UTAI Lizard Wrangler The Legacy Collection Basic Figures
Item No.: Asst. 87535 No. 91812
Manufacturer: Hasbro
Number: #BD41
Includes: Prod, droid part
Action Feature: n/a
Retail: $7.99
Availability: November 2009
Appearances: Revenge of the Sith
Bio: The Utai are one of the native species on Utapau. As the working class, they look after the dragon corrals and serve as ground crews on landing platforms. They live in the numerous sinkholes on the planet, taming the indigenous dactillions and varactyls. (Taken from the figure's packaging.)
Image: Adam Pawlus' old yard. Or Utapau, whichever.
Commentary: Hasbro had no problem making you feel like you aren't getting your money's worth during its Legacy Collection. The diminutive Utai cost eight bucks and while it had 14 joints, it's a little guy and usually "short" means "two for the price of one." We did not get two-- nor did we get a bonus accessory. What we got was a nicely detailed, strangely suited mole person with a stun lance. It's a neat looking figure but it feels out of place, with few figures to interact with and it was tough enough to find to prohibit building a little squad of the guys. It's amazing to see Hasbro do such a wonderful job recreating such an insignificant background player, particularly so long after the movie had passed and in all seriousness, they aren't looking for line-filler. It's a nice figure that feels too expensive for what he is, but it's still good.
The character may be more at home in a Jabba's Palace or Cantina diorama, so consider getting him for that. Particularly since, and correct me if I'm wrong, I'm guessing no more than 1 or 2 of you keep any form of Utapau's caves on display at home.
Collector's Notes: This figure disappeared quickly, and the wave feels like it was in short supply. It isn't worth much, but it is difficult to come by. There was supposed to be a variant head on this figure, which was accidentally revealed to the public at Comic-Con 2009 and never actually slated for release. Who knows if we'll ever see it? Given the nature of the character, unless Hasbro needs cheap wave filler, it seems unlikely.
--Adam Pawlus
Day 1,452: January 6, 2011
1 comment:
It's a cliche that Star Wars is full of working class races of short creatures. Jawas, Ugnaughts, Ewoks, Utai...everyone over 5' is having grand adventures why they recycle droids, process waste, build giant tree house and scoop up varactyl poop.
This little guy lingered around these parts and can possibly still be found. I almost got more at mark down, but as your review points out...there's not a lot of use for him as intended.
Regardless, he's a nice figure, though why one eye is at a different angle than the other is a mystery. Utai has more articulation than the Utapau Security Warrior from ROTS. I guess we can thank Hasbro's focus on ROTS waves for Utai getting made.
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