IG-88 - Unleashed

IG-88 is what happens when arrogance overrides common sense. The inventors of this sentient combat droid smugly believed that a machine could never outthink them. They were wrong. Seconds after they activated the prototype, they were methodically slaughtered by it. IG-88 made three duplicates of itself and began to gather a legion of droids to conquer the galaxy. One of the IG-88 droids became a bounty hunter who answered Darth Vader's call to capture the Millennium Falcon. Cold, calculating and bent on destruction and domination, IG-88 is loaded with concealed weaponry and is chillingly proficient with all of it, resulting in a "dismantle on sight" warrant in over forty systems. One glimpse of IG-88 and the blood congeals in a fleeing bounty's veins, for he knows that the droid will not stop until it has captured or exterminated its prey.

There is no doubt at all of the impact the bounty hunters from Star Wars Episode V: The Empire Strikes Back had on all of us. But sadly, save for Boba Fett, our only glimpse of them was a nice neat line up while being commissioned by Darth Vader on the deck of the Executor. There was one goal to this meeting: to track the Millennium Falcon and bring Luke Skywalker back to Darth Vader alive. (Boba Fett however got two for the price of one with this capture.) In the Shadows Of The Empire novel, IG-88 confronts Boba Fett while they battle for bragging rights of the frozen Han Solo and this was the most action we had seen between the assassin droid and the Mandalorian bounty hunters. Hasbro, always quick to develop awesome toys based on bounty hunters finally added IG-88 to the Star Wars: Unleashed line and this may be the most exciting version of the assassin droid our collections have ever seen. We always imagined that IG-88 would behave very much like how the Unleashed interpretation illustrates his demeanor, so it’s incredible to actually have a toy/collectible that mimics these “unseen” moments. IG-88 possess complete faithfulness to the character onscreen but, man oh man, does this Unleashed figure warn how this is one bounty hunter to avoid getting entangled.

Perhaps very much like the T-800 in The Terminator film, IG-88 will stop at nothing to obtain its bounty. And it seems this droid will become even more aggressive defending itself. It is our opinion that the Unleashed figure has captured a little bit of both. There is no doubt at all that IG-88 is engaged in battle. He has both of his guns blaring and is literally walking through fire without trepidation or intimidation. What is extra special about the Unleashed IG-88 is that he comes with articulation! His head swivels and so do both of his shoulders. This means you can have him point his weapons at any 360 degree angle. We love that articulation has been included with IG-88. Sometimes these “statues” need a little bit of variety. This options offers the perfect amount. Not only does IG-88 come with articulation, he also comes with a stunning sculpt. You have NEVER seen IG-88 this animated before. And you probably had no idea that he could angle himself in this manner either. It’s evident that nothing is going to stop this assassin droid and that it will ultimately harm itself before giving up. And all of this attitude couldn’t be clearer in the sculpting. IG-88, for the first time, looks as mean as it has been described in writing.

As if an amazing action pose and brilliant sculpt were not enough, IG-88 has an even better paint job. Hasbro followed IG-88’s color palette to a tee. The droid is mostly dark silver with accents of rust color and lighter silver throughout its body. The flame attachments may be the most impressive “deco” however. The color and brightness they bring to this piece is quite astounding. While you may fear IG-88 and his threatening appearance, you are almost concerned for him at the same rate that he is going to make it out of this dangerous predicament. IG-88 stand atop a base full of battle-damage and debris. There is even a separate attachment of debris that helps add more dimension to this beautiful figure. When completely assembled, IG-88 is one of the standout pieces in the entire Unleashed line. Hasbro needs to be applauded for their accomplishments with this piece. It is truly a work of modern art. Produced in seven-inch scale, Hasbro may have had no idea how the interest in Star Wars: Unleashed would bloom to the point it did. We honestly believe that some of their best efforts of all time can be found in the Unleashed line. If only the 3.75” line could look a fraction this good, we’d all be very happy collectors. Until it does, you should contend with adding these pieces to your collection. You’re missing out if you don’t.

As a bonus feature to this review, we have provided the original artwork created for this Star Wars: Unleashed figure. Click the thumbnail to the left to see the amazing illustration.