Editor’s Note:  This review has been updated with our second look at TVC…

Original Review:  Chris - 12/31/2011 05:00 PM

Chances are you already own this figure.  In fact, you may own it several times over. It was first released in 2008 in the Legacy of the Jedi Evolutions set from the Thirtieth Anniversary Collection.  The figure returned in 2009 as part of the Qui-Gon Jinn and Eopie set which was the mail away redemption for the Legacy Collection.  That time, the Jedi robe was replaced by a soft goods poncho.  That same accessory and figure combination was available again in 2010 as part of the Legacy Collection Tatooine Desert Ambush Battle Pack.  Each time there are subtle differences in the paint applications particularly in the salt and pepper wash on the hair. 

The figure itself is decent but it’s showing its age in a few areas.  We’ve become spoiled with Jedi figures the past few years. I’ve come to expect an unlit saber hilt which can be attached to the belt.  This figure includes neither the hilt nor the peg hole on the belt to which one could be attached.  The decade old lit saber accessory is very dated.  It lacks the flare at the hilt modern sabers have and the hilt portion if noticeably oversized.  Adding ball jointed hips really would have upped the appeal of this figure and would have made it easy to justify repurchasing.  Sadly, that retool was not in the cards for this release.  The head seems too small and does not bare a terrific likeness to the actor who is famed for his improvisational comedy.  All of these minor negatives warrant a one point deduction to an otherwise decent figure.  It’s the best Qui-Gon Jinn figure to date, but you probably already own it.  7 out of 10.

Updated Review:  Bret - 8/16/2018 07:05 AM

As usual (when he feels like it) Chris pretty much covered everything here.  This figure would, at first, seem to be outstanding, but after the initial once over, things quickly deteriorate.  I agree with all of the points Chris made.  The figure lacks full modern Jedi articulation, most notably at the hips, while ball jointed wrists or rocker ankles would be appropriate as well.  The soft goods “skirt” would seem to indicate a superior figure, but there is little point, as they don’t make way for any aforementioned missing ball jointed hips.  The lightsaber is very noticeably aged and out of place.  That would seem to have been the very least Hasbro could have done for an upgrade tweak.  Not even a saber hilt or peg to be found, nor any other special accessories, like the poncho, or a communicator. 

Even the sculpt itself is a little wonky.  The legs are very awkwardly spread apart in some kind of action ready pose, but it doesn’t work here, nor should it even be necessary.  All figures from the time of TVC moving forward should be in neutral stances, with articulation that allows you to pose as you wish.  There’s just not that much to really love here.

This is clearly just a slight update to an old figure, and Hasbro decided to put very little effort into what should have been something approaching a definitive version of one of the key characters in the entire saga.  Collectors have every reasonable expectation that Hasbro would have done something special for Qui-Gon Jinn in TVC.  A better head sculpt, more accessories, a modern saber and a hilt, and of course, better articulation.  This figure is far from definitive, and shows it’s age.  While Qui-Gon might not have been the hottest selling character of all time, he deserves a full blown ultimate figure.  Maybe it won’t be at the top of the priority list, but Hasbro does need to address this.  I’m dropping the figure’s score a point, as it has not aged well.  Again, I agree with Chris, in that this figure is the best for the character still to this day, but that doesn’t make it acceptable.

Verdict: Re-sculpt (Medium Priority) 

Again, it may not automatically top everyone’s want list, but Hasbro needs to give us a definitive Qui-Gon Jinn.  He only wore one costume.  Add the poncho “disguise”, a slimmer and more modern lightsaber, an unlit hilt, a belt peg hole, and a communicator.  That pretty much covers it.  It’s all been done before.  Add the ball jointed hips, and if we’re all feeling randy, throw in rocker ankles and ball jointed wrists.  And please make sure the head sculpt is more of a ringer for Liam Neeson.  Stop the nonsense.  Ebay prices are low to moderate, but that’s because you can get essentially this same figure from earlier releases, so there’s nothing special here except for the TVC packaging.  An ultimate Qui-Gon Jinn is overdue, and if done well, I’d buy several of them for various TPM shelf displays.

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.