The Good: Great accessory!
The Bad: Limited poseability, Balance issues, Yellowing plastic on the figure, Awkward figure sculpt
The Basics: The only reason to put any money or effort into the Han Solo In Carbonite figure is for the Carbonite block!
As I finally finish packing away another whole box of Star Wars figures (I was actually quite excited about that!), I have made my way to the last Power Of The Force figure from the one box! That figure used to be one that impressed me and that I enjoyed quite a bit, but not seems remarkable simple and silly. It is the Han Solo In Carbonite action figure and the only reason to bother with it is the actual Carbonite block accessory.
For those unfamiliar with Han Solo when he was encased in Carbonite, it was basically the climax of The Empire Strikes Back (reviewed here!),so why are you even looking at Star Wars figures if you haven’t seen The Empire Strikes Back all the way through?! Anyway, at the start of Return Of The Jedi (reviewed here!), Han Solo is trapped in hibernation in a frozen block and he needs to be rescued. The Carbonite block is a pretty iconic prop from the Trilogy and this figure represents Han Solo after he was released.
The 4" Han Solo In Carbonite figure comes from the period in Kenner’s toy development when figures were made to look like an unrealistic action hero ideal, as opposed to how Han Solo actually looked. Conversely, the Carbonite block is one of the best toy renditions ever made!
Basics
Han Solo In Carbonite, in his Power Of The Force sculpting, features Han Solo in his white shirt and brown pants, looking much like he did in his final moments on Bespin and then in Jabba’s palace. This Han Solo stands 3 13/16” tall to the top of his feathered-hair on his head. The facial sculpt is not the worst rendition of Han Solo ever and it actually looks mostly like a young Harrison Ford. The hair is somewhat raised and looks parted, as opposed to monolithic, like a helmet. However, there the sculpt completely falls apart for accuracy. This version of Han Solo has broad shoulders and chest definition that Harrison Ford did not have when the movie was shot and certainly does not have now! That’s not an insult; some people look like a bodybuilder and some look less freakish. Harrison Ford as Han Solo looked less freakish, but this figure does not capture that. Instead, this makes Han Solo look like a weightlifter.
As for the coloring, herein lays many of the problems with the figure. The arms and chest of the Han Sol figure do not match. As this figure has aged, the white on the sleeves and the white plastic that makes up his shirt have discolored in different ways and that makes this Han Solo look somewhat ridiculous now. There is no depth or shading to the figure, save on the pants which have the yellow racing stripe up the side, as is appropriate. This version of Han Solo features white eyes with tiny brown irises and white pupils.
Accessories
Han Solo In Carbonite comes with two accessories: the Carbonite Block and his blaster. The blaster is a 1 1/4” monotonal black plastic handgun that has two barrels at the end, making it look pretty wicked! It is, however, grossly disproportionate compared to the size of the figure and looks a little ridiculous in his hands, though it fits in either and it monotonal the way the rest of the figure is.
The real reason people wanted this figure was for the Carbonite block accessory! The 4 1/2“ tall by 2 1/2” wide by 5/8” deep hollow plastic block is not deep enough to hold Han Solo, but it looks like the right size and scale for the Carbonite block (except, perhaps, in depth) for even the current lines of Star Warsfigures! The gunmetal gray block looks just like the one in Return Of The Jedi in both coloring and sculpt. On the sides are the control panels and the controls themselves are represented by tiny stickers which look all right.
Playability
The four inch toy line was designed for play and Han Solo in Carbonite is pretty poor in that regard. First, he is cast in a pretty heroic stance with his legs spread very wide. As a result, even flatfooted, he does not stand up for very long. With any real arm posing for the figure, he tips. This is a very unbalanced figure. The only way to truly keep this Han Solo figure standing is to use the pegs on vehicles and playsets and plug them into the holes in the figure’s feet.
This Han Solo comes with only six points of articulation, all of which are simple swivel joints. He has joints at the groin socket, shoulders, waist and neck. The elbows do not extend, so all arm posing is straight-armed. The articulation matters very little, though, as this Han Solo figure usually ends up face-down anyway!
Collectibility
The Han Solo In Carbonite figure is part of the Power Of The Force four-inch series, a series of Star Wars action figures that was tragically overproduced. This figure appeared on at least three cardbacks and none of them have appreciated in value. Given the discovery that the actual figure discolors, I imagine this will remain a terrible investment figure.
Overview
Han Solo In Carbonite is a pretty cool concept for a figure, but Kenner did not do it as well as it ought to have in the Power Of The Force line. Fortunately, there are better ones on the market now!
For other Han Solo figures, please check out my reviews of:
2009 Han Solo As A Stormtrooper
SL22 Saga Legends Hoth Han Solo
Saga Collection Han Solo
Original Trilogy Collection Hoth Han Solo
Power Of The Jedi Bespin Capture Han Solo
Power Of The Force Deluxe Han Solo with Smuggler Flight Pack
Power Of The Force Hoth Han Solo
3/10
For other toy reviews, please visit my Toy Review Index Page for an organized listing!
© 2012 W.L. Swarts. May not be reprinted without permission.
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