Boba Fett - TBS [TESB40] - Six Inch Figures

It feels like the 6” Boba Fett is going through a similar metamorphosis that the 3.75” Boba Fett figure did. We’re referring to The Vintage Collection’s Boba Fett (VC09) figure based on The Empire Strikes Back. We’ve lost count how many times Hasbro repainted and re-released that figure. And now the 6” version sir getting about as many repaints and releases as that original neo-classic figure. Characters like Boba Fett and Darth Vader are what we refer to as evergreens in the Star Wars toy line. Hasbro needs to keep them available in the active line looks at any given time. Action figures of these characters sell regularly and consistently, and it often feels that Hasbro can’t release them enough. Now, with the 40th Anniversary of The Empire Strikes Back, another ample opportunity arrives to re-release the bounty hunter. Part of The Black Series [The Empire Strikes Back 40] lineup, Boba Fett joins other popular characters from the middle installment of the Original Trilogy in the third wave of the limited collection. We would have liked to see Boba Fett released as part of the Star Wars 40th Anniversary lineup to keep in line with Kenner’s release of the character, but Hasbro decided that The Empire Strikes Back the 40th Anniversary would make the character feel more at home. We can’t disagree with their decision. It does make the most sense as far as we’re concerned. Boba Fett received significant paint operation updates that vary from any other version of the figure released thus far. We feel this version best represents the on-screen character.

This time, the helmet is a darker green, the chest plate is a lighter green, and the jumpsuit is a lighter gray. Also, Hasbro added a lot more dirt to the figure’s lower legs. They’re noticeably darker than past versions this time around. Coincidentally, there is less dirt accumulation in the thighs, and especially on the large cargo pockets. The rest of the deco is quite similar, although other variances in color exist. We’ve noticed some differences in color in the weapons as well. While Boba Fett makes sense for release at any time, 6” collectors were expecting Hasbro to release the 6” Boba Fett (in the Kenner color scheme) instead. And that didn’t happen obviously. In the meantime, collectors will have to take advantage of this 40th Anniversary release of Boba Fett instead. Initially available in the highly sought after 2013 TBS Boba Fett And Han Solo In Carbonite San Diego Comic-Con exclusive set, and then part of The Black Series [Phase I] 6” basic figure line, Boba Fett has seen release after release in the last five years or so. Boba Fett comes with all of the same accessories as before, and it’s good to know that they haven’t lost their detail or sharpness at all. The good news here is that the Boba Fett 6” figure probably looks as good as it ever will unless Hasbro produces an all-new figure. And that’s unlikely unless they develop a new sculpt based on the costume from Return Of The Jedi. Hasbro cast Boba Fett in robust and sturdy plastic, and it feels great in your hands when articulating and posing. Most know the figure’s plusses and minuses already. Boba Fett comes with an astounding 30 points of articulation and includes ball-socket hips, which we felt for years should have been included in the 3.75” scale.

Some action figures should not be made without this premium articulation. Boba Fett is one example of a character that ALWAYS needs these points of articulation in our opinion. What’s unfortunate in Boba Fett’s case is that his pouches prevent full range of motion of the ball-jointed hips. This lack of movement is as frustrating as it is sad. We don’t understand why Hasbro will put so much effort into something like enhanced articulation only to have it diminished by a sculpted design that inhibits it. But no matter what issues Boba Fett has, there is no denying that it is a one fantastic looking action figure, and it keeps getting better with age thanks to beautiful paint operations. Boba Fett is the reason why we need The Black Series 6” line. And now that the figure received updates, collectors should be pleased about his re-release. Between the excellent proportions, the phenomenal details, and the superb system of articulation points, Boba Fett is one of The Black Series 6” most exceptional figures. That’s saying a lot for a figure that made it’s debut seven years ago. Hasbro is rocking out the rocker ball-jointed ankle joints, and they too have quickly become a necessity for us not only in the 6” scale but also the 3.75” scale. We love them and believe most everyone else will as well. If we had to nitpick about something else, we don’t get why Hasbro exaggerates the length of his cape. It’s still too long. We’re not sure why Hasbro didn’t take this additional opportunity to shorten its length. The Black Series 6” Boba Fett is still the show-stealer in the line so far (and this is its third time Hasbro released this figure). It may be worthwhile to focus on OT troopers and other army-builders since Hasbro excels the most with them. And Boba Fett is a great reminder to celebrate the 40th Anniversary of The Empire Strikes Back.