BD08 - Darth Vader

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Discuss this figure in the corresponding THREAD in our forums.
Check out various reviews of this figure below!

References

Wookieepedia article on Darth Vader
StarWars.com Databank Entry on Darth Vader

Major Variants

*First Day of Issue foil stickers were added to assortments of The Legacy Collection Wave 1 and The Clone Wars Wave 1 figures.  Each figure exists with and without the sticker.  Also, the “Star Wars” logo on the front of the FDOI cards has a metallic finish.

*During wave 1, this figure saw a “correction” to the cardback, in which it was changed from the black lenses to the blue lenses.

*When it debuted with Wave 1, this figure came with the left leg of R7-Z0.

*When it was re-shipped with Wave 3, this figure came with the right leg of 5D6-RA-7.  It also sported the blue lens cardback.

Notes
*The 2 removable pieces allow you to recreate Darth Vader/Anakin Skywalker’s death on the Second Death Star.
*The “BD” numbering system is the abbreviation for “Build-a-droid”. 

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nomadscout

4/10 Bantha Skulls

Darth Vader and the Ewoks are the only figures from this wave that were not on Tatooine in ROTJ.

There are 14 points of articulation (15 if you include the double-waist).  Other than a ball jointed waist or neck, and perhaps ball jointed wrists, there’s not much more to add here, so this is good.

The painting is simple, with sufficient details on all the buttons and switches on Vader’s uniform.  His face has deep scars, but is otherwise pale, which is pretty accurate.

The sculpting as a whole good.  I didn’t like the fact that there is a soft goods vest, and in my sample, it doesn’t look good around the shoulders, making the joints look rough.  Otherwise, the joints are well hidden.  Vader is nearly a full head taller than the Sandstorm Han Solo in this wave, so his height is represented well.  One odd thing is that I don’t like how his chest appears flat and boxy, almost like it was beaten inward in a collision.  In my opinion, it damages the overal asthetic of this figure.  The head/face is a decent sculpt. 

One thing I didn’t like is that is right hand cannot close on the saber.  His left hand can, but it is also sculpted in the “come join me” pose, but you can’t take advantage of that since he won’t hold the saber in his other hand.

The real gimmick here is the 2 removeable helmet pieces.  They fit...OK...on the figure, if you fiddle around with them enough.  But there is definitely that “hey it’s a bit off” feeling.  Oh well.

This figure is missing a key part:  Vader does not come with an interchangeable right hand, which should be a wiry stump, like after luke cut it off.  Technically, this figure fails in accuracy, since Luke took of his Vader’s helmet only after Vader’s hand got cut off.

Other than the soft goods 2 part cape (which is not removeable), Vader comes with two pieces of his helmet and his lightsaber.

Not a terrible figure, but one that should have been better.  It’s another Vader, and perhaps not exciting enough to warrant a purchase if you are selective about what goes in your collection.  It’s an overall dull figure that should have come out better.  The best thing about it is that it is not ROTS vader again.

BD06 - Yarna D’al’ Gargan

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Discuss this figure in the corresponding THREAD in our forums.
Check out various reviews of this figure below!

Reference

Wookieepedia article on Yarna D’al’ Gargan
StarWars.com Databank Entry on Yarna D’al’ Gargan

Major Variants

*First Day of Issue foil stickers were added to assortments of The Legacy Collection Wave 1 and The Clone Wars Wave 1 figures.  Each figure exists with and without the sticker.  Also, the “Star Wars” logo on the front of the FDOI cards has a metallic finish.

*The artwork on the cards was altered soon after the initial release.  At first, the stormtrooper lenses were black.  Shortly after, it was changed to blue.

Notes
*This character has been a hardcore fan request since the vintage days, when Kenner had produced a mold for this character.  The figure never made it to production.
*The “BD” numbering system is the abbreviation for “Build-a-droid”.  This figure comes with the right leg of R7-Z0.

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nomadscout

7/10 Bantha Skulls

Well, it’s actually here.  Yarna is among a few figures that fans thought might never be made.

It’s ugly, but it’s supposed to be.  A lot of work was put into the sculpt.  She’s got a lot of articulation, but because of her bare arms and legs, the joints are not very well hidden, but there’s not much to do here.  The paint shows some nice highlights and shadows on the clothing.  Her face has that pasty white “makeuppy” look which is true to the on-screen character.

She comes with a small dagger, that she can grasp well, or keep it in a sheath on her left side.  She also comes with a nifty bar glass, which is a completely different sculpt from anything made previously.

If you’re a kid, this is not a particularly fun toy.  Ugly fat human with multipe floppy boobs does not equal a party.  Well, it shouldnt’ anyway.  If you’re a hardcore collector, you want this to add to your Jabba diorama.  It won’t be complete without it!

BAD R7Z0

(Back to The Legacy Collection)

Discuss this figure in the corresponding THREAD in our forums.
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Reference
Wookieepedia article on R7-Z0

Notes
*This build a droid figure has parts that come with four figures from Wave 1 of The Legacy Collection

Left Leg - Ak-rev
Right Leg - Yarna D’al Gargan
Body- Bane Malar
Head/Middle Foot - Darth Vader

*Many parts from both the astromech and protocol “build-a-droids” are interchangeable so you can design your own droid.
*The astromech body even has additional peg holes at the bottom for greater customizability.
*There is no reference information about R7-Z0, which would seem to indicate it is a Hasbro fabrication. 

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nomadscout

8/10 Bantha Skulls

I really enjoy the Build-a-Droid parts.  I think the fit together nicely, and look about identical to a basic carded figure.  The astromech feet have wheels, the third leg is removeable, and the head turns.  The painting and detailing is very nice.  Basically, if you “collect-them-all”, you’ll get a bunch of free droids out of the deal.  Good stuff.

Never heard of this guy, but until he gets a story, he’s a neat background droid for any diorama.  Unlike the R4-D6 build a droid from this wave, R7-Z0 comes with firing jets that plug into the side of his legs.  Fortunately they are removable - unfortunately, they don’t fit into the legs of R4-D6, so they’re not universal.  In any case, it’s a neat little extra.

If you collect only certain basic figures, or if there is a particular droid you wanted on a basic card, this gimmick may frustrate you.  You’ll either have a bunch of parts you don’t want, or, on the other extreme, you’ll be forced to buy a figure you don’t want just to get the part you do want.  Looks like there’ll be a lot of trades going on!

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TCW Clone Commander Fox (Target)

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Discuss this figure in the corresponding THREAD in our forums.
Check out various reviews of this figure below!

Reference

Wookieepedia article on Commander Fox

Major Variants
*none reported

Notes
*This Target exclusive retails for $12.99. 
*Target was given a theme for their Clone Wars exclusives:  The Red “coruscant clones” (of which Fox is a member).

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nomadscout

6/10 Bantha Skulls

First, I must confess I am not fond of The Clone Wars figure line.  I admit that there are some decent figures, but I could not bring myself to collect this line, as it is incompatible with 13 years worth of realistically styled action figures that I have been accumulating (as such, I am sending this figure to our own DarthDre).

That being said, I will give an honest review of this figure.

It has 14 points of articulation, but the good part is that 12 of them, including the waist and the two wrists, are ball jointed.  The hips are the only swivel joints on this figure.  The kama restricts movement of the legs a bit, but not too badly.  I also was annoyed that, although ball-jointed, the ankles did not allow the feet to flex upward barely at all, so it made posing Fox in an action stance a bit tough.

He comes with 2 blasters which fit nicely in the holsters, and a rifle.  His helmet is non-removable, which is fine by me. 

The sculpt is good, if you enjoy your figures looking like the new CG animated movie/series.  As I said, I would have liked these figures to maintain the realistic look, but I understand where Hasbro is coming from here.

My favorite part of this figure is the paint job.  The chest insignia is fantastic and unique.

My least favorite part is the $12.99 price tag.  Although Target is by far my favorite of the Big 3, I don’t appreciate the jacked up prices.  Other chain exclusives were far cheaper.  (TRU holo Grievous was $9.99 or free with $30 purchase; Wal*Mart 501st is reported to be the same price as a basic figure; even the Rex mail-away was $6.99!)

It’s well done for what it is, I just don’t like the animated look.  Only time will tell if Hasbro decides to make some of these characters in the realistic line.

BD05 - Ak-rev

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Discuss this figure in the corresponding THREAD in our forums.
Check out various reviews of this figure below!

References

Wookieepedia article on Ak-rev
StarWars.com Databank Entry on Ak-rev

Major Variants

*First Day of Issue foil stickers were added to assortments of The Legacy Collection Wave 1 and The Clone Wars Wave 1 figures.  Each figure exists with and without the sticker.  Also, the “Star Wars” logo on the front of the FDOI cards has a metallic finish.

*The artwork on the cards was altered soon after the initial release.  At first, the stormtrooper lenses were black.  Shortly after, it was changed to blue.

*This figure has been found with a cardback variation.  There is a mechanical “droid factory” arm near the space where the droid part is shown.  This is the only figure in the TLC line known to have this variation.

Notes
*This character is part of the band that played at Jabba’s Palace.
*The drum can attach with the same piece which was included with the TAC (30th Anniversary Collection) Umpass-Stay bandmember.
*The “BD” numbering system is the abbreviation for “Build-a-droid”.  This figure comes with the left leg of R7-Z0.

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nomadscout

6/10 Bantha Skulls

This figure looks great and has much articulation, but suffers from the dreaded “no knee” syndrome.  His legs are pre-posed in a drum smashing action stance, so he looks pretty odd when you try to do anything with him other than pose him on the shelf with his drum.

However, this is a big strong point.  Matching the drum with the other half from the TAC Umpass-Stay figure will make the Rebo Band rock Jabba’s Palace!

The figure is painted great with a lot of fin sculpting detail.  his face is well done with a nasty scowl.  Everything about this figure is good, except for his stance/no knee problem.  This is a killer if you plan on playing with your toys, but as a shelf addition, it’s fantastic.  For that reason, I like him.

Photo Archive and Review Section

Today we launched our own Toy Photo Guide and Review section.  In it, you will find hi-res pics of new items, linked directly to the corresponding thread in our forums so you can immediately and easily discuss what you see with other Skullers.

Additionally, each figure presented will have several reviews from staffmembers, and perhaps some forum members as well.  That way, you get a full idea of what it is you are looking at, which may help you decide if you want to purchase it, or just allow you to peruse the pics to maybe learn something about the figure you didn’t know before.

You can access our new archives by clicking on the “TOY ARCHIVES AND REVIEWS” button on the left sidebar.  As of this moment, the first 4 figures of The Legacy Collection (and accompanying build-a-droid) have been posted.  Expect these archives to grow, with improvements along the way.

Let us know what you think!

Bantha Skull Toy Archive and Review section now LIVE!

We’ve got a yet another new feature at Bantha Skull!  Click the thumbnail for more info!

BD04 - Leektar & Nippet

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Discuss this figure in the corresponding THREAD in our forums.
Check out various reviews of this figure below!

Reference

Wookieepedia article on Leektar
Wookieepedia article on Nippet

Major Variants

*First Day of Issue foil stickers were added to assortments of The Legacy Collection Wave 1 and The Clone Wars Wave 1 figures.  Each figure exists with and without the sticker.  Also, the “Star Wars” logo on the front of the FDOI cards has a metallic finish.

*The artwork on the cards was altered soon after the initial release.  At first, the stormtrooper lenses were black.  Shortly after, it was changed to blue.

Notes
*You can argue that Nippet is not a figure, but rather is an accessory, as he has no articulation.  But since he has a name, I’m calling this a 2-pack!
*These figures represent the only characters in this wave never to have set foot on Tatooine.
* The head will pop off the neck and stay inside the hood.  The two pieces can be separated, but it is difficult to do accomplish this. 
*The “BD” numbering system is the abbreviation for “Build-a-droid”.  This figure comes with the body of R4-D6.

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nomadscout

9/10 Bantha Skulls

A strange choice for this wave, which is mostly from Tatooine.  Even Darth Vader (BD8) was born on Tatooine!

There is decent articulation on Leektar, for such a small figure.  He has no knees or elbows, but his size makes this less than necessary.  Nippet is a tiny statue.  As such, for those who care, there will be a debate as to whether or not this is really an action figure or just an accessory.  As he was given a name, and is part of this 2-pack, I consider the wokling an individual figure.  Screw you if you don’t agree!

The painting is simple, compromising monochromatic fur, with toes/fingers/nails and face details painted differently.  Nippet has a bit of color on his face.  The paint job on the accessories is very nice and detailed.

The sculpting as a whole is very good.  The joints are pretty well hidden, and don’t look unnaturally bulky.  The accessories look great.  It would probably add to the versatility of this figure if the belt was not glued on, and could be removed.  The face sculpt is nice. 

The accessories are what makes this a good deal.  Leektar comes with a hood, an axe, and a knife that can slip into a pouch on his belt.  Everything is painted and sculpted well.  Nippet comes with a basket, which is sculpted to look like, well, a basket with a blanket inside.  Nice stuff that makes these little guys worth the price of admission.

This is an excellent 2-pack.  It will go great on any shelf, and will really flesh out that Kenner Ewok Village playset you’ve got!  This would be a good set to repaint/retool down the line at least once or twice more.  Good stuff, Hasbro!

BD03 - Chewbacca

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Discuss this figure in the corresponding THREAD in our forums.
Check out various reviews of this figure below!

Reference

Pictures and clips from the deleted sandstorm scene
Wookieepedia article on Chewbacca
StarWars.com Databank Entry on Chewbacca

Major Variants

*First Day of Issue foil stickers were added to assortments of The Legacy Collection Wave 1 and The Clone Wars Wave 1 figures.  Each figure exists with and without the sticker.  Also, the “Star Wars” logo on the front of the FDOI cards has a metallic finish.

*The artwork on the cards was altered soon after the initial release.  At first, the stormtrooper lenses were black.  Shortly after, it was changed to blue.

Notes
*This figure comes from a deleted ROTJ scene in which the heroes are shown enduring a sandstorm on their way to their ships after leaving the Pit of Carkoon.
*The bandage is sculpted onto to Chewbacca’s leg.
*Although Luke Skywalker and Han Solo were produced as part of this wave, Leia, Lando, R2-D2, and C-3PO were also part of this deleted scene.
*The “BD” numbering system is the abbreviation for “Build-a-droid”.  This figure comes with the head and center leg of R4-D6.

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nomadscout

7/10 Bantha Skulls

A figure from a little known ROTJ deleted scene, I find this an odd choice by Hasbro. 

There are a nice 16 points of articulation, if you include the head.  He has 3 separate chest/stomach/waiste joints for some posing flexibility.

The paint is pretty well done.  Chewie has some nice variation to his fur color, and the bandage looks nice and worn from the sandstorm.  The bowcaster is a little too simply painted, which is a bit disappointing.

The sculpting as a whole is very good.  The joints are pretty well hidden, and don’t look unnaturally bulky.  The bandolier/pouch is nicely done.  It would probably add to the versatility of this figure if the bandage was not sculpted on.  As it is, this figure is very scene specific.  The face sculpt is good.  Unlike the other two “sandstorm” figures, Chewie’s hair doesn’t look particularly wind-whipped.

The accessories are minimal.  Just the bowcaster, which comes in two parts.  It’s made of bendy plastic, which is fortunate in that it’s the only way to “shove” the cross-bow piece into the barrel of the weapon.  Again, the bandage should have been separate.  Just like when he got snubbed at Yavin, Chewie gets no goggles!

This is a very good figure, other than the sculpted bandage.  Originally I wasn’t thrilled about the idea of the sandstorm figures, but after seeing them in person, I think they’re pretty nicely done after all.