Figure of the Day: Day 964: Graak (the Ewok)

GRAAK & Romba
30th Anniversary Collection Basic Figures
Item No.: Asst. 87500 No. 87409
Manufacturer: Hasbro
Number: #3043
Includes: Bow, arrows, hood, Romba figure, coin (2007), display stand (2008)
Action Feature: n/a
Retail: $6.99
Availability: Fall 2007
Appearances: Return of the Jedi

Image: Adam Pawlus' Endor shelf.

Bio: When the Ewoks mistake C-3PO for a god, Han Leia, and Chewie use this misunderstanding to get past the Ewok's initial distrust of them. The Ewoks eventually welcome the Rebels into their tribe and help them destroy the shield generatior protecting the Death Star. (Taken from the figure's cardback.)

Commentary: One of the more rewarding things about the modern Star Wars line is assembling a big group of something. Sure, troopers are nice, but what I really love is that Hasbro does numerous takes on Tusken Raiders, Jawas, and yes, even Ewoks like Graak here. The little guy is pretty awesome, showcasing Hasbro's ability to add articulation to a figure that doesn't need it while keeping its appearance reasonably nice. In the old days, Ewoks had 4 joints, meaning you got arms and legs and that's it. This guy builds on that, adding neck articulation, wrist articulation, a waist joint, plus ball-jointed ankles. WOW. That's above and beyond the call of duty for any figure in a 2-pack, so it's really stunning that Hasbro decided to do it for the supposedly unpopular Ewok. He has no problems standing, and I suppose were Hasbro to make any modern-era Ewok vehicles or playsets that aren't a catapult or a glider, he'd be able to interact with it quite nicely.

As far as his gear goes, Hasbro hit it out of the park with a removable hood with a quiver molded to it. You can remove the arrows if you want to, but you probably won't-- they're too small for him to grip easily. It's a wonderful figure and one that you should absolutely add to your Ewok tribe, if you have one. If you don't, I'd suggest getting this 2-pack and see if the notion of having more of these appeals to you. This is some of Hasbro's finest work in the realm of Ewoks, so give it a whirl if you have the means to do so. (And they're cheap, so you should.)

Collector's Notes: Graak seems like he was created with future repaints in mind. The figure was initially named "Lumat" according to a sticker sheet released by Hasbro for a display stand set, which is interesting as the figure has more than a passing resemblance for the vintage-era Kenner Lumat figure. To date, we still don't have Lumat (and there seems to be more than one furball to claim ownership of the name) but it'll be easy for Hasbro to do it when they feel like it. A later list of names had this guy dubbed "Garak," which, as a fan of Star Trek: Deep Space Nine, I found to be quite funny. This figure was rereleased in 2008 with a display stand instead of a coin.

--Adam Pawlus

Day 964: February 23, 2008