Figure of the Day: Day 1,034: Princess Leia Organa in Endor Poncho

PRINCESS LEIA ORGANA in Endor Gear
Power of the Force Light Vehicle Assortment
Item No.: Asst. 69760 No. 69727
Manufacturer: Kenner
Number: n/a
Includes: Blaster, poncho, Speeder Bike
Action Feature: Push button for explosion
Retail: $9.99
Availability: Spring 1997
Appearances: Return of the Jedi

Image: Adam Pawlus' back yard.

Bio: Princess of Alderaan, Imperial Senator, Cell Leader of Rebel Alliance (Taken from the figure's box.)

Commentary: In 1997, this Princess Leia Organa figure had the most articulation of any to date courtesy of her then-exciting knee joints. She could stand, sit, ride a bike, and generally look cool. As far as the overall coloring goes, this figure remains the best even 12 years after its initial release. Her helmet has a strap under her chin, the poncho is greener than it is brown, and she just basically looks right. The 2007 "Vintage" release cannot make the same claim.

While not an amazingly detailed collectible, there's an excellent toy to be found. For $10, you got the bike and one of the better figures of her day. The likeness was overall a little nicer than we had been used to, although it isn't a perfect Carrie Fisher. It would be wrong to say it was a poor Leia, though, as there's really no doubt who this is supposed to be when you look at her. The rubbery poncho is a little awkward, but it looks nice and is colored well. If you want a figure to sit on a bike and look neat, this is the one for you. It's almost a shame this figure looks as good as it does, because the subsequent releases are all a little lacking in one way or another despite having superior articulation and more removable costume parts. Don't be sorry if this is your only version of this Leia, because it's certainly good enough.

Collector's Notes: There's a fairly significant package variant on this piece-- rocky versus grassy-- but nobody really seems to care. A retooled version of this figure, without the jointed knees, was packaged with a coin and sold as a Toys "R" Us exclusive in 1998.

--Adam Pawlus

Day 1,034: June 1, 2009