The second 2008 wave
of the 30 (77-07) line was a cast of seven severely overdue figures
intended for 2007 release originally that were based on the unreleased The
Force Unleashed video
game (at the time - it has seen ultimate release). One of these figures
was Juno Eclipse (a name that originally reserved for Asajj Ventress),
a female Imperial Officer. For trivia lovers out there, Juno Eclipse
shares a unique trait with another figure in the 30 (77-07) line,
specifically the Airborne Trooper. They both started as a repaint before
their basic carded release was made available and are affectionately
coined "prepaints." While the Airborne Trooper first saw release as a
purple Clone Commander in 2006's TSC Mace Windu's Attack Battalion TARGET
exclusive Battle Packs set and Juno Eclipse was first released as Deena
Shan in 2007's TAC Comic Packs. (Interestingly, Hasbro released the
Deena Shan figure with a running change head variant, so that version
is not the prepaint.) It's very rare for a figure to first show up in
a multipack before its basic carded release. But these two figures are
clearly exceptions to the rule. Juno Eclipse excited many collectors.
We wanted a female Imperial officer for years and she remains one of
Hasbro's crowing achievements. There is little if anything to complain
about her and she is one of the best figures in the wave.
Juno Eclipse is an
all-new figure loaded with 14 points of articulation of which many are
ball-joints. Lean and muscular, stealthy and feminine, Juno Eclipse is
the perfect female Imperial officer. And she is perfect for almost every
reason. Beautiful, athletic, serious and professional, Juno Eclipse is
about as fine as we are ever going to see for a female officer.
And we will expect that this will be the template going forward (and
deservedly so). If only we could be so lucky to get a male body done
as well it would make us thrilled. Captain
Needa (BD 40) was pretty great,
but we still think it has a way to go before becoming perfect. Outfitted
in a sleek black Imperial uniform, the outfit is enhanced by including
the option of
a removable cap that fits like a glove on her head. While not a dead
ringer for her video game character, Juno Eclipse is indeed easy on collector's
eyes. Designed with large blue peepers, her portrait is designed in a
way to give the collector the impression that there is quite a bit of
longing captured in her face or a sense of discontent. And you can't
help but feel empathy for her. Obviously Hasbro did a great job in capturing
this subtle urgency in her face. But she can also be posed with graceful
attitude thanks to her super-articulated status. Coming with a personalized
action figure stand, she attached to its base very well and it is a great
pack-in for this figure.
The Force Unleashed video
game has introduced Star Wars collectors to a whole new group of characters
and most have been warmly welcomed by most. Of course the sexy female
characters will tend to get all the attention (for the most part) but
Juno Eclipse was sadly a bit of a peg warmer. She eventually sold through,
but she wasn't a hot commodity like all the other figures in the wave.
What we can tell you however is that Juno Eclipse is an expertly crafted
action figure loaded with articulation and a very good portrait (even
if it's not totally accurate). She looks great posed next to your Starkiller
action figure. And she looks great posed with all the other figures that
came with her in The Force Unleashed wave. As a group, they are
one of the most impressive groups of action figures and they all scintillate
the basic figure line and stand out from among the rest. Juno Eclipse
is one of the best from this group and we believe you will agree too.
We can't wait for what the future holds for more The Force Unleashed action
figures. |
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