BIGGS DARKLIGHTER Pilot
Power of the Force Collection 2
Item No.: Asst. 69605 No. 69758
Manufacturer: Kenner
Number: n/a
Includes: Blaster rifle, blaster pistol, Freeze Frame
Action Feature: n/a
Retail: $5.99
Availability: February 1998
Appearances: Star Wars

Image: Adam Pawlus' couch.

Bio: Tatooine native and childhood buddy of Luke Skywalker, Biggs Darklighter holds off quickly advancing TIE fighters in the Death Star trench. (Taken from the figure's cardback.)

Commentary: While not necessarily fondly remembered, especially since being upgraded, Biggs Darklighter served as the basis for a great many figures to follow. But let's not get ahead of ourselves-- back in 1998, this figure was a less-beefy alternative to the Luke and Wedge figures released earlier, and despite the helmet not being as authentic as one might want, it was great for its day. So what if the slide-down yellow visor was totally ignored? It was Biggs! With six points of articulation and legs that bent and could be seated in a vehicle, the figure easily met and exceeded expectations of his era. Look, the hose on his chest is sculpted separately! He has a chin strap! And facial hair! And that weird checkered helmet pattern! Fans of 1998 were easy to please after the 1995 line, and even though this figure wasn't perfect, it was certainly good enough to make us happy. We were so lame.

Collector's Notes: While never rereleased, the figure had a vast legacy. His body was used to make the likes of two unique Y-Wing pilots, Wedge Antilles, and Jorg Sacul. This was the go-to body until Hasbro started using the Dutch Vander (Gold Leader) body left and right just a couple of years back, and it seems that this particular Biggs body has since been retired from service. Although I fully expect to see it as another exclusive pilot someday soon.

--Adam Pawlus

Day 808: July 22, 2008