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Following on from Triple Force Friday in October 2019, Hasbro announced the release of a brand new Return of the Jedi Luke Skywalker figure. Luke was based on his Jedi Knight appearance from the Jabba's Palace scenes. The figure would be exclusive to Walmart in the US, but would be a shared exclusive via the Fan Channel elsewhere. Packaging 4/5 Luke Jedi Knight arrives in the standard phase 3 packaging, but is of course not numbered being an exclusive. He is labelled as Luke Skywalker and has the subheading Jedi Knight to differentiate him from other Luke figures. We have a new Gregory Titus artwork of Luke in his robes with the hood down - and this is repeated on the reverse alongside the background text "Luke Skywalker was a Tatooine farmboy who rose from humble beginnings to become one of the greatest Jedi the galaxy has ever known" Paint & Sculpt 4/5 The likeness to Mark Hamill, as was in 1983, is very well captured in the head sculpt and further enhanced by the face print technology. This photo real tech delivers much more realism in the eyes and the skin tones around the eyes and nose - although in this instance Luke does look a little overheavy on the eye liner. The body is well proportioned and includes a softer plastic tunic in a grey tone over a slim black body. There are no paint apps as such with each piece of the body cast in its base colour. The boots are presented in a glossier black to the trousers to add some contrast. Luke comes with a soft goods cloak which slots over the head and hangs pretty well around the body. As usual the hood is unwieldy and does not sit well on the head, it does kind of behave when down and that is probably the better look when using the cloak. The Luke head sculpt is a big improvement on the previous Return of the Jedi sculpt, with the hair much improved from a sculpt perspective and the overall likeness driven by the face print technology. After the head this is essentially the same body as the 2014 release with an added tunic piece added. Accessories 4/5 Luke comes with one of those triangular stands that have been packed with selected Exclusives in 2019. Rather than a foot peg, there is a toe grip into which you slide the figures foot to hold it it in place. The stand is triangular and embossed with the Star Wars logo. The fit is OK for Luke, but not tight. Being triangular the balance is also not great on the stand and as you lock in one foot or the other we don't get even spread of the figures weight and more dynamic poses just causes the stand to tip. Luke comes with the DL-18 Blaster he appropriated in Jabba's palace. The cast on the weapon is very crisp and it gets a very nice paint job (compared to a lot of Black Series weapons) with a brown grip and dry brushed gunmetal finish. Luke is fitted with a blaster hand to hold the weapon with a trigger finger that slots in place when it is held. We also get Luke's green lightsaber from Return of the Jedi, this is a re-use from the original Luke Jedi Knight (2014) complete with the clunky hook on the end where it would hang on the original figures belt (this 2019 version has no such hook). As per usual the blade comes off if you wish, and clicks back into the hilt when you want to brandish a lit saber. The saber hilt is pretty well decorated from a silver base to gold and black details up the shaft. Our Saber arrived with the top emitter piece almost snapped off from the rest of the hilt. It seems these are softer plastic than the older versions and are not as tolerant to the insertion of the blade - so be warned. Now remember the gun hand from before? Well this is the only hand you get with the figure and therefore when holding his lightsaber in his right hand - Luke looks to have his trigger finger raised at an odd angle. Considering the detail on these Black Series figures, it would not have added too much cost to add an alternative hand to the pack for the saber. This hand could have been gloved too to reflect the scenes on Jabba's sail barge. Articulation As this is the same base body as the 2014 Luke, it carries the same 16 points of articulation. It also carries some of the faults, in particular extremely floppy hips which makes standing Luke a challenge in some poses. Head : ball joint pivot neck Body : ball joint waist Arm : ball joint shoulder, single joint rotating elbow, wrist pivot Legs : ball joint hips, thigh swivel, double joint knee, ankle rockers The ankles rocker on Luke also feel a bit weak and he is one to watch for shelf stability, particularly if he warms up a bit in summer. The arms would be better with double joint elbows, particular for saber poses, but two handed posing is possible - albeit quite neutral rather than leaping to strike. The stand, once balanced, does add value in dynamic posing such as running or attacking stances. Summary This is a great looking figure, delivered on the back of an existing sculpt - but also featuring a few of the older faults such as those floppy legs. The soft goods work well in this instance as long as you aren't precious about the hood being up. And the accessories are good, if not a bit fragile - and you are at least one hand sort in the box so Luke can hold both blaster and saber with a level of realism. Apart from a few niggles, the other issue with this figure is it being an Exclusive. I was lucky to go early when it went up for pre-order, but it has already started to sell out. While I am not against Exclusive releases, Luke as a Jedi Knight from Return of the Jedi feels too big and important a figure to limit in terms of collectors being able to find him. All in all I am impressed with the 2019 Luke Jedi Knight, and I score him a 4 out of 5. See More Star Wars Black Series Figures

Hasbro rounded off a week of European Convention reveals with the announcement of Count Dooku and a Geonosis Battle Droid joining the Star Wars Black Series. Dooku comes with a soft goods cape and his saber. There looks to be a very impressive "in motion" saber blade include, a first for the line. The Battle Droid is essentially a re-paint from the general version released in wave 20, but looks to have some retooling. With the other announcements from the 3 other European Cons, we now have a very Attack of the Clones themed wave shaping up for Spring 2020 including AOTC Anakin Skywalker and Obi-Wan Kenobi, Kit Fisto and Plo Koon and now Dooku and the Battle Droid. We would assume these 6 figures would be joined by Zorii Bliss and the Knight of Ren from the Rise of Skywalker to make an 8 figure wave for Spring 2020.

Hasbro have released the promotional images and wording for their Star Wars Vintage Collection reveals from Barcelona Manga 2019. The new figure is titled Remnant Stormtrooper, and is from The Mandalorian. STAR WARS: THE VINTAGE COLLECTION 3.75-INCH REMNANT STORM TROOPER Figure (HASBRO/Ages 4 & up/Available: Spring 2020) Also confirmed were four more repacks of previously released figures. These are all popular characters that will be re-carded and released in early 2020. They are Anakin Skywalker and Obi-Wan Kenobi in their Clone Wars Clone Armour, Darth Maul and Wicket the Ewok from Return of the Jedi. STAR WARS: THE VINTAGE COLLECTION 3.75-INCH OBI WAN KENOBI Figure (HASBRO/Ages 4 & up/Available: Spring 2020) STAR WARS: THE VINTAGE COLLECTION 3.75-INCH ANAKIN SKYWALKER Figure (HASBRO/Ages 4 & up/Available: Spring 2020) STAR WARS: THE VINTAGE COLLECTION 3.75-INCH DARTH MAUL Figure (HASBRO/Ages 4 & up/Available: Spring 2020) STAR WARS: THE VINTAGE COLLECTION 3.75-INCH WICKET Figure (HASBRO/Ages 4 & up/Available: Spring 2020)

Looks like the Marvel Legends reveals from Barcelona Manga are two more from the X-Men Age of Apocalypse wave for 2020 - Jean Grey and Dark Beast. The image that was shown on screen indicates the full wave is now confirmed but there is still a BAF to announce.

Hasbro have revealed images of the Power Rangers Lightning Collection SPD Red Ranger and Cyber Villain Blaze. Both figures were mentioned in the press release for the Blue Ranger after MCM London. We now get a look at both figures and there promotional text. The figures were revealed at Manga Barcelona, they won't be in stores until Autumn 2020. POWER RANGERS LIGHTNING COLLECTION 6” S.P.D. RED RANGER Figure (Ages 4 years & up/Approx. Retail Price: $21.49/Available: Fall 2020) It’s Morphin Time! Introducing a new era of POWER RANGERS collectibles with Hasbro’s POWER RANGERS LIGHTNING COLLECTION 6” Figures! The LIGHTNING COLLECTION features over two decades of iconic characters from this storied franchise, and Hasbro is excited to bring its own take to this premium line. The LIGHTNING COLLECTION’s highly-articulated, 6-inch figures will have best-in-class detailing and design, and will feature Photo Real technology for realistic actor likenesses. The S.P.D. RED RANGER Figure features over 20 points of articulation for high poseability and includes two different heads that can be swapped, one of the Ranger in his mask, and another unmasked as Jack Landors, as seen in the POWER RANGERS S.P.D. series; figures also include swappable hands and 3 accessories including the Delta Blaster. Look for other collectible figures in this series, including the ZEO BLUE RANGER Figure and BEAST MORPHERS CYBERVILLAIN BLAZE Figure. Each sold separately. Available at most major toy retailers nationwide. POWER RANGERS LIGHTNING COLLECTION 6” BEAST MORPHERS CYBERVILLAIN BLAZE Figure (Ages 4 years & up/Approx. Retail Price: $21.49/Available: Fall 2020) It’s Morphin Time! Introducing a new era of POWER RANGERS collectibles with Hasbro’s POWER RANGERS LIGHTNING COLLECTION 6” Figures! The LIGHTNING COLLECTION features over two decades of iconic characters from this storied franchise, and Hasbro is excited to bring its own take to this premium line. The LIGHTNING COLLECTION’s highly-articulated, 6-inch figures will have best-in-class detailing and design, and will feature Photo Real technology for realistic actor likenesses. The BEAST MORPHERS CYBERVILLAIN BLAZE Figure features over 20 points of articulation for high poseability and swappable heads of the Ranger with and without his helmet, multiple, 3 character-inspired accessories, and an extra pair of hands for more ways to play or display. Look for other collectible figures in this series, including the ZEO BLUE RANGER Figure and S.P.D. RED RANGER Figure. Each sold separately. Available at most major toy retailers nationwide.

Following their coverage at Lucca Comics in Italy, our friends at the Guerre Stellari had some time with the Hasbro Star Wars team at their booth. Checkout their video interview with Patrick Schneider and Sam Smith and please give their Youtube channel a follow.

NECA have released images of the packaging for their Quarter Scale 1979 Alien Big Chap figure. The box is a tribute to the original Alien figure by Kenner and looks brilliant. The 1/4 scale Big Chap will start shipping November 2019. Celebrate the 40th anniversary of the original 1979 movie that shocked audiences and jump-started a legendary film franchise! We’ve given a deluxe upgrade to the Xenomorph known to fans as “Big Chap,” with an all-new sculpt standing over 22” tall. It has a hinged jaw that opens, revealing an inner mouth that extends for realistic movie action. It has over 30 points of articulation, including double knee joints and a bendable tail, and extra attention has been paid to all the eerie details that made H.R. Giger’s designs for Alien so mesmerizing. The packaging is a special tribute to the 1979 Kenner Alien figure!

NECA have announced they will be making figures from the upcoming Terminator movie Dark Fate. The first two figures announced are Sarah Connor (Linda Hamilton) and the T-800 as played once again by Arnold Schwarzenegger. Sarah Connor has two head sculpts one with glasses and one without. She is then packed with an assault rifle, shotgun and handgun. The T-800 also includes a second head sculpt with shades and three assault weapons, including a grenade launcher. The figures will be released in October 2019, coinciding with the release of the movie on the 25th of October. The figures sound like they will be released in their own packaging and range and not within the Ultimate series. "From the thrilling new installment in the legendary The Terminator series! #TerminatorDarkFate follows the events of T2: Judgment Day as a new enemy appears. Sarah Connor and the T-800 from Dark Fate are now fully articulated 7” scale figures featuring movie-accurate detail and authorized likenesses. The figures come with an alternate interchangeable head and a small arsenal of weaponry to battle against a deadly enemy"

We have three new Marvel Legends figures revealed by Hasbro at their Lucca Comics Panel. Crossbones, Sunfire and Wild Child will all be 2020 releases. Crossbones, in my opinion, is almost guaranteed for the Black Widow wave. Sunfire will fit into an X-Men wave. More info will come to light as the press releases start to come through.

Hasbro released the details for the three new Marvel Legends comicbook figures that they revealed at Lucca Comics in Italy. Crossbones is likely heading to the Black Widow wave for Spring. This will feature a mix of comicbook and movie figures and will also feature the Spy Master and Winter Soldier. The Sunfire and Wild Child figures will fit into an Age of Apocolypse X-Men wave and will sit alongside the figures of Nathan Summers, Weapon X and Morph that were revealed back at SDCC 2019. MARVEL LEGENDS SERIES 6-INCH CROSSBONES Figure (HASBRO/Approx. Retail Price: $19.99/Available: Spring 2020) MARVEL X-MEN LEGENDS SERIES 6-INCH SUNFIRE Figure (HASBRO/Approx. Retail Price: $19.99/Available: Spring 2020) MARVEL X-MEN LEGENDS SERIES 6-INCH WILD CHILD Figure (HASBRO/Approx. Retail Price: $19.99/Available: Spring 2020)

Hasbro have released the promotional images of their new Black Series reveals from Lucca Comic Con - Kit Fisto and Plo Koon. The figures look to be reusing some parts, particularly the new Episode 1 Obi-Wan body. Not sure why Plo had a cloak and Kit Fisto does not. The figures are due in Spring 2020. STAR WARS: THE BLACK SERIES 6-INCH PLO KOON Figure (HASBRO/Ages 4 & up/Available: Spring 2020) STAR WARS: THE BLACK SERIES 6-INCH KIT FISTO Figure (HASBRO/Ages 4 & up/Available: Spring 2020)

Hasbro have revealed a new Star Wars Vintage Collection figure at Lucca Comics in Italy in the shape of the Phase 1 Clone Trooper. Also confirmed were four re-releases of popular characters - Luke Skywalker Bespin, General Lando Calrissian, C-3PO and Han Solo Bespin. These will be Spring 2020 releases. The promo images and text from Hasbro is as follows. STAR WARS: THE VINTAGE COLLECTION 3.75-INCH CLONE TROOPER Figure (HASBRO/Ages 4 & up/Available: Spring 2020) STAR WARS: THE VINTAGE COLLECTION 3.75-INCH LUKE SKYWALKER (BESPIN) Figure (HASBRO/Ages 4 & up/Available: Spring 2020) STAR WARS: THE VINTAGE COLLECTION 3.75-INCH HAN SOLO Figure (HASBRO/Ages 4 & up/Available: Spring 2020) STAR WARS: THE VINTAGE COLLECTION 3.75-INCH C-3PO Figure (HASBRO/Ages 4 & up/Available: Spring 2020) STAR WARS: THE VINTAGE COLLECTION 3.75-INCH GENERAL LANDO CALRISSIAN Figure (HASBRO/Ages 4 & up/Available: Spring 2020)