The Black Series

the_black_series_3.75_basic_figures

Imperial Navy Commander

Info and Stats
Number:  
#14
Year:  
2014
MSRP:  
$12.99
Grade:  
8/10 Bantha Skulls
 
Review by: Bret
Review date: 02/14/2018

We return to the Black Series (Phase II) for a look at the Imperial Navy Commander.  Like so many of the figures in the line, it’s a straight repack.  It’s not a bad figure at all, and was a pretty good choice by Hasbro to bring back, mostly because the original was a bit tricky to find.

Hasbro first released this figure in the Vintage Collection, as VC94.  As Chris mentioned in his review, it’s a solid figure, and fundamentally there’s not that much to either praise or complain about (but I’ll try anyway).  The articulation is solid, but nothing mind blowing.  Swivel hips and wrists, with everything else being ball joints.  The paint is simple, as are the accessories.

The few standout items?  The face is outstanding, both in the physical sculpt and in the paint applications.  I find that the likeness is reminiscent of a young Johnny Carson, or possibly Lance Armstrong.  The paint on the figure itself is pretty simple, just a few details here and there on the all black uniform.  One thing that should have been corrected is the Grand Army of the Republic emblem on his right shoulder.  I’m not sure if Hasbro just didn’t care enough to fix it, or if making the change would have somehow blown the budget for a “repack”.  That might also explain the missed opportunity to repaint the figure in gray, to give us a modern update to the Kenner Death Squad Commander.  Some day, Hasbro, some day.

The included blaster fits perfectly in the holster, and also can be held with either hand very firmly.  In a nice touch, the index finger of either hand can fit perfectly through the trigger guard.  The problem here is that the blaster is sculpted out of that horrendous gummy bear material.  The removable helmet is a neat sculpt, and looks great.  In my sample, the helmet is a bit loose, so it’s hard to position perfectly and get it to stay.

I liked photographing this figure because it gave me the opportunity to show off those awesome Space Walls

Chris gave this figure an 8.  I kind of want to deduct a point because after a few years had passed, Hasbro could have fixed the emblem, and also it’s a step down because the Black Series packaging is a huge step down from the VC packaging.  But I’ll leave it as an 8.

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