YODA with Force Powers!
Saga Deluxe Figures
Item No.: Asst. 84859 No. 84900
Manufacturer: Hasbro
Number: n/a
Includes: Lightsaber, crane, base, Super Battle Droid
Action Feature: Twirl figure around with magnetic feet and levers
Retail: $9.99
Availability: Spring 2002
Appearances: Attack of the Clones

Bio: The oldest member of the Jedi Council, Yoda is a powerful Jedi with enormous powers. Engaged in battle against a formidable and deadly Super Battle Droid, Yoda reveals his superior skill in the Force as well as his dexterity and fighting prowess. (Taken from the figure's cardback.)

Image: Adam Pawlus' toy room.

Commentary: With Episode II, Hasbro realized Yoda was going to be a really big deal, and this was one of the first figures they made to exploit Yoda's new action star image. The display base this figure comes with has levers on the bottom which can connect with Yoda's magnetic feet, therefore allowing him to spin around and attack the Super Battle Droid in the set or anyone else who stands on the base. It's a neat feature, but the figure itself is pretty limited as a result. Yoda has a magnetic hand and articulated shoulders, plus a moving neck. Other than that, it's pretty much an immobile figure. Still, it's a neat release with lots of folds and a decent sculpt. The deco could be improved upon slightly but it's fairly unlikely Hasbro will ever rerelease this mold, just because they made so many more action-packed or better articulated Yoda toys since 2004. Get this one for the display base (not shown) or if you're a Yoda fanatic, because the actual Yoda figure is pretty unremarkable. Unless you're a magnet freak, and I am, so I still kinda like this figure despite the fact it's really bland.

Collector's Notes: This Yoda exists only in this one set-- which is just as well, as it ain't all that special. The set was cleared out and can be had pretty cheaply.

Day 644: February 9, 2008