I don’t recall this “VOTC” Luke Skywalker ever being a hit with the community, even when it was first released, despite it appearing to check all the boxes on paper (for the time).  This was, to the best of my recollection, the first implementation of ball jointed hips in the 3.75” line.  If there was an earlier use, I’m drawing a blank on it.  Correct me in the comments if I’m wrong about that.  I feel bad for the brand team for this release, because again, in theory this figure would appear to be a crowd pleaser.  I imagine them being like Ralphie handing in his theme to Ms. Shields thinking it’s a masterwork, only to be dejected when the grade comes back a C+.

So what went wrong?  Most of it can be seen in the images above.  Luke’s long desert tunic is difficult to translate into a super articulated action figure.  Because it extends down to the upper thigh, a sculpted tunic could potentially inhibit the lower body articulation.  This probably wouldn’t be an issue today with the pliable plastics Hasbro has mastered, but in 2004 it definitely would have been crippling.  It was definitely an issue five years later when they introduced the 2009 “Resurgence of the Jedi” Luke Skywalker, which is (unfortunately) considered to be the best Episode IV Luke in the line thus far.  That 2009 figure can’t sit, which is something Episode IV does a lot whether it be in the Cantina, in his landspeeder, or skulking in the Millennium Falcon.

It’s likely for that reason that Hasbro opted for a soft good tunic over what is essentially an articulated male upper body buck.  It’s similar to what companies like Hot Toys and Sideshow do in the 1:6 scale.  The fact the underlying body is somewhat garish is immaterial.  We’re not meant to display what’s underneath.  What does matter is the the aesthetics simply don’t work that well.  Luke ends up looking like David Byrne in the Burning Down the House video:

Another complaint about the appearance of this Luke is that the head sculpt looks nothing like Mark Hamill, but it is a decent Jake “cock-a-doody” Busey.  Aesthetics aside, much of what was said about the VOTC Han Solo applies here as well.  All the points of articulation are present, but they don’t help us render the figure in realistic looking dynamic poses.  The swivel forearms and sculpted angle of the hands are particularly problematic.  It means there are very few two handed saber grips that can be achieved.  Any Luke figure today demands hinged wrists (and rocker ankles, and a barbell neck, and barbell hips, and…and…and…).

I still have this VOTC Luke in my display.  Since I wasn’t going to buy multiples of that Resurgence of the Jedi battle pack, the one Luke from that set that I own is doing duty in the Cantina.  This 2004 Luke is patrolling my “purchase of the droids” display.  I no longer have a Ben’s hut display because I don’t have a suitable Luke to man it.  I can’t recall which Lukes I have inside my BMF.  I’d look for this review, but I don’t feel like breaking apart that display right now.  Point is that if Hasbro ever does deliver us a definitive Episode IV Luke Skywalker, I’m going to need A LOT.

Today I would give this figure a 5 out of 10 for both the less than workable articulation and aesthetics that miss the mark.  One last thing I want to mention about these VOTC “Star Wars” cards is that I love that Hasbro replicated the 12-back price square in the upper left (something that can’t be done today due to all the legally required warnings).  I can remember that square from the vintage days, and my local store which wrote the price on it with a grease pen.  Yes, I’m that old.