Figure of the Day: Day 1,078: Rebel Ground Crew

REBEL GROUND CREW Scramble on Yavin
The Legacy Collection Battle Packs
Item No.: Asst. 87752 No. 87781
Manufacturer: Hasbro
Number: n/a
Includes: Blaster, helmet, additional figures and transport vehicle
Action Feature: n/a
Retail: $24.99
Availability: Spring 2009
Appearances: Star Wars

Image: Adam Pawlus' back yard.

Bio: An active base is always bustling with people including the grounbd crew who perform various functions. Some drive transports that move personnel and equipment to different areas while others prepare the starfighters for battle. (Taken from the figure's box.)

Commentary: In this particular Battle Pack, one figure and vehicle are new. The figure is the Rebel Ground Crew, a lamely named figure which most fans insist is actually actor Ryan Stiles. Hasbro has been trying to get one of these technicians made for a while, and this is the first one to actually make it out. The figure's jumpsuit could be adapted to other figures in the future, but when you color it grey and have this helmet, you get a ground crew figure. It's super articulated, with the 14 points needed for such things, plus his blaster fits in his holster. It also tends to fall out, so be careful when displaying or storing this one. While the Battle Pack isn't particularly cheap or easy to find, it's one of Hasbro's best. It's rare that one of these sets is stuffed with figures which are new or at least significantly different enough to warrant a purchase, and the mini-vehicle is just an added bonus. Get it if you can.

Collector's Notes: Only released once so far, this awesome release was packaged with a ground transport vehicle, Red Leader Garven Dreis, and Garven's droid R5-K6. Hasbro could easily make more of these by swapping out the heads, but I'm not expecting that as a likely thing to happen.

--Adam Pawlus

Day 1,078: July 31, 2009

Figure of the Day: Day 1,077: McQuarrie Concept Chewbacca

CONCEPT CHEWBACCA McQuarrie Concept Series
30th Anniversary Collection Basic Figures
Item No.: Asst. 87500 No. 87280
Manufacturer: Hasbro
Number: #3021
Includes: Blaster, blaster rifle, coin
Action Feature: n/a
Retail: $6.99
Availability: Spring 2007
Appearances: n/a

Image: Adam Pawlus' back yard.

Bio: Inspired by his Alaskan malamute, George Lucas created one of the most enduring and well-loved non-human characters of his saga. Constructed from knitted mohair and yak fur, Chewbacca was given life by the actor Peter Mayhew and voice by a wide array of animals from walruses to black bears. (Taken from the figure's cardback.)

Commentary: When seeing the early concepts of Star Wars characters, the drawings of Chewbacca are pretty striking. When you take a famous character, add clothes and ears, and remove the nose, it gets pretty freaky fast. I never once thought I'd see a toy of this bizarre design, which features boots and some armor. It's very tall, but looks more like it stepped out of the minds of a comic book artist or a low-budget movie than the masterminds of a galaxy far, far away. The coloring on the fur looks great, with a fair amount of color, and the painted guns look excellent. There's a good level of contrast in the silver which makes them look like more than rubbery plastic accessories.

While some fans will bemoan the lack of ball-jointed shoulders, as usual, the real problem comes with the hip articulation in that he really can't sit. Hasbro goes out of their way to add tons of goings in the arms and legs, but he can't sit due to the way the costume was executed. Ah well. This figure's look is mostly summed up by his freaky face, which sports yellow eyes, creepy fangs, and what appears to be an alien neck beard. Obviously, Chewie uses open source software.

Collector's Notes: This figure shipped with a gold coin in the "Ultimate Galactic Hunt" waves which shipped in September 2007, or a silver coin otherwise. Either seems to be about as common these days. The figure shipped on a blue-striped package like all McQuarre figures, which gave a lot of toy dealers and speculators the idea that these were all special figures worthy of hoarding. Regular fans bought into this too, but their production numbers weren't too different than that of basic movie product.

--Adam Pawlus

Day 1,077: July 30, 2009

Figure of the Day: Day 1,076: Padme Amidala

PADME AMIDALA Animated Figure Debut
The Clone Wars Basic Figures
Item No.: Asst. 87638 No. 87940
Manufacturer: Hasbro
Number: #20
Includes: Blaster, droid blaster, cape, hood
Action Feature: n/a
Retail: $7.99
Availability: January 2009
Appearances: The Clone Wars

Image: Adam Pawlus' desk.

Bio: Padme has worn many mantles during her young life, including queen, senator and warrior. To each role, she brings her characteristic poise and intelligence, whether she is in the midst of a diplomatic discussion or facing a menacing encounter with an enemy. (Taken from the figure's cardback.)

Commentary: One of the good things (and bad things) about the animated toy line is that Hasbro seems to be concerned that figures look really good, leading to less articulation on figures like this Padme Amidala. While it's a bit of a bummer that she isn't super articulated, fact is she looks fantastic. The really thin arms and legs aren't beefed out to incorporate additional joints, and the look on her face is similar to that of the animation models. Our favorite hero has 8 points of articulation, the two notable additions being swivel biceps. Her holster can hold her smaller blaster, and yes, she can sit. It's designed more as a figure for kids than adult collectors, but I think that's a good thing here. It's great to have a release that feels more like a toy than a collectible for once.

Collector's Notes: Were Hasbro inclined they could probably repaint this one with a white hood and throw it with Ziro. This probably won't happen. So far this is the best Padme Hasbro made for the cartoon line, and the only one, but more are on deck for the future.

--Adam Pawlus

Day 1,076: July 29, 2009

Figure of the Day: Day 1,075: Han Solo (Hoth)

HAN SOLO Hoth Recon Patrol
The Legacy Collection Battle Packs
Item No.: Asst. 87752 No. 87789
Manufacturer: Hasbro
Number: n/a
Includes: Blaster, macrobinoculars, 4 additional figures
Action Feature: n/a
Retail: $19.99
Availability: July 2008
Appearances: The Empire Strikes Back

Image: Adam Pawlus' desk.

Bio: Han has stayed with the Rebels as long as he can, but can't wait any longer to pay Jabba the Hutt the money he owes him – or he's a dead man. (Taken from the figure's box.)

Commentary: Well, here we go again. The fourth version of this particular style of Han Solo in Hoth gear has a few changes from the previous release, as sometimes the googles seem to be glued down, his jacket is more purple or brown, and he has a bit more color. He still sports 14 points of articulation, and despite this he can't sit on a Tauntaun or in a vehicle due to the length and strength of his coat. The deco is great, as always, so he'll look good in any diorama.

The gift set itself is a very strong one, unfortunately it was also one of the last 5-figure sets. The collection included Chewbacca, K-3PO, R5-M2, and a Probe Droid all for about $20. That's the kind of value we'll probably never see again in this line.

Collector's Notes: This is the fourth distinct version of Han in Hoth gear based on the same body type. The first was the vintage carded figure in 2007, followed by a blue repaint for a Target gift set in November 2007. In early Summer 2008, Wal-Mart had a version in a droid factory set, resculpted with a hood up. This is a redeco of that figure.

--Adam Pawlus

Day 1,075: July 28, 2009

Figure of the Day: Day 1,074: 212th Clone Trooper

212th BATTALION CLONE TROOPERS and Jet Backpacks
The Clone Wars Figure and Vehicle Assortment
Item No.: Asst. 91349 No. 91369
Manufacturer: Hasbro
Number: n/a
Includes: 2 figures, 2 jet backpacks, 2 clone blasters, 1 clone rifle, 1 battle droid blaster, 4 rockets
Action Feature: Backpacks spring open with button, rockets launch
Retail: $16.99
Availability: June 2009
Appearances: The Clone Wars

Image: Adam Pawlus' desk.

Bio: Some clone trooper units are equipped with jet backpacks and a variety of weapons. Jet backpacks are used for aerial assaults and are equipped with twin missile launchers. These packs are often assigned to troopers who are deployed to difficult or rugged environments, such as the troopers of Commander Cody's 212th Attack Battalion. (Taken from the figure's cardback.)

Commentary: The two Clone Troopers that come in this boxed set are the third unique incarnation of animated orange troopers. These include the second helmet with the "notch" in the chin, are cast in an off-white plastic, and sport a hole in the back so the backpacks can attach. Other than that, they're typical animated clones with 14 joints and the enhanced wrist articulation you've come to love. They can stand, sit, pose, be ready to fight-- all that jazz. The orange coloring seems paler than on other figures, but that could be due to the contrast with the plastic. Either way, they're quite different in how they look, and their blue weapons are also unique to this set so far. Even if you have every clone released so far, these are different enough to add to your stash. The jet backpacks are revised versions of the ones sold in 2005 with the deluxe Clone Trooper from Revenge of the Sith, but with new coloring.

Collector's Notes: It's new, and one of the few items in this new figure and vehicle assortment which is actually a better value than the other items in the case. A deluxe clone with jet backpack sold for $10 in 2005, and basic figures are normally $8 these days, so $17 for a pair of figures with extra guns and spring-loaded backpacks are actually a pretty good deal.

--Adam Pawlus

Day 1,074: July 27, 2009

Figure of the Day: Day 1,073: Holographic Count Dooku

COUNT DOOKU Holographic Transmission
The Legacy Collection Basic Figures
Item No.: Asst. 87535 No. 89605
Manufacturer: Hasbro
Number: #BD21
Includes: Lightsaber, cape, droid part
Action Feature: n/a
Retail: $7.99
Availability: September 2008
Appearances: Expanded Universe

Image: Adam Pawlus' desk.

Bio: The former Jedi is in league with the Trade Federation and cyborg General Grievous to propel his galaxy-wide revolt. Dooku communicates with his allies via a hologram transmission to coordinate the next steps in his quest to overthrow the Republic. (Taken from the figure's cardback.)

Commentary: If I were to bet on anything, it's that pretty much every major character will get some sort of spirit or holographic rerelease eventually. It took Count Dooku a few years, but here he is in all his blue glory. Repaint waves are now required by law to have a bright blue figure, and Hasbro made this one out of parts from two existing releases. The cape comes from a 2003 screen scene figure, while the rest of him is based on the 2005 Evolutions figure. Particularly notable is the "skirt" piece, which is blue cloth-- something I've been whining about seeing for years, and this is the first time Hasbro tried it. In the past they opted not to because they said it wouldn't look good. I think it looks great, but that's me.

I don't see the need for a soft plastic cape over a cloth one, but it's here to complete the look of the figure, as is a lightsaber. The lightsaber with a holographic figure generally serves no purpose other than to give the poor child who receives this as a gift because their parents or aunts didn't think about how boring it'd be, and of course, now it's in blue. You could do worse, I suppose. This is a character where a holographic figure makes sense, and he pretty much rounds out the list of important Jedi and Sith that really needed such a figure. Until we revisit the purple ones and make them blue, that is.

Collector's Notes: A one-timer, so far he shipped during Wave 3 and that was it. As such he currently only exists with 5D6-RA7 parts. Specifically, the right arm. I don't expect this to be reissued, ever, so you might as well get one.

--Adam Pawlus

Day 1,073: July 24, 2009

Figure of the Day: Day 1,072: Wookiee Warrior

WOOKIEE WARRIOR & Kashyyyk Trooper
30th Anniversary Collection Wal-Mart Comic Packs
Item No.: Asst. 87504 No. 87794
Manufacturer: Hasbro
Number: n/a
Includes: Blaster, Clone, droid arms, comic
Action Feature: n/a
Retail: $11.88
Availability: June 2008
Appearances: Revenge of the Sith

Image: Adam Pawlus' desk.

Bio: Wookiee warriors and clone troopers fight desperately to hold back the waves of battle droids pouring onto Kaskyyyk near the end of the Clone Wars. The lush forests of this once-peaceful planet are burning, and the air is filled with the harsh sounds of battle. Wookiees tear apart battle droids with their bare hands as clone troopers first their blasters at the attacking droids. (Taken from the figure's cardback.)

Commentary: One thing I can't get enough of are Wookiee Warrior figures. I'm pretty glad I didn't bother to army-build them because Hasbro has made so gosh darn many different repaints. This one in particular is based on a mold from 2005 which exists in no less than five styles with different accessories. This particular incarnation takes some of the better elements from that first 2005 release, and fixes up a few weak points. Hasbro wisely dropped the annoying clip-on shin armor which always fell off, and replaced the plastic skirt piece with a cloth one. The original chest attire has been replaced by a more generic harness, but you still have the same nifty hat. Weapons were dropped in exchange for a pair of Battle Droid arms, which are pretty cool because you can imagine he must have lost a game to one or something. The tabs where the arms would connect to a droid body are glowing blue and white, pulsing with energy. It's a nice effect.

The figure itself is huge, nicely detailed, and huge. Mostly huge. There are no ball-jointed elbows, but you do get articulation at the wrists, knees, elbows, waist, neck, and shoulders. He's going to be a good addition to your Wookiee berserker forces, for certain, and his fur color is just different enough from previous releases that he's recognizable as being different.

Collector's Notes: A one-timer, but a good one. Since he came with a companion exclusive Clone figure this is a set I suggest you take the time to buy.

--Adam Pawlus

Day 1,072: July 23, 2009

Figure of the Day: Day 1,071: Crab Droid

CRAB DROID The Second Attempt
The Clone Wars Figure & Vehicle Assortment
Item No.: Asst. 91349 No. 91362
Manufacturer: Hasbro
Number: n/a
Includes: Cannon, projectile
Action Feature: Firing Missile Launcher
Retail: $16.99
Availability: June 2009
Appearances: Revenge of the Sith, The Clone Wars

Bio: LM-432 crab droids are armored infantry units that easily move over rough ground. Their legs work independently of one another, allowing them to movie with agility and speed as they track their targets and take aim with their blasters. Also known as Muckracker droids, they threaten Republic forces on many planets during the war. (Taken from the figure's box.)

Image: Adam Pawlus' couch.

Commentary: When Hasbro announced this run of the Crab Droid a lot of fans asked how this was different from the 2005 release, which was only $10 and sold as a deluxe action figure, and what could justify that kind of increase. Well, first of all, it's obvious Hasbro is looking to fill boxes rather than add value. Each item in this assortment has a little more or a little less compared to previous releases, so it's really inconsistent so far. Hopefully newly tooled vehicles and creatures will find their way into these boxes as we move forward.

This particular item is a straight repaint, which means that it is indeed improved. Just not significantly so-- the character isn't based on the model shown on the front of the box, so those big central red eyes aren't on the "face." There are other red lights which are now painted that weren't previously, so basically what you have here is an incremental improvement. The little antenna, claws, and other crab-like elements were really downplayed on the original toy's sculpt, so this figure is left still needing a complete overhaul. Or at least the "face" and the front pincers could use some work. If you have the original release, odds are you won't be very pleased with this one unless you were just looking to get more of the same, but barely different.

Collector's Notes: If history is any indication, this one could end up being a turkey which kills off this otherwise neat assortment. If you've been with us for a while, you won't be getting your money's worth here, but if you're new and just want a crab droid it's certainly more convenient than eBay.

--Adam Pawlus

Day 1,071: July 22, 2009

Figure of the Day: Day 1,070: Deena Shan

DEENA SHAN with Lt. Jundland
30th Anniversary Collection Comic Packs
Item No.: Asst. 87504 No. 87554
Manufacturer: Hasbro
Number: #14
Includes: Hat, blaster
Action Feature: n/a
Retail: $10.99
Availability: Late 2007
Appearances: Star Wars: Empire comics

Bio: Deena Shan leaks false information about the Rebels' base to lure Imperial forces into a trap - but at a heaertbreaking cost to her. (Taken from the figure's cardback.)

Image: Adam Pawlus' floor, in front of the Imperial ARC-170.

Commentary: Figures based specifically on original characters from the post-Star Wars, pre-The Empire Strikes Back era are far and few between. In a way it's kind of a shame that one of the few, Deena Shan, is based on a relatively recent introduction to the galaxy. So, what's the deal with Deena? Turns out that this is the first of two (so far) figures based on the character, and this one was developed as a repaint of the Juno Eclipse figure. However, it was released before Juno due to a number of delays which are the kind of thing you really only see in the Hasbro toy line.

Compared to Juno, Deena is paler, with lighter hair, and a grey costume rather than black. The articulation is about as good as you can expect, with 14 joints plus the annoying "skirt" element which restricts leg movement and prevents Ms. Shan from taking a seat in your favorite vehicles, which really renders a lot of that lower leg articulation moot. If you can't move the hips, do knee joints really matter? Not really. As a rare female addition to your Imperial forces, or technically Rebel forces, you may as well pick this set up if you are given the chance. The level of detail is excellent, and it's not like there's a lot of women toys to be made from the military parts of Star Wars. But is it authentic?

Basically. The costume is pretty close to how she looks in the comic, but her hair is different, the bust of the figure is far smaller (hey, I notice these things!), the belt is different, there are no logos or pockets on the sleeves either. Truth be told, the comic character looks a little more like an AT-ST driver costume jumpsuit. So really, this is a pretty poor reproduction of the comic character but it does make for an excellent generic female Imperial officer.

Collector's Notes: Deena has two unique head sculpts. One has a bun on the back of her hair, one does not. As it's fairly pronounced, there's really no missing it. This bun is on later shipments, and is truer to the comic art. While she doesn't look too much like the comic art, it's not like I expect a lot from a repaint. Hasbro apparently needs to cut costs where they can, and the total lack of fan outcry over this piece shows they were smart in deploying those cuts here.

--Adam Pawlus

Day 1,070: July 21, 2009

Figure of the Day: Day 1,069: Imperial Officer

IMPERIAL OFFICER Brown Hair Version/Release #3
Saga Collection 2
Item No.: Asst. 84861 No. 84994
Manufacturer: Hasbro
Number: #0255
Includes: Blaster
Action Feature: n/a
Retail: n/a
Availability: January 2003
Appearances: Star Wars

Bio: The Imperial Officers are cunning, calculating and ruthless. They have survived a grueling training program to earn their rank. Whether he is giving commands on the bridge of a Star Destroyer or leading a garrison of stormtroopers, the Imperial officer is in complete control and rules with an iron fist. Failure means death, as in the service of Darth Vader have discovered. (Taken from the figure's cardback.)

Image: Adam Pawlus' yard.

Commentary: Here's where army building gets tricky. In 2001, Hasbro promised three head variants on this Imperial Officer, two of which didn't end up seeing release until 2003. The problem here is that while the first head and the second look really different, this one-- the third-- looks a lot like the first. The face is a little more realistic and the head is smaller than the 2001 version, which is really the easiest way to tell one figure from another. The body is the same, and the hair color is pretty much identical. If you buy this figure on the 2007 Saga Legends packages-- that one has a coin-- head #1 has a blue eye variant, and this one doesn't. So that's one way to snag this one. Confused yet? I am.

The figure is the same as the original release, with joints at the shoulders, neck, hips, waist, biceps, and gloves. It's nothing to sneeze at, but with fan expectations for ultra-mega-hyper articulation, you may not be thrilled with this one. Since it can sit, hold its weapon, and stand, I'm pretty happy with it-- but I wouldn't be at all shocked to see a new sculpt of this one in the next few years because it'd be an easy sell for some fans, assuming they're still here.

Collector's Notes: A short release, but not one that proved hard to find. It was also reissued in 2007 in the Saga Legends line with, as far as I can tell, no changes made to the actual toy.

--Adam Pawlus

Day 1,069: July 20, 2009

Figure of the Day: Day 1,068: Darth Talon

DARTH TALON and Cade Skywalker
The Legacy Collection Comic Packs
Item No.: Asst. 87504 No. 87622
Number: 2 (or 4, there's a variant)
Includes: Lightsaber, companion figure
Action Feature: n/a
Retail: $12.99
Availability: August 2008
Appearances: Star Wars: Legacy (most issues)

Bio: Years ago, when the Sith attacked the Jedi at Ossus, Cade Skywalker disappeared in a fiery blast. Everyone believes he's dead except Wolf Sazen. And it turns out, Cade's former Jedi Master is right. Cade is now a disillusioned bounty hunter and pirate who carefully hides his true identity from everyone. But through a series of circumstances, Cade must face his past - and battle the ruthless Darth Talon, the Emperor's newly chosen assassin. (Taken from the figure's cardback. Also, she puts out.)

Image: Adam Pawlus' TV tray.

Commentary: The Legacy comic series manages to do something clever which most Star Wars stories didn't bother with-- a huge cast of villains with actual names. Sure, many of them are "Darth Fill-In-The-Blank" and a revision of an existing alien, like Darth Talon here, but they make for a decent toy. Aside from her arms, she's super-articulated. (All she has are swivel forearms-- no elbows.) Talon has no problem being posed in a variety of combat positions, plus she has something of an allergy to wearing too much clothing.

Hasbro's no stranger to scantily clad Twi'lek females, painted up or otherwise, so if you happen to collect this subset of figures you've got another one to add to your stash. Ditto if you specialize in female figures, Sith lords, or comic book characters. I guess what I'm getting at is that this is a figure that you should plan on adding to your collection.

Collector's Notes: There are multiple packaging and accessory variations to watch out for, with more likely coming. The key things to pay attention to are the absence of Cade's lightsabers, the "comic pack" number being a 2 or a 4, and the possibility that, some day, it may appear in the red Legacy packaging.

--Adam Pawlus

Day 1,068: July 17, 2009

Figure of the Day: Day 1,067: OOM-9

OOM-9 with Blaster and Binoculars
Episode I Collection 3
Item No.: Asst. 84105 No. 84127
Manufacturer: Hasbro
Number: n/a
Includes: Antenna, Blaster, and Binoculars
Action Feature: n/a
Retail: $6.99
Availability: May 1999
Appearances: The Phantom Menace

Bio: As a commander droid for the Trade Federation army, OOM-9 strategically coordinates the fully automated droid army against the Naboo and Gungan combined forces. (Taken from the figure's cardback.)

Image: Adam's back yard.

Commentary: After dozens of figures in the past 10 years, precious few Battle Droids have been made as toys and given an individual name. Actually, this OOM-9 is really the only one so far. While similar to the basic carded Battle Droids, this mold is actually fairly different. For starters, the neck can be crammed down into the torso rather than rotate down and forward. The figure still has a good range of movement, like a ball-jointed neck, elbows, shoulders, knees, and hips. Not surprisingly, this figure can easily sit and pilot your vehicles, plus he can hold a blaster or a pair of binoculars. It's pretty swell. The head is pointier than other droids of his day, so maybe that'll bug you. It don't bother me none.

Collector's Notes: This mold was never reused, although a similarly painted figure was released in one of the first Saga Legends 2007 Battle Droids 2-packs. This is the best "Commander" you can buy for your Battle Droids right now, but seeing as there's only two so far, there aren't a whole lot of options. This one's pretty cheap so you may as well get this one if you're going to get one. It's possible Hasbro may do a better version some day, but Battle Droid articulation started to go downhill as of 2002, so I wouldn't bet on it.

--Adam Pawlus

Day 1,067: July 16, 2009

Figure of the Day: Day 1,066: Padme Amidala

PADME AMIDALA Evolutions - Episode III
The Legacy Collection Evolutions
Item No.: Asst. 87874 No. 87601
Manufacturer: Hasbro
Number: n/a
Includes: Crappy birthing gown
Action Feature: n/a
Retail: $24.99
Availability: July 2009
Appearances: Revenge of the Sith

Bio: Padme devoted her life to the people of Naboo and became a key figure in the dramatic events that changed the galaxy. Her courage and compassion deeply affected those around her, and was the pivotal legacy she gave to her children, Luke and Leia. While Queen of Naboo, Padme stood up against the Trade Federation’s siege of her planet. As a Senator, Padme fought to keep the Republic from falling into war. Her last act was to give birth to the twins who would fulfill her legacy by restoring peace to the galaxy. (Taken from the figure's cardback.)

Image: TV tray.

Commentary: When I first got this Padme Amidala boxed set I wasn't sure who the gown was for because it didn't seem like it would easily fit on any of them. Turns out it was for this one. Ah well.

So now you've finally got a Padme from the final prequel that isn't from the last chunk of the movie. Congratulations! While she does have very ornate hair and a decent likeness (although the paint could use some work), and the costume is pretty good compared to the film, there is one big problem. And that problem? She's big. Like, fat. Those are some meaty arms there. The advent of the fan demand for insane articulation has resulted in some figures getting joints where fewer joints would be ideal, this figure would probably be a heck of a lot better (with thinner arms) if she dropped the elbow and forearm movement. It's just short of being a great release because, well, she's as big as a house. Since she's pregnant it's not entirely inappropriate, but geez, look at those meaty paws.

Since we'll probably never see a second version of this figure, you can either buy this one or go through life without it. Since getting it last year, mine has basically spent her whole life in a box. I'm not going to say you should never get it, but depending on the kinds of dioramas you crank out, odds are this is going to be a toy best left on the shelf. Other than standing around, she can't do much.

Collector's Notes: You can probably still buy this one if you look hard enough. This wasn't a particularly strong seller, but it's a good set for fans looking to up their Natalie Portman quotient.

--Adam Pawlus

Day 1,066: July 15, 2009

Figure of the Day: Day 1,065: Borsk Fey'lya

BORSK FEY'LYA & Wedge Antilles
The Legacy Collection Comic Packs
Item No.: Asst. 87504 No. 87747
Manufacturer: Hasbro
Number: n/a
Includes: Blaster, Wedge figure
Action Feature: Working holster
Retail: $12.99
Availability: January 2009
Appearances: Rogue Squadron Comic Books

Bio: Wedge Antiles and the rest of Rogue Squadron are enjoying some R&R, but trouble soon ends their break. Acting-Emperor Sate Pestage is captured when the Empire discovers he's made a deal with the Rebel Alliance. Rogue Squadron is tapped to rescue Pestage, but Provisional Council member Borsk Fey'lya is hostile to the plan. (Taken from the figure's cardback.)

Image: TV tray.

Commentary: After first appearing in the first three Star Wars novels of the big 1991 relaunch, it's about time we got a Borsk Fey'lya figure. The Bothan race has been pictured in a few different ways, and now that we have an action figure this is probably how they're going to be from now on. Depending on where you sit, this is either really exciting or a case of "this would have been awesome 15 years ago." The fact that we now have a physical representation of an alien species first named in 1983 is pretty awesome, but what are you going to do with it? Is he going to stand around and be a dick to your other figures?

So either you're jazzed to see the character, or you aren't-- that's going to be your main motivation to buy this one. As a figure it's one of those decent-but-not-spectacular releases with 14 points of articulation, but the elbows are swivels and the legs can't really easily sit. Borsk's face looks sort of old and not exactly action-packed, but he does have a blaster which I suppose makes him a slightly more combat-friendly toy. Collectors and hardcore novel fans will likely want to pick this one up, it's not a lot of fun to play with. It does look nice, and it's a new alien, but after 1,000+ figures sometimes I can get a little jaded.

Collector's Notes: You can probably still buy this one if you look hard enough. A repackaged version should be hitting real soon, possibly already if you live in the right area.

--Adam Pawlus

Day 1,065: July 14, 2009

Figure of the Day: Day 1,064: Jes Gistang, the first female Stormtrooper of Joker Squad

JES GISTANG World's First Female Stormtrooper
The Legacy Collection Entertainment Earth Exclusive
Item No.: No. 87923
Manufacturer: Hasbro
Number: n/a
Includes: Blaster, helmet, bazooka, 5 more figures
Action Feature: n/a
Retail: $39.99
Availability: March 2009
Appearances: Legacy Comic Books

Bio: Jes Gistang was a Corellian Human female who served as a stormtrooper in Darth Krayt's Galactic Empire circa 137 ABY. As a young woman, she decided to join the 407th Stormtrooper Division through the Imperial Mission, an organization that helped individuals to spread Imperial influence. (Stolen from Wookieepedia.)

Image: Backyard, ho.

Commentary: For years, fans have asked "what would a Stormtrooper look like with boobs?" A few years ago Dark Horse gave us an actual glimpse of a character with real lines and stuff in the Star Wars Legacy comic book series, and yes, she had boobs. The armor was similar to that of the regular troops, but was a little thinner and more appropriate to her form. This leads me to wonder if in the future, if someone like Porkins would be able to get custom-built armor or if they only make armor for skinny chicks.

The figure is, for the most part, new. The legs seem new, the body and arms are new, and the head is obviously new. The blaster is recycled, the bazooka is a reuse of a G.I. Joe weapon (just like Hondo Karr's dagger), and the helmet is a typical Stormtrooper helmet. It's a little snug, but it fits. This figure lacks a holster, which is fine really-- those things just get in the way of sitting. It's very unusual for Hasbro to make completely new molds for Internet boxed set exclusives without reusing them, so it's pretty awesome to have a set with two of them in it.

While there's a fair amount of discussion on the authenticity of the figures, it seems to be a case of artistic license. The Legacy comic artists are fairly inconsistent with how the Stormtrooper armor is drawn in the 100+ years after Palpatine ate it, so little things like the helmet detail and some aspects of the torso armor seem to get drawn differently. The knee armor, well, that doesn't quite match the comic art generally. The upside is that these figures could mix with your regular Stormtrooper squadrons, Jes could probably also make a great Leiatrooper, should the need ever arise in a story or game or something. I think she turned out great, but I'm a sucker for a good trooper figure.

Collector's Notes: Full disclosure: we asked for this from Hasbro as part of my day job at, you guessed it, Entertainment Earth. These figures are currently available. I have seen people break up the set to sell figures individually, and Jes (along with Maleval) are the ones that command premium pricing. As such, she seems to be one of the more desirable ones for now, but that changes as fans get into something else.

--Adam Pawlus

Day 1,064: July 13, 2009

Figure of the Day: Day 1,063: Astromech Droid (ARC-170 Elite Squad R4-C7)

ASTROMECH DROID ARC-170 Elite Squad
30th Anniversary Collection Target Exclusive Battle Pack
Item No.: No. 87388
Manufacturer: Hasbro
Number: n/a
Includes: 2 ARC-170 Troopers, 2 Clone Pilots
Action Feature: Twist dome, third leg retracts
Retail: $19.99
Availability: November 2007
Appearances: n/a

Bio: A small number of the Republic ARC-170 starfighters are crewed by elite Clone Troopers, trained to go deep into enemy territory on the most dangerous scouting missions and raids. These squads undergo advanced "aggressive reconnaissance" training taught by Advanced Recon Commandos to equip them with the skills necessary to survive the varied and treacherous mission profiles to which they are assigned. The ARC-170 Elite Squads served with distinction during the Outer Rim sieges, providing crucial intelligence and support during campaigns on the major Separatist homeworlds. (Taken from the figure's box.)

Image: Adam's yard, again.

Commentary: Seriously, what the Hell Hasbro? Is "Astromech Droid" the best you and Lucas Licensing could come up with for this one? Was the format of R[number 2-5]-[letter][number] a challenge? What next, are we going to see a new Cantina alien labeled "Some Dude"? Geez.

Whatever effort Hasbro would have "wasted" on nomenclature was put into a fairly colorful original droid design, easily one of Hasbro's best original efforts. This little guy has a red dome, blue legs and body, and a really dark brown set of feet. Since it's the R4-G9 mold once again, Hasbro managed to use one of their best designs to bring you this generally nameless little droid. Do you like the colors? Then you'll like this figure. If you're any sort of purist, this figure has appeared in exactly nothing outside the toy line. While I admire new droids getting made, well, uh, I guess this one is easier to skip than most due to its not being from anything. But since it comes in a box of clones, really, why not get it, I guess? Whatever.

Collector's Notes: Designed to match the Clone Wars "space whale" ARC-170 Fighter (or Gunship), this is a decent enough release if not exactly something that fans were begging for. It's a little frustrating to not have a name for it. It's not like Hasbro and Lucas didn't make up names for other droids that needed them. This was a one-time release and, not surprisingly for Target, hit the clearance bins pretty quickly.

--Adam Pawlus

Day 1,063: July 10, 2009

Figure of the Day: Day 1,062: McQuarrie Concept Han Solo

CONCEPT HAN SOLO McQuarrie Signature Series
30th Anniversary Collection Basic Figures
Item No.: Asst. 87500 No. 87408
Manufacturer: Hasbro
Number: #3047
Includes: Cape, lightsaber, hilt, blaster, coin
Action Feature: n/a
Retail: $6.99
Availability: October 2007
Appearances: n/a

Bio: McQuarrie's concept painting of central characters in A New Hope depicts Han Solo as a fierce Jedi Knight rather than a rougish smuggler. Wearing close-fitting battle gear, he is ready for combat with his lightsaber blazing and his face set with stern determination. (Taken from the figure's cardback.)

Image: Adam Pawlus' place, on the window.

Commentary: When the concept series was announced, we all hoped that Han Solo would be one of the characters to see release in plastic. The downside is that most of us knew it from black-and-white sketches, and we weren't really expecting a purple-tighted warrior with frosted tips. I somehow doubt this is what George Lucas was thinking, but eh, what are you going to do?

The sketch was rough enough that pretty much anything would look like an accurate translation, so Hasbro pretty much perfectly updated it into a figure. It has everything you might hope for, like 12 points of articulation (no ankles), a lightsaber clip. And weird blond hair. And a purple jumpsuit. Really, this guy looks more like Flash Gordon than Star Wars. As a figure you buy to finish your set, this is a sensible one to pick up. The working holster and saber clip are both cool features, but when you get right down to it the figure really can't work in most dioramas as background fodder because he looks just too damn weird. If you have a McQuarrie collection box or shelf, though, this is one you'll want. And I personally believe that every collector worth a damn probably is going to want a complete set of the concept figures from over the years, so yeah, I think you should get one even though it looks kinda goofy.

Collector's Notes: At press time this mold has only been used once, but generally Hasbro finds a way to reuse these things somehow. Eventually. Maybe. This one sat around for a while at some toy stores so who knows. One thing I found particularly smart-- which Hasbro sorely needs to try again-- was the McQuarrie figures' distinct packaging. Rather than have red highlights, they had blue markings which really made them pop off the pegs both visually and in terms of sales. People knew they were special, and all it took was changing up one simple color.

--Adam Pawlus

Day 1,062: July 9, 2009

Figure of the Day: Day 1,061: Battle Droid (Dirty)

BATTLE DROID Dirty Variation
Episode I Collection 1
Item No.: Asst. 84085 No. 84092
Manufacturer: Hasbro
Number: n/a
Includes: Blaster, Backpack, CommTech Chip
Action Feature: n/a
Retail: $6.99
Availability: May 1999
Appearances: The Phantom Menace

Bio: The greedy Trade Federation has created an army that requires no food, no drink, no sleep. Millions of these high-tech battle droids amass into a virtually unstoppable armed force. (Taken from the figure's cardback.)

Image: Adam Pawlus' yard. This is probably my favorite photo I've got out of this column so far.

Commentary: There are four variations on this Battle Droid, all with the same packaging-- this one is "dirty," as it is covered in a brown grime. In addition to this one, there are tan ones in "clean," "sliced," and "shot." This figure marks Hasbro's very first attempt at having multiple versions of an army builder in the marketplace at once all under the same basic SKU, which I felt was pretty awesome. Ideally, they'd do this more often-- after all, why settle for selling me one droid when you can sell me two different ones?

Ten years later, I still like this figure a whole bunch and wish I had more of it. At the time, it was one of the most articulated figures as it had knees and elbows, which was pretty uncommon. You can even fold him down into a compact wad for storage, which is nice. He can stand fairly easily, and gravity doesn't cause his limbs to bend out of shape like most (OK, pretty much all) releases from 2002 and beyond. It's really unfortunate Hasbro didn't keep using this mold as it seemed to make for the very best toys. One downside of this figure is that after 10 years, it's a little sticky-- the signs of the plastic aging are an unfortunate side-effect of the hobby, so if you own these you might want to check them and wipe them down with a damp cloth or rubbing alcohol. Just be careful not to wipe the paint off.

Collector's Notes: The 1999 Battle Droid mold didn't see a heck of a lot of use. While the other three paint jobs were eventually used on the Saga Legends mold in 2007 and 2008, this one wasn't-- so if you want this "flavor" of droid, you'd better get this one.

--Adam Pawlus

Day 1,061: July 8, 2009

Figure of the Day: Day 1,060: Concept General Grievous

GENERAL GRIEVOUS Character Concept
30th Anniversary Collection ShopStarWars.com Exclusive
Item No.: No. 87418
Manufacturer: Hasbro
Number: n/a
Includes: Shield, some blaster thing, chest armor, coin
Action Feature: Opening gut panel
Retail: $16.99 $12.99
Availability: Summer 2007
Appearances: n/a

Bio: In concept artist Warren Fu's artwork of General Grievous, the droid commander has a more humanoid-looking form than the more robotic one that becomes his ultimate design. His cold, calculating efficiency is still clearly captured in the smooth metal casing and skull-like head. (Taken from the figure's cardback.)

Commentary: It's sometimes really amazing to see where Hasbro decides to put its efforts. This 2007 General Grievous concept figure is Hasbro's best. And yes, I have all of them. Most Grievous figures are too short, colored incorrectly, have ill conceived action features, and are made of weak rubbery plastic which bends, causing figures to topple over. This figure doesn't have any of those problems, it's only flaw is that it's a concept figure, and not the movie one.

Everything a Grievous figure should do, short of the arm-splitting, can be found here. He's loaded with 14 points of articulation. He's made of sturdy plastic. And he can hold a pose, stand up, and look cool. Sure, it'd be nice if they had a lightsaber with him, but it's not like you don't have one you can borrow from another toy by this point. This is also the first (and at press time, only) released Grievous with a cloth cape. He's also huge. The white coloring is quite striking, and the fact that you can pop off his gut panel and see the goo inside is quite a nice feature. Oh, and it's functional-- when I started writing this article, I completely forgot that the feature was present. THAT, my friends, is how you integrate an action feature.

The accessories are neat, but kind of clunky. I'm glad the figure can hold them with minimal difficulty, but Grievous just looks so good that I'd rather see him without the extraneous stuff in the way. If you only buy one older figure online this year, make it this one. If you don't, much like Qui-Gon Jinn, I will find you and I will kill you.

Collector's Notes: This figure serves as an example of why you don't make the best stuff as exclusives. This is one of Hasbro's recent best figures, and it's still in stock at the original retailer two years later. This is not a sign of success, it's a shame it wasn't a basic carded figure for seven or eight bucks. If you're buying this year's concept Anakin figure which just hit, you freaking owe it to yourself to get Concept Grievous.

--Adam Pawlus

Day 1,060: July 7, 2009

July 15, 2011 Update: Star Wars Shop is going out of business next Monday and this item is still in stock, two years after I wrote this article, and four years after it was originally released. It's $10.99 now.

Figure of the Day: Day 1,059: R2-D2 (RC)

R2-D2 Remote Control
The Legacy Collection (US Target Exclusive), Revenge of the Sith (Japan Wide Release, pictured)
Item No.: Asst. 85173 No. 85665
Manufacturer: Hasbro (US), Tomy (Japan)
Number: n/a
Includes: Lightsaber remote
Action Feature: Beeps, moves, lights up
Retail: $16.99 (US), $20 (Japan)
Availability: 2009 (US), 2005 (Japan)
Appearances: Revenge of the Sith

Bio: R2-D2 is a robot. (Whatever, man.)

Commentary: I originally planned on not covering this figure, but since Hasbro brought it out to the USA it's now part of the line. R2-D2 here was released in Japan four years ago, but is just now making the rounds in the USA as a Target exclusive. I expect it to sell through while his brothers struggle, as R2-Q5, R5-D4, and R5-X2 were also brought to the USA.

This item is less an action figure than it is the ultimate in executive toys-- this is what you want on your desk. Sure, kids will dig it, but who doesn't want a little droid they can have zooming around at their beck and call when boredom strikes? It's a very fun little figure, despite being the "old" astromech style-- you'll notice its size and sculpting are patterned after the droids produced by Kenner and Hasbro from roughly 1999 onward. The "wires" on the feet are flush with the appendage, the various panels are engraved slightly differently, and the dome isn't quite right. Tomy did a wonderful job making sure this figure looked just like the action figures of its day, which would be great if Hasbro didn't have an entirely new and improved sculpt ready to go at the same time. Oh well, can't when them all. R2-D2 has excellent deco with a vibrant blue and red to highlight his features, plus the white plastic is pretty gosh darn white. The mini lightsaber allows the figure to go forward, backward, and beep and boop all the while.

Collector's Notes: Aside from some minor changes, the US and Japanese releases are functionally identical. The differences are minor enough that anyone who bought the Japanese one will likely have no reason to pick up the recent US release. If you're a collector on a budget I'd advise against getting all the various versions-- but since there's no regular figure of R5-X2 yet, you may as well get that one. R4-P17 was also released in Japan but has not made it to the USA as of yet.

--Adam Pawlus

Day 1,059: July 6, 2009

Figure of the Day: Day 1,058: Obi-Wan Kenobi

OBI-WAN KENOBI With Pilot Gear!
Revenge of the Sith Basic Figures Collection 1
Item No.: Asst. 85173 No. 85665
Manufacturer: Hasbro
Number: #0227
Includes: Lightsaber, cloak, hilt, headset
Action Feature: Jedi Power Kick!
Retail: $5.24-$6.99
Availability: Fall 2005
Appearances: Revenge of the Sith

Bio: Aided by his droid R4-P17, Obi-Wan Kenobi flies an Eta-2 Jedi starfighter on a mission to rescue Supreme Chancellor Palpatine. His acute Jedi instincts help him battle overwhelming odds. (Taken from the figure's cardback.)

Commentary: Early Hasbro solicitations for this Obi-Wan Kenobi figure mentioned things like "Red Squadron," which gave a lot of us a feeling that he might be more than what he is. Which sounds negative, I'm sure, but the fact is that this figure either is or is the basis for every great Obi-Wan Kenobi to follow. You may disagree that it's perfect, but it's really fantastic. He has a top-notch likeness, 14 points of articulation, and has little problem sitting. He's so good, Hasbro reused the same body to make a similar figure with a cloth robe (2006), a Grievous Fight version (2007), a Comic Pack version (2007), and even a Mustafar duel version with retooled hips to let him "kick" (2008-present). The basic figure construction is just that good.

Since the costume is reasonably simple, Hasbro realized early on that if they made a really great figure, they could repaint it, change up the accessories, and re-sell it to us as a new figure. While this is unfortunate on paper, we did end up with a lot of really nice figures as a result. Sure, the big plastic cloak accessory is worthless for a pilot toy (it goes into a pile, not on the figure in the ship) but it's nice to have. The hilt was a nice touch, and the headgear fits perfectly and will serve Obi-Wan Kenobi well when fragging the Covenant over Xbox Live. Because of his unique accessories and the overall awesomeness of the figure, this one holds up well and you should absolutely be sure you own ones. I think the head on this one is better than later releases, and while the articulation has been slightly improved, this one is the best overall from ROTS. Get it, or be sorry.

Collector's Notes: See above for other versions. This figure found its way into other packaging for a while, so there's a Greatest Battles version from 2006 too. Either way, it's worth owning, the 2006 packaging is arguably the better of the two.

--Adam Pawlus

Day 1,058: July 3, 2009

Figure of the Day: Day 1,057: Anakin Skywalker (Tatooine Attack)

ANAKIN SKYWALKER Tatooine Attack
Saga Basic Figures Collection 1
Item No.: Asst. 84851 No. 84906
Manufacturer: Hasbro
Number: #0227
Includes: Lightsaber, weapon rack, rifle, gaffi stick
Action Feature: Jedi Power Kick!
Retail: $4.99
Availability: Fall 2002
Appearances: Attack of the Clones

Bio: Thrust into the midst of galactic turmoil when he is assigned to protect Senator Padme Amidala, Anakin returns home to Tatooine in an unsanctioned mission. (Taken from the figure's cardback.)

Commentary: When this Anakin Skywalker came out I wasn't sure if I liked it or not. I guess this hasn't changed much. On paper, it's great-- he has tons of accessories, added articulation, a magnet in his hand, and an improved likeness. He also has soft goods used for part of his robes, which makes movement work better. That's the good news-- unfortunately the action feature mucks up his ability to stand properly and that knee joint doesn't do him any favors. His added arm articulation doesn't make up for a strangely posed body, and that Jedi Power Kick? I'm still not sure if I'm doing it right. Hasbro's attempt to be clever basically mucked this one up. Thankfully the magnet basically works just fine, and will still grab the lightsaber if you get close enough. That's an action feature that always makes me happy.

I like this figure because it's a cheap source of extra Tusken gear, and because it's an OK Jedi figure. It is not impressive, although I would say that the Attack of the Clones-style Anakin Skywalker still needs work. The Evolutions figure has a strangely painted face and an awkward cloth robe over his body, and all the rest have something with them that makes them a less than fantastic toy. So while this one isn't great, I wouldn't really suggest any of them to you as being perfect just yet. Hasbro has room to improve here still. You don't really need this one unless you want a genocidal Anakin or really dig the pose or accessories. You can make this figure look good if you mess with it, but as a toy he was never really any fun for me.

Collector's Notes: A one-timer, available in late 2002 and then finito.

--Adam Pawlus

Day 1,057: July 2, 2009

Figure of the Day: Day 1,056: Count Dooku

COUNT DOOKU Dark Lord
Saga Basic Figures Collection 1
Item No.: Asst. 84851 No. 84889
Manufacturer: Hasbro
Number: #0227
Includes: Red lightsaber, green lightsaber, cape, holographic Darth Sidious
Action Feature: Slashing Lightsaber Attack
Retail: $4.99
Availability: April 2002
Appearances: Attack of the Clones

Bio: Count Dooku is a disillusioned former Jedi Knight who lost faith in the Republic and abandoned the Jedi Order. Dooku spent ten years in seclusion honing his Force abilities, and, as a master of the old style of fencing, wields his scimitar-handled lightsaber with consummate grace. (Taken from the figure's cardback.)

Commentary: The fun thing about figures from "new" movies-- like Count Dooku here was-- Hasbro sometimes makes interesting mistakes. They're not really mistakes, but evidence of dropped plot points or deleted scenes. In Dooku's case, these exist as evidence of a dropped longer cut of a lightsaber duel with Anakin Skywalker in which the Count employed two swords. One weapon is his standard plastic grip red blade weapon, the other is a metal grip green blade. The coolest extra with this figure, if you ask me, was the little miniature holographic Darth Sidious, which is a kajillion times better than the free bonus holo figures Hasbro crammed in the basic figures in 2006 because unlike those ones, this Sidious actually functions within the context of the toy line as an accessory. This is important.

The figure itself is good, but by its own days it was merely OK. The likeness is very much that of Christopher Lee, but Hasbro made him appear more noble and less evil than the character would see in its future figures. He can slash his weapon when you squeeze his legs, which may get in the way of you posing it but I didn't find it to be a problem. The figure has the standard six points of articulation plus a jointed right wrist, which is great for dueling and such. Dooku's costume and pose are all just fine and all, unfortunately he's been eclipsed many times over by new figures with neater action features or even more articulation. As such, the first release-- while perfectly good-- is not your best bet. Get the Evolutions one if you can, or the basic carded Revenge of the Sith figure. The costume and lightsaber are basically the same, but the added articulation and slightly improved likeness should win you over.

Collector's Notes: Essentially a one-timer, as numerous new Dookus would be made over the years. This one was pretty great though.

--Adam Pawlus

Day 1,056: July 1, 2009