Han Solo (Yavin Ceremony) - TVC - Basic (VC42)

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!

One phenomenon in Star Wars collecting that’s almost impossible to explain is what makes a figure defy the aging process. Some figures can age poorly, others age gracefully and some actually get better over time. Many collectors, including ourselves, were quite harsh with Hasbro’s 2009 LC Han Solo (BD30) figure. But it’s only been because of some time passing by that we have discovered a new found appreciation for the action figure. Don’t misunderstand us, we think Hasbro’s inclusion of silly and disproportionate stormtrooper armor was a very poor decision, but if you look at Han Solo by himself, there is a lot to like on that figure, especially now. Many collectors make the connection that he is the modern day update to the “big head” Han Solo figure from the vintage era. We actually like that comparison. We can’t say that this Legacy Collection figure is perfect, but the likeness is pretty much awesome and he’s a super-articulated figure. This would imply that he would be a great base figure to reuse and make other version of Episode IV Han Solo action figures. And that’s what exactly Hasbro did.

Han Solo (Yavin Ceremony) is a truly and immediately likable figure. Taking the 2009 LC Han Solo (BD30) figure and cleaning it up with improved paint operations and the belt/holster from the flawless 2004 VOTC Han Solo figure, Hasbro did a great job on a new take on Han Solo. Before you get frustrated at us liking this figure, please hear us out. We’re not burying our heads in the sand and avoiding the problem with the inaccuracy of the final version of the figure from what we all see in the film. Of course Han Solo’s shirt had a top button and he wasn’t wearing three-quarter length sleeves either when receiving his medal. (And we do hope Hasbro corrects this at some point. We suppose Hasbro will be required to create an all-new sculpt if we want to see this corrected version at some point in the line.) But just like the 2009 LC Han Solo (BD30), this is a very good version of a basic A New Hope versions of Han Solo (just take off the medal to fully appreciate this). In fact, it may just be the very best money can buy. As we had mentioned, Hasbro tweaked the paint job by adding a few more details that were missed on the 2009 figure. And they improved the eyes and eyebrows which give this version of Han Solo a near exact likeness to actor Harrison Ford. (The highlights in the hair and some of the details on the belt come to mind.)

And this is a super-articulated figure where all of the points of movement are useful. Han Solo can be situated in many configurations thanks to premium and quality articulation. The figure succeeds here, and we like him for these and other reasons, but we are empathetic to those that feel that this version of Han Solo just isn’t exactly authentic to the film. Many collectors are defensive of The Vintage Collection. And by this we mean that most collectors want the best and most accurate figures carded in this nostalgic packaging. So taking that point of view, we understand the chagrin that some may feel about a figure of this caliber being immortalized in this collection, especially since it is meant to be a different version of Han Solo. But that doesn’t mean that Han Solo is an inferior action figure. We think he’s a great figure and he meets all of the stringent requirements for a figure in 2011. He has a a nice and improved paint job and we now have someone to complement the 2007 TAC Luke Skywalker (30 12) figure. So there are some things to smile about with this figure. Give this version of Han Solo a chance. If you can overlook the inaccuracy of his shirt underneath the vest, this is a solid Han Solo to use for various dioramas in your collections. And he likely will grown on you for the better over time as well!