Anakin Skywalker [Yavin 4] - CW [A] - Basic

Through the creative vision of Lucasfilm Ltd. and the Cartoon Network, the Clone Wars are brought to life in an exciting new series of short animated chapters. A unique animation style captures the drama of this epic period in galactic history along with its outstanding heroes and adversaries. Noble Jedi warriors lead Clone Troopers into battle against the evil Separatist forces and their droid armies. Anakin, Obi-Wan, Yoda and their comrades struggle against the rising power of the dark side and confront personal challenges against a backdrop of war-torn planets.

One of the most exciting duels in the Star Wars saga occurred during the climactic battle between Anakin Skywalker and Asajj Ventress. Seen in Chapter 19 of Genndy Tartakovsky’s Clone Wars micro-series, Anakin Skywalker sustains some pretty rough battle-damage from the evil Sith apprentice while battling her on the familiar jungle world of Yavin 4. After taking out a squadron of clone troopers, Anakin Skywalker encounters Asajj Ventress for the very first time face to face. They immediately engage in lightsaber dueling and we quickly learned just how advanced in the Sith Lord arts Ventress actually is. Catapulting herself into the high and dense foliage, Asajj Ventress engages Anakin Skywalker in a brisk game of hide and seek before attacking him full throttle in a skirmish that leaves him wounded and angry. However, Anakin Skywalker soon gains the upper hand and after tearing his Jedi uniform, getting scratched and banged up and becoming soaked in the dark and dreary rainstorm. He wrestles one of Asajj’s lightsaber hilts away from her after being separated from his own and ultimately pushed Asajj Ventress of the edge of the stone staircase leading to her own uncertain doom.

Once Chapter 19 was aired on the Cartoon Network, Hasbro knew that developing an Anakin Skywalker figure based on the scenes from this intense battle with Asajj Ventress would have to become a priority in the line. With a short window of time to act on doing this, Hasbro released a general marketplace wave of figures in January of 2005 to get out some of the greatest hits of the Clone Wars [Animated] line as well as get out new classics like the ARC Trooper as well as this figure. These animated styled action figures resonated within the collecting community and sold very well. Despite their limited articulation, collectors seemed to accept the fact that the figures in the line were of a novelty type nature. Besides, the animation translated beautifully into plastic and the bold and bright colors that decorated the figures were nicely applied, despite rare exceptions where some minor bleeding was evident. This all-new version of Anakin Skywalker seemed to borrow the style of 2004’s CW [A] Anakin Skywalker figure, but the approach was truly unique as Hasbro focused on Anakin’s battle-damage, injuries and rain soaked hairstyle specific to Chapter 19. We think the sculpt of Anakin Skywalker [Yavin 4] is gorgeous, but it is the paint operations this time around are making us question if we’re satisfied or not.

Sadly (and for reasons unknown) Anakin Skywalker [Yavin 4] comes with a tone in the head sculpt that doesn’t match the rest of the flesh of his body. The tone of the head sculpt is yellow by comparison while the skin tone of the arms and chest are definitely more natural in appearance. Anakin Skywalker [Yavin 4] has a muscular build (exaggerated by the animated style no less) and has a nice posture. Our sample leans to the figure’s left a little bit too much, but with some futzing with the legs via bending you can remedy the situation quite easily. The paint operations (aside from the mismatched tone of the face) are right on point and cleanly applied. He comes with his own signature lightsaber, but also comes with one of Asajj Ventress’ lightsabers as well. If you have seen Chapter 19, you know how important it was to include her lightsaber along with his own for this release. We’re extremely impressed that Hasbro paid close attention to this relevant detail. And as with all Clone Wars [Animated] figures, Anakin Skywalker [Yavin 4] comes with a thick display stand for the obvious reasons. Sure to be a highlight in the Clone Wars [Animated] line, Anakin Skywalker [Yavin 4] is definitely an action figure we’re thrilled to own.