Figure of the Day: Day 1,347: Zuckuss (4-LOM in Kenner Colors)

ZUCKUSS ...or 4-LOM in Vintage Kenner Colors The Vintage Collection Jedi-Con and Celebration V Exclusive Item No.: No. 19672 Number: #VCP02 Includes: Blaster, 4-LOM figure Action Feature: n/a Retail: $14.99 Availability: August 2010 Appearances: The Empire Strikes Back Bio: 4-LOM was an ambitious protocol droid who overwrote his own programming to embark on a life of crime. A LOM-series droid, 4-LOM's first assignment was aboard a luxury liner named the Kuari Princess, where he served as a translator between the vessel's wealthy passengers and its computer. He found this work mundane and undemanding, and after the Kuari Princess's computer altered his programming, 4-LOM began to steal from his passengers. Eventually, he left the Kuari Princess for good, becoming an expert thief, information broker, and, after Jabba Desilijic Tiure altered his programming further, a highly successful bounty hunter. (Stolen from Wookieepedia.) Image: Adam Pawlus' bathroom. The exclusive "Kenner deco" or "error" figure stands in front of the standard retail release version with the correct name on the package. Commentary: Did you ever wish you had the 2007 Zuckuss mold in 1982 Kenner 4-LOM colors? Well, now you can buy it! At first I was hard-pressed to think why it would be exciting, but the comparison shows a few niceties-- the exclusive version has a red light on his head, a much cleaner body, some silver, and generally looks very "classic." It seems like an old goofy space toy, which means I automatically love the super-articulated, 14-joint Bounty Hunter robot. He can stand, sit, carry his weapon, and basically be awesome. What more could you possibly hope for? I prefer this version to the 2007 original, just because it looks so gosh darn clean and space-like. It's really pretty wonderful, and his companion 4-LOM is even better. I wish Hasbro just made these standard retail releases because they are so nice, but well, for now, you can probably get them at the convention or online shortly after the show. Packaging Notes: 4-LOM (modern name robot) also appears in the basic Vintage assortments shipping now, and it is very similar to the convention exclusive Zuckuss (classic name robot). Some key differences are as follows: the Exclusive version has no UPC, the bubble is not extended so that it may stand freely, it has foil, and the back says "Original Zuckuss Card" instead of "Original 4-LOM Card." The figure's pose inside the packaging is also significantly different. The carded figure came inside a box which velcros shut, which itself had a slipcase. The packaging for the individual Vintage figure got a little warped on my sample, so pay attention to that if you want pristine packaging inside your packaging. Collector's Notes: The figure was sold at Germany's Jedi-Con long before its US release, but we don't count that. USA! USA! The item was sold at Celebration V and is like there right now if you'd like to wait in a line in Florida... and these are neat enough to warrant it. --Adam Pawlus

Day 1,347: August 12, 2010

Figure of the Day: Day 1,346: Captain Typho

CAPTAIN TYPHO Episode II
The Legacy Collection Basic Figures
Item No.: Asst. 87535 No. 87981
Number: #BD47
Includes: Blaster, hat, comlink, droid part
Action Feature: n/a
Retail: $7.99
Availability: June 2009
Appearances: Attack of the Clones

Bio: Gregor Typho is Senator Padm:eacute; Amidala's head of security and an able starfighter pilot. He is diligent and capable in the performance of his duties, yet he is up against devious enemies who will stop at nothing to eliminate Padme. (Taken from the figure's packaging.)

Image: Adam Pawlus' Big AT-AT.

Commentary: If you were to make a list of like twelve characters fans never asked to have redone, Captain Typho would likely appear on the list. In 2002 we got a version of him in a pilot-esque outfit, and this version adds his hat and coat for a more formal Naboo security officer look. Hasbro went all out making this an excellent figure, which seems goofy given that it just isn't a character fans care about much one way or another. He is indeed super articulated, plus he has some cloth around his waist so you can actually move his legs a little. His hat is removable. His head sculpt is excellent. His blaster is even painted up, for heaven's sake. Why on Earth would Hasbro put so much time and effort into a non-character with such features as a removable communicator? Or am I answering my own question? The amount of work put into this figure is incredible, and the craftsmanship is above and beyond what you expect from a Hasbro Star Wars action figure. Still, it's Captain Typho, and that one strike is likely to make most fans skip it. Which is a shame, because as I said, it's really a well-done figure.

Collector's Notes: Some regions of the country received ample amounts of this wave-- the vocal regions did not. As such, he's a little hard to get and his inclusion of an HK-47 part makes him slightly more desirable than he should be.

--Adam Pawlus

Day 1,346: August 11, 2010

Figure of the Day: Day 1,345: Jedi Padawan

JEDI PADAWAN Large Boy
Star Tours Jedi Training Academy Set
Item No.: No. 87801
Number: n/a
Includes: Lightsaber, 4 additional figures
Action Feature: n/a
Retail: $34.99
Availability: June 2009
Appearances: n/a

Bio: STAR TOURS takes you to the Jedi Training Academy where you train to be a Jedi Knight! You and your fellow Padawans will experience the power of the Force and learn to battle with a lightsaber from a Jedi Master. May the Force be with you! (Taken from the figure's box.)

Image: Adam Pawlus' Big AT-AT.

Commentary: This Padawan figure seems to be modeled after a real person, but we don't know who it is. (If anybody.) Utilizing the 2000 Power of the Jedi Anakin Skywalker body with a new head (rather than the 1999 Naboo Anakin Skywalker body, which would have been a better choice) this figure managed to fudge us a new Jedi figure with a decidedly non-Jedi mold. To be honest, the figure looks more like Kitster than it does a regular Jedi. This may make him a good stand-in for your Mos Espa displays since the odds of Hasbro making an actual official Kitster are inversely proportional to the temperature in Hell at a given time. The figure's articulation is unremarkable, while he does have knee joints there's little else to speak of here. The important thing for you to remember is that there are very few Padawan figures, so this may be worth getting just to add to your very small squad of very small Jedi. He isn't remarkable, but the character is unique to this figure.

Collector's Notes: Sold only at Disney parks, I have been told that this set has shown up on sale. I have not confirmed this, but you may be able to get it at a reduced price.

--Adam Pawlus

Day 1,345: August 10, 2010

Figure of the Day: Day 1,344: Clone Trooper Jek

CLONE TROOPER JEK and Yoda
The Clone Wars Wal-Mart Exclusive Set, later individual
Item No.: Asst. 16721 No. 89320
Manufacturer: Hasbro
Number: #2 of 2
Includes: Pistols, rocket launcher, rocket, firing rocket launcher, helmet, bandolier, Yoda figure with accessories
Action Feature: n/a
Retail: $12.96
Availability: August 2009
Appearances: The Clone Wars

Bio: Yoda, Lieutenant Thire and clone troopers Jek and Rys are ambushed by battle droids on Rugosa. The troopers doubt they can prevail since they are greatly outnumbered. Yoda helps Jek see that weapons do not necessarily mean victory and that the mind is also a powerful weapon that they can use to out-think the droids. (Taken from the figure's packaging.)

Image: Adam Pawlus' desk.

Commentary: Hasbro is great about realizing when they can milk a mold, and Clone Trooper Jek is a great example of a repaint you'd want. Sporting essentially a modified Rex body, the figure has a bald head and hip holsters for his pistols, giving him a unique appearance while using mostly existing parts with some red paint slapped on. It's pretty accurate to the TV show, and is articulated at 14 points-- including the specially enhanced wrist joints. There's not much else to say other than it's another repaint of an insanely good mold, plus he's from the fairly popular episode Ambush. At the right price, I'd say buy him.

Collector's Notes: A carded Jek figure was also sold in early 2010. For all intents and purposes, it's basically the same figure with some minor deco changes-- specifically some painted details on the bandolier were added. For the purposes of this column, we're considering it a variation and not a new figure. The 2-pack later showed up (sans Wal-Mart sticker) at many Toys "R" Us stores, which I believe means the item was either an intentionally timed exclusive or a sort of a planned closeout. You may be able to find these still.

--Adam Pawlus

Day 1,344: August 9, 2010

Figure of the Day: Day 1,343: Wedge Antilles

WEDGE ANTILLES with blaster pistol
Power of the Force Carry Case Pack-In
Item No.: Asst. 87557 No. 87558
Manufacturer: Kenner
Number: n/a
Includes: Blaster pistol, Millennium Falcon Carry Case
Action Feature: n/a
Retail: $19.99
Availability: Summer 1998
Appearances: The Empire Strikes Back

Bio: Wedge Antilles was a famed Corellian pilot and general, known as a hero of the Rebel Alliance and New Republic. A standout starfighter pilot, he was one of the few to survive the Battle of Yavin, after which he founded Rogue Squadron with his friend Luke Skywalker. (Stolen from Wookieepedia.)

Image: Adam Pawlus' desk.

Commentary: I try not to swear too much, but when I pulled up the photo to write about this Wedge Antilles my first thought was literally "Man, fuck that figure." The 1997 figure is a baffling release (which we'll get in on below), but for the sake of the column, we'll focus on the actual figure here. Since this was the only mold that existed, Hasbro's Rhode Island division (back when the Cincinnati division did most of the line's work) decided they had a great idea-- to take a Millennium Falcon carry case, and to take a 1995 X-Wing Luke Skywalker and put a new head on it. And presto, Wedge! Two variants of the figure exist-- both have very different paint jobs, the second of which is slightly more authentic but still off. The mold is, obviously, the Hoth Snowspeeder pilot suit.

The first release has Luke's markings on his helmet, plus white stripes on his sleeves. The second release (pictured) is more authentic to the helmet in the movie, and the white stripes were dropped. It's still pretty iffy, and even in 1997 there was a lot of moaning about this one. With only six points of articulation, there's not much to speak of here. He's too muscular and since he wasn't released at a sensible price point (setting a tradition for Wedge figures), he was met with more scorn than delight.

Collector's Notes: The last time I checked, the figure wasn't going for much. The product itself makes no sense-- why is Wedge the bonus figure with Han Solo's ship? Why was he painted badly? Why did this figure start a precedent of Wedge being released only as an exclusive but never as an individual mass-market release? Despite the higher price tag in 1997, the figure's price has stayed low and there's really no good reason to shell out big bucks for this one. It just isn't that good.

--Adam Pawlus

Day 1,343: August 6, 2010

Figure of the Day: Day 1,342: Comic Pack Obi-Wan Kenobi and Luke Skywalker

OBI-WAN KENOBI & Bail Organa
30th Anniversary Collection Wal-Mart Comic Packs
Item No.: Asst. 87557 No. 87558
Manufacturer: Hasbro
Number: n/a
Includes: Lightsaber hilt, robes, baby, comic book, Bail Organa figure
Action Feature: n/a
Retail: $11.99
Availability: January 2008
Appearances: Revenge of the Sith

Bio: Darkness descends over the galaxy as Palpatine's power increases and Darth Vader joins him as his Sith apprentice. The former Anakin Skywalker is unaware that his beloved Padmé gave birth to twins after their final meeting. And if those children are to remain alive, he must never know they exist. So Obi-Wan secretly brings Leia to Bail Organa and his wife, who will raise her as their daughter. Then he travels to Tatooine, where Owen and Beru Lars become the guardians of their nephew, Luke Skywalker. (Taken from the figure's cardback.)

Image: Adam Pawlus' desk.

Commentary: Are you sick of this mold? Too bad! Hasbro has another Obi-Wan Kenobi based on the 2005 Revenge of the Sith pilot version which, undoubtedly, was the last big breakthrough with this particular outfit. Sure, we've since seen a new head sculpt and new hip joints, but they're all basically the same as this one. This takes that same 2005 body, gives it a cloth robe, and a baby repainted from a late 2005 exclusive "Separation of the Twins" exclusive. Obi-Wan still has 14 points of articulation, but since he'll likely only be carrying a baby, this was a little much. The sculpt is good, the lightsaber hangs just fine, and the figure just happens to be sculpted to hold the baby. Or rather, the baby was sculpted to fit in Obi-Wan's arms. For fans of wanting to get everything, this figure qualifies as different enough to make you mad-- the baby blanket is a new color, and the cloth cape is different than the version from 2005. I personally think that as the baby figure sets go, the comic pack is superior to the individual ones.

Collector's Notes: None are on eBay as of the time I wrote this feature, but other sellers are charging seemingly high prices for this set. I wouldn't overpay for it, but if you can get it for a fair price it's absolutely worth owning for the babies. Assuming you want baby figures of Luke and Leia, of course.

--Adam Pawlus

Day 1,342: August 5, 2010

Figure of the Day: Day 1,341: Han Solo (Hoth Hangar)

HAN SOLO Echo Base Outfit
The Vintage Collection Basic Figures
Item No.: Asst. 97568 No. 97571
Manufacturer: Hasbro
Number: #VC03
Includes: Blaster, mask, torch
Action Feature: n/a
Retail: $7.99-$9.99
Availability: June 2010
Appearances: The Empire Strikes Back

Bio: Solo was a Human from Corellia who achieved galactic fame as a member of the Rebel Alliance and later the New Republic. Solo became caught up with the Rebel Alliance, courtesy of Obi-Wan Kenobi, Luke Skywalker and Princess Leia Organa, whom he helped rescue from the Death Star. Solo helped Skywalker destroy the Death Star when it attacked the Rebel base at Yavin 4, where they had taken Organa. (Stolen from Wookieepedia.)

Image: Adam Pawlus' bathroom. Yes, it's that white.

Commentary: While strongly hinted at for nearly a year, this new Han Solo is a version of the character you probably never realized you saw in the movie. He was in there, but his appearance was so brief that any sane person wouldn't think it would warrant a figure. Considering that just under 2 years ago, we got a deleted scene Sandstorm Han Solo, it's a safe bet that literally nothing is off the table as far as obscure character outfits go. The figure itself is a mixed bag-- some bits are great, some, well, not so great. The new elements-- the head, arms, and coat-- are pretty wonderful. The body is the same we've seen on the 2006 Endor Han as well as the Sandstorm Han and a few others, which means he has those spindly legs and the increasingly worse holster that seems to be falling right off the figure. As a diorama figure, this one is pretty good-- he looks OK and can "fix things," which is basically what you would want. He's not much of a sitter, and I think if he experienced heavy play you would lose his holster. That thing just feels flimsy. It's a non-essential outfit and a pretty obscure debut for Han Solo in this new vintage line (particularly when we haven't had a decent update of the Bespin Han Solo since almost ever), but hey, it is what it is. Since it's technically a new outfit, I'd have to say go for it. In short, it's a Bespin Han but wearing the Hoth Han jacket hanging open. Unless you're short on funds, odds are he's on your wish list so grab him as you so deem fit.

Collector's Notes: Depending on how your stores were, this figure is either new this week, or you saw it in June. Either way it's new! Get it if you want it, I assume that you probably will.

--Adam Pawlus

Day 1,341: August 4, 2010

Figure of the Day: Day 1,340: General Grievous

GENERAL GRIEVOUS Interchangeable Battle-Damage Parts
The Clone Wars Basic Figures with Galactic Battle Game
Item No.: Asst. 94736 No. 97559
Manufacturer: Hasbro
Number: #CW10
Includes: Spare arm stumps, spare damaged, head, removable legs, display stand, lightsabers, card, Galactic Battle Game die
Action Feature: Interchangeable Battle-Damage Parts
Retail: $7.49
Availability: June 2010
Appearances: The Clone Wars

Bio: Within his secret lair, General Grievous stores his spare cybernetic parts to replace any that become damaged. When two Jedi infiltrate his hideout, he relishes the opportunity to duel them for their lightsabers. Injured during battle, Grievous temporarily retreats to be repaired by his medical droid.(Taken from the figure's packaging.)

Image: Adam Pawlus' TV tray.

Commentary: My initial reaction to this figure was a mix of scorn and praise. I'd say that stuck-- this General Grievous was clearly designed with collector tastes in mind, despite Hasbro claiming their new entries were kid-focused. The figure has crazy amounts of articulation and spare parts, besting the finest offerings from Legacy and beyond. So why the scorn? The figure is cast in incredibly soft (rubbery) plastic to avoid easy breakage, which means that if you live in a warm climate he will not stand up for more than a few minutes. He cannot support his own weight, and his display stand accessory is of no value since he has no foot holes. If the figure could stand and was made from a material that's not going to warp easily, I'd say this might be one of Hasbro's best-ever offerings of the bad general. I mean, it's remarkable what they tried to do here, working in so many joints without hurting the look and feel of the character. It's also from "Lair of Grievous," a great episode of The Clone Wars. Sadly, the limbs pop out way too easily and it feels incredibly fragile, which is bad for a figure theoretically aimed at kids.

If you don't open your figures, this is a gorgeous specimen. The damaged head with the slashed-up face plate is stunning, and it's easy to admire how Hasbro worked in all those leg joints to give the figure a range of motion unexpected for a character of his design. But he can't stand, which, to me, is a huge problem. Also, the armor on his shoulders pops off if you so much as look at it, so be prepared to lose a lot of small parts with this one. Great idea, decent execution, but ultimately it seems to collapse from under its own weight in terms of both ambition and actual weight. It's a figure that's so cool in what it tries to do, and unlike the 2008 General Grievous from The Legacy Collection I have to give Hasbro credit for working in so much here that it's clear they were really, really trying to make a wonderful figure for fans of all ages. It's just so dang spindly that it may be difficult to keep this figure in good shape after opening it.

Collector's Notes: Depending on how your stores were, this figure is either new this week, or you saw it in June. Either way it's new and will likely be in circulation for a while.

--Adam Pawlus

Day 1,340: August 3, 2010

Figure of the Day: Day 1,339: Coleman Trebor

COLEMAN TREBOR & Jango Fett
The Legacy Collection Target Exclusive Geonosis Arena
Item No.: Asst. 91751 No. 91753
Manufacturer: Hasbro
Number: #1 of 6
Includes: Pistols, helmet, backpack, companion Jedi
Action Feature: n/a
Retail: $12.99
Availability: October 2009
Appearances: Attack of the Clones

Bio: The Jedi Knights rush to Geonosis to rescue Obi-Wan, Anakin, and Padmé from execution. The Jedi brandish their lightsabers against the Geonosian warriors and the massive army of battle droids, super battle droids, and droidekas. All hope seems lost that any Jedi will survive this battle, then Yoda arrives with an army of clone troopers. Although many Jedi are lost that day, others survive this climactic battle that ushers in the Clone Wars. (Taken from the figure's packaging.)

Image: Adam Pawlus' old apartment.

Commentary: The original release of Coleman Trebor was one fans either said they didn't like or couldn't find, which don't exactly go together too well. If you fall into either camp, this 2009 release is arguably a big improvement. Building on the 2008 Qui-Gon Jinn Evolutions body, new hands, boots, and head were affixed to a retooled torso, and a couple of modifications later you end up with a super-articulated version. While not as beefy as his previous release, he still looks sharp and is much more articulated if you're in to such things. He has good articulation, a good sculpt, and deco that certainly doesn't disappoint. If you can get a deal on this one, or also want the companion Jango figure, you should snag it.

Collector's Notes: Depending on where you live this may be available-- as I write this, the assortment in which he ships is still available at many Target stores. Keep your eyes peeled, or watch eBay for someone inevitably dumping it on the cheap.

--Adam Pawlus

Day 1,339: August 2, 2010