HAN SOLO Mynock HuntPower of the Force Cinema Scenes Collection
Item No.: Asst. 69650 No. 69868
Manufacturer: Kenner
Number: n/a
Includes: Breathing Mask, Blaster, Display Stand
Action Feature: n/a
Retail: $14.99-$19.99
Availability: Fall 1998
Appearances: Primarily Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back
Bio: Fleeing the fierce Imperial assault on the frozen planet Hoth, the Millennium Falcon and the Rebel crew fly into the midst of a waiting Imperial war fleet. Unable to engage the Falcon's malfunctioning hyperdrive system, Han Solo steers recklessly into an asteroid field. Solo maneuvers the Corellian freighter through the deadly storm, missing large rocks by mere inches before locating sanctuary in the cave of a huge asteroid. Inside the cave it become apparent that the Falcon is in danger of being ravaged by mynocks. Large, winged parasites with an appetite for the mineral and energy-rich bulls of starships, mynocks can cause critical damage to star-freighting vessels. Forced to hunt the creatures before irreparable harm is caused to the Millennium Falcon, Chewbacca, Princess Leia, and Han Solo don breathing gear and venture outside. But the mynocks become a secondary concern once the Rebel crew discovers that the cave they're parked in is not a cave at all, but something large and very alive. (Taken from the figure's box.)
Image: Adam Pawlus' desk.
Commentary: When Kenner finally delivered its first modern Bespin Han Solo in 1997, nobody was really prepared for the deluge of remolds and repaints to come. This particular version is very similar to the 1997 original with the key distinction of an added removable gas mask. Han's limbs were repositioned slightly, giving this figure a fairly simple method of distinguishing itself from the basic carded release, the exclusive Millennium Mint Coin release, and of course the Princess Leia Collection release. All these figures had six or fewer points of articulation, but this was the only one to have the breathing mask and, of course, the mynock. The figure itself isn't remotely worthwhile by current standards, as his articulation and sculpt weren't even particularly fantastic for his own time. As such, only get this one if you feel a burning urge to own the set-- it's unfortunately no longer an especially special release.
Collector's Notes: This was a very hard to find set for quite some time, resulting in prices having shot up to about $50-- they have since dropped considerably, and a many new Bespin Han Solo figures were released with varying degrees of quality. As part of a set, it's quite nice, but it's arguably more interesting to boxed collectors than those who play with their toys. The gas masks were rereleased in 2008 as part of the Millennium Falcon-themed Battle Pack featuring Luke Skywalker, Obi-Wan Kenobi, C-3PO, and R2-D2. Nothing to see here, folks, move along.
Day 946: January 28, 2009
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