7 replies to this topic

[Tortle]

With the release of the OT on DVD and the upcoming (and invariably cool) Revenge of the Sith, it's a good time to be a Star Wars fan! My main complaint with Star Wars for the past few years is that the figures seem like they're just the same ol' crap. While the sculpts were constantly updated, the concept has been the same for the past 8 years (i.e., 3 3/4" figures with limited articulation), leaving me with a "been there, done that" feeling.

But Hasbro is now exploring different and interesting areas with Star Wars: classic-inspired packaging, VOTC figures, Playskool Galactic Heroes, and Jedi Force. I saw Chewie at Target last weekend, along with the all of other figures... except Vader. That's okay, though... arguably, Chewie is the star of this assortment.

Company: Hasbro (Playskool division)
Size: 7 inches
Price: $8 at Target
Packaging: Carded

Looks: 5 out of 5
The sculpt of this figure is surprisingly good. Although cartoony, the fur details look nice, and Chewie's expression is cute and fits the character of the figure perfectly. The caricatured design of Jedi Force doesn't work particularly well for Threepio and Luke, but it's perfect for Chewie.

Chewie's sculpt is also more Chewie-esque than the Galactic Heroes Chewie, which barely looks like Chewie at all. (Ever notice that when you say a word over and over again it sounds weird? Chewie, Chewie, Chewie. Huh... weird.)

Also, the color scheme of a dull brown spray over orangish plastic is eye-catching and works quite well. Paint details in the eyes and bandolier strap are sharp. A few paint liberties (like not bothering to color the inside of the bandolier strap) are evident, but so unnoticable that they may be excused.

Articulation: 3.5 out of 5
With ball-jointed shoulders, swivel hips, and hinge knees, Jedi Force Chewie moves better than many 3 3/4" figures. I think that ball-jointed hips would make the figure more fun, though.

Accessories: 4 out of 5
Playskool obviously opted to include non-violent accessories with the Jedi Force line. While this sounds boring, Chewie's tool kit is actually pretty fun. You press a button and the appropriate tool pops up. Chewie can also carry it as a backpack.

But... no crossbow? Even the Galactic Heroes version has one.

Value: 4.5 out of 5
The figure is surprisingly large, about twice the size of normal SW figures. For $8, you get a lot of nice, heavy plastic.

Coolness: 5 out of 5
Finally, a good Star Wars line outside of the 3 3/4" scale! It's cool to get a Chewie in a different format. Also, his style is different enough to add some diversity to an overly-homologous Star Wars shelf.

Overall: 4.5 out of 5
I really dig this Chewie. But the figures in this line seem like either a "home-run" (Chewie, Vader), or a total abortion of coolness (Threepio, Luke). I'd like to see more characters in the line, especially background aliens like Gammorean Guards, but I suppose that depends on the success of this first wave.

Pic-time! In this first pic is just Chewie himself...

Attached Files

•  chewie.JPG   34.45K   33 downloads

Edited by Tortle, 16 November 2004 - 09:01 AM.

[Tortle]

Here we see Chewie using his tool-kit...

Attached Files

•  chewietool.JPG   26.74K   26 downloads

[Tortle]

The tool-kit doubles as a backpack!

Attached Files

•  chewietoolbkpk.JPG   41.07K   23 downloads

[Tortle]

And here's a size comparison shot of a portion of my Chewie collection (from left): Galactic Hero, Jedi Force, vintage 14", Bespin Escape, vintage, POTF2.

Attached Files

•  chewiecollection.JPG   69.85K   34 downloads

Edited by Tortle, 16 November 2004 - 09:07 AM.

[Ridureyu]

Great review - like you said, I would pick up a Gammorrean guard in a second

[Soupie]

I saw Chewie at Target last weekend, along with the all of other figures... except Vader.

If this makes you feel any better, I haven't been able to find any of them. I was at my local Target last night in PA and found nothing. Any idea how large of a production there is of this line?

Anyhow, awesome review. Your reviews and pictures always seem to capture the joy of toy collecting.

I especially love the muti-Chewie picture!

I recently grabbed the 3rd wave of Galactic Heroes and these, in my opinion, are the best figures yet.

I wasn't too impressed with these figures based of off the pictures I've seen, including the Chewie in Tortle's multi-Chewie picture. However, when I came across the Chewie figure today in my search for the Jedi Force Chewbacca, it was love at first sight.



My only complaint is the pairing of Chewie with C-3PO, who I don't care for (though it is a nice figure). I think the following pairings would make more sense -- at least according to my collecting needs :

A New Hope

R2-D2 & C-3PO
Han Solo & Chewbacca
Luke & Leia

as opposed to:

Luke & R2
Chewie & 3PO
Leia & Solo

In the long run, it's no big deal. I'll just trade off the figures I don't want.

[Tortle]

I recently grabbed the 3rd wave of Galactic Heroes and these, in my opinion, are the best figures yet. Just take a look.

I'm kind of purposely avoiding getting interested in this line. They're cool, but somewhat expensive and I'm not eager to start actively collecting another toy line. I don't think I'll be able to resist the bounty hunters for too long, though.

Anyhow, awesome review. Your reviews and pictures always seem to capture the joy of toy collecting.

Thanks... but you're still not getting in my pants, Soup.