PRINCESS LEIA and Wicket the Ewok
Power of the Force Princess Leia Collection
Item No.: Asst. 66935 No. 66939
Number: n/a
Includes: Wicket figure with spear
Action Feature: n/a
Retail: $9.99
Availability: 1998
Appearances: Return of the Jedi

Bio: The Ewok named Wicket was the first of his clan to find Princess Leia after she crashed a speeder bike in the dense woods of Endor. Their friendship allied the Ewoks and Rebels so that together they could help defeat the evil Empire! ( Taken from the figure's cardback.)

Image: Adam Pawlus' toy shelves. Figure on left: Princess Leia Collection release (the one being reviewed). Figure on right: 30th Anniversary Tin Collection release.

Commentary: "How about some figures with cloth parts?" asked the fans. In 1998, Kenner stepped up to the plate with the Princess Leia Collection line, which included four versions of Princess Leia with companion figures. Each Leia had cloth parts, like this one, and in some cases had things like rooted hair or some other notable feature. This particular Leia came out at about the same time as the Endor Leia in the regular line-- odd, as Endor Dress Leia didn't exist in toy form up until this point. The figure had six points of articulation-- the norm for the time-- and a fairly odd paint job which nobody really complained about. Excessive makeup (or bloodshot eyes, take your pick) combined with a too-dark dress and, for some reason, metallic gold sandals. I don't think the citizens of the Bright Tree Village were loaded with gold materials, but this figure would make it seem otherwise. (I also don't think they were experts in tailoring clothes for different life forms, but what do I know?) This Leia was, at best, OK. The face really looks bad, especially compared to more recent figures, but the sculpt was a salvageable one. Since there's a better version of the figure available in stores now, and there's really nothing significant with her sidekick Wicket figure, you can probably go ahead and skip this one.

Collector's Notes: This assortment wasn't a huge hit, but a lot of people dug it. Most of the figures have gone without a rerelease, but this Endor Leia was an exception as she was shuffled off to stores late last year and is still available in many markets. ( MORE IMAGES )

Day 536: October 24, 2007