Solo: A Star Wars Story is about to be released, but in Belgium it’s hardly noticeable outside of a movie theatre. Gone are the ubiquitous promotions from several years ago and finding something from Solo in a regular toyshop is a matter of being faster than a Teek. Luckily, several online shops already have the newest 6-inch figures from Hasbro.
Wave 1 consists of six figures, three from Solo and three repacks (1). The recently used face-scan technology once again proves to be a massive asset to the 6-inch series. The figures’ faces really resemble the actors who portray them in the movies. Just compare the recent ‘Rey (Island Journey)’ to Rey of The Force Awakens and you’ll notice the difference in quality and resemblance.
The decision not to include Han in the first wave of 3.75 inch figures seems like classic Hasbro, but luckily they decided to include the main character in the first 6 inch wave. Han Solo really is a good figure, because he really looks like Alden Ehrenreich and his elbows are able to bend closer to his body (like Captain Rex, for example). This enables you to position Han into several of his classic poses with his DL-44 heavy blaster pistol. The blaster is included and can be put into the holster. Lando Calrissian truly belongs in this wave as well. His cape and scarf can be removed (the scarf is rather thin, so do be careful). Lando’s blaster fits in his holster and the front of the weapon can be removed to create a shorter gun. The articulation in Lando’s elbows is superb, so your favorite gambler is surely ready to join your collection. The last figure from Solo is the Imperial Range Trooper. This is one of the new Stormtrooper variations in the movie and the most prominent one onscreen. Hasbro did their best to make this a fine asset to the series. Real fabric has been used for the fur and once again, the elbows bend deep enough. The tip of the ‘magnetic’ boots are extra articulated.
The three figures to complete this wave are the Jawa, Rey (Island Journey) and the Death Star Trooper. The trooper has been upgraded with the face-scan technology.
(1) US / UK waves included Grand Moff Tarkin, but on Europe’s mainland, Tarkin will be released later and was replaced by Rey.
Chewbacca is an exclusive, something we don’t really understand. Chewie’s one of the most prominent characters in the movie and although he has been released more than once in the 6 inch series, this figure is quite different. Chewie features a different bandolier (two instead of one) and he has another weapon. Two small parts on the weapon can even be moved. He also comes with his snow goggles, which can easily be removed. Of course, the fur in his arms does limit the articulation in the elbows. But then again, what’s Han without Chewie. And he surely is one imposing figure.
Another exclusive is the Mimban Stormtrooper. Basically, this is just a dirty stormtrooper with a black cape, but it is a great figure. He’s got the improved articulation in the elbows and there’s just something cool about giving a cape to a stormtrooper. The armor on his shoulders does limit the articulation of his upper arms, but that doesn’t seem to be an easy matter to overcome.
