Figure of the Day: Day 318: Han Solo (Endor Strike)

HAN SOLO Endor Strike
Saga Collection
Item No.: Asst. 84715 No. 84775
Number: 0419
Includes: Blaster, helmet, display base
Action Feature: n/a
Retail: $5.99
Availability: Spring 2002
Appearances: Return of the Jedi

Bio: Han led a strike team to the moon of Endor, to destroy the shield generator protecting the second Death Star high in orbit. Han had to get inside the Imperial bunker to disable the generator. Commandeering the uniform of an AT-ST driver, Han pretended to be an Imperial trooper. Using a communicator. he told the forces in the bunker that the Rebels were fleeing into the woods and reinforcements were needed. The troopers opened the bunker, and Han and his team attacked. With the help of the native Ewoks, the Rebel strike team defeated the Imperial forces and destroyed the generator, paving the way for victory at the Battle of Endor. (Taken from the figure's cardback.)

Image: Adam Pawlus' floor.

Commentary: This particular version of Han Solo both kind of did and didn't appear in the movie. In a brief shot, you could see an AT-ST Driver message inside the Imperial Bunker for help, and according to the script, that's Han in disguise. The movie went by really quick so most viewers never could figure out who it was supposed to be, but Hasbro picked up on this and cobbled together a figure based on this scenario-- and it's pretty cool! They took a 2001 Imperial Officer, gave it a new head, retooled a hand and gave it a communicator, and after adding a helmet, came up with this nifty design. The articulation is good, he can sit inside a vehicle, and is arguably the best AT-ST Driver to ever be sold on an individual card-- except for maybe the 1984 Return of the Jedi release. Still, with 10 points of articulation, he's plenty good and overall better decorated than the version packaged in the Toys "R" Us exclusive Imperial Forces gift set. Plus there's really nothing better than a figure in disguise-- it's like getting two figures in one!

Collector's Notes: This figure was repackaged in late 2004 in the Original Trilogy Collection packaging, which was (in most markets) much more common than the original Saga version. It also looks a lot better.

Day 318: March 20, 2007