Figure of the Day: Day 293: Luke Skywalker in Stormtrooper Disguise

LUKE SKYWALKER in Stormtrooper Disguise
Power of the Force Collection 2 or 1
Item No.: Asst. 69605 No. 69604
Number: n/a
Includes: Helmet, blaster, and in some cases, a Freeze Frame
Action Feature: n/a
Retail: $4.99
Availability: Fall 1996
Appearances: Star Wars

Bio: Disguised as stormtroopers and fighting off a regiment of Imperial troops inside the Death Star, the escaping band of heroes finds refuge in a garbage receptacle. The Rebels realize their problem has changed when the walls begin closing in. (Taken from the figure's 1998 cardback.)

Image: Adam's toy shelves.

Commentary: In the vintage days, a few figures achieved legendary collectible status. So when it came time to do the modern line, Kenner cashed in on a decade's worth of fame and secondary market values with a new version of Luke Skywalker in his famous Stormtrooper disguise, which was a mix of new and old parts. The Stormtrooper armor parts were largely based on the 1995 Stormtrooper, except the limbs were straighter and most fans considered this to be one of the best poses of the then-new Stormtrooper army. Today, the figure doesn't hold up quite as well, but at the time it was a blast. The figure had a removable helmet, which was somewhat difficult to do in those days without a bulbous piece of head gear or a tiny pea-sized head. Sure, the figure was beefy. Yeah, it only had six points of articulation. But you know what? It rocked. Fans bought it in droves and Kenner kept it in circulation on the pegs for roughly two whole years, which is really a good lifespan at retail for a basic action figure in this day and age. If you're a collector who wants something special, be sure to get one of these. Kids should love it too.

Collector's Notes: This was a common figure, and to this very day, Hasbro has yet to release another Stormtrooper Luke with removable helmet and movie decoration. Later this year, we'll be getting a "comic book" version with blue and red highlights, as well as enhanced articulation. Fans are praying for a movie version of this new figure, but for now, this is pretty much your only removable-helmet Stormtrooper Luke option.

Day 293: February 23, 2007