Figure of the Day: Day 180: Yoda

YODA Original Trilogy Collection
Original Trilogy Collection
Item No.: Asst. 84715 No. 84779
Number: OTC #02
Includes: Cane, backpack piece, display base
Action Feature: Splits at waist, can be carried in backpack by Luke
Retail: $4.99
Availability: Summer 2004
Appearances: The Empire Strikes Back

Bio: A friend of the Rebel Alliance, Yoda trains Luke Skywalker to be a Jedi Knight. Hiding from the evil Empire on the planet Dagobah, Yoda teaches Luke to use the power of the Force. He wants Luke to be strong enough to fight Darth Vader, who is a powerful leader of the Empire. Yoda tries to teach Luke all the skills he will need for the coming battles. (Taken from the figure's cardback.)

Image: Adam Pawlus' toy shelf.

Commentary: After initial cries of "oh, another Yoda?" fans warmed up to this release fairly quickly-- especially since it came out shortly before the $10 "Vintage" Yoda, which was, by all estimates, an inferior figure. This release had a ball-jointed neck, articulated wrists, the ability to split in two, above average arm articulation, and the absolute best modern Trilogy Yoda sculpt. Ever. It's just awesome. It's sad Hasbro didn't sell this figure beyond 2005, because it really is just that good-- it has a great base, and can be carried around by Luke (if you buy a Luke, that is), and the figure just oozes with personality. Few figures look like they might have something to say, but because Hasbro did such a great job on the pose and the face, it's unlikely we'll see another Yoda this good any time soon. Even the Revenge of the Sith ones, while good, just aren't this good.

Collector's Notes: This figure was also released in the "POTC", a line of OTC-style packaging that didn't sport the OTC logo in early 2005. That release is much harder to find but is essentially identical to the first one, except for a few bits on the package. A regular OTC Yoda can be had for about $5 on eBay, but if you get one, I must demand you get a matching OTC Dagobah Luke to go with it. You'll be glad you did.

Day 180: November 2, 2006