Figure of the Day: Day 1,245: Anakin Skywalker (Desert Skiff, Clone Wars)

ANAKIN SKYWALKER Desert Skiff
The Clone Wars Deluxe Figures
Item No.: Asst. 91349 No. 93834
Manufacturer: Hasbro
Number: n/a
Includes: Goggles, poncho, lightsaber, skiff, projectile
Action Feature: n/a
Retail: $17.99
Availability: January 2010
Appearances: Attack of the Clones

Bio: For missions on the harsh desert of Tatooine, Anakin adapts the technology of the local swoop gangs. Desert skiffs are generally used for hauling stolen goods, but these maneuverable, lightly armed speeders are well-suited for undercover missions. Combined with Anakin's skill as a pilot and Podracer, the skiff is ideal transport for dangerous desert operations. (Taken from the figure's packaging.)

Image: Adam's home.

Commentary: This Anakin Skywalker is a repaint of a pretty solid 2008 mold. This figure was previously used in the Teth Battle Pack and as a pack-in with the Can-Cell, but this time around the figure has a brown left glove, darker shoulder armor, and a few other minor decoration changes. It sports the same articulation with 14 joints, meaning he's pretty great for most situations-- although he does still sport a wide stance. Since he has the unique Darth Vader-esque goggles (pictured) and a weird plastic poncho, odds are the collector in you will want to grab this one even though the figure isn't fundamentally different from previous releases. Since you can easily tell it from other releases even without the new accessories, well, that's a plus in Hasbro's column. I appreciate the minor changes rather than just straight-up releasing the same figure again.

The skiff was originally sold in 1996 as Luke Skywalker's Desert Sport Skiff for $9.99. This time around, it has been slightly redecorated and is "cleaner." It's missing the stickers of the 1996 release and also dropped the dirt and grime painted on the vehicle, so it's clearly different. It still retains the spring-loaded pop-out wings and the firing rocket, but unfortunately the cannons placed on the wings are extremely loose and pop off when deployed. So while Hasbro says they rereleased this as a toy for kids, fact is it isn't a very sturdy one since those guns go flying. The figure plugs in nicely and can easily ride the skiff, which is a plus, it's just the skiff itself-- and the price-- that are a little off-putting. Hasbro can (and has) done better, even in this assortment.

Collector's Notes: This new set is showing up regularly now, so you should have no real trouble finding one.

--Adam Pawlus

Day 1,245: March 23, 2010