. (Taken from the figure's cardback.)

Commentary: After years of broken promises, the 501st Legion Trooper finally saw release with super articulation in early 2008. A Saga Legends 501st Trooper on an identical package was sold in 2007, but was based on a different mold with different articulation. The one we're looking at today has 14 points of articulation, and a number of ball joints giving the figure the best range of movement you can hope for on a currently available member of the 501st. It also has the exact same paint job as the previously released one, so it may be tough to spot which is which since there are few distinctive characteristics. (Basically, look for a chin on a carded figure-- this one doesn't have a removable helmet.) There's not much to say about the mold that hasn't been already said, so thanks Hasbro for getting this one out at the last minute.

Collector's Notes: Originally shown to fans at Comic-Con 2005, this super-articulated figure took its time getting out. The clone took three years and two botched releases to make it to the shelves, which was probably for the best-- it's allowed Hasbro to make different versions of this particular trooper, which also sold really well. So from a business perspective, it made sense to push this back, but most signs point to a factory SNAFU as the result of the delay. Today, the figure can still be found in some stores because Hasbro shipped it at a very generous 3 per case, essentially a 25% chunk of a case. Lovely!

--Adam Pawlus

Day 811: July 25, 2008

Figure of the Day: Day 810: Lt. Lerpia

LT. LEPIRA Y-wing Fighter Pilot
30th Anniversary Collection Toys "R" Us Exclusive
Item No.: No. 87431
Manufacturer: Hasbro
Number: n/a
Includes: Helmet, droid, Y-wing fighter
Action Feature: n/a
Retail: $29.99-$34.99
Availability: Summer 2007
Appearances: Star Wars

Image: Adam Pawlus' box mock-up for the Elite Forces set.

Bio: Rebel pilot Lieutenant Lepira flies Gold Four, the point Y-wing for Gold Squadron at the Battle of Yavin, but is shot down during that pivotal battle. (Taken from the figure's box.)

Commentary: Fans of the Rebel Pilots frequently beg Hasbro to just make more-- even if it's just an old body with a new head. Lt. Lepira, some kid with a mullet, is one such figure. With the 2004 Dutch Vader body, this figure sports a new head and a pretty boring helmet. Most fans will get this one just because they wanted the excellent vehicle with which he was packed, but let me tell you, this guy rocks a mullet like no other. (Seriously, no other Star Wars figure has hair like this. I've got pretty much all of them, so I can be sure.) It may seems stupid to advise you buy a figure because of its hair, but the figure is pretty nondescript otherwise. It has the same too-tall orange flight suited body, the same lack of arm articulation, and yet another dumb look on his face. While not remarkable, it's certainly distinctive. Because of this, I can safely say it's worth snagging just because it's so greatly goofy, plus it's nice to have a few more Rebels. Even if they all basically do look the same.

Collector's Notes: This figure is probably still available at a Toys "R" Us near you-- the ship, while awesome, proved fan demand and even kid interest in vehicles doesn't always mean you'll make a sale when double or triple-dipping a vehicle mold at a price they didn't consider fair. Yet the red-striped TIE Interceptor from last year sold through and the Y-Wing was a much better item for the money, so what do I know?

--Adam Pawlus

Day 810: July 24, 2008

Figure of the Day: Day 809: Galactic Marine

GALACTIC MARINE Clone Trooper
30th Anniversary Collection Basic Figures
Item No.: Asst. 87500 No. 87234
Manufacturer: Hasbro
Number: #3002
Includes: Blaster rifle, backpack, helmet, coin
Action Feature: n/a
Retail: $6.99
Availability: Early 2007
Appearances: Revenge of the Sith

Image: Adam Pawlus' TV tray.

Bio: Clad in armor and uniforms designed to maximize combat efficiency in hostile environments, the Galactic Marines are the Republic’s front line forces and often take on the most formidable opponents. After the issuance of Order 66, a squad of these troopers betrays and shoots down Jedi Master Ki-Adi-Mundi on Mygeeto. (Taken from the figure's cardback.)

Commentary: One of the more requested figures from the third prequel, the Galactic Marine first gained fame by appearing under a different name, with slightly different coloring, in the super-popular Battlefront games. This version is specifically based on the movie, and it seems pretty accurate. (Nevermind the fact there are at least 3 different deco jobs on this mold based on this particular suite of colors.) This maroon Mygeeto trooper is essentially super-articulated, but as usual, there's a bit of a barrier in his waistcoat. That thing isn't going to let the figure sit, so it's a bit clunky. Due to the figure's feet, the Galactic Marine may have difficulty standing without additional support from a stand or a wall. (The soles are slightly rounded, you see.) His armor is nicely painted, with loads of scrapes and filthy details, and he's got a removable helmet. Hasbro basically went out of their way to achieve near-perfection on the first try, but would a cloth piece around his waist be too much to ask so that he can sit? Aside from this, it's a strong release with 14 points of articulation.

Collector's Notes: Made in big numbers, fans should be able to get lots of these easily. The same figure was slightly repainted for the Mygeeto Battle Pack and the Battlefront sets, plus was totally repainted for a Wal-Mart exclusive comic pack and a Target exclusive Order 66 pack. It's been busy!

--Adam Pawlus

Day 809: July 23, 2008

Star Wars Figure of the Day: Day 795: Oochee the Ewok

OOCHEE Battle of Endor
30th Anniversary Collection Target Exclusive Battle Pack
Item No.: Asst. 87565 No. 87567 
Manufacturer: Hasbro
Number: n/a
Includes: Spear, hood
Action Feature: n/a
Retail: $49.99
Availability: November 2007
Appearances: Return of the Jedi

Image: Adam Pawlus' toy shelves.

Bio:  Oochee was an Ewok warrior who, as far as can be told, did not exist by name until some point after 2000.  Research showed a single notation of the figure on a French-language site focusing on Star Wars role playing, but until this figure was in stores there were no references to the character as an Ewok.  As such, it can be assumed that Hasbro invented the character, or discovered a background character which had to be named by Lucasfilm prior to its release.  (By me.)

Commentary: What's odd about Oochee is how he came to be.   The body of the figure is that of Logray, released in 1998.  The mold was given Wicket's hood, and all were painted black-- and presto, new figure.  There's no real reason Hasbro couldn't  have done this figure a decade sooner, but they waited, and now  here it is.  In an effort to make the Endor exclusive set he came in exciting, this figure managed to capture collector attention in that it was a legit new character and not "guy you have with grass stains."  The downer about all of that is our little furry friend has but five points of articulation, and is rather tall compared to Ewoks released in and after 1996 like Chirpa, Romba, and Graak.  Still, it stand to reason some taller, huskier Ewoks exist so it's not like this figure is totally out of place with the rest of your collection in terms of scale.  It's just obvious that he's a little different, is all.  He's still awesome.

Collector's Notes: To date, the figure has been released only as a Target exclusive in 2007 and is one of few Ewoks to debut as (and so far, not change from) a store exclusive.  The boxed set itself is really quite stunning as a gift set, as a collectible, and as an example of Hasbro's work in creating excellent packaging.  You should get one.  Oochee and his oddly colored companion Wicket are reasons enough to purchase this set.  Yes, even at the high price.  Do it.

Memo from the Future: In October of 2012, Hasbro made a similar new Ewok named Wunka which is an AT-ST hijacker which looks very similar to this one.

--Adam Pawlus

Day 795: July 9, 2008

Star Wars Figure of the Day: Day 789: Garindan (1997 Debut)

GARINDAN Long Snoot
Power of the Force Collection 3
Item No.: Asst. 69705 No. 69706
Manufacturer: Kenner
Number: n/a
Includes: Blaster
Action Feature: n/a
Retail: $4.99
Availability: Summer 1997
Appearances: Star Wars

Image: Adam Pawlus' mousepad.

Availability: Click here to buy it at eBay now!

Bio: Garindan's eyes were hidden beneath dark goggles, as they were extremely sensitive to the harsh sunlight of Tatooine. His name translates to "Blessed One", "burnt wood", "dust from a windstorm", "ugly", and "toast" in five different languages. (Stolen from Wookieepedia.)

Commentary: It took 20 years for Kenner to crank out the very first Garindan action figure, and for its day, it was pretty good-- it also signaled the start of a new, bad direction for the toys. With a cloak, a communicator molded into his hand, and a nicely detailed face, fans gobbled this figure up, even though it wasn't colored totally correctly. With the little comm to contact Sandtroopers and a gun of his own, he was a welcome addition to the line and a much-needed new face for the Cantina or the streets of Mos Eisley. Unfortunately, Hasbro gave him a non-removable cloak which prevented him from sitting, or really doing much of anything but standing there. Arm articulated was restricted by this plastic garment, which effectively reduced his number of points of articulation to about two or three, depending on what you consider acceptable. More a statue than a toy, the figure showed signs of good design marred by one bad accessory which can ruin the whole thing. Still, fans as a whole liked it (myself included) so it's hard to complain too much.

Collector's Notes: This figure saw rerelease in 1998 with a Freeze Frame Action Slide bonus, and an entirely new Garindan figure was released in 2007. The 2007 release is arguably superior in almost every way, so if you want Garindan, I suggest you get the new one.

--Adam Pawlus

Day 789: July 3, 2008

Star Wars Figure of the Day: Day 671: Bultar Swan (30th Anniversary Collection)

BULTAR SWAN Jedi Legacy
30th Anniversary Collection Evolutions Figures
Item No.: Asst. 87480 No. 87562
Manufacturer: Hasbro
Number: n/a
Includes: Lightsaber, additional figures
Action Feature: n/a
Retail: $19.99-$25.99
Availability: February 2008
Appearances: Attack of the Clones

Bio: Bultar Swan was a female Human Jedi Knight from Kuat who lived during the final years of the Galactic Republic. She was apprenticed to Jedi Council member Micah Giiett until his death at the hands of the Yinchorri. She wielded a green lightsaber. (Stolen from Wookieepedia.)

Image: Adam's photo area.

Availability: Click here to buy it at eBay now!

Commentary: Hasbro's reaching. When you think about the "Jedi Legacy" (the name of the set this Bultar Swan appears in) you probably think of characters that, you know, had screen time or did things. And the set manages to mostly put out important characters from the saga (and beyond) in it-- Qui-Gon Jinn was a Jedi Master of some significance, so it stands to reason that his legacy might be of some significance. After all, he's the one that picked up the crazy kid from the desert planet who would go on to kill everybody, right? Luke Skywalker's legacy is obvious-- he had a whole trilogy of films devoted to his actions, plus novels and comics, and oh yeah-- there's a comic series called "Legacy" that follows around his descendants. So this one's a no-brainer. But Bultar Swan? Other than appearing in a couple of Expanded Universe materials, she really didn't do a whole heck of a lot. Another Obi-Wan would've made a little more sense thematically here, but screw theme-- the important thing is we finally got our super-articulated Bultar Swan on Hasbro's first attempt. (First attempt at movie-style, that is.)

While not perfect, she's pretty good. The two most recognizable things about her-- her haircut and her unique leather Jedi costume-- are represented here fairly well. The colors are right, and while I personally would've liked to have seen more done to represent the leather texture beyond just color, it works just fine. Ms. Swan's robes are textured nicely, all sorts of patterns, folds, creases, and other minute details bring her garments to life. Or to life in plastic, at least. Her lightsaber is green-- just like in the movie-- and pretty much everything a figure would have needed to have to be considered "super articulated" is here too. She doesn't have that newfangled lateral hip movement yet (so far only on a handful of figures), so she's a great figure for her time-- the time, of course, being now because she's brand new. The face could be a little more lively through the better application of paint (odds are something got lost in translation at the factory), and overall she's a great figure. She will fit in nicely with the best of the best post-2004 Jedi figures you already own, and hey, the kids like the Jedi. She's also part of a pretty wonderful set, so you should consider snapping this one up.

Collector's Notes: Of the four new Evolutions sets, this one seems to be sitting around the most. There's a Target I go to that has had the same unit sitting there for about a week now, Entertainment Earth has some in stock, heck, you're going to be able to find this one without much of a challenge. Unless you're British or Canadian, in which case good friggin' luck. The set also includes Luke Skywalker and Qui-Gon Jinn.

--Adam Pawlus

Day 671: March 7, 2008

Star Wars Figure of the Day: Day 619: General Veers (Battle of Hoth, The Saga Collection)

GENERAL VEERS Battle of Hoth
The Saga Collection Basic Figures
Item No.: Asst. 85770 No. 85927
Manufacturer: Hasbro
Number: #007
Includes: Helmet, blaster, chest armor, display stand, holographic figure
Action Feature: Remove armor to switch costumes
Retail: $6.99
Availability: February 2007
Appearances: The Empire Strikes Back

Bio: General Maximillian Veers is a stern military man who is determined to do his part in the dismantling of the Rebel Alliance. Following Darth Vader's orders to destroy the Rebel shield and power generators at their secret base, Veers clears the way for Vader's landing on the ice planet Hoth. (Taken from the figure's cardback.)

Image: Adam Pawlus' Hoth shelf.

Availability: Click here to buy it at eBay now!

Click here to buy it at Amazon now!

Commentary: For whatever reason, General Veers got the short end of the stick over the years. This is the first widely-available non-exclusive figure to actually hold the name, and it came out in 2006-- 26 years after the character was named on screen, had significant screen dialogue, and blew up stuff. Sure, we got an "AT-AT Commander" but that's freaking weak. This figure manages to make up for two decades of slighting this poor guy, because it has pretty much everything you could hope for. It has a holster, removable armor, and great articulation. If you need a figure for your AT-AT or for your non-existent Star Destroyer, you're covered either way. The only thing that really isn't perfect about this figure is the articulation (which is good, more on that in a moment) and its height-- he's a very tall Imperial.

The figure's articulation is pretty good, but may not be enough for some fans. The figure has the normal six points of articulation, and adds in wrist joints and swivel elbows. So those of you looking for ball joints (outside the head) are going to be disappointed, but seeing as the figure will spend most of his time standing around, you probably aren't going to be missing much. The deco and texture on the figure is totally appropriate, the likeness is pretty good, and he's actually one of very few figures accessorized exactly as one might hope. Who would have ever guessed that Hasbro would throw in a removable helmet and snap-on armor so you could switch between a traditional Imperial officer or the AT-AT Commander costume in a jiffy. How can you not want this figure?

Collector's Notes: In Canada, as a Sears exclusive around 1981 or so, Kenner packaged the AT-AT Commander figure on a crummy cardback with the name "General Veers." In 2005, Hasbro repackaged the 1997 AT-AT Commander in a Battle Pack with the name "General Veers." (Sure, the box showed the 1980 figure, but eh.) The 2006 General Veers figure did fairly well and sold through without too much kicking and screaming, which is a plus.

Day 619: January 15, 2008