Boba Fett - TBS [TESB40] - Six Inch Figures (Exclusive)

In 1979, Kenner created a Boba Fett figure based on photos taken of early costume tests, before the character appeared on screen in The Empire Strikes Back. The entire line was refreshed in 1980, and Boba Fett's coloring and package art were updated to match the rest of the movie's line. The character became a fan favorite. Now, Hasbro brings back Kenner-inspired coloring and art with Black Series detailing for a premium figure that embraces the legacy of the Star Wars saga.

The 40th Anniversary of The Empire Strikes Back seems to be starting on the right foot and a year early, but there’s a reason for that. Paying homage to the vintage Kenner line while simultaneously celebrating 40 years of Episode V, Hasbro reached back into the literal history of Kenner’s The Empire Strikes Back toy line and recreated a 6” version of the first character made for that film. So, why are they releasing this in 2019, a whole year before the anniversary celebration begins? Well, that’s an easy answer. 1979 was the year that Kenner developed the one and only Boba Fett 3.75” action figure with a mail-away offer, and they colored that original figure in the scheme of the prototype costume. Very bright with primary and secondary colors, Hasbro reused their The Black Series [Phase I] Boba Fett (#06) tooling yet once again to recreate a modern (and larger) version of the classic Kenner action figure. The results are interesting. It’s a beautiful action figure. We’re not sold on whether it fully work for the 6” scaled style, but it’s an admirable effort, and the final figure turned out beautiful. You can’t help but smile with Hasbro’s approach here. Released as 2019’s San Diego Comic-Con exclusive, it should be one of the most sought after figures of the year.

Hasbro didn’t do any tooling update for Boba Fett. All energies put forth with this figure are found in the deco. Hasbro seems to have picked the perfect gray/blue shade of color that makes up the base color of the action figure. Likewise, they carefully picked out matching shades of the accenting colors equally as well. You’ll find red and maroon lining the helmet. You discover avocado-green chest armor. And you’ll find red and yellow gauntlets and knee armor that bring the vintage Kenner spirit and style forth to this 6” figure. And let’s not forget about the thick brown belt encircling his waistline as well as the blue jetpack with a red rocket. It’s impossible to forget the original color palette of the 1979 STAR WARS Boba Fett figure. It’s nice to see it replicated for The Black Series 6” line now too. This release isn’t the first time Hasbro decided to produce a collectible Boba Fett figure that replicates the original vintage Kenner figure. In The Vintage Collection, Hasbro release Boba Fett (VCP03) as a mail-away figure. It was an all-new action figure, but styled after 1979’s SW Boba Fett figure. The whole point of the figure’s release was to give Boba Fett a rocket-firing jetpack finally. The 6” figure doesn’t offer the rocket-firing feature, much to our disappointment.

Most 6” collectors know the plusses and minuses of this Boba Fett tooling already. He comes with an astounding 30 points of articulation and includes ball-socket hips, which is something we felt for years should have been included in the 3.75” scale. There are just some action figures that should not be made without this premium articulation. Boba Fett is just one example of a character that ALWAYS needs these points of articulation. What’s unfortunate in Boba Fett’s case is that his pouches prevent full range of motion of the ball-jointed hips. This is as frustrating as it is sad and we don’t understand why Hasbro will put so much effort into something like enhanced articulation only to have it diminished by a sculpted design that inhibits it. But no matter what issues Boba Fett has, there is no denying that he is a one fantastic looking action figure. Some collectors of the line may not appreciate the gimmick of this figure. It appeals to vintage Kenner collectors first and foremost, and the 6” community second. Gentle Giant Ltd. also released their share of “vintage Kenner inspired” 6” figure as well, and those went over well. It makes sense that these types of Boba Fett figure will be a success on any scale. Oh, and collectors should appreciate the included E-11 blaster also to pay homage to the vintage Kenner figure.