Figure of the Day: Day 847: McQuarrie Concept Yoda

YODA and Obi-Wan Kenobi
30th Anniversary Collection Comic-Con Exclusive
Item No.: No. 87417
Number: n/a
Includes: Cane, Obi-Wan figure, coin (stand is not included)
Action Feature: n/a
Retail: $14.99
Availability: July 2007
Appearances: n/a

Bio: The diminutive Yoda appears leaner and more whimsical than he will ultimately appear in the films yet still exudes mystical strength. (Taken from the figure's cardback.)

Image: Adam Pawlus' toy shelves.

Commentary: In 2007, Hasbro stunned figure fans by releasing this Yoda as part of an exclusive McQuarrie concept-based set of action figures for a mere fifteen bucks. As one of the saga's most famous characters, you can bet there are several astounding pieces of art from the conceptual design files, from various goblins to what looks vaguely like Santa Claus. Playing it safe, Hasbro went with one of the designs which looked a lot like the final design. This is both good and bad, good because you don't have to explain to your friends who he is, and bad because it's just not all that distinctive. The Boba Fett figure is this great and different design. Even Obi-Wan Kenobi is a real departure from the final character. Yoda, well, it's Yoda.

The figure itself isn't at all bad, and actually sets a new standard for articulation in Yoda toys. If anything, it'd be nice to see a regular movie Yoda figure this nicely designed. This is the first-ever Yoda figure with ball jointed elbows, plus he has ballish shoulders, regular hips, a waist, a neck joint, and wrist joints. Even the 2004 Vintage release wasn't this good. The figure also has cloth elements to his costume, allowing him to sit. Again, this is pretty fantastic. The design itself is a weird mishmash of original McQuarrie art and some vaguely Kennerish elements from the original toy, so while it's not exactly Ralph's baby, it's pretty close. The longer hair looks a little goofy, and the facial expression looks more Muppet-esque. There are far fewer wrinkles in his face than in the art, but at this size, that's OK. For fans of Yoda looking for something different, this is a fantastic figure. Unfortunately, it isn't too close to its inspiration, nor is it easy to find. For a unique design, it's quite possible the best Hasbro could have done with 2007's sculpting methods, especially given his spindly little legs.

The only way this figure could be more interesting would have been if Hasbro selected a more unique design. And there were many of those to be seen. Although, surprisingly, I had a hard time finding links of most of them to show you, so pick up The Empire Strikes Back Sketchbook or The Art of The Empire Strikes Back if you have the means.

Collector's Notes: A convention exclusive, this popular figure hasn't been reissued in any form-- nor is he expected to be. As such, you're on your own here.

Day 847: September 11, 2008

Figure of the Day: Day 846: Cade Skywalker

CADE SKYWALKER and Darth Talon
The Legacy Collection Comic Packs
Item No.: Asst. 87504 No. 87622
Number: 2 (number on package is incorrect)
Includes: Blaster, companion figure, some MAY include a lightsaber and hilt
Action Feature: n/a
Retail: $9.99
Availability: August 2008
Appearances: Star Wars: Legacy (most issues)

Bio: Years ago, when the Sith attacked the Jedi at Ossus, Cade Skywalker disappeared in a fiery blast. Everyone believes he's dead except Wolf Sazen. And it turns out, Cade's former Jedi Master is right. Cade is now a disillusioned bounty hunter and pirate who carefully hides his true identity from everyone. But through a series of circumstances, Cade must face his past - and battle the ruthless Darth Talon, the Emperor's newly chosen assassin. (Taken from the figure's cardback. Oh, and he's a recreational drug user, the package left that off.)

Image: Adam Pawlus' TV tray.

Commentary: The Legacy comic is a unique one-- it combines fan favorite elements from three decades worth of Expanded Universe materials. Most characters have relationships (or are) existing characters, and sometimes it feels a little forced. No matter your feelings on the comic (I think it's great), Cade Skywalker is a pretty good figure in its own right. The articulation is good, the detail is good, he has a big goofy gun, and it fits in his holster. On paper, it's great. In plastic, he's pretty good.

Hasbro seems to have nailed the costume. He has a shirt that looks like Mandalorian armor. He's got a big black coat because, I suppose, someone really liked The Matrix. His pants look like those of Darth Vader, only exaggerated slightly. It really does look like it stepped right off the comic page. As a fan of the comic, it's easy to like this release. He has a lot of personality in his plastic person, but the one place it gets weird is his head. His eyes seem a little too wide, his head a little too round. His hair is often portrayed as looking a little dirtier and messier, and his scruff looks a little bit more like Shaggy of Scooby-Doo fame. He almost looks too clean, but he's still a lot of fun to mess with. After all, a super articulated action figure with a big cloak or coat allows for a variety of fun action Jedi kick poses! Seriously, he's a lot of fun to mess with. It's just that I wish his head was just slightly better. (I'm glad they didn't forget the earrings.)

Collector's Notes: Despite Hasbro saying otherwise, reports have surfaced that show some figures do have a lightsaber and others don't-- as such, you may want to hold off on making the purchase until you see one with the weapons included. Also, my Cade figure had his belt on backward, you may wish to swivel it around.

Day 846: September 10, 2008

Figure of the Day: Day 845: Luminara Unduli

LUMINARA UNDULI and AT-RT Driver
30th Anniversary Collection Order 66 Series 2
Item No.: Asst. 87356 No. 87670
Number: 5 of 6
Includes: Lightsaber, companion figure
Action Feature: n/a
Retail: $9.99
Availability: March 2008
Appearances: Revenge of the Sith

Bio: Luminara is a Jedi General sent to Kashyyyk in the final days of the Clone Wars with a squad of clone troopers including AT-RT Drivers. (Taken from the figure's cardback.)

Image: Adam Pawlus' TV tray.

Commentary: Repaints are a fact of life in the modern Star Wars line, and this Luminara Unduli is a repaint with a couple of other changes. Based on the 2005 figure's body, this action figure has a cloth "skirt" which seems to be a recolored Tusken Raider garment. In other words, it's not the same as the original release. The figure's costume has been repainted significantly, but here's the problem: you can't tell. The original figure was a sort of dark greenish color, and this new one is a dark greenish blue. The various adornments are slightly different in color, so gold bits are bronze and a few spots aren't decorated as lavishly as before. But, again, you can't tell. The character's unique look continues to shine through but it really is unfortunate that Hasbro took the trouble to come up with a new piece and new paint applications to result in a very samey looking figure. Until I put the 2005 and 2008 releases side by side, I thought it was the same exact figure.

Despite being just different enough to make you mad, you should totally get a Luminara Unduli based on this mold. She's basically super-articulated, but she has cut elbows. Other than that, she's pretty great. The only real room for improvement left would be in the face, as her eyes and face paint could use a little bit of improvement. Well, for a $7-$8 figure, she could use some improvements. As part of a $10 exclusive pack, she's a bargain.

Collector's Notes: She was an interesting release. In some stores, she was one of the first to go. In others, she lingered. Either way, she was eventually findable as a Target exclusive if you looked around. She's pretty cheap too so feel free to get one if you can.

Day 845: September 9, 2008

Figure of the Day: Day 844: McQuarrie Concept Rebel Trooper

REBEL TROOPER McQuarrie Concept
30th Anniversary Collection Basic Figures
Item No.: Asst. 87500 No. 87457
Number: #3060
Includes: Blaster, helmet, coin (2007), stand (2008)
Action Feature: Removable helmet
Retail: $6.99
Availability: November 2007
Appearances: n/a

Bio: Ralph McQuarrie's sketches of Rebel troopers show the distinct headgear and simple uniforms that articulate the lean, focused intensity of the Rebel Alliance forces. In his drawings, McQuarrie has captured the Rebels' unity of purpose and determined independence that characterize the Alliance's proud fighters. (Taken from the figure's cardback.)

Image: Adam Pawlus' TV tray.

Commentary: The McQuarrie Concept Figure collection was one of the most exciting things to happen to collectors in 2007, which tells you both that the interest in core characters is supremely important and that actual characters from the movies that Hasbro can convince fans to buy are a diminishing resource. Rounding out the collection of concept figures was this Rebel Trooper, which, unlike the other figures in the collection, wasn't a design a lot of fans would have remembered. Or even seen, much less asked for. Less a great design for a space trooper and more an amusing look for the henchmen in the undersea lair of the vile Dr. Bartholemew Clam, the figure is an oddity on a variety of levels. He has a two piece removable helmet, a holster, removable chest armor, and loads of articulation. Oh, and he's posed in a manner that fits in well with the vintage Kenner line from the 1980s. In many respects, as a collectible, this is the absolutely best McQuarrie Concept figure because it seems to incorporate every fan request for an action figure short of ankle articulation. The joints are well-hidden by the costume design, he can hold his blaster, his helmet can be removed, there's a lot of detail here, and he still looks like he stepped off an artist's sketchpad. How can you go wrong?

The only problem with the figure is that it's fairly non-essential, which while not a crime is an issue with many figures in the line as of late. Chewbacca with bandages, Vader with a new cape, Anakin with new hip joints... it's all Hasbro finding ways to extend the line-- which is what fans say they want-- but it's also filler. This figure would have been an unthinkable release in 2003, and in 2008, it just goes to show that the line is moving in a direction that's less "what would be an awesome seller?" to "OK, we need to come up with something new for fans to buy, what's left?" It's weird that Hasbro could make such a great figure based on a design that probably wouldn't be on any fan's wish list, but here it is. Love it.

Collector's Notes: A member of the one-timer's club so far, this figure is unlikely to make a return appearance any time soon. Hasbro shipped it under a new SKU in 2008 with a display stand, and it's essential for anyone looking to complete their set of collector coins or McQuarrie Concept figures. Everybody else, take it as you will. It seems like it would have made a great character to have attack Vader's secret apprentice in The Force Unleashed though.

Day 844: September 8, 2008

Figure of the Day: Day 843: Darth Vader

DARTH VADER Two-piece helmet
The Legacy Collection Basic Figures
Item No.: Asst. 87535 No. 87680
Number: #BD08
Includes: Lightsaber, helmet, droid piece
Action Feature: Removable helmet
Retail: $7.99
Availability: July 26 2008
Appearances: Return of the Jedi*

Bio: As has been the custom of the Jedi and the Sith for many centuries, Vader uses a meditation chamber to enhance his powers. Within this specially pressurized, hyperbaric enclosure, the Sith Lord is able to remove his mask briefly and still be able to breathe. (Taken from the figure's cardback.)

Image: Adam Pawlus' TV tray.

Commentary: As one of Hasbro's best selling figures, Darth Vader is in constant need of refreshing. You can't sell the same figure forever, especially not in an era where fans will rebuy the same product if it's sufficiently changed from time to time. I frequently invoke the phrase "just different enough to make you mad" when describing Hasbro's new and barely altered releases, and this figure is one of the finest examples of that you could ever see. The actual figure is based on the 2005 Evolutions Darth Vader, which was reissued in early 2008, and was changed slightly with a glued-down helmet for the 2007 Order 66 sets. It's a wonderful figure and just a detail or two shy of being the best overall Darth Vader figure Hasbro could ever hope to make. As it stands, it's just merely one of the best for right now. I'd say that this figure that I hold in my hands as I type this is so good, if you only ever buy one Darth Vader figure, this is it. Until Hasbro adds more improvements.

So, what's different? It's all in his head-- the body is effectively the same except for how the lights on his torso are painted. The head is now molded in a flesh colored plastic which actually looks significantly better and more lifelike than previous releases. It brings out the dirt, grime, scarring, bruising, and blood much better than we've seen in the past, and if I didn't know better I'd almost think it was a brand new sculpt. (It isn't, is it?) Either way, it's good. The helmet itself is the other big departure. We've had removable helmets before, but this is the first time the dome can be separated from the facial part of the mask. As far as toy engineering goes, this is a fantastic feat which would have been unthinkable just a few years ago. From a collector perspective, it's basically a non-issue. OK, so the helmet comes apart. So what? It's the same action figure otherwise, so who cares?

It's really weird to say "who cares" about what is Hasbro's best Darth Vader yet. It's a stunning release, but it's not significantly different enough from previous releases for me to tell you to go buy it. If you don't have the previous releases, you absolutely need to get it-- otherwise, well, it's up to you. After playing with the helmet for two seconds, it's really no different from what you have.

Collector's Gripes: Since about 2003, it seems Hasbro has determined they could make a small change here and there, rather than overhaul a product, and multiply their sales as a result. As such, there's still a few changes to this figure which Hasbro has yet to implement. For example, there's no ball-jointed neck-- we got a Vader with such a joint with the white Darth Vader from the comic packs line in August 2008. There's no wire in his cape-- this is something we've seen in Batman figures and in Jedi robes, and it would allow his garment to be posed rather than hang limp. Finally, there's no lightsaber hilt or a place to plug it into his belt. This feature has only been incorporated once so far, and with any luck Hasbro will put all three of these features in a future incarnation of this mold or the next-generation super-articulated Darth Vader mold we figure they're developing in a bunker underneath a dormant volcano in New Mexico. (Oh, and they could add ball-jointed wrists and hips some day, but that's probably just being ridiculous.)

Collector's Notes: This is the first time a figure based on the Vader Evolutions body has been released on an individual package. At press time, the figure has only been seen with the R7-Z0 dome and third leg droid parts. The figure will come with other droid parts in the future. As to the * from above, I think the figure is meant to be from ROTJ, but here's the thing-- the description smells like The Empire Strikes Back. The cardback art is from Revenge of the Sith. But there's no damage markings on his arm from the final duel. So I'm just assuming it's Return of the Jedi as that's the only time we saw him take his mask off in two stages, and it's the movie from which the original body mold was said to be taken.

Day 843: September 5, 2008

Figure of the Day: Day 842: Grand Admiral Thrawn

GRAND ADMIRAL THRAWN and Talon Karrde
The Legacy Collection Comic Packs
Item No.: Asst. 87504 No. 87688
Number: #09
Includes: Ysalamiri, Talon Karrde figure
Action Feature: n/a
Retail: $12.99
Availability: August 2008
Appearances: Heir to the Empire

Bio: It's five years after the destruction of the second Death Star. The Rebel Alliance has established a New Republic, but its existence is threatened by the old Empire. Grand Admiral Thrawn command the remnants of the Imperial fleet and is putting together a plan that will destroy the new goverment. Thrawn contacts Talon Karrde, a man with valuable information that Thrawn needs in order for his plan to succeed. (Taken from the figure's cardback.)

Image: Adam Pawlus' Imperial Shuttle (the 2006 one).

Commentary: While art has shown the character of Grand Admiral Thrawn in a few different costumes over the years, both action figures (including this one) show the high-ranking Imperial without the yellowish gold epaulets on his shoulders. Even though this super-articulated figure is pretty awesome, it'd be nice to see that. Or some sort of backpack for his little lizard friend to feed off of. But you can tell that from the picture.

Thrawn is an update to a figure from 1998, and for the most part he's pretty good. While it's easy to fault the figure for what they could have done, it's really best to just look at what it is they did give us. The good news is we have a modern sculpt, complete with 14 points of articulation, fantastic detail, a proper rank badge, and everything you would expect out of a decent individual action figure. Except for a blaster. The details are all pretty great, from the slick, shiny boots to the gloves. Oh right-- they sculpted his hands as gloves, you can see the wrinkles on them. The packaging even has his hands painted white, to match his gloves. And the figure itself? His gloves are the same color as his skin. Oops. Maybe we have a potential variant here, but it's more likely this will be the only way the figure is offered. It's not bad, it's just always a shame when a detail of some significance is painted incorrectly, like the snow clumps on Chewbacca or when Luke's gloved and flesh hands were swapped on a 2003 figure. It happens, and with as many figures as Hasbro produces, it's a wonder it doesn't happen more frequently.

The other detail that's something of a downer here is the boots. And keep in mind by picking on part of his boots and his hands, that means the rest of the figure is perfect-- one can only gush about a figure's greatness for so long, but it's easy to dwell on a minor hiccup for long periods of time. Due to the white plastic used for the uniform, much white plastic is exposed and left unpainted around the ball-jointed ankles. For once, it would have been better had Hasbro elected not to give the figure ankle articulation, or if they used black plastic to mold the feet. Other than that, it's pretty awesome-- the head is good, the uniform fits, the boots are glossy, and his little pal is based on the comic appearances. (Or close to them-- the ysalamir has two legs and a tail, not four legs and a tail like in some other art.)

Collector's Notes: In 1998, the first Thrawn figure was in short supply due to a transitional period in the line. Today, it should be widely available and it comes with a reprint of Heir to the Empire #1, which has some of the best Star Wars comic art in the entire Dark Horse run. This set should be added to your collection without question.

Day 842: September 4, 2008

Figure of the Day: Day 841: Battle Droid

BATTLE DROID Firing Blaster!
The Clone Wars Animated Figures
Item No.: Asst. 87638 No. 87663
Number: #07
Includes: Blaster, backpack, projectile, launcher
Action Feature: Firing launcher
Retail: $7.99
Availability: July 2008
Appearances: The Clone Wars

Bio: Battle droids are the perfect soldiers in battle - programmed to fight without hesitation and deployed in vast numbers that overwhelm opponents. Individually, though, their limited cognitive ability makes them vulnerable when up against the daring recklessness of Anakin Skywalker and the agile Ahsoka Tano; the two skilled Jedi can easily outwit and outmaneuver these mechanized fighters. (Taken from the figure's cardback.)

Image: Adam Pawlus' toy shelves.

Commentary: So these "special" troopers aren't so smart-- I guess that's pretty common knowledge by now. The Battle Droid seems to be a staple in the action figure line, one of few characters introduced in the first prequel which seems to consistently perform at retail. And is also repainted many, many times. This new mold hasn't yet seen a redeco, but we all know it's a matter of time. With the new animated style, Hasbro gave him thicker limbs which should better hold up to gravity. Previous droids had a bad habit of bending and falling over, but this one looks more stable. We'll see how that goes. The sculpt is actually pretty good, but the weird thing is that when combined with its paint job it almost looks wooden to me. It's nice that it's so different visually, but it's also a little strange. The figure's head seems smaller than it should be, too, which adds to its unique look.

With articulation at the waist (a first!), neck, shoulders, hips, and elbows, this is a pretty decent figure. If it had knees, it would be the most articulated version of the character ever, but the figure really only needs more articulation at the elbow. With his standard gun and firing gun, it can be a little tricky to get both hands on the weapon. Extra articulation would have helped immensely, and after last year's Super Battle Droid it might not be out of the question for Hasbro to be able to do this. As few Battle Droids sport elbow joints and none have a waist joint, this figure stands out as being pretty unique in terms of play value. I'd say get one, but hold off on troop building until you see if you really like it or not.

Collector's Notes: Seemingly a speedy seller, this figure is flying off the pegs. I wouldn't suggest paying a premium for it as you can practically smell all the Battle Packs it will be in later this year or next year.

Day 841: September 3, 2008

Figure of the Day: Day 840: Darth Vader (Infinities)

DARTH VADER Empire Strikes Back Infinities
30th Anniversary Collection Comic Packs
Item No.: Asst. 87504 No. 87521
Number: #09
Includes: Lightsaber, removable armor chunk, Leia figure
Action Feature: n/a
Retail: $9.99
Availability: Summer 2007
Appearances: Comics

Bio: The Infinities series explores tantalizing "what if" stories about what might have happened to Star Wars characters if events had happened differently. In this tale, Princess Leia fulfills Luke Skywalker's dying words, "Find master Yoda... Train as a Jedi... Go to Dagobah." On the jungle world of Dagobah, Leia is shocked to learn her father is the evil Darth Vader. Under the tutelage, Leia becomes a skilled Jedi but faces a final trial: battle her father in a lightsabaer duel and resist his attempts to turn her to the dark side. (Taken from the figure's cardback.)

Image: Adam Pawlus' toy shelves.

Commentary: Some have said that Darth Vader is the stuff nightmares are made of, but I think this is the first time we're actually seeing the Sith Lord as seen in an actual nightmare. Specifically, his own. Through some Force-induced hallucinations, Darth Vader appears more twisted than ever in the final issue of The Empire Strikes Back Infinities, which is included with this figure. While he isn't super-articulated, this figure manages to mesh movie and concept designs into a figure that-- if you ask me-- is more striking and cooler than the McQuarrie Concept figure. (Well, except for it not having a gun.) He has a removable helmet which, underneath, has an older, fatter version of Hayden Christensen-- complete with hair. (This is a dream-based figure, you see.) With ball-jointed elbows and ankles, the figure would have difficulty meeting some fans exacting requests for super articulation, but normal hips, shoulders, wrists, waist, and neck joints won't hurt you. Well, I assume they won't. I don't know how you play with your toys. Due to the non-removable plastic cape, he won't be doing much sitting. There's still a decent amount of play value here as he can hold his lightsaber and you can rip off a piece of his chest armor to simulate damage. Fun, eh? If you have a few Darth Vader figures, add one more to your collection and pick this one up.

Collector's Notes: Packaged with a nifty Jedi Training Leia, this set is on its way out of stores. If you've been holding off, get your butt to retail and pick up one while you can.

Day 840: September 2, 2008

Figure of the Day: Day 839: Po Nudo

PO NUDO Separatist
30th Anniversary Collection Basic Figures
Item No.: Asst. 87500 No. 87547
Manufacturer: Hasbro
Number: #0807
Includes: Stand
Action Feature: n/a
Retail: $6.99
Availability: February 2008
Appearances: Revenge of the Sith

Image: Adam Pawlus' TV tray.

Bio: Senator Po Nudo pledges his people's allegiance to the Confederacy of Independence Systems and joins the Separatist Council. At the end of the Clone Wars, Palpatine sends Vader to eliminate the council members when they become unneccessary to his plans. (Taken from the figure's cardback.)

Commentary: After years of immense popularity, Star Wars fans eventually run out of things to ask for of any real significance. As a result, small factions of fans start to ask for things and sometimes it gives the appearance of the fans at large wanting them. I don't think this is usually the case. Po Nudo's release seems a little empty because nobody really seems to be excited for it. His arms are super-articulated, and he has joints at the neck and waist. And that's it. There's really nothing stunning about this figure aside from the fact it's the first 21st-century interpretation of his species as an action figure, which means his tusks look less like a baby's bottom and he has an extra pair of eyes to look at you with, as if asking "why do I exist?" With no lines in the movie and no role to speak of, this figure exists for one purpose: to stand on your shelf and collect dust. Surprisingly, he did well, but this was likely in part due to his extremely short shipping window in early 2008.

So what you have here is a salt shaker with arms, really. He can stand just fine but won't be sitting much, and is on the short list of figures that I feel probably could never have come out and wouldn't have been missed. It's not bad, just so unremarkable and not fun that it almost seems like the only reason it was produced was that Hasbro figured out how many people out there will buy absolutely anything, myself included.

Collector's Notes: Not rare, not common. If you want one, get one, but it's not going to be a lot of fun once you get it home, unless you're a huge separatist fan and have a shelf to prove it. A gun or some sort of battle-damage feature might have been nice, but as it is this figure is likely only to appeal to collectors and a small number of kids. (As a lot of kids see certain figures and latch on to them, which I say having been one of those kids.)

--Adam Pawlus

Day 839: September 1, 2008