Luke Skywalker - TSC - Basic (SAGA 044)

If there was one thing collectors could take away from The Saga Collection, it would definitely be all of the great upgraded updates to figures we haven’t seen in the basic figure line for almost a decade (and in some instances at all). Many modern updates to the original Kenner vintage run were executed beautifully in The Saga Collection. And with the quality of figures like Momaw Nadon (SAGA 031), R5-D4 (SAGA 035), Chief Chirpa (SAGA 039), Princess Leia (Boushh Disguse) (SAGA 001), AT-AT Driver (SAGA 009) and many others, collectors really began feeling confident that the basic figure line was looking up in many positive ways and that a bright future was ahead. Another great update following this trend is Luke Skywalker (SAGA 044) which is based on the 1985 POTF Luke Skywalker (Combat Poncho) figure of yesteryear. Hasbro made a few futile attempts at updating this classic figure in the neo-classic era, but the last time this version of Luke Skywalker was attempted, weapons were oversized and likenesses weren’t of much concern. Part of the POTF2 era, these versions of Endor Luke Skywalker were never up to snuff. All that has changed thankfully and we truly have a solid version of Luke in his Endor gear. He may not have the best articulation, but there have been significant upgrades made here and there is certainly no denying that this figure looks fantastic despite its few limitations. The biggest deal with this release is that Hasbro updated the hinge-jointed knees and swivel boots of the 2004 figure into two ball-jointed knees instead. We're thrilled about this even though his skirt interferes with their mobility.

The base figure is rather significant retool of 2004’s SW [S - P3] Luke Skywalker (Jabba's Palace) ('04 #04) figure. In fact, the updates are so aggressive that this figure could almost be considered all-new. We're actually impressed with this figure's results. It’s not a bad version of Luke Skywalker to use for any display. Despite being loaded with many points of articulation, this would not be an ideal Luke for easy positioning on a speeder bike because his skirt gets in the way. But he will work excellently in every other scenario like the forest terrain of your Endor dioramas. Just like the vintage figure, Luke Skywalker comes with a nice helping of accessories. Included are a beautifully colored soft-goods combat poncho, removable helmet, brown utility belt, blaster and lightsaber. You really can’t deny just how awesome this figure looks once he’s all geared up for action on Endor. This is absolutely one of our most favorite action figures in The Saga Collection and that includes the many all-new sculpts. Luke Skywalker is a simple and long overdue update to the classic action figure, but time has ensured that all the fine points are in tune and the resulting product is something that will likely age well throughout our collecting years. (Editor’s Note: Hasbro has made this version of Luke Skywalker obsolete now for many collectors. The Luke Skywalker figure in 2009’s LC Battle For Endor Battle Packs set is now the definitive version of this character but some stil are more fond of this version.)

As we have mentioned, Luke Skywalker looks fantastic once fully assembled. His poncho isn’t bulky in the least and it properly gathers where the utility belt cinches it at the waist. It also hangs at the perfect length right at the wrists and due to the natural nature of the fabric used, the drape couldn’t be more realistic. But the multi-dyed treatment Hasbro gave the fabric is nothing short of amazing. You're going to love how the camouflage has been brought to life. It's really quite stunning. And it comes off and on the figure rather easily for easy transition from "Jedi Knight" look to "Battle Poncho" look. Although Luke Skywalker comes with 14 points of articulation but it’s impossible to categorize him as super-articulated because he comes with way too many swivel points of articulation. Aside from the updated knees, no other premium ball-joints have been used. In all fairness, Hasbro did make good use of the swivel-joints on this figure. Admittedly, this figure is going to get the highest points for its presentation. Articulation was considered secondarily here.... and that's alright. It definitely isn’t ideal, but much worse could have been applied here instead. We also appreciate the functioning holster and it is a nice touch, although, we prefer to have Luke with the pistol in his hand. And the fitted and removable helmet is nicely painted albeit a little too shiny. This Battle Of Endor interpretation of Luke Skywalker is a most welcomed addition to The Saga Collection. It checks off another on the list of the vintage figure we’d like to see updated in the modern line and it rounds out the Battle Of Endor group of figure perfectly.