From the beginning, there was always something special about Hasbro's
The Vintage Collection. The classic Kenner cardbacks bring on instant nostalgia for the original toy line, and while we've had some great additions to this line already in the first two waves, the third wave really delivers!
The third TVC wave features characters from
Return of the Jedi, and each figure has enough newness to them that one would be hard-pressed to find faults. This wave has been eagerly-anticipated ever since it was officially revealed during San Diego Comic Con, and the 7 characters represented here are as close to "definitive" as we're likely to see for some time.
"Free" Boba Fett Offer:
The offer continues with this wave. Much like the previous waves, the stickers are removable.
"Missing" Figures:
Although they are shown on several of the cardbacks, both Yoda (The Jedi Master) and Wedge Antilles are NOT being released in this wave. At least not yet. TVC seems to be taking a page from Hasbro's
Marvel Universe line and released these figures out of order.
The Yoda figure that has been shown already is clearly based on
Revenge of the Sith, however the
early production image include a photo from
The Empire Strikes Back with the logo from
Return of the Jedi. Since this is obviously wrong, Hasbro has decided to correct this before it is sent out. The figure will be released on an accurate cardback with appropriate photo and logo.
As for Wedge, it was revealed during
Celebration V that while Wedge was originally planned to be a repack of the figure from 2009's Target-exclusive
Wedge Antilles' X-Wing Starfighter. However, Hasbro decided that they really wanted to do right by Wedge and give him an all-new head sculpt, since that particular one wasn't the best likeness. There was some thought during CV that he would be done in 2010, although since he has yet to show up on any pre-order case assortments, it's clear that did not happen.
At any event, look for both figures to be released sometime in 2011...most likely in the fall. As of now, they should include the same numbers they were intended to come with, but that still remains to be seen.
Now onto the figures that are actually IN this wave!
VC21: Gamorrean Guard:
| What better way to start than with the porcine guards of Jabba's Palace? This massive figure is simply amazing. The sculpting is really detailed, with each chink in the armor included and the folds in the skin. The deco is also a nice treat, particularly with the facial details...there's just the right about of gloss on the face to represent the drool and snot!
The accessories are all here as well: the Vintage Kenner battle axe, the POTF2 Axe, as well as the spear that has never been done before. Since you'll need 9 Gamorrean Guard figure to properly depict Jabba's Palace, there's plenty of weapons to go around. The removable helmet is a curious touch, since we never saw the Gamorreans without it. If anyone is thinking this could possibly be done for a potential Voort saBinring...you are not alone.
The most-talked-about accessory is of course the fur loincloth. The material used does offer a cool element to the figure, although the fur tends to stick out and up. One solution that fans have found is that by simply turning the skirt around, the fur goes down, which provides a better visual aesthetic. Other options are using the water treatment to mat it down, or trim it with scissors. |
VC22: Admiral Ackbar:
| "It's a Trap!" Now that THAT's out of the way, let's focus on the second alien figure in this wave...the Mon Calamari commander of the Rebel fleet is another outstanding addition to the line. The ball-jointed neck allows for a great range of movement, although on this particular figure it is a little loose.
This figure has almost all the points of articulation that fans demand these days, with the exception of ankles. But honestly, do you really NEED articulated ankles to have a great figure? Of course not. One really nice detail is that the ball-hinged elbows are actually sculpted to include the folds of the sleeves, so that when the arms are fully extended, they seamlessly fit into the design of the figure.
The accessories included are a baton/pointer thing, and some kind of control tablet. It would be great if there were a way to get Ackbar's command chair, but the plastic skirt would probably prevent him from sitting in it anyway. |
VC23: Luke Skywalker (Jedi Knight Outfit):
| Another year, another Jedi Luke, right? Wrong! This IS the definitive Jedi Luke Skywalker in his Jedi Knight outfit....sort of.
First of all, the figure itself is a really great update above and beyond all other versions, including the ill-received 2009 update. This version of Luke includes ball-hinged wrists and hips, which allows for some pretty dynamic poses. His lightsaber comes both in "lit" and "unlit" versions, and there's also a pair of binders to capture him with.
Which brings up an issue that Hasbro will be correcting: the cardback and name does not match this figure. It's not "Jabba's Palace" Luke, as the picture suggests, but rather an "Endor Captive" Luke from the classic confrontation between father and son on the forest moon. Hasbro has already revealed plans to change the card for this figure to properly reflect the scene, and in addition, there will be an accurate figure released with the cloak later in 2011 (and hopefully an undamaged hand).
It's also inevitable that this figure will be used again with Combat Poncho, Blaster Damage, and dare I even say it...Ewok Village? |
VC24: Wooof:
| Without a doubt, the most exciting figure in this wave is Klaatu...wait, I mean Wooof. Don't let the name throw you however, it's accurate due to the fact that this was actually the name used for the character during production. So "Klaatu" is the name for the species, and "Wooof" is the name of the character. Get it? Good.
For Kenner's Vintage figure fans, this is the very first time this character has been made in the modern line, and it one that's long overdue. This figure includes all the bells and whistles you'd expect as far a articulation goes, and the wrinkled pants does a wonderful job of hiding the joints. The furry skirt works great here, and the removable helmet is a nice touch.
Getting more of Jabba's goons added to the line is ALWAYS a good thing, and I for one cannot wait until the next one! |
VC25: R2-D2:
| This one is interesting....apparently, all previous astromech droids were a little too tall, so Hasbro went ahead and created a new version of R2-D2 that is a little shorter than the rest...and they went ahead and decked him out with a ton of special features: a pop-up lightsaber, a removable sensorscope, a rotating dome (unless the scope is inside, then the dome does not move), a retractable center leg, an opening chest panel revealing a folding arm inside, and the bartender accessories (including removable glasses!) from Jabba's Sail Barge. All of the features work nicely, although the front panel does feel a bit fragile. Care should be used when opening it up.
One interesting thing I noticed on the cardback...usually Hasbro features the original release of the figure here, showcasing the first time that a character appeared in the overall line. For most of this wave, this showcases the classic Kenner release, but for this figure, it states that this is the "First time this R2-D2 figure appears in a single-figure package." I guess that the Hasbro historians forgot about this figure from 2004?
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VC26: Rebel Commando:
| This troop builder is another figure that doesn't quite match up to the cardback photo. But then again, neither did the Vintage Kenner figure...there were several different uniforms worn by the Endor Rebel Soldiers, and thanks to Sideshow Collectibles 12" figure (based on Brant Bridges), we now know this particular uniform actually represents a sergeant.
The figure includes multiple weapons, including a rifle, blaster, backpack, harness/holster, helmet, and of course a long trenchcoat. I'm happy to report that a pet peeve of mine has been avoided with this figure...the backpack stays on pretty securely, despite having to fit through holes in the coat and harness!
As I mentioned earlier, this figure doesn't 100% match the Kenner figure, which was an all-greeen camo suit. The cardback photo shows the infantry uniform, which was the base for the figures back in 2002 and 2006. So, we still need to get the Kenner Commando updated, but this is the first time the sergeant has been done.
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VC27: Wicket:
| The final figure is this wave is quite possibly the most fun. Wicket Wystri Warrick, the first Ewok seen onscreen, gets a great super-articulated update (as much as can be done for this size), with a fun accessory for old-school fans: the green cloak and Belt of Honor from the second season of the EWOKS animated series!
This figure was originally planned to be part of a 2-pack with Princess Kneesaa, which would have been a very cool set...hopefully we'll get her added to the line in the future somehow!
The extra accessories are a nice nod to the long history of Star Wars and it's this attention to detail that makes The Vintage Collection fun for fans old and young. |
Stay tuned for more updates later tonight on the official
Rebelscum.com Facebook page as I head back into the studio for more photos of this third wave from
The Vintage Collection!