TIE Fighter Pilot - LC [2] - Basic

TIE fighter pilots protect the Death Star from a Rebel attack. Black Squadron is stationed aboard the Death Star when the Rebels launch an assault upon the battle station. Totally committed to the success of a mission, these elite pilots swarm into space to battle the Rebel fighters in a ferocious dogfight.

We have come to the point in the Hasbro Star Wars line where it’s no longer acceptable to release again the Imperial Pilot (TIE Fighter) originally from 2009’s LC Imperial Pilot Legacy (Series II) Evolutions set. It’s served its purpose well (we suppose) and it’s now time to deliver unto collectors at the very least a severely retooled version of this action figure or at the very mist an all-new sculpt. Hasbro is obviously content with this sculpt as it seems its constant repainting and repackaging never seems to cease. The sculpt is tired now however. And we all have the right to feel that way. After all, these legs date back to 2004’s SW [S - P3] TIE Fighter Pilot (Battle Of Yavin) ('04 #14) figure which was a great figure for its time but how now since become obsolete. And even the all-new upper body they created for the Biggs Darklighter (Star Wars: Empire: Darklighter) from the 2008 TLC Imperial Pilot Legacy Evolutions set hasn’t aged as well as we had hoped. The hands are still unwilling to firmly grasp the included blaster and the arms down rest closely enough the body to give it a natural looking aesthetic. Are we whining a little bit? Maybe. Is it warranted whining? Absolutely yes. Originally released in 2013’s LC [2] Droid Factory as an Amazon exclusive, the Black Squadron TIE Pilot has been found with a new name and a new card back under the original Legacy Collection [2] banner as he was intended! In May of 2015, retailer Go! Games & Toys, part of Calendar Holdings, began getting these figures in small numbers. This was a huge surprise, because collectors were under the assumption that they never were produced. Now these figures comes to us once again, but in a way that is exciting because of our general love for this pack-in premium.

How does 2015’s Legacy Collection [2] TIE Fighter Pilot fair in comparison to the previously released others? The answer is easy. Quite frankly it’s more of the same, save for one very special accessory, but we'll save that for later. Honestly, there was absolutely no reason for Hasbro to release this figure again, especially since they have overused it ever since it made its debut appearance. We do understand why we keep seeing this figure get released with little tweaks however. Hasbro is attempting to release all of the members of Black Squadron, but we’re unable to tell who this pilot is specifically. Besides, these are characters everyone loves to see available time and again, so it is a wise choice from that point of view. We successfully and accurately received Black 3 (from the 2008 TLC Imperial Pilot Legacy (Series II) Evolutions) and Mauler Mithel (from 2012's SW [TPM 3D] Yavin Pilot Pack). Both pilots can be clearly seen in the Battle of Yavin in Episode IV. But other than that there aren’t many other unique TIE Fighter Pilots designated in the film. It’s something we’ll need to confirm with Hasbro, so until we hear it from them, we’re unsure who exactly and from what source this character is and should be. What’s most interesting about this figure is that he looks like DS-61-3, or by his nickname, “Backstabber” in the card back still, except for the missing Galactic Empire insignia on the top right of his helmet. So as of right now it’s a little bit hard to pinpoint exactly who this TIE Fighter Pilot is. Interestingly, Black Three served as Darth Vader’s right wingman during the Battle of Yavin, but this isn’t him. Could it be the “other” TIE Fighter Pilot perhaps?

While it’s right now unknown if we’re receiving a miscellaneous member of Black Squadron here or not, the fact of the matter is that we’re not getting a very good action figure. And this is probably more important to Star Wars collectors than anything else. We credit Hasbro for making long term use of a sculpt that held up well for years, but it’s time to admit an all-new sculpt is warranted and much needed. We would also love to see Hasbro produce a TIE Fighter Pilot action figure that doesn’t have a removable helmet. Maybe that’s asking for a little too much, but it doesn’t make us want it any less. TIE Fighter Pilot is perfect for those that have no other TIE Fighter Pilot action figures, but we find that very hard to believe. There have been multiple and ample opportunities to grab these figures in the past. From the pack-in figures with 2009’s LC TIE Interceptor, 2009’s LC Imperial TIE Fighter, the 2011 SW [SOTDS] Battle Over Endor sets and 2011’s TVC TIE Fighter Pilot (VC65) figure, we feel that there has been more than enough options out there for us already. In fact, there probably exists an inordinate amount of times that this figure has been made available in one format or another. This additional time in the Legacy Collection [2] basic figure line is just not something to get us that excited. However, knowing that he was part of a canceled line and now available is just outstanding for us. Besides, we love how they’ve placed his “special” accessory. Hasbro included a replica of the vintage TIE Fighter Pilot's blaster, cast in black plastic for this particular release. We admit that it made us smile.... a lot. They’re proud of it too, especially since they packaged it in a prominently placed spot in the bubble.