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Target has been dry for quite awhile now, at least for the Star Wars
fans. But suddenly in the last few weeks, we've seen an influx of
new product - Collection 2, Y-wings, and the ultimate prize, the 12"
Speederbike with rider. Easily one of the coolest 12" figures so
far - rivaling the Han/Taun Taun as best 12" set - this bike and
rider have given the 12" line a much needed boost in the arm.
These are a Target Exclusive, and run $49.99. If you haven't found
yours yet, don't despair. Target claims only a small fraction of the
total run has even shipped to stores, and that they will be going out over
the next few weeks.
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Accessories - ****
It's all about the bike, now isn't it? And this bike
excellent! The rider fits perfectly, and the bike is the correct
scale. The addition of the cloth pack on the back really adds to the
realism, and the clear plastic base allows the bike to tilt to one side or
the other. On top of that, there's the new, very cool, ankle holster
for the trooper's blaster. Overall, this is a fantastic set. I
almost took off points for the cheap material used for the biker's
pouch's, but I just couldn't do it.
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Packaging - **
This box is huge, but well designed. For the MIB collectors, you can
easily leave it in the package and still enjoy the sheer coolness.
If you are an opener, get yourself a pair of wire snips and leave yourself
some time - this thing is well tied in. As usual with Hasbro, you'll
utterly destroy this box taking it out.
Articulation - **1/2
Nothing new here - the standard Hasbro 12" Star Wars body is in
use. These certainly aren't as well articulated as, say, the new
21st Century product, but it's serviceable. Let's hope they get the
hint from the other companies and start giving us great articulation in
the future.
Sculpting - ***
Not much to screw up here - the trooper looks as you'd expect.
Value - ***
I think a perfect value would have been closer to $40, but considering
this is an exclusive, I'm not at all surprised by the $50 price tag.
I'm hoping that production is high enough on these to make them pretty
available to folks, without allowing the scalpers to make too much off of
them. Don't break down yet - if you haven't found one, keep looking
for at least a few more weeks.
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Overall - ***1/2
Even if you don't normally collect the 12" format, this bike is
calling your name. But as cool as this thing is, I urge you to be
patient - scalpers have been buying the early ones up, so you don't have
to worry that they won't have them to sell you 3 months from now.
Rather, you should wait and give it some time at the store. I bet we
see this continue to trickle in for at least 3 or 4 more weeks as more and
more stores do their fall reset. Another thing to remember - look up
when trying to find these. They are so large, that they are very likely to
end up on the top shelf.
Remember - if you get impatient and buy it from a scalper, you're only
giving them an excuse to do it again next time.
I'd also like to thank Larry Jones for letting me take these pictures
of his loose bike - thanks!
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