Poe Dameron (With BB-8) - Star Wars Toybox (11)

The Disney Store is proud to introduce the Star Wars Toybox range of action figures, bringing adventures to life with characters from across The Walt Disney Company.

When Disney Stores can make animated super-articulated Star Wars figures with a wealth of accessories for under $13, it paints a clear picture that licensee Hasbro is crippled by the licensing fees. We can surmise this because the collector-focused The Vintage Collection line is adulterated with too many straight repacks, and the all-new sculpts they create for the brand come with so few accessories that it creates frustration in collectors. So, when you compare a 5”-scaled figure like Poe Dameron (With BB-8), see its articulation system, and then learn that he comes with a removable helmet, Resistance blaster pistol, and A WHOLE OTHER FIGURE (BB-8), it indeed explains the uphill battle has with a line like The Vintage Collection, and perhaps The Black Series 6” line, although their margins are evidently wider with the latter. That said, there is no reason not to enjoy the Star Wars Toybox line, which itself is an unofficial extrapolation of the Disney Infinity game (and subsequent “game” miniature statues). Now, the characters receive super-articulated bodies, yet continue with the gorgeous and colorful paint jobs the game pieces had. In between the 3.75” and 6” lines when it comes to scale, the Star Wars Toybox line is for Star Wars collectors who like artful takes on their most-favorite characters.

After an inaugural wave of characters based on The Force Awakens, Disney decided to go back to the Original (and Prequel) trilogy for most of the figures that followed. From farm boy Luke Skywalker to bounty hunter Boba Fett, Disney hit on the saga’s most-popular characters while introducing us to their new animated takes. With the latest addition, Disney returns to the Sequel Trilogy and adds Poe Dameron (With BB-8) to the lineup. Admittedly, it’s a fantastic animated take on both Poe Dameron and BB-8. Like all previous Star Wars Toybox figures, Poe Dameron comes super-articulated and achieves a wide array of positions and poses that will make any action figure enthusiast happy thanks to its incredible articulation system. The joints aren’t obtrusive and most seamlessly blend in with the figure’s body parts. Disney matched the joints well, and the paint operations throughout the figure look marvelous. Disney appears to have expertise when it comes to a figure’s deco, and Poe Dameron (With BB-8) show this to be true once again. There aren’t any signs of bleeding on the figure. The color palette matches the realistic version of the character from The Force Awakens with perfection, and the details etched into his likeness are entirely reminiscent of the cocky resistance pilot. Fans of Poe Dameron are going to love this figure.

The bonus here is BB-8. BB-8 seems to draw the same comparisons to Star Wars fans as Jar Jar Binks. There is very little middle ground; it seems. Fans either love or hate BB-8. Some blame the lack of R2-D2’s presence in the Sequel trilogy on BB-8. That may be so, but we find the droid’s antics humorous, and they add life into what are overly dull films for us. Admittedly, any action figure interpretation of BB-8 is relatively boring. Most only come with a single point of articulation, or two if we’re fortunate. There isn’t a lot that toy designer can do with BB-8. The figure would have to be a larger scale to add the droid’s features like the lighter and other extension arms. So, the most we get is a turning head. The BB-8 figure included with Poe Dameron is what you’d expect. Its frame is askew, thanks to the animated take applied. The paint operations are simple, but BB-8 comes off a little boring with how it looks. But thanks to Poe Dameron’s bright orange flight suit, the orange detail on BB-8 pops and they look like a connected duo. You get a nice amount of plastic in the Poe Dameron (With BB-8) set. We wonder if this is a sign that we’ll see more complex products in the Star Wars Toybox line, that is, a main character with a significant accessory or smaller second character. Whatever they do, we hope they keep them coming!