TIE Interceptor - POTJ - Vehicles (Exclusive)

Exceptionally fast and highly maneuverable, the TIE Interceptor's design made it an impressive adversary when the Alliance launched its all or nothing attack to destroy the second Death Star above Endor. With blaster cannons firing, swarms of TIE Interceptors were dispatched to engage the Alliance's fighters, unleashing a furious defensive assault to protect the Death Star. Though gallant in their efforts, the TIE Interceptors could not defeat the Alliance, and the Death Star was obliterated.

Each of the three biggest retailers were given an impressive exclusive to sell from the Power Of The Jedi line. Toys R Us perhaps received one of the most long-awaited reissues (with a modern flare) as they were commissioned to pick up the TIE Interceptor, a vehicle that was last released in 1984. The first modern update to this vehicle was as exciting as it was needed. And Hasbro perfected it by giving it the many enhancements it deserved. Reusing the cockpit from 1995’s POTF2 TIE Fighter vehicle, Hasbro then sculpted all-new wings, complete with solar panel texture, to create as closely as possible a screen accurate version of these lightning fast and aggressive Imperial vehicles seen in Star Wars Episode VI: Return Of The Jedi. The 2001 POTJ TIE Interceptor is a very nice update to the classic Kenner toy. What grabs us the most is that there are no more decals to give the wings their unique texture, but actual “texture” instead. It’s quite astounding how well the final vehicle turned out and those that had been praying to see this vehicle updated in this fashion now have their prayers finally answered. It may also fall into the “obscure” category as a vehicle that didn’t get that much screen time in the films, but it’s one that collectors wanted updated and thankfully Hasbro obliged.

The TIE Interceptor has a wonderfully sleek design. It makes sense by their design alone why they are able to fly so quickly throughout space. Hasbro replicated the vehicle’s fine points so well we have to say that we’re thoroughly impressed. The new approach to actually sculpt the wings bumpy solar texture is so appreciated, it’s hard to believe that we were actually satisfied with the huge decals manufactured for the classic Kenner release. Although the Power Of The Jedi packaging lacks on so many levels and we wish this release had more of a vintage feel to it, it’s been packaged in a way that is enticing and makes you want to tear the vehicle from its box to thoroughly enjoys its enhancements. The coloring and paint job is done very well also. These vehicles whiz by so quickly in the film that it’s difficult to note if they got the right shade of gray or not, but we think that it’s pretty much spot on, even if only with a cursory look, and there isn’t much more room for improvement as far as we’re concerned. The TIE Interceptor nicely sits upright thanks to a great design of the new wings, and whether you have it on a shelf or you’re flying it around your room, the TIE Interceptor is a gorgeous vehicle for your collection.

Included is a “unique” Imperial Pilot. What makes the figure unique is that Hasbro update the legs and included hinge-jointed knees so that the figure can occupy the cockpit in a much more believable way. But aside from the update, the figure is just updated from 1996’s POTF2 TIE Fighter Pilot figure, a figure that looked decent for its time, but is now aging out. Other than that, there really isn’t that much more to expect from the TIE Interceptor. It still has the simulated battle-damage feature. When you press the activation buttons on the hull of the ship, the wings blast off to recreate that the ship has sustained damage. It’s gimmicky at best, but it’s a great feature for kids and it certainly makes breaking down the vehicle and storing all the easier. The Toys R Us exclusive TIE Interceptor retails for $29.99. This is a hefty price since the TIE Fighter only cost about $19.99. But keep in mind the new wing tooling. And also remember that this is the first modern release of this vehicle and that MSRP should be quite a bit easier to swallow. We’re impressed with this particular version of the TIE Interceptor. It was overdue to be released, but thankfully it’s been updated to make the wait all the more worthwhile. Be sure to grab one for your collection.