Figure of the Day: Day 36: Boba Fett

BOBA FETT Special Edition 300th Figure
Power of the Jedi Collection
Item No.: No. 84566
Number: n/a
Includes: Blaster pistol, blaster rifle, removable backpack, firing rocket, non-firing rocket
Action Feature: Spring-loaded firing rocket, articulated rangefinder
Retail: $9.99-$14.99
Availability: Early 2001
Appearances: Primarily Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back

Bio: The galaxy's most infamous and dangerous bounty hunter - as well as its most expensive - Boba Fett is a stoic hunter who is feared throughout the universe, and for good reason. An intimidating presence whose background is shrouded in mystery, Boba Fett furthers his mystique by masking his true identity behind modified Mandalorian armor. (Taken from the figure's box.)

Image: As always, in the ever-dangerous world of the collection of Adam Pawlus.

Commentary: Way back in 2001, all Boba Fett figures were these big, muscular, borderline tubby figures-- and they were awesome for the time. For the milestone of 300 3 3/4-inch action figures (although this number is debated), Hasbro put a lot of extra effort into Boba Fett. This brand-new sculpt was so beloved by fans, that the figure was a raging success even at the price point of $10, a then-high (and ridiculous) proposition when compared to his peers, which were $5.99-$6.99 at retail. (Oh, how things changed!) With added arm articulation, the ability to look down his barrel, a working holster, a firing rocket, and the best-sculpt of any Boba Fett figure at the time (or perhaps ever), how can you go wrong? The astounding amount of joy this figure brought with it cannot be measured by mere words, squeals and other sounds might best articulate just how much people wanted a new Boba Fett in 2001, and how glad they were that Hasbro put one out that, for the time, did everything you could hope for out of such a figure. After a few years, it's still the best ESB-flavored version of the bounty hunter, and with his moving rangefinder and firing rocket, it's really not a figure you pass on so much as push others over to get. Buy two, it's worth it.

Collector's Notes: Modified versions of this figure would be available later in a variety of ways, all with missing parts, removed features, or other things which make them not worth mentioning here as unique figures. They include: pack-in figure with Boba Fett's Slave I (2004, OTC, doesn't have a rocket or pistol); part of the Ultimate Bounty gift set (2003, Toys "R" Us Saga Exclusive, no firing rocket); Bounty Hunter Gift Set (2006, Previews Exclusive, Saga Collection).

Each version may have barely different battle damage markings, but odds are most collectors will never notice this and it can be ignored. As far as accessories go, though, the Power of the Jedi one should be considered definitive. Also, there's two versions of the POTJ box. The first release (which you can see at the 16bit.com feature below) has bad line art and heavily pixely names on the back of the box. Later releases have better art on the front and smooth, normal-looking text.

Day 36: June 11, 2006