Star Wars Figure of the Day: Day 1,457: Sila Kott (A-Wing Pilot)

SILA KOTT A-Wing Fighter Pilot
The Legacy Collection Battle Over Endor
Item No.: Asst. 97639 No. 21451
Manufacturer: Hasbro
Number: #1 of 2
Includes: Pistol, helmet, 3 additional figures
Action Feature: n/a
Retail: $24.99
Availability: January 2010
Appearances: Return of the Jedi

Bio: Bravery. Skill. Loyalty. These are defining characteristics of the starfighter pilots on both sides of the conflict at the Battle of Endor. Whether they are Rebels or Imperials, these elite pilots are all focused on the same goal: victory. They are deeply aware that they are deciding the future of the galaxy, and will do everything they can to complete their mission. (Taken from the figure's packaging. Note, there's no character-specific copy on the packaging.)

Image: The backdrop from the packaging. It's real nice, I'm keeping this one.

Commentary: Some fans say we still need more rebel pilots. With the release of these Battle Over Endor sets we're getting figures like Sila Kott who, as far as I can tell, weren't named until these toys were proposed. That, my friends, means we're hitting the bottom of the proverbial barrel. This character has a slightly interesting history in that the character on film is played by an unknown actress, but is voiced over by a male actor. I'll let that sink in for a second. Gender has been an issue with alien characters in the past, but very rarely have we had a situation where it's difficult to say what a figure should be-- male, or female? Given the costuming it could go either way, but the voice is unmistakably male. But the face? That's a woman. So what should the figure be? What you see, or what it seemed the film's various editors stitched together? It's weird. The only thing I can think of that's similar are the Talosians on Star Trek which were played by women but were also dubbed by men... although the costumes more or less obfuscated obvious signs of chickishness. The potential arguments you can have over the nature of the "character" from the film and his or her treatment on the screen could probably make for a lot of very interesting chatter... but this is a toy column.

Anyway. So while I haven't yet asked Hasbro what their process was on this one, it seems they did a good job covering their bases with a pilot of more or less ambiguous plumbing. The hair, eyes, and facial structure didn't strike me as female in the store but as soon as I looked at the photograph it did feel a little more feminine, and odds are if they gave the figure a little color on her lips fans would be immediately saying "hey, it's a girl's head on the male body!" Since Sila-- whose name I can't remember for more than two seconds despite trying to memorize it all day yesterday, what's wrong with me?-- is an unknown entity to fans on the whole (unless you wrote his/her Wookieepedia page yourself, if you claim you knew him/her before the figure got announced, you're a damned liar) I have a hard time really knowing where to come down on this one. Given that these sets exist to make the most out of existing tooling and do so at a good price point, I can't fault them from reusing the 2007 A-Wing Pilot body mold again, redecorating it slightly so the colors are different enough to be distinctive and also be obviously a member of the same squadron.

I really like the new head sculpt, even though I'm not quite sure how I'm supposed to look at it. It has personality and a nice hair color, plus the outfit looks really good as always. The helmet deco is also really nice, its coloring feels particularly of the 1980s. While I'm really happy to be getting more unique Return of the Jedi starfighter pilots, I'm left confused by this one-- my inability to stop contemplating things like authenticity and authorial intent (or just general screw-ups) gets in the way of my being able to tell you if you should buy this figure or not.

Let me put it like this: if you have no A-Wing pilots, this is a good one. If you have enough A-Wing pilots, this one won't do much to make you happy to have yet another one. If you want a conversation piece in your collection, by gum, this is a hum-dinger. If you have Star Wars fan friends I highly suggest you do a little research on Sila Kott and have yourself a nice little conversation about this one. I didn't know this little factoid until just hours before I wrote this column yesterday, so unfortunately I didn't have a lot of time to absorb it.

Collector's Notes: The set hit, as far as I can tell, yesterday. (The first sightings popped up on January 12, and I found a set a few hours later.) So as of right now, it's possible this set was at your local store, or already sold through-- the sets I picked up were the only ones there, so clearly someone beat me to the rest and it's possible your stores have already sold through their first shipments, too. Good hunting! The same body was used to make several other figures including Arvel Crynyd, Tycho Celchu, and Jake Farrell. If you're a Blackadder fan, I'm assuming that Sila may be Corellian for "Bob."

Packaging Notes: These figures come in blue and black packaging that simply says "Star Wars" on it. Since the instructions still say "The Legacy Collection," that's the name I'm going with, although some fans have referred to these as "Shadows of the Dark Side." The form factor is very tight, with little wasted space and a silver "R" exclusive sticker. I like these a lot, but I have to wonder why Hasbro didn't appeal directly to collectors with something similar to Target's vintage 3- and 9-packs. Y-Wing Pilot Ekelarc Yong is the strongest new figure in the set, with the R5-P9 droid being a great new redeco and Lt. Oxixo being a just-different-enough-to-make-you-made TIE Fighter Pilot. (Although Major Mianda is going to win figure of the year award for most frustrating, and we'll talk about him in a few weeks.) With these two packs of pilots and now Lando, we're fast approaching (if not having already exceeded) a necessary compliment of fighter pilots. Hasbro does a great job but if we get any more figures like Kott here my head is going to $#@#%@! explode.

--Adam Pawlus

Day 1,457: January 13, 2011

Star Wars Figure of the Day: Day 1,456: Plo Koon

PLO KOON Arena Battle
Saga Collection 2 Basic Figures
Item No.: Asst. 84861 No. 84868
Manufacturer: Hasbro
Number: #0212
Includes: Lightsaber, blade, force blast
Action Feature: n/a
Retail: $4.99
Availability: April 2002
Appearances: Attack of the Clones

Bio: Plo Koon is a member of the Jedi Council. Special equipment protects his sensitive eyes and nostrils from Coruscant's oxygen-rich atmosphere. With his extensive grasp and control of the Force, Plo Koon leads the Jedi into battle on Geonosis. (Taken from the figure's packaging.)

Image: Adam Pawlus' desk.

Commentary: One of the more desired figures from the first prequel was Plo Koon, who got few outfit changes but several toys despite having no dialog in the three films. (He's since made up for it in the cartoons.) This figure was the first "uncloaked" version, which sported eight points of articulation and an action-oriented pose which was common in most of the 2002-2004 figures. He's clearly posed for battle and not for sitting in his council chair or a space ship, which makes sense because when this figure was designed Hasbro was moving away from vehicles. Actually, in this era Hasbro produced very few vehicles every year with Attack of the Clones launching with only five ships-- pretty weak stuff, particularly if you saw how bad the figure/vehicle compatibility was in that first wave.

This figure did manage to improve on the look and feel, with a wonderful looking poseable release which today is more of a statue than a toy. His lightsaber had a removable hilt, plus he had a weird blaster deflection thing you can have him put in his hand which really isn't particularly useful. Supposedly it was to add value to the figure, but it doesn't seem to hold up well after nearly 10 years. Plo had some difficulty standing due to his battle-oriented pose, which could result in him falling over, which in turn could cause the lightsaber to snap-- the blade is held in with a very thin peg, prone to breakage. If you display your figures out of the box, I suggest using a display base or buying a second backup figure for when this one inevitably breaks.

While not essential, the figure's detail is really good for the time and it's a great evolutionary step that eventually brought us to where we are today-- with nearly everything being super poseable all the time. If you have a character focus on Plo Koon, get him, but don't expect to be blown away by this particular release.

Collector's Notes: This figure seemed to be in somewhat short supply in 2002, but you could get one if you tried. Future, better figures rendered it obsolete, so get one if you're so inclined-- it's a neat curiosity. Two or three bucks ought to do it.

--Adam Pawlus

Day 1,456: January 12, 2011

Star Wars Figure of the Day: Day 1,455: Mace Windu

MACE WINDU with Lightsaber and Jedi Cloak
Episode I Collection 3 Basic Figures
Item No.: Asst. 84105 No. 84084
Manufacturer: Hasbro
Number: n/a
Includes: Cloak, lightsaber, CommTech chip
Action Feature: n/a
Retail: $6.99
Availability: May 1999
Appearances: The Phantom Menace

Bio: A respected Jedi Master and a senior member of the Jedi Council, Mace Windu wields a great deal of authority through out the Galactic Republic. He is well aware of the dangers of the Sith. (Taken from the figure's packaging.)

Image: Adam Pawlus' desk.

Commentary: Samuel L. Jackson's Mace Windu has been a big part of the line since 1998, where he was the first mail-in figure from the prequel trilogy, and the first "sneak preview" figure since the 1980s. This isn't that figure-- rather, this is the second release, a resculpted figure sold at retail. This one is different in that it has more articulation, slightly different deco, and a different cloak.

This figure's main draw at the time was its big brown cloak which completely covers the figure. You can make him hold his lightsaber while encased in the garment, but, well, it looks a little goofy. It works, but not terribly well-- and since Mace rarely wears his cloak with the hood up, odds are this is an accessory that will ultimately live in your junk drawer. Under the cloak is a figure in his normal Jedi attire, with sleeves matching his robe and a more action-oriented pose with his legs spread out a little bit more. His right arm sports a swivel elbow and a swivel wrist which, in 1999, were still pretty fancy stuff on a Star Wars toy.

While the figure feels cut from the same cloth as the 1998 mail-in release, the only piece that seems to be shared is the torso-- everything else seems to have slight changes made to the tooling, be it a bent ankle or a teeny change to the head, which may even be just my imagination. I wouldn't classify this figure as "different enough to make you mad," but it certainly is different enough to be notable.

His lone weapon is a lightsaber, and while some fans may peg it as incorrect, it wasn't back in 1999. Lucas changed a lot of how the Expanded Universe worked in those years, and nearly every character in The Phantom Menace was assigned one lightsaber color, only for Lucas' camp to say "never mind" and change every character to red, green, blue, or purple later. As such, Mace is carrying a very different weapon than he would hold in the prequels, and while there are stories explaining the saber swap they certainly don't explain away the coloring or how he got his gold-plated weapon in the prequel sequel. It's just one of those weird things to note-- you can try to explain it away, but really, it's not something with a clear-cut answer.

Collector's Notes: This figure did make a few return appearances with switched-up accessories, but the first release is the one you want-- yes, even though it's wrong.

--Adam Pawlus

Day 1,455: January 11, 2011

Star Wars Figure of the Day: Day 1,454:Cato Parasitti

CATO PARASITTI Bounty Hunter
The Clone Wars Basic Figures
Item No.: Asst. 94736 No. 25276
Manufacturer: Hasbro
Number: #CW37
Includes: Blaster, stand
Action Feature: Flip-up visor
Retail: $6.99
Availability: November 2010
Appearances: The Clone Wars

Bio: Cato Parasitti helps Cad Bane steal a Jedi holocron. The Clawdite changeling can alter her appearance to look just like someone else. She enters the Jedi Temple by changing into the Jedi Master Ord Enisence. Then she shapreshifts into Jocasta Nu, the director of the library, and helps Bane sneak inside the temple. (Taken from the figure's packaging.)

Image: Adam Pawlus' media rig.

Commentary: Since Zam Wesell is dead, The Clone Wars gives us Cato Parasitti with her massive eyes and huge helmet. Super articulation was once rare on animated figures, but this one has it and next to no problems standing or sitting. I'd go as far as to say that this figure hits a rare sweet spot, she has been designed to function as a toy just as much as she looks good enough to appeal to the picky collector in all of us.

One of the more notable features is her flip-up helmet, unusual for any female (or non-trooper) character. It's really cool-- while the design was altered slightly to make a better toy, the lenses align with her eyes so well that you can actually see through the lenses. This may not seem like a big deal, but trust me, it's not every day a figure can actually see through its own helmet. Her outfit's texture looks like it was in the animation, the metal parts look metallic and the cloth parts look like it's a piece of clothing. Her swivel wrists are pretty great, and her green skin looks great in this distinctive brown, silver, and yellow outfit.

An unusual engineering choice in this figure can be seen in the lower legs. Rather than sculpting the armor to cover her boots as part of the boot, it's a separate piece-- the silver is not part of the foot, and the foot is still completely movable. Actually, the foot's range of motion is above par since it can rock in nearly every direction. (I actually tried unsuccessfully to describe and pitch this exact joint on an action figure line I was consulting on a few years ago. It's good to see someone can do it right!)

If I had to complain about anything, it'd be her hands and her rifle. It may be more user error than engineering, but heck if I can get her to look cool holding that rifle. I can sort of fudge it, but that's about as good as I can get. Aside from that? Top-notch figure. I don't thing I'm exaggerating when I say it's Hasbro's best female figure in the entire The Clone Wars range to date, although they seem to be whipping out so many new improvements that we might have something even better by Easter.

Aurebesh: The figure is peppered in lettering, which is either small or my eyes are bad. On the backpack and on her right arm, it reads "KUAT," which is a notable company/builder in the intergalactic tech sector. (Kuat of Kuat, anyone?) Her leg seems to be sort of jumbled, it looks like BAZ-TEK which makes no damn sense. The character that I put as an "A" isn't exactly a match for an "A", but I'm not sure what it should be. Either way, Hasbro can do some really fine printing on these things now. There are some markings on her left shoulder, but use of my macro function revealed these just to be green designs or splatters and not characters of any recognizable lettering system.

Collector's Notes: Like most new characters in the animated line, this figure is something that's a little harder to find. Good hunting, and don't wait-- waiting has resulted in higher secondary market prices on most minor characters. Target stores (at press time) seem to be getting these more lately.

--Adam Pawlus

Day 1,454: January 10, 2011

Star Wars Figure of the Day: Day 1,453: Baron Fel

BARON SOONTIR FEL and Ysanne Isard
The Legacy Collection Comic Packs
Item No.: Asst. 87535 No. 19683
Manufacturer: Hasbro
Number: #17
Includes: Blaster, helmet, hat
Action Feature: n/a
Retail: $17.99
Availability: November 2010
Appearances: Rogue Squadron stories

Bio: Soontir Fel and Ysanne Isard are one-time allies who find themselves on opposite sides after the fall of the Empire. Fel is a starfighter pilot and an Imperial hero who defects to the New Republic. Isard is the devious director of Imperial Intelligence who manipulates events to reach the pinnacle of power. (Taken from the figure's packaging.)

Image: Adam Pawlus' kitchen.

Commentary: When Hasbro revealed its Captain Needa figure design, we were told it was a modular sculpt which would allow for more Imperial figures to be easily developed-- we didn't get many, but we now have a new one with this Baron Soontir Fel action figure. Channeling the powers of Adam Scott, this figure has a distinctive new head sculpt and different arms-- these seem to be the 2007 Death Star Trooper arms, which makes sense because Needa used that figure's legs, too. It's a nice mix.

The previous Baron Fel figure from 2007 was weak at the time-- while it had the articulation and some of the technology of its day, it looks like it came from a different line and lacked the important feature that any Baron Fel figure needs-- the beard. No beard? No deal. This one has a beard, plus a unique black X-wing helmet and an Imperial Navy cap, too. It's a step in the right direction, although I think lots of fans are still waiting for both proper Imperial and Rebel versions of Baron Fel as a pilot-- both of which are rather conspicuously absent after all these years. Of course, Hasbro hasn't had an individually carded TIE Fighter Pilot for sale since 2004, it seems like they have a record they're trying to break at this point.

Baron Fel has a unique 181st Squadron stripe down his uniform's sleeves, made from red and black paint. This is pretty cool. Fans of the Empire and the immediate post-ROTJ Expanded Universe (as interpreted in the 1990s) should like this one, although it seems that this is the second Baron Fel figure that doesn't give us either of the two pilot figures we were hoping we would see soon. Ah well. Hopefully Hasbro will pop this one's head on a Rebel and/or Imperial Pilot body soon!

Collector's Notes: The figure was "canceled" as a mainline item (check the SKU, it was meant to be part of the basic comic pack assortment at some point in history) but fate decided mainstream retail didn't want the comic pack line. We define "fate" as "keeping the same comic pack SKU from 2007-2009 when Battle Packs get refreshed every 18 months." So it's an online exclusive, which probably means it will ultimately be slightly easier to find than the final non-exclusive wave of comic packs from 2010. Also, I work for the company who sells this as an exclusive, so take that as you will. (We did not, however, have anything to do with its development-- we just sell the thing.)

--Adam Pawlus

Day 1,453: January 7, 2011

Star Wars Figure of the Day: Day 1,452: Utai

UTAI Lizard Wrangler
The Legacy Collection Basic Figures
Item No.: Asst. 87535 No. 91812
Manufacturer: Hasbro
Number: #BD41
Includes: Prod, droid part
Action Feature: n/a
Retail: $7.99
Availability: November 2009
Appearances: Revenge of the Sith

Bio: The Utai are one of the native species on Utapau. As the working class, they look after the dragon corrals and serve as ground crews on landing platforms. They live in the numerous sinkholes on the planet, taming the indigenous dactillions and varactyls. (Taken from the figure's packaging.)

Image: Adam Pawlus' old yard. Or Utapau, whichever.

Commentary: Hasbro had no problem making you feel like you aren't getting your money's worth during its Legacy Collection. The diminutive Utai cost eight bucks and while it had 14 joints, it's a little guy and usually "short" means "two for the price of one." We did not get two-- nor did we get a bonus accessory. What we got was a nicely detailed, strangely suited mole person with a stun lance. It's a neat looking figure but it feels out of place, with few figures to interact with and it was tough enough to find to prohibit building a little squad of the guys. It's amazing to see Hasbro do such a wonderful job recreating such an insignificant background player, particularly so long after the movie had passed and in all seriousness, they aren't looking for line-filler. It's a nice figure that feels too expensive for what he is, but it's still good.

The character may be more at home in a Jabba's Palace or Cantina diorama, so consider getting him for that. Particularly since, and correct me if I'm wrong, I'm guessing no more than 1 or 2 of you keep any form of Utapau's caves on display at home.

Collector's Notes: This figure disappeared quickly, and the wave feels like it was in short supply. It isn't worth much, but it is difficult to come by. There was supposed to be a variant head on this figure, which was accidentally revealed to the public at Comic-Con 2009 and never actually slated for release. Who knows if we'll ever see it? Given the nature of the character, unless Hasbro needs cheap wave filler, it seems unlikely.

--Adam Pawlus

Day 1,452: January 6, 2011

Star Wars Figure of the Day: Day 1,451: Han Solo

HAN SOLO Shield Generator Assault
The Legacy Collection Battle Packs
Item No.: Asst. 87752 No. 87779
Manufacturer: Hasbro
Number: n/a
Includes: Blaster, R2-D2, Rebel Trooper, Imperial Officer
Action Feature: n/a
Retail: $19.99
Availability: August 2008
Appearances: Return of the Jedi

Bio: Han Solo and Princess Leia have to get inside the Imperial bunker; inside is the shield generator that protects the second Death Star. R2-D2 starts to unlock the blast doors, but a Stormtrooper's well-aimed shot fries the droid's circuits. Using a captured AT-ST walker, Han tricks the Imperial officers into leaving the bunker, where they are quickly surrounded by Rebels and Ewoks. (Taken from the figure's packaging.)

Image: Adam Pawlus' desk.

Commentary: Thankfully this Battle Pack was a good one, because it does have a weak piece. This Han Solo hits "just different enough to make you mad" on the head by giving the vintage trenchcoat Han Solo a new head and no coat. Other than that, it's very been-there, done-that which is increasingly tiring with this mold. Heck, Target sold it coat-less in its Ultimate Battle Pack, and anyone can take a coat off. It's a nice (and improved) head sculpt but it still really doesn't look anything like Harrison Ford in any meaningful way. It's clearly Han Solo, but it's the Disney Stunt Show versions of the character. The costume is good and the articulation is excellent, but 14 joints means little if your head is awful. And while not awful, it's just... there. It's passable.

The figure is notable with one very good piece and one bad one all around his waist. His mid-torso joint works really well, giving the figure a good range of movement despite giving it an added awkward cut. On the other hand, his holster is just awful, the plastic feels stretched thin and it hangs oddly. Hasbro can (and has) done better, as previous Han figures didn't suffer the indignity of an accessory that looks like it's permanently falling off.

Collector's Notes: This was not a great seller-- you may be able to find it at a store near you today if you keep your eyes peeled. (I realize I said that yesterday, but it's true here too.)

--Adam Pawlus

Day 1,451: January 5, 2011

Star Wars Figure of the Day: Day 1,450: Darth Vader (Infinities)

DARTH VADER and Princess Leia
The Legacy Collection Comic Packs
Item No.: Asst. 87504 No. 87699
Manufacturer: Hasbro
Number: #11
Includes: Lightsaber, companion Leia figure
Action Feature: n/a
Retail: $12.99
Availability: Fall 2008
Appearances: Return of the Jedi: Infinities

Bio: The Infinities series explores tantalizing "what if" stories about what might have happened to Star Wars characters if events had occurred differently. In this tale, the rescue of Han Solo from Jabba's palace fails, so Princess Leia goes after Boba Fett in order to save Han. The climactic events on the second Death Star also take a different turn that sees Darth Vader changing his allegiances and fighting alongside his children. (Taken from the figure's box.)

Image: Adam Pawlus' desk.

Commentary: Fact: it is impossible to give Darth Vader the "black repaint" treatment. Solution: white Darth Vader. Taken from what may be the most famous panel from a largely unread comic, this figure offers a hypothetical figure based on the notion if Darth Vader returned to the side of good and the Emperor ran off to cause trouble in the galaxy. A neat idea, sure, but not exactly an essential figure. In 2008, this 2004 Vintage sculpt was a little outdated but hey, at least the helmet stayed on-- which is more than most figures of the character since 2005 can claim.

Overall, it's OK-- the head can tilt back, and there's enough articulation in here that you won't be sorry you bought it, although it's obvious some joints are just not there. For example, no ankles, and only swivel elbows will remind you that this is an older mold. He'll have problems sitting due to his codpiece hanging off his belt, so really, leave this one in the package or expect him to do a lot of standing. This isn't a figure for piloting vehicles, but given the relative obscurity of the design odds are you won't be playing with it much anyway. It's a solid idea and certainly different enough to be worth a look, but your love of the movies should dictate if you shell out the money for this one.

Collector's Notes: This was not a great seller-- you may be able to find it at a store near you today if you keep your eyes peeled.

--Adam Pawlus

Day 1,450: January 4, 2011

Star Wars Figure of the Day: Day 1,449: Clone Trooper Echo

CLONE TROOPER ECHO Rookie
The Clone Wars Basic Figures
Item No.: Asst. 87638 No. 91232
Manufacturer: Hasbro
Number: #CW17
Includes: Blaster, rocket launcher, rocket, helmet
Action Feature: Firing rocket launcher
Retail: $7.99
Availability: August 2009
Appearances: Clone Wars TV show

Bio: After Echo's first battle with commando droids, Captain Rex marks the trooper's armor with the blood of a vicious creature that had attacked them; the bloody handprint is Rex's way of recognizing Echo's transition from a "shiny" to a seasoned warrior. (Taken from the figure's packaging.)

Image: Adam Pawlus' desk.

Commentary: "Rookies" was one of the more memorable episodes from the first year of The Clone Wars, and fans really did jump on figures like Clone Trooper Echo even if it was little more than a minor deco change with a new helmet. The same basic 2008 body has been given a head and a helmet, plus the body has a hand print on it. That's really all there is to it, the articulation is some of the best and the sculpt is great, but it's a mishmash of old parts. It's pretty sad in some ways that you have a figure that's stellar, and I can't say much about it other than "just as good as other Clone Troopers" and "mind-blowing stuff is now just merely run-of-the-mill since we get so much of it." This is a must-own release for fans of the show, but if you have 40 Clones already, do you need one more? (Oh who am I kidding, nobody has only 40.)

Collector's Notes: The figure was sold individually and in a 2-pack with Commander Cody. The hand print is slightly different, but not different enough for us to consider it more than a variant. It's pretty common, so don't pay a premium for one.

--Adam Pawlus

Day 1,449: January 3, 2011