Luminara Unduli (Jedi Master) - SW [S - P1] - Basic (’02 #26)

Episode II provided Star Wars fans with a monumental Jedi battle sequence in its conclusion during the Geonosis arena skirmish. In these last 30 minutes of the film, the meat of the story hung here, and fans found the final act the most interesting. It also launched the opening scenes from the start of the Clone Wars. After all, what’s not to like about Jedi and clones battling the Droid Army? These scenes provided sensory overload to Star Wars fans and introduced us to more Jedi Masters and Jedi Knights than any of us could remember. We developed an affection for so many of them only through reference materials and stills. But one of the more front and center stage Jedi seen in Attack of The Clones was Luminara Unduli. A few times in the film, she appeared alongside her apprentice Barriss Offee, a Padawan under her tutelage. We saw them in Chancellor Palpatine’s office, and we also saw them battling in the Battle of Geonosis as they helped save the three main heroes from the Petranaki Arena. Luminara Unduli created a more substantial following, and the character was the focus of the female Jedi Hasbro wanted to produce in the Star Wars “Saga” line.

It’s our opinion, however, that the action figure of Luminara Unduli (Jedi Master) didn’t turn out that great. If you’re looking for a miniature Star Wars Unleashed figure on a much smaller scale, this is a great action figure for you. But we think that the figures that come with these dynamic and action-oriented poses leave quite a bit to be desired because, by definition, they defeat the purpose of an action figure. Limiting an action figure to less than a handful of poses is not what collectors are interested in seeing, and we doubt that kids will find these any more interesting. But that’s how Luminara Unduli (Jedi Master) arrived at retail and dismayed collectors of all ages. The figure looks fantastic on a shelf, but forget about doing anything meaningful when posing it because the action figure comes with minimal articulation. Luminara Unduli (Jedi Master) comes with a hilt, removable green lightsaber blade, and a blast effect. The packaging boasts that it comes with a removable cloak too. We suppose there is truth to that, but you need to pop off the arms (which is very difficult to do) to slide the cloak off the body. When you have to take this aggressive action to remove an accessory, we typically don’t like to reference them as “removable” accessories.

The sculpt of Luminara Unduli (Jedi Master) is quite excellent. The details in the very dark Jedi outfit are beyond impressive. Although dark, there are little highlights of color, especially in the tabard, that give the character the right amount of accent. The teal-colored eyes haven’t been replicated perfectly on this action figure, but you get enough of an idea of the on-screen appearance, and we think Hasbro did a pretty good job on the figure’s portrait. Luminara Unduli (Jedi Master) comes with swivel articulation in the head, but the headdress obstructs 360-degree movement. So it’s inhibited at best. (It still looks nice, however.) Luminara Unduli (Jedi Master) has a nice layered appearance, but we don’t think this figure possesses the wow factor for your complete satisfaction. Star Wars Episode II: Attack Of The Clones is filled with so many new characters that it will take some time to get fully acclimated. Thankfully we have a basic figure line that does most of the work by introducing the characters to us. Luminara Unduli (Jedi Master) isn’t terrible, but we know that you will want more than what Hasbro’s offering here. Until better versions come, this release is all we have until better versions come, so be patient.