Figure of the Day: Day 892: Anakin Skywalker

ANAKIN SKYWALKER Jedi Hero
Revenge of the Sith Evolutions
Item No.: Asst. 85553 No. 85662
Manufacturer: Hasbro
Number: n/a
Includes: Robot hand, lightsaber, blade, robes
Action Feature: n/a
Retail: $19.99
Availability: Fall 2005
Appearances: Revenge of the Sith

Bio: Experience the evolution of the greatest villain the galaxy has ever known! These figures capture the fall of Anakin Skywalker and the rise of Darth Vader! Anakin is a young Jedi who fights for all that is good. He emerges as a hero of the Clone Wars but is lured to the dark side of the Force. He joins the evil Sith and becomes the menacing Darth Vader. From hero to villain, his power and influence change the destiny of a galaxy! (Taken from the figure's box.)
Image: A desk.

Commentary: At one point, the greatest Anakin Skywalker figure from the final prequel. It's since been retooled, repackaged, and rereleased, but this one is still pretty sweet. Surprisingly close to super-articulated except for the elbows, the likeness is easily Hasbro's best Hayden Christensen so far. He's both thin and muscular, tall enough to be imposing, and unlike other Anakins, he doesn't look overly creepy. The long hair is here, and the sculptors more or less nailed it-- he looks like he stepped out of the opening of Revenge of the Sith. He can sit, he can stand, really the only thing he can't do is bend at the elbows. No doubt, Hasbro will fix this in a future release. As part of the Evolutions set, this is a must-own figure, and the weakest of the three. It's still incredible, but it lacks some of the details and features found on the other two figures. If you only get one Anakin from the prequels, you might want to make sure it's one of the figures derived from this sculpt. As there are many.

Collector's Notes: After a hugely popular run in 2005, this set was repackaged and sold again in 2008. There's also a packaging variant, as the Darth Vader in the set was initially labeled Episode IV and was later changed to Episode VI. In 2008, the figure was resculpted to include added hip articulation-- now the hips swivel out. Another version of this mold was repainted and released along with a retooled Durge in a comic pack. So yeah, you've got options. Oh-- and this figure also came packaged in the first round of collector tins in late 2006, but with slightly different accessories. (No robot hand, for example.) If you get it, get the Evolutions version. The other resculpts and repaints either have been or will be reviewed in this very column. Eventually.

--Adam Pawlus

Day 892: November 13, 2008

Figure of the Day: Day 891: Mara Jade

MARA JADE Heir to the Empire #5
30th Anniversary Collection Comic Pack Figures
Item No.: Asst. 87504 No. 87522
Manufacturer: Hasbro
Number: #10
Includes: Blaster, hat, lightsaber, Luke with accessories
Action Feature: Removable hat, blaster fits in holster
Retail: $9.99
Availability: Summer 2007
Appearances: Heir to the Empire

Bio: Five years have passed since the Battle of Endor. Luke Skywalker is the first Jedi in the fledgling Republic, but the dark legacy of Emperor Palpatine still threatens him. The smuggler Mara Jade has long wanted to find Luke and kill him because of his role in the death of her former master, the Emperor. Her chance to strike arrives at last, but events cause her to join forces with him to escape Imperial forces. (Taken from the figure's cardback.)

Image: A desk.

Commentary: While some fans maligned this figure and her companion's lack of articulation. But what do you expect for $10? The nearly-perfect Mara Jade figure was a huge step up from her 1998 release, with a better head, improved articulation, and for some reason, an empurpled costume. (Typically, she's seen in black or very dark blue.) This release has ball-jointed knees and shoulders, with normal hips, wrists, swivel elbows, a normal waist, and a ball-jointed head. She looks pretty good, but obviously ankle joints and ball-jointed elbows would have been nice additions since, most likely, this is going to be the last Mara for another nine years. Her lightsaber's grip is really, really rubbery. Like, crazy rubbery. You might find some are greatly distorted on purchase, but they're pretty simple to straighten out. If you want a Mara figure, this is the best one your money can buy. That is, until the future, when Hasbro goes back to the well for another release.

Collector's Notes: There are a few Mara variants, but they're uncommon. The neck ball-and-socket was retooled early on, resulting in some figures being able to keep together easier than others. Also, this set has a variant lightsaber to watch for-- Mara sometimes comes with a green blade. I've never seen this in person, and would love to buy one.

--Adam Pawlus

Day 891: November 12, 2008

Figure of the Day: Day 890: Incinerator Trooper

INCINERATOR TROOPERS and Darth Vader
30th Anniversary Collection Wal-Mart Exclusive
Item No.: Asst. 87576 No. 87577
Manufacturer: Hasbro
Number: n/a
Includes: Blaster
Action Feature: n/a
Retail: $9.99
Availability: September 2008
Appearances: The Force Unleashed

Bio: One of the most devastating of the Empire's specialized stormtrooper units, the incinerator troopers wield powerful plasma rifles to set enemies ablaze. When deployed to a forest world like Kashyyyk, a small squadron of incinerator troopers can level an entire Wookiee village in a matter of hours. Vader and the Incinerator Troopers are sent in whenever an example needs to be made of anyone who dares to question the ultimate authority of the Empire. (Taken from the figure's box.)

Image: In front of my Mac.

Commentary: Since the Clone Trooper repaint became a cash cow, it only seemed like a matter of time before someone introduced Stormtrooper variants like the Incinerator Trooper. Loosely based on the appearance of the soldiers in The Force Unleashed, these figures take the 2004 Stormtrooper "Vintage" mold and add some color. In the game, they figure had heavier weapons and-- as I suspected-- a shoulder pauldron. (As you can see here, the coloring stops just below the neck, right where a pauldron should cover it.) If anything, it probably should have been a repainted Sandtrooper. Thankfully, the end result is neat enough to warrant a purchase, despite the inaccuracy. The red coloring is distinctive, and the pattern is unlike anything we've seen on clones. The green lenses are also quite distinctive, and with any luck Hasbro will start including more colored lenses on its various trooper repaints. (The green one looked awesome on the 2006 Kashyyyk Trooper.) Incinerator Troopers are a little light on extras, including only a traditional Stormtrooper blaster. Perhaps Hasbro will repackage this figure with some new accessories in the future, as the game seems to be popular enough to warrant additional product.

Collector's Notes: This set, and its companion set featuring the Emperor and the Shadow Troopers, were delayed for months to coincide with the release of the game. There didn't seem to be a firm street date, as some stores put them out early, and others weeks after the game's release. As it stands now, these are still findable in some Wal-Marts, so go out and check your area if you missed these. Not everyone gets their stuff on time.

--Adam Pawlus

Day 890: November 11, 2008

Figure of the Day: Day 889: Han Solo (Hoth)

HAN SOLO Hoth Outfit
30th Anniversary Collection Vintage Collection
Item No.: Asst. 87295 No. 87307
Manufacturer: Hasbro
Number: n/a
Includes: Thermal hat, macrobinoculars, blaster
Action Feature: n/a
Retail: $9.99
Availability: Spring 2007
Appearances: The Empire Strikes Back

Bio: Han Solo was a Human from Corellia who achieved galactic fame as a member of the Rebel Alliance and later the New Republic. Solo then entered the Imperial Academy at Carida, serving with distinction. He was kicked out, however, when he stopped an Imperial officer from beating a Wookiee named Chewbacca. In gratitude, the Wookiee swore a life debt to Solo. He became a smuggler once again, with Chewbacca at his side. Piloting the Millennium Falcon, he was known as one of the best smugglers in the galaxy. (Stolen from Wookieepedia.)

Image: A desk.

Commentary: Hasbro's luck with Han Solo in Hoth gear hasn't been so great. The first one was a pegwarmer of stellar proportions. Others had variant jackets, bad likenesses, or other things fans took issues with-- although some of those were designed to sit on a Tauntaun released years earlier. This one wasn't. As an action figure for collectors, this may be the best Hoth Han Solo ever designed, but as a toy, it's not very good. Sure, he can stand-- but he can't sit, he can't pilot any vehicles, and he can't ride a Tauntaun. Still, he does have super articulation... but the design of the figure's coat restricts much of the lower body movement. In a way, it's a shame Hasbro is putting emphasis on looks above functionality, while the 1990s figures were more primitive, they certainly made for better playthings. While the detail on this figure is fantastic, and the likeness is good, its inability to perform basic toy functions is a bit of a downer. Also, its thermal hat is pretty worthless-- why Hasbro and Kenner seem insistent on making this a key feature of the character is beyond me. When the first Hoth Han figure from Kenner's modern line came out, a lot of fans weren't even entirely sure why it was there-- we always saw him with his hood up, or down, paying no attention to the hat. So if you get this, odds are you can ignore that particular accessory. Thankfully, his blaster is a perfect fit in his holster, and he has no problem holding his gun.

Collector's Notes: The first public showing of this figure included a variant head with a hood up-- which Hasbro took down within minutes, as they claimed LucasFilm did not approve it. A "hood-up" version of the figure would come out in 2008, first in Wal-Mart's exclusive Droid Factory collection, and again in the Hoth Recon Battle Pack. This particular figure wasn't hard to get in the slightest and could be found on clearance in some places. As an aside, I had a breakage issue with my first figure-- it snapped at the waist. My second one was fine, but I was able to find out other collectors had breakage issues. As such, be careful with it if you open a packaged sample. A blue variant figure was sold in a Target exclusive Battle Pack, if you prefer that color.

--Adam Pawlus

Day 889: November 10, 2008

Figure of the Day: Day 888: Master Sev

MASTER SEV and ARC Trooper
30th Anniversary Collection Order 66 Target Exclusive
Item No.: Asst. 87356 No. 87671
Manufacturer: Hasbro
Number: 6 of 6
Includes: Lightsaber, Jedi robe, ARC Trooper
Action Feature: n/a
Retail: $9.99
Availability: Spring 2008
Appearances: Clone Wars

Bio: Master Sev is a Jedi general in command of clone troopers aboard a Republic attack cruiser during the end of the Clone Wars. (Taken from the figure's cardback.)

Image: A table.

Commentary: After a round of repaints, Hasbro decided that the second batch of "Order 66" sets would include newly molded parts. Master Sev is, in fact a previously released Kit Fisto with a new head and a new robe. So rather than sell you another Jedi you've bought twice, Hasbro was kind enough to take a cue from the Clone Wars Adventures comic books and give you this new figure. He's basically super articulated, but it's a little weird. His arms are what you might expect, but his legs, not so much. I'd go into detail, but basically, he'll do what he should-- just oddly. Since he's modeled after a stylized comic book character, Hasbro had a low bar for excellence here, and thankfully the figure turned out well. All they really had to do was crank out a Jedi with a Weequay head, and well, that's what we got here. It's a new character, which makes it a solid "buy."

Collector's Notes: This one sold well. It's notable in that the package illustration sucks. I'm not saying this to be mean, it really, truly blows. Hasbro did a bad photoshop job on a publicity shot of Samuel L. Jackson as Mace Windu, and the end result seems to be closer to a Jem'Hadar than a Weequay. His clone companion was rereleased as a non-exclusive in Saga Legends, so if you just want that, you can skip this one. I don't think you'll want to skip it, though.

--Adam Pawlus

Day 888: November 7, 2008

Figure of the Day: Day 887: Nute Gunray

NUTE GUNRAY Should Not Have Made This Bargain
Episode I Collection 2
Item No.: Asst. 84095 No. 84089
Manufacturer: Hasbro
Number: n/a
Includes: CommTech Chip
Action Feature: n/a
Retail: $6.99
Availability: Summer 1999
Appearances: The Phantom Menace

Bio: A Trade Federation viceroy who is controlled by the evil Lord Darth Sidious, Nute Gunray leads the attack on Naboo with the help of fellow Neimoidian, Rune Haako. (Taken from the figure's cardback.)

Image: A table.

Commentary: As part of the second big push for Episode I product, Nute Gunray was both a welcome addition and the object of scorn. Fans looked forward to this new, ornate release while at the same time hating it because of his role in the movie. At the time, there was a lot that adult fans didn't like about the prequels-- mostly, these things were new robots and creatures. This particular one got a lot of guff due to his voice and facial movements, but mostly the voice. Thankfully, the figure has no voice and looks pretty good. Despite the total lack of accessories, he still looks expensive. His robes are big, he has added detail in his face, and oh yes-- he's ugly. A modern release wouldn't be much better than this one, I guess Hasbro could add more paint and articulation but this figure is still pretty good all these years later. It is, however, still Nute Gunray, and largely a statue. It can't sit, it just stands there. So if you like the look of the character enough to buy it, you won't be sorry.

Collector's Notes: Fans didn't much like this one. It sold fairly well in many markets, but there was a lot of complaining, which no doubt helped prove that as a group we'll buy pretty much anything. Like other figures from the era, you can get it on the cheap.

--Adam Pawlus

Day 887: November 6, 2008

Figure of the Day: Day 886: Chancellor Valorum

CHANCELLOR VALORUM with Ceremonial Staff
Episode I Collection 3
Item No.: Asst. 84105 No. 84132
Manufacturer: Hasbro
Number: n/a
Includes: CommTech Chip, Staff
Action Feature: n/a
Retail: $6.99
Availability: May 3, 1999
Appearances: The Phantom Menace

Bio: As the beleaguered leader of the Galactic Republic, Supreme Chancellor Valorum faces many challenges to his authority, from the greedy Trade Federation to the manipulations of his one-time ally Senator Palpatine. (Taken from the figure's cardback.)

Image: The Pawlus computer desk.

Commentary: Back in 1999, it seemed like Hasbro had a good formula for its then-new prequel line. It was as follows: make anything, it will sell, nobody needs to see the movie first. It worked. Chancellor Valorum was one of the very first figures produced for the line, and he's as exciting as he looks-- not very. While the figure has a good likeness for its time, and probably wouldn't look much better were it released today, it's just not very exciting. It's somewhat depressing to cite it as an example of some of Hasbro's finest work at the time, because it's a character that, like most of you, I can't fake much of an interest here. Yes, it is Terrance Stamp as a small plastic man. Yeah, he's got the dress, complete with all the detail. And yes, he's even got a big fat staff for waving around. But he doesn't do much. The only meaningful articulation is at the neck and shoulders, because the big robes prevent any articulation from the waist on down from doing much of anything. Without more senators or some other diorama, this figure doesn't offer much to fans other than another notch in your collection's bedpost. Yes, it's stunning, but it isn't remotely cool-- which is a shame, really.

Collector's Notes: As you might expect, fans didn't much go nuts for this one. It sold better (or rather, it sold through faster) than a lot of other equally interesting characters of its time in part because Hasbro made fewer of them. You can get this figure today on eBay for next to nothing, and you probably should. Hasbro will probably never make another one, and the character did relatively little before being eventually blown up in the comics.

--Adam Pawlus

Day 886: November 5, 2008

Figure of the Day: Day 885: Sandtrooper

SANDTROOPER Escape from Mos Eisley
30th Anniversary Collection Saga Legends
Item No.: Asst. 85770 No. 86830
Manufacturer: Hasbro
Number: n/a
Includes: White shoulder pauldron, blaster, backpack, detonator, prod, coin
Action Feature: n/a
Retail: $6.99
Availability: Early 2008
Appearances: Star Wars

Bio: Jedi mind tricks often work on the weak-minded. Such is the case when a squad of sandtroopers asks Jedi Maser Obi-Wan Kenobi about the two droids that are with him in a landspeeder. Obi-Wan tricks them into concluding, "These aren't the droids we're looking for." (Taken from the figure's cardback.)

Image: Adam Pawlus' toy room.

Commentary: Fans demanded more Stormtroopers, and with this Sandtrooper Hasbro basically came through. The figure is based on the 2004 Vintage Original Trilogy Collection Stormtrooper, but features a removable "grenade", a shoulder pad, and a backpack. And some sort of prod. But aside from that, it's totally a basic run-of-the-mill super-articulated Stormtrooper, so it's a great figure to pick up if for no reason other than it's flexible. If you need either form of trooper, you're covered. Given the recent deluge of Stormtroopers and variants on that theme, this figure is a solid basic model to pick up for any army or collection you may be building. You can add all the dirt you might like, of course, which is a plus given how many fans out there seem to really hate battle damage. (Of course, just as many love it. So go figure.) Sadly, there's not much remarkable about this release-- it's one of many based on the mold, and one that it would be wonderful to see stay in circulation for a while. As a new one is coming in 2009, who knows, maybe this will be it. Oh, one downer-- like every figure to use this mold as of press time, the holster on the belt for the blaster really doesn't work particularly well. A pity, but what can you do?

Collector's Notes: As the final "Saga Legends" variant, this one was around for a while near the end. Thankfully, it's a good figure-- and one you can still probably get for a fair price. Buy six, do the Emperor proud.

--Adam Pawlus

Day 885: November 4, 2008

Figure of the Day: Day 884: Ben (Obi-Wan) Kenobi

BEN (OBI-WAN) KENOBI Jedi Knight
Power of the Jedi Collection 1
Item No.: Asst. 84115 No. 84158
Manufacturer: Hasbro
Number: n/a
Includes: Lightsaber, hilt, Force File
Action Feature: n/a
Retail: $6.99
Availability: July 2000
Appearances: Star Wars

Bio: Many settlers on Tatooine regard old Ben Kenobi as a crazy wizard. In fact, he is General Obi-Wan Kenobi, a veteran of the Clone Wars, and one of the last surviving Jedi Knights. For years, he lived as a hermit in the remote Jundland Wastes, secretly monitoring the safety and progress of Luke Skywalker, whose father had been Kenobi's apprentice. However, fate soon required that Kenobi himself train the boy in the ways of the Force. (Taken from the toy's packaging.)

Image: Adam's toy room floor.

Commentary: Released during a transitional period in which Hasbro was given a mandate to boost the line to be more than 50% original trilogy product, this Ben (Obi-Wan) Kenobi figure manages to be neat in some respects and in others... not so much. Based on some new tooling as well as the 1995 figure's head (or something close to it), this standing-only release was designed after the few scenes in the original movie. Sadly, no training remote was included. Surprisingly after over 31 years, Hasbro and Kenner have never made an accurate replica of the training remote that wasn't a crappy grey orb on a string in a Millennium Falcon vehicle. But I digress. This figure was designed after the scene in which Ben gives Luke his lightsaber, but here's the weird thing-- the figure comes with an Obi-Wan saber in the "on" position and a Luke saber in the "off" position. The scene only had Luke's weapon ignited, so yeah... this is kind of a bummer. However, the good thing was that was this was the first-ever trilogy figure to include a lightsaber hilt that can plug into his belt. The bad news? It isn't Obi-Wan's saber that can plug in to his belt. Oh well.

Articulated at the neck, waist, shoulders, and elbows, this figure isn't much of a toy. It looks fantastic, as the robes are sculpted nicely and the likeness is certainly good, but all he can do is just stand there. Thankfully he holds together nicely, but there's no way you're going to get him to sit in a ship. As such, I'd only suggest collectors, packaged fans, or diorama builders pick this one up. It's really no fun to play with.

Collector's Notes: Not a supremely strong seller, this figure would end up being the last new "trilogy" Obi-Wan figure sold until 2004. And the ones in 2004 would be the last new ones until 2009. If you want to get a really cool collectible, the 2004 Orignal Trilogy Collection version of this figure comes in awesome packaging sporting a background of Mos Eisley. It also has a display stand. I don't normally keep figures in the packaging but this one was so cool, I had to. (Did I mention how much I loved the 2004 Original Trilogy Collection packaging? It's gorgeous. Even better than the vintage line.)

--Adam Pawlus

Day 884: November 3, 2008