Rey (Island Journey) - SW [TLJ] - Basic

Added: October 24th 2017
Category: Star Wars [The Last Jedi]
Reviewer: Paul Harrison
Score:

Name: Rey (Island Journey)
Collection: Star Wars [The Last Jedi]
Number: N/A
Source: The Last Jedi
Availability: October 2017
License: Hasbro

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“You are my sunshine, my only sunshine. You make me happy when skies are gray. You'll never know dear, how much I love you. Please don't take my sunshine away.” For us it feels like this is how many people who enjoy Rey's character seem to view her. We’ve never been able to understand how so many of her flawless characteristics (from our perceptions) have gone overlooked by fans (both old and new), but it’s something that we have felt has always cheapened what could have been a much stronger character. Rey has appealed to a new generation of Star Wars fans, while seemingly alienating a significant portion of the old generation of fans. Some are blinded by her perfection, while many others of us can’t ignore it. For us, this creates an inauthentic character, and it is not something we've been able to overlook. Many who do like Rey's character are unwilling to acknowledge these points, and we see cheering comments that it’s refreshing to see a female lead in the Sequel Trilogy much more loudly than if the story or character development were good. Is a female lead priority number one over a good plot or an authentic character? Or why can’t the female lead be a character that engages, shows growth, shows wonderment and is a real and earthy character? So far Rey hasn't shown these things. A good story and plot shouldn’t get pushed to the backburner in favor of gender or anything else similar. It would be wonderful if we see a more realistic version of Rey take over for Episode 8. It’s time to get down to the story. But we’re concerned about that too. Now all of a sudden she is in need of Jedi training by Jedi Master Luke Skywalker? But even those points are convoluted, and rumors abound that she will be so far superior to any previous Star Wars character that she is going to save him from his darkness.

The point here is that we’re probably going to see Rey for a very long time. Hasbro has to make her a focus of their respect in the light to help Luke Skywalker get saved from his darkness., (Hopefully,, it’s a rumor.) But it is beginning to feel like a wash, rinse and repeat now. No Hasbro makes a new Rey (Island Journey) figure, and it is honestly just more of the same that we have already seen. Rey (Island Journey) is an all-new figure, but this outfit is based on the 2016 TFA Rey (Resistance Outfit) figure. (Remember the drama surrounding THAT figure?) Now, it’s probably safe to say that the Rey (Island Journey) figure is an all-new sculpt, but it’s evident that Hasbro referenced/used some parts of the 2016 release to make this one. Of course, there are additional parts included here as well. In addition to the blaster pistol, lightsaber, and removable vest, Hasbro has also included a removable poncho which is apparently screen specific to Star Wars Episode VIII: The Last Jedi. Rey (Island Journey) is painted completely differently as well. While there were elements of tans and browns, this release sees more uses of grays and creams. But we want to be clear and assert that you will see quite a few similarities between the two figures. The portraits don’t share the same sculpt, and while it has sloppy paint operations, we still think Rey (Island Journey) ultimately has the better design. When fully assembled, Rey (Island Journey) looks too bulky for our tastes. You can’t layer a simple 5POA action figure this thickly and make it look right. Hasbro tried, but it sadly has failed. Most collectors will be posing this figure without her poncho for the mere fact of how odd it looks. This extra accessory has hurt the aesthetics of this figure a little too much.

If you’re into articulation, you’ll be happy to know that Rey (Island Journey) comes with two extra points of articulation: swivel elbows. We loathe swivel elbows generally speaking, but the ones included with this figure aren’t too terrible. They help to allow her to pose her lightsaber in more natural poses. But if you’re looking to achieve some extremely dynamic poses then this extra articulation isn’t going to help you out all that much. The joints aren’t angled-cut, so you do get nice fluid motion from them. It could be worse here. Thankfully these joints assist the collector more than harm the aesthetics of the sculpt. Paint operations are still a bone of contention for us. And in the case of Rey (Island Journey), we don’t think the paint job meets our expectations as much as it should. The eyes aren’t even, the coloring is sloppy, and the lines aren’t as crisp as they need to be here. We hope that Hasbro will put fixes in place soon to prevent issues that make great sculpts not looks as great as they should. Part of the Force Link basic figure line, Rey (Island Journey) says four phrases and then grunts (as if she is involved with some heavy duty Jedi training) with the Force Link technology. There are also other sound effects added in like lightsabers igniting and shutting down. Admittedly it is a fun feature to enclose with action figures, and we’re happy it is making both kids and collectors enjoy the toy line even more than usual. It would be great if we got a Star Wars lead a strong and as powerful as characters like Ripley, Sarah Connor and Michonne from The Walking Dead. But unless we see the emotions, vulnerabilities as well as the failures and successes of Rey, we fear that she won't have the longevity and staying power of so many other great Star Wars characters in the Star Wars saga.

Editor's Note: Due to misinterpretations of my opening paragraph, I have decided to rework my thoughts a little more clearly. If you read the first version and were put off by it, please read this revision. I apologize that I didn't articulate my judgment of Rey's character clearly enough. Here's hoping the character of Rey impresses in Episode 8, because her character certainly didn't impress in Episode VII. Thank you! PH

Collector Notes

Rey (Island Journey)

Status: Rey (Island Journey) is an all-new figure.

Articulation Count: 7 points (7 areas of articulation)

Articulation Details: ball-socket head (1), swivel left shoulder (1), swivel right shoulder (1), swivel left elbow (1), swivel right elbow (1), swivel left hip (1), swivel right hip (1)

Accessory Count: 4

Accessory Details: removable poncho, lightsaber, blaster, removable vest

Force Link Details: "I'm Rey." • "Help me with this! Quick!" • "The Resistance sent me." • "You're a monster!" • *grunt* • *sound effects*

Date Stamp: N/A

Assortment Number: C3528/C1503

UPC: 630509596409

Retail: $7.99 USD

Market Value: Click here to check the latest prices based on Click here to check the market value on eBay! listings.

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