Editor’s Note:  This figure was not reviewed at the time of its release

The wave of Revenge/Return figures were essentially a repaint wave.  The merits of each of the four figures vary. From an “original 92” Kenner collection standpoint, this B-Wing Pilot figure checks off the biggest Vintage Collection box.  Like the recently reviewed TIE Fighter Pilot, this is the first and only appearance of the B-Wing Pilot in the modern Hasbro Vintage Collection.  The reason why it checks the biggest box, or scratches the biggest itch, is because it was released on the same episode card as its vintage Kenner counterpart.  The vintage Kenner TIE Fighter Pilot was first released on an Episode V card.  So for an “original 92” carded collection, this B-Wing Pilot satisfies that need without any caveats.  Unfortunately, the only compelling reason for most collectors to own this figure is to keep it carded.

The reason for that is simple, and was alluded to at the open.  This is nothing more than a repaint of the Keyan Farlander figure from 2008’s Rebel Pilot Legacy II Evolutions set.  Hasbro really should have considered releasing this figure with a new head, but alas they didn’t.  If you are an ultra-completist, this figure may qualify for the “different enough to make you mad” category popularized by Adam Pawlus.  The flight straps and hoses are perfectly white on this release compared to the off white/beige of the previous Evolutions release. I honestly feel like the beige of the Evoltions figure has a more “used” universe feel.  Additionally, the paint applications are more detailed. There are silver accents on the chest box which really add a layer of detail.  This better detailing make me prefer this Vintage Collection release over the Evolutions version despite preferring the flight straps on the latter. 

So far we’ve discussed the merits of the re-release, but haven’t really delved into the figure.  Hasbro has really nailed the pilot figures.  The separately sculpted flight straps and hoses add the level off depth and realism that collectors demand.  Having a fairly definitive sculpt of each of the various pilots probably caused Hasbro to go to that well too often (similar to Clones) and collectors soon fatigued of the source, particularly X-Wing pilots. As far as B-Wing pilots, we’ve only had 3 or 4 depending on whether or not you count the off-screen white jumpsuit Ten Nunb figure, so it’s not as tired as other pilots.  This sculpt has a few issues, however.  Both of my samples have a serious lean to the figure’s left (as seen in the comparison shot).  For many of the shots, I actually had to adjust the legs of my camera tripod to correct for this.  Secondly, the paint application to the head sculpt lack crispness.

Finally, the biggest negative is the elephant in the room.  It’s the blasted removable flight cap.  I honestly feel bad for Hasbro.  I’ve just praised them earlier for the separately sculpted flight straps, and now I’m going to blast them for the separately sculpted flight cap.  They must feel like Peter Griffin upon hearing that Betty White is in PETA.  The problem is obvious.  The flight cap should be snug to the head.  This removable flight cap looks like the figure is wearing a Styrofoam cooler on its head.  The flight cap should be part of the sculpt like the vintage Kenner figures and not a separate piece.  It just doesn’t work at this scale. 

These factors compel me to keep this figure at the base super articulated 7 out of 10.

Verdict: Re-sculpt (extremely low priority) 

Getting a new headsculpt with the flight cap integrated would have merit, but it’s not something Hasbro should prioritize to the point that I doubt we will ever see one.  We’re having a difficult time of getting all of the primary characters from new media in 3.75” super-articulated form.  Updating a twice-released, barely on-screen pilot isn’t likely to happen. 

Verdict Guide:
Re-sculpt = The figure is not definitive, and a new version should be developed.
Re-issue = This version is definitive (or close enough), and shows sufficient secondary market demand to warrant a straight repack.
No Action = This release does not require new attention.