Figure of the Day: Day 669
3/5/2008 7:27:24 PM - Adam

LUKE SKYWALKER Battle of Hoth
30th Anniversary Collection Ultimate Battle Packs
Item No.:
Asst. 87565 No. 87566
Manufacturer: Hasbro
Number: n/a
Includes: Lightsaber, removable helmet
Action Feature: n/a
Retail: $49.99 (part of a set)
Availability: November 2007
Appearances: The Empire Strikes Back

Bio: Luke Skywalker was a legendary Jedi Master who helped defeat the Galactic Empire and found the New Republic. Born in 19 BBY, the son of the prolific Jedi Knight Anakin Skywalker, he was raised on Tatooine in solitude to hide from Emperor Palpatine and his father. (Stolen from Wookieepedia.)

Image: Adam's toy shelves.

Commentary: Sometimes, Hasbro gives fans exactly what they ask for. It's not always a good thing, but this unique Luke Skywalker figure could go either way. On one hand, it's exactly what fans asked for-- a quickie Hoth Luke Pilot figure based on the exclusive Zev mold from 2006, but with new deco and Luke's head. In this respect, it's a success. The figure has far better deco than Zev could have hoped for, plus the helmet fits and it just generally holds together nicely. On the other hand, it's a very tall Luke figure (at least as of late), and he comes with Obi-Wan Kenobi's lightsaber from Revenge of the Sith for reasons unknown-- which is pretty awful. It's not a fireable offense, of course, but it really is annoying to see items like this get through approvals by Target, Hasbro, and Lucasfilm and nobody said "whoa, this is the wrong weapon." At least it's blue, I guess.

As of a few weeks ago, we saw evidence that Hasbro is developing an all-new Hoth Pilot body which could be applied to Luke or any of a number of figures. As such, you might want to think twice before buying this one. Sure, he's the best of three modern Hoth Pilot Luke figures (1995, 2002, and 2007) but that's not saying much. He has joints at the wrists, shoulders, kees, hips, waist, and neck. This means he's pretty good overall, but articulation snobs aren't going to like it. When you get right down to it, it's a wonderful release for a figure that's pretty much 100% recycled parts with some new paint, but this isn't enough really. Hasbro's figures of Luke are all over the place, ad this one is just another lackluster release-- it's a neat one, sure, but unlike other figures, it's still a long way from approaching perfection.

Collector's Notes: So far, this figure was exclusive to Target's $50 Ultimate Hoth Battle Pack from 2007. It came and went quickly, and a lot of cheap fans missed it due to their waiting for a clearance that, in some markets, never came. It's a pity, as this is a good figure and a great overall set. The other figures in the set include a Rebel Trooper, a Rebel Officer, Han Solo, an AT-ST Driver, and three Snowtroopers. These were augmented by an AT-ST and a Rebel Turret. Taken together, the set provided one of the best bangs-for-the-buck in the history of the line.

--Adam Pawlus



Day 669: March 5, 2008


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