Figure of the Day: Day 959: Jango Fett

JANGO FETT Kamino Escape
Saga Collection 1
Item No.: Asst. 84851 No. 84857
Manufacturer: Hasbro
Number: #0213
Includes: Pistols, helmet, backpack, rocket, firing rocket, claw-on-a-rope
Action Feature: Rifle fits in holster
Retail: $4.99
Availability: April 2002
Appearances: Attack of the Clones

Bio: Resourceful and dangerous, Jango Fett is known throughout the criminal underworld as the best bounty hunter in the galaxy. Equipped with an arsenal of weapons including his missile-firing jetpack, Jango attempts to take out Obi-Wan Kenobi as he and Boba Fett escape from Tipoca City. (Taken from the figure's cardback.)

Image: Adam Pawlus' TV tray.

Commentary: While not the first Jango Fett, it was early enough to be memorable, popular, and easily the most accessorized version of the character. Since it's from the era where Hasbro was working from Gentle Giant scan data, the armor and proportions are all pretty great. Unfortunately, this was the era before ball-jointed shoulders, so the figure is pretty limited in its movement capabilities. This particular release has 8 points of articulation, which sounds weak, but the accessories make up for it. The little grapple thing is a blast to play with, and the removable helmet is a nice touch. This particular Jango has no real problems standing or sitting, and it seems the 2002 release of the Slave I was designed with this specific figure in mind. There's an area to hang his jetpack and everything.

Considering the decent level of detail in the armor, the adequate likeness in the face, and all the gear, it's a figure you'd probably enjoy having to play with. It certainly isn't the most articulated, but it's fun to play with and that's worth a lot to me. I suggest you give it a shot, especially if you can get it at or around $5. Hopefully as the line progresses, we'll see all this gear added to a super-articulated body.

Collector's Notes: This Jango was not only popular, and was not only reissued a few times, but it was also tweaked to make several other figures. There's a 2003 repackaged version, there's a 2006 repackaged version with a display stand. The figure was reissued without most of its accessories and packaged with other figures in a tin in late 2006. Magnets were added to his gauntlets and he was packaged with an accessory to make him "fly" in 2003. Needless to say, it's pretty easy to get, but it's also surprisingly in-demand from fans as it is one of the better Jango figures.

--Adam Pawlus

Day 959: February 16, 2009