Yoda (ESB 1980-82)

Yoda, like the Ewoks that succeeded him, was a figure released a little later during the ESB line to preserve the surprise of the character. Oh, and for all of you who, for some reason, are reading this site and have not seen The Empire Strikes Back: Vader is Luke's father.

For a little guy, Yoda had several variations. First, he came in slightly different shades of green. Hmm, Yoda, Kermit - both green. Second, his cane went from one shade of brown to a darker one. Third (and fourth I guess), his snake went from orange to brown, and also got sculpted slightly differently.

Card variations include ESB, two ROTJ cards (one had the original ESB background photo, the other had more of a profile shot), and a POTF card. Starting with the ROTJ card the name changed from "Yoda" to "Yoda The Jedi Master." Hmph, building an ego, big shot? Next thing you know he'll be showing off his lightsaber or something. He also comes with a utility belt - not the cool Batman kind, but a little belt that has what looks like a little pouch, a pan flute, and that little light he fought R2 over. Oh, there's also his cloth robe. Jeez, this guy has a lot of stuff.

Why should you own this figure? Five reasons:

1. Yoda, frickin' Jedi Master, dawg.

2. The figure is the only time you will see Yoda smile. In the movies he's always harshin' Luke's buzz.

3. Re-enact the R2 / Yoda featherweight bout! In this corner, a scrappy little tin head! In the other corner, a guy who can lift an X-Wing and land it on your head!

4. He's got his own playset - who else is going to levitate those containers? Luke? I don't think so.

5. Create the always dreamed-about-but-never-realized Yoda versus Salacious Crumb Ulitmate Fighting Challenge, winner take all!

Backstory:

Yoda left his home planet (never revealed, nor his race - even though we see another of his race in Episode I) almost 900 years before the Battle of Yavin. He crash-landed with a human friend on a swampy planet (possibly Dagobah) where a Jedi Master revealed them both to be Force-sensitive and trained them. They were rescued after their training.

About 100 years later Yoda started training his first student, and was a teacher and master since that time. Yoda became a member of the ruling Jedi Council, and in Episode I through III saw the rise of Anakin to Vader, and barely avoided detection, escaping to Dagobah during the Jedi purge. He was found later by Anakin's son Luke, who he trained before passing away, and becoming one with the Force.

Want more? His Wookieepedia entry

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