It’s difficult for us to not share an opinion about a Star Wars figure. And whether we’re just confounded about the way the Star Wars line has recently been approached or we just don’t understand (or are unwilling to understand), a figure like Luke Skywalker (Endor) just perplexes us to the point where it’s difficult to express our opinions. We’re going to try nonetheless. In a world where cheapness is priority number one, it’s amazing that we even get half-way decent simple action figures. There is tremendous room for improvement of course, but we almost expect that Hasbro will make us paint the action figures next. We’re thankful for Hasbro’s willingness to focus on characters from Return Of The Jedi. In fact, 75% of this fourth wave of Rebels Saga Legends figures is directly based on the Battle of Endor and all three are the main heroes of the film no less. As a group it is a collector’s dream come true. As a collector you’re probably going to feel the pain in your stomach when you realize that these just weren’t made with you in mind (first). As a statue, Luke Skywalker (Endor) doesn’t look half bad. He could certainly be a lot worst. But how morbidly curious is it that for the first time in Hasbro’s career making Star Wars action figures that for the first time ever the poncho is a permanent part of the figure? Does that strike anyone else as odd?
Of course, making Luke Skywalker (Endor) without a removable poncho creates advantages and disadvantages. The play value of the figure goes right down the drain. You can’t dress him up or down as desired. You can’t utilize him for multiple scenes based on what’s he’s wearing. The permanently molded poncho inhibits the little articulation he does have. Sitting him on a speeder bike is essentially rendered useless now. If you raise his arms, the poncho points upwards as well (this effect happens with all Queen Amidala figures). So the options for this Rebel hero is severely limited and you’re really only left with an action figure that can be utilized in a few display scenes in your collection. No removable anything, and there isn’t even a holster present which we find really disappointing. Granted, he comes with a lightsaber so the focus is really on that accessory, but we all know the multiple parts to the classic Luke Skywalker (Battle Poncho) Kenner figure and this version just does not receive the same respect. We’re quite disappointed with no removable helmet, but we’re sure the accessory budget was killed with the inclusion of Luke’s lightsaber. There is only so much Hasbro can include with a $5.99/$6.99 basic figure nowadays you know. Luke Skywalker (Endor) may interest collectors, but it is such a dramatically different version of Luke Skywalker (Endor) we have ever received. In fact, it’s a first.
One good thing about this figure is that the solid mold creates a very close and believable drape of the poncho. This may be the most streamlined “Luke Skywalker (Battle Poncho)” figure collectors have ever received. He has a flawless center of gravity and can stand unassisted. And the angle of his hands allow the lightsaber to be held in “good enough” positions. Luke Skywalker (Endor) has a pretty nice likeness actually. And our sample didn’t have the worst paint operations. The camouflage pattern on his poncho is far from accurate, but Hasbro honestly did an admirable job of making this look as screen accurate as possible with only one alternating color. This is far from the best version of Luke Skywalker (Endor). The Saga Collection Luke Skywalker (SAGA 044) basic figure and the figure from 2009’s LC Battle For Endor Battle Packs set are worlds more impressive than this Saga Legends version, but if you’re looking for simplicity then this is your figure. We’re most upset about the lack of a removable helmet, but even the vintage Kenner version didn’t have this option. But then again, the vintage Kenner figure also came with a beautiful and removable soft-goods poncho, removable belt and blaster. It’s really apples and oranges. We still strongly feel that Luke Skywalker (Endor) is all about its interchangeability. Simplifying this version of Luke Skywalker is definitely the wrong direction to head. But this may be the new direction for all.
Collector Notes
Luke Skywalker (Endor)
Status: Luke Skywalker (Endor) is an all-new figure.
Articulation Count: 5 points (5 areas of articulation)
Articulation Details: swivel head (1), swivel left shoulder (1), swivel right shoulder (1), swivel left hip (1), swivel right hip (1)
Accessory Count: 1
Accessory Details: lightsaber
Date Stamp: 2014
Assortment Number: B1110/A3857
UPC: 630509283590
Retail: $6.99 USD
Market Value: Click here to check the latest prices based on listings.