Now that they're no longer the sole distributor of super-articulated 3 3/4" figures, Walmart appear to be quickly trying to clear out their stock of exclusive Black Series figures. This has been great news for collectors, as its seeing shelves finally fill with figures that had otherwise been languishing in storerooms. Recently, I stumbled across three of these that I'd been after for some time: the Emperor's Royal Guard, Ponda Baba, and the Tusken Raider for $12.83US ($17.71NZ) each.
All three are repacks from previous lines - but they're characters that I either missed the first time, or didn't have the presence of mind to pick up when available. Lately I've been claiming that the detailing of 5POA figures is now just as good - if not, in some cases, better - than their super-articulated companions. I still believe that to be true. That being said, the inclusion of extra articulation on figures like these will always be a welcome sight, especially when it comes to posing figures for display.
Another feature of the super-articulated line that I've missed is the raft of accessories packed with each figure. The Tusken Raider is perhaps the least well-equipped, and even he comes with a removable fabric cloak, rifle, and gaffi stick.
Ponda Baba ups the game a little, coming with a beverage, blaster pistol, and two pairs of interchangable hands (depending on which edition of A New Hope you prefer). You can also swap out his intact arm for a severed one - allowing you to reenact Obi-Wan's wanton act of violence against this drunkard.
But the real standout here is the Emperor's Royal Guard - whose accessories basically amount to a completely alternate outfit (and one taken from the Legends universe, no less). The Royal Guard comes dressed in his on-screen helmet and fabric cloak and armed with a force pike. Beneath the cloak, however, is a highly detailed lightly-armoured figure complete with Imperial cog emblems on his shoulders, and a blaster and working holster mounted on his hip. Once stripped of his cloak, he can then be equipped with his alternate 'training' helmet, shoulder armour, and double-bladed halberd for an entirely different look.
This taste of super-articulated figures has got me more excited than ever for the return of the Vintage Collection in 2018. While the first wave won't hold too many exciting figures (mainly focusing on rereleases of sequel trilogy and Rogue One characters from Walmart's exclusive Black Series line), it holds an enormous amount of promise going forward.
This taste of super-articulated figures has got me more excited than ever for the return of the Vintage Collection in 2018. While the first wave won't hold too many exciting figures (mainly focusing on rereleases of sequel trilogy and Rogue One characters from Walmart's exclusive Black Series line), it holds an enormous amount of promise going forward.
