Honestly, if you told me back in 2019 that a guy who looks like Ian Gallagher from Shameless would become the face of modern Star Wars collecting, I probably would’ve laughed. Yet here we are. Cal Kestis has basically taken over the cal kestis black series line, evolving from a scruffy padawan in a plastic poncho to a bearded survivor that somehow poses better than half my actual Jedi Masters.
It’s weird. Most "gaming" figures feel like afterthoughts. They’re usually just repaints or quick cash-grabs while we wait for the next Disney+ show. But Hasbro did something different with Cal. They actually cared? Sorta. If you’ve been hunting these for a while, you know the struggle of choosing between the five—yes, five—major versions of this dude.
The Original #93: Where the Obsession Started
The first cal kestis black series figure was released right alongside Jedi: Fallen Order. It’s number 93 in the Galaxy Collection, and for a long time, it was the gold standard. It came with the "broken" hilt, a blue blade, and that tiny, adorable BD-1.
You’ve probably noticed the face, though.
It’s not bad, but it’s definitely "early PhotoReal." He looks a little surprised to be there. The double-jointed knees were great for the time, but the plastic poncho? A total nightmare. It’s stiff. It restricts everything. If you want him to look like he’s actually doing parkour on Zeffo, you basically have to toss the poncho in a bin or swap it for custom soft goods from Etsy.
I still love it, though. There’s a "First Edition" white box version of this figure that collectors go absolutely feral for. It’s the same toy inside, but that white packaging? It’s basically the Holy Grail for "new-in-box" purists.
Gaming Greats and the Deluxe "Upgrade"
Then came the Gaming Greats version, which was basically the Scrapper outfit from the beginning of the game. It was fine, but the real heavy hitter was the Deluxe Cal Kestis. This is the one where Hasbro finally gave us the accessories we actually wanted.
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- The Bogling: Tiny, pink, and essential.
- The Holocron: Perfect for that "I’m the last hope of the Jedi" shelf pose.
- Multiple Sabers: You got the double-bladed hilt and even the orange blade, which felt like a nod to everyone who pre-ordered the game.
The weirdest thing about the Deluxe version? The "folding" lightsaber hilt. It’s a cool idea in theory, but in practice, it’s tiny and feels like it’s going to snap if you breathe on it too hard. Plus, the way the saber hangs on the belt—emitter facing up—is technically screen-accurate but looks so goofy on a shelf.
Why the Jedi: Survivor Version Changed the Game
Everything changed when the Jedi: Survivor version dropped (Gaming Greats #17). This is arguably the best cal kestis black series figure Hasbro has ever made. Gone are the clunky double-joints. We got pinless tech, which makes the legs look like actual legs instead of a science project.
He’s got the beard. He’s got the "I’ve seen some things" eyes.
The articulation is butter. You can actually get him into a proper two-handed saber stance without the shoulders popping out of their sockets. He also comes with the blaster, which fits into the holster perfectly. My only real gripe? BD-1. It’s the same mold from 2019. It still doesn't have a way to actually "clip" onto Cal’s back. You’re left trying to balance a tiny plastic droid on a ginger man's shoulder like a very frustrated bird trainer.
The Secondary Market Scramble
If you’re trying to buy these now, it’s a minefield. The original #93 is being re-issued (thank the Maker), so don’t go paying $80 on eBay for a loose one. However, the Amazon exclusive 4-pack featuring Cal, Turgle, and Skoova Stev is becoming the new "must-have" because, well... Turgle. People love that weird little frog guy.
Prices fluctuate constantly. You can usually snag a mainline Survivor Cal for around $25, but those early Gaming Greats exclusives are creeping up.
What You Need to Do Next
If you're just starting your cal kestis black series collection, don't just buy the first one you see. The Survivor version is objectively the better toy, but the Fallen Order Deluxe has the better "vibe" accessories.
Pro Tip: If you hate the stiff plastic ponchos, look for "wired soft goods" on eBay. It’ll cost you an extra $15, but it turns a mediocre figure into a masterpiece. Also, watch the lightsaber pegs. They are notoriously thin on the Cal figures; if you force the blade in at the wrong angle, you’re going to be gluing that hilt back together by midnight.
Check your local GameStop or Pulse. They’ve been restocking the "Gaming Greats" line lately, and you might just find a Cal hiding behind a row of Lando Calrissians.