Jawa - TBS [L50] - Six Inch Figures

Commemorate the first 50 years of Lucasfilm with figures inspired by the original Star Wars trilogy!

The Black Series 50th Anniversary of Lucasfilm Jawa looks better than it functions. Not nearly as engaging or interactive as Ben (Obi-Wan) Kenobi, the Jawa comes inhibited in many of its features. Hasbro tried their best to recreate the color palette of 1978’s SW Jawa figure. And they mainly succeeded. However, some of the Jawa’s functionality disappeared on this release. For example, we were unable to place the ionization blaster into the figure’s holster. We had no issue inserting it into the holsters of past versions, including The Black Series [Phase III] Jawa (61) figure and 2017’s TBS [SW40] Jawa figure. The holster on our sample is flattened and rigid without pliability. And it feels as if the barrel of the ionization blaster will break if forced into the holster. Also, the soft-goods cloak makes it nearly impossible to remove the parts from this figure. We had such incredible difficulty trying to “undress” the Jawa that we gave up. We’re not claiming it’s impossible, but Godspeed to those that try. Aside from these frustrating setbacks, the Jawa stimulates the senses, especially visually, and harkens back to a much simpler time when Kenner Star Wars action figures hung from the pegs.

Despite the encumbrance of the inner-molded robes, the Jawa is a fantastic action figure. It comes with a great sculpt with every attention to detail etched into its form. It has a “simple” paint job. Hasbro sacrificed some much-needed deco on this figure, but it certainly is passable as is. More dirt and that “lived-in look” is missing from this figure. The underbody’s brightness is disconcerting until you remember how Kenner approached the original 3.75” action figure. The articulation system is familiar. And no one can criticize Hasbro for giving us premium articulation in the 6” action figures especially a character as petite as a Jawa. You won’t be able to articulation most of the lower body, but the articulation system is there for those who want it in spirit. When it comes to the Jawa character, each is unique from one another. Their heights vary, their outfits vary, and their weapons vary. Hasbro appeared to pick the best of all worlds here, making it as generic of a Jawa as possible. And this approach may work for a novelty figure like this one. But it’s a shame they never branched out beyond one sculpt of this character.

The design of the Jawa is excellent. The hood and the head are two separate pieces, but Hasbro has permanently attached the hood to the head in what we assume to be a concerted effort to keep the face/eyes perfectly centered at all times within the opening of it. There is no need to worry, however. Hasbro treated collectors to a full range of movement within the neck/head area, and aside from some aesthetics issues (the break of the hood because of the separate head), Hasbro did a fine job here. Hasbro articulated the rest of the figure beautifully. The selling point with The Black Series [Lucasfilm 50] anniversary figure is the color scheme that matches the Kenner version. Most collectors will keep it carded, and many others may pass on it completely. We want to note that the current Star Wars team revised the card graphics and recentered the STAR WARS logo. As a result, the card art for the 6” line looks better than it ever has. A little forethought does wonders for a figure’s packaging. We applaud Hasbro on fixing it. Exclusive to Amazon, the Jawa won't be around forever, so prevent the fear of missing out by ordering one before they are gone forever.