DACK RALTER (Rebel Pilot)The Vintage Collection Basic Figures
Item No.: Asst. 97568 No. 97579
Manufacturer: Hasbro
Number: VC07
Includes: Helmet, rifle, pistol
Action Feature: n/a
Retail: $7.99-$9.99
Availability: June 2010
Appearances: The Empire Strikes Back
Bio: Celebrate the legendary Star Wars saga that changed the universe forever! This collection brings to life the incredible story of good versus evil that captured our imagination and took us to a galaxy far, far away. Iconic Star Wars heroes and villains are captured with incredible detail and premium features to commemorate each epic tale in the Star Wars saga. May the Fore be with you! (Taken from the figure's packaging. There is no bio.)
Image: Adam Pawlus' shelves.
Commentary: A lot of fans got this figure and said "finally, they made Dack Ralter!" Well, no. The first Dack came out as a hard-to-find (if you weren't paying attention) exclusive just before the Attack of the Clones line came out. It was a resculpted 1995 Snowspeeder Luke figure, so this 2010 version was a huge improvement and, to many, "new." It's certainly a big improvement-- the removable helmet looks great, his head sculpt isn't bad, and I love the fact Hasbro gave him both a rifle and a pistol. Based on the Super Articulated Snowspeeder Pilot Body which debuted in 2008, it's a great figure and one it's a shame wasn't more common. Despite being a character with lines, he also would make a generic pilot for your Snowspeeders. (Which, presumably, you've got like 4 or 5 by now.)
The figure doesn't bring a lot new to the table, but it's good. It's a fine example of Hasbro exploiting its vast library of figure molds with a new head, giving you something that's worth picking up. The figure has a thermal cap on under the helmet, so you won't see his hair, and the sculpt is pretty great. Sure, Hasbro probably could do an entirely new and amazing sculpt today, but I kind of hope they keep reusing the 2008 body to keep them consistent.
Collector's Notes: This was a real "mileage may vary" figure. Some stores were loaded with him, and he was a pegwarmer. At other stores, he sold quickly. Fewer of him were produced than most of the other figures, so there really were more Dengars than there were Dacks. Despite being kind of a dud when he came out, he's now $20-$25 on eBay, which is, if you ask me, a bit of a surprise. I would have guessed $13 before I looked it up.
--Adam Pawlus
Day 1,815: May 29, 2012
You didn't mention the Hoth trooper rifle. Some fans expressed annoyance he came with it.
ReplyDeleteOh, bummer you get a good weapon you can give to one your Hoth Rebel Troopers.
It was a nice bonus. If every rebel can come with that rifle, I'd be cool with it as long they had their proper accessories, too.