Spurred by a profound vision, young freedom-fighter and would-be Jedi Luke Skywalker has traveled across the galaxy on an errand of faith. With nothing more than the memory of his near-death vision on Hoth and the intangible draw of the Force to guide him, Luke has found his way to the distant planet of Dagobah. Arriving on the murky, sodden world of drowned forests and slithering creatures, at first Luke finds little more than disappointment and mud, a sentiment shared by the forlorn R2-D2, first to encounter one of the swamp's larger and hungrier inhabitants.
Meeting a shriveled and eccentric local does little to improve either's impression, especially when the tiny, green creature seems interested only in disheveling their camp and making a general nuisance of himself as he rifles for amusing trinkets and snacks. But appearances can be deceptive, as Luke discovers. This is Yoda's first lesson for the young man, for, in spite of his doubts and impatience, Luke has indeed found the great Jedi Master spoken of in his vision. Small and frail Yoda might appear, but through him flows a power greater than Luke can imagine- the power of life itself, the power of the Force.
Though they have only a short time together, under Yoda's tutelage Luke proves a quick study in the ways of the Force. Amid the perpetual mists and dripping gnarled trees, the ancient Jedi instructs him in a vigorous training routine, both spiritual and physical. Luke has many doubts and questions, but Yoda is a wise and steady teacher. Almost nine hundred years old, he has taught many Jedi through the centuries, though Luke's training has greater urgency than any before him. Within the young Skywalker resides the galaxy's promise for salvation, an end to the tyranny of the Empire, though even Luke does not yet know the true role that he must play for this to come to pass.
Sideshow Collectibles proves again and again just how committed they are to bringing the absolute highest quality Star Wars collectibles to the market. From the introductory Luke Skywalker from Episode IV, to their very first Prequel Trilogy character, General Grievous, Sideshow Collectibles doesn’t show any signs of stopping what their effortlessly doing so well right now. In a new move for the very first time, two Star Wars characters are brought together in a true diorama type fashion. Luke Skywalker & Yoda come to collectors based on their appearances in Star Wars Episode V: The Empire Strikes Back. The final product is modern day work of art. Between the expert sculpting and gorgeous paint job, Luke Skywalker & Yoda show that Sideshow means business now more than ever so they can take the title from any company as the premier high-end collectibles manufacturer. This piece is like nothing they’ve done before and it between working in some really fine details that you may not even know exists, there is literally nothing that will disappoint you here. They have truly created a dazzling piece that will interest and captivate you and wish you owned one for your own collection.
There are three main components to the Premium Format Figure duo. Luke Skywalker, Yoda (which is more like a prop here than anything else) and a stunning environmental display stand made to look just like Dagobah (we can't help but point out that is looks just like a miniature version of Yoda's hut) all work together to bring an amazing scene ripped right out of Episode V for collectors. Yoda sits on the blue backpack Luke Skywalker wears while training on the swampy planet and his hands lightly grasp Luke’s shoulders as he holds on for the piggyback ride. Yoda is expressive, calm and serene and it seems as if he has some inkling of what will be foreshadowed while spending time with Luke on his home planet. Yoda looks rather silly outside of Luke’s backpack. From the wait down he is essentially a stuffed sock. In fact, he looks rather humorous. But he had been designed to fit in seamlessly with Luke’s backpack and that is all that matters with respect to authenticity and accuracy. The paint job he received is excellent. But the finer details including his eyes and the wash they used to accentuate the creases in his skin are perhaps more impressive. But Yoda isn’t the center of attention to this piece. Luke Skywalker undoubtedly steals the show here and is the reason to consider this piece for purchase.
Luke Skywalker is also brilliantly sculpted for this set as well. The portrait is remarkably lifelike. Some have criticized that it doesn’t look like Mark Hamill, but we beg to differ. We think the sculptors did a fine job replicating Luke Skywalker’s onscreen likeness. It is without question that the most artful aspect of Luke Skywalker is his paint job. It is actually breathtaking. Look at the collection of dirt spattered throughout his body. Look at the sweat stains from the arduous training Yoda has him performing. Look at the exact color matching to his outfit. They even added bendable metal in his hair so you can move the front locks with ease. Luke’s expression shows minimal exhaustion, but you do see his drive to learn the way of the Force from his new found Master. Luke sits atop uneven Dagobah terrain and his hand rests on a broken off tree stump for balance. Exclusive collectors are treated to a fabulous accessory. Sideshow Collectibles calls it “the spectral, damaged Vader helmet, with Luke’s face revealed”. Remember how eerie yet powerful that scene was in Episode V? This accessory looks exactly like the prop from the film. It comes with its own environmental display stand as well and is in complete scale with the figure. Both the exclusive and regular editions have been set at 1150 pieces each. But it’s a no-brainer to decide which one will get your money.
Collector Notes
Luke Skywalker & Yoda
Status: The Premium Format 1:4 Scale Luke & Yoda figure set captures the pair in the midst of training in the boggy wilderness of Dagobah. The Luke figure is constructed of hand-cast polystone, each hand-painted to exacting standards, and meticulously finished, including considered details such as hair strands cast in flexible metal, designed to add realism to his sweaty hair while simultaneously preventing breakage. Luke is outfitted for his trek through the swamp, with a real fabric 1:4 scale reproduction of his sweat-stained clothing. Yoda is comfortably seated in Luke's backpack, which is finished with real metal buckles and details. The underside of the detailed, environmental sculpted base is hand-numbered with the specific edition number of your unique piece.
Announcement: The Luke Skywalker & Yoda Premium Format Figure was announced on May 12, 2006.
Pre-order Information: The Luke Skywalker & Yoda Premium Format Figure went up for pre-order on May 19, 2006.
Articulation: N/A
Assembly: 5 parts
Assembly Details: Luke Skywalker figure, Yoda figure, backpack, necklace, environmental base
Sideshow Exclusive: the spectral, damaged Vader helmet, with Luke's face revealed and base
Date Stamp: 2007
UPC: 747720208049
Retail: $349.99 USD
Market Value: Click here to check the latest prices based on listings.