LANDO CALRISSIAN Bespin Escape
Power of the Jedi Collection 2
Item No.: Asst. 84455 No. 84589
Number: n/a
Includes: Blaster, Force File
Action Feature: n/a
Retail: $5.99
Availability: Summer 2001
Appearances: The Empire Strikes Back

Bio: Darth Vader threatens an Imperial takeover of Cloud City unless Lando helps capture Han Solo, his friend and gambling buddy. Although Lando initially complies with Vader, the Baron Administrator risks everything when he joins the Rebels and rescues Han. ( Taken from the figure's Force File.)

Image: Adam Pawlus' toy shelves.

Commentary: While greatly improved from the 1995 version, this Lando Calrissian figure was considered great for its time. A few years later, and it doesn't seem quite so good. The head really doesn't look all that much like Billy Dee Williams, but it was closer than that POTF2 version, plus it had a cloth cape and a slimmed down figure. In short, it was really easy to look good back in 2001 and Hasbro did a decent job making a decent figure which really doesn't hold up to scrutiny. Possibly a little more "Zorro" than "Lando," the figure sports six points of articulation and comes in a battle-ready pose with a Stormtrooper pistol. For displays, the figure is pretty good, but the cape isn't removable so seeing him running around with the blaster isn't exactly what you saw in the film. The figure was a huge step in the right direction, and in some respects is better than the 2004 release, but let's face it: articulation means a lot. As such, this figure is worth getting if you're a hardcore Lando fan or want something that doesn't have a lot of visible joints. Otherwise, get the 2004 version.

Collector's Notes: This figure has never been rereleased, and has also never been repainted. It's not that it's a terrible release, but there's a fair amount of room for improvement. At the time, I considered this to be one of Hasbro's finest upgrades. Oh well! ( MORE IMAGES )

Day 539: October 27, 2007