Han Solo With Smuggler Flight Pack - POTF2 [R/G] - Deluxe

Height: 1.8 Meters
Status: Smuggler, Pirate, Rebel Pilot
Classification: Human
Affiliation: Rebel Alliance
Weapon Of Choice: Corellian Smuggler Pack

Many labels can be applied to Corellian-born Han Solo: pirate, gambler, smuggler and Rebel hero. It is doubtful that the last title would have applied at all had he not agreed to transport Ben Kenobi, Luke Skywalker and two droids to Alderaan in his Corellian freighter, Millennium Falcon. After unwittingly becoming part of a mission to rescue Princess Leia, Solo was drawn more and more into the cause of the Rebel Alliance, becoming one of the most significant figures involved in the rebellion against the Empire. He played an essential role in the Battle of Yavin, and led the strike-team on Endor's moon that facilitated the destruction of the new Death Star. He escaped from countless dilemmas simply because of his daring and skill as a blasterslinger and pilot – talents he retained from his days as a smuggler/gambler. He also retained a couple of other things, one of them being his trusty smuggler pack, a tool which served him extremely well during inner-atmospheric piracy jobs.

Designed and built by Solo with the help of Chewbacca, this items is basically a weapons-jet pack with a huge mechanical grappling claw attached at its base for massive lifting and cargo transport. It was assembled from old swoop parts, discarded starfighter pieces, and construction-machinery robotics. Much like the Millennium Falcon itself, the pack does not appear impressive or dangerous – concerning its appearanceSolo often becomes defensive: "Well it isn't supposed to look pretty!" However, the swoop engines provide break-neck propulsion while two repulsors engage a silent hover mode that allows atmospheric flotation up to a maximum of one-hundred meters depending on the cargo. The pack allows Solo some flexibility; he can dock the Falcon and then speed in below sensors with the smuggler pack, picking up any cargo or booty before transferring it back to his ship. Twin laser cannons, appropriated from a badly damaged stock light freighter, swing over his shoulders to create a high-powered defense module. The grappling claw has magnetized pinchers which can be de-magnetized at the flip of a switch. It is extremely durable and able to lift objects weighing up to fifteen metric tons.

Not every figure in The Power Of The Force “2” [Red] Deluxe line can be believable or cool. This assessment likely best applies to the Han Solo With Smuggler Flight Pack set. Sure, Crowd Control Stormtrooper and Luke Skywalker’s Desert Skiff aren’t screen-accurate, but Kenner/Hasbro passed them off as such thanks to a clever design and believable concept. The Han Solo With Smuggler Flight Pack feels contrived at best, and that’s because Han Solo’s personality doesn’t quite match the idea of what the Flight Smuggler Pack does. Using a device like this would make him stand out in a crowd. And when smuggling, the last thing you want it a spotlight on you. The Smuggler Flight Pack is, for lack of a better description, a spotlight here. But let us forget about the ridiculousness of the toy. And let’s see if it has any merit above and beyond the criticism we have for it. Part of a wave of three different Deluxe figures, the Han Solo With Smuggler Flight Pack is the least interesting of the three and will likely age poorly thanks to multiple factors here. Let’s take a closer look.

Han Solo is an all-new figure, but with an approach evidently developed from 1995’s POTF2 [R/G] Han Solo figure, especially in the arms and legs. The torso and cod section received the most vigorous retooling. He comes with six points of articulation including a swivel head, two swivel shoulders, a swivel waist, and two swivel hips. They’ve added an orange harness which serves as the “attachment” to the Smuggler Flight Packs and what keeps it in place when utilized. Like other figures in the Deluxe assortment, Han Solo comes with a hole in his back to which the Smuggler Flight Pack attached, the newly tooled orange harness only accentuates this effect. The figure attaches firmly to it and looks decent when running it. The Smuggler Flight Pack is a silly concept, but if you can get past its silliness, it does function well as a plaything. It comes with a decent amount of features including flip-up cannons (they don’t fire anything) and an articulated shoulder lock that allows his head to poke through yet jeep his body in place for various smuggling activity.

The Smuggler Flight Pack also comes with a rear claw that has multiple points of articulation. It serves as an anchor for the figure and provides upright support when on display. A hinge-joint allows you to angle it in multiple positions to achieve the best support possible. Also, thanks to a knob added, the claw opens and closes to pick up and put down various smuggled goods with relative ease. There is a great deal of functionality added to this Deluxe figure, and although many Star Wars collectors may find that the whole idea behind it is ridiculous, it is made well and does provide adequate play value. For only $3 more than a basic figure, you get an incredible amount of plastic here. We feel the MSRP for the Deluxe line is easily worth $9.99 based on the contents you get here. So, that’s one thing to consider here, the value you get. Han Solo With Smuggler Flight Pack may not be the most believable off-screen concept by Kenner/Hasbro. We’ll concede that. But it is an interesting way to create unique storylines during playtime for kids. It’s a bittersweet release at best.