The debate rages on between collectors, whether super articulated or 5 POA (points of articulation) figures are better. I usually find myself somewhere in the middle. While I do love The Vintage Collection, Hasbro has put out a lot of great 5 POA figures in the last couple of years. To me, scale is the most important factor when it comes to Star Wars figures, so I'll buy anything at 3 3/4 inches. The excellent sculpts have certainly helped the more limited articulation figures succeed, with figures like Jedi Master Luke Skywalker become fast favorites. Hasbro recently released the Return of the Jedi Force Link 3 Pack (Exclusive to Target and Canadian Tire) with some great modern updates. Lets crack it open and take a look!
The figures come PACKAGED in a window box with the great white and red graphic look of The Last Jedi line. Included in the pack are Luke Skywalker (Jedi Knight), The Emperor, and a Royal Guard. There's some great artwork on the front of the box the three characters, and each figure is clearly visible through the large front window. The back of the box again shows off the figures, as well as the Force Link feature. Inside the box is a great cardboard backing with artwork of the Emperor's throne room and it's actually pretty sturdy. I held on to mine because it could be a great backing to a display.
LUKE SKYWALKER
Now this is Luke Skywalker. Hasbro has created one of the best looking Luke figures from the last couple of years. One problem I've had with the Jedi Knight Luke figures is they always feel too small, for what ever reason this one didn't. Even though he's just about as tall as The Vintage Collection figures. He's got an excellent sculpt, and some solid paint applications. There may be just a touch too much red in his hair though, but at least it isn't blonde. I wouldn't mind seeing this figure partially reused for a Jabba's Palace Luke figure. With the Jedi robes and cape added of course.
Luke is also sculpted in more of a dynamic pose as well. It's not that crazy, but one leg is set forward more than the other. My figure had a problem where the right leg was bent out of shape a bit making this even more noticeable. Luke comes armed with his green lightsaber, and his left hand is given a little Force push look. In addition to the new standard 5 POA, Luke has swivel wrists that allows a lot more display options with the lightsaber.
THE EMPEROR
This is easily the best modern Emperor figure we've gotten probably since the Revenge of the Sith line. I usually prefer soft goods when possible (especially capes), but hoods continue to be a problem. However, there's no problem here. The Emperor has a sculpted hood and cloak, so the cloth drapes nicely and accurately to what we've seen on screen all these years. There's a really nice heavy texture to the cloak, and his face sculpt is fantastic.
The Emperor has the most accessories in this particular pack, coming with his deceptive cane and a pair of alternate hands with Force lightning effects. The hands swap out pretty easily and hold in place nice and tight. The paint on the alternate hands is great, and fades to purple before becoming the bight transparent blue. The swapable hands mean the Emperor is also rocking swivel wrists, but they're not quite as useful as Luke's.
EMPEROR'S ROYAL GUARD
I've never been a big fan of the Emperor's Royal Guards, I've always been more of a Stormtrooper/Sandtrooper kind of guy. But this figure looks fantastic. I would't mind picking up a few more because they would look great all lined up. The cloak is very restrictive though, so It's definitely made more for display than play. If you want to have a big The Last Jedi style fight with them then you probably want to pick up the Vintage Collection or Black Series figure.
The sculpting again is top notch, with some really cool armor underneath the red cloak. Speaking of the cloak, it's got a nice fine texture to it. Not as heavy as The Emperor's, but just enough so he doesn't look like a big lump of slick plastic. His right hand is specifically sculpted to hold the Force Pike upright, while the left hand has a more standard grip sculpt.
OVERALL, this is an excellent Star Wars Battlepack. I wouldn't mind seeing more packs in the same style. I'd buy literally anything from the Original Trilogy. It's going to be exciting to see what they come out with this spring when the SOLO line hits.
No comments:
Post a Comment