PRINCESS LEIA (Medical Frigate)The Legacy Collection Basic Figures
Item No.: Asst. 87535 No. 87850
Manufacturer: Hasbro
Number: #BD41
Includes: Blaster, droid part
Action Feature: n/a
Retail: $7.99
Availability: April 2009
Appearances: The Empire Strikes Back
Image: Adam's desk.
Bio: On the hospital ship Redemption, Leia watches over Luke as he is treated for the injuries from his lightsaber duel with Darth Vader. Leia, in turn, is comforted by Luke as her thoughts turn to rescuing the carbonite-frozen Han from Jabba the Hutt. (Taken from the figure's package.)
Commentary: Based largely on the Vintage 2004 release, this Princess Leia is a pretty good update of that figure. Except that she's supposed to be the Medical Frigate Leia, but since we never see her from the front much and her dress is only seen from the back, it's a sensible reuse of existing parts. The legs still have the 2004 copyright date, but the arms and head are new to this release. Numerous fans swapped out their 2004 Leia head with this one, creating a super-articulated and arguably perfect Leia as seen in the original film. The figure is slightly whiter than the 2004 figure, or rather, perhaps a tinge more blue. As Leias go, this is a pretty good one, but since it's from a scene that has little action one has to wonder why Hasbro dropped in a Stormtrooper blaster instead of, say, anything else.
The important thing, though, is that this is another Leia outfit crossed off the ol' list of things left for Hasbro to do. And I have to say, I didn't expect to actually see this one, but here we are. It's a clever reuse of existing parts and a quality figure, the decision on if you need one or not will likely be dictated by your desires for build-a-droids and complete collections. Or if you don't have a Leia figure, this is as good as any.
Collector's Notes: This figure seems to be one of the less popular from this series, fans typically report seeing Leia when the others have already sold through. I've seen Wal-Marts selling these as low as $3, if that tells you anything.
--Adam Pawlus
Day 1,128: October 9, 2009
I'd buy one for $3. But that's about it. I've decided their accuracy to real scale has rendered most Leia figures as unappealling midgets (as opposed to appealling ones like Jawas, Ugnaughts and Utai). Artistic license may not be a bad thing.
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