Figure of the Day: Day 1,316: R4-P44

R4-P44 Astromech Droid
The Legacy Collection Build-A-Droid
Item No.: Asst. 87535
Manufacturer: Hasbro
Number: n/a
Includes: n/a
Action Feature: n/a
Retail: n/a
Availability: October 2009
Appearances: Revenge of the Sith

Bio: R4-P44 was a R4-series astromech droid that was assigned to Jedi General Obi-Wan Kenobi's clone trooper forces while stationed on Utapau. It was used aboard an ARC-170 starfighter of the Fifth Fleet. The droid, like R4-P17, had the dome of a R2 unit. (Stolen from Wookieepedia.)

Image: Adam Pawlus' place.

Commentary: If you need another droid, R4-P44 is a good one. His pieces came mostly with Cantina people, and unlike many other droids he's green. With jointed ankles and legs, plus the dome, there's not much surprising about this one other than the fact that Hasbro plucked a neat design from obscurity and translated it into plastic. There's not much to say here other than it seems pretty much spot-on to the digital model except the action figure is far cleaner, without the grease, grime, and blast marks of war. I like it, I assume you will too.

Collector's Notes: At press time I see people paying $4.99 or more per piece (there are 4 pieces), which is ridiculous. You can get the figures WITH the pieces for $4.99 in the sales that started in May, so whatever you do, don't pay more than $5 per piece. Complete droids go for as little as $8, which is reasonable if you don't want Leesub Sirln, Concept Ki-Adi-Mundi, the Jawa, or Hrchek Kal Fas. And, between you and me, you should get those.

--Adam Pawlus

Day 1,316: June 30, 2010

Figure of the Day: Day 1,315: Deluxe Clone Trooper (Saga)

CLONE TROOPER with Speeder Bike
Saga Deluxe Figures
Item No.: Asst. 84859 No. 84903
Manufacturer: Hasbro
Number: n/a
Includes: Blaster, grenade, armor, helmet, bike
Action Feature: Removable armor, arm throwing action
Retail: $9.99
Availability: Summer 2002
Appearances: Clone Wars/Concept Art

Bio: Formidable fighters engineered for battle, a number of the Clone Troopers are deployed on speeders, then race into battle against the enemy forces. Daringly flying alongside the AT-TEs, they lob electro grenades into the vehicles to disable them in crippling explosions. (Taken from the figure's packaging.)

Image: Adam Pawlus' place.

Commentary: For a brief period, this Clone Trooper was arguably Hasbro's finest in terms of what it could do. He had knee joints. He had a throwing action. You could even pull off his armor and see what was inside! Heck, this was the first-ever removable helmet Clone Trooper, too. He can fit on the bike, and assume a few action poses. If you don't go out of your way to pose him, though, the sculpt does look a little goofy just standing around. The sculpting was great for the time and is even pretty good for today's standards, it's rare that any toymaker-- particularly Hasbro and Kenner-- crank out a figure with removable armor that isn't obscenely bulky.

Because of the vehicle, unique grenade accessory, and removable armor bits, I'd put this figure on your list of Essential Clone Trooper Action Figures. There's also a 2003 repaint, but I prefer this version just slightly because of the bike color and lack of a firing rocket on the bike.

Collector's Notes: This one was pretty popular, but not impossible to find. You should be able to get one for about original retail. Another reason to buy this? The Republic Gunship was designed with carrying his bike in mind-- there's an area inside in the back to mount a bike. So if you have a Gunship, you simply must get this bike.

--Adam Pawlus

Day 1,315: June 29, 2010

Figure of the Day: Day 1,314: Princess Leia Organa

PRINCESS LEIA ORGANA All-New Likeness
Power of the Force Collection 1
Item No.: Asst. 69570 No. 69824
Manufacturer: Kenner
Number: n/a
Includes: Blaster, Rifle, Freeze Frame Action Slide
Action Feature: n/a
Retail: $5.99
Availability: Summer 1998
Appearances: Star Wars

Bio: Held captive in the Death Star, the princess is interrogated by Darth Vader and Grand Moff Tarkin. Leia was ordered to reveal the location of the secret Rebel base or see her home planet of Alderaan destroyed. (Taken from the figure's packaging.)

Image: Adam Pawlus' place.

Commentary: While I'll never be 100% certain, it seems like the development of this Princess Leia Organa figure sprang up from two things in 1995. One, that the 1995 Princess Leia took a severe beating from fans despite being a huge seller due to her, shall we say, handsome features. Two, a mail-in figure from Kellogg's-- Han Solo in Stormtrooper Disguise-- was supposed to include a double-grip Stormtrooper blaster as an accessory. Kellogg's would not allow a gun with their cereals, so that was not to be.

So! Three years later we got this figure, who has hands posed to grip a double-weapon and an entirely new sculpt which throws out the proportions and features of the original, save for some very basic elements. Under her gown, she doesn't seem to have pants on (as seen through the cut on the side) but she does have big white boots. Not knowing what's supposed to be under there, I can only assume this is correct, or a brazen attempt to tart up this otherwise fairly modest get-up. She can no longer sit, but she seems to have little problem standing. Her hands are posed specifically to fire a gun, and she looks best with the double-grip Stormtrooper blaster. She does, however, look just fine with her normal sporting blaster.

By the standards of 2010, she looks good, but not as crisp and generally realistic as later releases. She does, however, look like a fine Kenner action figure from the 1990s. Sadly, it was around her release where the designers began favoring aesthetics far over play value, so if you want a Leia that can sit down this isn't it. The main reason to buy this figure today is as an evolutionary step in the line, or for the gun for Han Solo-- who has also since been upgraded and replaced. I like it, but if you're new to the hobby and cutting corners this may not be the best Leia you can buy.

Collector's Notes: Since you may be able to stumble on her for a few bucks, well, why not buy one? She's not rare and as far as I know was only released in this configuration-- no multi-packs or anything. For cheap, she's worth grabbing, but I wouldn't advise dropping more than original retail on her alone.

--Adam Pawlus

Day 1,314: June 28, 2010

Figure of the Day: Day 1,313: Chewbacca

CHEWBACCA Early Bird Kit
Early Bird Kit Wal-Mart Exclusive
Item No.: No. 85868
Manufacturer: Hasbro
Number: n/a
Includes: Bowcaster, display pegs
Action Feature: n/a
Retail: $29.99
Availability: Fall 2005
Appearances: Star Wars

Bio: Chewbacca - with his special laser rifle and ammunition belt across his chest. (Taken from the figure's packaging.)

Image: Adam Pawlus' place.

Commentary: While the vintage 2004 release was widely regarded as the best sculpt of the character, the Early Bird Chewbacca from 2005 is considered by many the definitive version of the Wookiee. Not only does he have the standard super-articulation of 14 points, but Hasbro put in additional waist joints to make him one of the more flexible figures ever created. The sculpt is spot-on, the head is more or less specific to the original Star Wars. The hair is back a little, the arms are shaggy, and the expression is less ferocious than most of the earliest Chewbacca toys. Heck, pretty much all of them until 1998 seemed pretty angry. This one? Clearly a better interpretation of the characterization as a spin on the family dog. He's a happy fellow, large, and unlikely to stab you in the eye with a spork. (Look at the 1979 one. Clearly a spork-stabber.)

If you buy only one Chewbacca figure ever, this is a good candidate to track down. The Early Bird Figures may not be everyone's cup of tea, but there's a lot to like there for long-time figure fans or even new folk who want a good set to start off with. If you can get the pack cheapish (under $30) I'd say get it just for Chewie-- but keep it for the others.

Collector's Notes: You probably won't be paying $30-- more like $6. For these four figures, that's a freaking bargain, and a sign of how much of a failed concept this was in the eyes of the collector market. Not all Wal-Marts had the kits (which required you to send off for the figures which, initially, were not named on the box), and some that did had a hard time selling them off. So this is a set that, for those who weren't able to get it, is now available for prices that make you a bad collector if you don't buy them. Also-- an added bonus-- the "display pegs" this set comes with are compatible with modern and vintage cardboard playsets.

--Adam Pawlus

Day 1,313: June 25, 2010

Figure of the Day: Day 1,312: Clone Sharpshooter

CLONE SHARPSHOOTER Battlefront II Clone Pack
30th Anniversary Collection Diamond/Previews Exclusive
Item No.: Asst. 87561 No. 87466
Manufacturer: Hasbro
Number: n/a
Includes: Blaster, helmet, pouch with blaster pistol, 5 more figures
Action Feature: n/a
Retail: $39.99
Availability: November 2007
Appearances: Star Wars: Battlefront II

Bio: Clone sharpshooters are highly trained marksmen whose primary purpose in battle is to target infantry forces with devastating long-range fire. (Taken from the figure's box.)

Image: Adam Pawlus' place.

Commentary: How many times can you repaint a mold inside a year? Many, many times. The Clone Sharpshooter started life as a Clone Commander in Mace Windu's Attack Battalion, then had an orange repaint as an Airbone Trooper, and also became a member of the 501st with yet another repaint-- and all of these figures were based on an existing Clone mold with a few more modifications. This release has a large clone rifle and all the articulation you're used to, 14 points. The removable helmet may fall off somewhat easily, but that seems to be an issue with the part on all releases of this figure. He can generally stand without too much assistance, and fits right in with the look of the 5th Fleet Security Clone Troopers from late 2006 and early 2007... and technically 2005 if you count the then-unnamed blue troopers from the Revenge of the Sith Clone 3-packs.

Collector's Notes: You probably won't need to spend a lot to get this one, and since it's an unusual non-movie design it doesn't seem to be commanding a huge premium. Individual figures are less than six bucks usually, so if you want it, that isn't at all bad.

--Adam Pawlus

Day 1,312: June 24, 2010

Figure of the Day: Day 1,311: Destroyer Droid (Battlefront II)

DESTROYER DROID Battlefront II
30th Anniversary Collection Previews Exclusive
Item No.: Asst. 87561 No. 87478
Manufacturer: Hasbro
Number: n/a
Includes: 2 rockets, additional figures
Action Feature: Firing rockets
Retail: $39.99
Availability: Late 2007
Appearances: Star Wars: Battlefront II

Bio: The droideka (a compound word combining the Basic word "droid" with the Colicoid suffix eka, meaning "hireling" or "drone"), also called the destroyer droid (Destroyers for short), wheel droid or roller, was a type of heavy battle droid used by the Trade Federation and the Confederacy of Independent Systems. (Stolen from Wookieepedia.)

Image: Adam Pawlus' place.

Commentary: People like to poke at Hasbro for "mistakes" (which are quite often just design decisions) but once in a while, we get a figure that's so ass-backwards we can't help but make a joke about it. Specifically since, over the past decade, Hasbro has made two figures which are literally assembled with their butt section reversed-- one of which is this Destroyer Droid. Chewbacca must have been in a hurry putting this one together because, like C-3PO in The Empire Strikes Back, he's backwards-- but just the area around its legs. The design is normally two legs in front, one in back-- this has one in front, two in back.

The mold is the Revenge of the Sith Destroyer Droid, just assembled incorrectly. It has firing rocket arms with the red rockets, and, well, that's pretty much all that's worth noting beyond that it's a pretty good sculpt and basically true to the films. It isn't a bad figure, but the assembly error is the reason to get it-- just to take note of a figure where the entire run was made incorrectly.

Collector's Notes: This item comes in a set that seems to get cheaper all the time, and the rest of the set is, for that lower price, arguably worth it. Snag it if you can, especially under $20.

--Adam Pawlus

Day 1,311: June 23, 2010

Figure of the Day: Day 1,310: Emperor Palpatine

EMPEROR PALPATINE Final Jedi Duel
Power of the Force Cinema Scenes Collection
Item No.: Asst. 68650 No. 69783
Manufacturer: Kenner
Number: n/a
Includes: Display base, additional figures
Action Feature: n/a
Retail: $14.99
Availability: 1998
Appearances: Return of the Jedi

Bio: Under the evil gaze of Emperor Palpatine, the lightsabers of two Jedi Knights - a father and son - clash furiously in a final duel between the light side and dark side of the Force. Slowly, the young Skywalker is lured closer to the rage of the dark side, and Palpatine sits confident of the Rebellion's defeat and the acquisition of a new emissary to fulfill his evil legacy! But the young Jedi's resistance appears to be growing... (Taken from the figure's packaging.)

Image: Adam Pawlus' desk.

Commentary: Many have complained that we have never received Emperor Palaptine with a throne. These people are wrong-- this figure has one, stuck to the display base of the Cinema Scene set. The figure itself doesn't do much, after all he's posed with "sitting" legs and his arms are designed to be placed on the armrests, but the sculpt is pretty good and, to date, this is the only way you're going to get a) the seated Emperor and b) the throne accessory. He's more of a statue than an action figure, simply because once he's in that chair, he doesn't do much. And outside of the chair? He looks pretty goofy. Kenner's designers did a good job with him and he was far and away the reason to buy this set back in 1998, and, believe it or not, still is.

Collector's Notes: This one went from a pretty great set to clearance fodder in under a couple of years, and could be had for under $10. Today, you shouldn't pay more than $5-$10 for it, and because of the throne, I'd suggest you get it. If the long, retangular base which the chair is stuck to bugs you, you can just slice it off and end up with a throne on a square base. You should do that. I consider this a required purchase for fans of Return of the Jedi unless Hasbro does a better one, and I suspect it will be tough to do since this figure was specifically made to sit and only to sit.

--Adam Pawlus

Day 1,310: June 22, 2010

Figure of the Day: Day 1,309: Dred Priest

DRED PRIEST Elite Forces of the Republic
30th Anniversary Collection Entertainment Earth Exclusive Mandalorians & Clone Troopers Set
Item No.: Asst. 87467 No. 87454
Manufacturer: Hasbro
Number: n/a
Includes: Helmet, rifle, 6 more figures
Action Feature: n/a
Retail: $39.99
Availability: November 2007
Appearances: n/a

Bio: A secret army of clone troopers is being engineered on Kamino, created from the genes of Jango Fett, a Mandalorian whose combat skills are exceptional even among the great Mandalorian warrior society. Special clones are created to command these soldiers, but they must be trained to become leaders. Fett seeks out the very best Mandalorian warriors from every corner of the galaxy. These sergeants will train the commandos to fight and lead, and instill in them the Mandalorian values of iron discipline and loyalty. (Taken from the figure's packaging.)

Image: Adam Pawlus' desk.

Commentary: While Hasbro has had a few opportunities to design Star Wars vehicles and the occasional figure, it's rare that they get to make up entirely new characters like Dred Priest. Named for (and designed to slightly resemble) Hasbro's chief Star Wars muckymuck Derryl DePriest, it's a fairly distinctive character with red armor. Rather than sculpt a completely new figure, Hasbro made a new torso and head while keeping the 2004 "Vintage" Boba Fett's arms and legs. As such, the articulation is pretty good with 14 joints and a Clone Trooper's rifle for his weapon. He can stand just fine but his belt doesn't do him many favors when it comes to doing things like sitting.

Given that this was basically a new character for the toys, and one designed after a Hasbro employee, there's really not much in the way of reference to say if it's really good or bad as far as the likeness goes. The important thing here is that Hasbro made a cool looking figure with a helmet that fits, plus he has some battered armor that doesn't look all that bad. More scuffing would be cool on his red plates, but eh, at least we got some. It's a neat figure and a rare case of Hasbro innovating and expanding the story with their own new characters. And surprisingly, it totally worked-- it's tough to say if they could pull that off again today given the shifting focus in the hobby, where every remaining collector runs his or her own collecting site. (It's true, look it up. If you don't have a site you're supposed to start one.)

Collector's Notes: This one sold pretty well and then went away. There are no known plans to reissue him, although there have been a lot of fan requests. So grab a loose one off eBay.

--Adam Pawlus

Day 1,309: June 21, 2010

Figure of the Day: Day 1,308: AT-AT Driver

AT-AT DRIVER The Removable Helmet One
The Legacy Collection Basic Figures
Item No.: Asst. 87535 No. 88336
Manufacturer: Hasbro
Number: #BD49
Includes: Blaster, helmet, droid part
Action Feature: n/a
Retail: $7.99
Availability: Late 2009/Early 2010
Appearances: The Empire Strikes Back

Bio: The massive AT-AT walkers need skilled drivers to handle them efficiently in battle. AT-AT drivers are experts at operating these ground assault vehicles to keep them moving over rough terrain while pounding their targets with laser cannon fire. (Taken from the figure's packaging.)

Image: Adam Pawlus' yard.

Commentary: The most surprising things about this AT-AT Driver are that 1) he isn't the one packed with the Big AT-AT and 2) he came out so quickly after the last one, which was in 2006. The 2006 one was actually quite good-- great sculpt, decent (but not fantastic) articulation, and a head that stayed on pretty dang well. The helmet seems to be a smidgen different, and there's a big red box on the chest console. His helmet comes off, he has ball-jointed ankles and elbows now, plus he has pretty sweet sideburns. I hesitate to call this one a huge improvement mostly because the 2006 one was so good/just fine. Where do you go from "pretty much perfect?" Prefect-er, apparently. It's a fine figure, but he has a little more problem holding on to his gun and I gotta say I don't care for the removable helmet anymore. It was cute in 2006 when we were all crazy about Clones and Hasbro was trying to merge that element of the prequels with the original trilogy, but I'm pretty over it now. That, and sometimes the helmet gets knocked off, so eh. Since the design is fairly simple-- except for the helmet-- the sculpting is about as good as the last one and if you need a dude to sit around inside an AT-AT, this is more figure than you're going to need. So get it, you won't be sorry you did unless you already have too many existing AT-AT Drivers.

Collector's Notes: This one sold pretty well so far, and it's a safe bet you'll see it again.

--Adam Pawlus

Day 1,308: June 18, 2010