Review – Star Wars: Rebels Wullffwarro and Wookie Warrior
As I work on my newest book — Universe Expanded — I suddenly find myself distracted by the new Star Wars: Rebels action figures by Hasbro. These new toys are definitely descendants of Kenner’s classic Star Wars action figures, so it seems somehow fitting that I take a break from snapping photos of the 1998 Star Wars Expanded Universe action figures to bring you this Wullffwarro and Wookiee Warrior* two-pack.
Hello, Classic Kenner Articulation!
Back in 2012 I suggested that all we need for playable action figures is five points of articulation (see “Five Points of Articulation is Plenty for Play”), and the resulting comments were a really great conversation and the post is completely worth reading if you’re at all interested in action figure articulation. With this Wullffwarro and Wookiee Warrior* two-pack we see that someone at Hasbro shares my opinion: These two 3.75-inch scale action figures feature the classic Kenner articulation. The only articulation difference between this and the 1978 Chewbacca action figure is that these two have (limited) neck swivel joints. I love it!
No Weapons?
Aw, now I’m sad. These two action figures are fantastic and very playable, but I was surprised to open the Wullffwarro and Wookiee Warrior* two-pack and not find a single weapon or accessory. I get that these two were slaves, but at least one accessory of some sort would have been very appreciated. I can get over it, though, because the lack of accessories is the only blemish on otherwise great action figures.
Excellent Price!
In today’s world of $15, $20, and $25 hyper-articulated 6-inch scale action figures it is a treat to see two vintage-styled Star Wars action figures for just $10. I’d be way happier with three figures for $10, but if I run an inflation calculator for $3 in 1985 — which is the era these toys are closest to in terms of sculpt and design — that works out to $6.50 in 2014 dollars. Okay, two of these guys for $10 is a definitely a great price.
Wonderful Paint
Each of the figures in the Wullffwarro and Wookiee Warrior* two-pack are cast in brown plastics with dry brush effects adding some depth. The two are wearing armbands which are neatly painted, and the face details are all painted as sharp and attractive as that 1978 Chewbacca’s face details. As toys these are fabulous, and as collectibles they are more than adequate when it comes to the paint department.
Sculpt
Here’s where I really get excited. Vintage-styled articulation combined with action figure sculpts that take those vintage designs and apply just a little more detail? Yes, please. If we compare the two action figures in the Wullffwarro and Wookiee Warrior* two-pack to that 1978 Chewbacca (see below) we can see that these are definitely the better toys. Deeper lines in the fur, slight bends to the limbs while still keeping the neutral pose, and a little extra “meat” makes these stand out (in my eyes) as modern variants on those old Kenner toys. I approve!!!
Closing Thoughts
I had chatted with others, seen photos and read reviews, but it wasn’t until I had the two action figures from the Wullffwarro and Wookiee Warrior* two-pack out of their package and in my hands that I really got what Hasbro was doing with these new toys. I love the sense of nostalgia I feel from playing with these, and I am happy to report that I found myself checking them against classic vehicles to see how well the toys go together.
It was that new Imperial Troop Transport* that made me look at the series, but it’s the action figures and the sense of history surrounding them that has made me a fan of Hasbro’s Star Wars: Rebels line.
This is what action figures should be like for kids, and based on what I’m seeing in stores these days someone must be loving the hell out of these toys; finding these isn’t easy at all. I should know, because I’m starting to watch a lot more closely . . . time to track down some of the first wave of figures before they become impossible to find.
Thank you, Hasbro, for realizing that five points of articulation really are all that a kid needs to have a fun time with action figures.
The Rebels toy line is the line for people who wanted the 1985 Droids series to continue. It’s not too big and every toy is a lot of fun. I would like to suggest you also get the AT-DP ASAP, it’s like the INT-4 had legs. (And don’t pretend like you never wanted to make an INT-4 leg mod.)
@Adam16bit – Off to Walmart and Target I go . . . NOW!
I love the 5 point SW stuff. I remember some of the same people who are super into reaction COMPLETELY hating that Hasbro was doing 5 poa. For the same price as reaction you get TWO figures with better sculpts, paint, and accessories! That’s a winner for me!
I just wish I could find the rebels stuff!
I would suggest the self-serving avenue of shopping online, but I have personally seen waves 1, 2, and 3 of the Rebels Saga Legends assortments restocked in stores here in Arizona this week. If you’ve got time this weekend I’d suggest filling up the car and poking around your favorite big box stores.
Love these guys! Off to find a set! BTW, has anyone seen a Chopper fig in the wild?
I wish they were a little more articulated, but the prices on SW Black 3.75 are often quite exorbitant over here — often $15-17AUD. At conventions I’ve seen people sell them for as much as $20+, outrageous!
Were Rebels a more articulated series I suspect the same problem would arise.