Klatooinian Raider - TVC - Basic (VC266)

It’s 2023 and the 40th Anniversary of Return Of The Jedi, and the Klatooinian that Hasbro decides to release for The Vintage Collection instead of an updated Barada is a screen-inaccurate Klatooinian Raider. Oh, and it’s a figure that was already released in The Vintage Collection as part of the AT-ST Raider vehicle set exclusive to Best Buy. What in the Maker’s name is going on with Hasbro these days? An entirely unnecessary release, the Klatooinian Raider has little merit in the line because it’s a nearly made-up character, as Hasbro didn’t have the necessary reference materials at the time to produce an accurate version of the character. And instead of correcting the inaccuracies, they mildly repainted the figure for whatever reasons. The result is a tepid and bland release that feels like case fodder instead of something that excites you. Also, the old parts used to design this figure are feeling old and tired at this point in the game, and we hope that releases like this are few and far between them. And at the very least, why couldn't Hasbro design a new overlay and use the portrait from 2012's TVC Kithaba (Skiff Guard) (VC56) figure and give us the Klatooinian leader from the show? It’s impossible to argue that the Klatooinian Raider isn’t an incredibly clever reuse of a previously existing Star Wars figure. Hasbro did a fantastic job hiding what collectors might recognize as reused so that it genuinely feels like an all-new action figure. But that time has passed. Hasbro took the gorgeous 2012 TVC Weequay (VC107) figure, gave it an all-new portrait and cod section, added a new armor overlay and a new helmet, and called it a day. And for this release, we get a fresh paint job. There are noticeable differences between old and new releases. Perhaps those who passed on the AT-ST Raider will be happy about the release of the Klatooinian Raider. But we would much rather see Barada instead. Your mileage may vary, but we doubt it.