Figure of the Day: Day 1,376: Luke Skywalker

LUKE SKYWALKER Endor Poncho
The Legacy Collection Battle for Endor Battle Pack
Item No.: Asst. 87752 No. 91805
Manufacturer: Hasbro
Number: n/a
Includes: Blaster, lightsaber, helmet, belt, poncho, additional figures
Action Feature: n/a
Retail: $24.99
Availability: Fall 2009
Appearances: Return of the Jedi

Bio: Rebels and Ewoks attack stormtroopers during the Battle of Endor. The Rebel strike team arrives on Endor's moon to demolish the shield generator protecting the Death Star. The Rebels are captured but a surprise attack by the Ewoks freese them, and a desperate battle ensues. Through the combined forces of the Endorian natives and Rebels, the generator is destroyed. (Taken from the figure's packaging.)

Image: Adam Pawlus' bathroom.

Commentary: Of all the versions of Luke Skywalker in his Endor gear, this is probably the best Hasbro can be reasonably expected to do short of making a new, swappable Luke head with the chin strap molded closed for a change. Unlike the 1980s version, as far as I can tell, this one has the correct garments. Since Luke wears his Tatooine vest in the scene where he talks to Leia before meeting up with Darth Vader, I assume he's wearing the vest under his poncho-- just like this action figure.

The core Luke Skywalker figure is a modified 2007 30th Anniversary Jedi Luke, except this time his vest covers his whole body (which is correct) and not just the front (which is not) plus he has a new gloved hand, just like Michael Jackson. He has an elastic belt and in in all honesty, it does look a little goofy on him, but including this detail shows an attention to getting things right that Hasbro should be applauded for. And let's face it-- soft goods are hard to get right. So aside from this new garment, the figure essentially recycles the 2006 Endor Poncho gear-- the actual poncho, helmet, and belt are pretty much the same as that previous release.

His accessories are acceptable-- the lightsaber is, sadly, the 1990s version without the lightsaber flare at the bottom, but the blaster is pretty modern and as good as can be included on a figure of this nature. I'm really disappointed with the same Endor helmet we've been getting since 2002, but to cut costs I can see why Hasbro would continue to reuse it. If Hasbro does it again, I wouldn't mind seeing a chin strap closed shut rather than dangling for a change of pace.

To date, this is the clear best-ever Endor Poncho Luke figure you can buy. There's more packed into it than any other release, plus you get some other goodies in the box. If Hasbro ever does a "vintage" repackaged figure, this would be a good pick-- particularly if we see an alternate head with helmet, like the Power of the Force original.

Collector's Notes: This is a great set and, in some markets, a weak seller. Take advantage! The set also includes a great Imperial Officer, an Ewok glider, and a figure Hasbro claims is Warok. As Battle Packs go, this is one of the best Original Trilogy releases in recent years.

--Adam Pawlus

Day 1,376: September 22, 2010