IG-11

STAR WARS RETRO COLLECTION (HASBRO)

NOTE: This review was written before June 6th.

“One of a series of dangerous assassin droids largely outlawed in the galaxy, IG-11 is a hired gun programmed to follow Bounty Hunters Gild protocols to the letter.”

Without a doubt, my very favorite part of The Mandalorian was IG-11.  It’s not a huge stretch, since I already really liked IG-88, and I also like Taika Waititi, and IG-11 is really just those two things put together.  Works for me.  IG-11 also helps with that retro feel of the show, so it only makes sense that he’d also be part of the Retro Collection set based on the show.  Let’s have a look at that one, shall we?

THE FIGURE ITSELF

IG-11 is part of the seven-figure Mando-themed assortment of Hasbro’s Star Wars Retro Collection line, which kicks off the major retail release for the Collection.  The figure stands 4 inches tall and he has 5 points of articulation.  IG-11 is the least unique figure in this particular set, a trend amongst IG-11 figures from Hasbro.  Much like those other releases, this one is patterned on an IG-88, specifically the vintage release, even more specifically the second version of the vintage release’s mold, which had slightly modified details.  Given the overall similarities of the characters, it does make sense to re-use, although I’m not sure how true to classic Kenner it would be.  His torso has been modified, so as to include the proper dual bandoliers, of course, and other parts, notably his hands, are also slightly different from 88.  That said, though they may be different, the hands are still not accurate to the upgraded hands 11 was sporting.  I guess I just got spoiled by that Mission Fleet version.  IG-11’s main change-up is paint.  Rather than sticking purely to the show’s far closer to IG-88 color scheme of largely grey/silver, this guy’s more of a dark bronze, I guess to sort of simulate his sequences underground in the finale, and also maybe to look like the credits art?  Whatever the case, the color change is certainly something that feels more authentically Kenner, as they were known for changing up colors for the sake of a more visually unique figure.  IG-11 is packed with two blaster rifles, long and short.  They appear to be more or less the same as the ones included with IG-88, but in black instead of dark blue.  I can dig it.

THE ME HALF OF THE EQUATION

IG-11 is the only figure from this set I knew for certain I was getting from the start.  Which is kind of silly when you get down to it, since he’s also the only figure that’s a re-use, and it’s of a mold I already own three other ways.  What can I say, I’m not the most diverse collector on some things.  It’s a simple figure, but I do still love him, mostly because I still love the vintage IG-88, and I’m always happy to be reminded of that.

Thanks to my sponsors over at All Time Toys for setting me up with this figure to review.  If you’re looking for cool toys both old and new, please check out their website and their eBay storefront.