Jedi Training On Dagobah Battle Pack - Not Just Repacks!

    Things are not always what they seem. How many times have we heard that expression? Well, this expression applies to Hasbro's latest re-released Battle Packs. If you are a zealous collector like myself, (and I say that very lovingly), then you are going to blow your top or smile with glee over the recently released "Jedi Training On Dagobah" Battle Pack that has graced shelves all around the country. Originally thought to be simple repacks, these figures are definitely repainted, some significantly. And one even has a different sculpt!  Ugh! Get ready to moan in agony or delight in pleasure for a new reason to buy this. Click through for additional photos and details!

In the images, the figure on the left is from The Legacy Collection (TLC) Jedi Training On Dagobah from 2008 and the figure on the right is from the corresponding 30 (77-07) (TAC) Jedi Training On Dagobah Battle Pack from 2007. Click on each thumbnail to get a large full size comparison of the two figures.

Spirit Of Obi-Wan Kenobi: This figure has the least dramatic paint change. You need to look at the figures and analyze them side by side to see the subtle differences. No big deal here. Spirit Of Obi-Wan Kenobi is of course a repaint of 2004's OTC Spirit Of Obi-Wan figure.

Luke Skywalker: The TLC version of Luke has dark brown sweat marks painted on his Bespin uniform whereas the original had a much cleaner look. The lightsaber has also been changed from a two piece with a metal hilt to a one piece with a platic hilt. The holster is also painted in a reddish brown while the original was a much darker brown. This figure is a repaint/retool of 2002's SW Luke Skywalker (Bespin Duel) and/or 2004's OTC #26 Luke Skywalker figure(s).

Spirit Of Darth Vader: This figure has the biggest difference from its original. It's a completely different sculpt! So, we now have two unique Spirit of Darth Vader sculpts in the Battle Packs series. The TAC version is a repaint/retool of 2000's POTJ Darth Vader (Dagobah) figure. The TLC version is a repaint/retool of 2001's POTJ Darth Vader (Emperor's Wrath) figure. This sculpt was most recently used for 2007's TAC Darth Vader No. 48 figure, also known as Darth Vader (Holographic Transmission).

R2-D2: R2-D2 has probably one of the biggest paint differences from the original. The blues are much darker and painted in a much better fashion. The dirt markings are more orange in color and evenly painted. R2 is a big improvement. His difference alone makes this set stand out and perhaps a reason worth getting this re-released set. R2-D2 is a repaint of 2004's SW R2-D2 (Jabba's Sail Barge) '04 #05 figure.

Yoda: Yoda is also significantly repainted. In my honest opinion, I believe the TAC Battle Pack verison of this particular figure is better. The reason for this opinion is because the new Yoda seems too brown. Yoda has a lighter outer cloak with a brown shirt underneath. The TLC Yoda has been painted too brown and his fingernails are paintd too brightly. Yoda is a repaint of 2004's Yoda OTC #02 figure.

So there you have it! Hasbro is quite clever. They know how to spiff things up a bit to make it "new" or "new" enough. They consistently reinvent the wheel, and at the same time improve their products. It does seem burdensome to the collector, but at least there is some defense and justification for the quick re-release. Also of note, the Clone Attack On Coruscant Battle Pack and the Jedi Vs Sith Battle Pack also have differences from their originals, but to a much lesser extent. Please note however, that the most discriminating eye will catch these differences. For example, the gray paint on the Coruscant Landing Platform clone troopers is darker than previous releases. I find it curious that Hasbro has cried "COST" and now we only get four figures per the new Battle Packs. Um, these are "new" and we are still getting five figures. I think a fifth simple straight repack figure for the "new" new Battle Packs should still be included and it will ensure steady sales of this healthy line. Otherwise, their actions poke holes in their own argument. Are you buying these? E-mail me and let me know! I would love to hear your impressions of this! Good hunting!