Like Yak Face, the POTF ‘85 Anakin Skywalker figure is one of the absolute holy grails for the vintage Kenner line with high grade samples easily reaching into five figures.  That reason alone would compel Hasbro to revisit the figure despite never actually appearing on film and would compel fans to buy the figure.  Also like Yak Face, the Sebastian Shaw likeness Anakin Skywalker figure has never been updated since its initial release in 1999.  Unlike Yak Face, tweaks to the Saga mean that Hasbro is likely to never revisit a Sebastian Shaw Anakin Skywalker figure and that makes me sad.  I would very much like an update to this figure.  All future “redeemed” Anakin Skywalker figures are likely to be based on Hayden Christensen. 

The figure itself is woefully dated in terms of articulation.  If features 6 points of swivel articulation at the head, shoulders (2), waist and hips (2).  Because of the plastic robes, the hip articulation cannot be engaged in any practical manner.  This means the figure really only has four points of effective articulation.  In short, there isn’t a lot this figure can do.  Fortunately the figure does come with a lightsaber which instantly adds an element of play value.  I would hope the Jedi don’t need their laser swords in the nether world of the Force, but you never know.  That Palpatine was a real jerk.  Who knows what he would have tried to pull after Vader chucked him into the Death Star reactor from the throne room.  And nothing says stately throne room like open access to the engine room.

Despite the dated articulation, I can’t fully dismiss this figure.  While not to today’s standards, I really like the aesthetics of the figure.  I love the head sculpt particularly in terms of the expression.  It’s serene and expresses contained happiness for someone whose soul has been redeemed, but it’s not outright jubilation considering the massive pain inflicted over the course of that journey.  As mentioned in other reviews, I prefer soft goods elements on figures.  Not only do they look better in my opinion, they also allow for more function.  But Hasbro managed to do pretty well with the plastic robes.  Soft goods naturally add depth to a figure, but Hasbro captured some depth through simulating layers in the sculpt.  It’s not my ideal, but aside from hands that look like they’re wearing flesh colored winter gloves, I don’t mind this figure standing on my shelf.  3 out of 10.