It's only February and I've already purchased as many Star Wars: The Black Series figures this year as I did last year! The number for both years is only two (and only three in 2023), which is more of a critique of the line and my interest in it for last year, I guess. This year started off with all new versions of Luke Skywalker and Princess Leia Organa from Star Wars: A New Hope and I really wanted both of them. It doesn't get much more classic than these two and it really was time for a new version of the Skywalker siblings from the original film. The first Black Series Luke in his Tatooine gear was released in 2016 in the Phase III line and it was just OK, even back then. Hasbro tried to go for soft goods for Luke's tunic; it was a decent choice, but the execution wasn't perfect nor was the headsculpt one to write home. Collectors will debate until the end of time about why Mark Hamill, Carrie Fisher, and Harrison Ford have likenesses that seem to be so difficult to capture but Hasbro has been improving, especially since they've been using the face printing work on their figures for better details. I remember how impressed I was when I upgraded my POTF2 Luke Skywalker (He-Luke!) to the Luke from the Purchase of the Droids cinema scene, and that was only about a 2 year gap. Heck, remember the "Flashback" Episode I tie-in Luke Skywalker with his rifle, floppy hat, and binoculars from 1999? He had elbow joints. Elbow joints! This new Black Series Luke feels like a worthy upgrade, so let's check him out after the break...
The Facts:
Height: 5 3/4 inches
Articulation: Swivel/hinge ankles, swivel/hinge knees, ball jointed hips, ball jointed waist, swivel/hinge shoulders w/ lateral "butterfly" joints, swivel biceps, swivel/ hinge elbows, swivel/hinge wrists, balljointed neck, and a barbell jointed head.
Accessories: Lightsaber hilt with removable blade, belt pouch, and macrobinouclars.
Non-Scalper Price: $25 dollars
The Positives:
* Overall, I think this is just a better looking figure thanks to the plastic sculpted tunic versus the rubber tunic. Soft goods can be done well in this scale, but they tend to work better on items like capes, trench coats, ponchos, and the like. Luke's tunic just didn't drape right on the previous figure. This one looks excellent, however. The main body of the tunic is an overlay made from a softer rubber. The belt is also a separate (but non-removable) piece while the bottom of the tunic is also separate, but the waist joint is hidden by the belt, so you don't realize the tunic is split into two pieces. The colors look excellent to my eyes and the fit seems correct. It's not a form fitted garment and almost looks oversized on Luke's slender frame. Luke's a very atypical hero when you think about it as he's not particularly muscular or confident at the beginning of his journey, and this figure does capture this Jedi Master's humble farm boy origins quite well.
I'm really quite glad that Hasbro has went back and revisited this version of Luke Skywalker in the Black Series. The original figure was never all that impressive so this one really is a huge leap forward. He's a bit light on accessories, but that's kind of par for the course for the Black Series. Fortunately, between the Landspeeder Luke with his hat, poncho, and rifle, and the "Skywalker Strikes" Luke with his helmet and training remote, we've had most accessories I want. An alternate Stormtrooper belt would have been cool with this guy. Figure-wise, this is an excellent Luke. The design is excellent, the articulation should allow you to get most poses you'd want, and the likeness is better than most other A new Hope versions of Luke in this scale. This is a Great and a 1/2 figure and a retread of a design we've already received that's definitely worth revisiting. I actually sold my A New Hope Luke, Leia, and Han Solo last year when these were announced and now I'm glad I did.
Looking for more of Luke Skywalker? Then swing by Tosche Station for all of my Luke Skywalker reviews.
For more Star Wars: The Black Series Phase IV reviews check out the following:
Princess Leia Organa (Endor)
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