The Yakface Toyguide updates resume with our next entry in the The Black Series 3-3/4″ line. Today, we take a look at Luke Skywalker (#21).

PROS: The most articulated Luke ever (albeit not the most attractive). Admittedly at first, I hated the mechanics and aesthetic of this figure with all of the exposed joint pins in the elbows, but once I started to physically pose and “play” with the figure, I found that the arms are really quite functional, allowing for a huge array of posing possibilities that aren’t possible with other figures – especially a two-handed lightsaber grip. Also features switch out hands that either aid in balance during handstand poses (which takes a bit of work to achieve) or allow him to reach out with the Force.

CONS: Deco again is an issue as it took me 3 samples just to find something suitable for photographing manly due to poor eye paint apps. Also, be sure to take notice of the lower legs of this figure should you decide to buy it. Two of my 3 samples each had a different assembly issue where either the left or right “shin” was facing backward in the packaging. Elbow joints are a little loose and I can see these becoming very floppy over time. Skin colored plastic is used for the hip joints and it is really evident in profile images. Knee joints are surprisingly limited in their range of motion. Finally, the belt/holster has no included hole to receive the peg from Luke’s lightsaber hilt – this oversight forces you to balance the hilt peg on a little sculpted tab.

Head to the toyguide for the full image gallery and to judge for yourself whether this figure is worth adding to your collection.

You can also weigh in with your impressions on the figures we add to our toyguide on facebook and in our forums.

The Yakface Toyguide updates resume with our next entry in the The Black Series 3-3/4″ line. Today, we take a look at Toryn Farr (#23).

PROS: It seems like we’ve waited forever to get this figure, but once Hasbro released the Vintage Collection Leia (Hoth Outfit) back in 2010, it was all but a matter of time before they got to her. What’s nice/surprising is that they didn’t just take that Leia figure and give it a new head. Hasbro developed a new vest as well as revised forearms and hands to make her screen accurate. Included with Toryn Farr is a communication headset and blaster pistol (for good measure).

CONS: Nothing really to speak of but as a personal preference, I would have liked a microphone stalk included on the headset for a little more accuracy and possibly the handheld device used on the tactical screen on Echo Base.

Head to the toyguide for the full image gallery and to judge for yourself whether this figure is worth adding to your collection.

You can also weigh in with your impressions on the figures we add to our toyguide on facebook and in our forums.

The Yakface Toyguide updates resume with our next entry in the The Black Series 3-3/4″ line. Today, we take a look at Luke’s short-lived gunner, Dak Ralter (#25).

PROS: Well, if you like relatively generic army builder pilots for your Rebel dioramas and/or Imperial fodder this figure will perform that task adequately. Includes extra weapons – albeit the same as the TVC release – to accessorize other figures (can you tell I’m reaching?)

CONS: Did we really need/ask for another Dak? Paint on the head/balaclava is thin, exposing the underlying skin tone plastic and not the tightest of paint apps on the head/face with bleedover onto the checks  (at least on my sample – your experience may vary). This figure does have slight color differences compared the previous release TVC Dack/Dak. So if you’re a one of everything 3-3/4″ kind of collector you’ll need this one, too.

Head to the toyguide for the full image gallery and to judge for yourself whether this figure is worth adding to your collection.

You can also weigh in with your impressions on the figures we add to our toyguide on facebook and in our forums.

The Yakface Toyguide updates resume with our next entry in the The Black Series 3-3/4″ line. Today, we take a look at Jedi Master Yoda (#22)*.

PROS: Arguably, this may be one of the best looking Yoda figures on the surface, especially when used to enhance the OTC #01 Luke or the upcoming TBS #21 figure. The fabric for the robe is tailored fairly well and has enough fraying to look used without a lot of shedding. The backpack accessory is well done and is a nice improvement on prior iterations. Since this figure has limited articulation don’t expect a lot of posing options but given the reference material he is drawn from, he serves as an decent representation.

CONS: Articulation for this figure is very disappointing considering it is part of the Black Series line – a line touted as being “for collectors”. There was great potential for this figure judging by what was initially planned – it’s a shame that so many corners were cut in its production. With its limitations, Yoda is essentially an accessory (albeit a nice looking one) for the Black Series Luke – a figure with its own problems.

Head to the toyguide for the partial image gallery and to judge for yourself whether this piece is worth adding to your collection.

You can also weigh in with your impressions on the figures we add to our toyguide on facebook and in our forums.

*This is a loose sample – additional images will be added upon receipt of a packaged/carded sample.