A-wing Fighter - POTF2 [R/G] - Vehicles

MODEL: Alliance A-Wing Fighter
TYPE: Interceptor and Multi-Purpose Starfighter
LENGTH: 9.6 Meters
AFFILIATION: Rebel Alliance
CREW: 1 Pilot
WEAPONS: Modified 360º Pivoting Laser Cannons

Ask any vintage collector about what piece they probably missed form 1985 and they’ll likely tell you it was the Droids A-wing Fighter. It’s hard to believe, but Star Wars was a dying breed in 1985 and many kids who grew up with the franchise were quickly losing interest in it, or so Kenner thought at the time. After a decade of the line being in purgatory, it was revived with a newfound passion, and Kenner (a branch of Hasbro at this point), rebranded The Power Of The Force line with new packaging and a completely new approach. It was an exciting time for collectors, but not all were totally eager for Star Wars’ rebirth. The bulky frames of the figures and the exaggerated likenesses didn’t resonate with all initially. But The Power Of The Force “2” lineup also meant that Kenner would be re-releasing retooled versions of their classic vehicles as well to accompany the all-new action figures. One of their first intended targets was the A-wing Fighter. Collectors were ecstatic that this vehicle would once again become readily available. Besides, with improved technology, Kenner was destined to update it. And that’s exactly what they did. With an improved paint job and the removable of the gimmicky electronics, the A-wing Fighter was released in 1997 to thunderous applause. It was only made better by the inclusion of a pack-in A-wing Pilot.

For all intents and purposes, the A-wing Fighter is indeed pretty similar to its ancestor from 1985. The basic shell of the vehicle is present, but this time Kenner did a couple of things to make it more modern feeling and perhaps better. From what we can tell, the vehicles are nearly identical to each other. That’s not to say the new mold hasn’t been revised because it has, it even has a 1997 date stamp, but Kenner did very little to make the modern version all that different. The side guns still pull out or remain flush to the hull of the vehicle depending on which mode of attack you're looking to achieve. Still, they don’t appear to "dangle" as much now. Also, Kenner abandoned the decals this time around. The vehicle has been given an all-new paint job and utilized paint for what they used decals for with the 1985 version. The A-wing Fighter comes with minimal decals, mostly for the inside of the cockpit. But decals aren’t used to color the panes like how the vintage one was approached. The biggest difference however is the removal of electronics. The battery compartment has been “sealed off” now almost as if that feature never existed. Obviously vintage collectors are going to know better. Overall, the 1997 version looks incredibly better than the 1985 version, and that’s all thanks to the paint operations. It’s amazing what a great paint job will do for a toy.

The biggest bonus perhaps is the inclusion of an all-new A-wing Pilot. Another release in the rare 1985 The Power Of The Force line, we now get our first modern version of this character and it has been done quite well. Some believe this character is meant to represent Tycho Celchu, but the features are just too generic to be sure. Mimicking many of the features of the vintage Kenner figure, the A-wing Pilot now comes with six points of articulation and a pretty awesome paint job. The figure has been designed very well to so that the previously existing cockpit of the A-wing Fighter can accommodate him. He fits inside well and looks incredible piloting it. Together, vintage interacts with modern in a very beautiful and collector friendly way. Retailing for $19.99, the A-wing Fighter is quite a deal for the modern Star Wars collector. Getting an updated vehicle and an all-new figure for less than $20 is such a benefit to the collector. Many modern collectors can stop their searching for the 1985 Droids vehicle now (if they only want the vehicle and not its variations). And it’s likely that many collectors will be buying multiples of these to recreate their own Battle of Endor dioramas on their shelves. We think the A-wing Fighter is a highlight of 1997. We hope Kenner keeps up this trend strongly.