Bounty Hunters (40th Anniversary Edition) (4-LOM/Zuckuss) - TBS [TESB40] - Six Inch Figures (Exclusive)

When Kenner first produced 4-LOM and Zuckuss figures, the names somehow got reversed. But since these two bounty hunters were not identified in the film, the switch was not immediately noticed. When the mix-up was finally caught and corrected in 1989, Zuckuss and 4-LOM finally got back their rightful identities. In this exclusive set, we are paying homage to the first appearance of these bounty hunters that puzzled so many for years, with replicas of the original packaging – switched names and all!

What in the world is this? A classic decade-old Hasbro exclusive launched The Vintage Collection in 2010 as Bounty Hunters (30th Anniversary Exclusive) [4-LOM (VCP01)/Zuckuss (VCP02)] set is now reinvented for The Black Series [The Empire Strikes Back 40] line? How about also reissuing the original set so new collectors can get the 3.75” versions again, Hasbro? Either way, the Bounty Hunters (40th Anniversary Edition) (4-LOM/Zuckuss) two-pack is an exclusive released 10 years later, but in 6” form, and it’s piquing the interest of collectors across the globe. The vintage-styled classic Kenner 6” line went over well with the collector base. With the release of the Kenner-colored Boba Fett released last year, we now have a couple more additions of 6” Kenner-decorated action figures to complement the vast array of characters from Episode V already produced in the line. The Bounty Hunters (40th Anniversary Edition) (4-LOM/Zuckuss) set takes two previously-released super-articulated 6” figures and created special packaging inspired by the classic Star Wars Kenner vintage line of action figures. The legend is as popular as ever. Back in 1982, Kenner released 4-LOM and Zuckuss with each other’s names reversed. In 1989 Lucasfilm corrected the error, and the rest is history. With the success and overall acceptance of The Vintage Collection set, Hasbro thought it would be an excellent idea to release a 6” interpretation of the set. This time they omitted the foiled packaging, but still kept the characters’ original 'incorrect' names. What’s more, Hasbro repainted the action figures to match the unique colors and paint jobs of the 1982 ESB 4-LOM and 1982 ESB Zuckuss vintage Kenner action figures. Interestingly, Hasbro chose the INCORRECT card art for 4-LOM, and phoned it in for Zuckuss with incorrect recreated airbrushing. They both need work.

This approach means that Hasbro cast Zuckuss (now 4-LOM again) in a light tan with a dark brown chest plate and 4-LOM (now Zuckuss again) in a shiny dark gray with a bright silver midsection. The nostalgia is incredibly heartwarming, and we can barely contain our excitement for it. It’s lovely to see this for the first time in the 6” scale. 4-LOM (really Zuckuss) is a repaint of 2018’s TBS [P3] Zuckuss Disney Store exclusive figure. As mentioned, the figure’s base color is now light tan color, and the breathing apparatus and chest plate is dark brown. Hasbro did their best to match the soft-goods for the lower portion of the figure’s robe, and just one touch throws you back to 1982. It isn’t an exact match as it looks partially realistic-styled here, but it is close enough to activate some precious memories. It feels like they went too far adding detail that didn't need to be present on these releases. Zuckuss (really 4-LOM) is a repaint of 2018’s TBS [P3] 4-LOM (67) figure. In our opinion, this figure closely matches the original vintage figure, and their striking resemblance to each other is quite stunning. Zuckuss looks like a super-articulated version of the 1982 ESB Zuckuss vintage Kenner figure, but only bigger. Overall, we congratulate Hasbro on their efforts with both of these figures because they have done a fine job! Many collectors hope Hasbro will reissue the Boba Fett figure. Hasbro didn’t produce enough of them by any stretch of the imagination. And we’re frustrated that Hasbro hasn’t felt the frustration by Star Wars collectors who desperately want to add Boba Fett to their collections. One thing is certain, however. And that is 6" collectors got a great deal to enjoy for the 40th Anniversary of The Empire Strikes Back.

Will Hasbro continue this trend in the 6” line with some of the other screen-inaccurate versions of other characters? Will we see Walrus Man with flippers, Hammerhead with a turquoise shell, or Greedo with a ribbed suit and green boots? These action figures are for a niche audience, but we believe there is enough interest to continue this trend for the future. The best part of the Bounty Hunters (40th Anniversary Edition) (4-LOM/Zuckuss) set is the packaging. Admittedly, the new silver printing is easier to read on the outside of the packaging. But we're not crazy about Hasbro placing screen-inaccurate characters on packaging that looks no different than the other figures in the line. It feels like they need something to set them apart. But we appreciate any homage paid to the vintage Kenner line because that’s the line that started it all. Also, it’s exceptionally nostalgic to see the “incorrect” name on each figure, just as they appeared in 1982. (By the way, when in the world will collectors of The Vintage Collection line see Zuckuss added to the line – the Gand bounty hunter, not the protocol droid.) Coincidentally, we wonder if Hasbro will repackage the “unaltered” versions of these characters in The Empire Strikes Back 40th Anniversary line or not. We feel they’re worthy additions to the line as well. We’d like to see Bossk (Bounty Hunter) and IG-88 (Bounty Hunter) added. An Amazon exclusive with an MSRP of $49.99, Hasbro Pulse came to the rescue and placed a small batch of them for pre-order because Amazon didn’t get its product page active in time. When the pre-order did go live on Amazon, they mispriced it at $39.99 until quickly corrected. This set is for all collectors, so be sure to grab one!