Paploo - TVC - Basic (VC190)

Sigh. If there was one figure we were personally eager to see updated in The Vintage Collection, it was Paploo. It killed us when Hasbro released the final card art imagery, but now that we have the loose figure, we’re utterly deflated with the final product. How could Hasbro be so reckless and irresponsible with producing this action figure for The Vintage Collection? The Vintage Collection offers Hasbro the opportunity to correct the reference card art images of the original Kenner lineup. Look at what they did with Ponda Baba (Walrus Man) (VC70) and Emperor’s Royal Guard (VC105). So, why didn’t they correct the cart art to 1984’s ROTJ Paploo figure, especially since Kenner had the reference image to Paploo in their archive but attributed it to the incorrect action figure? They also chose the wrong color of yellow for the nameplate and figure backer. And let’s pretend for a minute that the wrong card art doesn’t bother you. Well, the action figure will upset you because there is nothing new here except the accessories. Hasbro repainted 2012’s TVC Lumat (VC104) figure and called it a day. We’re getting Lumat AGAIN but in a different color. How irresponsible is this? We understand that some Ewoks share many similar features, and many look alike except for the color of their fur. But Paploo’s on-screen countenance was distinct and unique. And Hasbro managed to capture the Ewok’s expressive nature in every action figure produced of the character from 1984 until before releasing this version.

The first Paploo released was 1984’s ROTJ Paploo figure. It looks like the on-screen character. Then came Paploo from 2002’s POTJ Imperial AT-ST & Speeder Bike Toys R Us exclusive. That was a cobbled-together figure, but it still resembled Paploo. Then Hasbro made a fantastic Paploo action figure in 2009’s LC Ewoks (BD18) two-pack. While the likeness was superb (they captured the character’s facial likeness splendidly), the figure was much too short. And collectors hoped that one more update would force Hasbro to correct the height issue of the Ewok. They fixed the height of Paploo with The Vintage Collection version, but they took multiple steps back with the likeness. All they did was repaint 2012’s TVC Lumat (VC104) figure. They didn’t retool a blessed part of the head to make it looks like Paploo. It’s a major disappointment to see a half-baked Paploo enter The Vintage Collection. This Walmart exclusive release of Paploo is likely the last time we’ll ever see this character produced in a 3.75-inch scale, and what a shame that Hasbro didn’t go out with a bang, both with card art and the figure itself, before releasing it into production. This nonsense is the hand that The Vintage Collection collectors have been dealt. What makes this more painful is that this is the definitive Paploo action figure now. It’s not perfect by a long shot, but it’s the best version we have, both for packaging and articulation.

Still, the figure has issues, and they’re not redeemable without new tooling. Firstly, Paploo needs an all-new head sculpt. If Hasbro can make an action figure look like Paploo in 2009, they can make it look better in 2021. They went the other direction with this release, and it’s very disconcerting. We must also point out a problem with Paploo’s cowl. It’s too big for the figure. Paploo’s face doesn’t sit flush with the opening of the cowl hood, so there is a gap of “air,” which makes it impossible to see the figure’s face. Paploo has dark fur, and you can barely make out the facial features without holding it under the light because not enough light enters the opening in the cowl with the face not up against it, muddying the details. The belt and sheath combination piece is removable. And the knife sits comfortably in the sheath when not in use. These accessories are acceptable. But we’re also not fond of staff either. It might be screen accurate, but Paploo has to hold it either high or low. There is no “middle” portion of the staff where the grip is comfortable. As you can see, Paploo is a disappointment. We wanted to fall in love with this action figure, but what Hasbro did with this figure is a betrayal. Because the face is so difficult to see, we anticipate the figure will look good in your collection. But you should know that Hasbro took too many unacceptable shortcuts here. And we’re bothered by it immensely.