Luke Skywalker - LC - Basic (Exclusive)

Luke Skywalker always dreamed of becoming an Imperial pilot, but he never imagined that he would one day sit in the cockpit of an X-wing and battle the Galactic Empire. Luke becomes a hero when he fires the shot that destroys the Death Star battle station.

The 2009 San Diego Comic Con exclusives were anything but exciting since both were repacks or retools of previously released figures. Granted, the increased availability of The Force Unleashed Stormtrooper Commander (but without equally exciting packaging) was welcomed by many, but we are not so sure if the opinions of our favorite Rebel hero, Luke Skywalker (in his X-wing pilot gear), had faired as well. The only difference between the figure in the 2008 TAC Luke Skywalker/R2-D2 Droid Factory (6 of 6) set (which was itself a repaint of the 2006 VTSC Luke Skywalker: X-wing Pilot figure) is the portrait. And what a goofy portrait it is! There was apparently good reason for why Lucasfilm, Ltd. nixed this release of Luke Skywalker originally. Looking at the face alone, you wonder if this is really a serious action figure or if it’s a really bad joke. We honestly are not sure how Hasbro was able to successfully persuade and convince them that this figure should see eventually see the light of day. It certainly falls under the category of “novelty figure” and while it’s not an abomination to the line, it’s a very unnecessary and excessive action figure. But it did get released in the form of an exclusive, so we can ultimately say that we have an updated Episode IV Luke Skywalker (X-wing Pilot) figure. But let’s make it clear that updated does not necessarily mean better and this definitely applies here. Despite the silly expression on his face, we have to admit that Luke’s head shape and hair are much more accurate than what we saw on the one we got in 2008. But that smile for goodness sake; that smile is just too much!

This figure and its 2008 TAC Droid Factory cousin are significant improvements from the VTSC figure. Hasbro went back and made his uniform straps silver. This is screen-identical to what we saw in the film. Also, the orange color was slightly changed to be lighter and this gave the uniform a much more improved shade. Additionally, his chest plate was better colored and detailed and is also more film authentic. The figure itself is super-articulated, sporting an impressive 14 areas of articulation and comes complete with a beautifully detailed helmet, lit lightsaber and new yellow ladder. So the reason why you will probably even consider this figure is for the ladder. It is simple and very bright, but also very faithful to the film. On the figure, there is a hole where the lightsaber hilt would have attached to him and this is an unfortunate omission as we don't like holes in our action figures. He also doesn't come with a blaster pistol and although this isn't necessary, we wish Hasbro would have humored us a bit and included one. We love tons of accessories! He is perfectly in scale (a little shorter than most other male characters) and the overall product came out quite nice. Let us state that we understand the morbid curiosity that collectors have. And we also know that not being able to have something makes us want it more. If Hasbro didn't change the head on the Droid Factory figure, this figure would have never came to be a Comic Con exclusive. And we cry "wolf!" too. After we make a stink and then Hasbro gets a figure out there for us, we don't buy it and it just sits and sits and the sell through just doesn't happen the way Hasbro would have intended or preferred. case in point: this Luke Skywalker figure. It is still sitting in stock. (Editor's Note: StarWarsShop.com is no longer in existence.)

Luke Skywalker in his X-wing Pilot gear is getting a little bit overdone as of late. Since the beginning of 2008, we have received him three times (and two of those releases are essentially identical). We understand his core popularity, but we think that Hasbro needs to give this figure a rest for a bit, especially since they make him a part of the line in one fashion or another so consistently. We want to clarify that this doesn't make the figure a waste by any means. We are thankful to Hasbro for adding a wonderful premium accessory to the figure. It truly makes the figure a worthwhile purchase. Hasbro could have also charged a lot more for this figure too, but they didn't. It was set at a relatively modest $9.99 (low for an exclusive – unfortunately) and we feel that the included ladder more than makes up for the $2 extra you will pay for it. We still feel however that the head sculpt is a step backwards. Yes, Luke did smile after he blew up the Death Star, but not in such a dopey manner. In 2009, Hasbro now has the ability to knock a character’s likeness out of the park, but this figure fails quite a bit here. To those of you who wanted this figure with the first series of Droid Factory sets, congratulations. We know you are happy. And we are not saying this sarcastically. We love when Hasbro listens to the voice of the people. But we would have much rather received a never before available figure or something very unique and special, especially since the Legacy Collection seems to be getting pushed to the backburner by Hasbro. We just don't feel that Luke Skywalker has met the mark here. It seems that there could have been a better choice made. Let’s hope future exclusives pique interest a little bit more. Oh, and technically Luke is packaged with the wrong ladder. He climbs the red ladder to enter his cockpit; just in case that little detail sticks in your craw.