Luke Skywalker (Bespin [Bespin Fatigues]) - TVC - Basic (VC04)

Celebrate the legendary Star Wars saga that changed the universe forever! This collection brings to life the incredible story of good versus evil that captured our imagination and took us to a galaxy far, far away. Iconic Star Wars heroes and villains are captured with incredible detail and premium features to commemorate each epic tale in the Star Wars saga. May the Force be with you!

We never suspected a Star Wars action figure would make us rethink Hasbro’s ability to make action figures, but Luke Skywalker (Bespin [Bespin Fatigues]) does. When it was first released a decade ago, our knees buckled in the aisle where the figure was hanging on the pegs. Now, this “classic” action figure is back in The Vintage Collection as a “Fan Channel” exclusive. However, brick-and-mortar accidentally received it and entered stores before the market for which it was designated. Until 2010, there wasn’t an action figure that had such wondrous execution and a likeness that is immediately recognizable to a specific frame in The Empire Strikes Back. The figure lost a little luster throughout the decade before its re-release, but now it’s refreshed with “Photo Real,” admittedly, the figure looks better than ever. We’re sure some collectors will disagree. Luke Skywalker (Bespin [Bespin Fatigues]) holds up exceptionally well, and this is saying quite a bit because we have received some remarkable action figures throughout the years. And even though the previous significant versions of this character don’t necessarily lose any luster in the shadows of this particular Luke Skywalker (Bespin [Bespin Fatigues]) release, we do know that Hasbro raised a new bar for the action figure line with its creation. The Star Wars line has arrived in a new and tremendous way. For all of the whining and complaining we do throughout the years and the harsh comments we spew, it’s lovely not to regret our opinions because it makes Hasbro change things for the better. It’s not about our discontent and entitlement for this toy line. Let us be forthright, please. You would be shooting yourself in the foot (or chopping your own hand off) by passing on this figure. Luke Skywalker (Bespin Fatigues) was an incredible way to start The Vintage Collection. The 2020 update reinforces this testament. We strongly feel this character won’t get much better than this in The Vintage Collection, folks. While every new collection of figures inspires collectors to think, “This is the best,” The Vintage Collection is proving very early that this sentiment is more valid than ever. It couldn’t be a better time to have The Vintage Collection active, and it can be the best time to be a Star Wars collector if things pick up more than reissues.

Luke Skywalker (Bespin [Bespin Fatigues]) is a stunning figure, but it isn’t flawless. However, the 2020 update gets this figure closer to perfection as far as we’re concerned. It should affirm to us that Hasbro’s sights are set so high and that their goal is to make collectors as happy as possible. If you thought that the 2007 VTSC Luke Skywalker (Bespin Fatigues) was remotely passable, then you better sit down before opening and playing with this figure. They are worlds apart in every way possible. The upgraded The Vintage Collection version of Luke Skywalker (Bespin [Bespin Fatigues]) will probably NEVER need a revisit. Yes, this is a powerful statement, but we will confidently stand behind our claim because this figure will impress, perplex, inspire, and thrill simultaneously. The Photo Real updates in the portrait aren’t perfect, but they make the tooling look incredibly better for the second time. It makes us very excited about what will be forthcoming with this line. Good things are happening in real time for this line, and we expect more to come. Luke Skywalker (Bespin [Bespin Fatigues]) is super-articulated and has 25 points of articulation across 14 areas. But the specific detail to get excited about here is the inclusion of ball-jointed hips. We waited a long time to get this enhancement, and it’s finally here. This type of articulation offers collectors a full range of motion, and virtually any position can be attained through them. More ball-jointed points of articulation exist throughout the figure, including elbows, shoulders, knees, and ankles. And the head sculpt, and waist utilizes a full range of motion as well. This figure knows only minimal posing boundaries here. It will quickly become the pinnacle figure in your collection because this is as good as it will get in the basic figure line. We’d also like to remind collectors that The Vintage Collection needs your constant support. If you’re on the fence about a “Photo Real” update, err on caution and pick it up. It’s better, and it supports the line. Hasbro is banking on “refreshed” to bring new collectors and those who walked away into the fold. It is now the best Luke Skywalker (Bespin [Bespin Fatigues]) action figure to date, and it is in packaging that brings our psyches back to the 1980s when things were a lot simpler (and frankly, more enjoyable).

As a bonus, Hasbro has managed to hide these various joints very well. You may be inclined to think there is a lot less articulation than there is. This seamlessness is a testament to Hasbro’s commitment to design figures as authentic as possible. And Hasbro has done a great job matching joint colors to their placement within the figure. What’s more, the entire figure received a paint job upgrade. You’ll notice the complete use of half-toning paint operations here. Hasbro abandoned the harsh strokes by brushing the variances and wrinkles in the uniform with a lighter paint color. The final result is a smoother-looking uniform with softer transitions of color throughout. Another benefit of this figure is that you don’t have to worry about miscolored joints in the middle of the outfit. We are incredibly thankful for this attention to detail. It’s a nicely sculpted figure with a well-done paint job, and the aesthetics of a well-tailored outfit is the hallmark of the Luke Skywalker (Bespin [Bespin Fatigues]) figure. We believe the original painted portrait looked excellent. But the Photo Real update is better, especially at certain angles. For us, this is the absolute best likeness of Mark Hamill from The Empire Strikes Back. The hairstyle is accurate and not fly-away or matted-down. Hasbro also muted the striking and various highlights and streaks, which looked too thick. They’re mostly gone, and the hairstyle has a beautiful texture now. Luke comes without any angry expression on the face. The figure seems concerned but not scared or worried. Luke Skywalker (Bespin [Bespin Fatigues]) has a separately sculpted removable belt/holster for accessories. It doesn’t look bulky despite it being a standalone piece. It’s easily removable by splitting the figure at the ball-socket waist, lifting the belt over the waist area, and sliding down the figure’s right leg. Luke Skywalker (Bespin [Bespin Fatigues]) also comes with Luke’s signature blaster pistol, and the DL-44 blaster pistol is an all-new sculpt. It perfectly fits in the right hand, and there is a hole in which the index finger can fit through the center. The DL-44 is a detailed accessory. The figure also comes with a lit lightsaber and a separate hilt that can plug into a loop added to the belt. And yes, it fits well in there.

Editor's Note: Hasbro re-released The Vintage Collection Luke Skywalker (Bespin [Bespin Fatigues]) (VC04) figure in May 2020 with a significant number of changes. Updates include: (1) "photorealistic" deco, (2) completely new outfit deco which includes "half-toning" weathering, (3) newly colored and textured hairstyle, (4) refreshed 2020 packaging with different graphics (5) revised name (6) different shade of green for figure backer and nameplate and white font color instead of black

Review Status Update: The original publication date of this review is July 1, 2010. It was subsequently updated with a new Photo Gallery and revised General Analysis and republished on June 2, 2020 after Hasbro reissued the figure.