Star Wars Figure of the Day: Day 517: Chewbacca

CHEWBACCA Death Star Escape
Power of the Force Toys "R" Us Exclusive Cinema Scenes
Item No.: No. 69737
Manufacturer: Kenner
Number: n/a
Includes: Stand, manacles
Action Feature: n/a
Retail: $14.99
Availability: Summer 1997
Appearances: Star Wars

Bio: The Rebel Alliance has infiltrated the Galactic Empire's most powerful battle station, the Death Star! posing as stormtroopers escorting a prisoner, Han Solo, Luke Skywalker and Chewbacca attempt a daring rescue of the captive Princess Leia. Can they escape the dreaded Death Star, or is the Rebellion about to suffer the loss of its newest heroes? (Taken from the figure's box.)

Image: Adam Pawlus' toy shelves.

Commentary: Behold, the first-ever Cinema Scene! Featuring Luke and Han in Stormtrooper outfits as well as Chewbacca, this new product segment was both exciting and maddening all at once. The figure is basically a barely-changed version of the original 1995 Chewbacca, except his arms have been repositioned so you can "cuff" him. It's pretty cheesy, but it gets the job done. The sculpt is, in this day and age, antiquated. It doesn't have the charm of the vintage 1978 figure, nor does it have the modern flair we've all come to love. No, it's just an old figure. There are a few shades of brown to make his fur look more realistic, but when you get right down to it his waist is too small, he's too short, his head is off, and he just won't do the job right. As part of the boxed set, it's pretty cool, and as a packaged toy this item is probably worth owning. With the backdrop and scenery, it's pretty cool. As a loose figure all by his lonesome, it's not too hot. For packaging fans and completists only.

Collector's Notes: This was just the first of many versions of Chewbacca in chains in this scale. Kenner did one in 1998 based off of Jabba's Palace, and another in 2006 based on the same scene. A "Death Star Capture" Chewbacca has never been revisited outside this original release, meaning we're probably about due for a new take on this old figure.

Day 517: October 5, 2007