Star Wars Figure of the Day: Day 619: General Veers (Battle of Hoth, The Saga Collection)

GENERAL VEERS Battle of Hoth
The Saga Collection Basic Figures
Item No.: Asst. 85770 No. 85927
Manufacturer: Hasbro
Number: #007
Includes: Helmet, blaster, chest armor, display stand, holographic figure
Action Feature: Remove armor to switch costumes
Retail: $6.99
Availability: February 2007
Appearances: The Empire Strikes Back

Bio: General Maximillian Veers is a stern military man who is determined to do his part in the dismantling of the Rebel Alliance. Following Darth Vader's orders to destroy the Rebel shield and power generators at their secret base, Veers clears the way for Vader's landing on the ice planet Hoth. (Taken from the figure's cardback.)

Image: Adam Pawlus' Hoth shelf.

Availability: Click here to buy it at eBay now!

Click here to buy it at Amazon now!

Commentary: For whatever reason, General Veers got the short end of the stick over the years. This is the first widely-available non-exclusive figure to actually hold the name, and it came out in 2006-- 26 years after the character was named on screen, had significant screen dialogue, and blew up stuff. Sure, we got an "AT-AT Commander" but that's freaking weak. This figure manages to make up for two decades of slighting this poor guy, because it has pretty much everything you could hope for. It has a holster, removable armor, and great articulation. If you need a figure for your AT-AT or for your non-existent Star Destroyer, you're covered either way. The only thing that really isn't perfect about this figure is the articulation (which is good, more on that in a moment) and its height-- he's a very tall Imperial.

The figure's articulation is pretty good, but may not be enough for some fans. The figure has the normal six points of articulation, and adds in wrist joints and swivel elbows. So those of you looking for ball joints (outside the head) are going to be disappointed, but seeing as the figure will spend most of his time standing around, you probably aren't going to be missing much. The deco and texture on the figure is totally appropriate, the likeness is pretty good, and he's actually one of very few figures accessorized exactly as one might hope. Who would have ever guessed that Hasbro would throw in a removable helmet and snap-on armor so you could switch between a traditional Imperial officer or the AT-AT Commander costume in a jiffy. How can you not want this figure?

Collector's Notes: In Canada, as a Sears exclusive around 1981 or so, Kenner packaged the AT-AT Commander figure on a crummy cardback with the name "General Veers." In 2005, Hasbro repackaged the 1997 AT-AT Commander in a Battle Pack with the name "General Veers." (Sure, the box showed the 1980 figure, but eh.) The 2006 General Veers figure did fairly well and sold through without too much kicking and screaming, which is a plus.

Day 619: January 15, 2008

Star Wars Figure of the Day: Day 535: Luke Skywalker

LUKE SKYWALKER Moisture Farmer
30th Anniversary Collection Basic Figures
Item No.: Asst. 87500 No. 87277
Manufacturer: Hasbro
Number: #3018
Includes: Lightsaber, Lightsaber hilt, Moisture Vaporator, Coin
Action Feature: n/a
Retail: $6.99
Availability: Summer 2007
Appearances: Star Wars

Bio:  On a desert planet like Tatooine, water is a precious commodity. Moisture farmers earn a living extracting water from the air to use or resell. But Luke was never happy with the life of a moisture farmer and dreamed of leaving home to attend the Imperial Space Academy and become a pilot.   ( Taken from the figure's cardback.)

Image: Adam Pawlus' TV tray.

Commentary: Some fans would tell you this figure is only worth buying for the accessory.  I think they're wrong.  Luke Skywalker gives you a fairly decent figure for your money, and in some respects this is one of the better Luke figures we've had the fortune of getting.  For example, unlike the 2004 "Vintage" release, the belt doesn't split open and the shirt doesn't sit awkwardly when you pose the figure.   Of course, this 2007 figure has reduced articulation, but as it holds together nicely, I'm OK with that.   The figure has 10 points of articulation, and its sculpt borrows from the 2005 "Early Bird" Luke Skywalker except this one made some significant improvements.  Not only is the figure colored correctly, but it has super-poseable arms, a tweaked torso with a hole on his belt for a lightsaber, a ball-jointed neck, and a head sculpt which you can probably argue if it's better or worse.  I like it more-- yeah, the hair is a little darker, but that's OK.   Hasbro hasn't yet perfected Luke's hair color in the 3 3/4-inch scale, so I'm totally fine with seeing them experiment with colors to see what looks right, even if it's not perfectly authentic.  Depending on the angle at which you view it, the figure may look like he has wind-swept hair or a receding hairline.   In person, I feel it looks great, and I liked the figure so much I got a spare on my desk at work.  It's just a nice piece.  Ball-jointed knees and ankles may have made it better, but I'll take what I can get-- the entire package is a good one.

Accessory Notes: Due to its massive size, it's worth devoting special attention to the moisture vaporator.   The accessory has to be assembled, and can be broken down into 7 smaller parts for storage/battle damage/custom fodder.    It's over twice the size of an average action figure, and I have little doubt Hasbro could have sold this online or at a convention for $7 or so all by itself.  It's weathered nicely, full of incredible detail, and a fantastic piece of scenery.   I've got two of them up on a shelf near my Sandcrawler, and it really does add a lot to the display.

Notes to Hasbro: 1. Big accessories are great.  Even if you have to make them convention exclusives, I'd pay $10 for, say, a decent Dianoga, or perhaps the Cantina Drink Dispenser, or some similar bit of scenery.  2.  Good improvements here-- the Early Bird Luke figure was a fun toy, but this makes it better.  Still, there are some small tweaks you can make to this figure in terms of leg articulation, accessories, and possibly the head.   Why not go for a third stab at the mold with a few more tweaks, perhaps a training remote accessory and a blast shield helmet?  (Would you believe that after 30 years, the only 4-inch scale training remote we've ever had came with the vintage Millennium Falcon and also sucked?)

Collector's Notes: This figure, being new, has not yet been repackaged.  I have no doubt we'll see this figure again in the not-too-distant future.  While it's by no means a groundbreaking figure, it is one of my favorite releases of 2007 so far.  Good job, Hasbro!  (Oh, the head also fits on and looks good on the 2007 Stormtrooper body-- however the helmet doesn't quite fit.)

Day 535: October 23, 2007

Star Wars Figure of the Day: Day 534: Qui-Gon Jinn

QUI-GON JINN Jedi Training Gear
Power of the Jedi Collection 1
Item No.: Asst. 84445 No. 84559
Manufacturer: Hasbro
Number: n/a
Includes: Lightsaber, Force File
Action Feature: n/a
Retail: $6.99
Availability: Spring 2001
Appearances: n/a

Bio:  Qui-Gon Jinn is a Jedi devoted to maintaining order and justice in the galaxy. He, like most Jedi, feels it is his duty to pass on what he has learned to the next generation of Jedi. He does so by taking a Padawan to mentor. During the training process, Qui-Gon often wears his Jedi training gear for protection when sparring with his trainee.   ( Taken from the figure's Force File.)

Image: Adam Pawlus' toy shelves.

Commentary: Supposedly from a cancelled subline (and definitely from concept artwork), this Qui-Gon Jinn brought non-movie figures to the regular action figure line in a very "Batman" way.   We saw some bonus accessories with deluxe figures, and we've seen some comic and concept figures sold as such, but integrating these into the main line by combining it with movie designs and actors' likenesses was something new.  This particular figure combines Liam Nesson's head-- or at least a decent facsimile-- with a body loaded with armored detail and very limited articulation.  With six joints there really isn't a lot that die-hard figure junkies will like about it, but it's a remarkable design and it showed that Hasbro people had some interesting and marketable ideas to expand the universe after the first prequel was released.   I'd love to see more original concepts like this in the line, as it does seem to seem not entirely removed from the spirit of Star Wars.  Now if I saw Pod Racing Obi-Wan Kenobi, that'd be a different matter entirely.  The figure's outfit is unique to this figure, and while there is an armored Obi-Wan as well, they don't seem to go together too incredibly well. This figure is probably best kept for collectors or for kids looking for something truly different, after all it's not like most Jedi go through a large number of costume changes.

Collector's Notes: This figure has never been reissued, and it's worth noting it is pretty cool as a toy.  There's so little buzz surrounding this figure it's almost not funny, so if you want one you better start trading or looking to eBay.

Day 534: October 22, 2007

Star Wars Figure of the Day: Day 533: Darth Maul

DARTH MAUL Sith Lord
Episode I Collection 1
Item No.: Asst. 84085 No. 84247
Manufacturer: Hasbro
Number: n/a
Includes: Lightsaber, removable blade, CommTech Chip
Action Feature: One blade is removable from the lightsaber
Retail: $6.99
Availability: Spring 2000
Appearances: The Phantom Menace

Bio:   Wielding the power of the dark side, Darth Maul confronts Jedi Qui-Gon Jinn and Obi-Wan Kenobi in a deadly clash of lightsabers inside the Theed generator complex.   ( Taken from the figure's cardback.)

Image: Adam Pawlus' toy shelves.

Commentary: For a figure with little screen time and even less dialogue, Hasbro wasted no time cranking out multiple versions of Darth Maul in a hurry.  The final version of the Sith Lord to be released in Episode I packaging, this figure bucked trends and opted for reduced articulation when compared to previous releases.  This all-new sculpt had a cloth "skirt" piece,  one of the first in the basic line, which granted him the ability to sit without distorting the look of the toy when you return it to the full upright position.   The sculpt is on par with other figures of the time, but the articulation is on par with figures from 1995-- that is to say, it sort of sucks.   The figure's unique "reveal" pose makes it ideal for use in dioramas or playsets, plus its lack of articulation makes it a nice visual piece.   As a toy, it's pretty good, but the awkward positions of the arms prevent it from doing too much other than what you see in the picture.  If you like this pose, or enjoy the notion of owning the first-ever figure with a removable blade in its lightsaber, this is the figure for you.  But you probably already own 20 Darth Mauls so hey, your call.

Collector's Notes: This figure has, to date, never been repackaged after its initial run.   International fans take note: this is one of the first figures packaged with the bonus Pit Droids.   So you might end up with a few of them if you want those original release bonus Pit Droids, and if you're me, you most certainly do.

Day 533: October 21, 2007

Star Wars Figure of the Day: Day 532: Jango Fett

JANGO FETT Kamino Showdown
Saga Deluxe/Ultra Figures
Item No.: Asst. 84950 No. 84859
Manufacturer: Hasbro
Number: n/a
Includes: Pillar, blasters, backpack, firing rocket
Action Feature: Magnets in arms cling to metal pillar
Retail: $9.99
Availability: 2003-2004
Appearances: Attack of the Clones

Bio:   While trying to escape to his waiting ship, Slave I, Jango fights off the persistent Obi-Wan Kenobi on the Kamino landing platform. The tough and resilient bounty hunter uses his jet backpack to take flight and attack hs enemy from the air.   (Taken from the figure's Saga cardback.)

Image: Adam Pawlus' toy shelves.

Commentary: This Jango Fett figure is based off of a 2003 sculpt, but with some changes.   The forearms have been retooled heavily, now featuring magnets in them so the figure can "fly" and grasp the included piece of Kamino scenery (pictured).   The claw on the gauntlet has been removed, and the helmet is glued down-- other than that, it's pretty much the same as the 2002 release.  It has working holsters, a great sculpt, a firing backpack, and the best thing: the "flight" feature actually works well.

How it works is simple: you put Jango on this launching pad.  You push a button.  He flies up and grapples the telescoping tower.   Repeat as desired.  It's a lot of fun and I think kids would like it.  Unlike other jumping/flight features, it seems to work fairly easily once you figure it out, which doesn't take too long.   The display base also connects to one included with Obi-Wan Kenobi (Kamino Showdown), so it's in your best interests to buy both for awesome scene fun time.

Collector's Notes: This figure was issued in 2003 in limited numbers, but was repackaged in the "Ultra" assortment in 2004.   Both versions were parts of the ends of their respective lines, and were somewhat difficult to get.  The products are identical.  Also, the head under the helmet is unpainted, and the helmet is glued down.

Day 532: October 20, 2007

Star Wars Figure of the Day: Day 531: Padme Amidala

PADMÉ AMIDALA Geonosian Arena
The Saga Collection Basic Figures
Item No.: Asst. 85770 No. 87347
Manufacturer: Hasbro
Number: 067
Includes: Battle Droid blaster, display base
Action Feature: n/a
Retail: $6.99
Availability: January 2007
Appearances: Attack of the Clones

Bio:  Padmé is taken prisoner along with Anakin Skywalker when the pair go to Geonosis to rescue Obi-Wan Kenobi. All three are sentenced to death but are saved when Jedi forces arrive. Padmé fights courageously in the ensuing battle, proving she is as fine a warrior as she is a politician.   (Taken from the figure's cardback.)

Image: Adam Pawlus' toy shelves.  (Also: Han Solo called, he wants his eyebrows back.)

Commentary: She doesn't look this bad, I swear.  Padmé Amidala, in this photo, may have the worst looking eyebrows I've ever seen.  In person, she doesn't look this bad-- maybe it's the light, or the angle.  I even ran up to check the figure again, and while the eyebrows on my sample do seem to be unusually mannish, others turned out a little bit better.  But anyway, what's the deal with this figure?   From 2004-2007, at least one wave near the end of the year was made up entirely of repaints of figures made of existing figures, and this one was no exception.  The head is from the 2002 version of the figure, and the body mold was from a 2003 release.  The weapon, from the Battle Droid.   Put it all together and add some new paint, and the end result is a figure that is both new and interesting, yet not entirely based on how she appeared in the movie.

She has a clawed-up back (insert joke with the word "kinky" here), torn knees on her pants (repeat the joke here for emphasis), but is basically the same figure from a previous release.  With 12 points of articulation, she may be one of the most posable versions of Natalie Portman you can buy, but she's far from perfect.   The two figures which make up this figure are far better than this release, so if you're going to be picky, skip this one.  The sculpt is very good, but the deco and accessories leave something to be desired plus well, she really doesn't bring much new to the table.  She is, however, obviously different, so collectors will want to get her anyway.

Collector's Notes: While somewhat limited in distribution, the figure's popularity was fairly low-- so she was easy to get.  I got this sample at a Wal-Mart for $3.50 as the whole assortment was mismarked for some reason.  I have no doubt this will be a figure most fans will ignore for a good long time, but hey, if you like Amidala stuff, get one.

Day 531: October 19, 2007

Star Wars Figure of the Day: Day 530: R2-D2

R2-D2 Ambush on Ilum
The Anniversary Collection Target Exclusive Battle Pack
Item No.: No. 87213
Manufacturer: Hasbro
Number: n/a
Includes: Four other figures
Action Feature: n/a
Retail: $19.99
Availability: January 2007
Appearances: Clone Wars

Bio:  Though foul weather and cold can sometimes endanger astromech droids, Artoo did not hesitate to rush to his mistress' side and warn her of an impending attack.   (Taken from the figure's box.)

Image: Adam Pawlus' toy room.

Commentary: Do you like snow?  So does Hasbro.  They've done a few snow planet-specific versions of R2-D2, such as this one.  It takes a previously released figure and adds a slightly blue tint to the lower parts of the figures, which suggests the look of wading through snowy terrain or a blue paint factory.  The figure is the same mold used for the 2003 "Sail Barge" R2-D2, meaning he has articulated ankles on all three legs, a retractable third leg, a rotating dome, articulated shoulders, and a hole in his head for a drink dispenser (not included, of course.)   The detail is OK, but better molds exist and this isn't the finest R2-D2, although it does use what was the standard astromech body type from roughly 2002-2004.   It serves a purpose as a low-cost figure, and the eye sculpt really bugs me-- but for kids, it's fine, and the unique blue on the bottom is something you won't find on any other R2-D2 figures.

Collector's Notes: When you get right down to it, this gift set is a "sum of its parts" kind of item.   Each figure, by its lonesome, is merely OK.  Another R2-D2 and C-3PO with a snow Padme with limited articulation and two Chameleon Droids for $19.99 is a spiffy deal at just $4 per figure, but at $6.99, this R2-D2 would be a little disappointing.  After all, the 2006 Hoth R2-D2 took a previously released $10 Vintage figure, added some extras, and it sold for a mere $7-- so this figure would need more to be really exciting, but as it is, there's nothing wrong with it.   It's just those looking to thin their collection could probably live without it.

Day 530: October 18, 2007

Star Wars Figure of the Day: Day 529: Emperor Palpatine

EMPEROR PALPATINE The Republic Falls
Revenge of the Sith Evolutions
Item No.: Asst. 85553 No. 85727
Manufacturer: Hasbro
Number: n/a
Includes: Lightsaber, optional Sith Lightning hands, cane, Sith cloak, Sith brooch
Action Feature: n/a
Retail: $19.99-$29.99
Availability: Fall 2005
Appearances:  Revenge of the Sith

Bio: After thousands of years, the Sith reveal themselves to the Jedi. Witness their evolution with these Sith figures! Darth Maul attacks the Jedi, revealing that the Sith are still a threat to the galaxy. Then Count Dooku, a former Jedi, comes out of hiding as a Sith Lord to attack the Republic. Finally, the Emperor, who should be fighting to save the Republic, is revealed as the most powerful and menacing Sith of all!   (Taken from the figure's Evolutions box.)

Image: Adam's toy shelves.

Commentary: I want to like this figure, I like this figure, and I also want it to be better.  Conflicted emotions are what this Emperor Palpatine figure is all about.   Some things work incredibly well, some are very good, and some need work.  Let's start with the good, shall we?   The figure's body is made of plastic and cloth pieces, all of which work together to create an action figure fully capable of assuming nearly any pose you could reasonably expect out of a Star Wars action figure.   The figure has 14 points of articulation, with ball joints everywhere you would expect to find one.  The figure can stand, hunch over, fight, and can even sit.  I'm not sure if he could sit on a throne without significant work on your part, or slight retooling, but he's a very good figure and the first-ever Emperor to have significant use of cloth on his person.  He may be the only 3 3/4-inch Palpatine in any costume to feature extensive cloth costume bits.

The sculpt is both good and bad.  Good, because all the details you want are present-- he's got a mean face, they painted his hair so it isn't flesh colored, his hands are gnarled and deformed, it's just a solid looking figure.  Unfortunately, the face looks very little like the character in the movie.  It's more or less stylized, so you can tell who it's meant to be, but it's not a perfect replica.   He is the meanest Palpatine, though, and that counts for a lot in my book.

Like the Count Dooku in this set, his hands are easily removed and replaced with Sith lightning hands.  These are excellent as well, fairly sturdy, and are a great accessory.   The figure also has a cane, a removable Sith "necklace," and the first-ever Palpatine lightsaber.  As such, the figure was quite exciting in 2005.  The necklace is where the figure starts to break down, though, because it's far too large for the figure and is as wide as or wider than the head.  Also, the cloth cloak's hood is poorly designed and it's difficult to get it to rest on the head properly, even with the necklace over (or under) it.  If Hasbro tweaked the head a little, as well as the cloak and Sith  brooch necklace thing, this may be one of the best figures ever.  Instead, it'll be another figure that reaches for the stars and is one of Hasbro's finest, but falls just short of being a perfect example of their work.  I still love it, though, and you probably will too-- so get one now and if Hasbro does go back and redo him, well, at least you can enjoy this one today.

Collector's Notes: This figure has been available only in this one set so far.  It's coming back in early 2008 in the Evolutions reissues, so be sure to get it if you missed it before.

Day 529: October 17, 2007

Star Wars Figure of the Day: Day 528: Count Dooku

COUNT DOOKU The Clone Wars
Revenge of the Sith Evolutions & 30th Anniversary Collection Commemorative Tin
Item No.: Asst. 85553 No. 85727
Manufacturer: Hasbro
Number: n/a
Includes: Lightsaber, optional Sith Lightning hands
Action Feature: n/a
Retail: $19.99-$29.99
Availability: Fall 2005+
Appearances: Attack of the Clones, Revenge of the Sith

Bio: After thousands of years, the Sith reveal themselves to the Jedi. Witness their evolution with these Sith figures! Darth Maul attacks the Jedi, revealing that the Sith are still a threat to the galaxy. Then Count Dooku, a former Jedi, comes out of hiding as a Sith Lord to attack the Republic. Finally, the Emperor, who should be fighting to save the Republic, is revealed as the most powerful and menacing Sith of all!   (Taken from the figure's Evolutions box.)

Image: Adam's toy shelves.

Commentary: Darth Tyranus, better known as Count Dooku, received a surprisingly large amount of figures given he had one costume over two movies for about a grand total of maybe 40 minutes of screen "life."   From his introduction to his demise, he was seen as a strong man with a firm focus and the ability to destroy those who dare oppose him.  (Well, some of them anyway.)   This figure represents the most articulated of them all, with a soft goods "skirt" and cape allowing him to sit and enhanced articulation which allows him to sit in nearly any pose.  His face is much meaner and more focused than other releases, and he has that full range of motion you'll want in your duel dioramas.  His cape has two colors (a nice touch), and overall, this is probably one of the best-overall versions of the character.  His outfit is simple, but he can do pretty much anything you would want.  The normal basic Revenge of the Sith version is also excellent, and between the two, you could probably cobble together a perfect figure any way you see fit.  They're both good for different reasons, but this one is probably the most fun to play with and has the best cape-- so be sure to get one.  As Hasbro seems to be intent to rerelease it once a year, this should not be a problem.

Collector's Notes: This figure has been available on the market in numerous different ways.  The first release was in the Evolutions set with Darth Maul and Emperor Palpatine in 2005.  In 2006, he was released in a boxed set with Anakin Skywalker, a Clone Trooper, and Jango Fett.  The first release is getting reissued in late 2007/2008 in new packaging.  So if you want it, you have no excuse for missing out on it.

Day 528: October 16, 2007