Figure of the Day: Day 777
6/21/2008 10:35:44 PM - Adam

DARTH VADER Death Star
Power of the Force Complete Galaxy
Item No.:
Asst. 69805 No. 69829
Number: n/a
Manufacturer: Kenner
Includes: Cape, Death Star "globe"
Action Feature: n/a
Retail: $14.99
Availability: Spring 1998
Appearances: The Empire Strikes Back, more or less

Image: Adam Pawlus' toy room.

Bio: Designed to invoke fear throughout the galaxy, the Death Star battle station is the largest, most powerful object in the galaxy. The size of a planet or small moon, the massive weapon took nearly two years of construction in the Horuz system located in the Outer Rim Territories. Also found on the Death Star are several of Darth Vader's specialized meditation chambers. Exactly like the chamber first seen aboard the Super Star Destroyer Executor, these compartments function as pressurized spheres offering Vader an inner sanctum. (Taken from the figure's box. There's a lot more to it but we're cutting it down.)

Commentary: Man oh man, does Kenner love Darth Vader. The same basic muscular body was modified to make several figures between 1995 and 1998, including this version. What makes this one so special? Well, the first-ever knee joints on the figure, for starters, plus the first-ever removable dome. That's a pretty big deal in the evolution of the line. He also had his hands twisted slightly, so his palms could be placed on his knees when he sits in his meditation chamber. The figure was fairly well-engineered, and the removable helmet gave fans a reason to buy yet another Darth Vader. This was necessary, especially given this one lacked a lightsaber. Much like the other early POTF2 figures, this one is beefy, bulky, short, and not really much of an authentic collector's piece. Since the meditation chamber and character have since been upgraded, the main reason to buy this figure is because of the fairly nifty little globe of the Death Star that comes with it. And if that doesn't do it for you, well, you can skip this one.

Collector's Notes: Initially, the figure did not have a cape, but the final release did at the behest of Lucasfilm representatives. The same basic figure with some more tweaks was sold with the Darth Vader Gunner Station later in 1998. This figure's head was recycled in a board game later in 1998, but on the body of the Removable Helmet Darth Vader body. It's pretty decent.

--Adam Pawlus



Day 777: June 21, 2008


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