JTA Presents: Evolutions - Jon "Dutch" Vander

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″ Jon “Dutch” Vander 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!

The name Jon “Dutch” Vander may not be as immediately recognizable as Wedge Antilles or Biggs Darlighter, but the character played an essential part during the Battle of Yavin. Hasbro was slow getting the first action figure of this character out to collectors. The first version didn’t arrive until 2004; 27 years after debuting on the silver screen. But the first take, while imperfect, captured a stunning likeness to the actor who played him. Generally speaking, collectors love Rebel Alliance pilots. And getting this leader was extraordinary for many of them.

Dutch Vander (Gold Leader) (Battle Of Yavin) (’04 #13) from 2004’s Star Wars “Saga” [Phase III] line.

The technology wasn’t in a particularly great place in 2004, but Hasbro developed a stellar likeness of Jon “Dutch” Vander for their mixed Star Wars “Saga” line in 2004. The figure isn’t perfect in any way, but it does favor the onscreen actor who portrayed him in A New Hope. The most crucial detail Hasbro gave this action figure was the unique Rebel pilot helmet. The deco on it is incredible and showed collectors what Hasbro was capable of when they tried. The figure lacked important articulation points, but collectors seemed to be happy with the final figure.

Jon “Dutch” Vander (Gold Squadron Rebel Pilot) (#10) from 2015’s The Black Series [Phase II] line.

When Jedi Temple Archives broke the news that an all-new Jon “Dutch” Vander figure was coming in The Black Series [Phase II] 3.75″ line, collectors didn’t seem all that excited. Perhaps the 2004 Star Wars “Saga” figure refused to age as much as we thought it had. Anyhow, the newest iteration of Jon “Dutch” Vander was lackluster. It didn’t have an accurate head sculpt, and the reuse of previous pilot bodies was boring at best. And although the helmet was nicely painted, it wasn’t specific to the prop in the film. It’s hard to state if this version of him is definitive, or just good enough.

Jon “Dutch” Vander 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 Jon “Dutch” Vander action figures.

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