Michael Crawford's Review of the Week

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12" AT-ST Driver and
Skiff Disguise Lando

I buy most sixth scale Star Wars figures, but Coheteboy is reviewing two tonight that I passed on - the 12" AT-ST driver and the new Skiff Disguise Lando. After reading his review, I may have to give them a second look! Take it away...

With more and more toy companies going with 12" figures, Hasbro's 12" Star Wars line is really looking pale in comparison (if it hasn't been already). After many decent hits and a slew of misses, Hasbro's latest set shows that they still want a stake in the 12" Toy Wars. With a new version of Han Solo rounding out the rest of this set, it is quite clear that the level of detail has been increased significantly. The Gamorrean Guard was a worthy fresh start and this set definitely keeps the bar up high just enough.

Let's take a closer look at the new Lando Calrissian in his Skiff Disguise and the AT-ST Driver, both from Return of the Jedi.

Packaging - ***
The boxes are the same shape and size as they have been for the past year, but the general appearance has improved and it feels as if the cardstock is heavier, providing better protection for the figure inside. All in all, it's still the usual blue box we've all seen already. One personal observation are the photos on the front. They seem to be more clear and bright, a nice change from the low res pixelated images as of late.

Sculpting - ***1/2
The sculpt on Lando is above average and it seems as if Hasbro is continuing the trend of creating head sculpts that look more like the actor who played it. The first Bespin Lando sculpt was fairly decent enough but it's nice to see an entirely new sculpt for his appearance in ROTJ.

The AT-ST Driver is a vast improvement over the previous Imperial Officer figure, but I still can't help but think that this is supposed to be Chevy Chase. The face sculpt is indeed well done and looks just fine underneath the helmet and goggles. A generic face sculpt is always a plus when it comes down to the Imperials.

Paint - ***
Paint ops are fairly decent across the board. Lando is pretty standard, much like other 12" figures with paint on the hair, eyebrows, mustache, and eyes. The AT-ST Driver does have a more impressive paint application on the head since the hair is given different colors, showing the aging man behind the AT-ST. There's even a small scar painted onto this AT-ST driver's cheek. It is an unnecessary detail but well done nonetheless.

Articulation - *** 1/2 (Lando), *** (AT-ST Driver)
The new Lando figure gets a nice score thanks to the body design that includes the new kung-fu grip hands and the additional point of articulation in the lower neck (allowing the figure to look down). All other points are the usual fare found in these figures.

The AT-ST Driver meanwhile goes with the older way of doing things, using the standard plastic black gloves for hands. The driver does however, contain a better ball joint neck articulation giving much more range in motion.

Outfit - ***1/2
What stands out the most when seeing both of these figures on the shelf were the outfits. Lando's gear and armor looks fantastic and it feels as if the fabric used is both thinner and lighter. The lighter fabric allows the clothing to fall more naturally instead of bunching up all over. The helmet for Lando looks great but I do wish that something was done to keep the helmet on his head a little better. The single best feature on Lando's outfit is the holster on the side, allowing him to store his blaster. It's always great when the outfits do more than just hang there.

The AT-ST Driver also received a lighter jumpsuit which allows for better poseability. The jumpsuit is kept together with velcro and actually appears a little big for the driver. The Driver comes with a helmet and separate pair of goggles to complete the costume. The helmet is the best thing here, as there is elastic to keep the helmet securely attached to his head. The goggles also have elastic to tie around the head but unfortunately, mine seems to be too big, without the ability to adjust it. But assuming that this might have been a minor flaw with mine, the guys at Hasbro still did a great job with both outfits.

Accessories - ****
The overall score for Accessories does get a slightly better score with the help of some extras that are part of the outfit. Lando comes with a removable helmet, blaster, and force pike. The AT-ST Driver comes with blaster, removable helmet, and removable goggles.

Value - ***1/2
These figures will be about $19.99 at most locations and this is a set that should please most collectors. Most 12" figures of late weren't impressive enough to buy at regular price but both Lando and AT-ST Driver have weapons and removable gear, making it a better buy.

Overall - ***1/2
I haven't been too impressed with most of Hasbro's 12" efforts but there are a few that really are worth having. Lando Skiff Disguise and the AT-ST Driver are two that I was certainly eager to get my hands on once I saw them on the shelves. Good sculpts with pretty accurate outfits and removable head gear makes these two the ones to get.

Where to Buy -
I picked both of these up at Disneyland for $25 each (not so bad after a discount), but they will soon begin showing up in greater numbers for $19.99 at Toys'R'Us stores, Target, and Wal-Mart across the country.

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Figure from the collection of Coheteboy.