Figure of the Day: Day 1,279: Jar Jar Binks

JAR JAR BINKS Mos Espa Encounter
Episode I Cinema Scene Assortment
Item No.: Asst. 84115 No. 84161
Manufacturer: Hasbro
Number: n/a
Includes: Chuba, CommTech Chip, extra figures
Action Feature: n/a
Retail: $19.99
Availability: Summer 1999
Appearances: The Phantom Menace

Bio: While wandering with Anakin Skywalker through the maze of Mos Espa's outdooor marketplace, Jar Jar Binks spots a juicy chuba hanging temptingly from a vendor's cart. Unable to resist, Jar Jar lashes out with his sticky, elastic tongue, and accidentally sends the tasty treat flying into the soup of the galaxy's fiercest podracer - Sebulba. Enraged, the Dug racer leaps from his table and viciously attacks the unfortunate Jar Jar, leaving young Anakin to rescue his Gungan friend. (Taken from the figure's packaging.)

Image: Adam Pawlus' yard.

Commentary: When the Mos Espa Encounter set first hit, fans took note of its unique, unmasked Sebulba. Less enticing was Jar Jar Binks, already a disliked character but this version was particularly bad. His skin color was really off-- the reds were quite bright, while the creamy parts seemed more yellow. The figure is really only notable for his uniquely cautious pose-- he seems like he should be avoiding or getting away from something, which is appropriate for the scene this one came from. The face was a little more expressive than some Jar Jar figures from 1999 but ultimately failed to really capture his personality in the way that some-- well, few-- later releases would. This is certainly not a figure worth paying a premium for, but if you can get the set on the cheap it's decent enough. Other Jar Jars will likely be more useful as a diorama maker, or if you're a collector it's worth noting that it's one of the worst.

Collector's Notes: This figure has never been rereleased and was considered a dud when he hit. You probably shouldn't pay more than a few bucks for it.

--Adam Pawlus

Day 1,279: May 10, 2010