The transformation of the main line from super articulated to under articulated was a terrible thing.  Obviously the reduced articulation was a devolution of the modern line, which had reached a high point with TVC in 2012 after 17 years worth of improvements.  The change was ushered in with a head spinning array of line-look changes, which we’ve ripped a few times here at Banthaskull.  The “Yoda” AOTC3D line look of 2013 followed the “Darth Maul” TPM3D.  It was obviously already designed and in the works to coincide with the previously announced 3D version of the film.  But Disney nixed the plan, and Hasbro was left holding the bag.

However, there was one small bright spot during these times:  Mini-Rigs!  They were really a thing as recently as 2013.  While the “Yoda” line had bad figures, we did get some neat offerings, such as this MTT Droid Fighter.

It’s not exactly a mind-blowing vehicle, but honestly neither were most of the original Kenner mini-rigs.  Nevertheless, most older collectors recall fond memories of the various off-screen ships and accessories.  This is in that vein. 

The ship was never seen in The Phantom Menace, but is designed to have the same aesthetics as the huge MTT (Multi-Troop Transport), and interacts nicely with it. I’m always a huge fan when different toys and figures are specifically meant to connect or join together.  A large compartment, or hanger, exists in the back of the MTT, and this mini-rig fits inside.  The opening cover also acts as a launcher, so that the fighter can join the battle.  The ship features pop out wings, spring loaded cannons that rotate, and a canopy that opens to reveal a cockpit for a droid pilot. 

Included are 2 figures.  A completely superfluous 5POA Obi-Wan adds absolutely nothing to you collection, but it does include a blue marked droid pilot figure.  While this character has been made previously, it gives another chance to add one to your collection, even if it is underarticulated.  It fits into the cockpit with room to spare.

While this might not be the most memorable set, vehicles and accessories of this relative size and price point (accounting for inflation) really need to be reborn in TVC.  It’s hard imagining collectors not jumping at the chance to add some cool vehicles to their collections without having to spend $100 or more.