Luke Skywalker (Jedi Academy) - TVC - Basic (VC298)

Wow. The Vintage Collection is turning into The Black Series 6-inch line. It's not much more than smoke and mirrors lately. And if Hasbro graces us with an all-new sculpt, it will arrive first as a Deluxe figure before releasing it as a base figure for a "normal" MSRP. But the barking and clapping seals don't appear to take exception with this horrid business practice. And that's why this line will soon have us all prices out of it, and we'll arrive at a place where it isn't worth it anymore. Frustration and indifference working hand in hand don't breed anything positive, and it feels like The Vintage Collection is in the grips of grim death. Hopefully, Hasbro will turn from its evil ways and give us something to be proud to collect. Because right now, it feels like an abusive relationship, and that fizzles out to parting ways. And to no big surprise, the release of Luke Skywalker (Jedi Academy) brought us to this place of bitterness and resentment again.

Seeing Luke Skywalker added to the Disney Star Wars story of The Book Of Boba Fett excited many fans who watch the show. And when something resonates firmly with fans, we'll inevitably see Hasbro produce an action figure set based on this appearance and moments in the show. But did we need to see it a few months later as a basic figure in The Vintage Collection when it first arrived as a Deluxe release? With some newness and repetition added to the mix, there should be enough here to appease Star Wars collectors, at least those who skipped over the Deluxe version. Luke Skywalker is a retool of 2023's TVC Luke Skywalker (Imperial Light Cruiser) (VC264) figure. Hasbro updated the torso and changed the figure's belt this time, but the soft-goods skirt is still in place. But ultimately, it's just a repack of the Deluxe figure. You may notice some variation in the paint operations, but it's not more than a straight repack.

Hasbro included a lightsaber and hilt to accompany Luke Skywalker. They are rubbery instead of rigid and bend while trying to place into the figure's hands. It's challenging not to get upset over things like this when current action figures are so expensive. Thankfully, the action figure appears well made and should make those picking it up for the first time happy Star Wars collectors. The constant complaining about Star Wars action figure pricing, incessant repacks, and re-releases is an ongoing struggle that collectors have with Hasbro. Hasbro may never see the light on this issue, but so many collectors can no longer afford the products made for The Vintage Collection. And people are canceling their preorders consistently. Luke Skywalker (Jedi Academy) may not see cancellations since it's an Original Trilogy character reinvented for Disney Star Wars. Still, we wonder how long Hasbro can continue in this madness.