JTA Presents: Evolutions - Luminara Unduli

Welcome to another one our JTA Presents: Evolutions features! Let’s check out how close or far we are from having an ideal Hasbro 3.75″ Luminara Unduli action figure. Have we arrived at definitive status yet? Weigh in and let us know what conclusion you’ll come to by clicking through and adding your two cents in the comments!

Jedi Master Luminara Unduli made her onscreen debut in Attack Of The Clones, but her character was developed in significantly greater detail in Tartakovsky’s Clone Wars micro-series. A trainer, a warrior, and a faithful confidant, Luminara Unduli showed fans what a Jedi Master is capable of accomplishing while remaining beautiful, elegant and athletic. She wasn’t always at the top of Hasbro’s parking lot lists, but we did see three unique sculpts of her throughout the years. But do we have one that satisfies the definition of definitive status?

Luminara Unduli (Jedi Master) (’02 #26) from the Star Wars “Saga” [Phase I] line.

2002’s Star Wars “Saga” [Phase I] Luminara Unduli (Jedi Master) (’02 #26) introduced Star Wars collectors to this character. Pre-posed, static and severely lacking articulation, the figure didn’t go over well with most collectors, and it affected how much we appreciated the character. Hasbro went with an inferior approach with most of their 2002-2004 Star Wars action figures, and Luminara Unduli (Jedi Master) was one of the many victims released early on in the line. This figure became obsolete at its release. It’s a safe bet that this figure doesn’t come close to meeting collectors expectations today.

Luminara Unduli from 2008’s TAC Luminara Unduli/AT-RT Driver Order 66 (Series 2) (5 of 6) set.

In 2005, Hasbro released a significantly improved version of Luminara Unduli with 2005’s Revenge Of The Sith Luminara Unduli (31) figure. The coloring of the figure was very off, but improved sculpting and enhanced articulation satisfied many collectors in the fandom. A few years later, Hasbro took the base sculpt of the figure and drastically repainted it for 2008’s 30 (77-07) Order 66 (Series 2) TARGET exclusive line. It is this version that is most accurate to the onscreen character. Still, the figure lacks premium articulation, and some of the detailing in the sculpt is inferior. She looks pretty good, but yet a ways off from perfection.

Luminara Unduli Clone Pilot (#11) from 2013’s The Black Series [Phase I] line.

Everything came together with 2013’s The Black Series [Phase I] line for Luminara Unduli. Originally scheduled to be part of the first wave of Legacy Collection [2] figures (before that line got canceled), Hasbro reworked the basic figure line into The Black Series [Phase I] collection and added her to the second wave of figures. She looks stunning, but her headdress prevents most movement and sets the figure back a bit. Regardless, Luminara Unduli still looks incredible, and most collectors chose to forgive the figure’s shortcomings. Hasbro also worked in some beautiful soft-goods to this figure as well. With a divine sculpt, gorgeous paint job and careful use of soft-goods, Luminara Unduli may have her definitive 3.75″ super-articulated action figure with this release.

Luminara Unduli Group Shot

Questions for discussion:

1. In your opinion, do we have a definitive version of this figure?

2. If we don’t have a definitive version of this figure, should Hasbro tool a new figure from the ground up again, or should they tweak a current sculpt to perfect it instead?

3. If the figure ranks as definitive for you, do you want to see it repackaged in vintage Kenner packaging (The Vintage Collection) if it isn’t already?

4. Add any other points of note or interest in the comments about any of these versions of Luminara Unduli action figures.

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