4-LOM - Jumbo Vintage Kenner Figures

Hasbro’s The Vintage Collection finally corrected the long-running, almost urban legend quality, issue of the 4-LOM/Zuckuss name switch error. Sure, Hasbro has released multiple versions of 4-LOM throughout the neo-classic era over the years (even as far back as 1997), but it wasn’t until 2010 that a replica of the figure’s original artwork was created with the accurate name: 4-LOM. Hasbro even released an exclusive two-pack celebrating the decade old mistake in a special convention exclusive a couple of months before the 2010 TVC 4-LOM (VC10) figure was released: 2010’s TVC Bounty Hunters: 4-LOM (VCP01)/Zuckuss (VCP02) two-pack. Clearly the hype surrounding this error is still strong and thriving to this day. But maybe because Hasbro “corrected” this issue, Gentle Giant Ltd. felt some pressure to release the Jumbo Vintage Kenner Figure of 4-LOM also with the corrected name. That may be unlikely, but there is no denying that they have followed suit with so many other steps Hasbro has taken first. We’re not calling them copycats, but we have witnessed similar trends.

What’s a licensee to do? Do they remain faithful to the original Kenner mistake (from 1982), or do they get current and fix the issue and release it the way it had almost meant to be released. Clearly this is a dilemma that will create controversy any way you look at it, so Gentle Giant Ltd. will be unable to make all collectors happy. We like the updated card back in the Jumbo Vintage Kenner Figures line too. Incorrect names may be nostalgic, but they’re, well, they’re wrong. We appreciate when things get corrected for the greater good in the line, so we are quite happy to see this put forth in this line as well. Just like IG-88 (Bounty Hunter), we’re thoroughly impressed with how Gentle Giant Ltd. executed the 4-LOM figure. It’s evident that like in so many other collectible formats that licensees have more success with the aliens and droids they produce more than human characters. 4-LOM is a testament that this is indeed true. The figure is excellent in every way. The sculpt is dynamic, and thicker than the onscreen character, just like the 1982 figure. Everything is perfectly in place.

4-LOM comes with its huge concussion or heavy assault blaster rifle. It’s nearly as tall as the droid is and just like the vintage 1982 Kenner figure, it’s a little bit difficult to have either hand hold the weapon without it easily falling out. With a little bit of patience and maybe even some precarious balancing, you can pose the figure with the gun, but it isn’t the easiest task. The paint job on the figure is flawless. Too gray and too shiny just like the classic Kenner figure, 4-LOM’s deco is perfectly incorrect. But that’s exactly how you’ll want to receive this large-sized vintage action figure. The packaging is gorgeous as you may already imagine. And there you’ll find the updated name of “4-LOM” with no sign of the misnomer “Zuckuss” that was responsible for confusing us most of our modern adult collecting life. We were always excited about the Jumbo Vintage Kenner Figures line, but now we’re becoming feverish for it. With an excellent cast of the first 21 Kenner figures already completed, we really look forward to the rest of The Empire Strikes Back line. But we really want to see where they take the Return Of The Jedi and The Power Of The Force characters now.