Flash Speeder - EI - Vehicles

Among the large landspeeders used by Naboo's Royal Security forces, the Flash speeder became an important component in the fight against invading Trade Federation forces. This heavily armed surface transport helped Captain Panaka, and his volunteer resistance defend their beloved capital city of Theed.

The Flash Speeder may be the most appropriately-named vehicle in the entire Star Wars universe because it appears in a flash during the Battle of Naboo and then is never seen again. Of course, this is true of many vehicles in Star Wars, but it feels especially prominent with the Flash Speeder. Often confused for the Gian Speeder (which seems to have more screen time), the Flash Speeder is seen briefly in the lush Naboo battlefields as the Naboo Security forces plan their attack to free themselves from the Trade Federations rule over their land. Oddly but beautifully colored teal, the unique choice of color feels like it’s right at home drenched in royalty to support those under Queen Amidala. The Flash Speeder possesses an elegant design, but it also possesses many of the characteristics of a classic space-age vehicle, like those seen in Flash Gordon (oh, the coincidence) and the Original Trilogy. Aside from the bright color, you might think you saw this vehicle parked outside Chalmun’s Cantina or someplace similar. It has a total and powerful “Star Wars” feel.

For such a small vehicle, Hasbro worked in some worthy features into this vehicle. And they don’t necessarily qualify as “play” features, but as “believable” features instead. For example, the back panel is a separate “flippable” piece than interchangeably shows a smooth unaltered surface, while the other side shows the impact of a blast it sustained. The battle-damage is realistic and beautifully applied. Hasbro did a great job making this effect look believable. It’s a bit of a challenge to flip the panel back and forth, but once you get the hang of it, it becomes second nature. Another feature on the Flash Speeder is a pull-out/slide-out platform for an action figure to stand upon so it can fire the cannon at the back of the vehicle. It’s a nice, albeit simple, feature that fits in well with the design of the Flash Speeder. The Flash Speeder’s cannon is screen-accurate, but we have to concede it’s placed and situated in a very precarious spot on the vehicle. It seems like a dangerous place to point a cannon, even is the barrel of it is above the passengers’ heads.

The seated area contains enough space to house four action figures. But depending upon how well the figures sit will determine how well they fit in the seating. The driver area is incredibly detailed. And the vehicle comes with a decal sheet to help further define the console. They also provide additional interior color. There is a steering column and if you have the patience and dexterity, you can place an action figure’s hands on it. From top to bottom, the Flash Speeder is a superb Prequel Trilogy vehicle, which calls back to the Original Trilogy uninterrupted. Overall, the Flash Speeder won’t provide an endless amount of usage in the Episode I toy line. Again, keep in mind that this vehicle is only seen briefly in The Phantom Menace during the Battle of Naboo strategic planning, and beyond that, it’s not seen again. But that’s customary for many Star Wars vehicles. Whether or not the Flash Speeder will remain an iconic Episode I vehicle throughout the years remains to be seen. But there's no doubt it’s a beautiful vehicle, even if it's for just a few frames of film.