The 2004 VOTC 3.75” Chewbacca figure is one of the milestone figures in the history of the Star Wars action figure line.  The combination of articulation and aesthetics raised the bar for the entire line.  Ten years later that figure is still held in high regard, which is amazing, and the only complaint is that it’s not put into rotation more often. There must be something about Chewbacca figures, because this figure could serve as similar role for the 6” line.

The most immediate impression this figure makes is that it’s a prodigious hunk of plastic.  Before it’s even open the weight of the piece is obvious in the package.  There are a number of generic attributes about this figure that thrill me.  The first is that between the weight of the figure and the huge simian feet, it stands with the conviction of a Weeble.  Even with the knees articulated you can drop the figure from a half inch height and it will return to it’s standing position without so much as a wobble.  In that regard, the comparison to the Weeble was a disservice. This enormous Chewbacca figure could have been instantly undermined with the use of soft plastic which has been steadily encroaching into the line.  Thankfully we seem to have a renaissance of plastics quality.  Lastly, it seems we have a return to precision in the paint applications.  The fact that individual teeth were realistically painted is the only argument needed to prove this point.  Whether this represents a return to quality or merely a one figure anomaly will have to be determined, but it seems to herald good things.

I said I’m going to stop detailing the articulation on these figures because it becomes too repetitious.  This has the standard 6” scale articulation which lends itself to a myriad of poses.  The sculpted fur elements overhang some of the areas of articulation which does limit the range of movement a bit.  The upside, however, is that this neatly obscures the joints.  This figure represents one of the best balances of articulation and aesthetics ever.  On the subject of aesthetics, both the pouch on the bandoleer and the bowcaster feature black and silver washes respectively that give the items that used look we all love. 

There are a couple niggling issues that by definition don’t condemn the figure, but are worth mentioning.  The first has already been mentioned in that the sculpted fur that overhangs the joints can slightly interfere with the movement.  This is most apparent at the ankles where you can’t take full advantage of the rocker joints.  The other issue is that there is no way the figure’s gigantic trigger finger could fit through the trigger guard on the bowcaster.  You will know this is the case, but you can’t really see the outcome when posed with the figure since the hands largely obscure that area.  These minor issues don’t impact the score at all.  This figure can hold a Stormtrooper off the ground and still stand unassisted BY GOSH!!!  10 out of 10.

By way of full disclosure, I was having a pang of unoriginality when posing the Han Solo figure leaning into Chewbacca.  I realized it was because I previously saw a similar pose on The Fwoosh, so credit goes to them for that shot.

10/10 Bantha Skulls