Bio: Luminara is a Jedi General sent to Kashyyyk in the final days of the Clone Wars with a squad of clone troopers including AT-RT Drivers. (Taken from the figure's cardback.)

Image: Adam Pawlus' toy room.

Commentary: Few figures come in as many subtle varieties as the AT-RT Driver. This unique figure sculpt has been used for no less than 5 releases-- 3 of which are specific to Kashyyyk, that is, swamp/forest deco. As such, this figure wasn't exactly a huge hit with fans upon its release, but sales told a different story. In most locations, this Target-exclusive repaint sold out quickly despite being a bit of a downer. The figure doesn't have the "damaged" chest plate which snapped on previous releases to show battle-damage. The figure's rifle doesn't have the strap to wear the weapon on his back. Oh, and the figure's paint job looks like it may have been a fan-produced creation in that it doesn't come from the movies or comics, plus it's a little smudgy. On the bright side, it does look like it may better help the figure blend in with brownish surroundings, although the slightly more "realistic" camo isn't nearly as much fun to look at as some of the movie-inspired legion paint jobs, like the 501st or the orange Utapau armies.

The figure sculpt is actually quite decent. It's just a hair below what most fans would consider perfect, which means that it's pretty much perfect unless you're nitpicky. The AT-RT Driver has 14 points of articulation, essentially making it right on par with the super-articulated Clone Troopers that seem so popular with the kids these days. The only downer on this sculpt is that the waist is a swivel waist instead of that pivoting waist which seems to work so well with figures designed to work with vehicles. It's a solid design with stiff joints which hold up well to being posed in nearly any way you see fit. He can sit, stand, aim, and of course, fall down. It's a good design, but the real question for you as a fan is if it's different enough from other figures you own. I would say yes-- but only barely. If you have an army of AT-RT Drivers already, you may not have much use for yet another one in similar colors. But if you don't have any AT-RT Drivers, you might as well get this one if the price is right-- it's a fun figure.

Collector's Notes: At the time I write this, the figure series is barely available at retail and has been drying up. This one seems to be long gone, which is surprising given it seems like it should be the least compelling-- it seems the demand for Jedi is still strong with new collectors and kids, as these didn't tickle the fancy of collectors when initially revealed.

Day 761: June 5, 2008