While we’ve recently featured a string of figures from this first “Flashback” wave that could clearly be considered “comedy” figures, we’re starting to run into figures that had definite collector value at the time.  This figure was the first ever “Ceremonial” Princess Leia, representing the character from the medal ceremony at the end of A New Hope.  At the time, this was a new and never-before-made version of Princess Leia.  That’s pritty kewl, Miley Cyrus.  The only thing some fans (raises hand) might have quibbled over at the time was that we were still waiting for a Bespin Gown Princess Leia, which is the iconic representation of Leia from Episode V (despite the almost non-existent screen time).

The figure suffers from all the POTF2-isms.  It’s gigantic with seemingly no sense of scale between the characters.  By that I mean that I mean it would be one thing if the figure was big, but proportional to the bigness of the contemporary figures, but it’s not.  It’s the equivalent of a six foot tall Carrie Fisher.  The figure is terrifying.  It also suffers from the inexplicably common problem that it is difficult to stand.  Limited articulation should mean that the figure stands with the assurance of a Weeble.  Because the lower plastic gown effectively forces the legs into an imbalanced stance, the figure has a tendency to rock back onto that plastic gown.  That would actually be a worthwhile real world invention.  I could have used garments that kept me upright back in my drinking days.  The young Ms. Fisher in 1977 was nothing short of adorable.  This figure’s likeness is brutish.  It looks more like Princess Vespa’s stunt double.

The included Yavin medal is not a token effort.  Some attempt at realism was made with sculpted elements on the medal portion, but it still reflects the crudeness of sculpting techniques from that time.  It’s interesting that this medal is featured in the recent The Rise of Skywalker trailer:

(click for the full sized image)

A female character ponders one of the medals from the Yavin Ceremony at the end of Episode IV.

The problem is, once again, POTF2 gigantism.  If Luke were wearing only this medal, his modesty would still be protected.  Later releases of characters from the Yavin Ceremony scene would include much more subtle examples of the medal.  This figure has been thoroughly bested by TBS Princess Leia, but there is one area where the Flashback release might have superior execution.  The partially opaque plastic cape could offer better aesthetics than the soft goods on the TBS release.  If the scaling were better,  I could see some fans preferring this Flashback release.  For that reason, I’m giving it a 3 out of 10.