Review: Star Wars Black Series Luke Skywalker Jedi Knight, Return of the Jedi 40th Anniversary Series
- Mephitsu
- Apr 25
- 5 min read
"Never. I'll never turn to the Dark Side. You've failed, your highness. I am a Jedi, like my father before me.”
As Return of the Jedi celebrated its 40th Anniversary in 2023, Hasbro released a third set of Black Series anniversary figures from the original trilogy, carded rather than boxed, and using the original Kenner card artwork. The Return of the Jedi Anniversary series was spread over 3 waves, supplemented by further exclusive carded figures as well as a boxed pack of Jabba the Hutt.
Luke Skywalker, Jedi Knight, as seen in the final scenes of Return of the Jedi aboard the Death Star, is technically a brand new release in this 40th Anniversary line, in a series predominantly made up of re-releases and minor tweaks. The figure itself utilises many elements of the ‘Imperial Light Cruiser’ Luke Skywalker also released in 2023 as part of The Mandalorian series, but updated to the outfit worn while battling Darth Vader and The Emperor. The cardback uses the same design and imagery as the original 1983 Kenner ROTJ card, including the tramline border and the use of the original green coloured figure backing panel and name plate. Hasbro has branded these with Kenner on the front rather than using their own logos, with the only new element vs the 1983 cards being the top left 40th Anniversary logo. Around the back of the card and there is a blended approach to the design with elements retained from the Kenner figures of 1983 but with the use of the modern Black Series logo as well as a checklist of the other 40th Anniversary figures, notably the other figures in this 2nd Wave of ROTJ Anniversary figures including the Deluxe Endor Rebel Trooper, Darth Vader, the Emperor’s Royal Guard and R2-D2. The card cannot be opened without some level of damage, so these are aimed more at MOC collectors.
When opening the set, be mindful that the figure is inclusive of two chest panels. The original promo art has the second of these packed alongside the figure, but the production figure has it snuck in behind the main figure in the tray, and therefore something that might get missed as you open it up.
The entirety of the body of Luke is cast in black plastic with virtually no paint applications other than the belt piece, which is a softer black plastic painted with a silver buckle and hook. Costume variations are delivered by the sculpt rather than decor, with the boots given a textured finish and the tunic defined by sculpted lines around the torso. This central chest piece is a plug-in piece that can be swapped out, allowing you to display Luke with the tunic fully fastened, or with the top part of the tunic folded open, with the folded piece painted in a light grey.
vs 2014 Luke Skywalker Jedi Knight (right)
All of this was done originally in 2014 when the original Luke Jedi was released, but everything on the 2023 release is new and improved, including the proportions of the body. The new version does share the arms and legs with the Mandalorian Imperial Light Cruiser Luke release, and it also went on to be packed in the exact same format as we see here, into the Last Command boxset in 2024.
The headsculpt used on the 40th Anniversary release (and in the Last Command set) is specific to Mark Hamill in 1983 and is a stronger likeness than the original figur,e but still lacks something in terms of nailing Luke’s look fully - something the line overall has struggled with over the years. Facial printing is used for the eyes and mouth detail, while the mop of hair is darker than we have seen previously and includes a darker wash to add further definition.
Luke comes with his ROTJ era Lightsaber, the same as has been used across previous releases. The hilt features a silver base colour with gold added to the switches and just under the emitter, and black lines included around the central shaft. A hook a the end of the hilt allows it to be hung on Luke’s belt, otherwise, it fits into one or both hands. The translucent blade is green with a muted colour vs other lightsabers. The fit is secure, but due to the design on the neck of Luke’s saber, the pin is smaller than some other blades, and both blade and saber hilt are prone to bending and therefore possible breakage around the slim tapered neck piece or on the internal peg itself.
Luke’s updated body for this 40th Anniversary release now includes a full set of pinless joints across 21 points of articulation. The figure includes butterfly shoulders to support the arm movement, allowing for more range in two-handed lightsaber posing in particular. The waist ball joint allows for some level of ab-crunch to support the arms, but perhaps needed a torso joint further up to expand on this movement, although that would have impacted the alternative chest parts. The legs feature an additional bootcup swivel by way of the boots obviously being interchangeable, although this is limited in its benefit, with swivels also included in both the knee and still on the thigh. Luke is a pleasure to pose thanks to his slim frame and lack of any encumbering robes or armor. There is plenty of scope to have him positioned fighting Vader or indeed writhing at the feet of the Emperor - whatever you deem appropriate for your ROTJ ‘Final Duel’ display.
Luke Skywalker, Jedi Knight from the Return of the Jedi 40th Anniversary series, is potentially one of the best releases in the 2023 series overall, at least on par with the other new release of the Endor Rebel Commando. It marks a significant upgrade on the older 2014 figure and brings Luke into the more modern era of design, facial printing, and articulation for display alongside either Vader and the Emperor, or perhaps the other Battle of Endor figures for a final celebration setup. Hasbro is still seeking a nailed-on Mark Hamill likeness, but this is as good as we’ve got so far, and the swap-out chest panels - a throwback feature from the original release - do allow for at least two alternative looks.
The figure’s only real issue is availability, only existing within the 40th Anniversary Series so already one of the more desirable figures and without an obvious re-release (at time of writing) as we might expect in the Return of the Jedi Galaxy Collection numbered series.
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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...
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