Luke Skywalker & Yoda (Jedi Training) - TBS [P3] - Six Inch Figures (D4)

Commemorate the 40th Anniverary of The Empire Strikes Back with Luke Skywalker & Yoda figures. At the urging of Obi-Wan, Yoda agreed to instruct Luke, developing his Jedi abilities.

The Black Series [Phase III] Luke Skywalker (Jedi Training) 6” figure is now available but as part of a two-pack. We imagine that collectors are equally excited for the Yoda (Jedi Training) pack-in figure. Hasbro hasn’t treated Yoda right in the 6” line. The first release was much too big and came with a terrible paint job. Then Hasbro kept re-releasing it with updated paint operations and Photo Real, making that original sculpt look its best. But the size of the character was still an issue. Now 6” collectors can throw away all past versions of Yoda. The new Yoda is to scale (as far as the character’s height), comes with a nice amount of accessories, and a paint job that’s a little too dark, but we approve of it overall. Yoda has a big head with the figure’s smaller body. It’s a minor disappointment. But Yoda interacts flawlessly with Luke Skywalker that you’ll easily overlook any reservations you have with the figure’s proportions. The focus of the Luke Skywalker & Yoda (Jedi Training) set is the interaction of the two characters. Hasbro did a fantastic job here with that. We can’t complain about anything. However, when you focus on the individual figures, it’s easier to point out where things took a wrong turn or wish Hasbro would have remedied before this set’s release. Regardless, we assert that collectors will assess the Luke Skywalker & Yoda (Jedi Training) two-pack as significantly scoring way above satisfactory. Let’s go through both of the figures carefully, and see what could have made them better.

Luke Skywalker (Jedi Training) is the Fans’ Choice winner of The Black Series 6” poll. While it’s coming singly later, Hasbro decided to introduce this character in a Deluxe format instead. The figure is stunning. It is also a figure that you will appreciate with the human eye better than any high-resolution image taken of it on a Star Wars fansite. The Photo Real begins to look too much like [feminine] makeup, and that’s not how the human eyeball registers it in-hand. Hasbro did a brilliant job of working in articulation into the areas of bare skin. The same can't be said for The VIntage Collection Cave Of Evil version.. Luke Skywalker (Jedi Training) is only wearing a tank top, so Hasbro needed to be concerned with how they implemented the articulation throughout the figure. While we won’t claim the joints are hidden, Hasbro did a remarkable job preserving the aesthetics of the character while maintaining an articulation system loaded with movement. You’re able to pose the figure’s arms with hands holding the blue backpack’s straps, which we’re thankful to see implemented here. And thanks to interchangeable parts, you can make the figure do a handstand if desired. Although Luke Skywalker (Jedi Training) isn’t filthy, you will find a smear of dirt on his front and sweat on his back to recreate the character’s physical appearance Dagobah. This version of Luke Skywalker (Jedi Training) is an excellent complement to the earlier-released The Black Series [The Empire Strikes Back 40] Luke Skywalker (Bespin) figure.

As briefly mentioned, Luke Skywalker comes with a pair of interchangeable hands. The left hand is a little wonky for our tastes, but with a bit of patience, you can recreate the handstand from Dagobah. However, Hasbro did NOT include an interchangeable portrait with hair hanging down, and we find this to be a significant disappointment. If you recall, Hasbro gave us two arm attachments and two head attachments for 2004’s OTC Luke Skywalker (OTC #01) figure, and that release still holds up exceptionally well today. The figure also comes with a DL-44 blaster pistol, a lightsaber hilt, and a lightsaber blade. All of the accessories interact beautifully with the figure. No matter how you decide to pose Luke Skywalker (Jedi Training), the articulation system doesn’t inhibit any movement. Coincidentally, the seams of the articulation don’t affect the realism of the figure. The blue backpack that comes with Yoda is technically Yoda’s accessory, even if Luke Skywalker wears it. It has a close/tight fit on Luke Skywalker, and if you have “man hands,” you’re going to experience some frustration securing it shut. There is a tiny pliable plug that you have to press into a hole designed for the snap. Off the figure, it’s a cinch to secure. But on the Luke Skywalker figure, it’s quite a chore because you can’t get your fingers to snap it shut without a fight. With patience, however, it is possible. The all-new Yoda figure fits like a glove in the backpack Luke Skywalker wears. You’re going to love it, guaranteed.

Yoda is going to get a bad rap, unfortunately. Yes, both head sculpts feel too large on the small body provided, but we love how the figure looks regardless. If Hasbro could find it in their hearts to produce a Yoda this same way for The Vintage Collection line, collectors would be delighted people. Across 14 areas, Yoda comes with 22 points of articulation. All of the articulation points are functional and offer the figure a wide range of movement. Yoda can accomplish a wealth of positions that would make any other figure in the line envious. Yoda also comes with a plethora of accessories. These include a removable soft-goods cloak, removable flute, detachable belt, gimer stick, and the Jedi training backpack. But you’re probably going to love the “closed eyes” alternate portrait instead. You can now recreate the scene when Yoda pulls Luke’s X-Wing fighter from the swamp. The Luke Skywalker & Yoda (Jedi Training) two-pack retails for $44.99. We think this is one of the few instances where the Deluxe line is affordable for what Hasbro provided. We get two new super-articulated action figures with extra body parts, and other accessories to complete their outfits. It’s not a bad deal at all. If we had one complaint about Luke, it’s that the figure doesn’t come with an “upside-down” portrait, and Yoda’s skin color is too dark. Other than these two issues, we think this is a lovely way to commemorate the 40th Anniversary of The Empire Strikes Back!