Star Wars Figure of the Day: Day 1,709: Boba Fett

BOBA FETT Prototype Armor
The Vintage Collection Mail-In Premium
Item No.: No. 36623
Manufacturer: Hasbro
Number: #VC61
Includes: Jetpack, two blasters
Action Feature: n/a
Retail: $6.99 + 5 UPCs
Availability: September 2011
Appearances: n/a

Bio: This limited edition figure depicts the first costume ever produced for Boba Fett. The all-white armor reflects the character's iniital concept as a "super trooper" before he evolved into the bounty hunter he is today. This prototype design was unveiled on June 28, 1978 in a screen test shot and is being worn by the assistant film editor for The Empire Strikes Back. In the 20-minute screen test, the sound designer describes the myriad weapons and features on this armored uniform for George Lucas and the Star Wars crew. For the first time ever, we have created this special action figure to commemorate hte birth of this favorite character from the Star Wars saga. (Taken from the figure's packaging.)

Image: Adam Pawlus' room.

Commentary: When I posted that I received this Boba Fett figure in the mail-- and I held off on ordering it because I had to move this year-- I got a lot of responses like "so is it worth it?" That's not exactly a reassuring response to see, generally mail-in figures are jumped upon and the thought of not sending off for a figure which is clearly different is unthinkable. But you did ask the question, and you deserve an answer. The figure is a mishmash of existing figures: the bulk of it is the 2004 Vintage Boba Fett, but the holster is from the 2007 Animated Boba Fett. If what you're ultimately wondering is "Should I buy the McQuarrie version or this one?" I'd say go get the McQuarrie Concept version first.

The smaller pistol seems to be from the 2000 300th Edition Boba Fett, and the larger one seems to be taken from the aforementioned McQuarrie Concept version. Neither can be held particularly well, but the McQuarrie blaster does fit into the holster nicely. As gear goes-- and the figure as a whole-- I would best describe it as the best Hasbro wanted to do with what must have been a small budget. The figure has Wookiee scalps, the concept armor does not. The figure lacks the hooks/prongs/whatever on the rocket that the prototype armor has. Obviously, the prototype armor has fewer dents and scrapes, plus it has a much lighter gray body suit-- this figure, while light gray, is still relatively dark compared to the armor. The belt doesn't quite match either but remember-- this was not a figure meant to be a perfect replica of a unique piece of history so much as it was a token repaint wave figure being turned into a mail-in offer.

Because I'll buy anything, I think it's OK. I will say that I wish it was free with UPCs, because at $7... I don't know. At $7 I'd probably buy one at retail semi-happily, but ultimately it doesn't deliver on the authenticity I'd hope for on an obscure piece of Star Wars lore. It's plenty weird and neat in its own right, but as I was hoping they'd give us the grapple-hook rocket on his backpack I was a smidgen let down. Also, his cape lacks the towel elements of the original armor-- which probably makes for a better figure, but I was hoping it'd be more like the original.

Collector's Notes: This figure is still shipping and marks two years of mail-in figures based on some form of prototype Boba Fett. Mine took about six weeks to get here after I sent for it. The current redemption form may be found here but history says that Hasbro's Bozeman, MT fulfillment partners will take pretty much any UPCs so long as you supply a check and a valid address. The cardback comes unpunched, and it comes in a sturdy white mailer box. As of today, you have until March 31, 2011 to send for it.

--Adam Pawlus

Day 1,709: January 2, 2012