Lando Calrissian - TVC - Basic (VC139)

Celebrate the legacy of Star Wars, the action-and-adventure-packed space saga from a galaxy far, far away, with this collection of premium, highly-detailed 3.75-inch scale figures and vehicles. (Each sold separately. Subject to availability.)

It seems as if Solo: A Star War Story was jinxed from the start in every aspect possible. Directors were fired, and an old friend of Lucasfilm came in to save the day. The release date changed. The marketing tools were plagiarized from a CD collection put out by SONY. And then a writer of the film threw something “out there” that tried to change the perception of one of the most revered characters in the Star Wars saga. And then there is the fact that Solo: A Star Wars Story LOST money. A Star Wars film LOST money. How is that possible? Oh, and then came the merchandising. Hasbro mismanaged the Star Wars [Solo] line so terribly that most of the main and key characters in the film weren’t added to the basic figure line until the fourth wave. And because distribution is at the worst it’s ever been, most of us didn’t see the figures until six to eight months after the film left theaters. So, it’s evident that Lucasfilm and company took the completely incorrect approach promoting this film. And it’s a terrible shame because the film was outstanding. Too bad many people will never know this. Interestingly, Hasbro managed to get out the Force Link 2.0 Lando Calrissian figure out by the film’s release date, but it was part of a Two-Packs set and never available as a basic figure. The Vintage Collection was less kind to Solo: A Star Wars Story. Aside from the obligatory Han Solo figure and a couple of troopers (one exclusive and one not exclusive), Hasbro created very few characters for super-articulated fans.

Thankfully, the beloved Lando Calrissian was on Hasbro’s wish list and now he’s entered the line. It’s obvious a great deal of tender loving care was implemented with this release. And Lando Calrissian may be one of the finest figures since the relaunch of The Vintage Collection. The great news for us is that it appears to us that a few changes here and there on this figure will give us a definitive super-articulated Lando Calrissian from The Empire Strikes Back. And we all know how badly we want that. We should comment on this figure’s likeness right away. The head sculpt and “photorealistic” technology are incredible on Lando Calrissian. This action figure looks so much like actor Donald Glover it’s frightening. We had commented in the past that Hasbro was working through a “learning curve” with “photorealistic” technology, and based on Lando Calrissian, it looks like they’ve successfully worked through the kinks. From the skin color to the eyes, to the incomparable hairstyle, The Vintage Collection Lando Calrissian action figure is a triumph for all to enjoy. The greatness doesn’t end there. His shirt is very bright yellow, and the detailing captures the drape and fit wonderfully. The belt is more colorful on The Vintage Collection version, as there are a couple of colors strewn throughout it that aren’t on the 5POA version. Also, Hasbro changed the way they implemented the scarf. They followed suit of The Black Series [Phase III] Lando Calrissian (65) figure and made it a separate accessory. It’s a nice touch. Also, the interior of his cape is blue.

The only weapon that Lando Calrissian comes with is his blaster. And it fits nicely in the holster added to his right leg. Hasbro also tooled hands that hold the blaster well, no matter the pose in which you place him. Lando Calrissian comes with a wonderful articulation system. The system isn’t anything out of the ordinary that Hasbro’s already give us, but it’s nice to know that they’re consistent in creating quality action figures that articulate as perfectly as this figure does. Our only complaint is that there aren’t enough other super-articulated action figures from Solo: A Star Wars Story available to collectors. While it works from a certain point of view, it’s a shame that we have to interact the Force Link 2.0 figures with the ones from The Vintage Collection. Sometimes they fit in seamlessly, but most of the time they feel like a fish out of water next to the premium action figures. We hope Hasbro has more Solo: A Star Wars Story figures planned for The Vintage Collection. They are done incredibly well, and we need more characters because the film deserves them. Our only issue with The Vintage Collection Lando Calrissian is the packaging. Ironic, correct? While we’re thrilled to see him as an addition to The Vintage Collection lineup, Hasbro MUST fix the shape of the name “pill” and the type of font they put in it. Furthermore, Hasbro MUST institute subtitles for characters outside of their first appearance in the Star Wars saga. “Lando Calrissian” is the character from The Empire Strikes Back. This version should have been titled “Lando Calrissian (Corellia Outfit)” or something similar.