Kylo Ren - SW [S] - 12-Inch Figures

After a stinging defeat by the scavenger Rey, Kylo Ren refocuses his efforts on destroying the Resistance.

It’s pretty surprising that it took three waves to get out the first Kylo Ren 12-Inch Figure in the Star Wars [The Last Jedi] line, so Hasbro made him a priority for re-release in the Star Wars [Solo] line. It seems like Kylo Ren is the character that gets the most attention in the Sequel Trilogy when it comes to toys, and he is front and center when it comes to him in the 12-Inch assortment. The figure itself is very nicely done. Based on his clothing from Star Wars Episode VIII: The Last Jedi, Hasbro has opted to go with a “helmet on” portrait and an outfit without a cape. This creates a very cool and streamlined look for Kylo Ren; admittedly this is the best he’s looked in Hasbro’s toy line to date. It feels like no expense is spared when it comes to capturing all of the important details like the texture of his outfit and the way his boots crinkle. You’ll be impressed too once you hold the figure in your hands. We also noticed right away that the 12-Inch Figures have more substance or weight than they have in the past. You’ll see and feel the difference with Kylo Ren. Hasbro has taken strides to make these figures a higher caliber of quality, and we have to commend them for that. This new take on Kylo Ren is refreshing and interesting, something that’s not easy to describe this character for us at least. The revised outfit is much more interesting than a bunch of frayed robes, and now that we know what he looks like, it’s easier to understand his purpose.

When it comes to a main hero or villain, you know you’re going to see him or her in every scale and format possible. For some characters, it makes a great deal of sense. But for others, some people might be puzzled as to why some characters get the full treatment while many others do not. Kylo Ren is a very dark character (visually and emotionally) has become a focal point of interest for current and new Star Wars fans, especially after seeing Episode VII. Kylo Ren is part of the main story in Episode VIII, so we can expect that his popularity will continue for this film too. A popular character already in the Hasbro toy line, we already have him multiple times in the Force Link line, and now we have the expected 12-Inch Figure. Not a format that hardcore collectors appreciate that much, the figures in this line have been for years now dubbed “shampoo bottles,” but recent releases have been able to shake off this sarcastic labeling. In all fairness, and there are exceptions, Hasbro has stepped up the sculpting for these figures. Kylo Ren comes with seven (7) points of articulation, but he really cannot move in any meaningful ways. But he can wield a lightsaber, and he can swing his arms and move his wrists. This may be enough movement for some collectors. We’re on the fence about it. We realize the purpose of these figures, so why get worked up about articulation?

Previous figures have come with a decent amount of accessories. For example, his original wave mate, Yoda, came with five accessories. But Kylo Ren only comes with his lightsaber. It’s a nice accessory, and he can hold it in both hands, but that’s all we get here, and it doesn’t feel like you’re getting much in the form of value when all you get is one simple accessory. We do have to say that it seems that Hasbro is releasing too many of the 12-Inch Figures at retail, or maybe they’re just not selling consistently. We know that some characters move, but others pile up so quickly. On top of that, they're adding older repackaged figures into the case assortment mixes. This action only further populates peg-warming trends. The third wave alone has two new Kylo Ren and Yoda figures, and then four straight repacks from wave 1 and wave 2. This isn’t going to be good as they get released to various retail locations and the piling up trends take over and create mayhem. Regardless, as we stated earlier, there is a market for these figures. It may not be a big market, but apparently, it’s there. We have heard from multiple readers how well these figures interact with those who have disabilities as well as young boys and girls where simplicity works better than intricacy. We have nothing against Hasbro producing a niche subset of toys for a smaller population of kids and those in need, but perhaps better planning will prevent the line from bottlenecking.