Ahsoka Tano - TCW [R] - Basic (CW23)

By now, Ahsoka is used to the bold ideas of her Jedi Master, Anakin Skywalker. When she and Anakin must board a Separatist ship but have no assault craft, Ahsoka knows "Skyguy" will come up with a plan. She soon finds herself being dropped through space in an AT-TE walker and onto the enemy frigate as droid fighters fire on them!

The Clone Wars continues to provide us with multiple incarnations of our favorite characters in addition to multiple versions of new characters. Take Ahsoka Tano for example. She had first been released as an action figure in her Jedi Padawan outfit (a look that we find hard to accept to be honest; Twi'leks are the ones who wear sexy and revealing costumes, not the Togruta species who traditionally wear more conservative clothing). And now she comes fully clothed with a “space suit” and removable clear-domed helmet. It is a pretty cool outfit overall and the action figure has been fairly well replicated from her appearance in the television episode (although maybe a shade or two off in color). Ahsoka is an all-new figure, although quite a few parts on her including her right arm and legs seem to be barely retooled from her first inception as 2008's TCW Ahsoka Tano (No. 9) figure. But after careful review you will see that they are different especially at the joints. You can see the changes clearly here. We are surprised that Hasbro has spent the time to retool her face/head, but apparently the goal was to give her more of an angry or defensive sneer. The goal was absolutely accomplished. This particular Ahsoka expression clearly warns not to tread on her.

We know that color doesn't translate perfectly well all the time from screen to action figure. But Ahsoka's uniform looks to be a bit off from the way it appeared in the television episode; it's not terrible but it is a bit noticeable. Also, we are not exactly sure why this happens on some accessories, but her lightsaber blade color looks washed or bleached out. These blades should be vibrant and bright so we don't know what is happening at the factory level here. These small disappointments are not deal breakers, but we can't help but notice them. On a more positive note, Ahsoka has a wonderful 12 points of articulation which is just enough to pose her the way you want. She is only lacking wrist joints, but she has swivel elbow joints which allow you to pose her lightsaber in almost any direction you desire. The helmet that she comes with gives her head a "through a magnifying glass" look where it comes across a little too big and distorted for her body. But it was a neat finishing touch for her uniform and we believe it was the best Hasbro could do. You will find varying degrees of clarity on the helmet, so we recommend taking some time on finding the most obviously crystal clear helmet you can find. (Some have been found with the slightest yellowing already!) The chevron pattern on her head is quite stunning and has too been captured very beautifully on the figure. Ahsoka has quite a few paint applications on her head, all of which we are thankful that Hasbro included.

To date, we have received three of the most popular heroes in The Clone Wars in space suits. And together they look fantastic, although they have yet to appear together as such in one episode. It is a classic look for a modern action figure. It borrows a design that dates back to the earliest manifestation of a 'space man' that history has revealed. Reinvented nostalgia always works well for Star Wars. Familiar lived in looks for devices and costumes always make things more believable. We look forward to more outfits from this very popular heroine as we think additional costume changes will only drive home the point of her importance in the series. Ahsoka, who is essentially a new character, quickly became a staple in the TV show. In fact, the first release of her in action figure form is one of the best selling ever for Hasbro. This says a great deal about her staying power. Time will tell where the story of her goes and we are curious to know if she will play a part in the darker direction that the show has been rumored to go for Season 2. Whatever direction the show goes, we are confident that Ahsoka will remain having an important role in it. To date, the figure has been readily available at retail. It will be interesting to see where the future takes her.