Review – Star Wars Mission Series Bossk and IG-88
After the Wookie two-pack (review here) and Cikatro Vizago and IG-RM pack (review here) I thought it might be fun to check out one of the newer non-Rebels action figure sets from Hasbro. These toys have not been easy to find around the Austin area, but I got lucky at our local HEB and scored the Bossk and IG-88* two-pack that was recently released. How well does Hasbro do with classic five points of articulation figures that are not based on the new animated series? These are great!
Bounty Hunters!
It is scientific fact that Empire is the greatest of the Star Wars movies. This is proven by the introduction of the six classic Star Wars bounty hunters and nothing, no matter how many films Disney creates, will ever unseat Empire from the top spot. A century from now, after 387 new Star Wars films have reached theaters, The Empire Strikes Back will be a classic work that is ranked as a more important work of art than anything created before or after 1980. And it’s all because of the bounty hunters.
Remarkable Action Figures in the Only Acceptable Form
With this new Bossk and IG-88* two-pack, Hasbro demonstrates an understanding that the only acceptable form for Star Wars action figures is the vintage Kenner five points of articulation. Kenner established this as law when their Star Wars action figures reached stores in 1978:
“In 1978, the first full year that Kenner offered Star Wars toys, it sold 42,322,500 of them for a total of more than $100 million, making it the most successful movie-related toy line up to then. Far and away the best-sellers were the mini-action figures, which came in twelve varieties; Kenner sold 26,106,500.”
Loving this Series!
By now, if you’ve already seen my recent reviews of other toys in the series — Wookie two-pack (review here), Cikatro Vizago and IG-RM pack (review here) — you have a clear understanding of why I’m finding this line of new Star Wars action figures so very much fun. There have been attempts by Hasbro to create Star Wars figures with the classic Kenner articulation before, but with these recent toys they have captured the charm of the past while implementing the tools of the future. These neutral poses are static without being stiff, and the limited articulation makes these playable, affordable, and far more attractive than many of the action figures Hasbro has released in the Star Wars line since . . . well, since they first produced Star Wars action figures in 1995.
As proof that this new series is amazing I offer this post at rebelscum.com where user Idpullthecurtain shares comparison shots of the new Bespin Han Solo with other Hasbro 3.75-inch scale action figures of the same character and costume. The new sculpt is fantastic and far superior to what we’ve had before . . . and it’s all because the reduced articulation means there aren’t problems forcing joints to work and Hasbro could invest more into the toy at the pre-manufacturing stages. Well, I am assuming that second reason and it’s nowhere near proven. I should try and find out if anyone at Hasbro can share whether or not they invested more in sculpts than they normally do.
Who Are These For?
It’s my opinion that this Bossk and IG-88* two-pack is for kids and anyone who collects vintage Kenner Star Wars action figures. The two bounty hunters in this pack look amazing, each comes with a weapon, and both of them stand great and are quick to pose. Five points of articulation doesn’t allow for the insane poseability we see with action figures with double-hinged knees, swivel wrists, and ab joints, but the limited articulation makes the toys quicker and easier for kids to play with . . . and toys are for kids. If we don’t have action figures like this today then we may witness the entire industry move to figures with even higher price tags. Stuff like this is vital to keeping the entire hobby affordable for all.
Closing Thoughts
In case it’s not clear, I’m recommending the Bossk and IG-88* two-pack to anyone who sees this review and enjoys vintage Kenner Star Wars action figures. Most of my energy may be focused on my current book project, but as soon as I have more time I’m going to have to look even closer at the Saga Legends action figures Hasbro has been creating.
I think I missed some very fun toys over the last year or so.
My two favorite bounty hunters from the gang featured in Empire. Had my original IG-88 figure (my all-time favorite) in my grubby first-grade hands for all of 24 hours before I got shook down on the bus by a 5th grader on Monday morning. Still stings.
I’m loving the direction Hasbro took with these. I know many folks can’t stand the 5 POA, but it’s become my preferred articulation when it comes to Star Wars. Sure, I still like the few modern figures I have, but when it comes down to it, I can still enjoy toys without having the ability to get them into 100 different poses. It doesn’t hurt that it also keeps their cost down. It’s a lot easier for me to spend $5 or $6 on a figure, opposed to $10-$12.
Man, I can’t wait for the Star Wars Black six-inchers of these guys. (I had to quit 3.75-inch, since I prefer ML/DCUC scale; getting both was like fighting a war on two fronts!)
These two are good for what they are (though IG-88 is awfully short), but I think it’s a huge leap to call them superior to the most recent figures of both characters. I know you have a strong preference for the 5 POA style but you may be going overboard. And then swimming to shore.