The impetus for this review today is the video below from Action Figure Grader discussing the possibility that we are in a price bubble for Star Wars collectibles.  This comic pack is mentioned.  It seems people are gobbling it up FOR THE COMIC!  Give the video a watch.  I think it’s good to be cognizant of this possibility.

Because I am a miracle of terrible choices, I stuck the comic book from this set in the recycling bin.  I never thought a reprint could have any significant value. 

The pairing in this set is odd. I think most fans would assume that a Grand Admiral Thrawn figure would come paired with Captain Pellaeon or Ruhk, and Talon Karrde would be paired with Mara Jade.  In retrospect, we should be thankful we got a Talon Karrde figure, period.  While Thrawn’s mention in The Mandalorian and role in Rebels means he is still a viable action figure candidate today, it’s hard to imaging that a secondary Legends character such as Karrde would have a snowball’s chance.

Grand Admiral Thrawn

This is the best Grand Admiral Thrawn figure we have, but that’s not saying much.  It’s a pretty frustrating figure.  The lower tunic is rigid and unforgiving, and all but renders the lower body articulation meaningless.  It’s nearly impossible to engage the swivel hips.  The skin feels a shade or two too pale, and my sample is beset by overspray from the hair paint applications. Upon its release, some fans were upset that it wasn’t a version of Thrawn wearing the gold braided epaulets.  There are reference photos of Thrawn without epaulets, but I don’t know if that is accurate to the comic book or not.  As you may have heard, I recycled my copy.

The lone accessory for Thrawn is a Force-cancelling ysalamir which drapes over the figure’s neck.  It fits perfectly and stays in place.  Thrawn has no sidearm or holster because his primary weapon is his intellect, and you know what Paul Blart says about that:

I should probably ding this figure all way down to a 6, but I can’t bring myself to do that.  It’s a standard super articulated 7 out of 10, but we really need a modern update for one of the most iconic villains in the Star Wars universe.

Talon Karrde

One of the problems with action figures based on novels is that, aside from the cover art, they often lack visual reference unless those same characters are represented in comic books.  One of the problems with comic book visual references is that they are often inconsistent with both themselves, and sometimes the descriptions in the novels.  Visual references for Karrde are all over the map.  Some evoke an almost Errol Flynn swashbuckler vibe.  This version is clearly based on Lawrence from Office Space:

Having said that, it’s actually an established representation.  The figure sports standard super articulation and a working holster.  Unlike the Thrwan figure, the articulation isn’t encumbered by the sculpt with the lone exception of the head.  The flowing mane prevents the head from tilting backwards.  The figure is an 8 out of 10, and is close enough to a definitive Talon Karrde.