The first Han Solo figure from Harrison Ford’s return in The Force Awakens came before Hasbro started using the Photo-Real face print technology, and therefore like many of the pre-2017 figures the likeness is not particularly flattering. The Archive Series allows for a do-over of figures of this era, and Force Awakens Han was chosen for release within Wave 7 in 2022. Like all the Archive series to date, the packaging is that of a shaped black blister card with grey backing for the figure and the use of an insert that carries the original Gregory Titus lined artwork. Now the Lucasfilm 50th Anniversary is out of the way we have thankfully seen the rear of the card return to the usual Archive format where it details the original release, has an image of the original packaging and carries the usual short character text piece.
Out of the box and it is immediately clear that this Han Solo is not just a repaint, but rather an updated head sculpt that captures Solo’s grizzled greying look from The Force Awakens. The iconic cocky and sure for himself expression is perfectly captured as is the slanted mouth and the aged face and greying hair.
The rest of the body remains as it was originally and there is not a huge amount wrong with that other than the legs which can look a bit bow-legged and bandy if not posed correctly. Han is wearing a creased off white shirt over which is his brown flight jacket with weathered leather look applied. The trousers and boots are similarly worn and weather and the outfit is finished with Han’s gunslinger belt and holster complete with painted gunmetal buckle and rivet detailing.
As this is an older buck, the figure does have visible pinned joints but the flip side of this is it also comes with the original double joint knees. All the joints appear pretty secure, but there is a bit of play still in the ankles - an issue that was quite problematic around The Force Awakens era. Han does stand and pose fine, and can wield the included modified DL-44 blaster. The blaster accessory is OK, but remains quite soft in the detail and lacks any paint apps on top of the cast black plastic. It fits in Han’s right hand where a trigger finger slots into place. Or it can be holstered snugly in the thigh holster.
Han Solo from The Force Awakens is exactly what the Archive Series is for, taking an older figure and bringing it up to speed with the rest of the line while not devaluing the original release which remains unique in its execution of the time. You will not regret adding this Han to your collection.
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About Me : As a child of the 70's and 80's I grew up in a golden age for action figures and in my youth bought and sold myself through collections of Star Wars, G.I. Joe (Action Force) and M.A.S.K. while also dabbling in He-Man, Transformers and Ghostbusters. Roll forward and I am now reliving that Youth with the action figures of today and am a collector and fan of the larger 6-8 inch figures from my favourite movie and TV licences - including the ones mentioned above, but also the Marvel Cinematic Universe, Doctor Who and the Aliens. I launched The Mephitsu Archives in 2015 with a view of creating a UK focused site or these figures where fans can pick up the latest action figure news, read reviews and get information on where to buy their figures and what is currently on store shelves. I hope I am delivering that to you guys...
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