Ahsoka Tano - TBS [P3] - 3.75 Inch Figures (Exclusive)

Anakin Skywalker's apprentice Ahsoka Tano left the Jedi Order before it was destroyed during the Great Jedi Purge, but the truth of her fate remains unknown.

Oh the power of annoying Hasbro until they give in to the pressure. Well, that’s what we’d like to believe at least. Towards the end of 2012, as The Vintage Collection’s death became imminent, Hasbro released one of the best waves to date. So of course it became an online exclusive. But in that wave were two figures that would becomes two of Hasbro’s most popular: the Emperor’s Royal Guard (VC105) and Ahsoka (VC102). Almost immediately both of these figures sold out and began commanding high aftermarket values. Also almost immediately, fan sites (including Jedi Temple Archives) began pleading with Hasbro to re-release these two figures and get them back to retail as soon as they possibly could because their aftermarket prices were already beginning to climb. It took four years, but now both are part of the Walmart exclusive 3.75” The Black Series [Phase III] line and the four repacked The Vintage Collection figures are sadly four of the most exciting releases of all the products Hasbro released for the 2016 Rogue One launch. Ahsoka Tano now has been titled with her last name and has received a revised paint job (much of which is improved). But for us the greatest enhancement is that they fixed her knee joints. They now match the color of her pants instead of her skin like the TVC version did. In short, it’s wonderful to see this great action figure on store shelves again, at least for those of us lucky enough to find her on store shelves that is.

Ahsoka Tano comes with a beautiful paint job on her face (and let’s not forget that this is supposed to be a resemblance to voice actress Ashley Eckstein). The paint operations have been tightened up a bit here. The dark purplish-blue patterns on her horns are shorter and the orange color of her skin has been revised as well, with a little less brightness this time around. Ahsoka Tano comes with 22 points of articulation. If you recall, The Clone Wars [Shadow Of The Dark Side] Ahsoka (CW44) figure only came with 18 points, so this is a big step forward. Ahsoka Tano is also able to achieve many more authentic poses when compared to the animated version. Ahsoka Tano looks great wielding her weapons and stowing the hilts on her belt. This is a fine action figure no matter how you slice it. Ahsoka Tano has been graced with a flawless center of gravity. That is a tremendous compliment because she comes with very thin legs and small feet (which typically inhibit a figure from standing upright). But Ahsoka Tano is able to stand effortlessly and of course we are very happy about this. Included with Ahsoka Tano is a lightsaber, a shoto, a lightsaber hilt and a shoto hilt. When you add up what this figure offers, what more could you possibly ask for here? This action figure is an exact replica of what a realistic Ahsoka Tano action figure should look like. Plus you get more articulation and the same exact accessories!

We were told by Hasbro at Celebration VI that articulation will eventually wind down to five points per figure. That has come to pass sadly. So thank goodness they got to great figures like this one before the line went into the ground. We live in a totally different collecting climate in 2016 and Star Wars Entertainment is driving what we will see on shelves. Ahsoka Tano is proof that Hasbro still has some faith in the longtime collectors as they’re keeping what we love on store shelves, but will it be enough to keep our interest? Sadly, retail giant Walmart has complete exclusivity with the collector-focused 3.75” super-articulated Star Wars line. (Heaven help us.) They’ve already proven in a very short time that they have NO IDEA what they have and are treating it like all the other garbage they sell. Only Hasbro can yank it away from them and give it to a retailer that can save longtime Star Wars collectors’ favorite pastime. A new retailer doesn’t appear anywhere in sight, and it looks like Walmart will be hogging this exclusive for the foreseeable future unfortunately. It’s even worse for non-USA collectors across the globe. It’s just a complete mess. Hopefully the 40th anniversary of Star Wars in 2017 will change the collecting landscape. We can only hope.