See-Threepio (C-3PO)/Artoo-Detoo (R2-D2)/Ben (Obi-Wan) Kenobi/Death Squad Commander/Jawa/Tusken Raider - RC - Multipacks

Hasbro finally released the second half of the vintage Kenner “12 Backs” via the Retro Collection. And it appears as if the fanfare for it is mixed. If you’re into the commemorative collection of simple 5POA (or less) action figures, you’ll delight in most of what Hasbro presented us with here. But they also goofed up some essential things, which we’ll outline in detail. We have to admit that although our preference would be to receive a boxed set of figures from The Vintage Collection, the Retro Collection “set B” is a lovely addition to our collections despite missing the mark in a few crucial areas. This multipack includes the six characters from Star Wars Episode IV: A New Hope Hasbro avoided until now. They included See-Threepio (C-3PO), Artoo-Detoo (R2-D2), Ben (Obi-Wan) Kenobi, Death Squad Commander, Jawa, and Tusken Raider. The greatest gifts in this set are See-Threepio (C-3PO) and Artoo-Detoo (R2-D2). Hasbro buried their piety deeply as of late. No longer seeming concerned with the environment, they allowed both droids to receive the ultimate treatment: vac-metallization. It’s a treat to the eyes, and the gold body and silver dome on R2 (albeit incorrect) shows that Hasbro can do things right if they want.

They opted for Ben (Obi-Wan) Kenobi to come with white hair. This option works well since it represents the first release of the character before Kenner changed the hair color to gray for subsequent releases. However, they also decided to go with the second version of the Jawa, which was a tremendous letdown for us. The vinyl cape Jawa is one of the rarest original Star Wars figures ever, and to not be able to get a replica this many years after the fact is disheartening and, frankly, disingenuous of Hasbro. We hope they make the “vinyl cape” version at some point, whether released as an exclusive or in a future assortment. But we have to reiterate how disappointed we are that they didn’t include it here. This opportunity was their one bite at the apple. They screwed it up. The Death Squad Commander is a figure that looks the most, unlike its original counterpart. Between the much-too-close-together legs and the very different-looking head sculpt, it feels like Hasbro didn’t pay close enough attention to ensure the figure’s authenticity to the original. The Tusken Raider should have been called “Sand People” on the packaging, so we’re slightly disappointed by that goof. But the figure turned out reasonably well. The silver accents are a little too bright, but it is a faithful representation of the figure from 1978.

Unfortunately, the figures’ packaging all come with white markings representing “aging.” They’re unpunched as well. Also, we’re unsure if this is a universal issue, but the “racing stripes” aren’t centered on all our cards. There are gaps of space (mainly on the right side), and the symmetry of the artwork is affected by this. Some very wonky things are happening in Hasbro’s art department lately, and we wish they would get their act together. Furthermore, not ONE figure has the correct font on the character’s nameplate. They used the “close but no cigar” font, which is irritating. How difficult is it for Hasbro to mail this fort on the first try? And why do so many releases have to suffer this fate? Despite this, perhaps one of the most impressive aspects of this set is the outer box. It’s charming and conveys to the purchaser what’s inside with a group shot and lovely stills of all six characters from A New Hope. We feel Hasbro did a decent job housing all of the figures together. But it makes us wonder how collectors can purchase duplicates of their favorite characters without repurchasing all six. Hasbro knows how to make things as difficult as possible for their devoted fan base. This set has an MSRP of $89.99 and is a Shop Disney exclusive.