Star Wars Figure of the Day: Day 1,469: Geonosian Warrior

GEONOSIAN WARRIOR Republic Commando Delta Squad
The Saga Collection Shared Exclusive
Item No.: No. 87269
Manufacturer: Hasbro
Number: n/a
Includes: Blaster, 6 other action figures
Action Feature: n/a
Retail: $33.99-$39.99
Availability: December 2006
Appearances: Star Wars: Republic Commando

Bio: Though they lack ranged weaponss, they have the ability to fly, giving them an acute advantage on an open battlefield, and their powerful force pikes can kill with a single blow. (Taken from the figure's packaging.)

Image: Adam Pawlus' kitchen.

Commentary: While at first glance it would seem that this Geonosian Warrior is just a repack of the 2002 figure, well, you'd be wrong. Based on the unfinished "nude" design of the alien, this figure repaints that first 2002 offering in a less metallic, more toy-like coloring with similar-but-different colors. His green eyes stand out as being different, and he is really good at holding on to that giant sonic blaster. The figure has spindly limbs and a mere 6 points of articulation (plus articulated wings), but he has absolutely no problems carrying that big stupid gun which was released quite a while after the figure made its original carded debut.

As a spindly figure, be careful storing him if you open the boxed set-- his limbs could become distorted over time, and the same can be said with his weapon. His awkward pose is actually ideal for standing upright without a display stand, aside from the fact that he lacks the armor seen in the movies this is a top-notch trooper. Sometimes simple works, and considering his role in life is basically to be beaten on by Clone Commando figures, it's not like this is a figure that needed to be anything too special. Which is good, because it certainly isn't too special. Separated from the set, you probably wouldn't give it a second look-- but as part of the collection? It's not too bad... just a little more naked than I'd prefer.

Collector's Notes: The price of this set continues to climb-- after a successful run at about $34, it now commands $70-$120 on eBay. Individual clones can get $30. As such, be careful when making a purchase, and be wary of future toy announcements at all times now-- Hasbro has hinted more than once they may redo these four figures, meaning you should probably not buy them as soon as that announcement comes down. It takes a long time for prices to depreciate as (surprisingly) it takes a long time for fans to catch on when their toy has just been devalued. So even IF a new set is announced, I'd expect it to be 2-6 months for the original set's price to go back down, given how similar items have behaved in the past. Or, you could just wait for the newer and probably better set that may or may not happen some day.

--Adam Pawlus

Day 1,469: January 31, 2011

Star Wars Figure of the Day: Day 1,468: Retail Droid LR-57

RETAIL DROID LR-57 Combat Droid
The Clone Wars Clone Troopers & Droids Battle Pack
Item No.: Asst. 94743 No. 19677
Manufacturer: Hasbro
Number: n/a
Includes: Stand, additional figures, display stand, game card
Action Feature: Firing rocket launcher
Retail: $24.99
Availability: June 2010
Appearances: The Clone Wars

Bio: LR-57 combat droids, also called Retail droids, were battle droids used by the Confederacy of Independent Systems during the Clone Wars. Primarily used as sentinels, these droids stood on two bipedal legs and had two arms, each equipped with two blaster cannons, four in all. (Stolen from Wookieepedia.)

Image: Adam Pawlus' kitchen.

Commentary: If you saw The Clone Wars movie, one of the weirder designs that really stood out was the Retail Droid. Why? Because it's clearly a soda can with feet and arms. This bizarre creation feels like a leftover from the days where model makers would bash together model kits and garbage to create exciting sci-fi beings, except that it's 2010 and they do all that in computers now. WIth its bizarre appearance, the digital designers made a weapon that (in more ways than one) looks like a disposable unit in the war against the Republic. The toy, on the other hand, is not disposable, but it's the main reason to buy the "Clone Troopers & Droids" Battle Pack.

While it can stand on its own, I would suggest making use of the included display stand since the legs have more than enough articulation. There are ball joints at the hips, plus knees, and it's really easy to pose this guy in strange ways which were probably never intended by the animators. The figure's design is pretty close to the animation model, although it's simplified slightly and the deco is significantly cleaner. The little antennae are here, the gun hands are here, and most important of all, he's still got the pop-top in the middle of his face. If you like your figures weird, this is the can't-miss robot of the season. How many soda can-based toys are you likely to see made in the near future? Few to none, so get this one. (Hey, that rhymes.)

Collector's Notes: There's a variation of sorts on this Battle Pack-- the 2010 shipments look normal, but the December 2010-early 2011 releases have a big sticker on the front of the box advertising the Galactic Battle Game Mat inside. You should grab that version if you have a choice and plan on opening it. Both versions seem to be fairly abundant, so odds are you can get a deal on it or you'll see a lot of it later. It's a wonderful pack for anyone building armies of animated-style figures.

--Adam Pawlus

Day 1,468: January 28, 2011

Star Wars Figure of the Day: Day 1,467: Sigel Dare

SIGEL DARE & Darth Krayt
The Legacy Collection Comic Packs
Item No.: Asst. 87504 No. 87972
Manufacturer: Hasbro
Number: #08
Includes: Lightsaber, cloth cape, Darth Krayt figure
Action Feature: n/a
Retail: $13.99
Availability: September 2009
Appearances: Star Wars: Legacy comic books

Bio: Darth Krayt is not pleased; Admiral Stazi of the Galactic Alliance Remnant has stolen the Sith Lord's powerful new warship Imperious. Unknown to Stazi, Imperial Knights Sigel Dare and Treis Sinde have sabotaged the ship, hoping to ruin Krayt's plans. Now Dare must warn Stazi before the bombs planted on the ship explode! (Taken from the figure's packaging.)

Image: Adam Pawlus' former back yard.

Commentary: If you have a Sigel Dare in your collection, it's probably because you bought Darth Krayt and she just happened to be in the package. The third Imperial Knight action figure, the character isn't particularly memorable especially compared to Azlyn "Who Here Watched Irresponsible Captain Tylor?" Rae. After getting two Imperial Knights to help kick off the Legacy comic figures, it sort of sucks that another slot was taken up by a third one with non-matching red painted armor and mostly newly sculpted parts. Were she a head swap, I could understand her being made, but with so many recognizable (or at least modestly interesting) Sith and Jedi and smugglers in the series, seeing her paired with the hugely popular Darth Krayt was something of a drag. Sure, Krayt could carry the set, but seeing as the comic pack line seems to have limped to its end, well, sheesh.

The overall figure is, on her own, pretty great. The head sculpt isn't bad, and the deco (while not perfect) does a good job of emphasizing and exaggerating detail so that it looks decent on the toy shelf. A little eyeliner never hurts. Her metallic red armor looks exquisite, and if this sort of deco were applied to more Transformers toys Hasbro could probably get away with jacking them up a few more bucks. Very well done. She is indeed super-articulated with the full 14 joints and as many ball joints as you can reasonably expect from your average action figure. The cloth cape, a nice touch, sits well behind the figure and the entire ensemble is rounded out by a clear lightsaber. In short, the figure's main problem is that she exists and another character does not, and admittedly that's a pretty stupid thing for me to complain about. If you like the design, you really should make sure you get her-- and if not? Well, too bad, you have to get her if you want Darth Krayt.

Collector's Notes: Since this two-pack appeared near the end of the line for comic packs and has one of the most important villains in the comic series, it's going to cost you. While it did ship through early 2010, it's gone now, and it's $20 or more on eBay. As such, start saving or prepare to go without. This figure (and her companion) have little chance of a reissue given Hasbro's decreasing interest in the Expanded Universe in the immediate future.

--Adam Pawlus

Day 1,467: January 27, 2011

Star Wars Figure of the Day: Day 1,466: Carnor Jax

CARNOR JAX Training Uniform
The Legacy Collection Previews Exclusive
Item No.: No. 87924
Manufacturer: Hasbro
Number: n/a
Includes: Pike, helmet, 5 other figures
Action Feature: n/a
Retail: $34.99
Availability: December 2008
Appearances: Crimson Empire comic books

Bio: Each member of the Royal Guard has undergone grueling tests of combat reflexes and stamina, and is trained in the deadly art of echani. (Taken from the figure's box.)

Image: Adam Pawlus' kitchen. The inset is the logo on his back.

Commentary: For whatever reason, the Carnor Jax figure from the 2008 Crimson Empire boxed set looks like more of a hero than the actual hero of the series. His blue armor seems less aggressive, and his face looks more like a Han Solo or a Rebel pilot than it does a future would-be heir to the Emperor's throne. This is odd, as it's basically the same head used on the other black and red guard version of Carnor Jax sold a few years earlier. But back to this one.

The figure's body is shared with all four "royal guard trainees," which also include Alum Frost, Kir Kanos, and Lemmet Tauk. Each has a unique head sculpt, however all of their legs are recycled from the late 2007 30th Anniversary Collection training fatigues Clone Trooper action figure. The body and arms are entirely new, or at least, new enough that I certainly couldn't tell where they came from. The elements went together fairly well so that you probably wouldn't realize that the figure is mostly recycled bits and pieces, with the distinctive crest appearing on his helmet and the back of his body giving the figure a richer, more individualized look.

While derided by many fans as Power Rangers-esque, the design dates back roughly a decade and does give a more individualized appearance to a clan of characters that are, on the whole, faceless throughout the Expanded Universe. Without any ball joints and a total of 12 points of articulation, the figure wasn't exceptional by the standards of his day. Actually, this figure would've been considered pretty average in 2006, although the green and black design on his person plus the dry brushing on his body armor do seem to be a smidgen better than what most Star Wars figures offered at the time. I wouldn't suggest buying this Carnor Jax first, as the comic pack version was way cooler, but it's not a bad one to get after you've exhausted other avenues of the Empire's henchmen. Worth a look on the cheap, just don't overpay for it.

Collector's Notes: This set did not prove to be a big seller, and like a few other 2008-era boxed set exclusives, it did show up at other venues for pretty low prices. Today, it should run you anywhere between $20 and $40, which is quite a range.

--Adam Pawlus

Day 1,466: January 26, 2011

Figure of the Day: Day 1,465: Magnaguard

MAGNAGUARD General Grievous Bodyguard Droid
The Clone Wars Basic Figures
Item No.: Asst. 87638 No. 93821
Manufacturer: Hasbro
Number: #CW49
Includes: Staff, energy bolts, cape
Action Feature: n/a
Retail: $7.99
Availability: March 2010
Appearances: The Clone Wars TV series

Bio: IG series 100 MagnaGuards are General Grievous' personal bodyguards. These warrior droids have been trained by the cyborg general to make them exceptionally agile fighters, even against the Jedi. Their primary weapon is a powerful electrostaff. (Taken from the figure's packaging.)

Image: Adam Pawlus' former back yard.

Commentary: This is a good one. In early 2009, Hasbro released a version of this figure with fewer accessories and less articulation. The 2010 Magnaguard builds on the charm of the previous model, adding in additional leg articulation which was sorely lacking in the previous version while retaining the same basic sculpt. The cloth cape is a nice touch too, but what fans really seemed to want were the added knee joints and enhanced hip articulation. If you only get one cartoon-style Magnaguard figure, this is the better engineered of the two, although I would say the previous gunmetal deco looked cooler.

Given the need of the line to have more villains, you owe it to yourself to track down one or more of these and crack 'em open. Unfortunately, this proved difficult as this particular Magnaguard was in the final "2009-style" packaging, which came and went pretty quickly in most markets. If you're a stickler for articulation, Hasbro managed to cram in more of what you like on this figure, which should mean less of a hassle getting him into most vehicles. (Again, a plus.) It's worth noting that this figure's head has a hood sculpted over it as well, which really does set it apart nicely from the previous model. If Hasbro decided to redeco this mold in the other color, I'd certainly pick up one or six.

Collector's Notes: At press time, it is extremely unlikely that you will find this figure for under $10. As such, prepare to wait, buy it in a lot of figures, or just shell out and call it a day.

--Adam Pawlus

Day 1,465: January 25, 2011

Figure of the Day: Day 1,464: Princess Leia Organa

PRINCESS LEIA & R2-D2
Power of the Force Princess Leia Collection
Item No.: Asst. 66935 No. 66936
Manufacturer: Kenner
Number: n/a
Includes: R2-D2 figure
Action Feature: n/a
Retail: $9.99
Availability: 1998
Appearances: Star Wars

Bio: Moments before being captured by the evil Darth Vader, Princess Leia inserts secret plans for a new Imperial battle station into her loyal astromech droid, R2-D2 (Taken from the figure's packaging.)

Image: Adam Pawlus' TV area.

Commentary: As you've no doubt heard by now, in 1998 Kenner allowed their Girls' Division to work on some Star Wars product-- and we got some really wonderful things like the Princess Leia collection and the plus Buddies (Beanie Baby-alikes.) This particular Princess Leia is the only one to date to feature completely cloth garments, which allowed her to sit or be posed much more easily than any other Leia figure before or since. She has only 6 points of articulation, which was common for the time, and deco that was basically just fine. The head deco varies from figure to figure, so be sure to take a look around her eyes as the color sometimes bleeds out beyond where you might want it. Other than that, she's a better-than-average figure for the day and if they used this construction now with more articulation under the robe, it would probably be the best figure of Leia yet.

As toys go, this is the real winner even though there's very little sculpting detail to speak of. Other than her head, everything is pretty smooth, lacking in wrinkles and sporting little definition that you might come to expect from most modern action figure. This is sensible, because the cloth dress covers the body and it really doesn't matter if she's wearing nothing at all or clad in a white undershirt. Fans of good toys should look this one up, despite the sculpt being not as crisp or authentic as modern toys, because it's just such a nice artifact of the kind of experimentation going on inside Kenner in the late 1990s. Great stuff.

Collector's Notes: This set was a good seller in the time she came out, and seemed to be one of the finest sellers of the four two-packs. Like most toys from the era, it's close to worthless-- it sells for as little as $1 on eBay, which is, obviously, a good price for it.

--Adam Pawlus

Day 1,464: January 24, 2011

Figure of the Day: Day 1,463: Lando Calrissian

LANDO CALRISSIAN Battle at the Sarlacc Pit
The Legacy Collection Target Exclusive
Item No.: Asst. 87931 No. 87798
Manufacturer: Hasbro
Number: n/a
Includes: Pike, pistol, helmet, Sarlacc Pit, Skiff, 4 more figures
Action Feature: n/a
Retail: $62.99-$72.99
Availability: November 2008
Appearances: Return of the Jedi

Bio: Lando impersonates a skiff guard as part of Luke's escape plan and almost loses his life to the Sarlacc. (Taken from the figure's packaging.)

Image: Adam Pawlus' desk.

Commentary: One of the more charming aspects of this 2008 gift set was that you got a good vehicle, a great diorama piece, and five figures of questionable quality. The Weequay was a neat redeco, Boba Fett was nothing special, Han Solo was just different enough to make you mad, and then you got two crappy ones. Lando Calrissian and Luke Skywalker both suffer slightly from some really odd deco choices which may be the result of someone not knowing how to mix paint. The 2004 Skiff Lando body is back, but the silver is gone and his torso armor is this sort of a pukey grey color. His pants are lighter, his arms and legs seem closer to the 1983 Kenner toy's colors, and his body suit is black. The brown on his person is richer, but the skin color is significantly lighter with some of the worst painted eyes you're likely to ever see. While most bootleg figures look pretty bad, this is one of the few Star Wars toys I would go and say is so bad, were it a knock-off, you'd probably think it was pretty bad for a knock-off.

The articulation and gear are unchanged, you still get about 10 points of articulation and a working holster ensuring that as a plaything, Lando holds up about as well as you might hope. Since you're going to want the Sarlacc Pit accessory that comes in his set, you'll likely end up with this figure eventually even though it's one of Hasbro's worst. It's amazing that the quality of the face on the 1983 figure was better, but hey, that's how these things go some times. If you like collecting oddities, this is a must-buy figure. For everybody else, get one of the 2004 carded releases or wait for a possible future resculpt.

Collector's Notes: This set sold somewhat poorly in 2008 and 2009, but it's long gone now. Because of the vehicle and accessory, it should remain interesting despite being one of the ugliest action figures released in the modern action figure line so far... and that's saying a lot given there are nearly 2,000 releases.

--Adam Pawlus

Day 1,463: January 21, 2011

Figure of the Day: Day 1,462: Kashyyyk AT-RT Driver

AT-RT DRIVERS AT-RT Assault Squad Battle Pack
30th Anniversary Collection Target Exclusive
Item No.: No. 87376
Manufacturer: Hasbro
Number: n/a
Includes: Blaster, two AT-RTs, another AT-RT driver, Clone Commander
Action Feature: Oversize blaster fires, squeeze legs together to raise arms
Retail: $29.99
Availability: November 2007
Appearances: n/a

Bio: These clone troopers are specially-trained to ride AT-RT walkers and are outfitted with armor and helmets designating them as drivers. AT-RT drivers are part of the 41st Elite Corps that is sent to Kashyyyk during the Clone Wars. (Taken from the figure's box.)

Image: Adam Pawlus' desk.

Commentary: In another case of getting the carded sculpt right the first time, the AT-RT Driver was a mold that Hasbro figured out they could squeeze a few uses out of, and they certainly have. The 2005 basic release kicked things off, followed by an orange repaint, this camo repaint, an all-white version, and in some cases matching AT-RTs. OK, one case. The design isn't exactly from any existing fiction I've found, but it is super-articulated and that's always worth something. The figure has a symbol on his chest, a lot of green, and green lenses on his helmet which I happen to find super rad. There's a lot more color here than usual, plus he'll flesh out your Kashyyyk squads nicely. Gree needs more men, and these guys certainly fit the bill. With 12 points of articulation each, these guys hold up well to the advances in toymaking but will likely be upgraded sooner or later. Now that we have improved hip joints that can bend outward, these simple swivel hip figures are antiques waiting to be replaced. (The animated The Clone Wars ARF Troopers have effectively crushed the older AT-RT Drivers in terms of articulation and are effectively the same style of armor, just a phase earlier.)

Collector's Notes: This set-- like most Target exclusives since 2006-- showed up on the closeout shelves. The current going rate is $20-$30, so it actually held on to its value a little bit. This is sensible, because you get three figures and two vehicles for a pretty fair (by modern pricing) deal.

--Adam Pawlus

Day 1,462: January 20, 2011

Figure of the Day: Day 1,461: ARF Trooper Boil

CLONE TROOPER BOIL with AT-RT
The Clone Wars Vehicles with Figures
Item No.: Asst. 94737 No. 25943
Manufacturer: Hasbro
Number: n/a
Includes: AT-RT, blaster pistol, game stand and card
Action Feature: n/a
Retail: $16.99
Availability: November 2010
Appearances: The Clone Wars

Bio: Clone trooper Boil pilots an AT-RT during the battle to retake Geonosis. An AT-RT (All-Terrain Recon Transport) is a one-man walker armed with a repeating laser cannon. With its height, mobility, and speed, the walker allows Boil to support the embattled Republic forces as they fight waves if battle droids and Geonosian warriors. (Taken from the figure's packaging.)

Image: Adam Pawlus' desk.

Commentary: Hasbro's best overall Clone Trooper mold to date is the ARF Trooper body, which has been repainted to make this Clone Trooper Boil figure. The previous Boil had a removable helmet and was exclusive to Target, while this one has a unique camo pattern, the orange 212th Battalion markings, and a special added detail-- a little drawing of Numa on the visor of his helmet. (Numa was a little Twi'lek girl he and Waxer saved on Ryloth. Watch the show, it's good.) But why is this figure good, you're asking?

The ARF Trooper body is, to date, the only animated Clone Trooper to have ball-jointed hips for better sitting on vehicles. (Jesse will have these, but other figures have had to spread their legs a little more forcibly-- they weren't designed for vehicles.) Because this design works so well, Boil has no problems standing around and looking good or sitting in his AT-RT (pictured). The figure is indeed super articulated, plus has extra wrist joints to allow for even more movement when holding his blaster pistol or driving a vehicle. In short, this is as good as it gets, and if you like the paint job you really ought to run out and get this figure. Even though it's just another Clone Trooper, the coloring is quite distinctive from what you already own and the vehicle is really nice (and simple) too. You can't go wrong with this one, kids (or adults).

Collector's Notes: The set was the second repaint of this AT-RT mold, although the figure has had three different paint jobs at press time. The set was easy to get reasonably early on, meaning you can probably find one if you do some looking toay. Or you can do me a solid and order on the link below, ensuring my continued employment.

Aurebesh Notes: The word "Eo" appears under the vehicle's seat for reasons I can't quite grasp. Much more sensible are the words "Bug Stomper" on the sides of the front of the walker, as this vehicle was deployed on Geonosis during the landing on Point Rain.

--Adam Pawlus

Day 1,461: January 19, 2011

Figure of the Day: Day 1,460: Scorch

SCORCH Republic Commando
The Saga Collection Basic Figures
Item No.: Asst. 85770 No. 85987
Manufacturer: Hasbro
Number: #021
Includes: Stand, backpack, hip ammo, holographic mini figure, blaster
Action Feature: n/a
Retail: $6.99
Availability: Spring 2006
Appearances: Republic Commando

Bio: When the battle begins on Geonosis, clone trooper Scorch is ordered to engage the Separatist droid army. Scorch's Delta number is Six-Two, but he is well known for his humorous mishaps. Although he is a competent soldier and an excellent explosives technician, "Scorch" earned his nickname after an ordnance accident that left him without eyebrows for a short time. (Taken from the figure's packaging.)

Image: Adam Pawlus' desk.

Commentary: What Hasbro says and what actually sells regarding the Expanded Universe is tough to reconcile-- we're told these aren't popular figures, but then you rarely saw Scorch, Darth Malak, and so many others hang on the pegs more than once if at all. This particular Clone proved so popular that despite fan complaints regarding articulation, it consistently sold through and was quickly redecorated and repackaged as part of a boxed set with the entire Clone Trooper Delta Squad commando team. This is a true success.

Scorch was produced in 2006, when not all figures were expected to be super articulated just yet but most were approaching that level of detail. With 10 joints, and non-ball-jointed shoulders, many fans saw him as a disappointment even though all he's likely to ever do is stand around and aim his gun, which he could do without too much trouble. Had Hasbro not released a super-articulated clone in 2005, odds are people would have been more accepting of his unjointed knees and ankles, but well, we have high expectations. The figure matches his Xbox appearance nicely, plus a good amount of dirt adds a little life to this armored release. Back in 2006, he was a Big Deal and proved difficult to find, that is until the boxed set with him and his brothers.

Collector's Notes: The individually carded Scorch and the one in the Delta Squad boxed set are effectively identical, with minor changes so small I don't consider them unique. If you have one, aside from the missing display stand in the boxed set, you're good to go. You should have no problem getting the individually carded version (which sports an awesome Xbox-inspired backdrop) for $5-$10, although the complete boxed set of Delta Squad may be closer to $80. (It started life at about $40.) Good hunting!

--Adam Pawlus

Day 1,460: January 18, 2011

Star Wars Figure of the Day: Day 1,459: Cad Bane (the 2011 one with Todo 360)

CAD BANE and Todo 360
The Clone Wars Basic Figures
Item No.: Asst. 94736 No. 26375
Manufacturer: Hasbro
Number: #CW42
Includes: Hat, two pistols, bag, Todo 360 accessory/figure, stand, card, die
Action Feature: n/a
Retail: $6.99
Availability: January 2011
Appearances: The Clone Wars

Bio: Cad Bane and Todo 360 sneak inside the Jedi Temple. Bane has a well-deserved reputation as a ruthless bounty hunter. He is hired by Darth Sidious to steal a Jedi holocron. He and his techno-service droid gain access to the building and break into the well-guarded holocron library. (Taken from the figure's packaging.)

Image: Adam Pawlus' kitchen, on some box. (Spare. No. Expense.)

Commentary: Third time is the charm, right? Since 2009 we've had three different versions of Cad Bane sculpted and sold to you, the hapless consumer. This figure is, on the whole, the best of them. The wires on the wrists have been simplified so that they no longer get in the way of elbow movement. The wrists are articulated, and the paint job is unquestionably improved. The jacket is a separate sculpted piece, and the hat is removable too. He has two small silver pistols and a bag for explosives or what have you, and this is easily the most detailed version yet. At first glance, it looks more "realistic" when compared to the previous animated releases, particularly take note of his head. The grimace and wrinkles seem quite lively, and it looks like a tiny toothpick may have been sculpted (and painted over) on his mouth. As an added bonus, this figure has jointed knees which make it easier for him to sit now that he has cloth making up the lower part of his duster. It's a lot better than the previous versions, and is easily the best-looking version yet.

However.

My big beef with the Xanadu Blood vehicle is that existing Cad Bane figures won't fit in it well-- and guess what? This one doesn't either, even with the hat off. So we have Cad Bane's ship, and Cad Bane can't fit in it. (Well, that's a half-truth-- the Speeder Bike one can fit if you cram him in without the hat. The others don't really fit.) So if you're a vehicle fan you'll still be disappointed, but as figures go? This is another fantastic entry in the animated line, and I dare say it's so good that if you stuck him in the crowds of your Jabba's Palace shelf diorama, he'd fit right in. Even if you have other Cad Bane figures, I'd still suggest buying this one-- just remember, the only part of Todo 360 that is articulated is his head. (I'll be reviewing him as a unique figure on a future date.)

Collector's Notes: This one just came out-- mine came in the mail from Entertainment Earth last Friday and I was surprised to see it. Other new figures in this wave include Training Gear Hevy, Obi-Wan Kenobi in his new outfit, and R7-P7, Ahsoka's astromech droid. Odds are it'll be hitting in your stores very soon, I'm sure before Toy Fair next month. Or you could, you know, click the "buy this figure" banner and support this blog by buying it or another of many fine items. (Hey, I've written thousands of these things, I should do a plug here and there.)

--Adam Pawlus

Day 1,459: January 17, 2011

Star Wars Figure of the Day: Day 1,458

CLOUD CITY WING GUARD Sgt. Edian, or "The Black One"
The Legacy Collection Basic Figures
Item No.: Asst. 87535 No. 88338
Manufacturer: Hasbro
Number: #BD50
Includes: Blaster, hat, baton, droid part
Action Feature: n/a
Retail: $7.99
Availability: Late 2009/Early 2010
Appearances: The Empire Strikes Back

Bio: The elite Wing Guard is in charge of security on Cloud City, working as police officers, customs officials, and crisis controllers. Troopers such as Utris M'Toc and Sergeant Edian handle these crucial duties with honesty and efficiency. (Taken from the figure's packaging.)

Image: Adam Pawlus' former apartment's pool's water pump thing.

Commentary: It's always a little sad when Hasbro makes a high-quality figure and fans don't buy it-- especially when it's an army builder produced in low numbers that turns into a pegwarmer. The Cloud City Wing Guard's first release-- the human with the dark skin-- didn't do so well. The figure was in the final wave of basic Droid Factory figures shipped to all major retailers, and unlike the other figures in the case just sorta floundered despite having an exceptional sculpt with great accessories. Some have speculated that due to his features, Hasbro had initially planned on doing a white guard and just changed his skin color but I can't say for sure if this is true-- it's an interesting assumption and I can see where it comes from if you look at the figure up close-- his features don't quite match the card photo, although this may be more the hairstyle and the deco on the face. The actual human has a little more color in his features than the figure does, so the toy does feel just a smidgen off. Also, his hat doesn't fit perfectly well, you're likely to knock it off if you touch the figure.

When it comes to the body, this figure shines like no other-- good hands hold the accessories, his holsters work well, and the sculpt is just stunning. The amount of wrinkles and detail in this clothing are just about perfect, plus it's nice that everything is set up properly. No longer do we have baby blue accessories, or a jacket that for some reason is hanging open, or a substandard head sculpt. The legs are able to stand or sit with no problems, and this figure really should have been an honorary vintage release-- except for the hat not fitting on the head, the engineering is as good as or better than your average collector-driven release. The added gold details on the coat look great, the white undershirt collar is visible, and he just looks like he belongs on some awesome Cloud City playset that Hasbro will never actually produce. This is one of the greatest figures that the fandom at large failed to embrace, so be sure to snag one (or more) if you can on the cheap.

Collector's Notes: The tail-end Legacy figures were tough to find but this one rotted on the shelves something fierce, just like the Power of the Jedi release at the beginning of the last decade. People just don't like this trooper. I picked up a few of these for about fifty cents a pop. In 2010, Hasbro released an alien-faced variant of this figure with a different head sculpt which only shipped in cases with the Expanded Universe wave. (In other words, Toys "R" Us and online retailers.) The initial release was available everywhere and may even still be there now since it was a bit of a slow seller. It's seeming unlikely that we'll ever get the vintage 1980s moustache variant remade in the modern line now that we've had four Bespin Guards and the only ones that had any heat were hard-to-find exclusives.

--Adam Pawlus

Day 1,458: January 14, 2011

Star Wars Figure of the Day: Day 1,457: Sila Kott (A-Wing Pilot)

SILA KOTT A-Wing Fighter Pilot
The Legacy Collection Battle Over Endor
Item No.: Asst. 97639 No. 21451
Manufacturer: Hasbro
Number: #1 of 2
Includes: Pistol, helmet, 3 additional figures
Action Feature: n/a
Retail: $24.99
Availability: January 2010
Appearances: Return of the Jedi

Bio: Bravery. Skill. Loyalty. These are defining characteristics of the starfighter pilots on both sides of the conflict at the Battle of Endor. Whether they are Rebels or Imperials, these elite pilots are all focused on the same goal: victory. They are deeply aware that they are deciding the future of the galaxy, and will do everything they can to complete their mission. (Taken from the figure's packaging. Note, there's no character-specific copy on the packaging.)

Image: The backdrop from the packaging. It's real nice, I'm keeping this one.

Commentary: Some fans say we still need more rebel pilots. With the release of these Battle Over Endor sets we're getting figures like Sila Kott who, as far as I can tell, weren't named until these toys were proposed. That, my friends, means we're hitting the bottom of the proverbial barrel. This character has a slightly interesting history in that the character on film is played by an unknown actress, but is voiced over by a male actor. I'll let that sink in for a second. Gender has been an issue with alien characters in the past, but very rarely have we had a situation where it's difficult to say what a figure should be-- male, or female? Given the costuming it could go either way, but the voice is unmistakably male. But the face? That's a woman. So what should the figure be? What you see, or what it seemed the film's various editors stitched together? It's weird. The only thing I can think of that's similar are the Talosians on Star Trek which were played by women but were also dubbed by men... although the costumes more or less obfuscated obvious signs of chickishness. The potential arguments you can have over the nature of the "character" from the film and his or her treatment on the screen could probably make for a lot of very interesting chatter... but this is a toy column.

Anyway. So while I haven't yet asked Hasbro what their process was on this one, it seems they did a good job covering their bases with a pilot of more or less ambiguous plumbing. The hair, eyes, and facial structure didn't strike me as female in the store but as soon as I looked at the photograph it did feel a little more feminine, and odds are if they gave the figure a little color on her lips fans would be immediately saying "hey, it's a girl's head on the male body!" Since Sila-- whose name I can't remember for more than two seconds despite trying to memorize it all day yesterday, what's wrong with me?-- is an unknown entity to fans on the whole (unless you wrote his/her Wookieepedia page yourself, if you claim you knew him/her before the figure got announced, you're a damned liar) I have a hard time really knowing where to come down on this one. Given that these sets exist to make the most out of existing tooling and do so at a good price point, I can't fault them from reusing the 2007 A-Wing Pilot body mold again, redecorating it slightly so the colors are different enough to be distinctive and also be obviously a member of the same squadron.

I really like the new head sculpt, even though I'm not quite sure how I'm supposed to look at it. It has personality and a nice hair color, plus the outfit looks really good as always. The helmet deco is also really nice, its coloring feels particularly of the 1980s. While I'm really happy to be getting more unique Return of the Jedi starfighter pilots, I'm left confused by this one-- my inability to stop contemplating things like authenticity and authorial intent (or just general screw-ups) gets in the way of my being able to tell you if you should buy this figure or not.

Let me put it like this: if you have no A-Wing pilots, this is a good one. If you have enough A-Wing pilots, this one won't do much to make you happy to have yet another one. If you want a conversation piece in your collection, by gum, this is a hum-dinger. If you have Star Wars fan friends I highly suggest you do a little research on Sila Kott and have yourself a nice little conversation about this one. I didn't know this little factoid until just hours before I wrote this column yesterday, so unfortunately I didn't have a lot of time to absorb it.

Collector's Notes: The set hit, as far as I can tell, yesterday. (The first sightings popped up on January 12, and I found a set a few hours later.) So as of right now, it's possible this set was at your local store, or already sold through-- the sets I picked up were the only ones there, so clearly someone beat me to the rest and it's possible your stores have already sold through their first shipments, too. Good hunting! The same body was used to make several other figures including Arvel Crynyd, Tycho Celchu, and Jake Farrell. If you're a Blackadder fan, I'm assuming that Sila may be Corellian for "Bob."

Packaging Notes: These figures come in blue and black packaging that simply says "Star Wars" on it. Since the instructions still say "The Legacy Collection," that's the name I'm going with, although some fans have referred to these as "Shadows of the Dark Side." The form factor is very tight, with little wasted space and a silver "R" exclusive sticker. I like these a lot, but I have to wonder why Hasbro didn't appeal directly to collectors with something similar to Target's vintage 3- and 9-packs. Y-Wing Pilot Ekelarc Yong is the strongest new figure in the set, with the R5-P9 droid being a great new redeco and Lt. Oxixo being a just-different-enough-to-make-you-made TIE Fighter Pilot. (Although Major Mianda is going to win figure of the year award for most frustrating, and we'll talk about him in a few weeks.) With these two packs of pilots and now Lando, we're fast approaching (if not having already exceeded) a necessary compliment of fighter pilots. Hasbro does a great job but if we get any more figures like Kott here my head is going to $#@#%@! explode.

--Adam Pawlus

Day 1,457: January 13, 2011

Star Wars Figure of the Day: Day 1,456: Plo Koon

PLO KOON Arena Battle
Saga Collection 2 Basic Figures
Item No.: Asst. 84861 No. 84868
Manufacturer: Hasbro
Number: #0212
Includes: Lightsaber, blade, force blast
Action Feature: n/a
Retail: $4.99
Availability: April 2002
Appearances: Attack of the Clones

Bio: Plo Koon is a member of the Jedi Council. Special equipment protects his sensitive eyes and nostrils from Coruscant's oxygen-rich atmosphere. With his extensive grasp and control of the Force, Plo Koon leads the Jedi into battle on Geonosis. (Taken from the figure's packaging.)

Image: Adam Pawlus' desk.

Commentary: One of the more desired figures from the first prequel was Plo Koon, who got few outfit changes but several toys despite having no dialog in the three films. (He's since made up for it in the cartoons.) This figure was the first "uncloaked" version, which sported eight points of articulation and an action-oriented pose which was common in most of the 2002-2004 figures. He's clearly posed for battle and not for sitting in his council chair or a space ship, which makes sense because when this figure was designed Hasbro was moving away from vehicles. Actually, in this era Hasbro produced very few vehicles every year with Attack of the Clones launching with only five ships-- pretty weak stuff, particularly if you saw how bad the figure/vehicle compatibility was in that first wave.

This figure did manage to improve on the look and feel, with a wonderful looking poseable release which today is more of a statue than a toy. His lightsaber had a removable hilt, plus he had a weird blaster deflection thing you can have him put in his hand which really isn't particularly useful. Supposedly it was to add value to the figure, but it doesn't seem to hold up well after nearly 10 years. Plo had some difficulty standing due to his battle-oriented pose, which could result in him falling over, which in turn could cause the lightsaber to snap-- the blade is held in with a very thin peg, prone to breakage. If you display your figures out of the box, I suggest using a display base or buying a second backup figure for when this one inevitably breaks.

While not essential, the figure's detail is really good for the time and it's a great evolutionary step that eventually brought us to where we are today-- with nearly everything being super poseable all the time. If you have a character focus on Plo Koon, get him, but don't expect to be blown away by this particular release.

Collector's Notes: This figure seemed to be in somewhat short supply in 2002, but you could get one if you tried. Future, better figures rendered it obsolete, so get one if you're so inclined-- it's a neat curiosity. Two or three bucks ought to do it.

--Adam Pawlus

Day 1,456: January 12, 2011

Star Wars Figure of the Day: Day 1,455: Mace Windu

MACE WINDU with Lightsaber and Jedi Cloak
Episode I Collection 3 Basic Figures
Item No.: Asst. 84105 No. 84084
Manufacturer: Hasbro
Number: n/a
Includes: Cloak, lightsaber, CommTech chip
Action Feature: n/a
Retail: $6.99
Availability: May 1999
Appearances: The Phantom Menace

Bio: A respected Jedi Master and a senior member of the Jedi Council, Mace Windu wields a great deal of authority through out the Galactic Republic. He is well aware of the dangers of the Sith. (Taken from the figure's packaging.)

Image: Adam Pawlus' desk.

Commentary: Samuel L. Jackson's Mace Windu has been a big part of the line since 1998, where he was the first mail-in figure from the prequel trilogy, and the first "sneak preview" figure since the 1980s. This isn't that figure-- rather, this is the second release, a resculpted figure sold at retail. This one is different in that it has more articulation, slightly different deco, and a different cloak.

This figure's main draw at the time was its big brown cloak which completely covers the figure. You can make him hold his lightsaber while encased in the garment, but, well, it looks a little goofy. It works, but not terribly well-- and since Mace rarely wears his cloak with the hood up, odds are this is an accessory that will ultimately live in your junk drawer. Under the cloak is a figure in his normal Jedi attire, with sleeves matching his robe and a more action-oriented pose with his legs spread out a little bit more. His right arm sports a swivel elbow and a swivel wrist which, in 1999, were still pretty fancy stuff on a Star Wars toy.

While the figure feels cut from the same cloth as the 1998 mail-in release, the only piece that seems to be shared is the torso-- everything else seems to have slight changes made to the tooling, be it a bent ankle or a teeny change to the head, which may even be just my imagination. I wouldn't classify this figure as "different enough to make you mad," but it certainly is different enough to be notable.

His lone weapon is a lightsaber, and while some fans may peg it as incorrect, it wasn't back in 1999. Lucas changed a lot of how the Expanded Universe worked in those years, and nearly every character in The Phantom Menace was assigned one lightsaber color, only for Lucas' camp to say "never mind" and change every character to red, green, blue, or purple later. As such, Mace is carrying a very different weapon than he would hold in the prequels, and while there are stories explaining the saber swap they certainly don't explain away the coloring or how he got his gold-plated weapon in the prequel sequel. It's just one of those weird things to note-- you can try to explain it away, but really, it's not something with a clear-cut answer.

Collector's Notes: This figure did make a few return appearances with switched-up accessories, but the first release is the one you want-- yes, even though it's wrong.

--Adam Pawlus

Day 1,455: January 11, 2011

Star Wars Figure of the Day: Day 1,454:Cato Parasitti

CATO PARASITTI Bounty Hunter
The Clone Wars Basic Figures
Item No.: Asst. 94736 No. 25276
Manufacturer: Hasbro
Number: #CW37
Includes: Blaster, stand
Action Feature: Flip-up visor
Retail: $6.99
Availability: November 2010
Appearances: The Clone Wars

Bio: Cato Parasitti helps Cad Bane steal a Jedi holocron. The Clawdite changeling can alter her appearance to look just like someone else. She enters the Jedi Temple by changing into the Jedi Master Ord Enisence. Then she shapreshifts into Jocasta Nu, the director of the library, and helps Bane sneak inside the temple. (Taken from the figure's packaging.)

Image: Adam Pawlus' media rig.

Commentary: Since Zam Wesell is dead, The Clone Wars gives us Cato Parasitti with her massive eyes and huge helmet. Super articulation was once rare on animated figures, but this one has it and next to no problems standing or sitting. I'd go as far as to say that this figure hits a rare sweet spot, she has been designed to function as a toy just as much as she looks good enough to appeal to the picky collector in all of us.

One of the more notable features is her flip-up helmet, unusual for any female (or non-trooper) character. It's really cool-- while the design was altered slightly to make a better toy, the lenses align with her eyes so well that you can actually see through the lenses. This may not seem like a big deal, but trust me, it's not every day a figure can actually see through its own helmet. Her outfit's texture looks like it was in the animation, the metal parts look metallic and the cloth parts look like it's a piece of clothing. Her swivel wrists are pretty great, and her green skin looks great in this distinctive brown, silver, and yellow outfit.

An unusual engineering choice in this figure can be seen in the lower legs. Rather than sculpting the armor to cover her boots as part of the boot, it's a separate piece-- the silver is not part of the foot, and the foot is still completely movable. Actually, the foot's range of motion is above par since it can rock in nearly every direction. (I actually tried unsuccessfully to describe and pitch this exact joint on an action figure line I was consulting on a few years ago. It's good to see someone can do it right!)

If I had to complain about anything, it'd be her hands and her rifle. It may be more user error than engineering, but heck if I can get her to look cool holding that rifle. I can sort of fudge it, but that's about as good as I can get. Aside from that? Top-notch figure. I don't thing I'm exaggerating when I say it's Hasbro's best female figure in the entire The Clone Wars range to date, although they seem to be whipping out so many new improvements that we might have something even better by Easter.

Aurebesh: The figure is peppered in lettering, which is either small or my eyes are bad. On the backpack and on her right arm, it reads "KUAT," which is a notable company/builder in the intergalactic tech sector. (Kuat of Kuat, anyone?) Her leg seems to be sort of jumbled, it looks like BAZ-TEK which makes no damn sense. The character that I put as an "A" isn't exactly a match for an "A", but I'm not sure what it should be. Either way, Hasbro can do some really fine printing on these things now. There are some markings on her left shoulder, but use of my macro function revealed these just to be green designs or splatters and not characters of any recognizable lettering system.

Collector's Notes: Like most new characters in the animated line, this figure is something that's a little harder to find. Good hunting, and don't wait-- waiting has resulted in higher secondary market prices on most minor characters. Target stores (at press time) seem to be getting these more lately.

--Adam Pawlus

Day 1,454: January 10, 2011

Star Wars Figure of the Day: Day 1,453: Baron Fel

BARON SOONTIR FEL and Ysanne Isard
The Legacy Collection Comic Packs
Item No.: Asst. 87535 No. 19683
Manufacturer: Hasbro
Number: #17
Includes: Blaster, helmet, hat
Action Feature: n/a
Retail: $17.99
Availability: November 2010
Appearances: Rogue Squadron stories

Bio: Soontir Fel and Ysanne Isard are one-time allies who find themselves on opposite sides after the fall of the Empire. Fel is a starfighter pilot and an Imperial hero who defects to the New Republic. Isard is the devious director of Imperial Intelligence who manipulates events to reach the pinnacle of power. (Taken from the figure's packaging.)

Image: Adam Pawlus' kitchen.

Commentary: When Hasbro revealed its Captain Needa figure design, we were told it was a modular sculpt which would allow for more Imperial figures to be easily developed-- we didn't get many, but we now have a new one with this Baron Soontir Fel action figure. Channeling the powers of Adam Scott, this figure has a distinctive new head sculpt and different arms-- these seem to be the 2007 Death Star Trooper arms, which makes sense because Needa used that figure's legs, too. It's a nice mix.

The previous Baron Fel figure from 2007 was weak at the time-- while it had the articulation and some of the technology of its day, it looks like it came from a different line and lacked the important feature that any Baron Fel figure needs-- the beard. No beard? No deal. This one has a beard, plus a unique black X-wing helmet and an Imperial Navy cap, too. It's a step in the right direction, although I think lots of fans are still waiting for both proper Imperial and Rebel versions of Baron Fel as a pilot-- both of which are rather conspicuously absent after all these years. Of course, Hasbro hasn't had an individually carded TIE Fighter Pilot for sale since 2004, it seems like they have a record they're trying to break at this point.

Baron Fel has a unique 181st Squadron stripe down his uniform's sleeves, made from red and black paint. This is pretty cool. Fans of the Empire and the immediate post-ROTJ Expanded Universe (as interpreted in the 1990s) should like this one, although it seems that this is the second Baron Fel figure that doesn't give us either of the two pilot figures we were hoping we would see soon. Ah well. Hopefully Hasbro will pop this one's head on a Rebel and/or Imperial Pilot body soon!

Collector's Notes: The figure was "canceled" as a mainline item (check the SKU, it was meant to be part of the basic comic pack assortment at some point in history) but fate decided mainstream retail didn't want the comic pack line. We define "fate" as "keeping the same comic pack SKU from 2007-2009 when Battle Packs get refreshed every 18 months." So it's an online exclusive, which probably means it will ultimately be slightly easier to find than the final non-exclusive wave of comic packs from 2010. Also, I work for the company who sells this as an exclusive, so take that as you will. (We did not, however, have anything to do with its development-- we just sell the thing.)

--Adam Pawlus

Day 1,453: January 7, 2011

Star Wars Figure of the Day: Day 1,452: Utai

UTAI Lizard Wrangler
The Legacy Collection Basic Figures
Item No.: Asst. 87535 No. 91812
Manufacturer: Hasbro
Number: #BD41
Includes: Prod, droid part
Action Feature: n/a
Retail: $7.99
Availability: November 2009
Appearances: Revenge of the Sith

Bio: The Utai are one of the native species on Utapau. As the working class, they look after the dragon corrals and serve as ground crews on landing platforms. They live in the numerous sinkholes on the planet, taming the indigenous dactillions and varactyls. (Taken from the figure's packaging.)

Image: Adam Pawlus' old yard. Or Utapau, whichever.

Commentary: Hasbro had no problem making you feel like you aren't getting your money's worth during its Legacy Collection. The diminutive Utai cost eight bucks and while it had 14 joints, it's a little guy and usually "short" means "two for the price of one." We did not get two-- nor did we get a bonus accessory. What we got was a nicely detailed, strangely suited mole person with a stun lance. It's a neat looking figure but it feels out of place, with few figures to interact with and it was tough enough to find to prohibit building a little squad of the guys. It's amazing to see Hasbro do such a wonderful job recreating such an insignificant background player, particularly so long after the movie had passed and in all seriousness, they aren't looking for line-filler. It's a nice figure that feels too expensive for what he is, but it's still good.

The character may be more at home in a Jabba's Palace or Cantina diorama, so consider getting him for that. Particularly since, and correct me if I'm wrong, I'm guessing no more than 1 or 2 of you keep any form of Utapau's caves on display at home.

Collector's Notes: This figure disappeared quickly, and the wave feels like it was in short supply. It isn't worth much, but it is difficult to come by. There was supposed to be a variant head on this figure, which was accidentally revealed to the public at Comic-Con 2009 and never actually slated for release. Who knows if we'll ever see it? Given the nature of the character, unless Hasbro needs cheap wave filler, it seems unlikely.

--Adam Pawlus

Day 1,452: January 6, 2011

Star Wars Figure of the Day: Day 1,451: Han Solo

HAN SOLO Shield Generator Assault
The Legacy Collection Battle Packs
Item No.: Asst. 87752 No. 87779
Manufacturer: Hasbro
Number: n/a
Includes: Blaster, R2-D2, Rebel Trooper, Imperial Officer
Action Feature: n/a
Retail: $19.99
Availability: August 2008
Appearances: Return of the Jedi

Bio: Han Solo and Princess Leia have to get inside the Imperial bunker; inside is the shield generator that protects the second Death Star. R2-D2 starts to unlock the blast doors, but a Stormtrooper's well-aimed shot fries the droid's circuits. Using a captured AT-ST walker, Han tricks the Imperial officers into leaving the bunker, where they are quickly surrounded by Rebels and Ewoks. (Taken from the figure's packaging.)

Image: Adam Pawlus' desk.

Commentary: Thankfully this Battle Pack was a good one, because it does have a weak piece. This Han Solo hits "just different enough to make you mad" on the head by giving the vintage trenchcoat Han Solo a new head and no coat. Other than that, it's very been-there, done-that which is increasingly tiring with this mold. Heck, Target sold it coat-less in its Ultimate Battle Pack, and anyone can take a coat off. It's a nice (and improved) head sculpt but it still really doesn't look anything like Harrison Ford in any meaningful way. It's clearly Han Solo, but it's the Disney Stunt Show versions of the character. The costume is good and the articulation is excellent, but 14 joints means little if your head is awful. And while not awful, it's just... there. It's passable.

The figure is notable with one very good piece and one bad one all around his waist. His mid-torso joint works really well, giving the figure a good range of movement despite giving it an added awkward cut. On the other hand, his holster is just awful, the plastic feels stretched thin and it hangs oddly. Hasbro can (and has) done better, as previous Han figures didn't suffer the indignity of an accessory that looks like it's permanently falling off.

Collector's Notes: This was not a great seller-- you may be able to find it at a store near you today if you keep your eyes peeled. (I realize I said that yesterday, but it's true here too.)

--Adam Pawlus

Day 1,451: January 5, 2011

Star Wars Figure of the Day: Day 1,450: Darth Vader (Infinities)

DARTH VADER and Princess Leia
The Legacy Collection Comic Packs
Item No.: Asst. 87504 No. 87699
Manufacturer: Hasbro
Number: #11
Includes: Lightsaber, companion Leia figure
Action Feature: n/a
Retail: $12.99
Availability: Fall 2008
Appearances: Return of the Jedi: Infinities

Bio: The Infinities series explores tantalizing "what if" stories about what might have happened to Star Wars characters if events had occurred differently. In this tale, the rescue of Han Solo from Jabba's palace fails, so Princess Leia goes after Boba Fett in order to save Han. The climactic events on the second Death Star also take a different turn that sees Darth Vader changing his allegiances and fighting alongside his children. (Taken from the figure's box.)

Image: Adam Pawlus' desk.

Commentary: Fact: it is impossible to give Darth Vader the "black repaint" treatment. Solution: white Darth Vader. Taken from what may be the most famous panel from a largely unread comic, this figure offers a hypothetical figure based on the notion if Darth Vader returned to the side of good and the Emperor ran off to cause trouble in the galaxy. A neat idea, sure, but not exactly an essential figure. In 2008, this 2004 Vintage sculpt was a little outdated but hey, at least the helmet stayed on-- which is more than most figures of the character since 2005 can claim.

Overall, it's OK-- the head can tilt back, and there's enough articulation in here that you won't be sorry you bought it, although it's obvious some joints are just not there. For example, no ankles, and only swivel elbows will remind you that this is an older mold. He'll have problems sitting due to his codpiece hanging off his belt, so really, leave this one in the package or expect him to do a lot of standing. This isn't a figure for piloting vehicles, but given the relative obscurity of the design odds are you won't be playing with it much anyway. It's a solid idea and certainly different enough to be worth a look, but your love of the movies should dictate if you shell out the money for this one.

Collector's Notes: This was not a great seller-- you may be able to find it at a store near you today if you keep your eyes peeled.

--Adam Pawlus

Day 1,450: January 4, 2011

Star Wars Figure of the Day: Day 1,449: Clone Trooper Echo

CLONE TROOPER ECHO Rookie
The Clone Wars Basic Figures
Item No.: Asst. 87638 No. 91232
Manufacturer: Hasbro
Number: #CW17
Includes: Blaster, rocket launcher, rocket, helmet
Action Feature: Firing rocket launcher
Retail: $7.99
Availability: August 2009
Appearances: Clone Wars TV show

Bio: After Echo's first battle with commando droids, Captain Rex marks the trooper's armor with the blood of a vicious creature that had attacked them; the bloody handprint is Rex's way of recognizing Echo's transition from a "shiny" to a seasoned warrior. (Taken from the figure's packaging.)

Image: Adam Pawlus' desk.

Commentary: "Rookies" was one of the more memorable episodes from the first year of The Clone Wars, and fans really did jump on figures like Clone Trooper Echo even if it was little more than a minor deco change with a new helmet. The same basic 2008 body has been given a head and a helmet, plus the body has a hand print on it. That's really all there is to it, the articulation is some of the best and the sculpt is great, but it's a mishmash of old parts. It's pretty sad in some ways that you have a figure that's stellar, and I can't say much about it other than "just as good as other Clone Troopers" and "mind-blowing stuff is now just merely run-of-the-mill since we get so much of it." This is a must-own release for fans of the show, but if you have 40 Clones already, do you need one more? (Oh who am I kidding, nobody has only 40.)

Collector's Notes: The figure was sold individually and in a 2-pack with Commander Cody. The hand print is slightly different, but not different enough for us to consider it more than a variant. It's pretty common, so don't pay a premium for one.

--Adam Pawlus

Day 1,449: January 3, 2011