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When the Jumbo Vintage Kenner Figures line was announced, many of us wondered how far Gentle Giant Ltd.. would take it. Would they be focusing on the “12 Backs” or would they open it up to all characters originally released by Kenner between 1978 and 1985. Well, it looks as if their plans are much bigger than we anticipated. Not only are they definitely reaching into each Original Trilogy film to develop twelve inch scaled figures for collectors, they are choosing to also make Kenner’s “mistakes” and “corrections” as well. Enter Lando Calrissian, a kid favorite back in 1980 now gets its chance as a Jumbo Vintage Kenner Figure. What makes this release especially unique is that Hasbro has chosen the “running change” version of the original Kenner Lando Calrissian figure. The Gentle Giant figure comes with the painted eyes and teeth. Back in 1980, the original Lando Calrissian didn’t come with the sclerae of his eyes and smile painted white. That was an update to the figure in mid run.
An odd candidate for a Celebration VI exclusive, Lando Calrissian seems a bit too big of a main character to be released as an exclusive. But since the Jumbo Vintage Kenner Figures line is geared for a very specific type of collector, all of the edition sizes on them have been very modest. As you might expect, Lando Calrissian has been limited to only 1500 pieces. It should be enough to make its way around to those that want him, but don’t wait too long because this line has proved time and again that once they start drying up, they disappear before you know it and are to be never seen again. And with this piece’s exclusivity, Lando Calrissian may prove more difficult to obtain as time moves on since most of his units were relegated and sold in Orlando, Florida for Celebration VI. We hope that Gentle Giant has big plans for more characters from The Empire Strikes Back Kenner line. Some of these action figures remain the favorites of so many “vintage” collectors.
Lando Calrissian looks pretty good in one-sixth scale. The artisans at Gentle Giant Ltd. did a great job at replicating the figure, vinyl cape and Bespin blaster, although admittedly the details in the face are so crisp in this larger scale that we feel it doesn’t look exactly like the 1980 3.75” action figure. The blaster is very, very difficult to place in his hand and damage will result if you force it in there. We have found quickly that not all of the figures in this line are made with the highest quality standards. We have already experienced breakage and paint scrapings when trying to force things our way. It just doesn’t work out with positive results. Even with that being said, we’re still quite fond of this line. Gentle Giant Ltd. just needs to put better quality control practices into place and maybe use a more pliable rotocast vinyl that gives a little bit more. This isn’t a line for everyone, but there is no denying that Gentle Giant Ltd. is after the old school collectors with this line.
Collector Notes
Lando Calrissian
Status: Lando Calrissian is an all-new figure.
Exclusivity: Celebration VI Exclusive
Articulation Count: 5
Articulation Details: swivel head, 2 swivel shoulders, 2 swivel hips
Accessory Count: 2
Accessory Details: blaster pistol, vinyl cape
Date Stamp: 2012
UPC: 871810009503
Retail: $74.99 USD
Market Value: Click here to check the latest prices based on
listings.