Resistance Tech Rose - SW [TLJ] - Basic

It didn’t take long for Star Wars collectors to figure out that the 5POA Force Link Resistance Tech Rose is aesthetically more pleasing than her super-articulated counterpart, proving once again that articulation isn’t the end-all when it comes to Star Wars action figures. It would borderline on conspiracy theory to believe that this was an intentional move by Hasbro, but you can literally see “ALL” of the stops pulled out of the way for the 5POA version and the multiple shortcuts taken for The Black Series [Phase III] Resistance Tech Rose 3.75” super-articulated version. And this makes us sad. We suggested once before that Hasbro might be doing “too much” when it comes to the 3.75” super-articulated scale. Perhaps the way articulation is approached should be considered on a case by case basis? We do know one thing, however. The Star Wars [The Last Jedi] Resistance Tech Rose figure should NOT be outshining the Walmart exclusive version in any way, shape or form, but she is. Visually, she is better by leaps and bounds. Granted, complex articulation systems greatly affect the aesthetics of some Star Wars characters. Many (most?) collectors are willing to sacrifice some of that so our “army builders” are literally free of any encumbering or inhibitions. But when it comes to a human in a jumpsuit, perhaps the articulation approach should be curbed a tad more. That being all said, Resistance Tech Rose turned out to be a really excellent action figure. She is wearing a mustard-yellow jumpsuit, is short in stature, and comes with a few cool weapons to keep things interesting.

We’re eager to see if her character turns out to have a well-developed storyline or if her ethnicity is just being used for affirmative action purposes. We hope it’s the former because there is something very interesting about her figure that remains elusive to us. Like, does she have a dark secret? Is her role relevant to the Star Wars timeline? Or do we not know where her true loyalties lie. Hopefully, Disney Star Wars has something good in the works for her character. So far we do know that she battles the oppressive “white” First Order along with her other diverse cast members to restore freedom to the galaxy. But we’re hoping to see a fairer balance of representation for The Last Jedi so the Sequel Trilogy has a lasting impact on the culture its meant to interest. We truly hope Resistance Tech Rose changes this for the better. The actress has stated she plays a rather small role in the film. But from the marketing and how many figures have been produced already, there seems to be a contradiction to those thoughts or opinions. So far we are getting Resistance Tech Rose in the Star Wars [The Last Jedi] Force Link basic figure line and then in both scales of The Black Series [Phase III] line. At Force Friday II product launch, this already beats out the number of Rey, Finn, and Poe (for getting the same outside in all three formats) figures made for the line so far. Although she seems like a “grunt” worker doing whatever she can to show her devotion to the Resistance’s cause, we hope that’s just the start to what she accomplishes in the film.

As far as the action figure is concerned, Resistance Tech Rose is a fairly excellent action figure. Hasbro did right by this figure by not holding back on her deco or sculpt. This looks exactly like the actress playing her. The shape of her face, her familiar hairstyle, and her shorter stature have all been faithfully represented in this very simple action figure. This figure has a much prettier face with more color and makeup, as compared to the super-articulated version, and the hairstyle is much more contained and less flyaway as well. While we always will prefer super-articulation to any other feature, we’d make Resistance Tech Rose an exception and state that the sculpt and paint job are more important here. When you compare the figures side by side you’ll be shocked to see how much the Force Link figure outshines The Black Series [Phase III] version (by a landslide). In our opinion, Resistance Tech Rose doesn’t need ball-jointed hips or swivel thighs. This really affects the contour of her shape (ESPECIALLY in the cod section of the figure). This is a “frumpy” outfit and the super-articulated version makes it look like she is wearing a streamlined bikini instead of a ‘squarish’ and boxy flight suit. This is just one example of what makes this figure better. Resistance Tech Rose comes with a “taser” that can attach to her beltline. And Hasbro also included a Resistance blaster rifle which she can hold very well in her hands. Resistance Tech Rose looks great. She doesn’t seem to be doing well at retail already, but collectors shouldn’t be passing on her.