General Rieekan - TSC - Basic (SAGA 012)

We have to tell you. Is there anything more discouraging than when Hasbro develops a stunning portrait for a Star Wars figure that they stick it on an inferior body? This is pretty much the summary of General Rieekan. Just look at that head sculpt. It looks exactly like him. For reasons unknown, Hasbro can easily master “older” characters in the Star Wars universe. The Episode IV Obi-Wan Kenobi figures always look fantastic and General Rieekan looks even more exact. An odd choice for the 2006 basic figure line, General Rieekan has the distinction of being the rarest figure in the entire The Saga Collection. Interestingly however, it didn’t stop him from being a peg warmer. Apparently not a lot of you wanted him or his action figure stand, exclusive to this release. He also comes with a gun, but he really should have come with nothing because he can’t hold it to save his life.

Originally released as 2004’s General Rieekan With Hoth Tactical Screen (Hoth Evacuation) in the Star Wars "Saga" Ultra line (you know, the super-sized action figure card backs), General Rieekan was one of the most exciting from the lot. He came with a nice and big tactical screen that looked like it was pulled right out of Episode V. He had limited movement (actually, as basic as action figures come) but when posed next to the big screen, no one really cared. All this has changed now that the focus has been taken off of the tactical screen and instead onto the actual figure. And because of this we are able to better find his faults. Don’t get us wrong, this figure has one fantastic head sculpt. But Hasbro needs to take it and put it on a new body with a lot more articulation that has no silly pointing poses. Despite essentially being an articulated statue, we have to give credit where credit is due. We have to acknowledge that Hasbro did a fine job on the uniform. It is indeed done very well.

So, are there any differences between the 2004 and the 2006 figures? Yes. Besides not coming with the awesome tactical screen, General Rieekan has quite a few paint application differences. The 2006 figure has lighter hair and thinner eyebrows and his skin complexion is paler. The portions of his uniform that are tan are colored in a different shade of tan. The quilted portion of the coat in the upper chest is also done in a dark tan (almost light brown). There are other finer detail changes as well. The red pocket outlines are in brighter red, his belt and buckle are different colors and his gloves and boots have barely noticeable changes as well. Despite all of these changes, it doesn’t really improve the overall aesthetics of the action figure. Maybe his head looks better, but that was already awesome from the start. It’s nice to see General Rieekan get another chance at retail if you missed him the first time, but he certainly isn’t a figure which should excite you too much. We are still fond of him nonetheless.