Here’s a Vintage Collection release that is both awesome and frustrating at the same time.  The vehicle itself is outstanding (although not perfect), while the value is debatable (although I’m okay with it).

First of all, its a great vehicle.  It’s a nearly definitive (at this time) version of the classic Original Trilogy X-Wing fighter.  While the first x-wings in the Kenner/Hasbro line were somewhat undersized (we probably didn’t really notice/care at the time, though), Hasbro introduced an upsized version in 1998.  That mold saw various releases/repaints/retools until it was overhauled in 2011 as part of the Death Star Trench Run set.  That set included an awesome X-Wing, Vader’s TIE Advanced, and 3 figures.  It cost an insane $99.99 as a Toys R Us exclusive.  That vehicle represented the best X-Wing sculpt ever produced.  It was later re-released for $59.99, bearing Biggs Darklighter’s Red 3 markings but with a generic “X-Wing Fighter” title as part the first TVC run in 2013 (although TVC officially ended in 2012, that exclusive made it’s way to market as the Black Series was starting).  And now the vehicle is re-released with a new paint job in 2019 TVC as “Luke Skywalker’s X-Wing Fighter” for $99.99. 

As stated, it’s a straight repaint of its two predecessors.  It’s got the same identification markings (obviously) as the 2011 version, but the paint applications, weathering, and battle damage are significantly improved.  Enough to warrant a purchase if you already own the 2011 Red 5?  Probably not.  But if you’re an X-Wing fan, this is an opportunity to pick it up for less than the secondary market of either the 2011 (sponsored) or 2013 (sponsored) releases.  If you’re a customizer, you could also pick this one up and repaint it in the colors and markings of other members of Red Squadron that don’t exist yet at all, or that do exist but are based on older molds, like Red Leader (Garven Dreis) and Red 2 (Wedge).

With a great sculpt, an awesome cockpit with removable dashboard and targeting computer, hidden front landing gear, flip out torpedo launcher, and fantastic paint applications, this is the premiere OT X-wing available.  The drawbacks are that the landing gears don’t “lock” well into the open position, so it’s easy for the ship to collapse if you move it, which could trigger a frustrating domino effect in your displays if you aren’t careful.  The S-foil mechanism isn’t that crisp, as the wings don’t come together that well, as they seem misaligned or out of whack.  As for the set itself, while it’s a repaint of the 2013 version, it would still be nice if Hasbro could have added something of a sweetener to help buyers accept the $99.99 price tag.  Even just the two ladders would be helpful.  A clear display stand would be neat as well, since you can’t display the ship with the foils in the attack position on your shelf.

The way I see it, this was an opportunity for Hasbro to make a smart repaint of a high quality toy based on an iconic film straighter, and it’s timed perfectly for the “Year of Luke”, which certainly is giving “Jabbapalooza” a run for its money in 2019.  It also means that the mold is still in good shape and could possibly be used for additional repaints.  We collectors must acknowledge that the state of the line is not what it was in 2010.  Star Wars toy sales are struggling for reasons that could be argued for days.  We live in a reality where Hasbro’s ability to expend resources on new tooling, which is already limited by struggling sales, is also split with the 6” line.  So Hasbro needs to make the most of existing tooling in hopes that success at market will result in the ability to bring us more new toys.  This X-Wing is great, although not new.  But Hasbro could also think about re-releasing it with different markings.  They could also create sets of pilots and astromechs which would just be repaints (with new heads) of the recent Luke X-Wing figure and astromechs.  If Hasbro wants the most out of these molds, they can complete Red Squadron, along with separately sold pilot/droid 2-packs.  They could also, oh I don’t know, make BLUE LEADER GENERAL ANTOC MERRICK!

In the end, the price isn’t that outrageous, given the secondary market prices of this same ship.  So if it helps satisfy collector demand, while helping fund better products in the future, I’m all for it.  Don’t be a clearance jerk.  If you want this, buy it.