Cara Dune (Carbonized) - TVC - Basic (Exclusive)

The Carbonized Collection Cara Dune figure has been treated with a sleek metallic finish down to the finest detail.

We get it. Hasbro is milking the line by giving collectors novelty repaints of their latest action figures. But we have to tell you that the “carbonized” The Vintage Collection figures from The Mandalorian are some of Hasbro’s most gorgeous action figures to date. This assessment doesn’t mean we approve of the jacked-up price. It doesn’t mean we’re necessarily in alignment with Hasbro to produce this exclusive line of action figures. But since the current Hasbro Star Wars team is rather aimless today, we have to find areas to give credit, and this sub-line is one of them. Would we rather see new cantina aliens and skiff guards and Jabba’s palace denizens? Of course. But it appears that hand is no longer an option for the line. Hasbro was so ill-prepared for The Mandalorian’s success, after the Disney Trilogy’s merchandising failure, that like everything else they produce, they’re desperately trying to place catch-up instead of planning the line with forethought and direction. Cara Dune looks excellent carbonized. The teal armor glistens in the light, and we believe the figure’s likeness looks better on this figure than the original release. You’ll have to decide for yourself. The figure still comes with a non-removable knife, and some of the leg articulation is wonky, but overall, Cara Dune (Carbonized) is a beautiful-looking action figure.

Look at that Cara Dune (Carbonized) ’s gorgeous face. The on-screen character is as bold as the actress is on Twitter. And it’s great to see Hasbro give this tough-as-nails heroine a significant presence in the action figure line. Cara Dune (Carbonized) encapsulates the potential of the 3.75” super-articulated action figure line. Beautiful paint operations throughout the figure are enhanced thanks to the “carbonized” effects as well as the lifelike and realistic face deco. Maybe the likeness isn’t a dead ringer for the on-screen character of Cara Dune, but it’s incredibly close. From the face tattoo to the arm tattoo, to the colorful turquoise and black outfit, Cara Dune (Carbonized) is a work of art, and any Star Wars collector that prefers the 3.75” scale to the 6” line should count Cara Dune (101) as one of Hasbro’s finest accomplishments. Despite our praise, Cara Dune (Carbonized) isn’t free from all problems. Overall, we’re ranking the figure with a high score, but we wish some things were different for the action figure. We’re still not keen on the loose swivel thigh joints. And the wonky ball-jointed hips never seem to go the direction you want them to go to pose specific stances. We’d rather have a ton of articulation than no articulation, but we’d be lying if we didn’t wish it was more finely tuned.

A stunningly perfect and believable female lead for Disney Star Wars, Cara Dune is not only a surprising entry into the Star Wars universe, but she is also a beautiful female lead with strength, bravery, and overall hero status. Not all female characters, especially many of the Star Wars universe’s recent ones, wow fans. But Cara Dune indirectly forces fans to imbibe the character into the Star Wars universe. Her spirit reminds you of Ellen Ripley or Sarah Connor. Yet, she comes off a little more refined too. It’s easy to understand why fans of the Disney+ series zealously embrace the character. No matter your interpretation of the figure’s likeness, we’re confident you will find favor with what Hasbro accomplished here. Cara Dune (Carbonized) comes with two weapons. The figure holds onto the guns with a tight grasp, thankfully. When not in use, the blaster pistol is housed in the functioning holster on the figure’s right hip. The strapped blaster rifle allows you to drape it over the figure’s shoulders when not in use, and this is always an excellent alternate option to have with action figures. We’re not sure how many collectors will open these expensive action figures up to display, but we did. And no, we cannot justify the $17.99 MSRP on these figures. Hasbro should be ashamed suggesting such a ridiculous price for “carbonized” paint operations.