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By
Julian H. Betancourt |
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HOLIDAY
EDITION SERIES Unique in style, as they are based on renown artist Ralph McQuarrie's holiday greeting cards, the dressed up in Santa's outfit Golden Droid, its counterpart, the antler up reindeer Artoo and the diminutive yet powerful Santa Yoda with gift sack, have caused much of a stir and opinions have been divided.
Just
in time for Christmas 2002, the once meant to be Fan Club
exclusive R2-D2 and C-3PO Holiday two pack popped up all over the
country as a Wal-Mart exclusive.
Nevertheless, many collectors passed on this set, only to desperately seek for it a few months after their release due to the fact its production was somewhat small and the figures remained on the shelves a short period of time. The set became one of the most sought after pieces in 2003. As a continuation of the Holiday series, Hasbro along with Paizo Publishing, which now has the reins of the Star Wars Insider magazine and Fan Club, made available for Xmas 2003 a brand new sculpt of everyone's favorite Jedi Master dressed in a Santa's outfit and based, as its predecessors, on a McQuarrie design.
Holiday Yoda was assured a much better access to collectors than the previous Holiday set by making it a Fan Club exclusive, giving ample margin to order it as well as allowing a single buyer to order up to four of them. The figure was offered first to those who had signed up for a Lightspeed Pass, second to Star Wars Insider Magazine subscribers, and later on to anyone contacting Paizo's website and filling in an order form. Despite its easy availability, the fact the set holds an "exclusive" status, along with limited production numbers and its superb design made this red-hat-on Yoda, another much wanted figure.
Lets take a look now at the similarities of both sets as well as their differences.
As the figures within it, the design is very unique, nothing like anything done before by Hasbro. The sets even include an original reproduction of McQuarrie's X-mas cards, a perfect addition if given as a present to someone. The packages very much resemble cut in half snow globes with rounded dome-like tops and strong supporting legs (in Threepio/Artoo's case) that make the sets rest securely. While Yoda's package slightly differs from the Droids', it does offer an elongated dome like blister enclosure with a flat bottom which allows for easy placement on a shelf. Both sets include peg hooks should one decide to have them hanging from a wall
The way the design of the package has been presented is so ideal and works so well that even those of us opening the figures, might be thinking it twice before getting the sets out; they truly look great in their enclosures. And as for non-openers, the X-mas cards can be pulled out and packages can be resealed without altering nor damaging how they look. As an interesting note, the proof of purchase numbers below the bar code are the same for the Droid's and Yoda's sets. OPENING THE DROIDS / PACKAGE DESIGN
By undoing three plastic tabs and cutting the tape located along the bottom, the back of the package can be opened. This design lets the backdrop painting of the burning fire place and Xmas tree be pulled out. Such backdrop unfolds revealing within an envelope and the Christmas card creation from which the set is derived, both items carefully placed inside a clear plastic bag. Once opened, the card reads: "Warm wishes from a galaxy far, far away!" There are several accents given to the packages with an extra Xmas flavor. For instance, the usual Star Wars logo of the Jedi hands holding a lightsaber was altered and the regular lit saber was replaced by a red and white candy cane. The huge globe-like blister comes with a sticker affixed to it in the shape of a Xmas tree decoration with the written words "Holiday greeting card and envelope inside." Worth noting also is the snowy mountain picture covering the entire back of the package and lower front and the words "Holiday Edition" written in red right under the Star Wars name and candy cane logo. Turn the package upside-down and you will see that the bar code, right where it shows the amount of Jedi points, has been "X-mas touched" by adding red, gold and green to it. Again another sign of attention to detail. OPENING THE JEDI MASTER SANTA YODA / PACKAGE DESIGN
Yoda's package opens differently than the droids. The tabs are part of the cardboard design and are held in place by clear tape which, if carefully removed, will allow you to open the package without rips or tears. Once this flapped back gets opened, it reveals the hidden envelope and Xmas card with Yoda, gift bag in hand, dressed up like Santa Claus. Both can be taken out and the back can be resealed without altering the design. When the card gets opened it reads: "Happy Holidays and May the Force be with you this New Year." All other accents on the package are the same as seen in the Droid's except for the lightsaber logo, which in Yoda's case has remained untouched and does not show as a candy cane. The words "2nd Edition" have been added to the lower front side of the card, indicating the set as being number two in the Holiday series. The Xmas tree decoration and words "Holiday greeting card and envelope inside" found in the Droids set is also found in Yoda's package but as a print on the cardback instead of being a sticker on the blister. While closely examining this decoration, one can tell it is in fact a picture of the Death Star all lit up in red, and a tree branch hook at the top, nice touch! As an interesting note, the proof of purchase numbers below the bar code are the same for the Droid's and Yoda's sets. STANDS: DESIGN AND UTILITY
The pattern designs of the stands for each of these sets are textured and are molded into the plastic; there aren't any stickers to worry about. Black plastic was used for the sides, bottom and slanted fronts, where golden brush script words that read "Holiday Edition" protrude. The letters are also molded onto the plastic, not glued to it. The grooved backs of the stands are perfect providers to support the Xmas cards. It is nice to see what a great amount of detail was used on such small pieces and how well they compliment the overall look of the sets. DROIDS' STAND: The included base found in the Droids set is intricate in its design, resembling a rug on a wooden floor. About 80% of the flat surface of the stand has this rug-like look with patterns in red, white, blue and light green. The remaining 20%, towards the back, shows the "wooden floor." Provided are four foot pegs, right over the area rug, for the Xmas couple to be securely placed. YODA'S STAND: The base is that of a snow covered terrain, realistically recreated and taking effect over its entire top surface. Towards the left side of the base, half way "buried" in the snow, there's a tiny green and antique-yellowish lettered block. Next to the block, there's an orange play ball, having a well defined red and white band around it with four stars. There is also one foot peg provided to give Yoda a secured pose. ARTOO THE REINDEER
Let's give a chance to the little guy first, and review its looks based on its construction and comparison to previous droids as well as the original design seen on the Xmas card. This is basically a recycled sculpt of the Saga X-wing Artoo, which was, again, a recycled sculpt of the 2000 R2-B1. When turning the reindeer Artoo figure upside down an imprinted "2000 LFL" can be seen. The body styles are the same for all three droids with flat shoulder pegs and lacking a third leg. Artoo's dome, of course, has been "revised." The lined up four blue patterns on the left side of his head have been reduced to three and the Holographic Projector (protruding eye like piece) has been moved a little towards the frontal center of the dome in order to give way for the left antler to be positioned. Such antler gives one the feeling as if its base was attached to the dome with the use of tuck tape with Artoos' Holographic Projector sticking out from it. The right side antler was placed a little higher than the left one, right over the two logic function display squares. The base of this antler appears to have a wood block like look to it. When comparing the droid to that seen on the card, the differences are big:
As far as articulation goes, it is basic. Rotating dome with clicking sound and movement on both legs at the shoulders. Despite all of these differences from the original painting, Artoo looks very cool sporting those antlers on his head, not to mention they make him almost as tall as his golden counterpart. THREEPIO THE SANTA CLAUS
It is our friendly Protocol Droid's first outfit! Ridiculous some might think, or, elegantly dressed others might be inclined to say. Either way the red of the Santa's outfit against the golden body of the droid is very contrasting and appealing to the eye. It appears as if the entire figure is a new tooling and not a recycled one. Although the legs might resemble a bit those of the Flashback Threepio, they are not as thick nor are its feet are as wide, and there seems to be more delicate work on the knee "joints" and markings on its feet. Under the feet there is a "2002 LFL" imprint, leading me even further to believe this is in fact an all new sculpt. You will notice a big departure from the traditional way C3- PO's eyes have been previously sculpted. While the regular sculpt shows the eyes unpainted at the center (all gold), the eyes of Santa Threepio present black "pupils" with the surrounding eye area done in yellow. Although this will look a bit awkward, it very much sticks to the painting where pupils can be seen. Also, this helps the eyes stand out more in what would have otherwise been a blunt face, since the red of the hat overpowers the features of the face. Speaking of the hat, although it is a separate piece, it is not removable, therefore Threepio's balded head can't be exposed. The same goes for the beard which Threepio is holding with his right hand; It is a one piece sculpt along with the hand and arm. The legs use the traditional metallic gold paint color and hard plastic. This is very contrasting when compared to the color of the hands and exposed chest area since both hands were crafted using a softer plastic and their color, although gold, is not metallic. There is no reflection on these pieces, truly looking awkward when seeing the shiny head and legs. The triangular chest area, exposed over the collar of the outfit, also lacks the proper metallic coloration and it is flat on its design. This is a bit disappointing as it is missing the details that part of its body should have. Nevertheless it is a very small area and, unless you are very picky, practically unnoticeable. The rest of the sculpt looks great. His outfit presents proper amount of folds, length and white fur-like trim. The belt hangs down loosely and its buckle is properly painted gold. It is nice to see that although red is a strong color and could easily stain lighter ones, there is hardly any bleeding from it into the white trim surrounding the collar, sleeves, bottom and hat. Articulation is limited, but heck, Threepio's movement has always been this way. His head rotates to either side about 45 degrees until it gets stopped by the collar. His arms can be fully rotated at the shoulders, and although it seems as if they wouldn't, his legs are articulated allowing for about 30% back and forward movement. When comparing the droid to that seen on the card, the most noticeable differences are:
YODA TURNS INTO SANTA , TOO!
It is the third incarnation into plastic of a Star Wars character in a Christmas custom. Our favorite Jedi Master puts on the Santa outfit, grabs a bag full of toys and takes a long walk in the snow or at least, this is how it was viewed by McQuarrie and how authentically it has been recreated by Hasbro. He is definitely a new Yoda figure. There weren't any recycled pieces utilized as part of the sculpt, which is a good thing. Surprisingly enough, Yoda's head design was kept very much looking as a Trilogy Yoda. The likeness is one of the best I've seen in a 3 3/4" figure. When comparing this Yoda to previous ones, I feel safe to say that Hasbro finally proportioned the size of the head accordingly to the rest of Yoda's body. It is big enough and the ears are not exaggerated in size as it has been seen in other sculpts; take for instance the 1995 Yoda with backpack and you can clearly see the great progress. The eyes, nose and ears are well defined. The coloration of the skin is also well rendered, showing correct shades and enhancing wrinkles. My only disappointment is based on the fact the hat cannot be removed from Yoda's head, which was also the case with Holiday Threepio. I'm assuming Hasbro wanted to remain truthful to the original art design by giving them a permanent McQuarrie look and making these pieces non-removable. The outfit is nothing to jump off a cliff for. Although it does complement nicely the overall look of the set, it lacks more texture of the fabric as well as definition on folds and wrinkles. Nevertheless, the paint ops make up for this insufficiency. There aren't any paint runs and the colors were kept truthful to their areas, even in small ones such as the golden belt buckle. Articulation for Yoda is limited to three points, which is nothing new since Yoda sculpts have always lack much articulation. His head can be rotated 180 degrees, without interference of other parts, except when he's holding the sack of toys, which in such case the back of the hat will hit the top of the sack, stopping the movement. The arms are articulated only at the shoulders and can be raised or lowered sufficiently.
The accessories, which are four, pull the whole set together. Two of them, the included Christmas card and snowy base, have already been described, thus we'll look at the other two: Yoda's cane and sack of toys. The cane, which perfectly attaches to Yoda's left hand, was nicely worked on; one can feel and see its textured surface which presents the appropriate wood grain all around. As for the sack of toys, although a bit done in a rush (as far as the toys in it), it is very similar to the one seen in the Christmas card, having a subtle wash and easily defining its wrinkles and folds. The top end of the sack fits with ease in the Jedi's right hand and once properly placed, it remains put over the Jedi's shoulder. When comparing the Master Jedi to the one seen on the card, the differences are:
Other than these three differences, this Yoda set comes very close to the original artwork. SETS BY THE NUMBERS: SPECIFICS
NAME OF SET:
Holiday Edition R2-D2 & C-3PO LAST THOUGHT The sets are cheesy and weird enough to make them fun collectibles and given the fact they are actually based on actual McQuarrie drawings to give them more character. There might be some confusion as to whether we had had any other toys based on McQuarrie's art before, but the truth is we hadn't until recently, with the release of Saga's McQuarrie Stormtrooper. In 1998 Hasbro wrongfully attributed the Expanded Universe Airspeeder vehicle to McQuarrie's artwork but even McQuarrie himself had the mistake pointed out at the first convention where the toy was exhibited. Therefore the Droids set was the first toy ever to be released based on the artist's work, with the Stormtrooper Fan Choice, and Yoda's Holiday set as second and third McQuarrie's offerings, respectively. Take a look now at the detailed pictures of this unique Holiday sets. As the series continues more pictures and reviews will be added to this Holiday Gallery. Enjoy! 
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