ANAKIN SKYWALKER Army of the Republic
Clone Wars Basic Figures
Item No.: Asst. 84851 No. 84814
Manufacturer: Hasbro
Number: #0342
Includes: Lightsaber, headset, bandolier, gauntlets
Action Feature: n/a
Retail: $4.99
Availability: September 2003

Bio: Though still only a Padawan during the Clone Wars, Anakin continues to grow stronger in the Force in his role as both a great warrior and natural leader. He uses his power to command a battalion of Clone Troopers into battle against the Separatists droid armies on multiple planets. With the impressive combination of his Jedi abilities, lightsaber, and enhanced mission gear, Anakin battles fiercely to save the galaxy in ground assaults. He also uses his exceptional piloting skills to gain victories in space battles, flying a new Starfighter upon which he made significant modifications to enhance its performance. (Taken from the figure's cardback.)

Image: Adam's toy shelves.

Commentary: When it was first announced, fans were pretty jazzed about the whole Clone Wars concept-- great characters, lots of fighting, and new versions of characters like Anakin Skywalker. Initially, the designs were Hasbro's take on the storyline, and that involved adding some armor onto the basic movie designs. As you can see here, the results weren't always awesome-- articulation was iffy, the poses were more than a little strange, and it really does look like someone decided to tack on some toy features to a perfectly believable costume. In other words, I don't like this figure.

The likeness was about on par with others at the time, meaning he didn't look all that much like Hayden Christensen. Really, the best we've done is "he looks like Anakin" which is a little more nebulous. The outfit does look sufficiently Star Wars-y, although maybe just a bit too over-the-top. Had the design been used in the comics or TV show, odds are it'd be easier to accept, but the problem here is that Dark Horse, Lucasarts, and the Cartoon Network people came up with other, better designs and we even got figures of a few of them already. Now that we're about four years beyond this one's initial release, I'd leave it at for collectors only. Any standard movie Anakin is better than this, as are the various Expanded Universe versions put out, especially the two from last year. I have to give points to Hasbro for going out on a limb and trying to design new features in George Lucas' playground, but unfortunately it doesn't seem as elegant as some of the other items from Kenner's and Hasbro's drawing boards. It's a toy, and it looks like a toy, so don't treat it like you would a collectible.

Collector's Notes: This figure was available in two versions-- a basic version, and a bonus pack with a Clone Trooper figure at Wal-Mart. Neither is particularly hard to get, so you can get one on the cheap either way. (MORE IMAGES)

--Adam Pawlus

Day 666: March 2, 2008