It's hard for me to put into words how impactful Ewoks were in my childhood. I was very young when Return of the Jedi came out (I believe it was my first movie in the theatre). I was never into kid genres focused around vehicles, martial arts, or fighting (which eliminated most properties aimed at my demographic). But things like fantasy, nature, and animals were an absolute obsession for me. Star Wars was all the rage in my house and in the toy aisles, but my focus was 100% on the Ewoks. While my siblings were desperately fashioning light sabers out of brooms, I was in the woods making weapons and tools out of sticks, rocks, and packaging twine. I was kind of awesome like that. Ewoks became very popular. They received eight vintage action figures from ROTJ (more than any other "faction"), two spin-off movies in 1984 and 1985, and a two-season animated series. I both loved and hated this cartoon. I hated it because it was childish, the Ewoks spoke english, and the villainous Duloks seemed like Grinch knock-offs.
But I loved it because it further developed the Ewok world and family units. Most importantly introducing several (stereotypically) female Ewoks. Most notably, Princess Kneesaa a Jari Kintaka, daughter of Chief Chirpa (and cousin of Paploo). She and Wicket were the main characters of the series and I thought she was great. Back in 2012 there was a vintage series Kneesaa released in a TRU 5-Pack. I was so happy to see her finally made in plastic (outside of vintage PVC figurines and preschool toys). When I first saw this new Kneesa and Wicket 2-Pack solicited, she looked like straight-forward re-release of that 2012 figure. But in reality, she has a fantastic redeco that I am obsessed with. Her fur is much lighter and her hood and accessories have a much more vibrant color scheme. But most importantly is the darker fur around her eyes. This to me is one of the defining physical characteristics of Kneesaa that is often overlooked. She's amazing. I know it's unlikely, but I would love to see this carded Ewoks series continued with more animated redecos. And maybe even a newly-sculpted Latara. Let's check out Kneesaa below!
This 2-Pack comes in a graphic windowless box (above) that contains two retro-styled blister-carded characters within (below).
Kneesaa's entire hood is removable, but mine was fitting really snug and I was afraid I might tear the rubber trying to take it off. Her satchel is also removable (once the hood is off). As she is packaged, the only easily removable accessory is her rock sling.
She also comes with a collector coin. This is such a great nostalgic throwback. I had so many of these as a kid.
Time for some Group and Comparison Pics!
Here is Kneesaa with her pack-mate Wicket.
Here is Kneesaa with her two previous versions from 2012.
If you are unaware, in 2012 there was a TRU exclusive Ewok Pack featuring Flitchee, Nanta, Teebo, Kneesaa, and Tippet. Each of these figures came with an alternate hood and accessory (so by buying two separate packs you could get ten unique Ewoks). The pale green hood shown above was the alternate Kneesaa hood. I like it because it looks more cinematic than the pink one.
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And here is Wicket with his previous versions. I personally don't love the bright orange hood on this new figure. It looks like safety gear to me.
The previous animated homage Wicket was released in 2010 in this pack with an alternate hood.
(It was also re-released in the 2020s at some point).
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And here is Kneesaa with the other two female Ewoks released by Hasbro so far: Leektar and Kaink.
Cheers!
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