Kit Fisto - TCW [B] - Basic (No. 27)

This Jedi Master belongs to the amphibious Nautolan species that can live comfortably in air or water. He has mastered difficult Jedi techniques that manipulate the movement of water for combat purposes. To aid him further in battle, he sometimes uses an underwater propulsion backpack.

The Clone Wars incarnation of Kit Fisto is a great sculpt and we're saying this despite its lack of articulation. Even if you can’t claim loyalty to or interest in the new The Clone Wars animated series, you are still likely to admit that some of the figures in the line are very impressive and very welcomed additions to your collection. Their modern style is modern art, and even the hardest hearts towards this line seem to be softening. (Well, a little at least. They have a long way to go.) We are very partial to this Nautolan and do not hesitate to purchase any collectible version of him that becomes available. There is something special about Mr. Fisto, and while we can't necessarily pinpoint our adoration, we bet it has something to do with being a cool alien that would seem to fit right at home somewhere within the Original Trilogy. This decent action figure sports only ten points of articulation (yes, we know it isn’t the most articulated), a wonderful paint job, a large back-pack with two firing missiles, and a lightsaber. He is certainly well-equipped, and it helps to make up for his lack of super-articulation. Most of the Jedi in this animated collection have unique insignias placed on different parts of the uniform and gear, and this figure is no different. The insignias add a high degree of uniqueness and detail to an already fabulous sculpt and drive home the point that there were a whole bunch of battalions during this epic Star Wars timeline. Kit Fisto is magnificently colored in earth tones, and they complement his natural Nautolan characteristics. The multiple uses of brown color display wondrous realistic layers of robe and clothing that are the staple of the Jedi wardrobe. His boots look great, and his dreads are just incredibly detailed. We can't stop raving about every angle of him as far as his paint job is concerned!

Most of us are aware that Kit Fisto’s appearance had been dramatically altered from Episode II to Episode III. Interestingly, it seems that Hasbro has returned to the original Episode II face design as the starting place to develop him into the animated style. Yes, pretty much all of the animated characters are unique in their appearance from the live-action counterparts, but Kit’s appearance seems to have roots from Attack Of The Clones. The color of Kit’s head is cast in a strong olive green, and there is a darker forest green colored wash that sticks in the crevices on his face which add additional depth of detail and character. This darker green is also used to capture the pattern on his head-tresses. It is an incredible paint job for this action figure, and it's something that Hasbro should try more often in the realistic line. The tendrils are molded in a very passive way and as a result, give Kit a very static pose which is something that makes us happy. It is so nice to get a Kit Fisto action figure that isn’t action-oriented. Perhaps this was the intention of not giving him too much articulation. We are not big fans of the pre-posed action stances, and, we think that this erect posture works best for this version of Kit. Sadly, Kit is stuck in a rather static pose, and it nearly renders properly displaying him with his fun accessories nearly useless. He still has plenty of movement in the arms and, we think this more than makes up for the lack of articulation in other areas. But we also feel that Kit doesn't lack anywhere for us except in the legs. What's worse, one leg is shorter than the other on our sample which makes it very difficult to balance this figure without a lean. While we are fine with less articulation, Kit is indeed a figure that needs a little bit more. Hasbro will need to be more cautious if they give figures less articulation that they make legs the same length. But we also know that there are a lot of hyper-articulated focused fans out there. For them, Kit Fisto is not a palatable action figure. This line isn't for everyone.

Overall, Kit Fisto is a pleasure to add into your collection. Despite his few small issues, he just looks great and is one Jedi that got a deserved spot early in The Clone Wars line. While the fifth wave has shipped moderately with reasonable abundance since its release, it didn’t make it to all areas of the country in the same quantities. If you miss out on this version, don’t worry. Kit Fisto will be one of the first figures that will be released as part of the second wave of the animated The Clone Wars [Red] figures for 2009 and is numbered as Kit Fisto (CW05). Hasbro has proudly announced this already. In short, you should have no trouble adding him to your collection. The Clone Wars line of figures honestly keeps getting better with time and, Hasbro is smart because they are keeping the line familiar enough for movie fans by focusing on releasing characters we recognize from the films and reinventing them in animated format. The quality is improving as well as authenticity. The only characters lacking and going the other direction are the clone troopers. But if Hasbro keeps releasing the alien Jedi, we believe this will benefit the health of the line and boost action figure sales. Star Wars collectors, love aliens, and we love them whether they are good Jedi or bad bounty hunters. And a refreshing take on a familiar character is always a positive thing! Since figures from The Clone Wars line have to be new sculpts, Hasbro is really putting their best foot forward and creating small masterpieces, like Kit Fisto. Other than needing knee joints (we could honestly do without ankle joints), this character would be nearly flawless. But that is not too big a deal when you look at the total package Kit Fisto has to offer collectors! He remains one of our favorites in the line thus far and we believe he has the staying power to stand out in your collections as well. Get him today! He comes with a bittersweet recommendation!