Figure of the Day: Day 1,275: IG-88

IG-88 Carded Edition
Power of the Jedi Collection 2
Item No.: Asst. 84455 No. 84587
Manufacturer: Hasbro
Number: n/a
Includes: Rifle, Bandolier, Force File
Action Feature: n/a
Retail: $6.99
Availability: 2000
Appearances: The Empire Strikes Back

Bio: The most infamous and feared of all assassin droids, IG-88 has made a career as a ruthless bounty hunter. The tall, slender, gray droid was produced at Holowan Laboratories. IG-88 is equipped with an array of head sensors that allow him to see in all directions at once, and a variety of lethal weapons including grenade launchers, missiles and a flamethrower. (Taken from the figure's packaging.)

Image: Adam's yard.

Commentary: While generally considered to be the #2 man of the first 6 bounty hunters, IG-88 took quite a while to get much respect (read: a carded figure) from Hasbro. The 1996 release was based heavily on the 1980s figure, and this one builds on the 1996 release with some other changes. Most important of all is the new torso, which has a removable bandolier and some added "junk" wire, panel, and gadget detailing. The added deco really brings him to life, with some silver and black paint making it way more than the mostly-grey figures we tend to get used to when it comes to IG-88.

This figure basically amps up what Hasbro can do with this design, adding some detail to the head and giving fans a more "realistic" robot. With only six meaningful points of articulation and one rifle (the second smaller weapon wasn't included) this figure wasn't a total victory when it was released, but it was still a nice step toward the figure we got a couple of years ago. Which is way better than this one. I would suggest getting this one for kids or fans of figures from this specific era, because while good he isn't nearly the ridiculously super-articulated robot we've come to know and love later.

Collector's Notes: For the longest time, this was the best IG-88 you could get-- and then Hasbro made a "Vintage" version and this one most likely no longer interests you. Pay accordingly if you decide to get this one.

Also take note of his hands. Some releases had a hand which was molded shut in a full circle, and others had open claws. Mine had open claws, so I assume that's the more common but I really don't know. Also, this figure was repackaged in a few multi-packs like the Diamond exclusive Bounty Hunters box and the Toys "R" Us exclusive set of Bounty Hunters which also sported Aurra Sing's swoop bike. Odds are if you're an avid collector, you have three of this one.

--Adam Pawlus

Day 1,275: May 4, 2010