Tag Archives: Rebel Alliance

You saw our The Pathway To The Vintage Collection Special Report published on August 6th. Now let’s revisit the figures that set The Vintage Collection in motion. Let’s continue moving ahead with 2004’s VOTC See-Threepio (C-3PO) figure in our newly updated review, complete with new text and photos and Visual Guide.

You saw our The Pathway To The Vintage Collection Special Report published on August 6th. Now let’s revisit the figures that set The Vintage Collection in motion. Let’s continue ahead with 2004’s VOTC Han Solo figure in our all-new updated review, complete with new text and photos and Visual Guide.

The Vintage Collection wave 26 Visual Guide updates continue tonight with Luke Skywalker (Stormtrooper) (VC169). Click below to check out the full Visual Guide page for this figure. You can also check out our full review right here in our review database.

Well, color us surprised. Hasbro redid the Photo Real application on this Luke Skywalker (Stormtrooper) figure. We had no idea they intended to update it with any changes at all. It’s an excellent 3.75″ super-articulated action figure. We have a definitive version of this character finally. Are you repurchasing it for your collection? (more….)

Thank you for reading Research Droids Reviews: Season 12!

In 1984, new packaging for Star Wars figures was introduced for the European market. A cost containment initiative, the new packaging sported three languages of the Return Of The Jedi logo for a “one size fits all” approach. Although a “three-logo” design was created for The Power Of The Force line (as evidenced on some ‘boxed’ toys), it wasn’t carried over to the basic figure line’s card design. They continued to use the three Return Of The Jedi logos instead. Although the word “Trilogo” is found nowhere on the packaging, the term is universally adopted by all Star Wars collectors to describe this line of figures.

Today we revisit Lando Calrissian. Lando Calrissian’s Trilogo card art is notably different than its American Kenner counterpart. The image of Lando Calrissian is horizontally flipped and they added bright orange flooding of light that covers most of the character, presumably to imitate the reflection of the orange Bespin sky. The review’s Collector Notes are updated with this information. See the full card art and additional notes by revisiting the 1980’s STAR WARS Lando Calrissian figure HERE.

In 1984, new packaging for Star Wars figures was introduced for the European market. A cost containment initiative, the new packaging sported three languages of the Return Of The Jedi logo for a “one size fits all” approach. Although a “three-logo” design was created for The Power Of The Force line (as evidenced on some ‘boxed’ toys), it wasn’t carried over to the basic figure line’s card design. They continued to use the three Return Of The Jedi logos instead. Although the word “Trilogo” is found nowhere on the packaging, the term is universally adopted by all Star Wars collectors to describe this line of figures.

Today we revisit Han Solo (Hoth Outfit). Han Solo (Hoth Outfit)’s Trilogo card art isn’t much different from the American Kenner packaging. The character’s name was changed to Han Solo (Hoth Battle Gear). The review’s Collector Notes are updated with this information. See the full card art and additional notes by revisiting the 1980’s STAR WARS Han Solo (Hoth Outfit) figure HERE.

In 1984, new packaging for Star Wars figures was introduced for the European market. A cost containment initiative, the new packaging sported three languages of the Return Of The Jedi logo for a “one size fits all” approach. Although a “three-logo” design was created for The Power Of The Force line (as evidenced on some ‘boxed’ toys), it wasn’t carried over to the basic figure line’s card design. They continued to use the three Return Of The Jedi logos instead. Although the word “Trilogo” is found nowhere on the packaging, the term is universally adopted by all Star Wars collectors to describe this line of figures.

Today we revisit Luke Skywalker (Bespin Fatigues). Luke Skywalker (Bespin Fatigues)’s Trilogo card art is a significant departure from the American Kenner packaging. In fact, no other vintage Star Wars card art utilizes this image except for the Trilogo version. It features an alternate take (and different pose) of the “close up” shot Kenner utilized for the running change image, and it’s also flipped 180 degrees horizontally. The review’s Collector Notes are updated with this information. See the full card art and additional notes by revisiting the 1980’s STAR WARS Luke Skywalker (Bespin Fatigues) figure HERE.

It’s a miracle Hasbro made another vehicle in The Black Series [Phase III] 6″ line, but the only reason this one exists is that it’s a Fan Channel exclusive. They’ll probably never again offer another vehicle at Big Box retail again. That aside, we know 6″ collectors will love the Snowspeeder/Dak Ralter set, but 3.75″ collectors will know immediately that Hasbro went cheap on its design. (more….)

Thank you for reading Research Droids Reviews: Season 12!

In 1984, new packaging for Star Wars figures was introduced for the European market. A cost containment initiative, the new packaging sported three languages of the Return Of The Jedi logo for a “one size fits all” approach. Although a “three-logo” design was created for The Power Of The Force line (as evidenced on some ‘boxed’ toys), it wasn’t carried over to the basic figure line’s card design. They continued to use the three Return Of The Jedi logos instead. Although the word “Trilogo” is found nowhere on the packaging, the term is universally adopted by all Star Wars collectors to describe this line of figures.

Today we revisit Rebel Soldier (Hoth Battle Gear). Rebel Soldier (Hoth Battle Gear)’s Trilogo card art doesn’t vary all that much from the 1980 Kenner release. The biggest difference is the revised character name. The Trilogo card back refers to this character as Rebel Soldier (Soldat Rebelle). The review’s Collector Notes are updated with this information. See the full card art and additional notes by revisiting the 1980’s STAR WARS Rebel Soldier (Hoth Battle Gear) figure HERE.

In 1984, new packaging for Star Wars figures was introduced for the European market. A cost containment initiative, the new packaging sported three languages of the Return Of The Jedi logo for a “one size fits all” approach. Although a “three-logo” design was created for The Power Of The Force line (as evidenced on some ‘boxed’ toys), it wasn’t carried over to the basic figure line’s card design. They continued to use the three Return Of The Jedi logos instead. Although the word “Trilogo” is found nowhere on the packaging, the term is universally adopted by all Star Wars collectors to describe this line of figures.

Today we revisit FX-7. FX-7 ’s Trilogo card art features a horizontally-flipped image of the character against a revised starfield gradient background. The character’s name also changed, as Kenner and related companies dropped the “Medical Droid” subtitle. The review’s Collector Notes are updated with this information. See the full card art and additional notes by revisiting 1980’s STAR WARS FX-7 figure HERE.

In 1984, new packaging for Star Wars figures was introduced for the European market. A cost containment initiative, the new packaging sported three languages of the Return Of The Jedi logo for a “one size fits all” approach. Although a “three-logo” design was created for The Power Of The Force line (as evidenced on some ‘boxed’ toys), it wasn’t carried over to the basic figure line’s card design. They continued to use the three Return Of The Jedi logos instead. Although the word “Trilogo” is found nowhere on the packaging, the term is universally adopted by all Star Wars collectors to describe this line of figures.

Today we revisit Princess Leia Organa (Bespin Gown). Princess Leia Organa (Bespin Gown)’s Trilogo card art features the same image from the first version of the original Kenner card art, but this time the background was changed to a gradient orange and white, perhaps to give a contrasting background to Leia’s milky skin. The character’s name also changed, as Kenner and related companies attempted to standardize the way they described Star Wars characters. The review’s Collector Notes are updated with this information. See the full card art and additional notes by revisiting the 1980’s STAR WARS Leia Organa (Bespin Gown) figure HERE.

Isn’t the HyperReal line supposed to give collectors realistic interpretations of on-screen characters? Then why does Luke Skywalker look more like a 5″ Galaxy of Adventures figure instead? Thank the Maker we won’t be seeing any more of these. See why this figure is a disappointment. (more….)

Thank you for reading Research Droids Reviews: Season 12!

In 1984, the new packaging design for Star Wars figures was introduced for the European market. A cost containment initiative, the new packaging sported three languages of the Return Of The Jedi logo for a “one size fits all” approach. Although a “three-logo” design was created for The Power Of The Force line (as evidenced on some ‘boxed’ toys), it wasn’t carried over to the basic figure line’s card design. They continued to use the three Return Of The Jedi logos instead. Although the word “Trilogo” is found nowhere on the packaging, the term is universally adopted by all Star Wars collectors to describe this line of figures.

Today we revisit Luke Skywalker: X-Wing Pilot. In the Trilogo line, the figure was renamed Luke Skywalker (X-Wing Fighter Pilot). The Trilogo card art doesn’t vary much from the original card image, save for more yellowing this time around. The review’s Collector Notes are updated with this information. See the full card art and additional notes by revisiting 1979’s STAR WARS Luke Skywalker: X-Wing Pilot figure HERE.

In 1984, new packaging for Star Wars figures was introduced for the European market. A cost containment initiative, the new packaging sported three languages of the Return Of The Jedi logo for a “one size fits all” approach. Although a “three-logo” design was created for The Power Of The Force line (as evidenced on some ‘boxed’ toys), it wasn’t carried over to the basic figure line’s card design. They continued to use the three Return Of The Jedi logos instead. Although the word “Trilogo” is found nowhere on the packaging, the term is universally adopted by all Star Wars collectors to describe this line of figures.

Today we revisit Hammerhead. It didn’t come in standard Trilogo packaging. Instead, it was packaged in what the collecting community deems as “Trilogo Hybrid” packaging. The card front is nearly identical to the Kenner Return Of The Jedi Hammerhead figure, while the back features the Trilogo logo and figure group shot. You’ll notice that the card art for this version is significantly “darker” than the first STAR WARS version. The review’s Collector Notes are updated with this information. See the full card art and additional notes by revisiting 1979’s STAR WARS Hammerhead figure HERE.

The third time is the charm! Hasbro finally perfected The Vintage Collection General Lando Calrissian (VC47) figure. It might be the best-looking figure from this newest wave of repacks. Amazingly, they trimmed down the length of the cape, and it looks SO MUCH better. There are other updates too. We took the time to break it all down for you by producing an all-new 80-image gallery complete with comparison shots, dioramas, and a breakdown of what separates the 2011 version from the 2020 new release in the Collector Notes. These figures are shipping through the “Fan Channel” as we speak, but you can see this excellent figure updated in our RDRs now! There’s more difference here than you may realize. The Photo Real technology on this figure is astounding!

There are a number of changes made to the re-released The Vintage Collection Han Solo (Bespin) (VC50) figure. We took the time to break it all down for you by producing an all-new 80-image gallery complete with comparison shots, dioramas, and a breakdown of what separates the 2011 version from the 2020 new release in the Collector Notes. The breakdown is that this is the best version of this action figure to date. You’ll need MANY of them! You can probably find Han Solo (Bespin) (VC50) at your local TARGET and WALMART stores now. If not, orders should begin shipping to the “Fan Channel” shortly. As with many other re-released figures, there’s more difference here than you may think. The Photo Real technology worked well here.!

There have been a significant number of changes made to the re-released The Vintage Collection See-Threepio (C-3PO) (VC06) figure. We took the time to break it all down for you by producing an all-new 68-image gallery complete with comparison shots, dioramas, and a breakdown of what separates the 2010 version from the 2020 new release. (Hasbro has released this figure every five years since 2010!) You can probably find See-Threepio (C-3PO) (VC06) at your local TARGET and WALMART stores now. If not, orders should begin shipping from the “Fan Channel” shortly. As usual, there’s more difference here than you may believe, including a possible retooling that benefits the aesthetics of the head sculpt! Be sure to acclimate yourself to the many changes!

There have been a significant number of changes made to the re-released The Vintage Collection Luke Skywalker (Bespin) (VC04) figure. We took the time to break it all down for you by producing an all-new 80-image gallery. The new gallery includes comparison shots, dioramas, and a breakdown of what separates the 2010 version from the 2020 new release. (Do you believe a decade transpired in between their respective releases?) You can probably find Luke Skywalker (Bespin) (VC04) at your local TARGET and WALMART stores now. If not, orders should begin shipping from the “Fan Channel” shortly. There are more differences here than you may believe. Be sure to acclimate yourself to the many changes!

Today’s Visual Guide update features the next exclusive figure/game combo from the Retro Collection. Click below to check out our full Visual Guide of the Hoth Ice Planet Adventure Game/Luke Skywalker (Snowspeeder) set. Make sure to also check out our full review right here.

The Hoth Ice Planet Adventure Game [Exclusive Luke Skywalker (Snowspeeder) Figure] Board Game is loads of fun. But you’re probably going to buy it for the Retro Collection pack-in figure. Hey! The “banana” visor is back in full force! See our HUGE gallery in our review today. Will you buy one for yourself? (more….)

Thank you for reading Research Droids Reviews: Season 12!

It’s the last one from the first wave! Do you recall how Hasbro treated 3.75″ super-articulated collectors when it came to celebrating the 40th Anniversary of A New Hope? The Titanium Series Han Solo is another one of the ways to remember how we got to celebrate the four-decade landmark. (more….)

Thank you for reading Research Droids Reviews: Season 12!

In 1984, new packaging for Star Wars figures was introduced for the European market. A cost containment initiative, the new packaging sported three languages of the Return Of The Jedi logo for a “one size fits all” approach. Although a “three-logo” design was created for The Power Of The Force line (as evidenced on some ‘boxed’ toys), it wasn’t carried over to the basic figure line’s card design. They continued to use the three Return Of The Jedi logos instead. Although the word “Trilogo” is found nowhere on the packaging, the term is universally adopted by all Star Wars collectors to describe this line of figures.

Today we revisit Han Solo. Han Solo’s Trilogo card art features an alternate image of the character with a background of the halls of the Death Star. For one strange reason or another, Kenner neglected to finish the image below Han Solo’s wast, resulting in a “pink underwear” reveal. The artists at Kenner “airbrushed” the bottom half of the character that didn’t exist in the original publicity shot. Most of the background is “fake” and also part of the “airbrushing” technique of the early eighties. It was also used for the running change American Kenner Return Of The Jedi figure. The review’s Collector Notes are updated with this information. See the full card art and additional notes by revisiting 1978’s STAR WARS Han Solo figure HERE.

Next up from wave 2 of The Black Series 40th anniversary line is our Visual Guide of Artoo-detoo (R2-D2) (Dagobah). Click below for our full Visual Guide page. You can also get the full breakdown of this figure right here in our complete review.

Hasbro misspelled the name. They designed a new card back and developed a character name that didn’t need to be created. Oh, and the paint operations are terrible. And lastly, the figure is still too small. Find out why The Black Series [The Empire Strikes Back 40] Artoo-detoo (R2-D2) (Dagobah) figure SHOULD have been released as 1982’s ESB ARTOO-DETOO (R2-D2) [Sensorscope] instead if they had to re-release it at all. (more….)

Thank you for reading Research Droids Reviews: Season 12!

Let’s continue to look at The Black Series 40th anniversary with a Visual Guide update of the Rebel Soldier (Hoth) figure. Click below for our full Visual Guide page. Also check out our full review of this figure right here.