Han Solo - SW [SOTDS] - Saga Legends (SL22)

Echo Base picks up a strange signal. Han and Chewie investigate the source and discover an Imperial probe droid, which immediately fires upon them. When Han returns fire, the droid self-destructs – but not before it tells the Empire where the Rebel base is located.

It's really cool when we get some variant of an already awesome Star Wars figure in an exclusive or multipack isn't it? When the 2007 VTSC Han Solo (Hoth Outfit) was first shown, Hasbro initially displayed it with an alternate head. But it was quickly tucked away and apparently wasn't approved by Lucasfilm, Ltd. for release. But fans really wanted the "hood up" version of Han Solo in his Hoth parka because that was how the 1980 vintage figure was released and it is how he appeared on Hoth when he was out in the elements. Hasbro came through for us with the release of 2008's TAC Droid Factory sets when this version of him was included in 2008's TAC Han Solo/R-3PO (3 of 6) Droid Factory two-pack. The figure came out better than we expected and we were extremely thrilled that is saw eventual release. We must have proven that this was a hot figure by voting with our dollars because Hasbro quickly reused the figure in one of the first Battle Packs sets in The Legacy Collection when he was included in 2008's TLC Hoth Recon Patrol set. Again, the figure exceeded expectation for both collectors and Hasbro so they knew that they had a winner. Thankfully, Han Solo finally sees release as a basic figure in 2010's Star Wars [Shadow Of The Dark Side] Saga Legends line. And it is certainly an overdue release but are just as thrilled to finally see him on the pegs in this format.

If you own the Battle Packs set or the Droid Factory Walmart exclusive, then you really know what to expect from this figure. Loaded with 22 points of articulation, Han Solo has everything you'll need to set up your Hoth dioramas very nicely, although, he really isn't as mobile as his articulation dictates, but we'll discuss that more later. We have coined a term called "brue" to describe Hasbro's choice of color to decorate his jacket. Because there will never be universal agreement by fans on the actual color of Han's coat (even though definitive proof exists), Hasbro plays into this disparity and essentially gives Han a brown coat but intertwines enough blue to make the crazy collectors out there happy (or the happy collectors crazy – you decide). Wow! Did we just say that? But whatever your correct or incorrect opinion about the color of Han's coat is, Hasbro got it right for this figure. Han Solo comes with a blaster and removable goggles. And since it's all about gaming in 2010, you also get a stats card, action figure stand and die to include him in your action figure battles. The figure is slightly repainted from previous releases, but carded collectors are really the ones benefitting from this release. It is the first time he appears as is on a basic card and this is definitely noteworthy. The paint job is pretty good on this figure, but he suffers from a painted face, which of course is never a preference for us. The same level of detail just can't be attained when the flesh and eyes must be painted on instead of cast in that color plastic.

2010 is a monumental year because it celebrates 30 years of The Empire Strikes Back. And Hasbro is ensuring that we are indeed getting a plethora of action figures based on this source in our collections. Yes, many are repaints and repacks, but they are necessary in an anniversary year. We hope that Hasbro has a few more surprises to throw our way before the year is out. But even if The Vintage Collection and Saga Legends lines both stopped tomorrow (which they won't, don't worry) we would have a nice generous helping of figures based on the beloved Episode V source. What a surprise that the opening wave of Saga Legends contained so many well-sculpted bounty hunters! We never expected that! We have stated time and again that the 2010 Saga Legends, while still containing many straight repacks of figures we already have, has really changed things up a bit and has brought figures back into the line that haven't been available for years. The focus on bounty hunters was really only one cool focus of characters for this line, but it made extra sense, as it was the perfect add-on to the line to tie together the bounty hunter focus in The Clone Wars series as well as Episode V. Han Solo in his Hoth gear may not be a bounty hunter, but he is a staple from The Empire Strikes Back. It's a great alternate take on the 2007 VTSC figure and a much needed and perfect addition to the Saga Legends line. And you know you want to display him with all the great figures from wave 1 of The Vintage Collection. Well, maybe not. But maybe.