Figure of the Day: Day 619
1/15/2008 7:31:27 PM - Adam

GENERAL VEERS Battle of Hoth
The Saga Collection Basic Figures
Item No.:
Asst. 85770 No. 85927
Manufacturer: Hasbro
Number: #007
Includes: Helmet, blaster, chest armor, display stand, holographic figure
Action Feature: Remove armor to switch costumes
Retail: $6.99
Availability: February 2007
Appearances: The Empire Strikes Back

Bio: General Maximillian Veers is a stern military man who is determined to do his part in the dismantling of the Rebel Alliance. Following Darth Vader's orders to destroy the Rebel shield and power generators at their secret base, Veers clears the way for Vader's landing on the ice planet Hoth. (Taken from the figure's cardback.)

Image: Adam Pawlus' Hoth shelf.

Commentary: For whatever reason, General Veers got the short end of the stick over the years. This is the first widely-available non-exclusive figure to actually hold the name, and it came out in 2006-- 26 years after the character was named on screen, had significant screen dialogue, and blew up stuff. Sure, we got an "AT-AT Commander" but that's freaking weak. This figure manages to make up for two decades of slighting this poor guy, because it has pretty much everything you could hope for. It has a holster, removable armor, and great articulation. If you need a figure for your AT-AT or for your non-existent Star Destroyer, you're covered either way. The only thing that really isn't perfect about this figure is the articulation (which is good, more on that in a moment) and its height-- he's a very tall Imperial.

The figure's articulation is pretty good, but may not be enough for some fans. The figure has the normal six points of articulation, and adds in wrist joints and swivel elbows. So those of you looking for ball joints (outside the head) are going to be disappointed, but seeing as the figure will spend most of his time standing around, you probably aren't going to be missing much. The deco and texture on the figure is totally appropriate, the likeness is pretty good, and he's actually one of very few figures accessorized exactly as one might hope. Who would have ever guessed that Hasbro would throw in a removable helmet and snap-on armor so you could switch between a traditional Imperial officer or the AT-AT Commander costume in a jiffy. How can you not want this figure? To not want this figure is to support communism. Buy one. You aren't a commie, are you?

Collector's Notes: In Canada, as a Sears exclusive around 1981 or so, Kenner packaged the AT-AT Commander figure on a crummy cardback with the name "General Veers." In 2005, Hasbro repackaged the 1997 AT-AT Commander in a Battle Pack with the name "General Veers." (Sure, the box showed the 1980 figure, but eh.) The 2006 General Veers figure did fairly well and sold through without too much kicking and screaming, which is a plus.



Day 619: January 15, 2008


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