Star Wars Figure of the Day: Day 1,533: Luke Skywalker (Dagobah Landing)

LUKE SKYWALKER Dagobah Landing
The Vintage Collection Basic Figures
Item No.: Asst. 97568 No. 28436
Manufacturer: Hasbro
Number: VC44
Includes: Pistol, lightsaber, hilt, helmet
Action Feature: n/a
Retail: $7.99-$10.99
Availability: February 2011
Appearances: The Empire Strikes Back

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's TV tray.

Commentary: This Luke Skywalker was unusual in a few ways, specifically how he was announced to the world-- as a completed, packaged sample since Hasbro actually had succeeded in manufacturing the entire wave before fans even knew it was coming. The production was seemingly held back for Toy Fair 2011, and the figures went online during the show and seemingly shipped from Hasbro days later. Well done, Hasbro.

This incarnation of Luke is based on a very specific few minutes of the movie where Luke takes his helmet and gloves off, so it's based on the 2009 (or early 2010) Legacy Collection Hoth Pilot mold with a new head and new hands. Rather than resculpt the entire arm, Hasbro made new hands with most of the sleeve connected, allowing them use of more of the existing mold and keeping costs down. (Smart!) The range of motion on this one is excellent, and he reminds me a lot of the playable Luke from Super Empire Strikes Back on the Super NES. He's armed and ready to do battle with, uh, snakes or something. The lightsaber fits on his belt, the blaster fits in a newly-sculpted holster, and basically everything about it is pretty darned cool. I'd also say that, in the right lighting, it's one of the best Mark Hamill likenesses we've seen from Hasbro in, uh, ever. It's really good, and the kind of plastic they used really makes it look even better. My only real criticism of the figure is that the orange plastic seems to show through the flesh-painted hands, so be careful to look at the hands when buying this figure.

It's by no means an essential figure, or even one you probably would've asked Hasbro to make. It is, however, totally cool and a lot of fun to play with. When I first got the wave, this was one of the first ones I cracked open-- and it's just wonderful. The articulation is great, he can get both hands on his lightsaber, and the only thing it's missing is a new Original Trilogy Yoda to pal around with. (The last new OT Yoda came out in 2004.)

Collector's Notes: As a new figure you might not have seen it yet. I've seen them around, and as of today a variant has surfaced-- a dark blue lightsaber exists as well as a pale, clearer blue. The pale, clearer one was the first release.

--Adam Pawlus

Day 1,533: April 29, 2011

Star Wars Figure of the Day: Day 1,532: Clone Turbo Tank Gunner

CLONE TURBO TANK GUNNER Clone Trooper
The Clone Wars Vehicles
Item No.: Asst. 89052 No. 89053
Manufacturer: Hasbro
Number: n/a
Includes: Turbo Tank, blaster
Action Feature: n/a
Retail: $99.99
Availability: August 2009
Appearances: The Clone Wars, Revenge of the Sith

Bio: The Republic's Clone Turbo Tank is bristling with weapons and covered with thick armor. This ten-wheel titan plows through every obstacle in its path. Clone troopers take aim from laser turrets and missile ports as this heavy assault behemoth crushes anything under its massive wheels. A true mobile fortress, the Clone Turbo Tank can deploy a company of troopers and a full recon speeder team, and also serve as an armored command bunker for extended ground sieges. (Taken from the figure's packaging.)

Image: Adam's pile of puzzle pieces.

Commentary: A revised version of the figure that it was based on, the Clone Turbo Tank Gunner has a new head that's slightly different from the 2008 AT-TE-related Clone Trooper figures. The helmet is updated with proportions more in tune to what appeared on the show, while maintaining the 14 points of articulation plus swivel-and-bend wrists that you've come to love. The deco is changed slightly, with more light greenish tan taking over for the grey and a cleaner, brighter look overall. It's a good pack-in figure, which is to say, it's different, interesting, and probably not something you'd have wanted to spent $8 on all by itself. (Although if you're a clone completeist, it's really going to set you back.)

Collector's Notes: Since the Tank has become insanely popular on the secondary market, this one will cost you. The price is on a downaward trend right now, so if you're lucky you can get a boxed one for $175 or so, or a loose one under $100. They were above $200 late in 2010, so keep an eye on the market if you want to save some money.

--Adam Pawlus

Day 1,532: April 28, 2011

Star Wars Figure of the Day: Day 1,531: Star Tours Officer

STAR TOURS OFFICER Star Tours
Star Tours Boarding Party
Item No.: No. 19536
Manufacturer: Hasbro
Number: n/a
Includes: Additional figures
Action Feature: n/a
Retail: $34.99
Availability: May 2010
Appearances: Star Tours

Bio: This officer is responsible for making sure that all passengers are properly boarded and secured for takeoff. Star Tours officers also manage the Star Tours droids and oversee operations in the souvenir trading post at the end of the tour. (Taken from the figure's packaging.)

Image: Adam's old back yard.

Commentary: It's unusual that Hasbro makes a figure based off a cast member, but the Star Tours Officer is, basically, that. It looks vaguely like the people dressed up at the ride, made with the limitations imposed by repainting the 2001 Imperial Officer mold. Since it's based on an old design, you'll note that it doesn't have ball-jointed elbows, as those weren't used in the line very much at that time. (Or at all, actually.) The figure has the basic 6 points of articulation common to most of the figures, plus swivel gloves and biceps for added movement. He can stand and sit, which would be fantastic had Hasbro produced an adequately sized Starspeeder for him to sit in-- which, I believe I've heard, is coming in conjunction with the new ride. The bright orange deco is peppered with some blue, plus a tampo on his left shoulder which resembles the Star Tours logo. It's such a weird figure that I have to advise you to get it. The Star Tours stuff is delightfully weird, and as such, is totally worth shelling out for.

Collector's Notes: This set is still available at most Disney parks if you want it, and I believe you do. It also includes Teek, Kaink, Chewbacca, and Ree-Yees.

--Adam Pawlus

Day 1,531: April 27, 2011

Star Wars Figure of the Day: Day 1,530: Anakin Skywalker

ANAKIN SKYWALKER Firing Force-Blast!
The Clone Wars Basic Figures
Item No.: Asst. 87638 No. 87656
Manufacturer: Hasbro
Number: #1
Includes: Blast projectile, wrist gauntlet, launcher, lightsaber, rope
Action Feature: Firing wrist projectile
Retail: $7.99
Availability: July 2008
Appearances: The Clone Wars

Bio: Anakin is sent to rescue the kidnapped son of Jabba the Hutt, an act that will not only save an innocent life but also give the Republic free passage through the Hutt's systems. Tracking the Huttlet to the remote planet Teth, Anakin is caught in a web of deceit and betrayal as he and his team battle to free Jabba's son...and escape with their lives. (Taken from the figure's packaging.)

Image: Adam's desk.

Commentary: Repackaged a few times, slightly redecorated and retooled, and also completely overhauled, this first Anakin Skywalker is at just barely three years old, already something of a relic. When he was released, the Clone Wars lineup was squarely aimed at kids with main characters, action features, and good--but limited-- articulation. Anakin here doesn't have knee or ankle joints, but he is otherwise as fully-articulated as one might hope. He can sit, but his lower robes aren't too flexible so they may get in the way of putting him in certain vehicles.

The most interesting thing about this (and other) figures from the early days of this line was the abundance of accessories. Not only do you get a lightsaber, but there's a firing Force-Blast, plus a rope for him to swing down on or fly along or whatever. When there are more accessories than the figure has hands, I'm generally impressed-- so as a toy, this figure offers a lot of play value to kids but the average collector would probably prefer the space helmet version of Anakin which came later, due to its improved sculpt and added articulation.

Collector's Notes: This figure shipped on and off for a while, so he's really easy to get. He was also retooled, repackaged, and effectively thrust upon the market-- if you collected the cartoon line, you probably have one, two, or as many as a half dozen figures based on this one's mold.

--Adam Pawlus

Day 1,530: April 26, 2011

Star Wars Figure of the Day: Day 1,529: Geonosian Warrior

GEONOSIAN WARRIOR & Kit Fisto
The Legacy Collection Target Exclusive Geonosis Arena
Item No.: Asst. 91751 No. 91752
Manufacturer: Hasbro
Number: #2 of 6
Includes: Blaster, Kit Fisto figure
Action Feature: n/a
Retail: $12.99
Availability: October 2009
Appearances: Attack of the Clones

Bio: The Jedi Knights rush to Geonosis to rescue Obi-Wan, Anakin, and Padme from execution. The Jedi brandish their lightsabers against the Geonosian warriors and the massive army of battle droids, super battle droids, and droidekas. All hope seems lost that any Jedi will survive this battle, then Yoda arrives with an army of clone troopers. Although many Jedi are lost that day, others survive this climactic battle that ushers in the Clone Wars. (Taken from the figure's packaging.)

Image: Adam's Arena playset.

Commentary: As a heavy reworking of Sun Fac, this Geonosian Warrior turned out fairly well. The deco is incredibly bumpy and filthy, the armor has been exquisitely painted, and-- unusual for an exclusive-- Hasbro actually added knee articulation. This messy figure would make for a great army builder were it not stuck in a 2-pack with Kit Fisto, its raised price effectively limiting just how many you're likely to want to buy. At the present time, as movie figures go, this is the best basic Geonosian trooper you can get. He's got wings, he's got articulated ankles, and he has a big gun for aiming at the clone army. Hasbro did a great job bringing out the texture in its sculpt, so you'll probably want to track this one down despite having had a shot at a superior Kit Fisto figure at this point. (For the record, a Kit Fisto was packaged with this Geonosian.)

Collector's Notes: This assortment stuck around for a while, and while unlikely it's possible you might still be able to find it locally. At $13 it may be a bit of a stretch, but for $10 or less it's a great deal. On eBay, it's not worth a lot so feel free to be a cheapskate on this one.

--Adam Pawlus

Day 1,529: April 25, 2011

Star Wars Figure of the Day: Day 1,528: Snowtrooper

SNOWTROOPER The Battle of Hoth
Saga Basic Figures Collection 1
Item No.: Asst. 84851 No. 84979
Manufacturer: Hasbro
Number: #0319
Includes: Blaster, E-Web Cannon, Projectile, Backpack
Action Feature: n/a
Retail: $4.99-$5.99
Availability: Summer 2003
Appearances: The Empire Strikes Back

Bio: With the Imperial forces dominating their assault of the Rebel base on Hoth, the battered Rebels flee the ice planet. An Imperial Snowtrooper, a highly-specialized form of trooper created for cold weather missions, sets up an E-Web repeating blaster hoping to destroy Han's Millennium Falson. But Han destroys the enemy's blaster and escapes to continue to fight another day. (Taken from the figure's packaging.)

Image: On a 2010 Freeco Speeder backdrop. Nice, eh?

Commentary: There are two fascinating things about this Snowtrooper: one, that its accessories are far better than its cost warranted, and two, it was made from an inferior grade of white plastic. (See Collector's Notes for more on the latter.) This figure was also notable for not being a "trooper" so much as a ranking officer, on the upper left-hand part of his chest armor are some colored squares that says he's smarter than the average grunt. Shorter than the hulking 1997 Snowtrooper, this version really did pack a lot of fun into a cheap package. The head could turn (a first for a 3 3/4-inch Snowtrooper), he had a holster for his blaster, and he had added ankle articulation to help with improving his poses in battle scenes.

The detail is really nice, with some crinkles in the mask and a nice, smooth helmet. There isn't a lot of dirt-- which is nice, given the snow-- and while the articulation isn't as good as later figures, it's not bad at 7 points. The helmet's ability to pivot forward and backward is a nice touch, but the real winner here is the E-Web Cannon. In the vintage line, it was a separate accessory-- in 1997, it was a deluxe figure's accessory. And now? Basic figure. How cool is that? It fires a rocket and has pretty good detail, but lacks the cable and ammo box of the previous two releases. So while not perfect, it certainly was cheap and you absolutely got your money's worth. For those keeping track of such things, the accessories Hasbro packed in with figures from 2002-2004 were, on the whole, some of the best of the entire run. And when I say "entire run" I mean everything from 1978-2011, they really crammed some awesome gear in some of those figures. Sure we got a few good ones in 2006, but nothing quite this nice.

Collector's Notes: This figure was made during a time where Hasbro's white plastic often grew a green film over time. This happens to packaged and opened figures, and can be removed off the figure if you rub it with a cloth, damp or otherwise. It's extremely difficult to get into the nooks and crannies. If you can get the green out of the nooks of his backpack, you're a genius. This particular affliction is pretty common on figures made of mostly white plastic from 2002-2004, which effectively encompasses the entire Attack of the Clones/Saga blue carded action figure line as well as some 2003 Clone Wars figures. If you haven't seen your 2002-2004 figures lately, you might want to go check them out-- even if properly cared for in a dark, cool place, the figures will grow this green grease that has to be removed physically. This particular Snowtrooper mold was reused quite a bit, so don't be surprised if you see a few flavors of it in your collection.

--Adam Pawlus

Day 1,528: April 22, 2011

Star Wars Figure of the Day: Day 1,527: Padme Amidala

PADME AMIDALA Peasant Disguise
The Vintage Collection Basic Figures
Item No.: Asst. 97568 No. 24992
Manufacturer: Hasbro
Number: VC33
Includes: Pistol, headdress, other headdress
Action Feature: n/a
Retail: $7.99-$10.99
Availability: January 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: My kitchen, on a G.I. Joe diorama box. I spare no expense.

Commentary: While not a highly-requested costume, Hasbro did a great job recreating Padme Amidala in her "peasant disguise." I find it funny that this qualifies as a peasant disguise, because it looks pretty damned ornate for the kind of garb you'd expect on a refugee or the lower class. According to Hasbro, the creation of this figure resulted in a bit of archival weirdness-- she wears one headdress in the movie, but the official costume photography shows another. So what is the solution? Produce and include both. (This is the correct answer, and one I hope Hasbro arrives at more often in the future.)

The figure itself is fairly ornate-- the face paint is good, and the scarf is sculpted as part of the head. The yellow headdress is removable, and a second one has been included as well. Her arms are fully jointed, and from the waist down she's basically a pepper shaker with no meaningful movement. Hasbro did sculpt legs and pants underneath, though, so that's good. The gown is covered in fine detail, with sculpted and painted accents bringing the fabric to life. To add more heft to the figure, they even included some cloth elements to make her appear slightly less stiff. All in all, a great job on a figure you probably didn't want to buy. It's nice to see this kind of effort go into a figure like this, not just because I appreciate quality but because it also means Hasbro will probably never have a reason to revisit this figure in this costume. She even has a gun, although I don't suppose you'll need it.

Collector's Notes: Like the rest of the figures from her wave, she's packed at 1-per-box. So far, it seems she sells fairly quickly so there's no real danger of her becoming a pegwarmer at this time.

--Adam Pawlus

Day 1,527: April 21, 2011

Star Wars Figure of the Day: Day 1,526: Anakin Skywalker

ANAKIN SKYWALKER Arena Battle
The Legacy Collection Target Exclusive Geonosis Arena Packs 2010
Item No.: Asst. 97645 No. 97648
Manufacturer: Hasbro
Number: #3 of 6
Includes: Lightasber blade, hilt, Droideka figure
Action Feature: Lightsaber hilt plugs into belt
Retail: $12.99
Availability: Ocotber 2010
Appearances: Attack of the Clones

Bio: The Jedi Knights rush to Geonosis to rescue Obi-Wan, Anakin, and Padme from execution. The Jedi brandish their lightsabers against the Geonosian warriors and the massive army of battle droids, super battle droids, and droidekas. All hope seems lost that any Jedi will survive this battle, then Yoda arrives with an army of clone troopers. Although many Jedi are lost that day, others survive this climactic battle that ushers in the Clone Wars. (Taken from the figure's packaging.)

Image: Adam Pawlus' Geonosis backdrop, which will be thrown away by the time you read this.

Commentary: A retooled version of the 2005 Evolutions Anakin Skywalker, this revised Attack of the Clones version makes a few notable changes-- the first of which is a new head sculpt. The previous one looked a little off, and this one does too. It's better, but Hayden Christensen's head is a tough one to pull off correctly. The colors of his robes were changed up, with the cloth elements seeming darker than the last go-round. Thankfully, the figure still has cloth rather than plastic making up his robes, so he should have no problems piloting vehicles or sitting down. As you can see in the image he has no difficulty holding a lightsaber either, and this time around he comes with a green blade one-- like the one he gets tossed after he's untied in the arena.

If you have the Evolutions figure (which was also sold in the tins and elsewhere) this may be a worthy upgrade. I see new head sculpts as being worth the effort to track down, so this one I'd say you should get. His companion figure, the Droideka, does not seem significantly different from any of the other releases.

Collector's Notes: These sets seemed to perform quite well, so they should be gone from retail in most parts of the country by now-- long gone, really. The first batch of Arena packs from 2009 stuck around for a while, so it's nice to see this set either had a smaller run or simply performed better.

--Adam Pawlus

Day 1,526: April 20, 2011

Star Wars Figure of the Day: Day 1,525: Boba Fett

BOBA FETT Rise of Boba Fett
The Clone Wars Toys "R" Us Exclusive Ultimate Battle Pack
Item No.: No. 20850
Manufacturer: Hasbro
Number: n/a
Includes: Stand, game card, tons of other toys
Action Feature: n/a
Retail: $109.99
Availability: August 2010
Appearances: The Clone Wars

Bio: Ever since the Battle of Geonosis, young Boba Fett has made it his mission to confront the Jedi who defeated his father. Jango's son doesn't care that the duel between his father and Mace Windu was a fair battle between skilled warriors; Boba wants his chance to fight the Jedi. (Taken from the figure's packaging.)

Image: Adam Pawlus' toy room.

Commentary: This particular Boba Fett is exclusive to the boxed set, which also includes 2 vehicles and 4 more figures. Even more surprisingly, it seems to be selling well, having sold through in numerous markets despite a high price tag. While not as decked out as his individually carded counterpart, this completely different sculpt is modeled after the Clone Cadet outfit, meaning that as of yet he's the only Clone Cadet action figure. While super-articulated, the shirt hangs down below the waist, blocking the hips from moving too much. The hands are sculpted nicely, but no guns were included for him to use in this set. You'll like this figure, I don't doubt, but I wouldn't suggest buying the set just for him-- for the vehicles, sure. For Bossk? Maybe. But not just for Boba, just because it wouldn't stun me to see a Clone Cadet sold elsewhere in the future and you could probably do a head swap with a different Boba Fett figure.

Collector's Notes: You'll want the Slave I anyway, so get this set if you can. As of now there are no known plans to sell this figure individually, but another carded version of animated Boba Fett exists. The set seems to still be available in most markets, and the sum of its parts are arguably worth it.

--Adam Pawlus

Day 1,525: April 19, 2011