Figure of the Day: Day 1,194: Major Bren Derlin

MAJOR BREN DERLIN Battle of Hoth
The Saga Collection Basic Figures
Item No.: Asst. 85770 No. 85928
Manufacturer: Hasbro
Number: #008
Includes: Blaster, stand
Action Feature: n/a
Retail: $4.99
Availability: February 2006
Appearances: The Empire Strikes Back

Bio: Major Bren Derlin has a tough call to make. With heroes Luke Skywalker and Han Solo stranded out in the frigid conditions on the ice planet Hoth, Derlin must side with caution and close the base doors for the night. He bravely takes responsibility for the decision and informs Princess Leia himself. (Taken from the figure's packaging.)

Image: Adam's printer.

Commentary: Some figures exist because of some level of fame in fan circles, and Major Derlin seems to be one of these. He was written into the Return of the Jedi radio drama, but he's mostly known as being a tiny role for John Ratzenberger during the Battle of Hoth. Because people love Cheers and/or Pixar films, and fans are a vocal bunch, and Hasbro desired to release "trooper"-type figures with names, here he is! While not superb, he's pretty good-- certainly not awful. With eight points of articulation and a decent face sculpt, he's worth snagging just because of the novelty factor alone. Why not pick him up, really? The sculpt is going to fit right in with your Hoth display, he has a holster for his gun, and the outfit itself seems designed quite nicely. The figure isn't a stunner due to the swivel joints and his inability to sit easily, but hey-- this is a figure you pick up to say to people "did you know Cliff was in Star Wars, and that I've got the figure to prove it?" Worth getting if you like a good story behind your toys.

Collector's Notes: A repaint of this figure was sold as a Target exclusive in 2007. It was not called Derlin. No additional versions of Derlin have been sold.

--Adam Pawlus

Day 1,194: January 11, 2010