Black Squadron TIE Pilot - LC [2] - Droid Factory

TIE fighter pilots protect the Death Star from a Rebel attack. Black Squadron is stationed aboard the Death Star when the Rebels launch an assault upon the battle station. Totally committed to the success of a mission, these elite pilots swarm into space to battle the Rebel fighters in a ferocious dogfight.

We have come to the point in the Hasbro Star Wars line where it’s no longer acceptable to release again the Imperial Pilot (TIE Fighter) originally from 2009’s LC Imperial Pilot Legacy (Series II) Evolutions set. It’s served its purpose well (we suppose) and it’s now time to deliver unto collectors at the very least a severely retooled version of this action figure or at the very mist an all-new sculpt. Hasbro is obviously content with this sculpt as it seems its constant repainting and repackaging it never seems to cease. The sculpt is tired now however. And we all have the right to feel that way. After all, these legs date back to 2004’s SW [S – P3] TIE Fighter Pilot (Battle Of Yavin) ('04 #14) figure which was a great figure for its time but how now since become obsolete. And even the all-new upper body they created for the Biggs Darklighter (Star Wars: Empire: Darklighter) from the 2008 TLC Imperial Pilot Legacy Evolutions set seems to have not aged as well as we had hoped. The hands are still unwilling to firmly grasp the included blaster and the arms down rest closely enough the body to give it a natural looking aesthetic.

So how does the 2013 version of the Black Squadron TIE Pilot fair in comparison to the others? The answer is easy. Quite frankly it’s more of the same, save for one very special accessory, but we'll save that for later. Honestly, there was absolutely no reason for Hasbro to release this figure again, especially since they have overused it ever since it made its debut appearance. We do understand why we keep seeing this figure get released with little tweaks however. Hasbro is attempting to release all of the members of Black Squadron, but we’re unable to tell who this pilot is specifically. We successfully and accurately received Black 3 (from the 2008 TLC Imperial Pilot Legacy (Series II) Evolutions) and Mauler Mithel (from 2012's SW [TPM 3D] Yavin Pilot Pack). Both can be clearly seen in the Battle of Yavin in Episode IV. But other than that there aren’t many other unique TIE Fighter Pilots designated in the film. It’s something we’ll nee to confirm with Hasbro, so until we hear it from them, we’re unsure who exactly and from what source this character is and should be. What’s most interesting about this figure is that he looks like DS-61-3, or by his nickname, “Backstabber” in the card back still, except for the missing Galactic Empire insignia on the top right of his helmet. Interestingly, Black Three served as Darth Vader’s right wingman during the Battle of Yavin.

While it’s right now unknown if we’re receiving a miscellaneous member of Black Squadron here or not, the fact of the matter is that we’re not getting a very good action figure. We credit Hasbro for making long term use of a sculpt that held up well for years, but it’s time to admit an all-new sculpt is warranted and much needed. We would also love to see Hasbro produce a TIE Fighter Pilot action figure that doesn’t have a removable helmet. Maybe that’s asking for a little too much, but it doesn’t make us want it any less. Black Squadron TIE Pilot is perfect for those that have no other TIE Fighter Pilot action figures, but we find that very hard to believe. From the pack-in figures with 2009’s LC TIE Interceptor, 2009’s LC Imperial TIE Fighter, the 2011 SW [SOTDS] Battle Over Endor sets and 2011’s TVC TIE Fighter Pilot (VC65) figure, we feel that there has been more than ample opportunity to pick up this sculpt an inordinate amount of times. This additional time in the Legacy Collection [2] Droid Factory set is just a punch to the gut for us. You may feel otherwise. But it’s high time for a new take on this Star Wars character. Let’s move on, Hasbro. Please. Oh, and about that special accessory? Hasbro included a replica of the vintage TIE FIghter Pilot's blaster, cast in black plastic for this particular release. We admit that it made us smile.... a lot.