Star Wars Figure of the Day: Day 1,760: Prince Xizor

PRINCE XIZOR vs. Darth Vader
Shadows of the Empire Comic Pack Assortment
Item No.: Asst. 69590 No. 69567
Manufacturer: Kenner
Number: n/a
Includes: Staff, Darth Vader figure, comic book
Action Feature: n/a
Retail: $11.99
Availability: Summer 1996
Appearances: The Empire Strikes Back

Bio: Darth Vader, Dark Lord of the Sith, has instilled terror throughout the galaxy since the beginning of the Empire. His devotion to the Emperor and mastery of the dark side gives him more power than any single individual in the galaxy except for the Emperor himself. Draped completely in black and wielding the ability to take a life with a mere gesture, Darth Vader stands as the incarnation of evil. His dislike of Prince Xizor is intense and his distrust well-founded. Though Vader would gladly eliminate Xizor, Emperor Palpatine has need of Black Sun's shipping operations to speed construction of the new Death Star. Xizor had best watch his back however, as Vader's control of the dark side of the Force makes him a most formidable foe. (Taken from the figure's packaging.)

Image: Adam Pawlus' kitchen.

Commentary: Back in the 1990s, six points of articulation were impressive, and Prince Xizor was one of the first characters to get two same-outfit figures. Basically similar to, but posed differently than the individually carded release, this figure has a less-crazy weapon. Sort of. Sure, he has a giant staff-- symbolism?-- but the regular one came with two interlocking energy fan blade things which just aren't very cool. Staffs are cool. And as an American, I am required to say guns are good. (Seriously, they'll deport me if I don't.) But anyway, he's also got a robe which you can remove if you really want, it's open in the back like a hospital gown to show off his green spine.

The vaguely Asian armor allows the figure little movement, you can sort of move his legs at the hip and his arms and head turn freely. The waist joint moves a bit... and that's it. The head sculpt is pretty weak-- he's a little leathery, he has two shoots of hair coming off his head-- and it's sort of charming in a 1990s way. Hasbro did better with Xizor in 2008, and that figure was also a remarkably poor seller. You can probably get that one at that crap Wal-Mart a few miles from the good one.

Collector's Notes: It's cheap if you want it-- it's a neat package from the declining years of Kenner, and for those reasons I like it. I wouldn't necessarily say you need it... but if you love the 1990s, you need this.

--Adam Pawlus

Day 1,760: March 13, 2012

Star Wars Figure of the Day: Day 1,759: Barriss Offee

BARRISS OFFEE Jedi Padawan
The Vintage Collection Basic Figures
Item No.: Asst. 97568 No. 28619
Manufacturer: Hasbro
Number: #VC51
Includes: Lightsaber, hilt, cloak
Action Feature: Removable cloak
Retail: $8.99
Availability: June 2011
Appearances: Attack of the Clones

Bio: Celebrate the legendary Star Wars saga that changed the universe forever! This collection brings to life the incredible story of good versus evil that captured our imagination and took us to a galaxy far, far away. Iconic Star Wars heroes and villains are captured with incredible detail and premium features to commemorate each epic tale in the Star Wars saga. May the Fore be with you! (Taken from the figure's packaging. There is no bio.)

Image: Adam Pawlus' Ultarama.

Commentary: I like a good Jedi figure, and Barriss Offee is a good Jedi figure. You want a lightsaber hilt for her belt? It's here. A fully-lit weapon? That too. Cloth robes so she can be posed in fun action scenarios or maybe even sit in a vehicle? Yes! Hasbro did a nice job here. Her cloak is entirely plastic, the prototype shown at Toy Fair 2011's slide show was cloth. The plastic one is better. (Some of you may disagree. You are wrong.)

Her face make-up is great, the little markings over her nose go great against her green skin and bright eyes. She's got a fair amount of personality, and colorful humanoid heads tend to translate quite nicely to collectible form. Replicating human skintone is tough, but green seems to basically be green and it looks great. I'm not sure how old she's supposed to be, I'm assuming she's an adult as Hasbro's previous 2003 figure of this character had a screaming face and a giant rack. Not that you have to be an adult to scream, but it seems like she had a bit of a reduction for this release. And good for her.

Collector's Notes: After a brief release in 2011, she is supposedly on the way back to stores in the 2012 assortment. As in "it sorta looks the same" but when you check the SKU on the cardback, believe you me, it's going to be different. Oh yes, it will be different.

--Adam Pawlus

Day 1,759: March 12, 2012

Star Wars Figure of the Day: Day 1,758: Clone Trooper

CLONE TROOPER 212th Battalion
The Vintage Collection Basic Figures
Item No.: Asst. 97568 No. 30018
Manufacturer: Hasbro
Number: #VC38
Includes: Helmet, rifle, blaster
Action Feature: Removable Helmet
Retail: $8.99
Availability: January 2011
Appearances: Revenge of the Sith

Bio: Celebrate the legendary Star Wars saga that changed the universe forever! This collection brings to life the incredible story of good versus evil that captured our imagination and took us to a galaxy far, far away. Iconic Star Wars heroes and villains are captured with incredible detail and premium features to commemorate each epic tale in the Star Wars saga. May the Fore be with you! (Taken from the figure's packaging. There is no bio.)

Image: Adam Pawlus' G.I. Joe backdrop.

Commentary: OK, so this Clone Trooper is basically the 2010 TVC release, except with some paint. The plain white one was pretty bland, particularly since many samples came missing a few markings. This one makes up for it, and while his helmet isn't a fan favorite, it's nice to have a super-articulated 212th Clone Trooper with hip joints. I like the guns-- the smaller, basically more authentic ones-- but they aren't painted. The armor itself has black and orange, and lacks the slick battle damage of the 2006 release... of which I have many. This figure is a great addition to a squad to mix things up and add some variety, but visually it doesn't look better than the cheaper 2006 ancestor.

If you like figures which work well with vehicles, or are pretty neat at being posed, this is worth snagging. Just don't overpay for it, there are more 212th clones out there from other releases, gift sets, and so on.

Collector's Notes: Of the token "repaint" wave of early 2011, this one seemed to disappear the fastest-- and Hasbro got this weird "oh no! Troopers don't sell!" attitude around the same time, not taking into account that it's because they just came off of two very plain, very boring troopers during a price increase and neither of which were particularly interesting to look at. So yeah, this dude suffered. Will the same happen with the much-delayed TVC 501st Trooper? (Probably.) I'm so old I remember the days where Hasbro would make a trooper and stick it in cases for months to come, I reckon.

--Adam Pawlus

Day 1,758: March 9, 2012

Star Wars Figure of the Day: Day 1,757: Ekelarc Yong

EKELARC YONG Rebel Pilot
The Legacy Collection Battle Over Endor
Item No.: Asst. 97639 No. 21451
Manufacturer: Hasbro
Number: #1 of 2
Includes: Blaster, helmet, hoses, 3 additional figures
Action Feature: n/a
Retail: $24.99-$31.99
Availability: January 2011
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: Adam Pawlus' Battle Over Endor backdrop.

Commentary: As the line continues, I can call people filthy liars for saying they've "always wanted that character." I recognize the costume of Ekelarc Yong from the films, but ain't nobody got a clue of what his name was until recently. Heck, I still don't know what it is. Electric Gong? Alacrity Bong? Three yaks and a dog? Linda? (Apologies to Ben Edlund and laxative log.) I'm not sure how it's pronounced either.

As first names go, I'm either showing my complete cultural ignorance and/or insensitivity to the names from other cultures, or the Lucas camp is just pulling Scrabble tiles out of a hat. The body is based on the 2008 B-Wing Pilot body with a new head and a nifty helmet. Oh, and because of the bulk and heft in the crotchial region, the dude can't sit in the recent Y-Wing vehicles. Boo Hasbro, boo. As a collector of figures, I admire the deco, the tampo on the helmet, the color scheme. It's a pretty nice figure. But as a toy? Ugh. I've got a TVC Y-Wing that needs a pilot, chop-chop. It's a shame you have such a great looking pilot figure that, released in 2011, preceded a wonderful Y-Wing WITH an astromech slot that cannot easily accept this figure as a driver.

Collector's Notes: While by no means essential, it's cool and probably still available at a Toys R Us near you. This is the only white-suit Y-Wing Pilot action figure, and as such I consider it worth a look just because as Rebel pilots go, this one stands out as being distinctive. If you aren't picky about vehicle and figure compatibility, this figure (and set) is delightful.

--Adam Pawlus

Day 1,757: March 8, 2012

Star Wars Figure of the Day: Day 1,756: Clone Trooper Hevy

CLONE TROOPER HEVY Training Gear
The Clone Wars Basic Figures
Item No.: Asst. 94736 No. 26378
Manufacturer: Hasbro
Number: #CW41
Includes: Helmet, blaster rocket, rocket launcher, stand, card, die
Action Feature: Rocket launches
Retail: $7.99
Availability: January 2011
Appearances: The Clone Wars

Bio: Clone Trooper Hevy trains for battle on Kamino. Hevy is part of Domino Squad, which is doing poorly in their training exercises. During one battle simulation, the trooper practices with a Z-6 rotary blaster cannon. He and his squad members ultimately overcome their differences to work together successfully as a team. (Taken from the figure's packaging.)

Image: Adam Pawlus' G.I. Joe backdrop.

Commentary: Ah, Domino Squad. They deliver... the pain! (Sorry.) Clone Trooper Hevy was the first of (so far) two clones in the padded training armor, the second of which just hit recently. I like the figure's unique armor, and the "1" scribbled on to his chest helps to point out that he's in charge. Well, he's in charge of the group of losers, anyway. His removable helmet has a clear visor, a nice touch for dramatic purposes on the show. It's unique in the world of figures because Hasbro very rarely releases troopers with a clear visor, except Rebel pilots and the cut-out helmets of a few Rebel hijackers from the Empire comics. Where was I? Right, Hevy. You wanna get Hevy.

His giant rocket launcher is painted in spots, giving it a lot more detail for pennies. It's great, I dig it. The yellow helmet is open to his plain ol' standard-issue head, complete with the flat hairdo. He has a little difficulty sitting, but that's OK-- you want this guy to stand and shoot anyway.

Collector's Notes: This figure is fairly common, if you have a store which hasn't cleared out the 2010-2011 style packaging you should be able to get him. Cheaply. This mold has only been redecorated once, so there are opportunities to do up the rest of Domino Squad and other teams, too. I'm game if you are Hasbro.

--Adam Pawlus

Day 1,756: March 7, 2012

Star Wars Figure of the Day: Day 1,755: Clone Trooper Draa

CLONE TROOPER DRAA includes Clone Trooper Gear
The Clone Wars Basic Figures
Item No.: Asst. 94736 No. 25275
Manufacturer: Hasbro
Number: #CW35
Includes: Display base, card, die, rifle, backpack, pistol, launcher
Action Feature: n/a
Retail: $6.99
Availability: November 2010
Appearances: The Clone Wars TV show

Bio: Clone trooper Draa fights battle droids on Geonosis. Draa is part of a Republic mission to destroy a Separatist droid factory. Under the command of Jedi General Luminara Unduli, Draa fights the droids with an arsenal of weapons including a blaster pistol, blaster rifle, and missile launcher. (Taken from the figure's cardback.)

Image: Adam Pawlus' TV Tray.

Commentary: While Hasbro has seemingly phased out "classic" generic (as in, nameless) clones from the line, they've still got the mold to keep using. Clone Trooper Draa is one of many figures based on the revised "Stone" body, which is code for no ankle joints and swivel wrists.

Fans of weapons should run out and get as many of this figure as possible. Draa is unique in that the green-striped clone comes with three different guns and a backpack, and there's no spring-loaded gun to sully the eye. I like spring-loaded goofy weapons, but my love of them is conditional. If they're too big to carry, they stop being fun, so this figure does a decent job of just being a collector-friendly release. The red helmet marks are a nice touch, and he fits in nicely with the small number of other green troopers in the line. As to getting Luminara Unduli, well, good luck with that. If you can find it at retail, it'sa good figure. I'd even say its a great starting point to collect this line, just because it gives you a nice chunk of accessories at the get-go.

Collector's Notes: The figure came and went fast, which means you missed it and now it's time for eBay. I'd love to see Hasbro bring this configuration back with new deco.

--Adam Pawlus

Day 1,755: March 6, 2012

Star Wars Figure of the Day: Day 1,753: IG-86

IG-86 ASSASSIN DROID Ambush on the Vulture's Claw
The Clone Wars Battle Packs
Item No.: Asst. 87752 No. 87988
Manufacturer: Hasbro
Number: n/a
Includes: Blasters, backpack
Action Feature: n/a
Retail: $24.99
Availability: Fall 2009
Appearances: The Clone Wars

Bio: An assassin droid - activated by Anakin's new R2 unit - attacks Anakin and Ahsoka. (Taken from the figure's packaging.)

Image: Adam Pawlus' desk

Commentary: For some reason, Hasbro really loved repainting the IG-86 mold. It's a nice mold-- one of Hasbro's best, given it had wonderful articulation and tons of joints allowing for surprising amounts of weird poses. This version was released in the super-cool Ambush on the Vulture's Claw Battle Pack, and is-- say it with me-- just different enough to make you mad. There are no fewer than four distinctive versions of the figure, not including variations with in those versions, and this one is a favorite due to how Kenner-y it is. It lacks the scrapes of the first release, but has a little dirt on him. The red lights are still present, the backpack is here, and his guns are black-- the previous release was blue or grey, His deco is very similar to the Cad Bane and IG-86 2-pack sold at Target a while back, but different enough. You know the drill.

The figure's ability to stand and sit is hard to beat, with shoulder and hip joints which can swivel out and let him do jumping jacks, were you so inclined. It's an impressive specimen and not one Hasbro has tried to top as of late. As such, get one-- if not this version, one of the others, because it's a strong mold. And in his other forms, cheaper.

Collector's Notes: The secondary market asking price for this set is quite high, but it looks like there are few takers. I love this set to pieces, but it's not worth $100. The $50ish going rate seems a bit better. I hope Hasbro reissues it.

--Adam Pawlus

Day 1,754: March 5, 2012

Star Wars Figure of the Day: Day 1,753

REBEL TROOPER Capture of Tantive IV
30th Anniversary Collection Battle Packs
Item No.: Asst. 87503 No. 87212
Manufacturer: Hasbro
Number: n/a
Includes: Blaster, removable helmet, 4 other figures
Action Feature: n/a
Retail: $19.99
Availability: February 2007
Appearances: Star Wars

Bio: Though inexperienced in combat against trained and determined fighters like the Imperial stormtroopers that swarmed onto their ship, these troopers were utterly loyal to Princess Leia and the Rebel Alliance. They fought to the last man in defense of their ship. (Taken from the figure's box.)

Image: Adam Pawlus' boxes

Commentary: After skipping him entirely for the first 20 years of the franchise (imagine that-- 20 years!) the Rebel Trooper began getting more releases than anyone expected. This mold alone has had no fewer than 5 unique head sculpts, plus a comic book-themed redeco. It has also been eclipsed-- the 2011 Vintage Collection version of the figure is really sharp, but for the purposes of dioramas and cannon fodder, the older ones are mostly quite good too. Based on the late 2001 mold, this figure came out in 2007 with a new head sculpt and a removable helmet to set it apart from previous releases. The Capture of Tantive IV Battle Pack was an excellent value in its day, if for no reason other than to throw out the Darth Vader figure and keep the 2 Rebels and 2 Stormtroopers.

Back in 2001, the mold was pretty impressive with its unusual swiveling legs that allowed for the figure to kneel and aim his blaster. By 2007, fans were screaming for a new take on the trooper, and it would take a little longer for one to actually show up. With only 12 joints (and no ball joints), the figure was dismissed as being primitive, but I can't help but like it for what it is. If it means getting a cheaper figure, I don't need 8 ball joints-- sometimes I just need somebody to be shot in the fface, and this figure works for that purpose nicely. He has a bit of a sneer, so I can't say I feel bad about Stormtroopers stomping him. He has a blaster, and little hope of surviving the first wave of an Imperial attack.

If you buy this set, this figure will probably not impress you. The leg engineering wasn't reused on many other Star Wars Hasbro figures, but it was used on 21st Century Toys military figures. (This construction was used on a 2002 Darth Maul.) His vest is removable, if you feel like having that fight, but I would suggest grabbing him if you can get him cheap. I'm hoping Hasbro will make an actual Blockade Runner vehicle in 2015, and I've got about a dozen Rebel Fleet Troopers (not counting the 1997 one, because he sucked then and sucks now) to populate it should the need arise.

Collector's Notes: The secondary market pricing for this set is at (or under) retail, which given inflation is good news. The boxed set looks pretty nice, so you may just want to get one to leave in the box with the diorama-style packaging. I ended up with a bunch of these due to damaged units showing up missing figures, someone got these and stole the Darth Vaders out of them. Which is dumb. Why not steal the Stormtroopers? I'll never understand some forms of thievery.

--Adam Pawlus

Day 1,753: March 2, 2012

Star Wars Figure of the Day: Day 1,752: AT-RT Driver

AT-RT DRIVER Or, Clone
The Vintage Collection Basic Figures
Item No.: Asst. 97568 No. 28438
Manufacturer: Hasbro
Number: VC46
Includes: Helmet, rifle, other rifle, backpack
Action Feature: n/a
Retail: $7.99
Availability: February 2011
Appearances: Revenge of the Sith

Bio: Celebrate the legendary Star Wars saga that changed the universe forever! This collection brings to life the incredible story of good versus evil that captured our imagination and took us to a galaxy far, far away. Iconic Star Wars heroes and villains are captured with incredible detail and premium features to commemorate each epic tale in the Star Wars saga. May the Fore be with you! (Taken from the figure's packaging. There is no bio.)

Image: Adam Pawlus' Ultarama

Commentary: Adventure! Excitement! Three waves in to 2011, it would seem a Star Wars collector craves not these things. New characters were far and few between, so an upgrade of the AT-RT Driver-- especially without an easily purchased movie-style AT-RT on the market since 2005-- seemed odd. Sure, it's a quality figure, but the usual questions of "why him?" and "why now?" are hard to ignore. Of course, now a year has passed, so I guess this kind of thing doesn't matter so much. With 14 points of articulation, he's on par with the 2005 release while having a slightly improved range of movement. The sculpt is crisper, the deco is just a little better, and the removable backpack is a nice touch. While better than previous releases, I wouldn't say it's significantly better except in the articulation department. The addition of ball-jointed hips allow him to better ride a vehicle, but since Hasbro has kept movie AT-RTs out of circulation he may not be a figure that you noticed you were missing just yet.

It's a strange place to be in to have a figure like this-- which is nicely sculpted, well-engineered, and nicely accessorized-- and find it boring. It's an AT-RT Driver, and a good one. The 2005 one was really good too. Given the vast difference in pricing, I suppose get whatever floats your boat-- the extra movement in the 2011 release makes it superior, but it's hard to argue with a cheaper figure, especially if you already own it. There's nothing wrong with the new figure, just like there was nothing wrong with the old one. New or different deco may have been more exciting, if Hasbro tossed in a repaint I might be a little more jazzed. As it is, I feel like this is Hasbro saying "You love troopers, right? And drivers? Here's another one, about 14% better than the one you already have!"

Collector's Notes: The secondary market pricing for this figure is at (or under) retail, while the 2005 version is as low as $2. It's hard to argue with the numbers, but if you like vintage packaging the new one is the clear winner. It's also (possibly) at a store near you, which is a plus.

--Adam Pawlus

Day 1,752: March 1, 2012