Review of the Wal-Mart Exclusive 12" Luke and Yoda toy (YodaJeff.com)

Review of the Wal-Mart Exclusive 12" Luke and Yoda toy

Review By: YodaJeff
Maker: Hasbro
Suggested Retail Price: $29.98

Packaging:
This definately is a unique package. It is different than the usual box-type packaging. I applaud Hasbro on trying something new. Unfortunately, new isn't always better. As you can see in the picture of the top of the packaging above, there are flaws in the design. The top doesn't seem to cover the brown cardboard underneath. Also, I have seen the side seam start to come open. The packaging could be better, but it is unique, which I like. It depicts Yoda on Luke's back during his training in the Empire Strikes Back.

Yoda:
Well, it's a new Yoda sculpt. In the above picture, the new Yoda sculpt is on the left, and the old 1997 "Action Collection" Yoda is on the right. The new Yoda is taller than the older one, even though they both depict the Empire Strikes Back Yoda. The belts and gimer stick that came with both figures are identical, but that is the only way that they are the same. The new Yoda is the first Yoda in a long while made by Hasbro/Kenner that has Yoda's legs seperate. Yoda can actually walk now, instead of having molded-together legs. This also is the first official Yoda item to my knowledge that comes with Yoda's necklace/pendant thing. This leads me to believe that we may learn more about this mysterious item in Episode 2 or 3. Either that, or the guys over at Hasbro thought it would be an interesting accessory. Also, the new Yoda doesn't have nailpolish on. You can definately see the difference if you click on an above picture and look that Yoda's fingernails and toenails. The head sculpt is different too. I still can't decide which head sculpt I like better. Both of them have their advantages. I don't like how the cracks were filled in on the new Yoda's head. The colors that they choose don't seem to flow well together. The new Yoda has more articulation than any other Yoda figure made in the last decade, but it still could be improved on. His head moves from side to side, he can twist at his waist, and his arms and legs move up and down. Yoda's arms can move up and down, but his hands always point down. This makes him look silly when he isn't in the backpack.

Luke:
This is the first Luke Skywalker 12 inch toy that I own, so I don't really have anything to compare it to. It has a very high level of articulation. His head moves up and down, and side to side. His arms seem to have a working shoulder socket. His arm can flex and twist at the elbow. His hands can rotate. He can turn at the waist. He can bend his legs at the knee and at the hip. He also has working ankle joints, which are helpful when removing his boots. Hasbro seems to have a problem with Luke. He always is super-buff. I guess this makes the figure more attractive. His shirt comes off via Velcro-type attachment in the back. It looks bad at first due to all of the joints and articulation, but after a while, you get used to it and appreciate it.

The Backpack:
The backpack is made out of a plastic material, but the shoulder straps are made out of jean material. It can be taken off via a hook in the front of the backpack. Yoda fits nicely into the backpack. It isn't a tight squeeze, but Yoda isn't going to fall out.

Comparison to other toys:
I've already compared the new Yoda toy to the older "Action Collection" Yoda toy. Here are some more views of the two Yodas. The first picture above shows that this is the tallest figure depicting Yoda on Luke's back made to date (as far as I know). The shortest one is the Power of the Force "Luke in Dagobah Fatigues" with the "Yoda with Jedi Trainer Backpack" on his back. The middle one is a figurine made by Applause, and the only articulation it has is Yoda's head moves from side to side. The other figures may look more like Luke, but the newest one has enough articulation and movement to make up for bad looks.

Overall:
Overall, I think that this set comes with two wonderful figures. The Yoda is a good sculpt, and it has two seperate legs. Hasbro is taking it one step at a time. The Luke may not look the best, but makes up for it in other areas. The packaging is unique. One gripe I have is that it is a Wal-Mart exclusive, so those who don't have access to a Wal-Mart may have trouble finding it. Also, the employees in the Wal-Mart toy sections like to hide it away from the rest of the Star Wars toys, which doesn't make much sense to me. At a local Wal-Mart, it was hidden in a corner a few aisles away. So if you don't see it at first, look around, and then ask a Wal-Mart associate for help. The toy looks great sitting in the package, and it also functions well as a toy. Children should have endless hours of fun with this toy, especially if they have more of the 12 inch line of figures for it to interact with.

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