I was looking forward to reading your views on this sensational release, Michael...
While you review is decent, I almost didn't make it through it. Is it really necessary to keep the prequel-baiting bandwagon running after all this time? Yes, there is a noisy group out there that still wants to convince everyone that Lucas ruined Star Wars with the prequels (and won't it just be a barrel of fun if the forthcoming Abrams effort fails to hit whatever that "mark" is)...but really, enough already. There are those of us who like the entire saga and who've grown weary of the continued prequel-bashing...at one time it might've seemed "hip" or something...now it just reads as pathetic and boring. Can we just stick to editorializing about the toys please?
I'm more interested in reading/seeing about the figure...not being subjected yet again to what is fast becoming the "Star Wars" equivalent of discussing politics or religion in a bar...it's best not to. Agree to disagree and focus on the toys please....
There...rant over...I agree with most of your points about this figure...is it a worthy upgrade from the previous version - absolutely! The price is steep, but considering the marked improvement shown on what is quite simply the most iconic character in Star Wars, period...one can't fault Sideshow too much for capitalizing on this superior effort.
Thanks for the review and pics, Michael...looking forward to more....