Figure of the Day: Day 810: Lt. Lerpia

LT. LEPIRA Y-wing Fighter Pilot
30th Anniversary Collection Toys "R" Us Exclusive
Item No.: No. 87431
Manufacturer: Hasbro
Number: n/a
Includes: Helmet, droid, Y-wing fighter
Action Feature: n/a
Retail: $29.99-$34.99
Availability: Summer 2007
Appearances: Star Wars

Image: Adam Pawlus' box mock-up for the Elite Forces set.

Bio: Rebel pilot Lieutenant Lepira flies Gold Four, the point Y-wing for Gold Squadron at the Battle of Yavin, but is shot down during that pivotal battle. (Taken from the figure's box.)

Commentary: Fans of the Rebel Pilots frequently beg Hasbro to just make more-- even if it's just an old body with a new head. Lt. Lepira, some kid with a mullet, is one such figure. With the 2004 Dutch Vader body, this figure sports a new head and a pretty boring helmet. Most fans will get this one just because they wanted the excellent vehicle with which he was packed, but let me tell you, this guy rocks a mullet like no other. (Seriously, no other Star Wars figure has hair like this. I've got pretty much all of them, so I can be sure.) It may seems stupid to advise you buy a figure because of its hair, but the figure is pretty nondescript otherwise. It has the same too-tall orange flight suited body, the same lack of arm articulation, and yet another dumb look on his face. While not remarkable, it's certainly distinctive. Because of this, I can safely say it's worth snagging just because it's so greatly goofy, plus it's nice to have a few more Rebels. Even if they all basically do look the same.

Collector's Notes: This figure is probably still available at a Toys "R" Us near you-- the ship, while awesome, proved fan demand and even kid interest in vehicles doesn't always mean you'll make a sale when double or triple-dipping a vehicle mold at a price they didn't consider fair. Yet the red-striped TIE Interceptor from last year sold through and the Y-Wing was a much better item for the money, so what do I know?

--Adam Pawlus

Day 810: July 24, 2008