by Jeff Smentek
Introduction
Medicom, a Japanese toy company, has produced some of the coolest Star Wars products to hit the collecting market in some time. Kubrick figures are small-scaled block figures that are bigger than LEGO figures, but smaller than the normal 3.75" Hasbro figures. These have been increasing in popularity since JediDefender first reported about them early in 2003.
The Series 5 regular figures include: Yoda, Luke Skywalker (Jedi Gear), Princess Leia (Jabba's Slave), Admiral Ackbar, Death Star Gunner, and Snaggletooth. The Series 5 chase figures are Blue Snaggletooth, Walrus Man, and Han Solo (Endor Gear). Series 5 was released in November 2005, and the following is a look at each respective piece included therein.
The Figures
Yoda
While Series 4 offered up many of the “most wanted” Imperials, Series 5 comes through for the other side! One of the few remaining main characters from the Original Trilogy, Yoda finally gets his due. Yoda is at the top of the list for hits of Series 5. While he is missing his pet snake (an old vintage Kenner one will suffice), he does include his trusty cane.
Luke Skywalker (Jedi Gear)
Another pick from many fans wish list is Jedi Knight Luke Skywalker. Jedi Luke is a great choice for Series 5 as he complements Vader and Palpatine from Series 4. Now you can re-enact the classic Return of the Jedi duel in Kubrick fashion. Luke includes his green Jedi lightsaber and his Jedi Cloak.
Princess Leia (Jabba’s Slave)
Just the third Leia figure to hit the Kubrick line, Slave Leia was another from the “most wanted” list of many fans. Leia comes with a skiff guard force pike and is ready to help rescue the guys from doom at the Pit of Carkoon. Now if Medicom could just get us a Kubrick Jabba and Bib Fortuna to go with her. 
Admiral Ackbar
"It’s a trap!" Sorry, couldn’t resist. 
The good Admiral makes the cut as a Kubrick figure. Now your Nien Nunb from Series 4 has a fellow Rebel alien to keep him company. Time to add General Madine and General Lando to the wish list.
Death Star Gunner
The lone Imperial to make it into Series 5 is the Death Star Gunner. His lone accessory is an imperial blaster rifle. He seemed like an odd choice, but when Series 6 was revealed to be heavy on the rest of the Death Star troops, he made a lot more sense.
Snaggletooth (Red)
It’s been a while since we had any Kubrick figures from the Mos Eisley Cantina, and Series 5 has 3 of them! Series 2 Greedo had to spend his nights alone with the Cantina Band Member, but now Red Snaggletooth (and two others below) can keep him company.
Snaggletooth (Blue)
Our first chase figure from Series 5 is the second figure from the Mos Eisley Cantina - Blue Snaggletooth! More than just a repaint, Blue Snaggletooth has completely different legs. Blue Snaggletooth was hidden in the Red Snaggletooth boxes and is definitely a sign of Medicom’s love of the Kenner Vintage line
Walrus Man
The second chase figure from Series 5 is the third figure from the Mos Eisley Cantina - Walrus Man (aka Ponda Baba). Hopefully Hammerhead is out there in the Medicom plans for Series 7. The chase Walrus Man was found inside the Death Star Gunner box. Yeah, I know - it doesn’t make a lot of sense, but that’s the fun of the Kubrick chase figure!
Han Solo (Endor Gear)
Our final chase figure is another Han Solo figure. This version of everyone’s favorite smuggler comes complete with blaster pistol, working holster and Endor trench coat. Han is a great complement to the Speeder Bike Set from 2004. Endor Han was found in the Jedi Luke box.
Case Ratios
Each Series 5 Master Case is composed of 4 boxes of 12 figures (48 figures total per Master Case). Here's a recap of the pack ratios in each box of 12:
4x Luke Skywalker (Jedi Gear)
3x Death Star Gunner
2x Yoda
1x Princess Leia (Jabba's Slave)
1x Admiral Ackbar
1x Snaggletooth
Each Series 5 Master Case contained 2x Han Solo (Endor Gear) and either 1x Blue Snaggletooth or 1x Walrus Man. Blue Snaggletooth and Walrus Man were split evenly across the Master Cases produced (50/50).
The overall ratio of each figure is as follows:
4:12 Luke Skywalker (Jedi Gear)
3:12 Death Star Gunner
2:12 Yoda
1:12 Princess Leia (Jabba's Slave)
1:12 Admiral Ackbar
1:12 Snaggletooth (Red)
2:48 Han Solo (Endor Gear)
1:96 Snaggletooth (Blue)
1:96 Walrus Man
Availability
A full set of 9 seem to be going for between $200 and $250 right now on eBay. Kubrick figures are not cheap by any means, especially if you intend to stay complete with the rarer "chase" and carded figures. To make matters more difficult, they are not available at U.S. retail. Sealed boxes of 12 can be obtained at some U.S. e-tail stores, like JediDefender sponsors BigBadToyStore. eBay or the JediDefender trade forums are two other good options for tracking down Kubrick figures. Expect to pay less for regular release figures, up to $35 for Endor Han, and around $75-$100 each for Walrus Man and Blue Snaggletooth.
The Future
Star Wars Series 6 is due in the summer of 2006. This A New Hope based series includes the standard 6 basic figures and three chase figures. The Series 6 regular figures are Death Star Trooper, Luke Skywalker (X-Wing Pilot), R4-M9, RA-7, Rebel Fleet Trooper, and a TIE Fighter Pilot. The Series 6 chase figures are Grand Moff Tarkin, Imperial Officer, and Wedge Antilles.
