Hero Set (Luke X-Wing Pilot/Ben Kenobi/Han Solo) - TVC - Special Action Figure Sets

This trio of Freedom Fighters challenges the tyranny and oppression of the sinister Galactic Empire. Luke Skywalker X-wing Pilot (3 ¾") is "battle ready" in orange flight suit and laser pistol. Han Solo (3 ¾"), the macho captain of the Millennium Falcon ship, carries a special laser pistol. Ben (Obi-Wan) Kenobi (3 ¾"), the last of the Jedi Knights, has a removable cape and a lightsaber.

They’re back. We never thought we would rip the tagline from Poltergeist II to describe one of the latest exclusives in The Vintage Collection. Still, it perfectly sums up the wariness and excitement of these very nostalgic three-packs. We say wariness because we’re sure many collectors will feel this is a rehash of stuff we already have, but excitement because we have another stab at some of the best figures Hasbro has ever produced, and when tied together in a multipack, they look even better. Hasbro created these new sets for Target, and some have some very long-awaited additions of extraordinary action figures we haven’t been able to purchase in many years. However, some other inclusions have us scratching our heads (but none in this set are puzzling). This line is perfectly described because it is indeed “special.” For this release, Hasbro treats collectors to super-articulated versions of the fantastic vintage Kenner action figures that started it all in one set. Collectors can welcome Luke X-Wing Pilot, Ben Kenobi, and Han Solo back into their collections in a new and profound way! Proof that Hasbro got them nearly perfect the first time they were released, these three figures have aged fairly well, almost with timeless appeal, and despite a few small things that can be improved (like that awkward Luke Skywalker portrait), there is a lot to love here. Of course, the packaging is a huge selling point here as it mimics the sterling packaging of long ago. And we all know how cool that is. Tugging at the heartstrings of collectors is always a smart move.

If you think this set is all déjà vu, it is. But it’s also refreshing. Due to two different production periods, all three figures have slight alterations compared to their original releases. We wouldn’t dare say that they were intentionally updated in any way, however. Regarding Luke X-Wing Pilot and Ben Kenobi, Hasbro took small steps backward because they used the earliest versions of those two figures. More on that in a moment. Despite the minor changes our eyes see in the figures, they are inevitable when figures get “repressed” years after the fact. We’ll try to pinpoint what Hasbro altered, but please know these are inherent changes during manufacturing. Luke X-Wing Pilot’s helmet looks different; the thick red line in the center of the helmet is now thinner, and the outer parallel lines are thicker (almost reversed from the 2006 figure). Hasbro colored the Rebel logos in a lighter and brighter red. Also, the “once gray” lines on the back of the helmet are now black. And lastly, Hasbro has packed a newish pistol with a thinner barrel. Interestingly, it also doesn’t fit into the hands. Luke also comes without the lit lightsaber. But the vintage Kenner figure didn’t come with a lightsaber, so this is fine. These figures are modern updates to the original figures. Minor variations exist in how Hasbro applied the silver details, but again, this is just a manufacturing difference. Luke X-Wing Pilot may be the weakest figure in this set, but we must admit it’s great. We would have loved to see a new portrait used because that update would have been incredible. Interestingly, Hasbro did not repack the Luke Skywalker figure from 2008’s TAC Luke Skywalker/R2-D2 Droid Factory (6 of 6) set with the revised (and improved) paint job.

Obi-Wan Kenobi is nearly a straight repack of 2008’s TLC Obi-Wan Kenobi (BD 34) figure. What bothers us about this figure, however, is that Hasbro updated and improved this Obi-Wan Kenobi figure in 2009’s LC Resurgence Of The Jedi Battle Packs set. Hasbro corrected the paint job for that release. While minor differences exist in how they painted the hair, we can’t see anything new or different on the Hero Set version. Han Solo also sees a few differences between his 2004 VOTC Han Solo release and this version. However, the “small” things that were changed (intentionally or by default) have improved the figure’s aesthetics. The flesh-colored portions, including the face and neck, are much better matched for this release. And the navy blue pants are painted in a very dark shade this time. It nearly looks black. Also, the canister (droid caller?) on the left side does not have the silver details like the 2004 figure. What excites us the most about the “updated” Han Solo is that the black vest is mildly glossy and not harshly flat black, again, like the 2004 VOTC Han Solo figure. We think there is a little more personality in how Hasbro painted the face, but that might only be our assessment. There is also less “highlighting” in the hair on the back of the head, and the joints are much tighter. These changes are always a significant enhancement! We think the Hero Set is ultimately incredible, and it’s a perfect set to get if you are new to collecting. And if you have these figures already consider that differences exist from the originals, and some are improvements. We highly recommend this excellent set.