Star Wars Figure of the Day: Day 1,498: Padme Amidala

PADME AMIDALA Evolutions - Episode II
The Legacy Collection Evolutions
Item No.: Asst. 87874 No. 87601
Manufacturer: Hasbro
Number: n/a
Includes: Additional figures, cloak, shawl, hood, blaster
Action Feature: n/a
Retail: $24.99
Availability: July 2008
Appearances: Attack of the Clones

Bio: Padme devoted her life to the people of Naboo and became a key figure in the dramatic events that changed the galaxy. Her courage and compassion deeply affected those around her, and was the pivotal legacy she gave to her children, Luke and Leia. While Queen of Naboo, Padme stood up against the Trade Federation’s siege of her planet. As a Senator, Padme fought to keep the Republic from falling into war. Her last act was to give birth to the twins who would fulfill her legacy by restoring peace to the galaxy. (Taken from the figure's cardback.)

Image: On my old desk.

Commentary: Hasbro cranked out a few versions of this Padme Amidala costume as a figure so far, this one is the most comprehensive and includes materials from a deleted scene. The hood and shawl are really the big-deal new parts, but it's also worth noting that the figure is a new super-articulated sculpt with a decent likeness. The white outfit isn't riddled with wrinkles, but has enough going on with it that it looks more like a real costume in a tiny size and less like a small plastic figure. With a working holster, it's pretty impressive and arguably one of the better Padme figures in recent years since it just isn't a girl in a dress that can't sit down. No, this one can be posed and actually looks pretty decent-- arguably the best of the Padme figures of this outfit so far, if not one of the best Natalie Portman toys you can buy of any kind. Easily worth tracking down, but if you're a betting man, you might see her at retail again some day. So don't overpay, but do track down.

Collector's Notes: A poor seller, this set could be had cheaply. As an added bonus, this figure was later sold individually on a regular retail card in The Legacy Collection.

--Adam Pawlus

Day 1,498: March 11, 2011

Star Wars Figure of the Day: Day 1,497: Darth Maul

DARTH MAUL The Final Lightsaber Duel
Episode I VHS Tie-In
Item No.: Asst. 84385 No. 84522
Manufacturer: Hasbro
Number: n/a
Includes: Red lightsaber, display stand, Obi-Wan Kenobi
Action Feature: Breaks apart at the torso, holds with a magnet
Retail: $14.99
Availability: Spring 2000
Appearances: The Phantom Menace

Bio: Darth Maul and his double-bladed lightsaber prove a fearsome challenge to Qui-Gon Jinn and Obi-Wan Kenobi as the trio battle it out in the Theed generator complex. With hopes for victory nearly gone, Obi-Wan leaps from the brink of certain death and uses his fallen master's weapon to cut the evil Sith Lord in two! (Taken from the set's packaging.)

Image: On my old desk.

Commentary: Hasbro has done so many versions of Darth Maul that, eventually, they all start to look alike. This figure has the rare distinction of having the same gimmick and pose as an individually carded figure releases just a few months later. The figure splits in two, and has a magnet in his torso. Each of these two figures have completely different sculpts, but they both seem designed to be effectively the same figure. With only six points of articulation, this figure really only can wow you in its ability to break in half. (Intentionally, I mean.) The detail and deco is really no better than any other Maul, but he is pretty cool in that his head can actually tilt back a bit. I think that's a big plus.

I would not suggest tracking down this 2-pack, which also includes Obi-Wan Kenobi, unless you gotta have everything. It's not that the figures are bad, it's just that there are so many versions of these characters that you won't find these to be particularly remarkable.

Collector's Notes: This set was a pretty good tie-in to the home video release of the first prequel, but, well, not so hard to get it.

--Adam Pawlus

Day 1,497: March 10, 2011

Star Wars Figure of the Day: Day 1,496: John Branon

JOHN D. BRANON Rebel Pilots III III
The Legacy Collection Wal-Mart Exclusive Evolutions
Item No.: Asst. 87874 No. 91508
Manufacturer: Hasbro
Number: n/a
Includes: Blaster, helmet
Action Feature: n/a
Retail: $12.96-$24.96
Availability: August 2009
Appearances: Star Wars

Bio: Rebel Alliance fighter pilots have a legacy of bravery that ultimately carries them to victory against the Imperial forces of the Galactic Empire. John D. Branon ("Red Four") flies in Red Squadron at the Battle of Yavin, losing his life in the attack on the Death Star. Shira Brie joins Rogue Squadron after the Battle of Hoth and gains the trust of her fellow pilots. Jake Farrell pilots an A-Wing at the Battle of Endor and celebrates the end of the evil empire. (Taken from the figure's packaging.)

Image: On my old desk.

Commentary: You probably didn't know you wanted a John Branon figure. The pilot is one of the many not-quite-but-may-as-well-be nameless heroes in the saga, and I'd say most fans probably have no idea which movie he was in until they bought the figure and read the box or did the research. Based off a retooled version of an X-Wing Luke figure, John uses the same basic body you also saw with Wedge Antilles and Nrin Vakil. The only truly new elements are the head and the helmet deco, and the head looks so much like Wedge that if they just reused it, odds are there wouldn't be too many complaints. While the figure doesn't break any new ground, it is another Rebel Pilot and it does indeed have a distinctive helmet.

It's a shame that a figure like this-- which has a very nice head sculpt and a nifty red painted helmet-- doesn't warrant more commentary. I'm actually reaching here trying to figure out how I can tell you that this is or is not a good figure. It's certainly not bad, but like so many figures in the line there's a "samey" element that you really can't ignore. If you need a lot of pilots, get it. Otherwise? Well, this set is probably mostly just going to appeal to people (who are me) that got it because they were crazy about getting a Shira Brie figure.

Collector's Notes: This set was eventually dumped at Ross stores due to poor overall sales of the assortment.

--Adam Pawlus

Day 1,496: March 9, 2011

Star Wars Figure of the Day: Day 1,495: Battle Droid

BATTLE DROIDS Tan Clean, packed with Dirty Droid
30th Anniversary Collection Saga Legends Basic Figures
Item No.: Asst. 85770 No. 87340
Manufacturer: Hasbro
Number: n/a
Includes: Blaster, second figure, coin
Action Feature: Remove limbs and reassemble!
Retail: $6.99
Availability: Fall 2007
Appearances: The Phantom Menace

Bio: The Separatists utilize battle droids as their primary infantry forces. When assaulting strategically important worlds, these droid forces can be painted with special markings to help them blend into their environment. Though not individually a threat, attacking en masse these droids can become a formidable fighting force. (Taken from the figure's cardback.)

Image: On my old desk.

Commentary: Other than Clones or maybe the R4-G9 mold, Hasbro probably got the most variety out of this Battle Droid mold. Starting life in 2002 as an accessory to a deluxe C-3PO set, these figures have been retooled and repainted so many times it'd make your head fly right off. By an astonishing coincidence, you actually can rip this figure's head off, and its arms, legs, and backpack. Now released in a more subdued color, this figure has very limited deco compared to most of the others. There is some black around the joints, a little silver here and there, and some dirt on the lower legs. It's simple, and really all you need to make the most out of a figure that will most likely be diorama fodder-- possibly dismembered-- in your toy box. As toys they may not be too impressive, but for the price army builders would have a hard time doing much better than these.

Collector's Notes: This set was one of the last "30th Anniversary" Saga Legends Battle Droid variants.

--Adam Pawlus

Day 1,495: March 8, 2011

Star Wars Figure of the Day: Day 1,494: Clone Trooper

CLONE TROOPER Phase 1
The Vintage Collection Basic Figures
Item No.: Asst. 97568 No. 28437
Manufacturer: Hasbro
Number: VC45
Includes: Pistol, rifle, helmet
Action Feature: n/a
Retail: $7.99-$10.99
Availability: February 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 Fore be with you! (Taken from the figure's packaging. There is no bio.)

Image: On Adam's desk.

Commentary: Back in 2003, the release of the Super Articulated Clone Trooper ushered in our current age (and present expectations) for Star Wars action figure-- we expected 14 points of articulation and fantastic detail, and nothing less would do. Over the years, this then-perfect figure was revealed to be a little bit chunky but we still loved it and Hasbro didn't see much need to redeo it. Cut to today, the new 2011 version of this Clone is shipping from Hasbro as you read this (pre-order/order at a link below and I get a shiny nickel) and it really does look significantly better than previous releases. How much better? I'll go on a limb and say this figure, complete with its removable helmet, is so perfect that even I can't complain that the helmet is too big. Everything just works here.

The proportions remind me of a maquette in the Star Wars Chronicles prequel book, with very angular pectoral armor, a thinner build, and a wider mouth on the helmet. The details are crisper, he doesn't look at all blaoted, and he may be a little taller than usual-- he's certainly a smidgen taller than your average Clone Wars trooper figure.

Deco is, as usual, good. It's hard to really mess up, but having said that Hasbro did ignore a couple of minor details. The little grilles on the sides of the helmet (clearly visible in the cardback photo) were left off, the soles of the shoes were left unpainted (arguably not at all important), and it looks like some material is exposed around the ankles, instead of just being basically sealed armor. (This is not a big deal.) I figure Hasbro will correct the helmet lines if they haven't already, as fans will probably start mentioning it after they see the figure, so I'm predicting it now: let's expect a running change on this one. The really big surprise is that they added deco on his guns, so there are little silver details painted on both the rifle and the pistol, plus some bronze on the pistol. As far as his accessories go, this is really exceptional decoration.

So the sculpt is great, the deco is acceptable, but how about that articulation? You'll be impressed, I think. Not only does it have the traditional 14 points of articulation, complete with pivoting waist, but this figure also incorporates ball-jointed hips so well you might not realize that they're even there at first. Bending wrists were also included, and the joints are extremely well-hidden so you, again, might not notice those either. The shoulder armor now hides the "articulation rings," meaning that you can't have the arms stick out straight to the sides any more. I think I'm OK with that. The end result places a slight restriction on some movement, but it looks a heck of a lot nicer and can still assume pretty much any pose I would want from the figure.

Packaging Notes: Like many of the 2011 figures, the cardback data focusing on the "original" Clone Trooper is incorrect-- this time, it shows a figure that never saw release. The 2002 Red Clone Trooper packaging is shown with an all-white Clone Trooper inside, and was said to have been released in 2002-2004. The pictured figure-- and not with those accessories, or in that packaging-- did make it out as a Wal-Mart exclusive in 2003. Having said that, the very first Clone Trooper was actually the Sneak Preview figure from early 2002, and that came on a green Power of the Jedi-inspired package. In case anyone at Hasbro hires freelance copy editors: I've done a lot of catalog work, I'm pretty cheap to hire, and I'm a nitpicky pain in the neck.

Collector's Notes: This one appears to be shipping in Vintage Waves 6 and 7, and I'll go out on a limb and assume it'll be shipping in waves 8, 9, and 10 too. Even if you have a complete army, you're still going to want this one as well as repaints of this one. Hasbro did a really good job here, so if fans are paying attention to quality, it should be in short supply for a while.

--Adam Pawlus

Day 1,494: March 7, 2011

Star Wars Figure of the Day: Day 1,493: Clone Trooper

CLONE TROOPER with Freeco Speeder
The Clone Wars Vehicles with Figures
Item No.: Asst. 94737 No. 20794
Manufacturer: Hasbro
Number: n/a
Includes: Freeco Speeder, blaster rifle, helmet, backpack, shoulder pads, game stand and card
Action Feature: n/a
Retail: $16.99
Availability: November 2010
Appearances: The Clone Wars

Bio: A clone trooper rides a Freeco bike on the frozen world of Orto Plutonia. The bike's windscreen shields the driver from wind and snow, and cold weather gear further protects the trooper from the harsh environment. The bike's speed and maneuverability are pushed to their limits when the native Talz launch an attack to defend their homeworld. (Taken from the figure's packaging.)

Image: A G.I. Joe box insert. We use all parts of the buffalo here.

Commentary: While this figure may seem like a repack of the snow Captain Rex, it ain't. No, this Clone Trooper is a repaint of the Flamethrower Clone Trooper, which was a retooled version of Rex. (I can see why you would be confused.) This clone is decorated very similarly to the captain, but with fewer stripes and flourishes. The helmet has a concept art-inspired red triangle on it, plus the Rex-specific deco has been removed for this rank-and-file figure. The most notable change is the kama, rather than a plastic one, it's cloth-- so the figure can actually sit, which is important given he comes with a vehicle. (The cloth piece was introduced with the Flamethrower Clone.)

Sculpted and painted detail are good, with the body suit getting a nice brushing that makes it look like it has some snow stuck to it. The blue stripes are much cleaner than Rex', although the visor on this figure seems a little sloppy around the top. (It's probably just my sample.) Aside from the lack of ankle joints, the figure has about as much articulation as you might expect from your average Clone Trooper. Heck, you might think I had nothing to complain about-- and you would be wrong. Much like a few (very few) figures in the past year, this one has removable shoulder armor which is pegged in. This allows the figure to keep a certain look while not reducing mobility. The problem with this is that these are small, easily lost or potentially snapped-off pieces that don't seem like they would really hold up to kid play over time. For a collector figure, it looks nice, but like so many figures in The Clone Wars I'm left not believing the company line about this series of action figures being designed with boys ages 4-11 in mind. This is a flourish for the old guys, or, more likely, something a kid would try to eat.

The overall package is good, but not anything mind-blowing. If you missed Snow Rex or the Freeco Speeder previously, this can kill two birds with one stone at a reasonable price.

Collector's Notes: The set hit late in 2010 and seems to be fairly easy to come across if you do a little hunting. Don't pay a huge premium, but I will say this-- the figure is worth the $6 or $7, and the vehicle is nice enough to warrant about $10 on its own. You won't feel cheated at (or slightly above) regular retail. Also, be sure to pivot the head forward a bit-- the backpack will not stay on if the back of the helmet is at all in the way.

Vehicle Notes: The speeder itself is essentially the same as the version which came with Obi-Wan Kenobi, so odds are you'll just be buying this one for the figure. The clone fits inside, but you have to remove his backpack first and there really isn't any room to store his blaster.

--Adam Pawlus

Day 1,493: March 4, 2011

Star Wars Figure of the Day: Day 1,492: Luke Skywalker

LUKE SKYWALKER Jedi Legacy
30th Anniversary Collection Evolutions Figures
Item No.: Asst. 87480 No. 87562
Manufacturer: Hasbro
Number: n/a
Includes: Lightsaber, additional figures
Action Feature: n/a
Retail: $19.99-$25.99
Availability: February 2008
Appearances: Legacy Novels

Bio: Luke Skywalker was a legendary war hero and Jedi who helped defeat the Galactic Empire and helped found the New Republic, as well as the New Jedi Order. (Stolen from Wookieepedia.)

Image: Adam Pawlus' Playmobil Africa set. The clearance racks are good to me.

Commentary: Hasbro knows there are only so many versions of Luke Skywalker you can sell before plumbing the books and comics, which is why in 2008 we got this version. A version which, I must confess, I am not totally familiar with as there isn't a lot of art from the Legacy-era novels. The outfit and weapon were the subject of some debate, as Luke rarely wore a lot of bright colors, and his lightsaber didn't quite match what we usually saw-- specifically, the same one he used in Return of the Jedi. No, this release had a hilt similar to the first two films, and a green blade. There may be some story behind this but, again, this is a detail I'm not all familiar with here. Like most Evolutions figures, Luke is all-new parts and has the full range of 14 points of articulation which was, and essentially remains, the high standard of most figures out of the company these days.

The interesting thing here is that Hasbro effectively aged Luke about 20 years. His hair color is a little different, his skin is a little more wrinkly, and his expression is a bit more stern. Granted, most Luke figures look pretty serious, but this one seems to be gunning for "grimmer" from the get-go. The hard plastic used for his robes have a little give in them, but it's pretty obvious this figure was not meant to sit or be posed at any extreme angles-- this one was meant to stand around or be left in the package. With his arm articulation, you could have him fighting Lumiya or Jacen Solo if you'd like, or perhaps squaring off with Boba Fett in some hypothetical grudge match. While not essential to fans of the films, this one might appeal to people who would play with their toys, or adore the Expanded Universe. For a segment that fans lament gets no respect, the EU has an astonishingly large segment of figures made from it. (There's a lot of source material, but still, compare it to The Phantom Menace or something.)

Collector's Notes: This was a body that saw some reuse. In 2009, it was repainted and given a new head, sold as Joclad Danva. In 2010, the body was reused (and given new hands) for an unnamed Rodian Jedi Knight action figure. This boxed set was available in both 2008 "30th Anniversary Collection" packaging as well as "The Legacy Collection" packaging, neither of which is worth more just yet. The figure by itself sells for about $5, and the boxed set should be had for $15 or less these days. There aren't too many figures meant to be from the later New Jedi Order books or the various Legacy novels, but this one made the cut-- so if you enjoyed those, be sure to pick up the figure or the set.

--Adam Pawlus

Day 1,492: March 3, 2011

Star Wars Figure of the Day: Day 1,491: Blackhole Stormtrooper

BLACKHOLE STORMTROOPER and Blackhole
The Legacy Collection Comic Packs Wave 7
Item No.: Asst. 87504 No. 89780
Manufacturer: Hasbro
Number: #13
Includes: Blackhole "figure," torture droid, blaster, smoke stand
Action Feature: n/a
Retail: $14.99
Availability: March 2010
Appearances: Star Wars newspaper strips

Bio: Shadow stormtroopers capture Luke Skywalker and Princess Leia on Vorzyd V. The Rebels are on the planet, also known as the Gambler's World, to stop the evil Empire's main source of income. After kidnapping the Rebels, the stormtroopers speak with Blackhole, the Imperial Intelligence Director, who orders the prisoners interrogated by an IT-O Droid. (Taken from the figure's packaging.)

Image: Adam Pawlus' former apartment's back yard.

Commentary: Hasbro made a killing repainting Clone Troopers so it only makes sense they applied it to Blackhole Stormtroopers, the first-ever major paint variant on the standard armor to be seen outside the films. The figure is, sadly, not painted at all like in the comics where the trooper had black armor and very distinctive silver lenses-- so really, the authentic version of a Blackhole Stormtrooper (as represented by Funko, Gentle Giant, and other licensors) has yet to make it out in any form from Hasbro. It's more of a dark blue color, with blue lenses and a removable helmet-- presumably since that was the mold available to Hasbro's factory, the characters in the comics left their helmets on.

The base figure is the 2007 Stormtrooper, which was based on the 2004 Vintage Stormtrooper but with a new head, helmet, and torso. This is a nice figure and a neat set, but ultimately you may find it more irritating than fun-- basically for $15, you get a trooper and two very large accessories in the form of Blackhole and a torture droid. It's a little expensive for what you got at retail-- it's still a neat curiosity and one of very, very few figure packs made after the newspaper comic strips.

Collector's Notes: This set came and went really fast, but its secondary market value remains on the low side, close to retail. It was meant to be a 2009 release, but only one "2009"-style packaging wave of comic packs made it out in all of 2009. This set was seen briefly online at etailers as well as in physical Target stores, plus there were a few odd sightings elsewhere. This was part of the final wave of these figures to hit the mass market, and the 87504 SKU was pretty miserably managed by stores and Hasbro over its 3-year run. Basic figures get a new number to flush out old product-- so do Battle Packs and vehicles-- but comic packs were stuck with the same number, effectively telling stores that these were the same things for several years rather than rebooting every 12-18 months.

--Adam Pawlus

Day 1,491: March 2, 2011

Star Wars Figure of the Day: Day 1,490: Major Mianda

MAJOR MIANDA Scythe One TIE Fighter Pilot
The Legacy Collection Battle Over Endor
Item No.: Asst. 97639 No. 21452
Manufacturer: Hasbro
Number: #2 of 2
Includes: Pistol, helmet, 3 additional figures
Action Feature: n/a
Retail: $24.99
Availability: January 2010
Appearances: Return of the Jedi

Bio: Bravery. Skill. Loyalty. These are defining characteristics of the starfighter pilots on both sides of the conflict at the Battle of Endor. Whether they are Rebels or Imperials, these elite pilots are all focused on the same goal: victory. They are deeply aware that they are deciding the future of the galaxy, and will do everything they can to complete their mission. (Taken from the figure's packaging. Note, there's no character-specific copy on the packaging.)

Image: The backdrop from the packaging.

Commentary: While the eight figures between these two sets seem all new, Major Mianda is the least notable of the bunch. At first glance we thought these pilots were new, but this one earns the "just different enough to make you mad" award of the set. The action figure is based on the 2009 Evolutions pilot, which was also packed with some vehicles. It is, however, slightly different-- the figure comes with a standard Stormtrooper blaster instead of the unique blaster that actually fits in the holster, and there's an added paint operation on the helmet. Right above his eyes, on the ridge, are five silver dots. This is what makes this figure different-- no joke. So if you're collecting them all, that's why you want this version: 5 tiny silver dots and a gun.

But is the figure any good? Sort of-- it's not bad, but it ignores one key fact. Major Mianda was established as not being a clone in Decipher's trading card game, which, on the whole, established a ton of names of previously unnamed characters. I'm not sure if I should file this into "retcon" or "Hasbro ignoring established albeit obscure information," but Mianda's head under the helmet is indeed a clone on the toy. I was expecting the figure to be using a different mold without a removable helmet, so I'm not sure if I should be thrilled it has a removable helmet or annoyed that they didn't spring the nickel to do it right.

For those of you who don't have all the TIE Pilots so far, this figure uses the body of the 2008 TIE Fighter pilots complete with ball-jointed knees, while the rest of the elements are based on 2008 and 2009 Evolutions figures. The figure's arms have ball jointed shoulders and elbows, swivel wrists, and a ball-jointed head. The figure is great for actually sitting inside a vehicle, and, frankly, we could use more TIE Pilots. Oddly, this mold has been released with various markings on the helmets but very few have been made that are just the standard all-black glossy design.

Collector's Notes: While still new, this set doesn't have a lot of history yet but it's pretty nifty-- the set includes Grizz Frix and his astromech droid, which should prove to be popular. You know, until fans get bored with it, that should be about a week or two.

--Adam Pawlus

Day 1,490: March 1, 2011