Han Solo (In Carbonite Block) - POTF2 [R/G] - Basic

HEIGHT (INCLUDING CARBONITE): 2.06 meters
STATUS: Smuggler, Pirate, Rebel Pilot
CLASSIFICATION: Human
AFFILIATION: Rebel Alliance
WEAPON OF CHOICE: Blastech DL-44 Heavy Blaster

After escaping from Imperial forces in the Hoth system, Han Solo and Princess Leia, Chewbacca and C-3PO, landed the damaged Millenium Falcon on Bespin's Cloud City for repairs. The four put their trust in the city's administrator, Lando Calrissian, unaware of the dangers awaiting them. A dashing ex-gambler and long time acquaintance of Solo's, Calrissian had grudgingly made an agreement with Darth Vader to betray Solo and his friends. In return, the band would be set free once their capture had lured Luke Skywalker into Vader's grasp. The Dark Lord had no intention of keeping any promises: on his order a carbonite freezing chamber was modified for use on humans, especially Luke Skywalker, to render him helpless for safe delivery to the Emperor. To test the chamber, Solo was frozen and then turned over to the Bounty Hunter Boba Fett. for delivery to the crimelord Jabba the Hutt. He became the favorite decoration in Jabba's Palace on Tatooine, until a daring rescue attempt led by Luke Skywalker and Princess Leia freed Han and returned him to the enduring cause of the Rebel Alliance.

The carbon freezing process was used to store and preserve Tibanna gas extracted by Cloud City from Bespin's atmosphere. The gas was mixed with molten carbon and flash-frozen for transport to far-off trading centers. Solo's experience proved that a human can be successfully frozen in carbonite, remaining alive but "suspended" in time. Upon release from this deep-freeze, a human would experience extreme weakness and temporary loss of sight.

1996 was a banner year for Kenner, as well as Star Wars collectors. A big bulk of the releases that year were modern updates to many of the figures we had as younger Star Wars fans. Just as the vintage Kenner line reached its peak in 1985 with some fabulous releases like Luke Skywalker (In Stormtrooper Disguise) and Amanaman, Kenner decided to pull the plug thanks to declining sales. A whole decade transpired before Kenner realized their biggest mistake in the history of their career…. Or was it all part of a well thought out and elaborate plan? Whatever your opinion, Star Wars came back with a vengeance in 1995 with the reborn The Power Of The Force “2” line, almost beginning back up right where they left off. Of course, the modern line brought forth problems of its own. Many of us weren’t ready for the superhero like features that Kenner gave the figures. We almost became territorial over the line too and began becoming Kenner’s conscience. Despite this, the line became an instant success and collectors began coming out of the woodwork. Many were “Johnny-come-latelies” and even more were fair-weathered Star Wars collectors, but it was an energetic time. And getting modern updates to the classic figures from the 70s and 80s was at heartwarming as it was exciting.

The first couple years of the modern line also brought us variations. Han Solo (In Carbonite Block), before receiving its revised title, was actually first called Han Solo (In Carbonite) with Carbonite Freezing Chamber. Realizing that this title was a mouthful, Kenner decided to trim it down a bit so it was easier on the tongue, and easier to read on the packaging. Ironically, we think the first version is a bit more accurate in description. The figure itself is more of the same. The likeness of Han Solo just borders on “OK” because he’s once again too muscular and wearing ridiculously close-fitting clothing making him about inaccurate as possible to the actual character. Some people really do feel that this likeness of Han Solo is good. We don’t feel similarly. For now, this figure just resides in our collection as a placeholder until Kenner can bring us something better. Even if we could get past the likeness, we can’t get passed his horrid center of gravity and awkwardly sculpted legs. He can’t stand up easily without too much intervention on your part. Why Kenner can’t make the ability to stand up priority number one is becoming burdensome. We really wish they could make this a reality. Thankfully Han Solo comes with a major accessory to distract you from his faults.

Included is a wonderful carbonite freezing chamber, or more simply, carbonite block. Kenner really did a fantastic job on it. The faithfulness to the onscreen prop is impressive. And the likeness to actor Harrison Ford is actually better than the Han Solo figure packed alongside it. How’s that for interesting? The carbonite block is hollow and clips have been tooled to the back of it which holds the Han Solo action figure in place when you’re using him as a frozen scoundrel. What’s more, the figure and carbonite block remain upright when situated together. We’re impressed with this ability. The figure has trouble standing upright, but when he is in the carbonite block all is well. The carbonite block has been decorate nicely too. It has a neat marbling effect for texture and the sized of it have been given decals for the various light-up features the prop possessed. Again, we’re very happy how this turned out. Han Solo also comes with a skiff guard blaster so you can recreate the Battle of Carkoon from the film when you free him from the carbonite block. It’s not a bad release, but certainly better will come down the road. (Editor’s Note: This figure has well over a half-dozen carded variations throughout the entire POTF2 run.)