Action Figure of the Day

Biker Scout (ROTJ 1983-4)

noreply@blogger.com (Ben) — Tue, 14 Feb 2012 09:47:00 +0000

What is a Speeder Bike without a Biker Scout? Of course, you could get Luke with poncho or Leia with poncho or some Ewok, but what fun would that be? You want the guy with “Bike” in his name. You want the guys all black and white and cool and an easy target in a forest of green foliage. Idiots.

The Biker Scout came on both ROTJ and POTF cards, and, as always, the POTF card is rarer. He came with an actually unique blaster pistol, which, other than being gray instead of black in the movie, is very accurate to the movie prop. The figure itself is very detailed in comparison to the movie character. The figure had some minor variations n the body and head (more noticeable on the head) because of different manufacturing facilities, so there are two main variations.

Why should you own this figure? Five reasons:

1. If you already got the Bike, you had to get the figure.

2. Who else is going to get pelted by Ewoks?

3. Relive the knockdown, drag out fight between Trench Coat Han and Biker Scout!

4. Befriend Ewoks…then kill them.

4. Have two of them talking to each other about how good their scouting is, wearing bright white in a sea of green.

Backstory:

Their official designation is “Scout Trooper,” but they were often called Biker Scouts because they used Speeder Bikes a lot for reconnaissance and scouting. Their armor was a modified version of standard stormtrooper armor, with more flexibility, built-in macrobinoculars, and a better groin area for sitting on Bikes. They carried standard rations and a specially-modified scout trooper blaster pistol with a targeting scope and phase amplifier. Remnants of the Empire rethought the standard stormtrooper white for the Scouts after their crushing defeat on Endor. They tended to stick out.

Full story? Wookieepedia article

24th in alphabetical order

Bib Fortuna (ROTJ 1983-4)

noreply@blogger.com (Ben) — Mon, 13 Feb 2012 08:46:00 +0000

You have to give props to Kenner on this figure. Despite something as awkward as twin head tails, they still managed to make them into the figure and not just a detail – they actually stick out his head. Like General Madine, he comes with a “battle staff,” even though this is not the same staff as Madine has. Both staff seem largely ceremonial, and this one does not appear in the film either. He also came with a tan felt cloak, and legs that “scissored” much like the Emperor’s and Obi-Wan’s. Bib only came out on an ROTJ card. Mexico’s Lili Ledy distributor came out with a red-caped Bib Fortuna, but these are quite rare and often faked.

Why should you get this figure? Five reasons:

1. Those wrapping head tails. C’mon, who has those?

2. That velvety cloak, it just feels, oh, so good.

3. Having this figure held out hope that your parents would get Jabba. Well, a little hope.

4. Use it to practice your broken English (or Basic as they call it in the SW universe): “Jabba no barga.”

5. Cut off the head tails and the figure can double as any pasty-faced vampire you want.

Backstory:

Bib Fortuna was cast out of his society (home planet Ryloth) after being caught smuggling a spice from the planet. After an unsuccessful job at Kuat Drive Yards, eh fell in working for Jabba the Hutt, smuggling, then advising him. After his present of a rancor monster to Jabba, he was elevated to majordomo to Jabba. Throughout the years in service to Jabba he tried many times to kill his master, but each attempt failed.

Bib managed to escape on a skiff right before Luke and the gang blew up Jabba’s Sand Barge, and made his way back to the palace. He fought over what was left of Jabba’s estate, apparently winning, but then taken by B’Omarr Monks who took out his brain and placed it in one of their spider-like cyborgs.

Six months after the Battle of Endor, Bib lured an associate of his to Tatooine to recover some weapons caches. After his associate’s betrayal, Bib convinced the Monks to put his brain into his friend’s body, and he began rebuilding his own little empire.

Want the full story? His Wookieepedia article

23rd in alphabetical order

Bespin Security Guard [white] (ESB 1980-82)

noreply@blogger.com (Ben) — Sun, 12 Feb 2012 12:45:00 +0000

The Bespin security guard is an interesting case. Not onlydo we have one that is white, but another who is black. Today we concentrate on the white one. He comes with a standard Cloud City pistol, gets a good union wage, and hopes that his boss isn't some kind of swindler.

Why should you have this figure? Five reasons:

1. Again, two words: army builder. Get a ton of this one and the other guy and defend Bespin against the Empire!

2. The oddity of two of the same kind of character is too weird not to get one of each.

3. You need to act out the scene where Lando finally gets some cajones and surrounds the stormtroopers with his own guards.

4. You need to act out the scene with the other guard in the lunch room where you talk about your benefits and dental.

5. Two more words: handlebar mustache.

Backstory:

Not much of a backstory. The guard is just some generic Joe Schmo who goes home to his 3-bedroom in the lower column of Cloud City. You know, near the tibanna gas clouds. He thanks his lucky stars he and his family don't live near one of the mining facilities - those things run day and night! Now your boss is threatening your union contract because the mob, I mean, the Empire is trying horn in on your business. Oh well, at least they have daycare.

22nd in alphabetical order

Bespin Security Guard [black] (ESB 1980-2)

noreply@blogger.com (Ben) — Sat, 11 Feb 2012 10:45:00 +0000

Finally, a brother can get some respect . Sure, there was another Bespin Security Guard, but this is, for lack of any other clarifier, is the black guy. He comes with the same pistol that most of the characters on Bespin came with, and he came on an ESB and ROTJ card. The big difference between this figure’s packaging and the other Guard’s (other than the cast picture) is that this guy has a blue background for his name and figure. The white guy has an orange background. Odd, but there it is.

His left hand is molded in an odd position – apparently from the picture it is for putting his hand on the floating Han in Carbonite. That, or petting a large Bespin Cloud Poodle.

Why should you own this figure? Five reasons:

1. Equality – how many black people are there in Star Wars?

2. An army builder – you’ve got to get more than one, and in this case you can get black and white ones (unlike those racist all-white Stormtroopers).

3. The man who put the hand on Han.

4. The stylish navy blue with gold trim. A classic.

5. You need another Bespin dude for your poker club diorama.

Backstory:

Not much of a backstory, since there really wasn’t much of one created. I’ll refer you to my post on the previous guard.

21st in alphabetical order

Ben (Obi-Wan) Kenobi (SW 1978-9)

noreply@blogger.com (Ben) — Fri, 10 Feb 2012 09:44:00 +0000

Ah, the mentor of the original trilogy, the wise man, the old fossil, Ben (Obi-Wan) Kenobi. While he was only alive during the first movie, he somehow retained acting parts in all three movies. Where else but the Star Wars universe?

Ben came with a built-in blue lightsaber that popped out of his right arm. His hair and beard came in both white and gray variations, and he came on SW, ESB, ROTJ, and POTF cards. There were two ROTJ cards, one with the original background picture, and one with a closer picture with his hood up. This was the same picture on the POTF card. Also, technically, there was another ESB card that has an "ASST #" under the number in the upper left-hand corner. I am not that choosy - others are. Ben also came in a vinyl cape, and other than his hair changing color, he underwent no physical changes for the entire line.

Why should you get this figure? Five reasons:

1. The mentor - other than Yoda of course.

2. Kicked ass in the prequels. Give him props for defeating a cyborg armed with 4 lightsabers.

3. Re-enact the unspoken lines in the original movie between him and Vader:

"So, you remember those flips and cool tricks we did in our last lightsaber battle?"

"Yeah."

"Let's not do any of that."

"Agreed."

4. Luke needs someone riding shotgun in the Landspeeder.

5. There were only three figures from the first movie who came with lightsabers. Only two of them actually fought with them. He's one.

Backstory:

Obi-Wan was born about 57 years before the first movie, and had a brother named Owen (some early histories said that Owen Lars was his brother, which we now know to be untrue). He was taken for Jedi training very young, and eventually came under the tutelage of Yoda and Qui-Gon Jinn. Before being taken up as an apprentice, he almost did not become a Jedi at all do to him being seen as reckless.

He and Qui-Gon had many adventures around the galaxy, even meeting the likes of a young Chewbacca. Eventually, one of their adventures led them to Tatooine where they met Anakin, and the rest is history. Between Episode III and IV, Obi-Wan hid in seclusion on tatooine, keeping a watch over Anakin's offspring, Luke. During his "exile" he did journey off-world once or twice to take care of some Jedi matters, despite the fact he was being hunted by the Empire and bounty hunters alike. During his time he learned how to become one with the Force when he was struck down, which is exactly what he did when Vader struck him down in the first movie.

Full story? His Wookieepedia article

20th in alphabetical order

Barada (POTF 1985)

noreply@blogger.com (Ben) — Thu, 09 Feb 2012 11:15:00 +0000

Barada was released near the end of the vintage run, during the Power of the Force line. Thus, he garnered a coin while many iconic figures did not - so sad. Barada came with a force pike lance and a permanent scowl. I can't say much about this figure, other than he's good for getting cut in half by Luke while escaping Jabba's sand barge.

Why should you own this figure? Five reasons:

1. You need him, Klaatu, and Nikto together for the perfect trifecta (more on that below).

2. No one can use a hydrospanner on the sand-crusted lug nuts like him.

3. Once you make that scale-model of Jabba's sand barge, you're going to need people getting sliced on the deck by Luke.

4. You need him for your stop-motion children's show, "Fun at Jabba's!"

5. Probably the closest-looking figure to a pirate in the entire vintage collection. Even more than original Han.

Backstory:

Barada was put into servitude by his parents because of his sass-mouth. Yea, you read that right. Right before his time was up, he was bought by Jabba along with the garage he worked in. He then became Jabba's chief mechanic for his sand barge, and friends with Ephant Mon (they never made a figure of him). He was made a guard during Luke's trip to the Sarlacc pit, and was promptly cut in half by Luke.

He, along with two other figures, were named after the phrase "klaatu barada nikto" from the 1950's movie, The Day the Earth Stood Still." The phrase was used again, most notably in Army of Darkness.

Want more? Full article at Wookieepedia

19th in alphabetical order

B-Wing Fighter Vehicle (ROTJ)

noreply@blogger.com (Ben) — Wed, 08 Feb 2012 10:14:00 +0000

Despite its unusual design (as were many Star Wars ships), this was an awesome toy. Let’s just spell out the features, shall we? We’ll go right into the five reasons to own for this one:

Why should you own this vehicle? Five reasons:

1. Rotating cockpit. Always stayed level with the horizon – unless you locked it into one position.

2. Guns under the cockpit. Guns at the end of every single wing too.

3. Wings could fold in and out, just like (well, not just like) an X-Wing, by rotating one of the back engines.

4. Laser battle sounds! This required batteries of course.

5. You even get pop-out landing gear. All that and a kickstand!

The B-Wing Fighter only came in an ROTJ box, because, well, that was the last movie. Maybe if the POTF line had stayed popular it would have been reissued in another box, but that’s all conjecture. The toy itself is also very accurate to the actual movie prop.

Backstory:

The B-Wing was developed under Admiral (then Commander) Ackbar and the manufacturer Slayn & Korpil under Project Shantipole. It was intended as a replacement for the Y-Wing, but due to the difficulty in flying it, Y-Wings stayed in service for a while. The standard weapons configuration was 3 light ion cannons (to disable, not destroy), 1 heavy laser, 1 set of twin blasters, and 2 proton torpedo launchers with 8 torpedoes apiece.

The B-Wing rotating cockpit would freeze in one position sometimes, a problem inherent in the design. After the Battle of Endor, some B-Wings were fitted with firefighting equipment to handle blazes from debris on the forest moon. Some B-Wings were also later modified to have a two-person cockpit for a gunner and pilot.

Due to the shape of the ship, some planned sequences were not filmed for ROTJ, so we actually see precious little of it in the film. Its name was also not quite derived from its shape, but more because the film crew referred to the new ships as ship “A” (the A-Wing) and ship “B” (the B-Wing). While it takes a stretch of the imagination to say the B-Wing resembles a lowercase “b,” the backstory was created that the “B” stood for “Blade,” since the Fighter was so streamlined.

Full story? Wookieepedia article

18th in alphabetical order

AT-ST Driver (ROTJ 1983-4)

noreply@blogger.com (Ben) — Tue, 07 Feb 2012 12:14:00 +0000

This is 16th in alphabetical order instead of the AT-ST, because - officially - the toy was called the Scout Walker and not AT-ST, so it will be appearing farther down the list.

The AT-ST Driver was a figure very true to the character from the film (ROTJ). It came with a blaster pistol, the same one as the B-Wing Pilot. There must have been some driver/pilot conference where they picked them all up. The Driver was released on both an ROTJ and POTF card, with the POTF card naturally being rarer. Both cards featured a picture of the AT-ST, and not the actual Driver.

Why should you own this figure? Five reasons:

1. Owning it meant hope that you would get a Scout Walker (AT-ST) if you didn’t already have one.

2. Owning a Scout Walker mandated that you get this figure.

3. Chewbacca and two little Ewoks need someone to beat on.

4. The AT-AT Drivers need someone to beat on.

5. Despite the character’s wimpiness, the figure was spot-on when it came to its detail.

Backstory:

AT-ST Drivers wore very light armor compared to their AT-AT counterpart. Funny, considering the AT-AT was already more armored than an AT-ST. They carried standard equipment, such as a blaster, rifle, grenades, thermal detonators, flares, comlinks, and spare ammo. The helmets and goggles were also standard, but many chose not to wear the goggles.

Interesting side note: ROTJ’s director, Richard Marquand, was one of the AT-ST Drivers beaten down by Chewbacca and the Ewoks.

Want more? Its Wookieepedia article.

17th in alphabetical order

ATL Interceptor Vehicle (Droids 1985)

noreply@blogger.com (Ben) — Mon, 06 Feb 2012 10:13:00 +0000

While the Droids line was not very popular, and did not last long, it did produce some unique vehicles. One was the A-Wing, which hadn’t been made in the ROTJ series, the Side Gunner, and the ATL Interceptor. The ATL box was shown with Thall Joben in the cockpit, but a photo shows it with a B-Wing pilot. Like the Side Gunner box pictures, it seems evident the Droid figures weren’t yet ready when the ship went into production.

Despite being Droids, it is a neat little ship. The maneuvering struts can come down, like the action in an X-Wing deploying its wings. It has one nose gun and two more on the sides that are revealed when the wings come down. It looks very much like a Star Wars vehicle should.

Why should you get this vehicle? Five reasons:

1. Very rare and popular. The line was declining at this point, so a cool ship was instantly rare.

2. An official part of the SW universe, so use it with any figures.

3. Three cool guns – always a hit with the kids.

4. Has a cool transforming action – what’s not to like?

5. Actually a little imposing with the wings down.

Backstory:

The ATL (Air To Land) Interceptor was first conceived as the Death Star Defender for the ROTJ line, but was never produced. When making ships for the cartoon Droids, Kenner used the unproduced design as the ATL. In the SW universe it is known as the Defender Starfighter by Republic Engineering Corporation. It had three laser cannons and deployable s-foils for maneuvering. It did not have a hyperdrive, and was designed mainly for planetary defense.

Known as the "Defender Starfighter" in official continuity:
Want more? Its Wookieepedia article

16th in alphabetical order

AT-AT All Terrain Armored Transport (ESB)

noreply@blogger.com (Ben) — Sun, 05 Feb 2012 09:12:00 +0000

Holy mother pussbucket! It’s the AT-AT! Well, that’s what you would have said if you had gotten this Christmas morning (or whatever holiday you enjoy). The AT-AT – the biggest (arguably, versus the Death Star Playset) and most expensive toy in the vintage Star Wars arsenal.

What features did yonder toy possess?

1. Movable head, with a handle on the inside, and a “trigger” to move the chin guns.

2. Adjustable “ear” guns.

3. opening cockpit for two figures (presumably for an AT-AT Driver and Commander.

4. Room and standing pegs inside for troops.

5. A hatch where Luke can throw in a thermal detonator (never made).

6. Adjustable legs – these puppies didn’t move on their own.

7. The chin guns light up and make sounds. Sounds!

8. Later releases of the AT-AT came with the accessory set with rifles ,grappling hooks, backpacks – never mind that most of the accessories were actually Rebel stuff.

This thing is big – I’ve got one still sitting out in the basement and my two-year old was frightened of it. Now she wants to play with it – but that’s not the point. Despite having the weight advantage, she was still scared of it.

Why should you get this toy? Five reasons:

1. It's the mother f---ing AT-AT! Do you not get goosebumps when you first saw that thing on screen?

2. It's HUGE! You can actually fly a Snowspeeder under the legs!

3. "Mom. Dad. You got me the AT-AT Commander and Driver. I have to have an AT-AT."

4. Vehicle and a playset.

5. Good substitute for that dog you always wanted.

Backstory:

The AT-AT (All Terrain Armored Transport) was developed by Kuat Drive Yards, and evolved from vehicles around since the Clone Wars. It stood 22.5 meters tall, could walk up to 60 km/h, and could hold up to a ton of cargo, 40 troops or more (or a combination of light vehicles and personnel). The command head housed the crew (usually a driver, gunner, and commander) and had chin-mounted heavy laser cannons, and repeating blasters on the side of the head for faster targets. While their armor was strong, there were weak points at the neck joint and the underbelly. To protect the underbelly, AT-STs were usually stationed around it. AT-ATs were delivered to a planet via dropships from a Star Destroyer or other Imperial carrier. Wookieepedia article

13th in alphabetical order

AST-5 Armored Sentinel Transport (ROTJ)

noreply@blogger.com (Ben) — Sat, 04 Feb 2012 10:37:00 +0000

The AST-5 (Armored Sentinel Tranport) is one of the many mini-rigs featured in the Kenner Star Wars line. Unlike many of the mini-rigs which took their inspiration from bigger vehicles in the movies (compare the mini sand skiff to the full sand skiff), the AST did not seem to have a larger counterpart. It was also one of the few mini-rigs never to be featured in any Star Wars novel, cartoon, or other media ever again. In fact, forget I ever mentioned it.

Why should you own this vehicle? Five reasons:

1. Because of its odd design, you can easily fool your friends into believing its from any one of a number of different toy line. Just hide the box.

2. It features not one, not two, but three different positions! "Sentry mode" (folded together standing up), "attack mode" (engine at a 90 degree angle), and "pursuit mode" (engine folded behind the cockpit).

3. It inspired today's folding cell phones. Maybe.

4. For those who missed that "just right" shade or red/orange that the Cloud City Pod Car came in.

5. It has two obvious guns, and when folded up it looks like one of the suits of Cobra armor from G.I. Joe... made by Hasbro...which bought Kenner...wait a sec.

Backstory:

The only backstory the AST has is provided by the box. It looks like it was used by Jabba's guards. Maybe for chasing down escaped prisoners. Maybe for manning the lifeguard stations at Jabba's private beach. Who knows? All we can suppose is that they kept it off-screen during ROTJ - maybe in the garage. Wookieepedia article

12th in alphabetical order

Artoo-Detoo (R2-D2) Now! with Sensorscope (ESB 1908-82)

noreply@blogger.com (Ben) — Fri, 03 Feb 2012 10:36:00 +0000

How do you make more variations of a figure when he doesn’t actually wear different outfits? Anyway you can of course! Kenner was provided with this opportunity when R2-D2 showed two more talents in The Empire Strikes Back. Not only did he show a little “radar” dish that could extend from his dome on Hoth, but he also had a periscope that he used on Dagobah. Kenner went ahead and built one of these features in, but call it the wrong accessory. The “Sensorscope” was what R2 used on Hoth to scan for Luke, but the feature on the figure more resembles the periscope he used on Dagobah. C’mon people! One little detail and you mix it up? Granted, Kenner could have been working with details not fully fleshed out before the movie actually premiered, so I’ll let it slide. Of course, the fastest way to make another R2 would have been to add the third freakin’ leg! Okay, rant over.

The ESB card read “ARTOO-DETOO (R2-D2)” and the ROTJ card read “Artoo-Detoo (R2-D2) (with sensorscope).”

Why should you own this figure? Five reasons:

1. R2 with a little plastic piece that pops out? I am sooooo there!

2. While Han is sticking Luke in your slit-belly Tauntaun, you can have R2 sensing. Awesome!

3. Stick it to C-3PO: “You know over 6 million forms of communication? Well, can you do this? No? In your face!”

4. Use this R2 in your Dagobah playset. Submerge him in the foam “swamp” and stick the periscope up. Now that’s entertainment!

5. “Sensorscope “ sounds oddly sensual. Ooooooooh, yeah.

Backstory:

R2 has a lot of pop-out attachments, only three of which are shown in Empire, a couple more shown in ROT J (unless you count the scene where he gets electrocuted), but most shown in the prequels. You think they could have at least made the little claw arm he used on Yoda too. For the rest of R2’s backstory I will refer you to the Wookieepedia article.

11th in alphabetical order

Artoo-Detoo (R2-D2) with pop-up Lightsaber (POTF 1985)

noreply@blogger.com (Ben) — Thu, 02 Feb 2012 08:36:00 +0000

Kenner production team meeting:

Guy 1: Hmm…how can we milk more out of figures we have already made?

Guy 2: What about sparking torso C-3PO?

Guy 3: No – too obvious. How about a Leia in disco suede?

Guy 1: No – too many design changes. How about a new R2?

Guy 2: Yeah, but what hasn’t been done? The third leg?

Guy 1: Oh, we did that in the Droid Factory so not many people could get it. What about a lightsaber that can come out of his head, like in the Tatooine scene?

Guy 3: Yeah, but let’s use an Endor scene photo on the package!

All three: Brilliant!

Alright, so many it didn’t go quite like this, but with a “premium” line like the POTF one, why could there have been a really new figure? Why an R2 with one little feature. Heck, the lightsaber doesn’t even really pop out – it rises as you turn his head. I want a mother----ing saber that shoots out his head right into my Jedi Luke’s hand! Is that so much to ask?

Well, anyway, this R2 comes on a POTF card, making it rarer. It comes with a green lightsaber that rise from his head as you turn it, and is removable. As any POTF figure, it comes with a coin, but inexplicably, it shows a photo – not of R2 shooting out the lightsaber – no, it shows him short-circuiting at the Endor bunker. Go figure.

Why should you get this figure? Five reasons:

1. Maybe you could rig a pen spring in there and make it really shoot.

2. Makes up for Poncho Luke not coming with a lightsaber. Partially.

3. Adds credence to the line, “Is that a lightsaber, or are you just happy to see me?”

4. Gave hope that they would finally get R2 right. Oh, wait – the line just ended.

5. A real coup, since your parents are probably saying, “Don’t you already have one of these?”

Backstory:

The backstory has been covered in my original R2 post, and here is the link to the R2 with sensorscope, and the Droids R2

Full story? Wookieepedia article

10th in alphabetical order

Artoo-Detoo (R2-D2) (Droids 1985)

noreply@blogger.com (Ben) — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 10:35:00 +0000

As clear an indication as you can get that Kenner did not want to go back to older models : the R2-D2 figure for Droids came with a pop-up lightsaber, the same as the last produced R2 figure in the POTF line. Now, keep in mind, nowhere in the actual Droids show did R2 actually use this feature. Arrgh ! The R2 featured on the card picture is sporting about half a dozen appendages, but they use the one that he doesn’t use.

This version of R2 does not come with any accessories except the aforementioned lightsaber. His dome is also matte grey instead of silver, and his decal is much more simplified to reflect his cartoon persona. All this combines to make it an uglier R2.

Why should you get this figure? Five reasons:

1. Only twelve figures in the line- might as well get them all.

2. You want an R2 that looks like a knock-off without actually getting a knock-off.

3. That POTF lightsaber-popping R2 is just too damned expensive.

4. The series is called Droids. You should probably get an actual droid figure.

5. The very last R2 figure and still no third leg – buy it and burn it in protest.

Backstory:

Everyone now knows that R2 and C-3PO were taken by Bail Organa at the end of Revenge of the Sith, and the Droids series takes place between that time and A New Hope. Supposedly the droids get accidentally jettisoned during a ship drill, and go through a series of masters before ending back up with Bail.

Want his full story? Wookieepedia article

9th in alphabetical order

Artoo-Detoo (R2-D2) (SW 1978-79)

noreply@blogger.com (Ben) — Tue, 31 Jan 2012 12:35:00 +0000

R2-D2, part of the original 12. This is one of those figures that my opinion of changed over time. I liken it to Garfield comic strips. When I was a kid, they were hilarious. As I got older though, I realized just how unfunny it was. I cannot figure out if my sense of humor became more refined, or that Garfield kept repeating the same jokes over and over (okay, you like lasagna and hate Mondays - can we move onto something else!). My point being, when I was a kid I liked this figure, when I got older however...

Yes, R2-D2 is a core character, and yes, I realize that the detail on his body could really only be accurately done with a decal. But still, when I got older, I realized this character kind of, well, sucked. First of all, where is the third leg? The only way to get an R2 with a third leg in the original line was to buy the Droid Factory Playset. He used that third leg most of the time in the movies! Second, the head detail only vaguely resembles his real head - and they never changed it. Not when they made Sensorscope R2 and not when they made Lightsaber-popping R2. Can you even put the R2 figure in an X-Wing? No! That feature is already built in. You had to wait until the Y-Wing was produced during ROTJ before you could put an astromech droid in a vehicle.

Okay, after all that, why should you own this figure? Five reasons:

1. It's R2, despite all his flaws, he's a core character. Who's going to shut down the trash compactor on your Death Star playset?

2. You can let Jawas shoot his ass.

3. That shiny, shiny head. I like shiny objects. Tin Man's my favorite.

4. His head clicks when turned, kind of like that barn door on your Fisher-Price farm set that "mooed."

5. R2 figure vs. Yoda figure in a no-holds-barred knockdown fight over Luke's X-Wing kit lantern! Who will win: the swiss-army droid or the 900-year-old Jedi Master? You decide!

Backstory:

R2, like most astromech-class (so-called because they could plug into many starships and aid with navigation and other duties) was built by Industrial Automaton maybe around 33 years before the first movie (age debated). At the time of "The Phantom Menace" he was owned by the Royal Engineers of Naboo, and the rest is history. He saved the Queen, ended up with Anakin, then Bail Organa, a bunch of owners (in the cartoon series Droids), then back to Bail, then to Luke and so on. In the novels after the movies, R2 eventually reveals details and footage of Anakin and Padme to Luke and Leia, since he never underwent a memory wipe like C-3PO did. In stories about Luke's descendants, R2 was still in use at least 137 years after the first movie's events.

Want the full story? His Wookieepedia article

8th in alphabetical order

Anakin Skywalker (POTF 1985)

noreply@blogger.com (Ben) — Mon, 30 Jan 2012 09:34:00 +0000

This figure, like many before it, was first available from Kenner only as a mail-away. In the POTF line, however, it was put on a card with a coin. Anakin did not come with any accessories, because, well, it is a figure of a ghost. It really wouldn’t make sense to give him any accessories. This figure is one of only 15 figures that were only released on the POTF cards.

Why should you get this figure? Five reasons:

1. The only ghost you get to own from the vintage line.

2. Re-create his action-packed smiling! The slight nod to Luke!

3. Change the scene a little: Luke: “Oh, so you guys can appear here too? Well, thanks for all the help everywhere else you bastards!”

4. Another thing you can put in the Ewok Village – besides Ewoks!

5. Those stylish robes!

Backstory:

It is interesting - since the last change in the “Special Editions,” Hayden Christensen has replaced the previous actor as the ghostly Anakin. This change essentially means that this figure never existed. However, soon before this final Special Edition, a figure 3-pack of the Force ghosts, Anakin, Obi-Wan, and Yoda were put out in the 1990’s line.

Full story? His Wookieepedia article

7th in alphabetical order

Amanaman (POTF 1985)

noreply@blogger.com (Ben) — Sun, 29 Jan 2012 11:33:00 +0000

Why should you get this figure? I'll give you SEVEN reasons this time:

1. It is the one of the most "alien" of the Star Wars aliens. That cowl, those extended arms, the stubby legs. This isn't just some actor with make up, this is a whole different being.

2. Any character that has little to no speaking part and that you have to point out where it is in the film to other people is automatically considered cool.

3. It comes close to being first in alphabetical order (yeah, I know, Admiral Ackbar beats its out).

4. The staff with the three heads (possibly shrunken) and the severed hand. Three freakin' severed heads and a hand! If your mom actually looked closely at the package, would she have bought this for you? No freakin' way! Who cares it doesn't have a blaster or a lightsaber - freakin' severed heads, man!

5. It only has two different variations - the U.S. card and the overseas "tri-logo" card.

6. Despite barely on screen, he has his own coin, damnit!

7. For all these reasons it has been one of my personal favorites.

Backstory:

Amanaman had very little screen time, appearing in Jabba's throne room in Return of the Jedi. It's species is Amanin, a primitive culture from the planet Maridun. While they have the aforementioned stubby legs, they are able to curl up in a ball and roll at quite fast speeds. Their skin secretes a poison which deters predators and acts as a natural moisturizer. Their native habitat is typically rain forest, preferring to live in trees (not unlike Wookiees). It is unclear exactly what motives Amanaman had (he may have been a bounty hunter), or who his head decorations were when they were alive, but it is fairly certain that Amanaman died when Jabba's sand barge exploded.

Note: "Amanaman" is often the nickname for the Amanin species.

Full story? His Wookieepedia article

6th in alphabetical order

Admiral Ackbar (ROTJ 1983-84)

noreply@blogger.com (Ben) — Sat, 28 Jan 2012 09:32:00 +0000

It's a trap!

I thought shellfish only got that red after you cooked them. Anyhoo, Admiral Ackbar was the first alien Rebellion member of any significance. Sure, we found out later when they fleshed out more backstories that some more aliens we saw were part of the Rebellion, but Ackbar was the first to be a leader.

Ackbar came with a omigod, omigod, omigod : a command stick! In the later 199o's+ releases he came with a gun, but he was never shown using any weapon (or command stick for that matter) in Return of the Jedi. He only came on an ROTJ card, but he did have one variation - his vest was originally more grey and later became a cream color.

Why should you get this figure? Five reasons:

1. Those huge plate-sized eyes! Can't you just get lost in them?

2. That Captain Stubing-like white suit. Classic.

3. Three words: command-freakin'-stick! Where else are you going to get one?

4. Take inspiration from the figure as you practice your Ackbar impression: "It's a trap!"

5. Mmmmmmm, Mon Calamari rings.

Backstory:

Ackbar was born on his homeworld of Mon Calamari (yes, the reference to seafood here is not lost on any of us) about 44 years before the destruction of the first Death Star. He became a leader among his people, and with the rise of the Empire organized resistance against it. He was captured and was going to be given as a gift to Governor Tarkin, but was rescued by Rebel forces. When he returned to Mon Calamari, he was made Admiral of their space forces, and successfully repelled the Empire.

He quickly rose in ranks in the Rebellion and became Admiral of their fleet, and was instrumental in developing the B-wing fighter. He was a major player in the battle of the second Death Star, helping to defeat the Imperial forces there. After the fall of the Empire he became Supreme Commander of the New Republic Defense Force, the highest rank.

Ackbar led the way to final defeat of the lingering Empire, and numerous other battles fought during his career. He passed away of old age at 74 years old. He did not have children of his own, but two of his nieces did become Jedi.

Want the full story? His Wookieepedia article

5th in alphabetical order

Action Figure Collector Cases (SW, ESB, ROTJ)

noreply@blogger.com (Ben) — Fri, 27 Jan 2012 16:26:00 +0000

The first in this line of rectangular figure cases was actually labeled on the front "Mini-Action Figure Collector's Case," but collectively these are known as Action Figure Collector Cases. The structure of the case stayed the same, but the artwork changed for every movie, sometimes twice. Since all the places to put the figures were pretty standardized, there were always those who wouldn't fit (curse you Rancor Keeper and Gamorrean Guard!) or those you could fit two to a section (R2 and a Jawa for example).

4th in alphabetical order

A-Wing Pilot (Droids 1985)

noreply@blogger.com (Ben) — Thu, 26 Jan 2012 11:23:00 +0000

Yes, you guessed it – this is the exact same figure with the exact same gun with the exact same coin (except tinted gold this time) as the POTF line, just on a different card. Those Kenner bastards! Next, you’ll be telling me they re-used molds on playsets…oh, wait. They did. This figure came with the same blaster pistol as the B-Wing pilot (did they have them in the locker room?) and the AT-ST Driver.

Why should you get this figure? Five reasons:

1. The second coolest of the Droids figures – mainly because it was already produced in the original line and didn’t look so…cartoonish.

2. Gave you hope that your parents would get the vehicle to go with it.

3. A lush, verdant green to accentuate your love for the planet.

4. Practice you’re a-Wing pilot yell right before your crash into the Super Star Destroyer.

5. To every vehicle its pilot.

Backstory:

A-Wing pilots had to be very skilled due to the vehicle’s high speed, feather-touch maneuverability, and weapons systems without the aid of an astromech droid. Because of the initial hand-built nature of the A-Wings, many pilots even added personal touches such as wooden interiors. Some pilots (or their mechanics) also modified the guns to swivel 360 degrees, increasing their surprise against trailing enemy fighters. One of the more prominent A-Wing pilots was Tycho Celchu, an Alderaanian and member of Rogue Squadron.

Want more? His Wookieepedia article

3rd in alphabetical order

A-Wing Pilot (POTF 1985)

noreply@blogger.com (Ben) — Wed, 25 Jan 2012 10:23:00 +0000

The A-Wing pilot came in a stylish dark green jumpsuit, with non-removable (like most figure in the vintage line) helmet. He came with a blaster pistol that was common to many of the other “pilots” and “drivers” in the POTF and ROTJ releases. Pictures of an actual pilot in the movie are pretty hard to come by, since they are really only seen in the cockpit. This might explain why the card shows a picture of the ship and not the pilot. This, however, is fairly common in the Kenner pilot and driver figures.

Why should you own this figure? Five reasons:

1. Cooler than the Droids release based on the cardback alone.

2. There weren’t too many POTF-only releases, so why not get them all?

3. For the love of the green.

4. Practice your hellish screaming as you ram your A-Wing into the control tower of a super star destroyer.

5. Holds out hope that you’ll actually get an A-Wing.

Backstory:

A-Wing pilots had to be very skilled due to the vehicle’s high speed, feather-touch maneuverability, and weapons systems without the aid of an astromech droid. Because of the initial hand-built nature of the A-Wings, many pilots even added personal touches such as wooden interiors. Some pilots (or their mechanics) also modified the guns to swivel 360 degrees, increasing their surprise against trailing enemy fighters. One of the more prominent A-Wing pilots was Tycho Celchu, an Alderaanian and member of Rogue Squadron.

Want more? His Wookieepedia article

2nd in alphabetical order

A-Wing Fighter Vehicle (Droids 1985)

noreply@blogger.com (Ben) — Tue, 24 Jan 2012 09:23:00 +0000

The A-Wing – sleek and fast looking. Streamlined. The best vehicle from the Droids line…mainly because it was in Return of the Jedi. And it was never produced until now. Hey, but now we have it!

The A-Wing only comes in a Droids box, and when you produce a very popular toy in a waning line, it instantly becomes rare and valuable. I hope you got this one while you could. It featured a cockpit for one figure, retractable landing gear, swiveling side-mounted laser cannons, and electronic sound. The color scheme was also painted on and not decals like an X-Wing or TIE Fighter. Overall, a pretty cool ship – just very hard to get a hold of.

Why should you get this vehicle? Five reasons:

1. This was the fastest ship in the fleet – not the Millennium Falcon.

2. Look at this thing – it just sweats cool.

3. You got the A-Wing pilot – now get the real deal.

4. Your only real reason to get something from the Droids line.

5. The coolest ship to play with – and probably easiest to hold.

Backstory:

The RZ-1 A-Wing Interceptor was a fast ship – engines with a cockpit. It was a descendant of the Jedi starfighters seen in the prequel movies. However, not having an astromech port made the fighter hard to control at high speeds (unless you’re a Jedi) and control the weapons which could often fire 360 degrees. It also had 2 concussion missile launchers, which held 6 each. They were originally developed by the Alliance and made through Allaicne Underground Engineering, so each was more handbuilt, resulting in a higher maintenance schedule. However, enough of them were made by the Battle of Endor to make a difference and turn the tide of that battle. Later models were made by Incom Corporation.

Early designs of the A-Wing had blue stripes, but these were changed to red for blue screen filming. Also, while the fighter had an “A” shape, the original A-Wing fighter name may have come from the production staff calling the two new ships “ship A” and “ship B” (the B-Wing fighter).

Want the full story? Its Wookieepedia article.

1st in alphabetical order

Starting vintage line in...5...4...3...2...1

noreply@blogger.com (Ben) — Tue, 24 Jan 2012 09:22:00 +0000

Green card immediate re-issues from the POTF2 line

noreply@blogger.com (Ben) — Mon, 23 Jan 2012 11:10:00 +0000

One of the things I found reprehensible from the POTF2 line, is that immediately after switching from the red cards to the green, we still got previous red-carded figures on new green cards. Whether this was because of a switch in what the design should be, or a quick cash-grab from collectors who would get every card variation, I can't truly say. The Kenner/Hasbro conglomeration does a much better job now of coming out with all sorts of figures, but back in these days it was immensely frustrating to be waiting for new figures only to find out you're getting another R2-D2 that is no different than the one you got last year. The only difference? A different card with a different profile picture. Ugh. We would get a never-before-made Tarkin figure, than a reissue of Chewbacca. Really? You didn't even make it to scale last time!

Luke Skywalker Jedi Knight Theater Edition [POTF2]

noreply@blogger.com (Ben) — Sun, 22 Jan 2012 11:11:00 +0000

With the release of the Special Edition of Return of the Jedi in theaters, March 7, 1997, came a figure giveaway, yes, giveaway: this Special Edition of Jedi Knight Luke. Essentially the same as the red-carded figure but in a different package, it is an exclusive nonetheless. It was given out by theaters during screenings, and is rarer because it was never offered in stores (note "not for retail sale" on the back of the card).

True story: I knew this was coming out (but was in grad school at the time) so I asked my father if he could stop by and get one (he had the day off). He bought 3, kept the figures and gave the tickets to the next 3 surprised people in line. Ticket prices were about the same as the action figures back then, so it must have been a wash.

Five reasons to get this figure:

1. Exclusive - rub it in your friends' noses.

2. When will you get that profile pic again? Luke at his most badass.

3. Cloak for those cold figure days.

4. Matching card and lightsaber.

5. The only figure card where you get a portion of the classic movie poster on it.

Backstory:

Luke was a lowly boy doing outerspace porn, oh, c'mon, you know who Luke is! Here's his full Wookieepedia entry.