Figure of the Day: Day 820: Saesee Tiin

SAESEE TIIN Jedi Master
Power of the Jedi Collection 2
Item No.: Asst. 84455 No. 84569
Manufacturer: Hasbro
Number: n/a
Includes: Lightsaber
Action Feature: n/a
Retail: $5.99
Availability: 2001
Appearances: Star Wars

Image: Adam Pawlus' kitchen.

Bio: An Iktotchi Pilot, Saesee Tiin is best able to focus while traveling at extremely high speeds at the controls of the galaxy's finest spacecraft. He offers a unique perspective on the Jedi Council as his naturally telepathic mind is always racing ahead to foresee possibilities. (Taken from the figure's Force File.)

Commentary: Behold, the first-ever Saesee Tiin! It took a few years, but here he is. The Jedi Master doesn't look as mean as the picture, but it's still a decent release with lots of detail sculpted into his robes and face. This is a good thing, because otherwise, he's basically a chess piece. His large plastic cloak doesn't allow for much movement, but it does give him a decent look. As a toy, he's lacking-- but he does have a purple lightsaber and can stand fairly well. What you see is basically what you get-- there's not a lot more here other than a decent looking collectible. With his articulation from the waist on down being pretty worthless, what you have here is a figure as good as his arms. And his arms are OK, it's just that other recent releases make this one look bad by comparison. If you have a choice, buy another version.

Collector's Notes: Initially offered as an individually carded figure, he made a return to the toy world in a Toys "R" Us exclusive set during the Saga line.

--Adam Pawlus

Day 820: August 5, 2008

Figure of the Day: Day 819: 501st Legion Clone Trooper

CLONE TROOPER 501st Legion
The Clone Wars Wal-Mart Exclusive
Item No.: No. 87915
Manufacturer: Hasbro
Number: n/a
Includes: Blaster, Blaster Rifle, Firing Blaster, Card
Action Feature: Firing Rocket Launcher
Retail: $6.94
Availability: August 2008
Appearances: The Clone Wars (presumably)

Image: Adam Pawlus' photo hole.

Bio: The clone trooper forces are gathering together for their next mission - and they want you to join them! With your very own Republic Army Identification Card, you can become a member of the most elite fighting force in the galaxy. Your destiny awaits - join today! (Taken from the figure's cardback.)

Commentary: Hasbro must be absolutely bonkers for The Clone Wars. The line allows you to take one or two molds and repaint them into dozens of new characters, like this Clone Trooper 501st Legion figure. Based on a design from Attack of the Clones, animators at LucasFilm made some modifications and presto-- new figure. Unlike the basic carded clone on which this is based, the figure has no dirt and blue markings. Other than that, it's pretty much the same. You get extra weapons, of course, and all the great wrist articulation you need for piloting vehicles and aiming blasters. Still, this is essentially a glorified repaint, but when it comes to troopers this is a common and acceptable happening. What you see is pretty much what you get-- a super-articulated trooper, fun for all ages. Buy two, they're cheap.

Collector's Notes: Wal-Mart hasn't had many exclusive individually carded figures over the years. If memory serves, this makes six. It seems likely the figure would get rereleased in another capacity at a later time, but for now, it's this or bust. It's also worth noting that this figure's deco is pretty much the same as the blue-striped Clone Lieutenant from Attack of the Clones, minus the dots and the stripe on the forehead. At $7, it's a decent deal-- a full $5 less than Target's exclusive individually packaged figures. This same mold has been used to make the AT-TE clone, the basic clone, the Senate Security clone, and a number of clones that aren't out yet.


More images of this figure

--Adam Pawlus

Day 819: August 4, 2008

Figure of the Day: Day 818: R4-D6

R4-D6 Astromech Droid
The Legacy Collection Droid Factory
Item No.: Asst. 87730
Manufacturer: Hasbro
Number: n/a
Includes: n/a, parts are accessories which come with other figures
Action Feature: Collect the parts to build R4-D6
Retail: n/a
Availability: July 2008
Appearances: Star Wars

Image: Adam Pawlus' toy shelves.

Bio: R4-D6 was an R4 astromech droid painted a dark blue. It was owned by the Galactic Empire. R4 patrolled the halls of the first Death Star. (This is actually the bio for R4-I9 as seen on Wookieepedia.)

Commentary: For years, fans have been asking Hasbro to make a build-a-figure. For years, fans have been asking for more droids. Today, both requests have been answered with R4-D6, one of the first two mass-release build-a-droid action figures. This makes these figures unique, because, well, you can't actually buy this figure in any complete state except from fans who have put it together themselves. At press time you can't buy it whole in any way, so the only way you'll ever see a complete one in person is at a convention display, at a friend's, or in your own collection if you open your figures. If not, consider yourself hosed.

So once you put it together, just how is it? Mostly excellent. Hasbro thought about this as not just a project to assemble, but as a construction toy. Under the dome is a bunch of bits and pieces which, if you used a clear dome, could be clearly visible. The third leg doesn't have any weird tabs to rub off over time, and it slides out easily. Each side leg has an articulated foot, and the wires like we've seen on every droid since R4-G9 and the vintage R2-D2 became the basis for all new astromech droid action figures. In short, this guy is going to fit right in with the best of the best. The one strange thing is that there are large gaps between the legs and the body. I assume this is so it's easier to remove the limbs, but visually, it's a little funky.

The coloring is good, the completed figure is sturdy, and has a variety of sockets so you can goof around and make your own weird robots. For example, there are additional holes on the body so you can add arms and/or legs. Take a look at some pictures involving droids you can make using the parts used to create this very figure. It's a lot of fun, I must say, and it makes me wish I'd end up with tons of extra parts and pieces of each droid to make my own creations. Sadly, Hasbro seems interested in phasing out parts with every wave, turning these into collectibles rather than another great plaything. It's a shame, as this is a fun toy.

Collector's Notes: First up, let's talk naming. According to numerous resources, the dark blue droid with the deco of the build-a-figure profiled above is named R4-I9. I'm not entirely clear where (or if) the all-black R4 unit appears in the movies. So in a way, this figure is the real R4-I9, but it's called R4-D6. (Sort of like how R2-D1 and R2-D3 were renamed R2-M5 and R2-C4.) As such, I'm about 99% sure that this figure exists mostly to correct an error from a few years ago, but that almost doesn't matter since the name of the toys tends to trump the names in the print materials. During the development of the Astromech Droid Pack Exclusives, it turned out that the names of the droids were, in fact, not set in stone. Despite numerous robots having established names in print approved by LucasFilm, new ones were invented for these robot packs. As such, it's entirely possible droids, like this one, are part of a snowballing naming inconsistency issue.

Assembly Notes: These are the parts you need and, at press time, the figures you need to get them:
Dome & center leg: Battle-Damaged Darth Vader #GH3, Chewbacca #BD3, Imperial Evo Trooper #GH4
Body: Imperial Evo Trooper #GH4, Leektar & Nippet #BD4
Left leg: Han Solo #BD1, Kashyyyk Trooper #GH2, Commander Gree #GH1
Right leg: Kashyyyk Trooper #GH2, Luke Skywalker #BD2

--Adam Pawlus

Day 818: August 1, 2008

Figure of the Day: Day 817: Umpass-Stay

UMPASS-STAY Klatooinian
30th Anniversary Collection Basic Figures
Item No.: Asst. 87500 No. 87298
Manufacturer: Hasbro
Number: #3027
Includes: Hat, drumstick, drum half, coin
Action Feature: Drum combines with other drum half to make a whole drum
Retail: $6.99
Availability: June 2007
Appearances: Return of the Jedi: Special Edition

Image: Adam Pawlus' toy shelves.

Bio: Umpass-Stay is a percussionist who plays with the Max Rebo Band. Because Klatooinians revere great age, they are in awe of species such as the Hutts who live for centuries. He worked as Jabba's spy before being put in the band to protect the Hutt from his many enemies. (Taken from the figure's cardback.)

Commentary: Not a lot of fans requested Umpass-Stay because, frankly, there's not a lot of love for the additional characters placed in the Return of the Jedi rerelease from 1997. Or Star Wars, for that matter. If you can get past the fact that Jabba's band went from a trio to a whole freaking space version of the Polyphonic Spree, only less entertaining and minus Birdstuff, you might enjoy this one. I like this figure not just because his name is a pig latin interpretation of "Stumpass", which I suppose is a joke I don't get. No, I like this figure because it has potential, and it's all built in. The figure's main purpose is to serve as 50% of the drummers in the band. Ak-Rev, a 2008 release, serves as the rest. As such, the figure works nicely-- give him a drum stick, set him up, and let him look cool. It's easy.

If you're hard-up for thugs, the figure is even better because he has a removable had and removable shoulder armor which essentially makes him look like a different figure. Give him a spare blaster or staff from one of the kajillion Han Solo post-Carbonite figures Hasbro seems intent on cramming down our throats, and you've basically got a whole new figure. As a sucker for anything Jabba's Palace, especially band related, this is one of those can't-miss releases you should probably get. Unless you don't like aliens, in which case you probably suck.

Collector's Notes: Wave 4 of the 30th Anniversary Collection, of which this figure was part, seemed to go pretty quickly. As such, this guy didn't hang around much. (It probably didn't help I bought two so I could make the drum last year and use the spare drummer as a skiff guard.) It's worth tracking down to go with Ak-Rev, released just days ago, so you can complete your giant freaking drum.

--Adam Pawlus

Day 817: July 31, 2008

Figure of the Day: Day 816: McQuarrie Concept Luke Skywalker

LUKE SKYWALKER McQuarrie Concept
30th Anniversary Collection HasbroToyShop.com Exclusive
Item No.: No. 87384
Manufacturer: Hasbro
Number: n/a
Includes: Lightsaber, backpack, breathing mask, blaster, coin (stand not included)
Action Feature: Removable gear, lightsaber clips to belt
Retail: $14.99
Availability: May 2008
Appearances: n/a

Image: Adam Pawlus' TV tray.

Bio: In the painting depicted on the front [of the package], Luke Skywalker and Darth Vader duel. Wearing an oxygen tank and breathing mask, Luke looks eerily like his father. Although crouched before Vader, his stance vibrates with intenisty. (Taken from the figure's cardback.)

Commentary: One figure fans were begging for when McQuarrie Concept figures came around was that of this figure, which Hasbro called Luke Skywalker. (Some argue he should actually be Deak Starkiller based on the story as it was at the time of the painting.) Luke is great. Period. The indigo shirt, the blaster, the two-piece lightsaber, everything about it is fantastic. Even the face is good, and since there was no real reference for a face based on this painting, it seems Hasbro got to make one up based on a variety of sources. The figure itself has 14 points of articulation, with the only non-awesome joints being swivel elbows. Everything else is superb. It's rare that a design is so unique, especially given that this purple/indigo color is rarely (if ever) used to make a Star Wars action figure. The yellow lightsaber was a cute touch, even if it wasn't exactly a match for the original artwork on which this design was based.

As far as accessories go, this one had an extensive array of goodies. His lightsaber blade could separate from the hilt, allowing you to clip the silver handle to his belt. His newly sculpted blaster fits neatly in its holder, which was handy as nobody wants to lose an accessory. The backpack is pegged to the figure's back, but to get the attached mask off you'll have to employ some gymnastics. Hasbro has determined that it's OK that you remove a figure's head as part of a play feature, so you actually need to pop Luke's head off at the neck and slide the mask down in order to remove it from his head. It's weird, but it works. I guess the same can be said about the figure as a whole. His hair is flailing around in space, and he has a breathing mask on, but skin is exposed. Shouldn't he explode or something?

Collector's Notes: This one was surprisingly popular. Selling at conventions and online, fans gobbled this one up and weren't nearly as interested in the companion set featuring concept versions of R2-D2 and C-3PO. If you were not already aware, this design is not based on any movie costume but rather a conceptual painting by artist Ralph McQuarrie. Collectors are quite enamored with his works and in 2007, Hasbro made several action figures based on his designs.

--Adam Pawlus

Day 816: July 30, 2008

Figure of the Day: Day 815: Clone Trooper (Animated)

CLONE TROOPER Rocket-Firing Launcher!
The Clone Wars Basic Figures
Item No.: Asst. 87638 No. 87660
Manufacturer: Hasbro
Number: No. 5
Includes: Blaster, rocket, rocket launcher
Action Feature: Rocket-firing launcher
Retail: $7.99
Availability: July 26, 2008
Appearances: The Clone Wars

Image: Adam Pawlus' TV tray.

Bio: Clone troopers put up an unrelenting defense against the hordes of battle droids that are pouring into the B'omarr monk monastery. The intrepid troopers are keeping the enemy at bay so that Anakin and Ahsoka can rescue Jabba's kidnapped son. The clone troopers use their blasters and thermal detonators with skill, focusing exclusively on ensuring that the mission is a success. (Taken from the figure's cardback.)

Commentary: After seemingly exhausting the potential for new Clone Trooper repaints, Hasbro has been gifted with a new Clone Trooper mold based on the new CG movie and television series. I must say I was extremely down on the idea of another stylized line of figures at first, as the notion of re-re-rebuying characters is getting old. Hasbro has once again proven that they make a great product, and this release is actually really good. Rather than doing another white trooper, Hasbro is trying yet another kind of dirt experiment, this time using a process similar to that used on CZ-4 in 2007. The result is a dirty figure with an even, unique level of battle damage. In case you didn't catch that, this means every single Clone Trooper figure has a unique paint job. Some have extra splotches, some don't. If you line up a dozen of them, each one is just a little bit different. This is great from an army builder's perspective, but I can imagine there are a few fans whose heads just exploded.

Taking what they learned from the 2008 Commander Gree figure, this Clone Trooper has superior-- but not perfect-- articulation. The hips are still fairly weak and aren't easily able to sit, sadly, but it does have the enhanced wrist joints which allow for better aiming of his weapons. Included is a battle-worn blaster and a rocket-firing launcher, so you've got one normal weapon for adult fans who hate big goofy blasters, and a big goofy blaster for the kids. Since the figure has 14 points of articulation, Hasbro managed to succeed in creating a figure that, assuming nobody has a problem with the style, should appeal to all audiences fairly equally.

Oh, and he has an over-the-shoulder rocket launcher that works pretty well. I'd say you should get one, and don't throw away the extra gun-- it's going to be useful if you plan on building some armies.

Collector's Notes: As a new mold with great articulation and seemingly infinite damage variants, this should keep fans busy for a while. It wouldn't surprise me to see some genuinely astonishing armies as a result. Due to the package design, it seems it may be difficult to find mind samples of this line.

--Adam Pawlus

Day 815: July 29, 2008

Figure of the Day: Day 814: Death Star Gunner

DEATH STAR GUNNER Battle of Endor
The Saga Collection Basic Figures
Item No.: Asst. 85770 No. 84121
Manufacturer: Hasbro
Number: #041
Includes: Helmet, armor, blaster, stand
Action Feature: n/a
Retail: $6.99
Availability: Summer 2006
Appearances: Star Wars and Return of the Jedi

Image: Adam Pawlus' kitchen floor.

Bio: The immense weaponry of the Imperial fleet was operated by these highly skilled gunners. They were easily recognizable in their large, distinctive helmets, which were designed to protect them from the dangerous flashback of turbolaser batteries. Accustomed to the vast power under their control, they operated with smooth, calm precision, even during the fiercest battles. (Taken from the figure's cardback.)

Commentary: Fans like to throw the word "controversial" around, to give figures and their hobbies more importance. The Death Star Gunner would fit the bill because, for about five minutes, fans expressed low levels of concern that this release had a clone's head under his removable helmet. Unlike the 1997 release, Hasbro designed this figure to try to be all things to all fans. It has removable armor, so you could basically get it to look like his Return of the Jedi or Star Wars appearances. The figure has a great level of detail, and being reasonably recent, fits in well with the line as a whole.

Given all the bells and whistles Hasbro put into the accessories and the sculpt of the toy, it's almost a crying shame they didn't spend the additional nickel and make it perfect. It has 12 points of articulation, making it almost super articulated. It's missing ankles, and the elbows are swivel joints and not ball joints. The unfortunate thing is that because of these minor shortcomings, a lot of fans online have written this figure off, but this is OK as there will be no pleasing those individuals. The figure can sit, stand, and be posed quite nicely, making it one of Hasbro's better releases over the past few years. It isn't perfect, but it's so good you probably won't care all that much. Get one if you don't already have one, it's a great addition to your growing Imperial navy.

Collector's Notes: This figure was the first-ever trooper from the original trilogy to be made as a toy featuring the face of a Clone Trooper. At first, fans were arguing if it was supposed to be a clone or not-- eventually, additional similar figures satisfied the argument. This particular Gunner was rereleased in 2007 as part of a Kmart exclusive tin set that nobody wanted which also featured R4-I9, Darth Vader, and a Scout Trooper. (Actually, it's a great set, it's just stuff we probably mostly have by now.)

--Adam Pawlus

Day 814: July 28, 2008

Figure of the Day: Day 813: Captain Tarpals

CAPTAIN TARPALS with Electropole
Episode I Collection 3
Item No.: Asst. 84105 No. 84121
Manufacturer: Hasbro
Number: n/a
Includes: Armor, pole arms
Action Feature: n/a
Retail: $6.99
Availability: Summer 1999
Appearances: The Phantom Menace

Image: Adam Pawlus' living room on some step thing.

Bio: A military leader with little patience for the exploits of Jar Jar Binks, Captain Tarpals helped lead the Gungan Army against the invading trade Federation forces. (Taken from the figure's cardback.)

Commentary: Like many figures released including a movie launch window, like some you no doubt bought recently, Captain Tarpals cardback is pretty vague. Of course, when we all saw the movie, we found out there wasn't much to his character other than to act as a competent foil to Jar Jar Binks with the added benefit of amphibious facial hair, for lack of a better description. With six points of articulation, this isn't a remarkable toy, and it's about on par of what you'd expect prior to the year 2000 when it comes to figures from the saga. The armor is nicely detailed, the face is painted well enough, and there's a lot of color in his costume. It's just that it's not exciting. He can hold his weapon with both hands, and yeah, there's some neat coloring on the arms and armor. Since the figure is basically Jar Jar with a nicer head and less annoying personality, there's not a lot to go on about here. Do you like how it looks? Get one. Or get the 2004 version with jointed knees, if you're feeling saucy.

Collector's Notes: This particular Tarpals was around briefly in 1999 and then was removed from the line. No rereleases of this figure exist but a retooled and repainted version with knee joints was sold in a Toys "R" Us exclusive gift set in 2004. Go get that one, as it's worth your money, even at a slight premium. (The set has a Battle Droid, Tarpals, a new Kaadu, a Battle Droid, a Gungan Warrior, and a Naboo Security figure. A good deal, surely, especially for its initial $20 asking price.)

--Adam Pawlus

Day 813: July 27, 2008

Figure of the Day: Day 812: Shaak Ti

SHAAK TI Jedi Master
Saga Collection 2
Item No.: Asst. 87500 No. 87429
Manufacturer: Hasbro
Number: #0210
Includes: Blast effect, Lightsaber
Action Feature: n/a
Retail: $4.99
Availability: April 2008
Appearances: Attack of the Clones

Image: Adam Pawlus' TV tray.

Bio: Shaak Ti is a powerful Jedi Master. Her highly refined Jedi skills are extremely useful in the battle against Count Dooku and the super battle droids. (Taken from the figure's cardback.)

Commentary: A very hard figure to get upon release in 2002, particularly in the U.K., this statue of a Shaak Ti figure got a brief surge of popularity until people realized it wasn't all that great. Posed so she basically can't be more than a statue, this colorful, well-painted, nicely sculpted release looks awesome on your desk. It's also a terrible toy, as it's basically a salt shaker with arms, but due to the leg poses she also has a habit of falling over. Aside from the two shoulder joints, her articulation is pretty worthless. This is a figure you should buy purely based on looks, or your desire to own a blaster deflection bolt. She can't sit, or be placed in vehicles-- she's just for looks. Hasbro's attention to deco means that she looks good, with lots of little color markings on her robes, striking salmon colored skin, lovely stripes on her head, and great face paint-- which is important. The 2005 was significantly better overall, so if you don't feel the need to own them all, you can skip this one. Unfortunately, it's somewhat cheap, and it shows.

Collector's Notes: Jedi tend to sell very well, and this one was no exception. Until saturation hit, at which time people stopped caring. She isn't hard to get, so if you want her, try to pay $5 or less- any more than that and odds are you'd be sorry.

--Adam Pawlus

Day 812: July 26, 2008