Star Wars Figure of the Day: Day 2,309: Poe Dameron (Rogue One)

POE DAMERON vs. Snowtrooper Officer
Rogue One   Two Pack Action Figures
Item No.: Asst. B7073 No. B8612
Manufacturer: Hasbro
Number: n/a
Includes: 2 figures, 2 rifles, 1 backpack, 1 backpack rocket launcher, 2 projectiles
Action Feature: Opening mouth
Retail: $14.99
Availability: September 2016
Appearances: Star Wars: The Force Awakens

Bio: An ace pilot, Poe Dameron is a leader in the Resistance's fight against the First Order.  He soars into battle behind the controls of a modern X-Wing Fighter.  (Taken from the figure's packaging.)

Image: Adam's photo lab.

Availability: Click here to buy it at Entertainment Earth now!

Click here to buy it at Amazon now!

Commentary: "Wait a minute," you're asking, "is Poe Dameron an ageless character in Rogue One?"  No - but Hasbro decided to bring out a few characters from the last movie for this new one.  Why this one, I have no idea - the skin color on Poe changes from figure to figure, and this is not a recognizable costume from the film.  You'll notice it - along with the all-gold (no red arm) C-3PO and Leia's blue dress all appear in the scene when Rey is being waved off by the Resistance.  In other words: you didn't notice it, and neither did anyone else.  The figure commits the cardinal sin of being neither great nor terrible, neither necessary nor redundant.  It's wildly different - it's interesting - but you probably already have at least four or five 3 3/4-inch Poe Dameron figures in other, recognizable costumes.

 Poe looks like he got a good sculpt here, although the fact his face is painted flesh rather than molded in flesh makes him look a little older.  Maybe like Poe Dameron's pappy Kes Dameron, which should instantly baffle Star Trek fans.  But I digress - the hair turned out well, and molding it in black makes it look great.  Poe's expression is good, but it's always a little jarring to see how he changes from figure to figure - there's no stubble here, for example.   The Resistance officer outfit looks a little like the Republic officers during The Clone Wars, and the greenish color is pretty spiffy.  A rank badge looks a little like an upside-down "VII," which I would love to believe is just a nod to the movie's episode title.

This figure has no problems sitting or standing, showcasing a great range of movement for a five-jointed figure.  He easily holds his pistol, and it's no great challenge to mount the preposterous, ridiculous, why-is-this-even-here blaster accessory on his person.   It's a little back-heavy, so be sure to tilt him forward a tiny bit.  The blue rockets fire nicely (they're red on the packaging photos), and the design doesn't immediately bring to mind something from the movie like the smaller guns on individually packaged figures.  

 It's not bad - I'm sure the reasoning behind it was "it's a cool toy!" but the companion Snowtrooper officer and relative obscurity of the costume makes it sort of a snore.  It's unique, sure.   It's Tarkin-ish, yes.   But is it necessary?   Nah.   It's a fun nod for the collector class, but nobody was clamoring for the costume and it was never obvious who this figure was just by seeing his unpackaged self in photos.   It's functionally good, and technically well-designed, but exciting?  Not really.

Collector's Notes: I got mine from Entertainment Earth.

--Adam Pawlus

Day 2,309: November 17, 2016