Figure of the Day: Day 203: Supreme Chancellor Palpatine

SUPREME CHANCELLOR PALPATINE Attack of the Clones
The Saga Collection Collection 2
Item No.: Asst. 84861 No. 84808
Number: 0239
Includes: n/a
Action Feature: n/a
Retail: $4.99
Availability: June 2002
Appearances: Attack of the Clones

Bio: Currently presiding over the Galactic Republic, Supreme Chancellor Palpatine maintains that negotiations are continuing with the Separatists. Peace is the objective, he assures the Senate, not war. However, Palpatine subsequently takes a more aggressive approach when the Senate grants him absolute power to commission an emergency army to end the civil strife. (Taken from the figure's cardback.)

Image: Adam's toy shelves.

Commentary: Before Episode III, it was unthinkable that a character like Supreme Chancellor Palpatine would get mutiple figures, although having a "secret identity" sure helped. As the only Palpatine from the Episode II era, this figure came out as a real improvement over the Episode I version which itself was considered a very remarkable toy. This new version was said to have been sculpted based on 3D scans by Gentle Giant, and the deco on the costume is absolutely stunning. (As it should be, as the figure has no accessories.) Due to the ornate costume, the articulation is quite limited. The wrists, shoulders, neck, and elbows move-- and that's really it. He can gesticulate, he can put his hands together a little bit like Mr. Burns, and that's about it. He's one of the better versions of the character, but like a lot of figures, he can't actually do anything.

Collector's Notes: This wasn't a figure that sold so well. It didn't do poorly, but the sad fact is that a lot of people aren't all that excited about an old man who sees no action and has no accessories. Oh, and can't interact with ships really. This is the ideal Palpatine for your Clone Wars shelf (as that's where mine lives), so get one. Oh, an abandoned concept for this figure was to include a holographic Count Dooku figure, which was significantly different than the ones sold in 2006. Here's hoping Hasbro considers releasing that as a bonus item some day!

Day 203: November 25, 2006