LUKE SKYWALKER X-wing Pilot
Power of the Jedi Collection 1
Item No.: Asst. 84445 No. 84571
Number: n/a
Includes: Helmet, Force File
Action Feature: n/a
Retail: $6.99
Availability: Late 2001
Appearances: Star Wars

Bio: Luke first gets behind the controls of an X-Wing fighter in the Battle of Yavin. Using the Force in the attack against the Death Star, Luke takes a critical shot at the Battle Station's reactor core. Yavin was a victory for the Rebel Alliance, and established Luke as one of the greatest starfighter pilots in the galaxy! (Taken from the figure's Force File.)

Image: Adam Pawlus' toy shelves.

Commentary: Believe it or not, this is the first-ever modern Luke Skywalker in X-wing gear from the original Star Wars, and the second modern Pilot Luke. This figure was appropriately shorter than other figures, very thin, and much younger looking. This is a good thing. What wasn't so good is that his white teeth gave the illusion of being a hick with buckteeth (something which was dropped from later releases), and his pose was a little odd. Why were his fingers posed so strangely? Why didn't he include a gun or a lightsaber? And, again, why were his hands posed like they were? They don't seem designed to hold anything, and it's not a natural looking pose. It's just odd. The good thing, though, is that this figure is the perfect Luke to sit in most of your vehicles. If you want a figure to occupy a seat, this is it-- the figure doesn't have any straps around his legs and can sit down with absolutely no problems. If Hasbro needs to pack a figure with a ship, this is one of the best possible molds they could use. Sure, it looks goofy by itself, but it works excellently as a means to warm a seat. For now, at least-- if Hasbro ever does "soft goods" straps, this figure might be sent to the junk drawer. The likeness is OK, the paint is good, but it really doesn't do much to impress. It is, however, a well-constructed toy that will not fall apart on you, and I have to give Hasbro points for doing a good job there. The last thing you want is a loose arm joint so the forearm falls off inside the vehicle. Thankfully, this is a solid figure.

Collector's Notes: This figure saw some decent use after its initial release. In 2004, the figure was rereleased on a classy cardback in the Original Trilogy Collection, where Hasbro dropped the figure's white teeth paint operation. The same year, that figure was packaged as part of a Costco exclusive gift set with a TIE Pilot, TIE Fighter, and X-wing. Luke's body has also been used to create other Rebel pilot figures. ( MORE IMAGES )

Day 541: October 29, 2007