Star Wars Figure of the Day: Day 1,498: Padme Amidala

PADME AMIDALA Evolutions - Episode II
The Legacy Collection Evolutions
Item No.: Asst. 87874 No. 87601
Manufacturer: Hasbro
Number: n/a
Includes: Additional figures, cloak, shawl, hood, blaster
Action Feature: n/a
Retail: $24.99
Availability: July 2008
Appearances: Attack of the Clones

Bio: Padme devoted her life to the people of Naboo and became a key figure in the dramatic events that changed the galaxy. Her courage and compassion deeply affected those around her, and was the pivotal legacy she gave to her children, Luke and Leia. While Queen of Naboo, Padme stood up against the Trade Federation’s siege of her planet. As a Senator, Padme fought to keep the Republic from falling into war. Her last act was to give birth to the twins who would fulfill her legacy by restoring peace to the galaxy. (Taken from the figure's cardback.)

Image: On my old desk.

Commentary: Hasbro cranked out a few versions of this Padme Amidala costume as a figure so far, this one is the most comprehensive and includes materials from a deleted scene. The hood and shawl are really the big-deal new parts, but it's also worth noting that the figure is a new super-articulated sculpt with a decent likeness. The white outfit isn't riddled with wrinkles, but has enough going on with it that it looks more like a real costume in a tiny size and less like a small plastic figure. With a working holster, it's pretty impressive and arguably one of the better Padme figures in recent years since it just isn't a girl in a dress that can't sit down. No, this one can be posed and actually looks pretty decent-- arguably the best of the Padme figures of this outfit so far, if not one of the best Natalie Portman toys you can buy of any kind. Easily worth tracking down, but if you're a betting man, you might see her at retail again some day. So don't overpay, but do track down.

Collector's Notes: A poor seller, this set could be had cheaply. As an added bonus, this figure was later sold individually on a regular retail card in The Legacy Collection.

--Adam Pawlus

Day 1,498: March 11, 2011