Figure of the Day: Day 830: Yoda (The Clone Wars)

YODA Firing Force-Blast
The Clone Wars Animated Figures
Item No.: Asst. 87638 No. 87658
Manufacturer: Hasbro
Number: #03
Includes: Lightsaber, cane, projectile
Action Feature: Arm has projectile launcher
Retail: $7.99
Availability: July 26, 2008
Appearances: The Clone Wars

Image: Adam Pawlus' TV tray.

Bio: Yoda is alarmed by the growing darkness that is spreading throughout the galaxy. While he monitors Obi-Wan's and Anakin's recent rescue of Jabba the Hutt's kidnapped son, he is faced with his own challenge- leading clone troopers under his command into another grueling battle against the vast droid army. As he destroys one droid, another one quickly takes its place. (Taken from the cardback.)

Commentary: One of the big issues with the Star Wars action figure line is that of value. Yesterday, we looked at the Yoda with a Kybuck, which gives you two great figures for a pretty good price. On the other end of the spectrum is this animated Yoda, which has few accessories, little articulation, and a nice sculpt. In short, this is a statue. And it's small. Seeing as the retail price just recently went up to $7.99, this really doesn't feel like a good deal at all. Thanks to Yoda's popularity and the fact kids and collectors will buy it just because it's Yoda, it's sure to do well. It should also offset the costs of other figures in the case... but is it worth getting? Yeah, actually it is.

The sculpt is pretty great-- it's not a perfect match to the animated character, but it's a great plastic reinterpretation complete with giant eyes, a big head, and a smooth costume. His right arm is fairly poseable, but his left arm only moves at the wrist. In order to incorporate a projectile launcher into his sleeve, this had to be done-- on the bright side, they also tooled it to accept a cane so if you don't like the whole blue missile thing it will still look decent on your shelf. His only leg articulation is at the ankle, which is better than nothing, but it really won't help you to get much in the way of dynamic action poses out of this guy. If the line continues, it's a pretty safe bet we'll see multiple Yodas and at some point get one with actual hip joints and both arms jointed... but today, this is it. He's good enough to warrant a purchase, but he doesn't really impress in the way that other figures do with swappable body parts and scores of extra weapons. It's Yoda-- and it has just about everything a good Yoda should. If you like how he looks, buy one for your desk at work. If you don't, well, he's not much of a toy.

Collector's Notes: In addition to his basic carded release, this figure will be packed with a squad of Clone Troopers for a Target exclusive battle pack. It's a safe bet it will come out again in some other capacity as well as Yoda tends to be a strong seller, and this one looks pretty good.

--Adam Pawlus

Day 830: August 19, 2008