Size Matters Not Yoda returns to the Black Series
The next two-pack in the Clones of the Republic line is out. The Yoda and Commander Gree set for the Black Series went up for sale at the Disney Store on Life Day this year and shipped out shortly after. Hasbro Pulse still has a release date of December 15th of this year.
So let’s take a deep look!
Yoda is the selling feature of this pack, while Commander Gree feels like an unfortunate add-on. This is our first prequel-era Yoda and a third release of the smaller, more accurate Yoda body. The first issue of the newer Yoda body came out 4 years ago in 2020 and was exclusive to a deluxe two-pack with Luke Skywalker for the 40th Anniversary of the Empire Strikes Back.
There was one additional release of the new body for the Return of the Jedi Anniversary in an updated Force Spirit three-pack. That three-pack was a Disney Store and Hasbro Pulse Exclusive which then moved to fan channel stores.
The Clones Of the Republic used that body, and like the ESB release, it comes with swappable heads. There is a neutral head and and battle-ready head. This Yoda does come with his lightsaber, a prequel-era cane, and a brown Jedi robe. Unlike other Black Series sabers, the lightsaber has two separate pieces: a lit-bladed saber and an unlit hilt. These are almost the same as the Yoda saber set that came with the Luke and Grogu training set last year. The only difference is that the new blade is a darker, more vibrant green.
This Yoda also comes with his Jedi Council chair – a first for the Black Series and the Clones of the Republic Line. Will we get more Council members with their own chairs? I would hope so, but that remains to be seen. Given that reuse is common to the Black Series line, I might expect this Yoda and chair to be reissued for a prequel-specific movie – perhaps Revenge of the Sith. I say this, as the brown robe is not movie accurate where he had a beige robe. The brown robe was more unique to the Dark Horse comics.
Commander Gree on the other hand seems like an afterthought for this set. It is on the new clone body, which is a relief, but the paint apps are very simple.I know this line is based on the Dark Horse Comics appearance of these characters, but he does not come with a unique clone head to match his appearance in the comics and Clone Wars cartoon. Nor does he come with a generic painted clone head like the other Clones of the Republic set. The helmet is glued onto an unpainted head. It can be removed like other variants in the past, but it is disappointing.
Here are some side-by-side images between the new Gree and the original release from years ago. The original did come with binocs, whereas this one only comes with clone blasters.
Overall thoughts:
While the new Yoda is amazing and needed, it does seem like it is the only selling point for this Clone of the Republic set. Gree is underwhelming. It might have been better for the line if it was just a generic clone from the 41st Elite Corps and he was given a painted generic clone head like the Mace and 187th set. I’ll say it again – I am not a fan of hostage packs for army builders. Sets like this are decent for inbox-only collectors but not so great for those who want to make dioramas or even “army build.” It would be better if the clones came in a two pack with some slight variation like phase 1 and phase 2 helmets and the respective Jedi as a solo release at the same time. I know one of the goals mentioned by Hasbro is to give fans of the Clone Wars a chance to get Jedi Commanders and a member of their respective clone divisions a chance to get them at the same time. This can be done in either way.
