Chewbacca - POTF2 [R/G] - Basic

Height: 2.28 meters
Status: Rebel Co-Pilot, Starship Mechanic
Classification: Wookiee
Affiliation: Rebel Alliance
Weapon of Choice: Wookiee Bowcaster Rifle

As Han Solo's partner, Chewbacca the Wookiee (or Chewie, as Solo calls him) distinguished himself as a talented pilot, starship mechanic and smuggler. After being rescued from Imperial slavers by Solo, Chewbacca pledged a life debt to the rogue pilot and followed him to several different planets as their relationship grew and the two became close friends and partners. When Solo acquired the light freighter Millennium Falcon, he and Chewbacca began their career as intergalactic smugglers. Chewbacca's reputation as a brawler gave him a distinct advantage in shady business negotiations, and it was he who initiated the deal to transport Obi-Wan Kenobi and Luke Skywalker from Tatooine to Alderaan.

Chewbacca aided in the rescue of Princess Leia, posing as a prisoner to allow Solo and Skywalker (disguised as stormtroopers) entrance to the Death Star's detention area. After their daring escape, Chewie convinced his friend Han Solo to assist the Rebel assault on the space station, which gave Luke Skywalker the chance he needed to destroy the Empire's dreaded Battle Station.

“If this is Chewbacca then I am monkey’s uncle” is what many a collector exclaimed when they found Chewbacca swinging from toy store pegs in 1995. The Power Of The Force “2” line was known for its steroid using human characters, but it seemed to leak over into the droid and humanoid species as well. All Star Wars fans are well aware of Chewbacca’s strength and valor in the film. Heck, even the vintage 1978 Chewbacca action figure seemed to capture the essence of the character very well. But The Power Of The Force “2” Chewbacca action figure? Well, let’s just say that it’s a cool action figure that looks almost nothing like the onscreen character. Chewbacca looks more ape like than Wookiee like. This is because his muscular body and facial features more closely represent something you would see in a primate than the tall lean structure of the Wookiee we saw in Episode IV. Yes, his presence in the film was foreboding, but that had a lot to do with his height. Sadly, although brawny and strong in design, The Power Of The Force ”2” action figure doesn’t possess the intimidating presence the character in the film did. Also, the action figure isn’t tall enough by a long shot. As a result, while you may enjoy this Hasbro action figure, you’ll likely be wishing for a screen accurate version because this one doesn’t cut it.

Chewbacca’s paint job is also a little disconcerting as well. He is many shades too dark. Perhaps Kenner/Hasbro was going for a totally different and modern take of the classic Wookiee, but we’re pretty certain that hardcore fans will see this as a travesty. The figure itself isn’t terrible. It just doesn’t favor Chewbacca at all. Obviously that makes the point of buying an action figure of Chewbacca moot, doesn’t it? But with a nice sculpt, a warm face and a few features resembling what we saw with Chewbacca, this action figure will likely do well despite its inaccuracies. Chewbacca comes with two weapons: a replica of his bowcaster in the film and a more “off screen” weapon added for extra play value. The larger blaster rifle comes with a strap and the gun can hang nicely on his shoulders. And frankly Chewbacca looks pretty cool with the bowcaster in his left hand. (His left arm is more outstretched where you can get a hard right angle from his body which looks better when displaying the figure.) Both guns add play value to an otherwise stagnant action figure. But until we get a more screen accurate Chewbacca action figure, collectors will be waiting before getting excited about the inclusion of extra accessories.

Chewbacca comes with five points of articulation, although it seems that six were intended. The head is definitely a separate sculpt from the rest of the body as evidenced by the tooling, but it is impossible to turn his head…. at all. As a result, the head functions like a faux point of articulation. He does however come with two swivel shoulders, a swivel waist and two swivel hips. Aside from the head, that is standard articulation for almost all of the figures in The Power Of The Force “2” line. The last thing we should probably mention is that Chewbacca has a marked weightiness to him, especially when compared to the other figures in The Power Of The Force “2” lineup. Of course he is thicker than the others, but Kenner/Hasbro definitely added some mass to this action figure which feels like it has been produced in a quality way. Of course, Chewbacca may become a struggling action figure. His release is bittersweet. Like Luke Skywalker, the action figure is likeable, but it’s so far out from any semblance of accuracy that he will likely be critiqued and criticized for not looking much like the onscreen character. Kenner/Hasbro needs to be reminded that Chewbacca is tall, lanky and intimidating, not stout, brawny and happy. Hopefully they can fix this in the future.