Han Solo (In Trench Coat) - TSC - Vintage

Celebrate the legendary Star Wars films that changed the universe forever, with The Saga Collection. This collection brings to life the incredible story of good versus evil that captured our imagination and took us to a galaxy far, far away. The finest re-creations of the iconic Star Wars heroes and villains are back with incredible detail and premium features to commemorate each epic tale in the Star Wars saga. And, as a tribute to the dedication of Star Wars fans everywhere, we are re-releasing elements of the original packaging that harken back to the creation of Star Wars action figures, which began over 25 years ago with the Original Trilogy. May the Force be with you!

In what might be the most underrated figure in the 2006 “Vintage” The Saga Collection lineup, Han Solo (In Trench Coat) didn’t get a fair shake from the critics. Let us say right up front that it isn’t a perfect figure by any means. But it IS a tremendous upgrade from anything else Hasbro produced of this character in 3.75” scale. As the VTSC line dissolved on the pegs at retail, one figure remained like an evergreen, Han Solo (In Trench Coat). For some bizarre reason, it was the sole peg warmer of the group. What makes this especially puzzling is that Han Solo (In Trench Coat) was a required purchase to mail-away for the George Lucas (In Stormtrooper Disguise) action figure. In all honesty, Hasbro made the 2006 Ultimate Galactic Hunt promotion too tricky. Instead of sending five foil stickers from the VTSC line, Hasbro required that each character’s label be included with the order form. (Each sticker had the character’s name on it.) As one of Hasbro’s earliest Ultimate Galactic Hunt promotions, they also needed a learning curve. Promotions like this need to be a little easier to achieve. We remain firm that a good reason existed for every figure to be purchased. Cherry-picking any of the five characters in this mail-away offer prevented its success. But that’s impossible when one of them is a Biker Scout. But if you did purchase them all, they each contributed equally to balance out your collection with excellence. Han Solo (In Trench Coat) is indeed one of our favorites, not only because of its quality but also because it updates the terrible 1997 POT2 [R/G] Han Solo (In Endor Gear) figure. Interestingly, 1984’s ROTJ Han Solo (In Trench Coat) still holds up well, even with this figure’s release. It is lovely to see Hasbro faithfully replicate the spirit of the original Kenner figure while making the modern version screen-accurate.

We’re most impressed with the soft-goods utilized for Han Solo (In Trench Coat). Hasbro used dyed cotton, the texture is stiff, so it doesn’t have an ideal drape. But it fits around the action figure nicely. The drape silhouettes Han Solo’s athletic frame well, and the camouflage pattern looks screen-accurate. The patterns may not match perfectly, but no one can deny it doesn’t look right. Woven from a fabric with the feel of cotton and yet has enough stiffness to maintain its shape, it allows for some freedom and manipulation for posing. The trench coat is easily removable, and what lies underneath is a decent interpretation of Han Solo. It’s not a spectacular work of action figure art or anything, but the figure is above average. Aside from having a slightly barreled chest, Hasbro did an excellent job recreating Han Solo’s body type, and the costuming is authentic to what we see on-screen. While you may initially believe that Han Solo (In Trench Coat) is a retool of 2004’s VOTC Han Solo action figure, it’s a bit more than that. Han Solo (In Trench Coat) borrows that figure’s legs, but most everything else is all-new. Many collectors believe that Hasbro used the head sculpt from the 2004 VOTC Han Solo figure, and while we see the similarities, we are confident they are different, even if only in the slightest way. But no matter your feelings on the figures’ heads, each portrait has a different paint job. But let us reiterate that we also notice some unavoidable differences in their sculpting. Side by side, Han Solo (In Trench Coat) and Han Solo (VOTC) are strikingly different. You won’t confuse the two in any way. It won’t be possible. It’s lovely to see the Han Solo character’s progression from the VOTC Han Solo figure to the VTSC Han Solo (In Trench Coat) figure, just as we know the character’s progress in the films.

Hasbro gave the Han Solo (In Trench Coat) action figure a splendid paint job. You won’t find a rainbow of color here, as most are pure earth tones, but they come to life thanks to expertly applied deco. The lines are clean and neat, and the outfit mimics the on0screen character well. The combination of soft-goods and molded figure work exceptionally well too. We’re also impressed with the versatility provided by the figure’s articulation. This figure likes to move, so you may lose some patience getting it to stand as desired. The knees move without effort and knock your figure out of position often. We recommend taking your time and get it right because the final results are incredible. Whether running in an action pose or standing on guard against the evil Biker Scouts, Han Solo (In Trench Coat) looks fantastic. In what may be the absolute definitive modern version of the Kenner original, it might be impossible for Hasbro to beat this figure in the future. But anything is possible. The vintage-styled action figure line is faithfully rewarding longtime and hardcore collectors, but Hasbro has a long way to go before collectors feel satisfied with it. However, Hasbro did provide us some great main/core characters, famous aliens, and action-filled army builders to round out this group of premium figures. We do feel that Hasbro wisely chose their selections. Han Solo (In Trench Coat) is a perfect candidate for the “vintage-styled” Kenner line, and this action figure turned out beyond our expectations. It’s not a perfectly ideal figure, but you’ll be happy to own it. This version of Han Solo is a popular one, and we now have reason to throw away The Power Of The Force “2” [Red/Green] Han Solo (In Endor Gear) figure. Versatility, variety, and excellent articulation are what Hasbro included with this figure!