Luke Skywalker (Endor) - TVC - Basic (VC198)

Is the current Hasbro Star Wars team aware that they now have TWO Luke Skywalker (Endor) figures in the line wearing two different outfits? Look, we have no problem when every Darth Vader figure is called “Darth Vader” or when every Boba Fett figure gets called “Boba Fett.” But when a character receives a subtitle for a specific scene in a Star Wars film, the subtitle needs to remain unique to that figure. Hasbro shot themselves in the foot when they renamed 2010’s TVC Luke Skywalker (Endor Capture) (VC23) figure as Luke Skywalker (Endor). Coincidentally, the VC23 figure is the basis for the VC198 figure, so maybe it’s not out of the realm of possibility that Hasbro called both figures by the same name (and subtitle). We’re a bit off course with this review already, but when things bother us, we’re compelled to let you know. Whether or not the name of the figure bothers you, we have to commend Hasbro for a job well done here. We acknowledge that the shortcuts Hasbro took here annoy us greatly, but whatever your feelings are on this figure’s approach, it looks fantastic. At the very least, you should extend grace to this figure as scene-specific, even it’s for only a few frames of film. What’s our point here? Hasbro fashioned Luke Skywalker (Endor) (VC198) after 1985’s POTF Luke Skywalker (In Battle Poncho) figure. And perhaps they should not mimic the gimmick of the vintage Kenner figures. So, this release is not as progressive as most other figures in The Vintage Collection. May we suggest you overlook its shortcomings?

To mirror the approach Kenner took with 1985’s POTF Luke Skywalker (In Battle Poncho), Hasbro opted for 2021’s TVC Luke Skywalker (Endor) (VC198) figure to have a non-removable helmet. Although much to the chagrin of the collecting community, the all-new portrait turned out spectacularly well. Whether viewing it from side views or straight on, Luke Skywalker (Endor) captures the screen-accurate likeness of the on-screen character. We’re quite taken with how much it looks like Mark Hamill. At the same time, we’re equally disappointed that the figure doesn’t come with a removable helmet. The character only wears the helmet upon the Rebel Alliance’s arrival on Endor and during the speeder bike chase, but the character no longer wears it after these scenes. It’s a shame we don’t have the flexibility or option to have a” definitive” version of this character with a removable helmet, but that’s The Vintage Collection collectors’ lot in life these days. Admittedly, Luke Skywalker (Endor) looks excellent fully outfitted. There is no point removing the poncho because the figure seems ridiculous in the Jedi Knight outfit with a permanently affixed helmet. So, collectors should expect to use this figure as it comes prepared in the packaging: fully dressed. We must point out that the elastic belt on this figure is horrid. Hasbro should have tooled a simple black plastic belt for a better fit and look.

To keep with the theme of the original 1985 POTF Luke Skywalker (In Battle Poncho) figure, Hasbro provided the same skiff guard blaster that the vintage Kenner figure had. We find its inclusion a bit sarcastic. It’s evident to all Star Wars collectors that Luke Skywalker never held or used this weapon while on Endor, so adding it here for posterity is a wasted gesture. In a different move, Hasbro added both a hilt and lightsaber with Luke Skywalker. Because the base figure is 2010’s/2019’s TVC Luke Skywalker (Endor [Endor Capture/Jedi Knight Outfit]) (VC23) release, there is a hole drilled into the figure’s belt to hold the hilt, which comes with a plug. Unfortunately, you can’t see the lightsaber hanging while earing the poncho. By the way, the all-new poncho is excellent, albeit cut from cheap material. Our sample had a few “runs” throughout it, and the material’s shininess proves it’s of inferior quality. However, it looks beautiful, and we’re happy with its cut. You’ll have to be the judge and jury on whether or not you’ll consider 2021’s TVC Luke Skywalker (Endor) (VC198) the definitive modern counterpart or replacement for 1985’s POTF Luke Skywalker (In Battle Poncho) figure. For us, it meets the requirements. But we share your dissatisfaction that it comes with a non-removable helmet. That said, the figure looks excellent and is in perfect alignment with the rest of the “Jedi” Luke Skywalker figures released in The Vintage Collection.