REVIEW: Disney STAR WARS Action Figures Series 2

For fans of all things Disney AND Star Wars...

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We’ve seen Mickey and the Disney characters portray famous characters before in Mickey’s Christmas Carol, among others, so seeing the same colorful gang in the roles of popular Star Wars characters isn’t that big of a jump. It’s only fitting now that Disney and Lucasfilm have been in bed with each other since the late '80s that new merchandise be available for those who are indeed fans of both partners.

Series 1 was released last year and with Series 2 now being sold in the Disney Theme Parks, I can’t help but look forward to a Series 3. Both assortments are still available at the parks so don’t worry about catching up. So far we have the following:

Series 1

- Mickey Mouse as Luke Skywalker

- Minnie Mouse as Princess Leia

- Donald Duck as Han Solo

- Goofy as Darth Vader

- Stitch as Emperor Palpatine

Series 2

- Mickey Mouse as Anakin Skywalker (Episode III)

- Minnie Mouse as Queen Amidala (Episode I)

- Donald Duck as Darth Maul

- Goofy as Jar Jar Binks

- Stitch as Yoda

As much as I love how fun it is to see Disney and Star Wars characters combined, I still question why the character assortments are what they are. If Goofy is Darth Vader, then why is Mickey Mouse Anakin? If Minnie is Princess Leia, shouldn’t Mickey be Han Solo? Or should Daisy be Leia? But then she can’t be sister to a mouse. I suppose logic isn’t the point of these toys, though I do wish there was a wider variety of characters being used here.

Selling for a sticker price of $9.95 each, those who visit Disneyland’s Star Trader (California) or Disney’s Hollywood Studios’ Tatooine Traders (Florida) stores can grab themselves a figure. There are other stores in the resorts that also sell these, so make sure to call around. In most cases you won’t need to pay admission to acquire these figures. For those far, far away, you can attempt to order these through the Disneyland DelivEars hotline at 1-800-362-4533 or check on the secondary market.

PACKAGING: Each figure is packaged in a very standard card and bubble, very similar to Disney's past efforts. The figure and accessories are displayed very clearly so those who go to the parks can pick out their favorite one. The back of the card shows an image of all the figures in the series and not much else. There wasn't a lot of effort put into this which is pretty disappointing.

SCULPT: The sculpts are most certainly improved over the last series in my opinion, although the figures seem somewhat smaller. Regardless, what I enjoy about these figures is that the Disney characters aren’t just putting on a masquerade. They are actually acting out the part. Mickey Mouse has a more determined and sinister expression. Stitch is a calm Jedi Master. Donald Duck is being devilish as always. Goofy... well, there isn’t too much of a stretch here.

The outfits based on Star Wars characters are done fairly well and look as they should. Goofy’s outfit is one of the nicest in the series as his vest is a separate piece and adds more dimensionality to his character.

Most of the figures have one hand able to hold something with the other hand posed in a "Force Push". Thankfully Donald is able to hold his double-bladed lightsaber with both hands. Goofy doesn’t have anything to hold, and to make matters worse his left arm is in a very awkward position and without articulation, it’s not going to be changed.

PAINT: Paint has certainly improved in this wave, the nicest being the elimination of the glossy shine seen in Series 1. The majority of the colors are nicely laid out, but there are some instances where lines could be applied with more care. Eyes are a bit of a problem as they aren’t painted on in full.

ARTICULATION: Like Series 1, don’t expect a lot of action from these action figures. They’re more meant for limited play and display than anything else. Mickey, Minnie and Stitch have articulation in the neck and shoulders. Goofy and Donald are articulated in the neck, shoulders, and waist.

ACCESSORIES: Only those with Jedi training come with their lightsaber (Mickey, Stitch, Donald) while those who don’t (Goofy and Minnie) come with zilch.

VALUE: These figures will run you about $10 each, which is higher than your usual Star Wars figure, but not by that much. Just keep in mind that you aren’t going to be getting Hasbro quality toys here as Disney had another company produce these.

OVERALL: If you are a fan of all things Disney AND Star Wars, these are indeed fun little figures to fill out your toy shelf. Donald Duck as Darth Maul is hands down my favorite as they have captured both the intensity of Darth Maul and the anger of Donald into one little package. And it’s a duck with a double bladed lightsaber. I love it for that alone.

If these sell well (and they have been) then I’m pretty sure we can expect a Series 3 that may or may not include: Daisy Duck as Aurra Sing, Pete as Boba Fett, and Chip n Dale as Ewoks. I’m hoping. But I also hope that Disney gets some more articulation into these or at least gets Hasbro to do the next batch.

Hit the link below for more images!

Review and Photos by David Yeh

Disney Star Wars Series 2 Photo Gallery