YODA Series 2Clone Wars Cartoon Network / Tartakovsky Animated Series Action Figures
Item No.: Asst. 85003 No. 85222
Manufacturer: Hasbro
Number: n/a
Includes: Lightsaber, display stand
Action Feature: n/a
Retail: $6.99
Availability: Late 2003
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's photo hole.
Commentary: Hasbro made many, many versions of Yoda and I dare say this is one of the best. While yesterday we looked at a figure that's falling apart before my eyes, today's is solid (for now, at least) and looks as good today as the day I bought it. This item started life as a Target exclusive and saw better distribution later, and aside from his stand none of his parts were ever shared with other releases. With three points of articulation, the figure has a flowing cape and a dynamic pose to end all dynamic poses. Seriously, this Yoda is a toy in name only, it's a wonder Hasbro didn't market them as mini-maquettes.
The sculpted detail is quite good, from Yoda's talons to the wrinkles on his brow. It's simple, but not too simple. There's no way Kenner would have put out a figure this detailed, and little details like painted ear interiors make a big difference. Even his tiny lightsaber is a unique sculpt with a distinctive flash at the hilt, and each eye sports 4 colors of paint. Hasbro really did a bang-up job with these guys, they cost more but with good reason.
Collector's Notes: On eBay, a single sample of this Yoda generally sells for about $9. I see people selling a lot of several carded figures, which also include this Yoda, for $9. You do the math. Buy a collection-- I've said it before, I'll say it again, this sub-set of figures is worth tracking down plus it's super-dang-cheap.
--Adam Pawlus
Day 1,870: August 14, 2012
I have this microseries animated Yoda standing side by side with the first Yoda from the later computer animated Clone Wars show and the artistry in the stylization of the two cannot be compared. The wooden puppet look of the computer animated show doesn't compare to the flowing design of Tartakovsky. (Nor can the excrutiatingly boring political dialogue episodes of the latter show be favorably compared with the incredible tension of scenes, like the Anakin-Asajj lightsaber duel in the rain, from the microseries.)
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