Figure of the Day: Day 992: Princess Leia (Bespin Escape)

PRINCESS LEIA ORGANA Bespin Escape
Power of the Jedi Collection 1
Item No.: Asst. 84445 No. 84588
Manufacturer: Hasbro
Number: n/a
Includes: Twin blasters, Force File
Action Feature: n/a
Retail: $6.99
Availability: Early 2001
Appearances: The Empire Strikes Back

Bio: Princess Leia Organa, the beautiful and spirited leader of the Rebel Alliance, is forced to flee from Imperial forces when the Rebel base on Hoth is attacked. Landing on Bespin's Cloud City, she and her companions are taken prisoner by Darth Vader. After making a daring escape, Leia pursues the bounty hunter, Boba Fett, to the east landing platform in an attempt to rescue the frozen Han Solo. (Taken from the figure's Force File.)

Image: Adam's desk.

Commentary: Some fan argue that there's a split in the current line between "old" and "modern," but I'd say that isn't true just yet given how much stuff tends to stay in circulation. However, this Princess Leia Organa figure does represent a split for the character and how she was produced as a toy. For example, they actually tried a little harder to make her look like a woman, plus she's the first-ever "short" Leia-- most other versions of the character were rather tall. (She came out at the same time as the first "tall" Chewbacca.) The figure had some difficulty standing up straight, which can be helped by a stand or large amounts of patience. She has eight points of articulation-- the basic six, plus swivel biceps. This helps her hold the blaster with both hands, which is a pretty useful thing for her to do. Unfortunately, she can't do much else, and the figure is basically "stuck" in a run-and-gun pose. Thankfully the costume was well-sculpted, the head was designed nicely, and the figure can actually sit. Unfortunately, this is the only Bespin Escape Leia and may continue to be the only one, thus depriving you of having a Leia sit in the Falcon canopy that can run around and yell and stuff. Well, I guess she can do that.

The "firsts" don't stop with the figure. Her accessories were notable too, as she had the first "current" sized Imperial blasters. Sure, they were gold for some reason, but they were the first blasters that weren't as big as a figure's arm. That's pretty exciting stuff, or rather it was if you bought it in 2001. Today you probably don't care so much as now it's kinda old, but it's still being used. This figure is worth getting because she looks right, but fans wanting a figure with more aren't going to find it here.

Collector's Notes: This figure was never reissued, but she was reasonably easy to get back in early 2001. This figure actually would make good sense to release in a battle pack, preferably with slightly darker or different eyebrows.

--Adam Pawlus

Day 992: April 2, 2009