Tag Archives: episode VII

Toyguide Update: PZ-4CO

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The Yakface Toyguide updates continue our series of additions for The Force Awakens 3-3/4″ line. Next, we take a look at PZ-4CO from wave 2 of the Build-A-Weapon “Forest” assortment.

PROS:  It’s been 30 years since the events of Return of the Jedi so there are bound to be evolutions is droid design and functionality (note: BB-8). PZ-4CO bares a familiar shape while bringing something completely new to the table and Hasbro did a fine job in interpreting “Peezy’s” unique shape, the color doesn’t seem quite right but for a droid that will probably .1% on-screen visibility, the figure serves its purpose well and will blend nicely into most collections and dioramas — especially if you have a spare tactical screen (borrowed from the Saga “Ultra” General Riekkan).

CONS: There are  folks that like this design and others that mock it for its strange departure (color/shape) from what we’ve become accustomed to over the past 30 years of droids. (You must unlearn what you have learned). Other than the build-a-weapon parts, “Peezy” doesn’t include any accessories. A datapad or some type of communication device would have been welcome here.

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

Toyguide Update: Goss Toowers

toyguide_goss_toowers_preview

The Yakface Toyguide updates continue our series of additions for The Force Awakens 3-3/4″ line. Next, we take a look at Goss Toowers from wave 2 of the Build-A-Weapon “Forest” assortment.

PROS:  Another all-new sculpt and all-new character from The Force Awakens. It’s odd that so many of the maintenance workers in the Star Wars saga are short in stature (Utai, Ugnaughts, Pit Droids, etc.), but Hasbro looks to have executed a nice representation of the figure, at least based on the card art. Goss features a decent amount of detail in his outfit with realistic creases and folds in his jumpsuit, not to mention those metallic gold gloves. He includes a blaster pistol in case things get a little dicey when prepping starfighters for battle.

CONS: Although Goss Toowers includes a pistol, and a small one at that, he has no holster to store it when not in use. Kids (and adults) may want to store it in a baggie for safe keeping. The build-a-weapon pack-in is a curious one as, on its own, it is pretty much useless as a weapon since it is far too heavy for Goss to carry without toppling over. It might serve better as some sort of tool box, diagnostic computer or power generator than a weapon. Customizers will undoubtedly be able to find some alternate use for it though, so that’s technically a “PRO”.

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

Toyguide Update: Captain Phasma

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The Yakface Toyguide updates continue our series of additions for The Force Awakens 3-3/4″ line. Next, we take a look at Captain Phasma from wave 1 of the Build-A-Weapon “Forest” assortment.

PROS:  Even for a 5 POA figure, Hasbro’s simplistic take on Captain Phasma results in a gorgeous action figure. The proportions are fantastic as it towers over the other First Order troopers in the line, as she should. While we don’t get an actual reflective coating for her armor, the silver used is the next best thing as opposed to a sparkly gray plastic. The cape works well in this application too as it doesn’t inhibit movement in the posing in most cases. All in all, a great representation of what is sure to be a stand out character in the new trilogy.

CONS: Due to the already intense popularity of the character, she has been a bit of a struggle to find at retails (at least upon initial launch), thus her secondary market price commands a premium – in all scales. And the build-a-weapon part? Perfect for some First Order gardening or lawn edging I think.

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

Toyguide Update: Kylo Ren

toyguide_kyloren_preview

The Yakface Toyguide updates continue our series of additions for The Force Awakens 3-3/4″ line. Next, we take a look at Kylo Ren from wave 1 of the Build-A-Weapon “Forest” assortment.

PROS:  Hasbro completely nailed the sculpt for this figure. Every thing from the multiple textures used to simulate cloth to the proportions and the overall character likeness, Kylo Ren is one of the top figures released for the build-a-weapon assortment. The market for Kylo Ren seems to bear that out as he is in huge demand by collectors of this line. While not the most articulated version we’ll be getting, Kylo stands apart from other figures in the assortment(s) in that it does look like a “cheap figure”.

CONS: Obviously, the articulation will be a let down for some, but they can be comforted in the fact that we’ll have Black Series versions in both scales as alternatives. As for the build-a-weapon pack-in? To me, it kind of looks like a bear trap or torture device. In the end, it means nothing in terms of being in the film and really only serves as fodder for customizers or something to sit unused in a bag of misfit toys.

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

Episode 459: Fifty Shades of White

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It’s been one month since Force Friday but the onslaught of new Star Wars products has not let up. From tie in items like vitamins to cereal to toothpaste to Pop Chips, Star Wars is on everything. And of course that means lots of new toys too!

On this episode of Star Wars Action News, Arnie and Marjorie are joined by Andrew to look at some of the new Star Wars items in a head to head match.
First we put two BB-8s to the test — Hasbro’s Target Exclusive Remote Control BB-8 versus Sphero’s App Controlled BB-8.  One is bigger, one is more expensive, but should you buy one, both, or neither?
Then we look at Disney’s new Elite line of 6.5-inch Die Cast action figures. They’re $5 more than Hasbro’s Black Series 6-inch, but every bit as in demand, selling out nationwide. On this show we put Disney’s Elite First Order Stormtrooper to the test against Hasbro’s Black Series counterpart.
Plus Brock joins us for a review of the novel Aftermath, we look at Hot Toys’ new Star Wars releases, and more on this episode of Star Wars Action News!