Figure of the Day: Day 892: Anakin Skywalker

ANAKIN SKYWALKER Jedi Hero
Revenge of the Sith Evolutions
Item No.: Asst. 85553 No. 85662
Manufacturer: Hasbro
Number: n/a
Includes: Robot hand, lightsaber, blade, robes
Action Feature: n/a
Retail: $19.99
Availability: Fall 2005
Appearances: Revenge of the Sith

Bio: Experience the evolution of the greatest villain the galaxy has ever known! These figures capture the fall of Anakin Skywalker and the rise of Darth Vader! Anakin is a young Jedi who fights for all that is good. He emerges as a hero of the Clone Wars but is lured to the dark side of the Force. He joins the evil Sith and becomes the menacing Darth Vader. From hero to villain, his power and influence change the destiny of a galaxy! (Taken from the figure's box.)
Image: A desk.

Commentary: At one point, the greatest Anakin Skywalker figure from the final prequel. It's since been retooled, repackaged, and rereleased, but this one is still pretty sweet. Surprisingly close to super-articulated except for the elbows, the likeness is easily Hasbro's best Hayden Christensen so far. He's both thin and muscular, tall enough to be imposing, and unlike other Anakins, he doesn't look overly creepy. The long hair is here, and the sculptors more or less nailed it-- he looks like he stepped out of the opening of Revenge of the Sith. He can sit, he can stand, really the only thing he can't do is bend at the elbows. No doubt, Hasbro will fix this in a future release. As part of the Evolutions set, this is a must-own figure, and the weakest of the three. It's still incredible, but it lacks some of the details and features found on the other two figures. If you only get one Anakin from the prequels, you might want to make sure it's one of the figures derived from this sculpt. As there are many.

Collector's Notes: After a hugely popular run in 2005, this set was repackaged and sold again in 2008. There's also a packaging variant, as the Darth Vader in the set was initially labeled Episode IV and was later changed to Episode VI. In 2008, the figure was resculpted to include added hip articulation-- now the hips swivel out. Another version of this mold was repainted and released along with a retooled Durge in a comic pack. So yeah, you've got options. Oh-- and this figure also came packaged in the first round of collector tins in late 2006, but with slightly different accessories. (No robot hand, for example.) If you get it, get the Evolutions version. The other resculpts and repaints either have been or will be reviewed in this very column. Eventually.

--Adam Pawlus

Day 892: November 13, 2008