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

Original Review:  Chris - 03/03/2012 3:28 PM

It’s a statement I’ve been making a lot lately.  You probably already own this figure.  This is the third time the core figure has been released.  It was first released in 2009 as part of the legacy collection.  It came with a build-a-droid part, a second set of seated legs, and a tankard of ale (AH HAH).  It was re-released in late 2011 minus the swappable seated legs, but this time it was released on a Vintage Collection card.  Because of that, some fans consider that release more betterish despite the lack of the seated legs.  This third time around the beverage glass, and the collar and chain are gone.  In their place we get a pair of goggles, a soft goods tunic and a plastic hood.  Three releases with only changes in the accessories to distinguish them for the most part. Because the collar is gone, this figure is technically very specific to the deleted sandstorm scene. One other difference in this release is that the colors of the metal bikini, that so thrilled Jeremy Bulloch, are a little more vibrant.  This seems to be more accurate to the film.  It appears on previous releases that Hasbro was basing the colors on the actual prop as it exists in it’s current state, but 30 years have darkened and dulled the prop.  Again this current paint scheme seems to more closely match the film.

I don’t particularly think the head sculpt reminds me of a 23 year old Carrie Fisher.  This seems to be a problem common to both of the Skywalker twins.  The lower legs are a little too thick.  This is supposedly to accommodate the point of articulation.  But the 2008 CW-09 Ahsoka Tano figure proves that a ball jointed ankle can be achieved in a slender mold.  The ball jointed upper torso provides the ability to extended the achievable poses.  Ball jointed torsos are hit or miss and sometimes compromise the aesthetics.  Not so in this case.  It’s cleanly hidden into the costume which is commendable considering the amount of exposed skin.  I’m really wrestling with the score of this figure.  I really feel it’s an 8.5 out of 10, but we don’t do fractional scores.  I’ll round down since I only gave the wave 1 Maul and 8, which I regret.  8 out of 10.

Updated Review:  Bret - 8/30/2018 07:05 AM

We just reviewed this base figure with VC64.  The accessories and paint applications are all that is different between these two.  I agree with Chris in that it seems that the colors, and especially the face, are superior on this version.  But you’ll definitely need VC64 for a film accurate slave Leia.  This figure is missing the collar and piece of chain that was present after it was cut by R2-D2.  Therefore it only works as a post Sail Barge escape version of Leia.  It’s possible the collar was present underneath the shmata in the deleted scene, but since the crew seems to have acquired weapons, goggles, shmatas, and even had time to bandage Chewie’s leg, it’s possible they also removed the collar before making the trip to the awaiting ships.  Maybe there was a tool on board the escape skiff, or maybe Luke used his lightsaber (nervous gulp).

Speaking of the awaiting ships, if you watch the full deleted scene, the heroes make it to the rendezvous point where they find the Millennium Falcon and…a Y-Wing.  A freakin’ Y-Wing. What the hell is that about?  They got a full-sized prop of a Y-Wing instead of an X-Wing?  The funny thing is, the end of the scene shows Luke and R2 getting into an X-Wing.  So who the heck was flying a Y-Wing?  To round it out, Luke’s lightsaber construction deleted scene ends with Threepio and Artoo walking out of the cave, and in the distance you can see the Falcon and an X-wing on the ground.  So, again, what’s up with that Y-Wing?

Chris thought it may have been a homage to the Holiday Special when Luke has a Y-Wing.  Maybe Lucas then thought better of it, and changed it to a trusty X-wing.  During the sandstorm, Han even tells Luke to “leave that crate and come with us.”  Sounds more like Han could be describing that Y-Wing than his X-Wing.  Whatever.  This review is about Leia, and she will not have her review hijacked!

The paint, sculpt, articulation, and unique accessories are great.  The soft goods and soft plastic shmatas work in concert to provide a nice aesthetic.  The goggles work well, and unlike those that come with the other sandstorm figures, these are applied to Leia by fitting over the face like eyeglasses, rather than using a strap around the entire head.  As such, you have to put on the two shmatas in order to get the glasses to fit properly.  Leia also comes with the skiff guard pike, but if this is meant to be the one she used before jumping onto the deck cannon, it’s not quite accurately applied because, as stated, she was wearing the collar at that point.

The figure is outstanding, as we’ve already seen, and with improved paint applications, and new accessories that are specific to this deleted scene, it makes it worth buying, even if you have the TLC version (with the swappable sitting legs) and/or VC64 (a straight repack, minus the swappable legs).  If you have the three versions, you can mix and match the accessories to get almost any film accurate slave Leia version possible, except for a full length chain before it was cut by Artoo.  Chris and I both agree this figure is the best of the lot, but I think you can’t really do without the TLC version.  Together, they make a definitive Leia.

Verdict: It Doesn’t Matter (But for the record, this paint version - or perhaps even the new Photo Real Tech - should be applied to a re-released figure, with all the accessories from the versions discussed) 

Our verdict doesn’t matter because we know that Disney has put the kibosh on slave Leia merchandise.  As such, you’ll have to try your luck on eBay for any of the three versions we’ve discussed.  The link below is specific the sandstorm figure.  Prices are high, but this is the definitive figure, just be mindful that the other versions have important accessories.

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.