Guardians of Evil (Gamestop/Barnes & Noble) - Hasbro - The Black Series [Phase III] (2017)

Emperor’s Royal Guard - ROTJ - Basic

Emperor's Royal Guard

Visual Analysis

Detailed Visual Analysis

General Analysis

The Emperor's Royal Guard was another figure I adored as a young Star Wars fan/collector. There was something quite incredible that Kenner managed to successfully execute in the 80s that Hasbro has significant difficulty doing with modern technology. And that is mastering the proper size and drape of soft-goods. Look at the Emperor's Royal Guard. Could there be a better fitted and more appropriately draped robe than this one? From its contour to its length, the Emperor's Royal Guard sports premium soft-goods that make most modern figures look like total jokes. The Emperor's Royal Guard also comes with a beautifully sculpted staff. Although he cannot hold it up against his chest as the characters do in the film, he still looks fantastic holding it, and warranting off unwelcomed guests in Emperor Palpatine’s chambers. Although you can see most of the figure’s sculpt underneath of his robes, they become permanently damaged if you try to remove them fully, so don’t do that. As a kid, I loved playing with this action figure. I don’t recall the scenarios with which I utilized him, but I do remember always making him an essential part of my playtime. The Emperor's Royal Guard remains a fan-favorite character to this day, and Star Wars collectors everywhere are eager to add him into their collections. Hasbro has made some tremendous modern releases of the Emperor's Royal Guard, but until they make one with a non-removable helmet and appropriately-sized soft-goods, I think the verdict is that we still need a definitive modern update.

Hasbro's Most Definitive Modern Counterpart: 2012's THE VINTAGE COLLECTION Emperor's Royal Guard (VC105) figure.