The Black Series 3 3/4-Inch Basic Figures
Item No.: Asst. A5077 No. A5163
Manufacturer: Hasbro
Number: Black Series #15
Includes: Helmet, blaster
Action Feature: n/a
Retail: $10.99
Availability: December 2013
Appearances: Revenge of the Sith
Bio: This Wookiee captain leads the Wookiee defense forces against the invading Separatist army during the Battle of Kashyyyk. (Taken from the figure's cardback.)
Image: Adam's photo lab.
Availability: Click here to buy it at Entertainment Earth now!
Commentary: When I saw the name Merumeru on a list I assumed it was a renamed Cantina alien - nope! When I saw the figure, I thought it was just a retooled 2005 Sneak Preview Wookiee Warrior with a new head and arms - nope! This big guy isn't nearly as big, but has 13 points of articulation, a more realistic build (larger than Chewbacca but not gargantuan), and a swell helmet. It's very similar to the aforementioned preview Wookiee, but the new sculpt and new gear make it a very different animal.
The lost waist joint is no big loss, as it was ugly anyway. The new joints largely blend in and they all seem to move quite freely, even the hip joints actually have enough clearance so he can sit down. Hasbro did a great job giving the figure a little personality in his face, too, but I think the 2005 one is a bit more expressive. His helmet is a very tight fit, and his dreadlocks more or less work fine. I didn't have any real problems getting him to hold his weapons, but in cold weather it seems the plastic in his hands have a little less give than I would prefer.
This figure was a real surprise - I was expecting a recycled warrior and I got something new and well-executed. The entire wave is above average - 3 new guys, 2 retools - I gotta give Hasbro credit, this is easily the best new wave of figures in The Black Series so far.
Collector's Notes: I am hearing this figure is hitting Walmart stores. I got mine at Entertainment Earth in a wave 3 case. Given that many collectors are narrowing their focus a bit, and he's the only character from the original trilogy, well, I wouldn't get your hopes up. Good hunting.
--Adam Pawlus
Day 2,080: January 17, 2014
Love this wave! These are the kind of action figures I treasure most. I am loving Wave 3 myself, Adam. I wish it was as readily available as that Phantom Menace wave. As a customizer I would have bought the entire wave several of times over. I know many others that would do the same. So sad that they are so scarce in my area. Shipping costs make it next to impossible to afford getting multiples. And since some of the figures in the wave still fetch a high premium, it is hard to afford several rare skinny frames like on Plagueis with such great poseability.
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