Of all the 5POA reviews I’ve done so far, this was one that I had zero interest in doing, because I’ve already reviewed 2 TIE fighters with the pilot figure, and the only real difference here is that it doesn’t have a removable helmet, so it would seem that is a step backward.

The sculpt is ever-so-slightly different from the vehicle pack-in versions, although it would seem to be a function of having been produced in a different factory, rather than it being anything overtly intentional by the designers.  Interestingly (or not), the bits of paint on the chest control box are actually sloppier on this figure than they are on the pack-ins.  It seems it’s fairly common throughout the 5POA line for the pack-in figures to be a cut above their basic carded analogues, which is strange, historically.

The big diff here is that the figure’s helmet is not removable.  Sometimes this is a plus, because the helmet is more natural looking, other times, it’s a minus, because it’s one less display option.  In this case, I think the helmet is sculpted too small, so the pilot looks like he must be a pin head underneath.  As such, I prefer the aesthetics of the pack-in version. Note in the comparison pic above that there are actually two pilot versions, as one has red stripes on the helmet, signifying that pilot being more stripey than the other.  He sure has earned his stripes, and that’s a fact, Jack.  But no, this guy doesn’t have stripes.

He stands fine, the uniform is nicely textured, and it’s simply and appropriately (if a bit sloppily) painted.  He grips his pistol well, although it would have been nice to have a holster. 

By the way, the figure’s articulation allows it to sit perfectly in the TIE cockpit, if you were interested in doing so.  Maybe you’d rather have this pea-headed guy sit hidden in the cockpit while you proudly display the big-headed pack-in version.  I know Randy has done that with his Finalizer hangar diorama.  That’s right.  It’s called the Finalizer.

It is what it is. Not particularly exciting.  It serves its purpose.