2011's final wave of action figures in Hasbro's
The Vintage Collection includes a selection of repackaged figures of characters from
Return of the Jedi.
Wave Schedule ChangesAlthough listed as "wave 8", scheduling issues have Shifted this wave to come out after wave 9. There are no all-new figures in this wave.
"Revenge" of the Jedi chase figuresWave 8 is made up entirely of repackaged figures, released in several different case assortments. The bulk of these repacks are the 12 full-sized "Revenge of the Jedi"* exclusive figures from the
Death Star SDCC 2011 Exclusive set**. These figures are spread out in wave 8 and wave 9 cases, and all 12 figures are based on previously-released versions, but there are some differences, which will be detailed as each figure is archived. The rest of the figures in both wave 8 & 9 are carry-forwards from previous waves. Each of the figures in today's review can be found with either the "Revenge" or "Return" logo.
(*)Quick historical note:
REVENGE of the Jedi was the original name planned for Episode VI. The name was changed to
RETURN of the Jedi after George Lucas decided that Jedi wouldn't actually seek revenge. While the name change was done before the film's release in 1983, the "Revenge" name was used for early concepts and packaging (and was eventually used for the title of Episode III...but that's another tale).
(**) The 2 mini-figures of Salacious Crumb (VC66) and the Mouse Droid (VC67) will not be re-released. (Although they have been released several times before.)
Boba Fett (Prototype Armor) mailaway offerThis wave also includes the 2011 mailaway offer for a Boba Fett figure in his white prototype armor. The sticker on the card can be removed without harming the front of the cards.
Anyway, onto the reviews!
VC09: Boba Fett:
   | If ever there was a character that resonated with Star Wars fans, it has to be Boba Fett. His popularity has taken him to the top of many fan's favorite list. There are multiple figures of Boba Fett over the years, but the VOTC Boba Fett remains the best, and -- seven years later! -- it still holds up with sculpting, articulation, and deco.
For 2011's "Revenge of the Jedi" promotion, it did not make sense to re-release the Boba Fett figure from wave 1, since that was based on his appearance in The Empire Strikes Back, not Return of the Jedi...which as any Fett fan knows, included different armor. So, they have repackaged the VOTC figure for the "Revenge" set and now the basic figure line. While there are subtle differences in the deco, it's essentially a "Greatest Hits" repack.
However, the numbering has not changed...so there are now two different Fett figures listed as "VC09". It's all very confusing, so you might be tempted to skip this release, since you might have it already from the 2004 VOTC line, the 2007 Saga Legends line, the 2010 Legacy of the Dark Side set, or the 2011 Ambush at Star Tours line. Well, don't skip it. Not only can you never have enough Boba Fett figures, but it's truly one that is "worthy" of being included in The Vintage Collection. It's a shame they did not change the card photo for this release, but I digress.... |
VC62: Han Solo (in Trench Coat):
   | Here's another character that has been available on the "Vintage Hasbro" format before. Back in 2006, Hasbro included Han Solo (In Trench Coat) as part of the "Vintage Saga Collection", and they have used parts of this figure for other kit-bashed figures since then. Most notably, 2008's Shield Generator Assault Battle Pack (which I actually played a part in designing), which included a brand-new head sculpt. It's a minor repaint, as well.
This version of Han Solo is the figure from the Battle Pack, now wearing a trench coat. So, it's "new" in spirit anyway. This same figure is also available in the Blu-ray Commemorative Edition box set. So if you don't want the single-carded version, there are other ways to grab him. |
VC64: Princess Leia (Slave Outfit):
   | This character is one that is long-overdue to be released on the Vintage cardbacks. Originally released in 2009's Legacy Collection, Leia was packaged with alternate legs that allowed the figure to be displayed sitting down next to Jabba the Hutt on his dais. The concept is really cool, and many fans dug it.
For this release, the extra legs are not included. Otherwise, it's a repack. If you prefer to have something new added, it appears that the exact same figure will be re-released with sandstorm robes (both soft goods and plastic) in 2012.
But for Vintage purists, this is one figure that is not to be missed. |
VC65: TIE Fighter Pilot:
   | The final figure in this particular case assortment is the Imperial TIE Fighter Pilot, which is the exact same figure that was included with 2009's Legacy Collection exclusive TIE Interceptor....which was a "less paint repaint" of the figure from the exclusive Evolutions: Imperial Pilots Legacy II set...which uses the same legs from 2004's SAGA TIE Fighter Pilot.
For many collectors, there's the problem. The older legs are thin and there is no ankle articulation. While I wonder why a figure that it meant to sit in a cockpit NEEDS ankle articulation, the thin legs is indeed a problem, as the figure is quite top-heavy with the larger removable helmet. There are several articulated legs that could be used if Hasbro were so inclined...hopefully they will do this for a future kit-bash release.
But since this "basic TIE Pilot" figure has only been available in exclusive sets until now...it's a good way to pick up this figure if you still need him. |
One more to go...There is one more figure shipping in this wave, although not in this assortment. It's a running change to the
VC26 Rebel Commando figure, which is kit-bashed to be a dark-skinned trooper. Look for that figure to be added very soon...as well as another surprise!
Stay tuned for the official Photo Archive updates featuring the eighth wave from
The Vintage Collection!
 "Han Solo (in Trench Coat)")
 "Han Solo (in Trench Coat)")
 "Han Solo (in Trench Coat)")
 "Princess Leia (Slave Outfit)")
 "Princess Leia (Slave Outfit)")
 "Princess Leia (Slave Outfit)")
