Tuesday, July 31, 2012

Star Wars Figure of the Day: Day 1,860: Clone Trooper Gus

CLONE TROOPER GUS Clone Troopers from The Hidden Enemy Animated Series Episode
The Clone Wars Target Exclusive Gift Set
Item No.:
  Asst. 19540 No.  19542 
Manufacturer: Hasbro
Number: n/a
Includes: Stand, blaster, rifle, helmet
Action Feature: n/a
Retail: $24.99
Availability: October 2010
Appearances: The Clone Wars

Bio:   The clone troopers are stunned when they discover that one of them is a traitor to the Republic.  When a droid battalion avoids an ambush, Captain Rex and the Jedi start looking for answers and uncover a breach in security.  Sergeant Slick and troopers Gus and Chopper all fall under suspicion and are questioned about their actions, as Rex helps the Jedi and Clone Commander Cody search for the traitor.    (Taken from the figure's packaging.)

Image: Adam's old kitchen.

Monday, July 30, 2012

Star Wars Figure of the Day: Day 1,859: Obi-Wan Kenobi

OBI-WAN KENOBI  Arena Battle
The Legacy Collection Target Exclusive Geonosis Arena Packs 2010
Item No.:
Asst. 97645 No.  97646  
Manufacturer: Hasbro
Number: #1 of 6
Includes: Lightasber, Super Battle Droid figure
Action Feature: n/a
Retail: $12.99
Availability: Ocotber 2010
Appearances: Attack of the Clones

Bio: The Jedi Knights rush to Geonosis to rescue Obi-Wan, Anakin, and Padme from execution. The Jedi brandish their lightsabers against the Geonosian warriors and the massive army of battle droids, super battle droids, and droidekas. All hope seems lost that any Jedi will survive this battle, then Yoda arrives with an army of clone troopers. Although many Jedi are lost that day, others survive this climactic battle that ushers in the Clone Wars.  (Taken from the figure's packaging.)

Image: Adam Pawlus' Geonosis backdrop, which was thrown away by the time you read this.

Friday, July 27, 2012

Star Wars Figure of the Day: Day 1,858: Super Battle Droid

SUPER BATTLE DROID Firing Missile Launcher!
The Clone Wars Basic Action Figures
Item No.:
Asst. 37290 No. 37742
Manufacturer: Hasbro
Number: CW16
Includes: 1 rocket, 1 launcher, display stand
Action Feature: Arm launches rocket
Retail: $8.99
Availability: April 2012
Appearances: Clone Wars TV series

Bio: Super battle droids are used for target practice in clone trooper training.  Battle simulations are as real as possible to train clone cadets for the rigors of combat.  Captured and reprogrammed, the super battle droids have targets placed on areas where blaster fire will result in the most destruction.   (Taken from the figure's cardback.)

Image: Adam Pawlus' photo area.

Thursday, July 26, 2012

Star Wars Figure of the Day: Day 1,857: K-3PO

K-3PO Defense of Hoth
The Legacy Collection Target Exclusive Gift Set
Item No.:
Asst. 97632  No. 97634
Manufacturer: Hasbro
Number: n/a
Includes: Hat, pistol, rifle, backpack, Radar Laser Cannon, Turret, 2 Rebel figures, medium repeating blaster
Action Feature: n/a
Retail: $39.99
Availability: October 2010
Appearances: The Empire Strikes Back

Bio:  The Rebels defend their base on Hoth with every available weapon in their arsenal. They know they can't defeat the Imperial forces attacking them, but they need to delay them long enough to evacuate the base.  Rebel troopers blast the enemy from laser towers that ring the base, and fire anti-vehicle cannons and medium repeating blasters at the Snowtroopers and AT-ST walkers.  (Taken from the figure's packaging.)

Image: Adam Pawlus' apartment.

Wednesday, July 25, 2012

Star Wars Figure of the Day: Day 1,856: General Grievous

GENERAL GRIEVOUS Hunt for Grievous
The Clone Wars Battle Packs
Item No.:
Asst. 35566 No. 35580
Manufacturer: Hasbro
Number: n/a
Includes: Cloth cape, 2 lightsabers, stand, game card, 2 other figures
Action Feature: n/a
Retail: $26.99
Availability: July 2011
Appearances: The Clone Wars

Bio:  Grievous, born as Qymaen jai Sheelal, was the cyborg Supreme Commander of the Droid Army of the Confederacy of Independent Systems for most of the Clone Wars.  (Stolen from Wookieepedia.)

Image: Adam Pawlus' photo area.

Tuesday, July 24, 2012

Star Wars Figure of the Day: Day 1,855: Darth Vader

DARTH VADER  Finally on a new 1978-style cardback!
The Vintage Collection Basic Figures
Item No.:
Asst. 37499 No.  37508  
Manufacturer: Hasbro
Number: #VC93
Includes: Lightsaber
Action Feature: n/a
Retail: $9.99
Availability: April 2012
Appearances: Star Wars

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 Force be with you!  (Taken from the figure's packaging.  No specific character information.)

Image: Adam Pawlus' photo area.

Commentary: One of the problems I have about this line is I have to explain to people (not you people) what's new.  This Darth Vader figure is a brand-new sculpt for 2012, and people don't believe me when I tell them this.  "Are you sure?" they ask.  "Yes!"  I say.  "OK, so the lenses are painted brighter, the right hand has this neat "Force" pose, and it's the first and so far only Darth Vader with ball-jointed hip joints."  They respond "but it looks just like the other Vintage one, doesn't it?" and I have to say "OK, yes, but not really.  See, the armor is based on the original Star Wars, which means his robes are over his shoulder armor, the lines on his gloves run in a different direction, and there's a green light on his chest."  At this point they shrug, because they weren't into the minor details so much as they were trying to confirm that this was a thing they could ignore or reuse a photo for it or something.

I'm really not sure what to take away from this figure.  It's the best-ever Star Wars Darth Vader, but it's not the best, finalest-est figure.  The hip joints have exquisite mobility, but this codpiece looks something like a diaper.  The helmet doesn't have a ball joint, nor do the wrists.  Hasbro developed a "wire" cape that can be posed around 2008, but has yet to use this accessory with Darth Vader.  This figure also lacks a lightsaber hilt to plug into his belt, or a hole for said belt.

I don't want to dump on this figure, because it's still quite good-- it's just not the best Hasbro is capable of doing in 2012, nor is it necessarily $10 worth of Darth Vader when we received a similarly articulated figure, complete with "dead Kenobi" accessory, removable helmet, and a metal coin, in 2007 for $7.  The main thing this new figure has going for it is a better sculpt and hip joints, plus the really cool cardback.  Which, I think, is why most fans are really interested in this one, I don't understand why Hasbro didn't just repackage the existing figure and call it a day to save a few bucks as this one is clearly improved, but not significantly so.   He has a little more personality, though, and a little personality goes a long way.

Collector's Notes:  For some odd reason this one remains hard to find.  This reason, of course, being the line's unwavering popularity measured against assortments which don't necessarily result in stores getting a lot of new product that sticks around.  If the price is right, it's worth getting, particularly if you keep it packaged.

--Adam Pawlus



Day 1,855: July 24, 2012

Monday, July 23, 2012

Star Wars Figure of the Day: Day 1,854: Lava Reflection Darth Vader (Anakin Skywalker)

DARTH VADER Lava Reflection
Revenge of the Sith Target Exclusive
Item No.:
No. 85922
Manufacturer: Hasbro
Number: n/a
Includes: Lightsaber hand, display base
Action Feature: Squeeze legs for slashing action
Retail: $12.99
Availability: Fall 2005
Appearances: Revenge of the Sith

Bio:  Anakin Skywalker was a heroic Jedi Knight who became seduced by the dark side of the Force.  Now a servant of the Sith, Darth Vader turns his lightsaber against his former master in a duel for the ages!   (Taken from the figure's cardback.)

Image: Adam Pawlus' photo area.

Friday, July 20, 2012

Star Wars Figure of the Day: Day 1,853: Anakin Skywalker

ANAKIN SKYWALKER Series 1
Clone Wars Cartoon Network / Tartakovsky Animated Series Action Figures
Item No.:
Asst. 85003 No. 85216
Manufacturer: Hasbro
Number: n/a
Includes: Lightsaber, display stand
Action Feature: n/a
Retail: $6.99
Availability: Late 2004
Appearances: Clone Wars 2003 series

Bio: Through the creative vision of Lucasfilm Ltd. and the Cartoon Network, the Clone Wars are brought to life in an exciting new series of short animated chapters. A unique animation style captures the drama of this epic period in galactic history along with its outstanding heroes and adversaries. Noble Jedi warriors lead Clone Troopers into battle against the evil Separatist forces and their droid armies. Anakin, Obi-Wan, Yoda and their comrades struggle against the rising power of the dark side and confront personal challenges against a backdrop of war-torn planets.   (Taken from the figure's packaging.)

Image: Adam Pawlus' photo area.

Thursday, July 19, 2012

Star Wars Figure of the Day: Day 1,852: Luke Skywalker

LUKE SKYWALKER  Backpack with Zip Line!
Discover the Force Movie Heroes Basic Figures
Item No.:
Asst. 36563 No.  37288  
Manufacturer: Hasbro
Number: #MH21
Includes: Stand, card, die, backpack, lightsaber, grapple gun, helmet
Action Feature: Figure slides down zip line
Retail: $8.99
Availability: May 2012
Appearances: The Empire Strikes Back

Bio:  Luke Skywalker destroys an AT-AT walker at the Battle of Hoth.  He attaches a zip line to an Imperial walker to pull himself up to the vehicle's undercarriage.  After planting an explosive in the walker, Luke releases the zip line and drops to the ground. Moments later, the bomb detonates and rips apart the walker.  (Taken from the figure's box.)

Image: Adam's photo area.

Wednesday, July 18, 2012

Star Wars Figure of the Day: Day 1,851: Star Tours Signal Droid

SIGNAL DROID Star Tours Travel Agency
Star Tours Travel Agency Gift Set
Item No.:
No. 33244
Manufacturer: Hasbro
Number: n/a
Includes: Base, four other figures
Action Feature: n/a
Retail: $39.95
Availability: May 2011
Appearances: Star Tours

Bio:  Signal droids help guide the starspeeder during takeoff and landing..  (Taken from the figure's packaging.)

Image: Adam's former kitchen.

Tuesday, July 17, 2012

Star Wars Figure of the Day: Day 1,850: Senate Guard

SENATE GUARD Blue and Improved
The Vintage Collection Basic Figures
Item No.:
Asst. 97568 No. 24995
Manufacturer: Hasbro
Number: #VC36
Includes: Blaster, force pike, rifle, cloth robes
Action Feature: Blaster fits in holster,  you will lose it
Retail: $7.99
Availability: January 2011
Appearances: Attack of the Clones

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 Force be with you!    (Taken from the figure's packaging.)

Image: Adam's former kitchen.

Monday, July 16, 2012

Star Wars Figure of the Day: Day 1,849: Captain Rex

CAPTAIN REX Firing Missile Launcher!
The Clone Wars Basic Figures
Item No.:
Asst. 87638 No. 87659 
Manufacturer: Hasbro
Number: #04
Includes: Helmet, 2 blasters, rocket, rocket launcher, rocket with string
Action Feature: Firing rocket add-on clips to gun
Retail: $7.99
Availability: July 2008
Appearances: The Clone Wars

Image: Adam's desk.  On the left: the dirty variant, first release.  On the right: clean, "undamaged" variant, later releases.

Friday, July 13, 2012

Star Wars Figure of the Day: Day 1,848: Battle Droid

BATTLE DROID and ARF Trooper Waxer
The Clone Wars Target Exclusive 2-Packs
Item No.:
Asst. 31362  No. 31679
Manufacturer: Hasbro
Number: n/a
Includes: Blaster, stand, backpack, Waxer figure
Action Feature: n/a
Retail: $14.99
Availability: Late February 2011
Appearances: The Clone Wars

Bio:  Clone troopers fight Battle Droids to destroy a Separatist weapons factory. ARF trooper Waxer scouts ahead to gather information about the enemy.  He runs into a squad of battle droids, and stops these robotic warriors before they reveal his position.  (Taken from the figure's packaging.)

Image: Adam's TV tray ca. 2010.  (I've shot some of these pictures several years in advance.)

Thursday, July 12, 2012

Star Wars Figure of the Day: Day 1,847: R2-D2

R2-D2 and Starspeeder 1000
Star Tours Vehicle
Item No.:
n/a 
Manufacturer: Disney
Number: n/a
Includes: Chair, vehicle, screens, camera droid, and other goodies
Action Feature: n/a
Retail: $55
Availability: December 2011
Appearances: Star Tours

Bio: R2-D2, pronounced Artoo-Detoo and often referred to as Artoo, was an R2-series astromech droid manufactured by Industrial Automaton.   (Stolen from Wookieepedia.)

Image: Adam's photo area.

Wednesday, July 11, 2012

Star Wars Figure of the Day: Day 1,846: Obi-Wan Kenobi

OBI-WAN KENOBI and Naboo Royal Fighter
The Clone Wars Class I Vehicles
Item No.:
Asst. 36576 No. 37746 
Manufacturer: Hasbro
Number: n/a
Includes: Lightsaber, headset, Naboo Royal Fighter, stand, game card
Action Feature: n/a
Retail: $17.99
Availability: January 2012
Appearances: n/a

Bio: Obi-Wan Kenobi pilots a Naboo royal fighter, which is used by the Royal House of Naboo for passenger transport. The Jedi borrows the chromium-sheathed vessel during a mission to Naboo. Obi-Wan is grateful for the fighter’s laser cannons, which have been added to the vehicle because of the turbulent times threatening the peaceful world.   (Taken from the figure's packaging.  Or Hasbro.com.  OK, I got lazy.)

Image: Adam's photo area.

Tuesday, July 10, 2012

Star Wars Figure of the Day: Day 1,845: R-3PO

R-3PO Wal-Mart Exclusive
30th Anniversary Collection Droid Factory
Item No.:
Asst. 12980 No. 87816
Manufacturer: Hasbro
Number: 3 of 6
Includes: Han Solo, piece of C-3PX
Action Feature: Removable goggles fit on eyes, hat
Retail: $9.99
Availability: May 2008
Appearances: The Empire Strikes Back

Bio: The Alliance's command center on Hoth includes the diverse tactical expertise of the impetuous Han Solo and the protocol droid R-3PO.  (Taken from the figure's packaging.)

Image: Adam's toy room.

Monday, July 9, 2012

Star Wars Figure of the Day: Day 1,844 Han Solo (Bespin Outfit)

HAN SOLO Bespin Outfit
The Vintage Collection Basic Figures
Item No.:
Asst. 97568 No. 28618 
Manufacturer: Hasbro
Number: #VC50
Includes: Blaster, welding torch, goggles
Action Feature: n/a
Retail: $8.99
Availability: June 2011
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's toy room.

Friday, July 6, 2012

Star Wars Figure of the Day: Day 1,843: Han Solo

HAN SOLO  Rebel Hero
Power of the Force PC Game
Item No.:
No. 99180   
Manufacturer: Kenner
Number: n/a
Includes: Blaster, CD-ROM disc, keyboard playset
Action Feature: n/a
Retail: $39.99
Availability: 1998
Appearances: n/a

Bio:  Explore 7 Worlds of the Star Wars galaxy! Battle TIE Fighters, search for the Death Star and destroy the Empire!   (Taken from the figure's packaging.)

Image: Adam's old kitchen.

Thursday, July 5, 2012

Star Wars Figure of the Day: Day 1,842: Jorg Sacul

JORG SACUL  Rebel Pilot
Saga Celebration II Exclusive
Item No.:
n/a  
Manufacturer: Hasbro
Number: n/a
Includes: MicroMachines X-Wing Starfighter, stand, helmet, blaster
Action Feature: n/a
Retail: $10.00
Availability: April 2002
Appearances: n/a

Bio:  Among X-Wing pilots, Commander Jorg Sacul is renowned for his inner strength, his ability to remain calm under fire, and his mentoring of younger Squadron members. Once a reckless dreamer, his life changed course after a near fatal crash in his T-16 Skyhopper on his homeworld of Tatooine. He went off to the Academy and emerged as the top pilot in his class and a natural leader. A visionary storyteller, he entertains the pilots in his command with far-flung tales of distant galaxies thousands of years before the Republic. Rumored to be Force sensitive, many say Sacul would have become a great Jedi... if only he had been born in a different time.   (Taken from the figure's cardback.)

Image: Adam's photo area.

Commentary: If you want to start feeling old, remember this: Jorg Sacul was the hard-to-find golden figure of 2002, just over 10 years ago.   The figure was the very first fan convention exclusive, and aside from the ridiculous wait in line to get him, this was the best execution of the idea.  You take a figure which already exists' body, Biggs Darklighter.   You put George Lucas' head on it, which never appeared in the movies hand him Captain Typho's gun and the 2000 X-Wing Luke's helmet.   Add a little paint (the figure has some orange plastic with orange paint on it, which makes it look better) and presto: you've made an exclusive which fans who went to the show will love, and hardcore fans may not care about enough to purchase since he's not a movie character.  It was an incredibly clever way to make a product which (in theory) would not infuriate collectors while delighting the fans who made it to the show.  (Of course, those of us who want everything are always going to be frustrated.)

Since 1998 bodies like Biggs' were pretty long-in-the-tooth prior to this figure's release, it was viewed by fans as a sort of cheap exclusive, and it was.  Heck, I applaud this.  Since George Lucas was supposedly on record as saying he didn't want an action figure of himself made as "Mr. Flannel Director Guy" this was the next best thing, which gave him a body closer to what he had during the original trilogy plus a head which looked like a younger sculpt with a little more grey.  Back in 2002 it was a delightful head sculpt, and it aged a bit since then.  He has only 6 points of articulation, but the little bonus X-Wing and the fact it's George Lucas as an X-Wing Pilot make it a delightfully goofy and fun exclusive.   Subsequent exclusives were hit and miss, with some selling well and others being horrible failures which you can probably get below cost to this day.  While I do love my McQuarrie Droids, this is probably my favorite overall show exclusive.  It's simple, clever, and fun, plus it provided a reminder that the 2002 line would still have connections to the original trilogy during the onslaught of Attack of the Clones releases.   Oh, the good old days.

Collector's Notes: This figure came out at $10, shot up to $60 (or more), and is now closer to $20.  $20's about right.  If memory serves it was only sold at the Celebration II store, which had a miserably long wait, and a limit of 2 per person.  Of course, you could jump between the normal line, and then the cash-only 2 figures for $20 line and get around those limits pretty easily.  Given some people were waiting in the line each day for 6 hours, I don't regret doing this.  The level of white in the beard varied from figure to figure, and some people will pay a premium for a whiter beard.

--Adam Pawlus



Day 1,842: July 5, 2012

Wednesday, July 4, 2012

Star Wars Figure of the Day: Day 1,841: Queen Amidala

QUEEN AMIDALA  Zip-Line Backpack!
Discover the Force Movie Heroes Basic Figures
Item No.:
Asst. 36563 No.  36572  
Manufacturer: Hasbro
Number: #MH17
Includes: Blaster, backpack
Action Feature: Zip-line backpack
Retail: $8.99
Availability: February 2012
Appearances: The Phantom Menace

Bio:  Queen Amidala fights to free Naboo from the invading Trade Federation forces. Disguised as one of her handmaidens, the queen infiltrates the Theed Royal Palace. She uses a zip-line to ascend the outer walls of the palace and reach the throne room, in an attempt to capture Viceroy Nute Gunray, the leader of the Trade Federation.  (Taken from the figure's box.)

Image: Adam's photo area.

Tuesday, July 3, 2012

Star Wars Figure of the Day: Day 1,840: Mandalorian Police Officer

MANDALORIAN POLICE OFFICER Flip-Up Helmet
The Clone Wars Basic Figures
Item No.:
Asst. 87638  No. 97561
Manufacturer: Hasbro
Number: #CW09
Includes: Riot shield, baton, rocket launcher, rocket, game stuff
Action Feature: Flip-up visor, spring-loaded rocket launcher
Retail: $7.99
Availability: July 2008
Appearances: The Clone Wars

Bio:  Mandalorian officers maintain order on Mandalore. Because this planet of warriors has become a world of peace, the guards are seldom needed for more than minor issues. But the Death Watch group has begun committing acts of violence, so the officers are prepared with riot shields and weapons, in case all peaceful solutions fail.  (Taken from the figure's packaging.)

Image: Adam's TV tray.

Monday, July 2, 2012

Star Wars Figure of the Day: Day 1,839: R2-R9

R2-R9  Royal Starship Droids
Discover the Force Walmart Exclusive Battle Packs
Item No.:
Asst. 38606 No.  38608  
Manufacturer: Hasbro
Number: n/a
Includes: R2-D2, R2-N3, R2-B1, display stands, die, cards, droid harness
Action Feature: n/a
Retail: $24.96
Availability: January 2012
Appearances: The Phantom Menace

Bio: Astromech droids repair the Naboo Royal Starship. The shield generator and hyperdrive are damaged while escaping the Trade Federation's blockade of Naboo. The droids fix the generator, but the hyperdrive is too badly damaged. The ship is forced to land on the remote world of Tatooine to find a replacement part.  (Taken from the figure's packaging.)

Image: Adam's photo area.