Luke Skywalker (Imperial Stormtrooper Outfit) - POTF - Basic

Young adventurer who rescued PRINCESS LEIA from the detention center of the original DEATH STAR battle station.

I always wondered why Kenner didn’t name this figure with the word “disguise” in its subtitle. It’s not like Imperial Stormtrooper armor was a normal part of Luke Skywalker’s wardrobe. Anyhow. At a meek and tender 11 years old, I was cognizant that Kenner took some pretty big steps to bring the Star Wars action figure line into an all-inclusive format. With no more films on the horizon, Kenner needed to find a way to house the action figures across all of the films under a banner that made the most sense. Let's face it. Walrus Man on a RETURN OF THE JEDI card didn't make much sense at all. So, THE POWER OF THE FORCE line was born. Luke Skywalker (Imperial Stormtrooper Outfit) was the evidence that Kenner's approach changed. And because of this single figure, my hope and desire for more figures from the previous Star Wars films grew exponentially. I was type A from a very young age, so I wouldn’t mix THE POWER OF THE FORCE figures with original STAR WARS or, THE EMPIRE STRIKES BACK figures. I didn’t like chocolate getting into my peanut butter. At the same time, I was so glad to see a figure like Luke Skywalker (Imperial Stormtrooper Outfit) because it meant that a Sandtrooper, a Grand Moff Tarkin, or a Princess Leia Organa figure in her ceremonial gown were all equal possibilities too. Luke Skywalker (Imperial Stormtrooper Outfit) also set a precedent because with the helmet on it’s our first “Imperial Stormtrooper” figure with an articulated head/helmet. Ultimately, It’s a fun figure, but I am not sure I could call him a great-looking figure. I appreciate that Kenner took the chance on this version of Luke Skywalker, but they left us out in the cold with Han Solo in the same gear. And without Han, Luke feels a little out of place. Coincidentally, Kenner would relaunch the basic line a decade later with that essential version of Han Solo, as a mail-away figure no less. Did they understand collectors or what back then?

Hasbro's Most Definitive Modern Counterpart: 2020's TVC Luke Skywalker (Stormtrooper) (VC169) figure.