The Deluxe expression is a many varied thing, complete with multiple price points to further confuse the consumer.  In one form we get newly tooled figures that are either too big, too deco’ed, or too Boba Fett to slot into the main line.  These ones cost roughly $27.  Then there’s the other Deluxe expression where we get existing figures that are “extra-ed” up a little bit.  These cost roughly $21.  That is what this set is.  It takes the previously released VC177 - Incinerator Trooper, zhuzhes it up with rocker ankles and improved deco, adds in a more different Grogu and some flame effects, and packs the whole thing in a box.  I say this without a hint of cynicism or sarcasm:  what’s not to love?  I wrote not too long ago that the Vintage Collection was becoming a monolithic basic figure line.  I wanted some other expression to shake things up in parallel to the main line (not in place of).  This boxed Deluxe line scratches that itch perfectly.

We’ll start off with the Incinerator Trooper.  Do I need to write anything beyond “rocker ankles”?  This style of articulation is to action figures what transistors are to electronics.  It’s a massive improvement over the previous release, but the new “G.I. Joe” style of hips are noticeably missing.  As far as the deco goes, the red piping on the arms is more thickly applied, and it looks much more realistic.  Additionally, some battle distress has been added to the other Incinerator Trooper markings which improves the “used universe” look of the figure.  One very disappointing aspect of this release is the flamethrower accessory.  It is insanely rubbery.  It almost has the consistency of a Gummy Bear, and if I left it in my pocket all day, I could feed it to Ed Rooney.  The hands are equally as rubbery, which is a frustrating combination.  I’ve always said it’s best if the accessories are made of rigid plastic and the hands are pliable.  That’s the golden combo, but that’s not the case here.  Rubbery accessories are starting to become a legitimate concern for the Vintage Collection.  One reason for the flimsy feel of the flamethrower might be because it’s one contiguous piece with the backpack and harness.  Those pieces need to be malleable in order to fit them over the figure.  If they were stiffer, there would be a big chance of breakage.

This is the 90th 6th release of a Grogu figcessory.  Similar releases have come with VC177 - Din Djarin (The Mandalorian), VC184 - The Child, the Razor Crest, VC211 - The Mandalorian & Grogu (Maldo Kreis), and the deluxe Ahsoka Tano & Grogu.  This seems like a newly sculpted torso with reused arms and head.  The eyes are also painted half open to simulate Grogu’s meditative state while using the Force.  Because of the flame accessories, it was critical to include this Force-using Grogu in the set, but at the same time, fans are growing leery of “Grogu in all the things”.  So it’s a “damned if you do, damned if you don’t” situation for Hasbro.  This set would have felt incomplete without including the foundling, but it also feeds a little bit into the Grogu-fatigue.

The other accessories are the flame effects to include the fire umbrella that surrounds Baby Yoda as he uses the Force to deflect the fireball around himself. For the purpose of photography, these are must haves and I wish I had them in hand when I was setting up THIS PHOTO.  Photography aside, these effects are great to recreate a post-battle scene with your Nevaro Cantina play set.  It really does spice up that display, and it makes me want to buy a second set just for extra flame accessories.  Since this is essentially an improved VC177 with extra pack-ins, we have to use that release as a baseline.  My colleague, Mr. Nomadscout, gave that initial release a nine score.  With the advent of the new style hips, I feel that it would only get a score of eight today, so I’m using that as the starting point.  It earns one bonus point for the rocker ankles, but loses one point for the rubbery flamethrower.  That nets out to an 8 out of 10 for this Deluxe Incinerator Trooper & Grogu.