Star Wars: The Vintage Collection 2010: Dengar Figure Review

Late January 2010, Hasbro released news of their upcoming Star Wars: Vintage Collection.  Frankly, I wasn't interested in any of the vintage-style figures mainly because Hasbro is known to re-release the same figures over and over (just look at their upcoming "new" re-release of their 2010 "Saga Legends" line).  However, once I heard about a thoroughly newly-sculpted Dengar figure, I couldn't resist (damn you, Hasbro!).

The Good:

• Dengar has 14 points of articulation: ball-jointed neck, swivel/hinge shoulders, swivel/hinge elbows, swivel wrists, ball-jointed waist, swivel hips, swivel/hinge knees, and swivel/hinge ankles.

• Dengar comes with only 4 accessories: 1x blaster pistol, 1x BlasTech DLT-19, 1x backpack, and 1x (removable) crotch armor w/ belt attached.

• Although I really don't recognize Dengar's face, the level of detail is just amazing.  His face is noticeably scarred while his stern, eye-piercing gaze shows what an angry bad-ass he is.

• I definitely don't recall ever seeing Dengar's "backpack" or gear but the level of detail is just amazing.  Nothing about the sculpt is out of place here.

• There are a few paint [mis]applications but nothing too major that it detracts any value from the overall figure.

• I was glad to see Hasbro finally sculpt a fully functional holster that can hold the entire blaster pistol snugly without it ever falling out.

• Although both of Dengar's pre-posed [gripped] hands look tight, they surprisingly can hold all of his weapons quite nicely. 

The Bad:

• It's not too much of a big deal, but I don't know why Dengar's "crotch armor" is a separate piece from the rest of his body.  Maybe the Hasbro factories in China forgot to glue it on?  We won't know until this figure is released later on in the U.S.

• This isn't necessarily a bad thing either, but if you examine Dengar's left foot, you can see that his left sole isn't flat.  Hasbro's sculptors probably did this in order to keep Dengar's balance and prevent him from tipping over.

The Ugly:

• Nothing ugly about the figure here.

• I'm not too thrilled with Hasbro's attempt to cash in on SW fans' nostalgia by offering a "mail-in" vintage-style "rocket/missile firing" Boba Fett figure.  I'd rather have another updated figure instead.

Additional Notes:

• Interestingly, the BlasTech DLT-19 accessory is not the same weapon Dengar is seen holding aboard the Executor (in Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back).  This particular gun is used by a fellow bounty hunter 4-LOM.

• This figure won't be available until later this summer or early fall.

I purchased this figure from eBay at a reasonable price of $11.99 (this included the Vintage Collection 2010: 4-LOM figure).  If you don't want to pay full-price for a packaged figure, just purchase them online via any one of those eBay sellers located in China.  Most likely, these figures are legit, because that's where all the Star Wars figures are produced.  Just becareful when you go shopping for these goods, because sometimes these sellers charge a bit more than buying them locally.  However, if you don't have the patience, then by all means, go ahead.  If you do want to purchase these locally, then your best bet would be to go to your local Toysrus or Walmart.  While online retailers (like BigBadToyStore) aren't so bad, they tend to place premium prices on figures they think will sell fast.



NOTE: I DO NOT REPRESENT eBAY, TOYSRUS, WALMART, OR BIGBADTOYSTORE.  I HAVE NOT BEEN PAID TO MENTION THEIR NAMES.  I AM ONLY RECOMMENDING THEIR SERVICES [OR NOT] BASED UPON MY PAST EXPERIENCES WITH THEM.

Generally speaking, the price of figures have gone way up.  Last I heard, the 2010 "vintage-styled" Star Wars figures will have a price tag of $7.99 which is quite expensive for something scaled so small.  However, judging from the level of detail work done on this particular figure, the $7.99 doesn't seem too unreasonable.  However, unlike the previously released "vintage-styled" figures, the upcoming ones will no longer come sealed in clamshell packaging.  It's not too much of a big deal, but for collectors who want everything in mint condition, they will have to be extra careful when purchasing these figures.  I had promised myself not to purchase anymore Star Wars figures, but with these babies out, this may be one promise I will have to compromise on.

Score (out of five):

NEWS: Star Wars - Vintage Collection

I normally don't do this, but I was excited to find out that JediNews.co.uk have posted OFFICIAL images from the first wave of action figures in Hasbro's Star Wars: "Vintage Collection"!  There were rumors and then news of this for some time, and finally the long wait is over (partially)!  Apparently, these "vintage" figures will be packaged with the old "classic" Kenner cardback design.  This "vintage" collection will include the prequel trilogy and the expanded universe.  JediNews.co.uk has separate thumbnails which reveal the figure in closer detail.  The first wave is based on "Star Wars: Episode IV: The Empire Strikes Back" which include: Luke Skywalker (in Bespin gear), Princess Leia (in Hoth gear), Dengar (the badly scarred bounty hunter who is briefly seen on the Super Star Destroyer, who also has beef with Han Solo), and the AT-AT Commander General Veers!

I've got to say that the worst of the bunch by far is General Veers.  The previously-released Veers figure is more accurately sculpted than the current not-yet-released one.  How strange...

Star Wars Legacy Collection: Imperial Scanning Crew Review

Once in a while, there's a figure that I haven't really expected would come out but does. This is one of those "I've got to have this!" figures for two reasons: 1. I don't have this figure and the sculpt looks decent enough; and 2. I can use this figure as a kit-bash custom for my AT-ST vehicle! The Imperial Scanning Crew has been released twice: Once as a Kenner "exclusive" found and sold only with the "Star Wars Power of the Force: Millennium Falcon Carry Case" and once as a stand-alone figure from Hasbro's "The Original Trilogy Collection". The main differences in Hasbro's ISC consist of (the good) the superior sculpt and articulation, (the bad) few accessories (and especially poor choice of one particular accessory).



Flavor Text:

"Imperial Scanning Crew BD32

An Imperial scanning crew checks the Millennium Falcon to make sure no one is on board. The two-man crew brings the scanner onto the ship and quickly discovers the vessel is not as empty as it first appeared to be."



The Good:

• The Imperial Scanning Crew (ISC) has 22 points of articulation: ball-jointed head, ball-jointed/swivel shoulders, ball-jointed/swivel elbows, swivel wrists, swivel waist, swivel hips, ball-jointed/swivel knees, and ball-jointed/swivel ankles.

• The facial sculpt of the ISC is top-notch. His face is distinct enough and yet at the same time forgettable enough, just like those cannon-fodder Stormtroopers. However, the only thing that [slightly] bothers me about his face is... well, he looks very upset and arrogant for an ISC. His facial expression fits better with an Imperial Officer of some sort. Despite the shortcoming, I do like the nice change of eye color (the ISC's eyes are blue) and his funky sideburns.

• Accessory-wise: remember the news that the ISC might not come with the scanner? Well, he DOES come with one! It doesn't stop there, because he's also got an BlasTech E-11 Imperial blaster pistol, and 1x BAD (Build-A-Droid) right "leg" of R3-A2.

The Bad:

• One of the major downsides is that his little cap isn't removable like Captain Needa's. It is rather sculpted as part of the ISC's head. I'm extremely disappointed with this because I so badly wanted to use the ISC as an alternative AT-ST driver for the "Walmart-Exclusive" AT-ST vehicle (the AT-ST driver's helmet fits on the ISC's head surprisingly well).

• This is really nitpicking, but the ISC's hands seem a bit too big. You know what they say about people with hands bigger than their face...?

• The BlasTech E-11 Imperial blaster pistol doesn't fit snugly in its holster. If it doesn't fit, then what is the point of having one in the first place?

• Dammit Hasbro! I wish they would stop "rubber-banding" the blaster to the figure's hand (especially the hand that can't even hold the weapon in the first place). I'm on to you, Hasbro. As I've mentioned in my previous review, this "rubber-banding" warps the shape of the plastic permanently. The blaster that came with the ISC kind of looked like it could use a little Viagra.

The Ugly:

• Remember the scanner accessory? Although Hasbro relented and included the scanner, it's just terrible. The photo of the accessory depicted on the back of the card looks nothing like what I got. Also, I don't recall ever seeing the contents of the scanner, but I'm pretty sure it didn't look like the accessory that comes with the ISC. What further cheapens this accessory is the fact that Hasbro has even gone even further by adding two "wheelies" to help the ISC with his duties. Why couldn't Hasbro given us a repainted version of the scanner within the container found in Star Wars Power of the Force: Millennium Falcon Carry Case with Imperial Scanning Crew Figure?

Additional Notes:

• At first glance, it looked like and certainly felt like the ISC couldn't move his arms all the way up due to the "deceptive" sculpt. However, my frustrations got the best of me which led me to force his arms all the way up, which he complied with some resistance. I promise, you won't break your figure. Or I'm extremely lucky.

I purchased the Imperial Scanning Crew online via BriansToys* for approximately $11.00 (price doesn't include S&H, which they charge separately for some reason). At this time, I recommend shopping around through eBay and other fine online retailers like BigBadToyStore for these. I've seen some sellers on eBay price them at $6.99 to $14.95 (not including S&H). Or else, the old-fashioned way of visiting your nearest Walmart or Toysrus is another way to go (if you have the patience and long for the adventure), which may sell them for $7.00 a piece.

*From my past experiences with BriansToys, they usually charge ridiculously high prices for regular Star Wars figures. However, almost always they deliver the figures in C-8 or better condition.

NOTE: I DO NOT REPRESENT eBAY, BRIANSTOYS, BIGBADTOYSTORE, AND OTHER PREVIOUSLY MENTIONED STORES. I HAVE NOT BEEN PAID TO MENTION THEIR NAMES. I AM ONLY RECOMMENDING THEIR SERVICES BASED UPON MY PAST EXPERIENCES WITH THEM.


What really hurt this figure is the lousy scanner accessory.
Note to Hasbro, it's better not to include something that isn't "movie accurate" (or even recognizable) rather than include it and cheapen the overall [collector] value as a whole. However, the Legacy Collection's Imperial Scanning Crew is another solid entrance in "figures that need updating for quite some time" category. I really hope Hasbro releases a newly sculpted AT-ST driver using the same body as the ISC. Although $11.00 is asking for a bit much, this is one figure you can't ignore.

Star Wars Legacy Collection: Han Solo (Death Star Escape) Review

When I saw photos of the upcoming Star Wars Legacy Collection figures, I knew I had to get my grubby paws on them.  Han Solo (BD 30) is no exception.  For those of you late to the collecting game, this figure is a much needed improvement over the old Han Solo Death Star Escape figure (from the now defunct Kenner's Power of the Jedi Collection).  The main difference (besides the level of sculpt) is that Hasbro's version of Han Solo comes with loads of accessories and [obviously] more articulation.


Flavor Text:

"After rescuing Princess Leia, Han battles his way back to the Death Star's hangar.  The stormtrooper disguise came in handy, but now it's his bold nature and his blaster that will free him from the Empire's clutches."



The Good:

• Han Solo has 14 points of articulation: ball-jointed head, ball-jointed shoulders, ball-jointed elbows, swivel wrists, swivel waist, swivel hips, ball-jointed knees, and ball-jointed ankles.

• The facial sculpt of Han Solo is just amazing!  It really does portray the "scruffy nerf-herder" quite well right down to his sideburns!  Also, if I'm not mistaken, Han's mouth looks like he's actually smirking (it could just be my overactive imagination).

• There is a nice number of detailed accessories that comes with this figure: 1x [removable] stormtrooper body armor, 1x [removable] thermal detonator, 1x [removable] stormtrooper helmet, 1x BlasTech E-11 Imperial blaster pistol, and 1x BAD (Build-A-Droid) torso of R3-A2.

• The stormtrooper helmet has been painted and sculpted more accurately to match the Stormtroopers in the Star Wars movies.  However, Han's helmet is missing a few paint applications (the empty "rectangular" shaped spots right beneath the visor and the two slightly "rectangular" shaped spots on the back of the helmet).

The Bad:

• In order to allow the stormtrooper's body armor to fit Han Solo, his torso was sculpted to be a lot [noticeably] thinner, giving him an emaciated look without the armor on.  His arms are also way too skinny.

• This is really nitpicking, but the paint application on both Han's arms is wrong.  The long shirt sleeves aren't supposed to be white, but rather slightly tan (matching the color scheme of his clothing under his trademark vest).  This was probably done in order to match the color of the stormtrooper armor.

• Two issues with the stormtrooper belt: (1) the holster still can't hold the blaster perfectly.  This needs to be changed; (2) the removable thermal detonator (located at the back of the stormtrooper belt) has got be non-removable!  Each time I try to pose Han, I inadvertently touch the thermal detonator causing it to fall off.  That little piece of plastic can easily be lost.

• I wish Hasbro would just stop with "rubber-banding" the blaster to the figure's hand.  Doing this warps the shape of the plastic accessory permanently.  The blaster looks like it could use a little Viagra, if you know what I mean.

The Ugly:

• If anything, it's the price tag for these figures.

Additional Notes:

• The stormtrooper helmet accessory that comes with Han is noticeably larger than any previously released [removable] stormtrooper helmet.  This is due to Han's head sculpt being slightly larger than usual.  However, I really like the new Han Solo head sculpt and the overall size (this allows for more detail and expression).

• FYI, in order to place the stormtrooper body armor over Han's body, you will have to remove his head.  I've tried to put the body armor on without removing his head with no such success.

• Just had to compare Han Solo in stormtrooper disguise with the Legacy Collection Han Solo.  Look at that detail and amazing likeness (referring to the recently released Han Solo)!

• Another comparison shot, this time with Kenner's Power of the Jedi Han Solo Death Star Escape figure.  Look at the vast improvement and weep!

I purchased Han Solo online via BriansToys* for approximately $11.00 (price doesn't include S&H, which they charge separately for some reason). At this time, I recommend shopping around through eBay and other fine online retailers like BigBadToyStore for these. I've seen some sellers on eBay price them at $7.99 to $9.99 (not including S&H). Or else, the old-fashioned way of visiting your nearest Walmart or Toysrus is another way to go (if you have the patience and long for the adventure), which may sell them for $7.00 a piece.

*From my past experiences with BriansToys, they usually charge ridiculously high prices for regular Star Wars figures. However, almost always they deliver the figures in C-8 or better condition.

NOTE: I DO NOT REPRESENT eBAY, BRIANSTOYS, BIGBADTOYSTORE, AND OTHER PREVIOUSLY MENTIONED STORES. I HAVE NOT BEEN PAID TO MENTION THEIR NAMES. I AM ONLY RECOMMENDING THEIR SERVICES BASED UPON MY PAST EXPERIENCES WITH THEM.


Overall, Hasbro's LC Han Solo (Death Star Escape) is a huge improvement over Kenner's POTJ: Han Solo Death Star Escape figure. The amount of accessories and the amazing facial sculpt of Han Solo alone is worth the $11.00 price. Heck, the head sculpt is far superior to Hasbro's Han Solo in Stormtrooper Disguise figure!If you're a serious Star Wars collector and manage to see this hanging on the pegs, get it. You won't regret it!

Star Wars Legacy Collection: Princess Leia (Slave Girl Outfit) Review

Having been quite the fan of Star Wars (and especially fond of Return of the Jedi) as a kid, I'm really glad to see these updated ROTJ SW figures being released this year. Ever since I started collecting SW figures from 1995 and then on-and-off (I think 2001, 2008-2009) I always hoped for updated versions of many of those old Kenner POTF figures. Thankfully, Kenner has kept not only their ears and eyes open to what the fans desire, but they've also managed to keep lines of communication open to people like us. And I think I speak for most (all of us) that having a re-sculpt of Princess Leia in Slave Outfit is truly a great thing to behold. Who can resist the beautiful Carrie Fisher immortalized in plastic form?



Flavor Text:

"Princess Leia BD17

Made a slave by Jabba the Hutt, Princess Leia bides her time as the plan to free Han Solo comes together. The resourceful and courageous princess uses the very chains enslaving her to put an end to Jabba's corrupt reign as the crime lord of Tatooine."



The Good:

• Princess Leia has 22 points of articulation: ball-jointed head, ball-jointed/swivel shoulders, ball-jointed/swivel elbows, swivel wrists, ball-jointed upper chest, swivel legs, ball-jointed/swivel knees, and ball-jointed/swivel ankles.

• The number of detailed accessories makes this figure one of the highlights of this ROTJ (Return of the Jedi) wave: 1x bottom-half portion of Princess Leia sitting down on a cushion (as seen in ROTJ where she is forced to sit next to Jabba the Hutt), 1x staff, 1x "bling" cup, and 1x BAD (Build-A-Droid) torso of R3-M3.

• The detail work on Leia is pretty amazing. Although the details of her [sexy] skimpy bra and waist band decoration are minimal, Hasbro's sculptors didn't leave out anything.

• Not surprisingly, there are relatively few to none bad paint applications, bleeding, etc.

The Bad:

• This is really nitpicking, but the facial sculpt barely resembles the beautiful Carrie Fisher. However, the sculpt is far, far better than Kenner's release of Princess Leia as Jabba's Prisoner. Hasbro's version of Leia gives her a far more feminine look.
  

• Although you can't tell from looking at the picture, viewing Princess Leia (in person) her legs look a bit out of proportion to her body (her legs seem to be slightly shorter). Also, her right leg (from the knee down) is crooked. It looks as if Leia is leaning on her right leg, as opposed to balancing her entire body on both legs. *NOTE: Leia is only 3 1/4 inches tall as opposed to the regular 3 3/4 inches tall for most SW figures.*
  

• Leia's cloth skirt is a bit too long. In fact, it's so long that the cloth actually covers her entire feet! Hasbro needs to trim the cloth so that Leia isn't dragging her skirt all over the place.
  

• This isn't really a bad thing, but I wish Hasbro included a long flexible chain that would cling around Leia's neck as opposed to sculpting only a piece of it on her neck. (If you don't know what I mean, look at Kenner's version of Princess Leia as Jabba's Prisoner).

• The cup accessory doesn't fit easily into Leia's right hand. Actually I didn't even try to force it in, because I fear that it will alter the tight grip she has on the staff accessory.
  

• If you remove Leia's skirt (guilty as charged), you can see that she suffers like all the Star Wars figures from the "square crotch" area. I hope Hasbro can implement changes for future SW figures to make it more shapely (such as the "V-shape crotch" at least for the female SW characters).

• This is another nitpicking observation, but there are at least two inaccuracies regarding the paint scheme of the figure. The first one has to do with Princess Leia's earrings. Hasbro has them painted silver when in fact (in the ROTJ movie) they are gold. Also the skimpy bra straps are supposed to be colored black, not Hasbro's gold-colored ones.

• Also, Leia's broken chain is actually supposed to be longer (it's supposed to reach just slightly over her belly button).

The Ugly:

• If anything, it's the price-tag for these figures.
  

I purchased Princess Leia online via eBay for a total of $22.90 (price includes S&H). At this time, (if they are available) I recommend searching through eBay for these. Most online retailers such as BriansToys and BigBadToyStore* will be selling them for $11.00 (not including S&H). Better yet, I would visit your nearest Walmart or Toysrus (if you have the patience and long for the adventure), which may sell them for $7.00 a piece.

*Unfortunately, BigBadToyStore has already sold out their pre-orders for Princess Leia.

NOTE: I DO NOT REPRESENT eBAY, BRIANSTOYS, BIGBADTOYSTORE, AND OTHER PREVIOUSLY MENTIONED STORES. I HAVE NOT BEEN PAID TO MENTION THEIR NAMES. I AM ONLY RECOMMENDING THEIR SERVICES BASED UPON MY PAST EXPERIENCES WITH THEM.


Overall, Hasbro's Princess Leia (Slave Outfit) is the highlight of the ROTJ Wave from the Legacy Collection. Knowing from previous experience, seeing this figure in stores will be quite rare. If you're a Star Wars collector and manage to see this hanging on the pegs, get it then and there. Don't pass it up because that'll be the last time you'll see it in person. I'm really glad to see Hasbro finally releasing these fan-favorite figures.