Star Wars Figure of the Day: Day 1,743: Wedge Antilles

WEDGE ANTILLES X-Wing Pack-In
The Legacy Collection Target Exclusive
Item No.: No. 87847
Number: n/a
Manufacturer: Hasbro
Includes: X-Wing, Astromech droid, helmet, ladders
Action Feature: n/a
Retail: $49.99, part of a set
Availability: August 2009
Appearances: Primarily Star Wars

Bio: The X-Wing Fighter has become the symbol of the Rebellion. Swift, reliable and highly responsive in battle, this rugged craft is capable of absorbing plenty of damage in combat. X-Wings have flown in all the major battles against the Empire and are the preferred fighters of Rebel pilots. In the bustling Alliance hangars, X-Wings are prepared for another battle with Imperial fighters, as pilots and technicians check engines, instruments and weapons. Once Alliance pilot, Wedge Antilles, flew an X-Wing in the Battle of Yavin as Red Two and as Red Leader in the Battle of Endor. (Taken from the figure's packaging.)

Image: Adam Pawlus' desk.

Commentary: I am not at a point where I cannot say with absolutely certainty if this Wedge Antilles figure is the best-- I think it may be. The fairly scarce Vintage release is shorter, but has an arguably superior head sculpt. But an inferior torso. What's a collector to do, other than buy them all? As far as best bang for the buck goes, this one doesn't disappoint, but its higher secondary market price is now kind of a drag. The figure is based on a variation of the Vintage X-Wing Luke Pilot sculpt, with a longer torso and, of course, Wedge's head. The head is Wedgey, although it could be more so. You basically know what to expect from this body type-- it stands well, can sit and fit in an X-wing, but has those annoying straps which get in the way of sitting.

I really appreciate that Hasbro used this torso rather than reuse Luke's again, mostly because the lightsaber belt hole is an eyesore. The shoulders are a little wonky, but the figure still looks good and for the loose collector, is probably one of your better options for the price. Particularly because it also includes an X-Wing and an Astromech Droid, and because even though it's much cheaper than it was, the Vintage one is still too dang much.

Collector's Notes: While it sort of rotted on the shelves, that can only mean one thing: it's expensive on eBay. Now it's closer to $90 or $100, which isn't bad considering you get a big huge X-Wing, two figures, and some ladders. Granted, I was complaining about paying $50 back in 2009, but I guess inflation and the grim reality of what things sell for at the Toys R Us makes this an interesting set for the price. If you can get it for under $70, you should. For $100, well, I can't say I'd suggest jumping on it, but I do like this figure slightly more than the 2011 Vintage figure due to the height and torso issues. Generally speaking, though, either is great-- do whatever your wallet says makes the most sense. (Or both.)

--Adam Pawlus

Day 1,743: February 17, 2012