Cantina Showdown - TBS [P2] - Six Inch Figures (Exclusive)

Han Solo and Greedo face off in the Mos Eisley cantina. Han has been dodging the bounty hunter for a long time, but at last Greedo has tracked him down. They sit down at a table to talk, both wary and ready for trouble. And then – blaster fire. The patrons and house band are silent for a moment before resuming their conversations and music. After all, it happens all the time in this remote corner of the lawless Outer Rim.

The outrage was palpable. The words “Cantina Showdown” showed up on a rumor report as a Toys R Us exclusive. And everyone was convinced it was in 3.75” scale. Then an image was leaked which revealed this to be a 6” exclusive. But that wasn’t the only issue with this set. No, the major issue surrounding the Cantina Showdown Toys R Us exclusive was that it contained (at the time) two of the worst peg-warmers the line had ever seen to date. Collectors actually took the time to snap pictures at Toys R Us of shelves overflowing with the Cantina Showdown two-pack next to pegs and pegs of single-packaged Han Solo (#08) and Greedo (#07) The Black Series [Phase I] figures. It may have been one of the most egregious and perplexing exclusives produced in a long time. What toy company floods the shelves with the same two figures over and over again, no matter their popularity? It’s not like we’re talking about Darth Vader here. To make matters even worse, Hasbro added some dioramic elements to the packaging that were made out of cardboard. They didn’t even create new plastic furniture like tables or chair which would have guaranteed a successful sell through of this exclusive. It was a total and utter fail. Basically Hasbro was saying “Here you go longtime collectors who we adore so much: Buy Han Solo and Greedo for $40 separately. Or buy them for $40 together with nothing new inside!” Pure insanity. As you’d might expect, Cantina Showdown became one of the most difficult things for Toys R Us to move at full MSRP.

Han Solo is a slight repaint of 2013’s TBS [P1] Han Solo (#08) figure. There are really very few differences between this version and the one released singly. This exclusive version has a date stamp embossed in gold on the back of his left leg, and there are some differences in the way the hair and face were decorated. The rest of the figure looks the same in all honesty and the verdict is still out on how much this actually looks like Han Solo. Hasbro is still riding a new learning curve and it’s one that will be hopefully be perfected over time. Their biggest obstacle right now are the paint operations.These are great sculpts, but Hasbro is going way too simple with how the head sculpts are approached to make any meaningful likenesses. These sculpts are larger and the deco should be bringing out more detail. The good news is that a figure like Han Solo comes with a wide array of accessories and aside from a few issues with the head sculpt, this action figure is a pretty awesome interpretation of the character. We just didn’t need to see him again so soon. You’ll be able to attain poses that you never thought would be possible, thanks to the accelerated articulation and intriguing joint system he possesses. Han Solo comes with 28 points of articulation which is wonderful of course. His accessories are even better. He comes with a removable holster, an interchangeable Stormtrooper belt, an E-11 blaster rifle, a blaster pistol, a removable vest and two interchangeable hand attachments wearing gloves. To date that is still the most accessories a figure in The Black Series 6” line has come with, so this generous helping of accessories is very nice to see.

Greedo is still, in all honesty, a train wreck. Some have always felt that assessment was too harsh. We apologize, but we just can’t get past the oblong eyes. Greedo has perfectly spherical eyes. From this perspective the sculpt of this figure is all wrong. If you can get past the eyes, then the rest of Greedo is pretty fantastic. His outfit is amazing. A teal colored fitted jumpsuit has the appropriately colored yellow ribbed siding. And the pale orange vest completes his look. The figure even comes with a beautiful wash to highlight its texture. Even his shoes are correctly painted gray. You may or may not be aware, but Greedo sustained a running change where he was given a darker final wash. It basically gave him a completely different color. It is this second running change that has been included in the Cantina Showdown Toys R Us exclusive. Since Han Solo is a little bit different and Greedo is a little bit different (if you don’t own the running change yet), there may ultimately be some value for collectors with this set (although we don’t see that being a reality). Greedo’s sculpt has an athletic frame and can pass for either the male or female actors who played him in Star Wars Episode IV: A New Hope. He comes with a wonderful 28 points of articulation too. Cantina Showdown is more of a slap in the face than a terrible exclusive in all honesty. It was a bad move for Hasbro and Toys R Us got suckered into taking it. Hopefully future sets will contain the newness that collectors deserve while supporting the line.