The Star Wars Black series took a sudden detour to a very chilly place this SDCC, as Hoth got a lot more crowded. While the news from a galaxy far far away wasn’t overflowing, we got a nice handful of nuggets to chew on for a while.
First, just to get it out of the way: BOSSK!
More on him later.
Luke Skywalker/Wampa
the SWBS is bringing one of the most recognizable beasts out in the first of two two-packs. Those opening scenes of Luke trudging along the frozen wastelands of Hoth are some of the most desolate in the entire trilogy, and the sudden appearance of a large paw swiping Luke off of his Tauntaun was creepy as hell. I’m super-psyched that we’re getting beasts in this line to go with figures, and getting the Wampa takes me back to the vintage one with the spring-loaded arms. This time around the Wampa looks like he features a large amount of articulation. Plus a removable arm! Hoth Luke looks great, and I can’t wait to get some Snowtroopers for him to fight.
Han Solo/Tauntaun
I’ve bought Tauntauns in 3 ¾ and 12 inches (and that definitely takes up some real estate), so I’m looking forward to adding a 6-inch scale version to the collection. Though this one has a sliced belly you apparently won’t be able to put Luke inside, which is a shame, but still, it’ll be great to get this set. Apparently Han should technically be wearing a brown jacket (and I’d have lost that bet years ago), but the tint on the movie makes it appear bluish. The vintage figure makes me see it on screen as blue even if I know it should be brown, so I’m cool with the blue. I’ve got a huge soft spot for the Hoth versions of these guys, and I only wish a Hoth Leia were coming out alongside them. In fact, I need another Leia of some kind, period. Slave Leia is totally not dressed for Hoth.
TIE Fighter Pilot.
Man, I love these guys. There’s something completely evil about them, with their angry, jet black helmets glaring out from those tiny cockpits. I don’t really care if we never actually get a TIE Fighter for them to pilot because he’s badass enough on his own. Or in pairs. Or more. I need more. Yes I do.
Speaking of black…
Black Hole Sandtrooper/Scout Trooper set.
This one’s a Target exclusive. I’m apparently a sucker for black, because this was a must-have upon seeing it. Sure, it’s just a way to sell me the same thing twice, but I don’t care, repaint the generic bad guys in black and I can’t help it.
Clone Trooper Sergeant
I’m not totally gaga over Clone Troopers like I am Stormtroopers, but that’s only because prequels. I don’t mind getting them, though, so the existence of this one will probably cause me to buy more than the amount of regular Clone Troopers I might have ordinarily purchased. Well played, Hasbro.
Han as Stormtrooper
We all knew this one was coming. The custom world exploded with versions of them as soon as Han Heads and Troopers were released onto the world. I hope it doesn’t take too long to get Luke, though he will obviously require a shorter, one-use Stormtrooper mold, so I’m not sure how they’ll pull that off.
Emperor (teased during the panel)
If there’s one constant bridging the Original Trilogy and the Prequels, its the awesomeness of Ian McDiarmid’s Palpatine. From his undeniable evil at the end of Jedi (seriously, who doesn’t love that movie?) to his puppeteering and maliciousness throughout the prequels (hampered only by George’s less than stellar direction), the Emperor is the scary personification of death and malevolence that made a Death Star full of horrible shots collectively soil themselves. While no figure was shown, I can’t wait until we get to see him.
And finally, the man himself: Bossk.
Bossk and his articulated jaw were, for me, the pinnacle reveal. The bounty hunters all hit that full-tilt boogie that makes this property so exciting for me, and I was waiting patiently for Boba to have some competition. From his extra long arms to his reptilian snout, Bossk won the Star Wars showing, even with such shelfmates like the Wampa. I hope this is the beginning of a trend, because I don’t want to wait around for the rest of them. IG-88, Dengar, 4-LOM, and Zuckuss all need to happen soon.
The Star Wars Black Series didn’t overwhelm us with a barrage of new toys like other lines, but what was shown was all extremely welcome, and I’m looking forward to each of them. As a lifelong fan of the property, I’m living in a golden age of possibility, and I can’t wait to get these figures.
Bossk!
