Lando Calrissian (Bespin Escape) - POTJ - Basic

Added: April 7th 2014
Category: Power Of The Jedi
Reviewer: Paul Harrison
Score:

Name: Lando Calrissian (Bespin Escape)
Collection: Power Of The Jedi
Number: N/A
Source: The Empire Strikes Back
Availability: April 2001
License: Hasbro

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Darth Vader threatens an Imperial takeover of Cloud City unless Lando helps capture Han Solo, his friend and gambling buddy. Although Lando initially complies with Vader, the Baron Administrator risks everything when he joins the Rebels and rescues Han.

We like using the word bittersweet, and often we overuse it. But it may be the best word (again) to describe 2001’s POTJ Lando Calrissian (Bespin Escape). After 1995’s POTF2 “disco” Lando Calrissian figure, a figure with the buffest proportions of any modern Star Wars figure ever, collectors wanted a redo almost immediately. It may have been one of the most egregious exaggerations of any Star Wars character to date. Hasbro wasn’t quick to remedy the issue either. It was until six years later that they took a stab at him again. By the time the Power Of The Jedi line rolled around, Lando Calrissian (Bespin Escape) was confirmed as part of the basic figure line. The POTJ version is light years apart from the POTF2 version, but it’s an extremely limited action figure. Although he looks so much better, he’s been pre-posed in a running motion and can really only achieve this one believable position. Admittedly, Lando Calrissian (Bespin Escape) looks great in this pose, but when an action figure is meant to provide play and varied display options, it feels like something is still lacking, which of course it is. There probably won’t be a better “running” Lando Calrissian action figure in the line, but hardcore collectors are going to definitely want to see some more articulation than what’s been given here.

Lando Calrissian (Bespin Escape) only comes with six points of articulation. This is the standard for all POTF2 figures, so it’s a shame that it has been the standard here as well. There is no denying that Lando Calrissian (Bespin Escape) has an amazing sculpt. The detail in the portrait alone is nothing short of impressive. This really looks like actor Billy Dee Williams in tow fleeing from the Galactic Empire. The costume may even be even more impressive. Hasbro, for the first time, weaved a stunning soft-goods cape (sadly it’s permanently attached) to the figure that has a bright blue outer color and would you believe they recreated the ornate pattern on the inside as well? The final product is just outstanding and we couldn’t be more pleased with it. We do have one complaint however. The collar of the cape sticks up in the air and you have to constantly brush it down, but it seems to have a mind of its own. Lando Calrissian (Bespin Escape) also comes with an E-11 blaster that he can hold flawlessly while in motion. When fully situated, this is truly an excellent interpretation of Lando just as he realized he needed to flee Cloud City as soon as humanly possible. Again, the figure doesn’t offer much versatility, but it sure looks good in the one pose it offers.

The Power Of The Jedi line brought collectors a nice concentration of action figures based on The Empire Strikes Back. It would be inaccurate to claim that they are definitive versions of these characters, but nonetheless Hasbro has done great work on most of them. The characters from Cloud City have always been favorites among Star Wars collectors, so seeing them approached with a new vision in the Power Of The Jedi line is something to be very happy for as well as make you want to ponder what’s next from Hasbro. Lando Calrissian (Bespin Escape) is a very scene specific version of the old “smoothy” but it’s a good one at what it tries to bring the line. We understand most Star Wars collectors expect more from such a main character like this, so we totally get why this version won’t appease everyone. But, if you give Lando Calrissian (Bespin Escape) a chance, we believe that you’ll be impressed with the action figure, even if it’s not the ideal version for your own personal collecting needs. We do want to remind you that this figure has awesome soft-goods, a great sculpt and a figure with accurately scaled proportions. Yes, articulation is the issue here, but he looks darn fantastic otherwise.

Collector Notes

Lando Calrissian (Bespin Escape)

Status: Lando Calrissian (Bespin Escape) is an all-new figure.

Articulation Count: 6 points

Articulation Details: swivel head, 2 swivel shoulders, swivel waist, 2 swivel hips

Accessory Count: 1

Accessory Details: E-11 blaster rifle

Date Stamp: 2000

Collection: 2

Assortment Number: 84455/84589

UPC: 076930845899

Retail: $5.99 USD

Market Value: Click here to check the latest prices based on Click here to check the market value on eBay! listings.

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Tessek



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