Bio: Six years after the destruction of the second Death Star, the galaxy is thrust into turmoil. A reborn evil threatens to enslave the galaxy, and the Republic's closest friend-- Luke Skywalker-- may become their greatest enemy. Freed from their detention cell, a group of Rebels begin their escape from the Imperial planet Byss. But the sudden appearance of Luke Skywalker, Jedi Master, could mean unfortunate news for the Rebels. Has Luke fallen under the spell of the dark side? (Taken from the figure's cardback.)

Image: Taken in the wilds in the home of Adam Pawlus' display shelves.

Commentary: A gift from above-- Hasbro (then Kenner) asked fans about non-movie figures in 1996 and 1997, and in 1998, paydirt. Based on the unique stylings of Cam Kennedy, Luke has an all-new red lightsaber (which was prone to fading in direct light), and an all-new blaster which may have been the simplest of the Kenner-designed guns of its day. The figure was articulated at the typical six points, plus had an extra one so you could lop off his hand, were you so inclined. While simple, this figure was seen by comics fans as a gift from above for a variety of reasons, not the least of which was an awesome pop-up diorama cardback. To this day, no Star Wars figure has come up with more interactive packaging than the 1998 Expanded Universe range.

Collector's Notes: The entire Expanded Universe range of 1998 was released during a market glut in which a number of products were pulled from development because Kenner was worried-- correctly-- too many products were flooding the shelves. As such, a lot of stores didn't order because the assortment in which they shipped was clogging up pegs with Rancor Keepers and other undesirables, leading Kenner and Hasbro to tell fans that the figures were not popular and did not sell. While true, this is because they were released in market conditions so unfavorable, even a figure as popular as Scorch would have been called a flop. Today, the once hard-to-find figure can be had on eBay for pretty close to its original price.

Also, this is one of my favorite action figures of all time. As someone who went batty over the Dark Empire comic series, I made sure to mention my interest for this particular Luke figure at almost every turn in the mid-late 1990s in the off chance it might make a difference, and Kenner delivered. Luke has a unique sculpt and hairstyle never seen again, and to date, this is the "oldest" Luke figure. All other figures were made during the confines of the trilogy. So get the "Separation of the Twins" Obi-Wan with Luke, and this, and you'll have the oldest and youngest Luke figures. I advise any fans of the comics to run out and get this figure, anybody who has an aversion to non-movie toys can skip this one safely. (MORE IMAGES)

Day 4: May 10, 2006