The Millennium Falcon was one of the first “OH MY GOD MOM AND DAD I HAVE TO HAVE THAT” Star Wars toys. It was a vehicle, but because of its size it was also a playset. Most kids really need both hands to fly it too – they need friends to “attack” it with TIE Fighters.
This vehicle had it all – let us count the ways:
- a lowering ramp
- lowering struts
- the top cover and cockpit cover came off to play inside it
- the cockpit still fit two figures in it alone (yeah, I know, in the film it seats 4)
- top quad guns with a connected gunner’s chair
- rotating radar dish
- electronic sounds (not really movie authentic, but SOUNDS!)
- a Jedi training ball
- smuggler panels to hide figures in
- an actual dejarik table (the space chess thing)
I originally got the Falcon from a garage sale, and despite some missing pieces (everyone seems to lose the Jedi training ball) I deemed it awesome.
The Falcon came out in SW, ESB, and ROTJ boxes, each time changing the picture to something relevant. On the SW box, it was surrounded by stormtroopers. On the ESB box (which dropped “Spaceship” from the name) it was a Cloud City scene with appropriate figures. On the ROTJ box it appears to be on Tatooine with characters from Jabba’s. It also has Nien Nunb strangely enough. The Tatooine scene may be referring to a deleted scene where the gang made it back to the Falcon during a sandstorm on Tatooine.
This year, due to the old mold breaking, Hasbro redid the Falcon for it's newest release. It is now $200 retail (someplace like Target sells it for $150.00) and the sucker is awesome. Not only do they fix it so the passenger compartments are in the right place (instead if where the engine is supposed to be), but it even has a med-bay - Fix Luke's severed hand! It is 30% larger and comes with Han and Chewie! Check out this video tour of it here.
Why should you own this vehicle? Five reasons:
1. All those cool features listed above.
2. It is the ultimate showpiece: everyone recognizes what you have displayed, you don’t have to explain it.
3. It’s the Falcon, man. It made the Kessel Run in less than 12 parsecs!
4. You can fly the thing, or just have Chewbacca fix it with tools from the Vehicle Maintenance Energizer.
5. Vehicle and playset. Ooooh, yeah.
Backstory:
The Falcon started life as a Correlian Engineering Corporation built YT-1300 stock light freighter. It was about 60 years old by the Battle of Yavin, even appearing in Revenge of the Sith (in the scene where they crash land on Coruscant). It was damaged sometime after and was heavily rebuilt by an enterprising technician. It was stolen by a pirate, and eventually won in a sabacc tournament by Lando Calrissian about five years before the Battle of Yavin. Later, Han Solo won it from Lando in another game of sabacc, and used it for smuggling. He was boarded by Imperials shortly before the Battle of Yavin and had to jettison his cargo for Jabba the Hutt. It was instrumental in the Battle of Yavin and the destruction of Death Star II.
It has many modifications, including jamming equipment and faster engines. Armaments include a hidden laser, a top and bottom quad laser cannon, and concussion missile launchers (which took out the second Death Star). The Falcon is still serving as primary transport for Solo and family in the novels.
Full Wookieepedia entry here.
112th in alphabetical order
Monday, February 28, 2011
Millennium Falcon Spaceship (SW)
Sunday, February 27, 2011
Lumat (ROTJ 1983-84)
Lumat, just like Warok (what do you mean all Ewoks look alike? What are you racist?), came with a bow, a quiver, and a cowl. He also came on both ROTJ and POTF cards. By this time I don’t think I need to tell you which one is rarer. He was not a prominent Ewok in the movies, so I can’t just say “he was the one who…” It doesn’t really matter with Star Wars figures, however, since many of the characters made into figures did not have any lines, or were on screen for about 15 seconds.
Why should you get this figure? Five reasons:
1. Own a piece of history as they change his origin! (see the Wookieepedia entry)
2. Too many Ewok things, so few Ewoks to man them.
3. Your girlfriend likes the Ewoks. Your girlfriend sucks.
4. Relive the harrowing moment when Lumat discovers his stormtrooper bloodlust!
5. You’ve got serious Ewok fever, and it can only be quenched with…Lumat!
Backstory:
Lumat was the chief woodcutter for the Ewok tribe. In the movies he was just one of many background characters. The Customizable Card Game now shows Lumat as a different Ewok, with stripes. No word yet on if this figure will ever be redone in the new line, and if it will be the original grey or stripes. Do we really care?
His Wookieepedia entry.
111th in alphabetical order
Saturday, February 26, 2011
Luke Skywalker: X-Wing Pilot (SW 1978-79)
That orange jumpsuit, those beady eyes, it could only be…Luke? The X-Wing outfit was the first costume change we get to see of a character, but Luke’s face is quite generic - it could be most other X-Wing pilots. His eyes remind me of a lot of old comic strips, like Little Orphan Annie. Beady little eyes.
Luke comes with the same blaster pistol that Han came with, and his uniform which actually has quite a few good details from the original movie costume. This figure came on SW, ESB, ROTJ, and POTF cards. For the ESB card it was renamed to Luke Skywalker: (X-Wing Pilot); for ROTJ and POTF it was Luke Skywalker (X-Wing Fighter Pilot). Big distinctions here.
Why should you own this figure? Five reasons:
1. If you were a stickler like me, this was the only figure that could fly your X-Wing.
2. Those eyes. Like the old Shazam! comics or something. Creepy.
3. No other figure besides Walrus Man gives you quite the orange as this one.
4. Recreate that scene where the X-Wing cockpit flies open mid-flight and Luke spills out to his death in space. Oh, wait, that was just in my living room.
5. Recreate the other scene where Luke switches off his targeting computer:
“Luke, you’ve switched off your targeting computer. What the f*** are you doing?”
“It’s okay, I’m alright.”
“What? What are you talking about? Look, I’m on a planet about to be f***ing blown up! Do you want that? Huh, do you want me vaporized?”
“I’m going in.”
“Listen you hayseed – I’ve been in the Rebellion longer than you. You show me some respect!”
“I’ve got one on my tail!”
“I don’t care if there’s a giant space slug with your leg in its mouth – you switch your f***ing computer on right now!”
“Torpedos away!”
“You son of a…”
Backstory:
X-Wing pilots have a long and varied history of wearing orange, ever since Lance Lightloafer designed one during the third season of Galactic Project Runway. But seriously, the designers on the original film put together uniforms that looked pilot-like. I just wish they had made a different uniform for Y-Wing pilots – new figure! If you want Luke’s backstory, here's his Wookieepedia entry. Here's the entry on the X-Wing.
110th in alphabetical order
Friday, February 25, 2011
Luke Skywalker (Jedi Knight Outfit) (ROTJ 1983-84)
This figure is all over the place, despite having only been on ROTJ and POTF cards. First the lightsaber was blue, then it was green (the accurate color). There are slight color variations in the robe, and how it was packaged with the figure. The robe also came in a sewn or snap collar. The salient facts are that this figure came with a removable robe, a blaster (the one he Force-pulled from a Jabba’s guard’s hand), and a lightsaber.
This was the time to get Luke – he was finally a true badass. As you watched ROTJ for the first time you thought, “Mother-puss-bucket – he’s actually hitting blaster bolts!” “He’s using Jedi mind tricks!” “WTF!” He’s also wearing black – like Johnny Cash.
Why should you get this figure? Five reasons:
1. The aforementioned man in black. Forget Vader, this Luke comes with more accessories.
2. the only one that can go in front of Jabba.
3. Who else is going to walk the plank on your Tatooine Skiff?
4. Use the lightsaber from this Luke for your Poncho Luke.
5. The first Luke fashion show – whip that cape off!
Backstory:
Luke was a lowly boy doing outerspace porn, oh, c'mon, you know who Luke is! Here's his full Wookieepedia entry.
109th in alphabetical order
Thursday, February 24, 2011
Luke Skywalker (Imperial Stormtrooper Outfit) (POTF 1985)
For the figures that only came out on POTF cards, Luke came out the best. He got both Poncho Luke and this figure. Reaching back to the original film, Kenner made a Luke dressed as Stormtrooper with a removable helmet. Not only that, but his neck could turn! Sure, today this is not a big deal, but back then we were used to Stormtroopers with no-move necks, and we liked it!
As previously mentioned, this figure only came out on a POTF card, and came with a standard-issue Stormtrooper blaster rifle and helmet. The helmet didn’t exactly “click” on so you weren't confident enough to hold it upside down, but it would do.
Why should you buy this figure? Five reasons:
1. To tell Kenner to keep making figures like this, so eventually you can get a Han in Stormtrooper outfit. Or they can just take your money.
2. Goes great with the Death Star Playset you bought years earlier and your little brother now plays with.
3. More specifically, goes great in the trash compacter in the Death Star Playset.
4. Now you can finally have Leia utter the line, “Aren’t you a little short for a stormtrooper?”
5. Luke just looks good in white.
Backstory:
Luke and Han (with Chewie’s help) took out a couple of stormtroopers and wore their armor.
For the full story, Luke's Wookieepedia entry.
108th in alphabetical order
Wednesday, February 23, 2011
Luke Skywalker (Hoth Battle Gear) (ESB 1980-82)
Now, the fact that this figure is in “Hoth Battle Gear” is actually misleading. If you watch The Empire Strikes Back, Luke is never actually in a battle per se with this gear on. In fact, the most violent he gets is cutting off a wampa’s arm while fleeing from it. Technically, the only battle gear he uses on Hoth is his X-Wing uniform while in the snowspeeder. If you wan to get anal about it.
Luke wears a rather standard Rebel cold weather jacket. Molded onto his figure (and unmovable) are goggles and macrobinoculars. His scarf is molded on open. He comes with a standard Rebel blaster rifle, but, and this is key, he never actually uses that in the movie. What he uses – while in this outfit – is a lightsaber. Yet he doesn’t come with one. Hmm. This figure came in ESB and ROTJ logo packaging.
Why should you get this figure? Five reasons:
1. You got the wampa, now baby needs someone to swipe at.
2. You also got the tauntaun with open belly. Who else is going in that thing?
3. There is a lot of white Hoth-related stuff, and it all needs to be manned somehow.
4. Recreate the scene where Obi-Wan talks to Luke. Then does…nothing.
5. Someone has to go check out that latest meteorite strike. Dork.
Backstory:
I’ll refer to the Wookieepedia article for the whole backstory. However, I will say that Luke gets put into a bacta tank for his recovery after the wampa attack. The tank was actually made into a playset in the current line (but not the vintage).
107th in alphabetical order
Tuesday, February 22, 2011
Luke Skywalker (Bespin Fatigues) (ESB 1980-82)
106th in alphabetical order
Monday, February 21, 2011
Luke Skywalker (in Battle Poncho) (POTF 1985)
Seriously? “Battle Poncho?” This is, in all probability, the only time you will associate battles with ponchos. Han gets a cool trenchcoat on Endor, and Luke gets a effeminate battle poncho. It’s for camouflage, but who doesn’t want to look cool while trying to infiltrate a secret Imperial shield bunker?
BP Luke comes with the same pistol (molded in black) as Jedi Luke does, and a cloth poncho with a utility belt to cinch it. His helmet is not removable, but under the poncho is the same black outfit as the Jedi Luke figure (when I do the Jedi Luke posting I’ll retroactively link it here). Where is the frickin’ lightsaber? I mean, really, he cuts a speeder bike in half while it’s flying! BP Luke comes only on a POTF card.
Why should you own this figure? Five reasons:
1. The only chance to get a Luke figure without a lightsaber. Wait. That’s no reason…
2. Your excuse to get another speeder bike.
3. Poncho fever – catch it!
4. The only Luke figure goofy enough to be seen in the Ewok Village.
5. POTF – rare, collect them all!
Backstory:
Well, Luke is obviously wearing this outfit for Endorflage, but his full Wookieepedia article is here.
105th in alphabetical order
Sunday, February 20, 2011
Luke Skywalker (Star Wars 1978-79)
Not much I can say here that most people don’t already know. This is the original Luke in his Tatooine clothes - how he looked throughout most of the first movie. This figure came on cards for all three movies, including another ROTJ card with a different background picture (he’s seated at the control of a Millennium Falcon quad-gun). His only accessory is a built-in lightsaber, which Kenner inexplicably made yellow, instead of the blue hue it was in the film. Maybe to differentiate it from the Obi-Wan’s lightsaber which was also blue. His hair was sometimes yellow, sometimes a light brown.
Why should you own this figure? Five reasons:
1. C’mon! He’s the main character of the original trilogy!
2. Simulate the whining! “But I wanted to go to Tosche Station to pick up some power converters!”
3. For my money there is no finer pilot…of the Landspeeder.
4. Have him fight Darth Vader! I know I did – even though they barely even saw each other in the original film.
5. Have your Han figure bitch-slap him for complaining all the time. “This ain’t like dusting crops boy! Now STFU!”
Backstory:
Born in Revenge of the Sith, raised by his Uncle Owen and Aunt Beru on blue milk, joined the Rebel Alliance, overthrew the Empire, killed his dad, and became a Jedi Knight. In the novels, after the movies, he eventually marries a fellow Jedi named Mara Jade (who used to work for the Emperor) and they had a son named Ben. He had many adventures which are too numerous to go into here.
Want more? His full Wookieepedia article
104th in alphabetical order
Saturday, February 19, 2011
Logray: Ewok Medicine Man (Ewoks 1985)
Logray has the distinction of being only one of two actual Ewoks produced in the animated Ewoks line of figures. More were scheduled for the second wave, but it fizzled out before that happened. If you want to see what figures would have been produced in the second wave, there are pictures in Steve Sansweet’s book, Star Wars: the Action Figure Archive.
This version of Logray is so far removed from the movie version it’s laughable. In the cartoon he looks like a wise sage, complete with a long beard. In ROTJ he has the outfittings of a medicine man, but doesn’t look that far removed from the rest of the Ewoks. He comes with a plainer staff too (it looks more like a dreamcatcher), not the funkified one the ROTJ figure comes with, nor the satchel of removable headdress. In fact, the only thing the same between the two figures is the headdress, but on this one it’s not removable.
Why should you own this figure? Five reasons:
1. With only six figures, it’s pretty easy to collect this whole line (yes, I reused this one - again).
2. That twitchy left eye? Keep him close to keep a watch on him.
3. Could be substituted for a cheap Native American souvenir. Well, it would have to be a pretty corny one too.
4. The only Ewok you’ll ever own that wears blue.
5. Someone’s got to protect the village from “evil spirits,” as Logray calls virgins.
Backstory:
Logray’s backstory is the same as the ROTJ figure.Want more? His Wookieepedia article
103rd in alphabetical order
Friday, February 18, 2011
Logray (Ewok Medicine Man) (ROTJ 1983-4)
What can I say, another Ewok. Love ‘em, hate ‘em, they’re still part of the Star Wars universe, and everyone needs to just lighten up. Besides, if you were going to get an Ewok figure, Logray wasn’t such a bad way to go. He wasn’t as small as Wicket, so you didn’t feel as cheated. He came with probably the most accessories: the bird skull headdress, the satchel, and the shaman staff. He only came on a ROTJ card.
Why should you own this figure? Five reasons:
1. Like I said, the most accessories out of any Ewok figure.
2. Actually, the figure is very accurate to the Ewok shown on film.
3. Who else are you going to get to call C-3PO and the rest “evil spirits?”
4. Someone needs to stand there while you roast Han on the Ewok Village BBQ spit.
5. Everyone loves a chanter (unless it’s some crazy next to you on the subway).
Backstory:
In his early years, Logray was a warrior, but was captured by a Jedi witch. After that he became a shaman after learning her ways and finding he had Force sensitivity. During the Ewok cartoon, he was the wise old mentor. However, in his later years he started turning to the dark side. When Luke and the bunch were captured, he decried them as evil and tried to get them killed. After C-3PO used his “magic,” Chief Chirpa banished Logray and he was not welcomed back to the village.
Want more? His Wookieepedia article
102nd in alphabetical order
Thursday, February 17, 2011
Lobot (ESB 1980-82)
While the people who lived in Cloud City seemed to have finer tastes in clothes, Lobot exemplified it. Look at those sleeves! Look at those pantaloons! Look at that headgear! Apparently Lobot didn’t have room for toupee with his cybernetic implant.
Lobot came on both ESB and ROTJ cards with a standard Cloud City figures pistol (Lando and the Bespin Security guys come with the same one). My personal favorite of anything said about this figure was in the Star Wars: The Action Figure Guide: “Lobot is not very tall, and his height has been translated well to the action figure.” Seriously – that is the only thing it says about the figure itself. Basically “right height.” Ha!
Why should you own this figure? Five reasons:
1. Disco fans – check out the duds!
2. Hearkens back to the late 70’s/early 80’s time of bulky headgear.
3. If you don’t want two Pilots for the Cloud Car, you can put him in the other pod.
4. Someone needs to make hand gestures to Cloud City people.
5. Mascot to the mute (well, he just didn’t have a speaking part).
Backstory:
Lobot was the son of a slaver, who, after being raided by pirates, ended up at Cloud City stealing for a living. He was caught and sentenced to community service to the city, and also given cyborg enhancement. He became the city’s computer-liason officer, staying on even after his service ended. He basically controlled the city, more than the Administrator.
He secretly helped Lando win Cloud City, since he knew Lando would elevate its status. Lobot was the one who told R2-D2 about the Falcon’s hyperdrive and how to fix it. He continued to administrate over Cloud City despite its changing owners multiple times, but 17 years after the Battle of Yavin he began helping his old boss Lando out with various missions. Usually these missions required some kind of cybernetic liason. He would later return to Cloud City, the last place he is mentioned to be.
Want more? His Wookieepedia article
101st in alphabetical order
Wednesday, February 16, 2011
Leia Organa (Bespin Gown) (ESB 1980-82)
Ah, Leia. What must be in your closet? And where in the heck is it? Does she just keep picking stuff up along the way or does Han have a special cargo container in the Falcon for her outfits?
This is the outfit she wore on Bespin (duh), sometime after she landed and before she was captured by Vader. She comes with the same pistol she did in her white gown. The figure comes in two variations – one with a neck painted to match the gown and one with it flesh-colored. The flesh-colored is more accurate to the film. The vinyl cape on the figure is pink with designs, whereas the one in the film was a grey/off-white. She also comes on 3 cards – two different ESBs (they have different background photos) and an ROTJ. Most self-respecting boys did not get this figure because it was as close to Barbie as you could get.
Why should you get this figure? Five reasons:
1. Most self-respecting girls would get this figure.
2. It ain’t a dinner party without some Force-blocked blaster bolts and Leia in a dress.
3. poster girl for Braids ‘R Us.
4. The only time you will get an SW figure with a print on their vinyl cape.
5. Re-create the smooth moves Lando puts down for Leia. Oooooh, yeah.
Background
Leia changes her outfits many times, and her hair as often.
Want more? Leia's full Wookiepedia article 100th in alphabetical order!
Tuesday, February 15, 2011
Leia (Hoth Outfit) (ESB 1980-82)
This is the first of Leia’s three wardrobe changes in ESB, and probably the warmest. Except you’d think she might wear a hat like most of the other personnel on the base. The figure comes in two variations, one with light brown hair and one with dark. She comes with the same gun that her original figure did – the one she shot a Stormtrooper with right before she was captured. She doesn’t actually fire a shot in ESB (except at the end in Cloud City), but it would have been boring to package her without a gun.
Hoth Leia came in both ESB and ROTJ packaging, but her nameplate was changed to the full “Princess Leia Organa (Hoth Outfit)” with the ROTJ release.
Why should you own this figure? Five reasons:
1. You need someone to run away screaming from mynocks.
2. Re-enact some of the character’s wimpiest moments!
3. You can play smoochy face with Bespin Han…if you like that sort of thing.
4. Goes great with your bowl-full-of-vanilla-ice-cream recreation of Hoth. I’m sorry I used all the ice cream, Ma!
5. Collect all of Leia’s many hairdos!
Backstory:
Leia changes her hairstyle.
Want more? Her full Wookieepedia article.
99th in alphabetical order
Monday, February 14, 2011
Klaatu (Skiff Guard Outfit) (ROTJ 1983-4)
Soooooo, we’ve got Leia in all her various outfits. We’ve got Han in several different costumes and in Carbonite. Luke’s got several different versions too. Who else could we make a different outfit for? Oh, I know, Klaatu! The most beloved character from ROTJ! How awesome and rad (this was the 80’s) is that?
In actuality, there are several different Klaatus (the name of the race) in ROTJ, so this really isn’t the same Klaatu, but some guy who worked as a skiff guard. He comes with a force pike that is actually a unique mold and not one of the pikes that comes with Skiff Guard Lando or Nikto. He was only released on an ROTJ card, which was probably enough, given his I’m-just-here-as-cannon-fodder-status. He is darn stylin’ in his beige jumpsuit though.
Why should you own this figure? Five reasons:
1. You need something to feed your Sarlacc. Feed me Seymour!
2. Populate your Skiff with people you can throw off.
3. Are those Zubaz he’s wearing? He can come to my Superbowl party!
4. Get the other Klaatu and have a Klaatu civil ceremony.
5. One more figure to get blown up in your faithful recreation of the Sand Barge explosion.
Backstory:
Klaatu is a Kadas’sa’Nikto (the other “Klaatu” is really named Wooof) who was paying off a large gambling debt to Jabba. He basically worked as an indentured servant, mainly helping to repair skiffs. Like many in Jabba's palace, he had plans to off the big guy himself, but was beaten to the punch by Luke and the gang. Of course, he was killed by Luke on the deck of Jabba's sail barge before it blew up.
Want more? His Wookieepedia article
92nd in alphabetical order
Sunday, February 13, 2011
Klaatu (ROTJ 1983-84)
Wooof (his real name) is a Kadas'sa'Nikto was a pilot for Jabba's many spacecraft. He was killed when Jabba's sand barge was blown up.
Want more? His Wookieepedia article
91st in alphabetical order
Saturday, February 12, 2011
King Gorneesh (Ewoks 1985)
Gorneesh comes with a big club, and a little more detail than the other Duloks. This is still not saying much, since they all come from a cartoon series. The figures are thus...cartoony.
Why should you get this figure? Five reasons:
1. With only six figures, it’s pretty easy to collect this whole line (yes, I reused this one - again).
2. He’s the king, baby!
3. Big club – smack those Ewoks. Smack ‘em, smack ‘em!
4. If you were the kind of person that got Gargamel instead of the Smurfs, than you probably got this figure.
5. It’s not easy being green.
Backstory:
Gorneesh was king of his Dulok tribe in the Ewoks TV series. Like dozens of other TV series (e.g. the Smurfs) he was always looking for a way to defeat his good guy enemies – the Ewoks. He had a “crown” of some kind of animal backbone (no idea how that balanced on his head), an eye patch (not explained), a large club, an animal skull necklace, and what appear to be turtle-shell shoulder pads. I'm sorry, Endor-turtle shoulder pads.
Want more? His Wookieepedia article
90th in alphabetical order
Friday, February 11, 2011
Kez Iban (Droids 1985)
Another mohawked being on another planet in the Droids line – what a surprise. Also weird that three figures in a row are alphabetical and from the Droids line. The figure comes with a satchel and a blaster from the same mold as the original Stormtrooper blasters. It is molded in black however, and not the navy from before. He sports some interesting facial hair and a lovely shade of purple skin. The eyes are rather large and the loincloth is just a touch larger than Tarzan’s.
Why should you own this figure? Five reasons:
1. Only one of twelve – get the whole line.
2. Where else are you going to get a purple-skinned alien? Not from the movies, that’s where!
3. Mascot to slave laborers.
4. Mascot to guys with interesting soul patches and sideburns (Joe Mauer from the Twins?).
5. Could be mistaken in a dark alley for grey-skinned aliens.
Backstory:
Kez-Iban was the alias used by Mon Julpa, a Gundy and the rightful prince of Tammuz-an. He had his memory erased by enemies of the throne, and sent away. He was helped by Jann Tosh and Jann’s uncle Gundy eventually get back, reclaim the throne, and regain his memory. Another figure based on his prince appearance was prototyped but never released due to the line fizzling out.
Want more? His Wookieepedia article89th in alphabetical order
