I will initiate self-destruct.

If we actually graded these Retro Collection figures on their merits as action figures, as opposed to nostalgic curiosities, this IG-11 would be getting pilloried.  The prodigious trapezoidal feet are at an angle on my sample.  Since these figures only have five points of articulation (5POA) by “design”, none of which occur at the ankles, the result is that the hip articulation has to be engaged so the feet are flat to the surface.  The end result is an IG-11 that is permanently leaning forward.  This is something that would have irritated the heck out of me as a kid, when I only regarded these things as toys and nothing else.

I will initiate self-destruct.

I’ve been trying to go along with the spirit of these Retro Collection figures, and appreciate them as vintage Kenner replicas.  I was okay with that through the first four that I reviewed, but 5POA simply cannot capture the spirit of this character.  An IG-11 figure without waist and elbow articulation is not IG-11.  Once again, this is something that would have annoyed me as a kid.  We obviously had a 5POA IG-88 back in the day, but that sufficed as the character did little more than stand in place on-screen.  IG-11 is a dynamic whirling dervish of a character.  Something tells me that Kenner might have tried to cost in waist articulation back in the day, similar to the way they gave EV-9D9 a jaw. Heck, if the line continued, they might have borrowed a page from their Super Powers line and added a play feature that rotates the upper torso when you squeeze the legs.  Now that is something that would have made this Retro Collection IG-11 amazing had Hasbro decided to bake it in.  Of course many would argue that violates the spirit of the retro line.  Still if these figures are intended to be a “what if” continuation of the vintage Kenner line, you would have to expect an evolution in the play features.

I will initiate self-destruct.

As far as the crude retro sculpt and deco, this one seems right in the pocket.  In fact, retool the torso for a single bandolier, cast it in gray, and I’m pretty sure you have a passable Retro Collection IG-88. As far as the rust brown color of the figure, it’s entirely wrong.  IG-11 is more of a gray with some patina.  Rust brown isn’t even the primary color for the character, but this is another case of Kenner Hasbro being Kenner.  All in all, this Retro Collection release has made me even more eager for the upcoming Vintage Collection IG-11.

I will initiate self-destruct.