Luke Skywalker in his Bespin fatigues was released in the Spring of 2020 on special Kenner inspired vintage cardbacks to celebrate the 40th Anniversary of The Empire Strikes Back. This sub-line of the 6 inch Star Wars Black Series started in 2017 with the 40th Anniversary of A New Hope, and the 2020 line continues the design with a number of new characters and figures on these gorgeous vintage cards. Luke is part of Wave 1 which also includes the AT-AT Driver, Han Solo Bespin, Princess Leia Hoth and Yoda.
Packaging 4/5
Like the 2017 releases for the 40th Anniversary of A New Hope, these new Empire Strikes Back figures come on a vintage inspired blister card - complete with original Kenner logo. The card art remains the same as the original 1980's Empre releases with the same card image of Luke cautiously entering the corridors of Cloud City. The card uses the same green character name place, the green backing to the figure, and the same red Empire Strikes Back Logo. Even the 4+ safety sign appeared on the original, although this new version has been changed to a circular design rather than plain text. The only new addition is a foil "40th Anniversary" logo in the top right next to the offset punched hole.
The card back is also a replication of the 1980's versions, with the other figures from the wave displayed in varying character specific colour boxes. Beneath this is the 40th Anniversary text which is generic to all card backs. There is no character unique text.
"Commemorate the 40th Anniversary of Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back with figures from The Black Series, featuring classic design and packaging"
The only downside of a card of this nature is damage, particularly if these are bought from physical stores rather than specialist retailers. Even fresh out of the case there is a slight bend on the card.
Paint & Sculpt 4/5
The brand new head sculpt for Luke Bespin is very striking, and arguably the best Mark Hamill likeness delivered in the line - or at the very least on par with the Snowspeeder Luke from the same 40th Anniversary line. The likeness is enhanced by the face print technology with more realism in the eyes, and more natural shading around the face.
The hair is also better shaped, and a good match to the Bespin scenes - although Luke's hair was very changeable in these scenes. It may be a touch light, but I can live with that with the darkness added with a darker brown wash through the blonde colouring.
The body remains the same as the original 2015 release Luke. This is OK, as the original had good proportions and sculpt detail on the flight suit and boots. The body is predominantly cast in the beige with a dark wash added to weather it, the weathering is a little more subtle this time round. Luke has his belt and holster strapped to his thigh, this has further paint apps with silver buckle and rivets. The flesh tone used on the hands is a match to the face and is darker and brighter than the original washed out flesh tones.
What this release is missing is the ability to recreate the most famous scene of the Bespin sequence, the movie and the entire saga. I would have loved to see Hasbro include an alternative bloodies head with matted hair, and given some thought to recreating the cut off hand element.
Accessories 4/5
Luke comes with his DL-44 blaster. This is cast in black with painted silver barrel, and brown painted grip. The detail in the cast is OK, but I can't understand what the giant printed 4 means?
The blaster fits into Luke's right hand, where a trigger finger can slot into place. When not in use it fits in the working holster where a flexible strap goes over the top and plugs in to the holster to hold it in place.
Luke also includes his lightsaber, the same one as the original rather than any of the updated ones from Rey. This is cast in black and painted silver. Added details then include leaving the black fins unpainted, the gold ignition and the red indicator.
This too fits in Luke's right hand. Here is my usual issue with blaster and saber wielding figures that we do not get an alternative saber hand. The right hand holds the saber fine, but the trigger finger sticks out and looks odd. When not in use the saber can be hung on a hook on Luke's belt.
Like normal, the lightsaber blade is removable and can be clipped in and out of the hilt depending on the look you require. The blade is quite thick and nicely coloured in translucent blue.
In comparison with the original release of Bespin Luke, the blaster is practically identical with the same paint apps on the grip and barrel. Interestingly the original Luke blaster has a number 3 on the side compared to the number 4 on the new version?
The lightsaber hilt too is the same sculpt, and has only minor paint differences - notably the red light being more prominent on the new version, the gold switch being lighter, and the black fins being more defined.
What has changed significantly is the lightsaber blade. It is now a much thicker and darker blue from the original which was almost clear.
Articulation 3/5
Luke has a total of 16 points of articulation, the same as the original 2015 release which is obvious considering the body is the same. This does mean a that he is missing the newer butterfly shoulders, which would have helped the two handed saber posing. And it also means the neck still has the visible pivot - although the chin does hide it most of the time.
Head : ball joint neck with pivot
Body : ball joint waist
Arms : ball joint shoulder, single rotating elbow, wrist pivot
Legs : ball joint hips, thigh swivel, double joint knees, ankle rockers
With no real obstructions in the outfit, Luke is pretty mobile including being able to kneel and crouch to a degree. He can hold the saber in two hands, even without the butterfly shoulders, but it is a fixed neutral hold and not advancing in attack.
I found the right shoulder on my figure stuck and it kept springing back into position. With some heat treatment it is a little better now but it is an issue to watch out for.
The waist works well for fighting poses, supported by the wider legstances. The issue with stability does sit in the hips which are looser than I would like and can see Luke sliding into the splits.
Summary
What we have in this 40th Anniversary release is an existing older figure given an Archive treatment, this time with a new head with much better likeness and paint apps. This really enhances the look of the figure and he now doesn't look as dated when posed with Bespin Han or Leia.
I do think there are some opportunities missed. As a minimum I would have liked to see a second dedicated saber holding right hand - an issue I've talked about for a number of saber figures over the past few months. If Hasbro wanted to go all out then an alternative bloodied head and severed hand option would have given fans a real opportunity to recreate THAT scene with Darth Vader. Perhaps that tweak will come in time?
Luke Skywalker Bespin is a welcome update with the new head well executed. The articulation is fine and the accessories are good and well painted. The Vintage card is gorgeous and does evoke memories for those of us around in the 1980's buying the original of this figure. I score him a 4 out of 5.
About Me : As a child of the 70's and 80's I grew up in a golden age for action figures and in my youth bought and sold myself through collections of Star Wars, G.I. Joe (Action Force) and M.A.S.K. while also dabbling in He-Man, Transformers and Ghostbusters. Roll forward and I am now reliving that Youth with the action figures of today and am a collector and fan of the larger 6-8 inch figures from my favourite movie and TV licences - including the ones mentioned above, but also the Marvel Cinematic Universe, Doctor Who and the Aliens. I launched The Mephitsu Archives in 2015 with a view of creating a UK focused site or these figures where fans can pick up the latest action figure news, read reviews and get information on where to buy their figures and what is currently on store shelves. I hope I am delivering that to you guys...
action figures, reviews, review, articulation, star wars, black series, empire strikes back, dagobah, 40th anniversary, hasbro, bespin, luke skywalker