Anakin Skywalker (With Theed Hangar Droid) - EI - Action Collection

With the help of R2-D2, Anakin seizes control of a Naboo starfighter and faces swarms of droid fighters above the planet of Naboo.

Hasbro released a fantastic set of smaller-scaled 12 inch Figures for the Episode I line. One of them was Anakin Skywalker, a figure that sported all-new tooling, a beautiful soft-goods outfit, and an articulation system that rivaled most of the full-sized Action Collection figures in the line. But Anakin Skywalker also had a few things going against him as well. Despite having a likeness that looked reminiscent of the onscreen Anakin Skywalker character, the Anakin Skywalker 12 inch Figure didn’t favor actor Jake Lloyd all that well. And the painted-on necklace was a strange way to approach that detail. Oh, and how can any of us forget that the figure came with ZERO accessories (aside from the parts that made up his outfit)? Well, now Hasbro has reinvented the Anakin Skywalker 12 Inch Figure with a proper release that shows how the figure should have been released from the start. If done properly, there is probably no need for a smaller-sized Action Collection line with a lower price point. If enough additions are included with the 12 Inch Figure, Hasbro should be able to set the MSRP the same, regardless of the height of the figure. The new and improved Anakin Skywalker (With Theed Hangar Droid) turned out extremely well and is one of our most favorite releases in the Episode I 12 Inch Figures line.

The biggest update to the Anakin Skywalker (With Theed Hangar Droid) figure is the all-new portrait. Although it looks like Anakin is scowling a bit (as evidenced by the squinting eyes), this new head sculpt is a notably better likeness to actor Jake Lloyd than this figure’s predecessor. The hair might be a little too blonde, but both the details in the face and the shape of the head more accurately reflect the features of the on-screen character. The second update is the inclusion of multiple accessories. Anakin Skywalker (With Theed Hangar Droid) comes with a removable N1 Naboo starfighter helmet, a pair of goggles and another character from Episode I, the Theed Hangar Droid! All of the extra accessories here not only help to provide a scenario of play for kids and collectors, but it also helps to shape a specific look of the character during the Battle of Naboo. The Theed Hangar Droid is another fantastic addition to the Episode I Action Collection line. It is exquisitely detailed with yellow and black warning signs and various lights and communicational devices that stunningly match the prop that what we see in Star Wars Episode I: The Phantom Menace. Hasbro added four rolling wheels to the bottom of the Theed Hangar Droid as well to give it optimum movement. It glides across a smooth surface effortlessly.

For us, we’re most impressed with some of the finer details updated to give Anakin Skywalker (With Theed Hangar Droid) the greatest screen-accuracy possible. Firstly, Hasbro tooled a plastic necklace for him. It’s no longer painted on his upper body like a tattoo. Secondly, they lightened his outfit a few shades and utilized a crisper fabric for the best drape possible. They also added two more accessories which we love as well. Included is a Naboo Fighter Pilot’s helmet and a pair of goggles. Hasbro designed them to fit over Anakin Skywalker’s head exclusively. And they both fit like a glove. You can create many different iterations of Anakin Skywalker from these accessories alone. You can make him wear the helmet without the goggles. Or you can have him wear the goggles without the helmet. But everything looks the best on him when combined. Once fully assembled, you have an eerily realistic miniature version of the character we see unwittingly help the Naboo Security Forces gain a stronghold in the battle against the Separatist Droid Army during the Battle of Naboo. Hasbro managed to squeeze in a whole other Star Wars character (the Theed Hangar Droid) and three additional accessories for only $5 more than the original release. We think it’s worth it, and we hope they continue to release the smaller figures in this manner.