YODA with Jedi Backpack and Gimer Stick
Power of the Force Collection 1 and 2
Item No.: Asst. 69605 No. 69672
Number: n/a
Manufacturer: Kenner
Includes: Jedi backpack, Gimer stick
Action Feature: n/a
Retail: $4.99
Availability: Spring 1996
Appearances: The Empire Strikes Back

Bio: For over 800 years, the diminutive Jedi Master known as Yoda trained the most committed students in the ways of the Force, guiding them into their roles as Jedi Knights, protectors of peace in the galaxy. (Taken from the figure's cardback. There's more, but I'm not typing it.)

Image: Adam's shelves.

Commentary: The first modern Yoda was a real treat back in 1996. He didn't look nearly as goofy and wily as the vintage one, he didn't have a confusing snake accessory, plus he came with a super-cool blue backpack so Luke could carry him around. In short, it's a figure Hasbro seems to have thought out well, opting to capture the more serene, serious Jedi master rather than the crazy green goober we first met when Luke crashed on Dagobah. As such, nobody really complained about dropping five bucks on this tiny guy when he hit-- he was actually really popular and did quite well, despite being, by today's standards, lacking. He had a "unileg," a one-piece lower leg connected together which allowed him to sit without the weird separating robes leg thing they did on the vintage figures of the old days. His arms were jointed at the shoulders, his head at the neck, and that's all he can really do. He's not nearly as wrinkly or personality-filled as the awesome 2004 version, but he's still good enough for his time and a great figure to this day. If you collect Yoda stuff, even though it's a dated figure, it's still worth picking up. Very few of Kenner's early modern efforts aged especially well, but this is one of them. Get it cheap if you can, it's worth it unless you're looking to avoid those older modern figures.

Collector's Notes: The same mold was used and tweaked to make a variety of figures. The original carded figure was circulated from 1996 to 1997, and in late 1998, Hasbro retooled it with added hair and new accessories. In early 1998, Hasbro released it with a Dagobah planet globe as part of the Complete Galaxy line, but it was slightly altered and came with only his cane. A remolded clear blue version was also included in the Jedi Spirits Cinema Scene set.

--Adam Pawlus

Day 742: May 17, 2008