Luke Skywalker - POTF2 [R/G] - 12 Inch Figures (Exclusive)

At the peak of the Collectors Series line, Kenner produced two 12 Inch Figures exclusively for the United Kingdom. The two figures, Luke Skywalker and Han Solo came in Collector Series-like packaging, but the moniker is nowhere found on it. Kenner intentionally designed a higher-quality version of “farmboy” Luke Skywalker for their international market, and they did so with an all-new buck, as evidenced by the 1998 date stamp, and an interestingly odd new portrait which looks as much like Luke Skywalker as it doesn’t. Also exclusive to this release is a “swinging action” action feature. A post sticks out from the back (which you hold), and it is utilized to recreate a swinging action with the rest of the body while holding the included lightsaber accessory. We’re not into action features, but the new body and the new head sculpt are tremendous upgrades to what Kenner/Hasbro gave American collectors in 1996 with the first Luke Skywalker and Han Solo Collector Series figures. Also, the outfit parts are more refined as well. The belt is more streamlined, and the tunic and pants appear to be woven from premium fibers when compared to the American counterparts. Also of note is the included lightsaber accessory, which breaks down into hilt and blade. The blade has an interesting squarish texture and shape to it, and the all-new hilt is bigger than the American version but hangs from Luke’s belt brilliantly. If you recall, the lightsaber hilts don’t hang too nicely on the American version of Luke Skywalker. Both the international (UK) exclusive Luke Skywalker and Han Solo are some of the rarest 12 Inch Figures produced in the modern line. American retailers were reluctant to carry them, and aside from aftermarket sites like eBay, American collectors had few options to acquire these figures for their collections.