DARTH VADER and Princess LeiaThe 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 In 2008, this 2004 Vintage sculpt was a little outdated but hey, at least the helmet stayed on-- which is more than most figures of the character since 2005 can claim.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
I was really dissappointed in the concept of a white Vader representing a return to higher ideals. I thought it would be much more interesting if Vader kept the black helmet but used the tan and brown tones of a jedi again. That, to me, would better represent his redemption.
ReplyDeleteOf course, that's more a criticism of the source material than the figure itself.
Just sayin'.
Hey Adam,
ReplyDeleteany chance of the POTJ Degobah Vader at some point soon? I'm pretty certain you've not done him yet.
I find the white Vader idea amusing, but the cut elbows kept me away from this one.
ReplyDeleteAlso, the pack wasn't a common sight around here. Did wind up at Marshalls/TJ Maxx, where I still skipped it.
In terms of silly repaints, I wish they made a purple Bossk from Marvel Comics, using the super articulated mold, of course.
A purple Bossk would be cool, actually. I'd stick him into displays as an anonymous Trandoshan.
ReplyDeletei'd love a purple bossk!
ReplyDeletei actually adore this white vader. he is on prominent display in my living room. i think he looks great. his only problem is that he needs the clear rubber band he came with to hold his lightsaber.