Technically speaking, this isn't a "Character Debut" for the Naboo Royal Guard since a version was released in 1999 for The Episode I Collection. Aesthetically speaking, this all new iteration is worlds and 12 years of sculpt and design evolution apart from that TPM figure. This Guard deserves a variant head sculpt/running change for troop/squad building purposes. You can head swap yourself with the ball jointed neck so pick a couple up for that Naboo Hangar diorama that will be immediately enhanced by this worthy upgrade.
Hasbro re-issues the Padawan Kenobi from 2009's The Legacy Collection and includes a commlink this time around. This figure could have been vastly improved by an updated head sculpt as the likeness to McGregor falls short. It's not as premium a Vintage Collection figure as we'd like it to be and one of the weaker releases of this assortment. If you're an opener and already have the '09 release, you're good with skipping this.
Hasbro expanded upon The Phantom Menace Celebration scene finale where we witness little Ani in full Padawan garb. The figure includes a lightsaber, training helmet, and training remote orb. This is a super articulated, with great likeness, vast improvement from the 1999 "Naboo" figure, which until now had been the only version of Padawan Anakin released. It's worth the wait as Hasbro packed in 14 points of articulation, incredible detail, and even a soft goods skirt to plus it up. Can I get a "Yipeee"?
We like our Jedis dark, brooding, conflicted, and dreadlocked with warpaint. Easily one of my favorite figures of this wave, the new Quinlan Vos is finely detailed and articulated to include ball jointed hips to be battle posed in many ways. Vos was a blink and you'll miss him Easter Egg in Episode I, but Hasbro made every effort to make sure this figure stands out as one of the better ones to kick off 2012.
The Hasbro Darth Maul Giveaway site is now live. The grand prize is a life sized Darth Maul signed by George Lucas himself. 100 Force FX Lightsabers will be given away as a first prize. Entry forms can be found inside 2012 Vintage assortment figures and vehicles.
What street date? Walmart continues to put out Star Wars 2012 merchandise while Target and ToysRUs stores remain barren. I'm not a market economist or a bean counter, but if I have product lingering in the back stock not selling, it's hurting the bottom line. It's not like it's going to spoil a 12 year old movie for us. But I digress.
Clone Wars Wave 1 consists of mostly re-issued figures with the new being Anakin Skywalker, Clone Trooper Phase II, and Commander Cody with Propulsion Pack. Chewbacca has been repainted lighter from his 2011 version to be more accurate to the series character. We present all of them except for CW3 Savage Opress, who continues to be the elusive one for hunters even with this re-issue.
The 2005 Revenge of the Sith Clone Trooper figure with "Quick Draw" action feature is re-released for the 2012 Movie Heroes assortment. The Shock Trooper also includes a character card, figure stand, and die for the Galactic Battle game.
Presenting a carded preview of Movie Heroes Wave 1. Figure wise, they're nothing new and definitely targeted more towards a TPM 3D mainstream and younger audience with action features, gimmicks, and the Galactic Battle game. Completists, carded collectors, and the Steve Sanweet's of the world will also be drawn by the striking Maul packaging art.