In the images, the figure on the left is from The Legacy Collection (TLC) Jedi Training
On Dagobah from 2008 and the figure on the right is from
the corresponding 30 (77-07) (TAC) Jedi Training On Dagobah
Battle Pack from 2007. Click on each thumbnail to get a large
full size comparison of the two figures.
Spirit
Of Obi-Wan Kenobi: This figure has the least dramatic
paint change. You need to look at the figures and analyze them
side by side to see the subtle differences. No big deal here. Spirit Of Obi-Wan Kenobi is of course a repaint of 2004's OTC Spirit Of Obi-Wan figure.
Luke
Skywalker: The TLC version of Luke has dark brown sweat
marks painted on his Bespin uniform whereas the original had
a much cleaner look. The lightsaber has also been changed from
a two piece with a metal hilt to a one piece with a platic hilt.
The holster is also painted in a reddish brown while the original
was a much darker brown. This figure is a repaint/retool of 2002's SW Luke Skywalker (Bespin Duel) and/or 2004's OTC #26 Luke Skywalker figure(s).
Spirit
Of Darth Vader: This figure has the biggest difference
from its original. It's a completely different sculpt! So, we
now have two unique Spirit of Darth Vader sculpts in the Battle
Packs series. The TAC version is a repaint/retool of 2000's POTJ
Darth Vader (Dagobah) figure. The TLC version is a repaint/retool
of 2001's POTJ Darth Vader (Emperor's Wrath) figure. This sculpt
was most recently used for 2007's TAC Darth Vader No. 48 figure, also known
as Darth Vader (Holographic Transmission).
R2-D2:
R2-D2 has probably one of the biggest paint differences from
the original. The blues are much darker and painted in a much
better fashion. The dirt markings are more orange in color and
evenly painted. R2 is a big improvement. His difference alone
makes this set stand out and perhaps a reason worth getting this re-released set. R2-D2 is a repaint of 2004's SW R2-D2 (Jabba's Sail Barge) '04 #05 figure.
Yoda:
Yoda is also significantly repainted. In my honest opinion,
I believe the TAC Battle Pack verison of this particular figure
is better. The reason for this opinion is because the new Yoda
seems too brown. Yoda has a lighter outer cloak with a brown shirt
underneath. The TLC Yoda has been painted too brown and his fingernails are paintd too brightly. Yoda is a repaint of 2004's Yoda OTC #02 figure.
So
there you have it! Hasbro is quite clever. They know how to
spiff things up a bit to make it "new" or "new" enough. They consistently reinvent the
wheel, and at the same time improve their products. It does seem burdensome to the collector, but at least there is some defense and justification for the quick re-release. Also of note, the Clone
Attack On Coruscant Battle Pack and the Jedi Vs Sith
Battle Pack also have differences from their originals, but
to a much lesser extent. Please note however, that the most
discriminating eye will catch these differences. For example, the gray paint on the Coruscant Landing Platform clone troopers is darker than previous releases. I find it curious that Hasbro has cried "COST" and now we only get four figures per the new Battle Packs. Um, these are "new" and we are still getting five figures. I think a fifth simple straight repack figure for the "new" new Battle Packs should still be included and it will ensure steady sales of this healthy line. Otherwise, their actions poke holes in their own argument. Are you buying
these? E-mail me
and let me know! I would love to hear your impressions of this!
Good hunting!