Star Wars Figure of the Day: Day 1,572: Rystall

RYSTALL Jabba's Dancers
Power of the Force Cinema Scenes
Item No.: Asst. 69650 No. 69849
Manufacturer: Kenner
Number: n/a
Includes: Base, two other figures
Action Feature: n/a
Retail: $19.99
Availability: Mid-Late 1998
Appearances: Return of the Jedi: Special Edition

Bio: Rystáll Sant was a dancer for the Max Rebo Band. She was a near-Human hybrid, born to a Theelin father and a Human mother. (Stolen from Wookieepedia.)

Image: Adam's Jabba diorama.

Commentary: Do you know and old lady when you see one? I didn't. Rystall had a cameo in Revenge of the Sith but you first met her in the 1997 Return of the Jedi rerelease. The figure was more or less normal for her day, which is to say you get 6 points of articulation. She has no problems standing, but her pose is very dance-specific. I guess she makes a convincing singer too. The figure's sculpt is quite good, with lots of winkles, feathery hair, and-- to say the least-- distinctive hooves on her feet. The purple figure is really colorful, particularly for Jabba's Palace with its many earthy browns. While she can't hold anything in her hands, the figure is pretty much required for a cool Jabba's Palace diorama. (Yes, even if you hate the Special Editions. Those new aliens were pretty cool, you have to admit.)

Collector's Notes: The set was blown out from Hasbro/Kenner around 2000 and was available for cheap online for years. She was also reissued in the 30th Anniversary Collection line in a set of mixed Jabba's Palace Max Rebo Band boxed sets with no significant changes. As such, if you want one, you can get one. The entire set of 3 dancers now sells for about $7. I've seen auctions close for a sealed box sample of this set for as little as $4.

--Adam Pawlus

Day 1,572: June 23, 2011

Figure of the Day: Day 1,106: Ak-Rev

AK-REV with drum
The Legacy Collection Basic Figures
Item No.: Asst. 87535 No. 87677
Manufacturer: Hasbro
Number: #BD05
Includes: Drum half, drum stick
Action Feature: n/a
Retail: $7.99
Availability: July 2008
Appearances: Return of the Jedi: Special Edition

Image: Adam Pawlus' TV tray.

Bio: Ak-Rev is one of the drummers in the band that provides musical entertainment for Jabba in the Hutt’s palace court. The Weequay’s serious demeanor hides an angry nature; he’s always ready for a fight. Along with fellow drummer Umpass-stay, Ak-rev survives the debacle at the Pit of Carkoon. (Taken from the figure's cardback.)

Commentary: I like to think that Ak-Rev is a sign that fans are really, really gullible. In 2007, Hasbro released Umpass-Stay, a drummer with only one half of the drum. Fans asked Hasbro when the companion would come out, Hasbro remained coy, and fans on the forums actually went along with it. Do you people really think Hasbro would only release half of an accessory and never finish the job or say something like "just buy two?" Geez. Whatever, man.

Hasbro left knees off of this one, but failing that, there are 12 joints here to allow for a number of musical poses. The body itself has a lot of detail on it, but the neck seems a little too prominent and the resulting figure looks a little goofy. It's a very colorful figure with exceedingly bright eyes, but as a background character, you can't go wrong really. Take a look at the shoulder pads, the fringe, and the striped shirt and tell me that this guy wouldn't make a good pirate or, perhaps, a refugee from the Renaissance Faire. Still, Jabba's Palace aliens are few and far between so overall I have to say that this is a pretty good figure. Since it's not from the original cut of the film, nor is it perfect, I'd say that it isn't a must-buy unless you want the entire band and a complete drum. I would rank it as "good enough"-- better than no Ak-Rev, but hardly an impressive release compared to the other figures that shipped with him around the same time.

Collector's Notes: This one seemed to sell OK in some markets and slower in others. By now he's generally worked his way through the system, so you aren't too likely to stumble on him.

--Adam Pawlus

Day 1,106: September 9, 2009

Figure of the Day: Day 945: Doda Bodonawieedo

DODA BODONAWIEEDO Max Rebo Band Pairs
Power of the Force Wal-Mart Exclusive
Item No.: Asst. 69670 No. 84021
Manufacturer: Kenner
Number: 3 of 3
Includes: Rodian slitherhorn, Max Rebo
Action Feature: n/a
Retail: $11.99
Availability: Fall 1998
Appearances: Return of the Jedi

Bio: Doda Bodonawieedo was a Rodian slitherhorn (traz) player for the Max Rebo Band. He was also an information broker and was a part of the Shawpee Gang. (Stolen from Wookieepedia.)

Image: Adam Pawlus' now-dead tower.

Commentary: Seeing an opportunity to make sure fans get the most musicians, Kenner cranked out a trio of two-packs in 1998 for Wal-Mart. Each set had an "original" and "special edition" member, meaning if you were an older fan you had to buy Doda Bodonawieedo in order to get the truly awesome Max Rebo. While not awesome, Doda most certainly doesn't suck. He's colorful, has a good sculpt, and his head is a little tiny when compared to any and all Rodian figures released since 1999 (like Greedo and Pax Bonkik.) He'll fit right in any diorama you might elect to make, but he has a little problem standing. Articulation is limited to a mere six points, two of which are completely obstructed by his long tunic or dress or whatever you want to call it. While sculpted to hold on to his Rodian slitherhorn (really, that's the name) his hands are sculpted a little too large to keep a solid grip on the instrument, meaning you might want to be very careful when setting him up. Heck, break out the clear rubber bands, you'll be glad you did. It's very unlikely Hasbro will revisit this figure, so it's not a bad idea to assume this is the only sculpt you'll ever see and buy it.

Collector's Notes: Depending on your luck, you might have seen him around in 1998 and again in 2007/2008. The 1998 release was packaged with Max Rebo, and the 2007 boxed set had those figures as well as Sy Snootles, Droopy McCool, and Barquin D'an. Don't overpay for this one, but I'd say the 2007 release will probably give you more bang for your buck. Joh Yowza, Rappertunie, and the various dancers are in a separate 2007 5-pack, or sold in other configurations. Oh, and you can get Ak-Rev and Umpass-Stay, the two drummers, as individually carded figures from 2007 and 2008. You might as well, really, as alien musicians are super cool.

Day 945: January 27, 2009

Figure of the Day: Day 906: Barquin D'an

BARQUIN D'AN & Droopy McCool
Power of the Force Wal-Mart Exclusive Max Rebo Band Pairs
Item No.: Asst. 69670 No. 84019
Manufacturer: Hasbro
Number: n/a
Includes: Wind instrument, Barquin D'an figure
Action Feature: n/a
Retail: $9.99
Availability: Fall 1998
Appearances: Return of the Jedi

Bio: Barquin D'an was a Bith member of the Max Rebo Band who played the kloo horn. He was the older brother of Figrin D'an, leader of the Modal Nodes. He was also a gambler. (Stolen from Wookieepedia.)

Image: Adam Pawlus' computer.

Commentary: For some reason or another, every Bith action figure has been an exclusive-- shared or otherwise. Barquin D'an was the first one sold at a retail store. Unlike the previous Cantina Band figure, this one has only 6 points of articulation. His arms were designed to hold his kloo horn, and the figure is pretty worthless at doing much else beyond standing and sitting. (This puts him above other figures in worthwhile-ness.) Really, the main reason to get this is to flesh out dioramas, or if you're inclined toward alien musicians. (Both are excellent reasons to buy this.) Overall, it seems to be slightly better than the generic Cantina Band Member figure, mostly because it was designed specifically to hold one instrument. The sculpting on the head is excellent, and the outfit was good for 1998. For today, it's decent, but nothing too spectacular. Given that it's a black costume, it's not like you're going to be seeing a lot of details in a diorama setting anyway, so you may as well get it, stick it on a shelf, and enjoy.

Collector's Notes: This figure was rereleased in late 2007 as a Wal-Mart exclusive yet again, but in a figure 5-pack. No changes were made, or at least no significant ones were. It's pretty cheap either way, so buy it and enjoy.

Day 906: December 3, 2008

Figure of the Day: Day 817: Umpass-Stay

UMPASS-STAY Klatooinian
30th Anniversary Collection Basic Figures
Item No.: Asst. 87500 No. 87298
Manufacturer: Hasbro
Number: #3027
Includes: Hat, drumstick, drum half, coin
Action Feature: Drum combines with other drum half to make a whole drum
Retail: $6.99
Availability: June 2007
Appearances: Return of the Jedi: Special Edition

Image: Adam Pawlus' toy shelves.

Bio: Umpass-Stay is a percussionist who plays with the Max Rebo Band. Because Klatooinians revere great age, they are in awe of species such as the Hutts who live for centuries. He worked as Jabba's spy before being put in the band to protect the Hutt from his many enemies. (Taken from the figure's cardback.)

Commentary: Not a lot of fans requested Umpass-Stay because, frankly, there's not a lot of love for the additional characters placed in the Return of the Jedi rerelease from 1997. Or Star Wars, for that matter. If you can get past the fact that Jabba's band went from a trio to a whole freaking space version of the Polyphonic Spree, only less entertaining and minus Birdstuff, you might enjoy this one. I like this figure not just because his name is a pig latin interpretation of "Stumpass", which I suppose is a joke I don't get. No, I like this figure because it has potential, and it's all built in. The figure's main purpose is to serve as 50% of the drummers in the band. Ak-Rev, a 2008 release, serves as the rest. As such, the figure works nicely-- give him a drum stick, set him up, and let him look cool. It's easy.

If you're hard-up for thugs, the figure is even better because he has a removable had and removable shoulder armor which essentially makes him look like a different figure. Give him a spare blaster or staff from one of the kajillion Han Solo post-Carbonite figures Hasbro seems intent on cramming down our throats, and you've basically got a whole new figure. As a sucker for anything Jabba's Palace, especially band related, this is one of those can't-miss releases you should probably get. Unless you don't like aliens, in which case you probably suck.

Collector's Notes: Wave 4 of the 30th Anniversary Collection, of which this figure was part, seemed to go pretty quickly. As such, this guy didn't hang around much. (It probably didn't help I bought two so I could make the drum last year and use the spare drummer as a skiff guard.) It's worth tracking down to go with Ak-Rev, released just days ago, so you can complete your giant freaking drum.

--Adam Pawlus

Day 817: July 31, 2008

Figure of the Day: Day 503: Joh Yowza

JOH YOWZA Max Rebo Band Pairs
Power of the Force Wal-Mart Exclusive
Item No.: Asst. 69670 No. 84018
Number: n/a
Includes: Sy Snootles figure
Action Feature: n/a
Retail: $11.86
Availability: Fall 1998
Appearances: Return of the Jedi: Special Edition

Bio: Joh Yowza, was a Yuzzum performer for the Max Rebo Band, originally hailing from Endor. (Stolen from Wookieepedia.)

Image: Adam Pawlus' toy shelves.

Commentary: I'm a huge fan of the Max Rebo Band, so you can imagine my excitement/rage at the announcement of these being a Wal-Mart exclusive in 1998. Joh Yowza was part of the second of three two-packs, and the least exciting of the six figures. The two new hornplayers looked more at home in Jabba's Palace, but this guy looked like he came from some other movie, with his spindly arms, rubbery face, and overly animated style. If his performance were a little more subtle, and the figure weren't quite as cartoony (big eyes, big open mouth, etc.) it might be easier to like this figure. He's not bad-- I mean, he can stand, he has a furry texture on his person, he has five points of articulation, and he more or less looks like he did on the big screen. It's just that I didn't like how he looked on the big screen so much.

Since you no doubt want to collect the whole band, you'll probably want to get this one. If nothing else, he's great diorama filler, but in and of himself there's not a lot to him. He can stand, and occupy space. So if you like the character, he's a must-buy. If you're a fan of Jabba's palace, musical aliens, or creatures from Endor, buy one. If you look at this and shrug, well, why are you even reading this?

Collector's Notes: In 1998, this Wal-Mart exclusive was either rare or common, depending on your local stores. Today, it can be had for the original price or a little more, meaning that it's something fans actually seem to like. Also, a new Max Rebo Band set is coming out again, in a few months, a Wal-Mart exclusive. Two big $19.99 boxes of 5 figures each-- and since they're expected to be straight reissues, you might want to pass on them. (Of course we've heard this before and are eager to see if any changes will be made.)

Early test shots of this figure showed a guitar, which was ultimately not included because it didn't appear in the movie. Fan-made accessories do exist, though, so you may wish to buy those if you absolutely must have something for this guy to carry around.

Day 503: September 21, 2007

Figure of the Day: Day 478: Droopy McCool

DROOPY MCCOOL Max Rebo Band
Power of the Force Wal-Mart Exclusive Max Rebo Band Pairs
Item No.: Asst. 69670 No. 84019
Number: n/a
Includes: Wind instrument, Barquin D'an figure
Action Feature: n/a
Retail: $9.99
Availability: Fall 1998
Appearances: Return of the Jedi


Bio: Snit, stage name Droopy McCool, was a member of the Max Rebo Band. He was a Kitonak from the planet Kirdo III, and played a flute made from a hollow chidinkalu plant from his home planet. (Stolen from Wookieepedia.)

Image: Adam Pawlus' toy shelves.

Commentary: A fatter, more wrinkly, less round version than his 1983 counterpart. Droopy McCool is one of the more memorable musicians from Return of the Jedi, wearing early boxer briefs, having no visible eyes, and getting down with his bad self while Jabba feeds his pets. With six points of articulation, the figure had more moving parts than the original, and he looked great. He had no problem holding his accessory, standing up, or being posed to properly occupy any shelf or diorama setting. There aren't a lot of alien figures you can buy (at least at the time) that weren't armed with pointy weapons or guns, so Droopy was a real novelty in that he was there to do his musician thing and basically have a good time. There's nothing wrong with this figure, but it would be nice to see a new version to get an idea what ten years of toy tech can do to update this already great design. If you like aliens from Jabba's Palace, you just can't miss this one-- and thankfully, you're just months away from getting another crack at him at retail.

Collector's Notes: Tracking down this set-- the first of three two-packs-- was a great way to finish up 1998 as a collector. Begging for rides to the Wal-Mart while in college was not a high point, but tracking down new figures of some of my all-time favorite aliens was a real treat, and now fans will have the chance to do the same thing again this year with reissues in screen scene packs at Wal-Mart. Of course, this statement aside, there's no getting past that the figure has one of the lamest names of the entire saga, and that's saying something.

Day 478: August 27, 2007

Figure of the Day: Day 444: Greeata

GREEATA Jabba's Dancers
Power of the Force Cinema Scenes
Item No.: Asst. 69650 No. 69849
Number: n/a
Includes: Base, two other figures
Action Feature: n/a
Retail: $19.99
Availability: Mid-Late 1998
Appearances: Return of the Jedi: Special Edition

Bio: Greeata Jendowanian was a female Rodian vocalist, musician and dancer. (Stolen from Wookieepedia.)

Image: Adam Pawlus' toy shelves.

Commentary: As a figure from 1998 or so, Greeata suffers from the design aesthetic of her day-- which was to give Rodians really small heads. A big head Greedo would be released in 1999, but unfortunately, it would come too late for this dancer, who is cursed with a small noggin. The figure has the usual articulation of her day (read: not much) and surprisingly good bumpy skin. Actually, the only things that make this figure really dated are the oddly sized head and the skin deco-- were Hasbro to rerelease this one with new paint and a new head, I think it'd do rather well. Of course, she can only be as good as the source material, which is a little odd-- a quasi-mohawk/mullet of bright yellow, an orange bikini, and warty skin can only take you so far in the dancing business, or for that matter, in the collector's game. Since she's from a somewhat controversial addition to the saga, a lot of fans are content to ignore her entirely, but as she is a resident of Jabba's Palace, I felt obligated to buy her with a smile. The figure is more or less solid-- she's not going to have pieces flying off (a novelty, I know) nor is she going to bust in half if you play with her-- she's just a good, solid action figure with a ridiculous mane of hair. How could you not want one?

Collector's Notes: As one of the first Cinema Scenes with three totally original characters never before released in any form, this set didn't fare too well. Along with Rystall and Lyn-Me, the three-pack was a great way to crank out new characters in a hurry, but fans and kids flocked to sets like Purchase of the Droids, Mynock Hunt, and the Jedi Final Duel which presented far more popular figures and showed, when it's all said and done, the market for the "core characters" is far greater than the minor ones. Which is a pity as I'm mostly interested in the weirder stuff these days. This set is a great example of the risks Kenner took during 1998, which was a fantastic year for new figures. From the Special Editions to the comics, there was something for almost every fan niche-- of course, it was easier to please when there were so many as-of-yet unmade figures plus far less source material from which to work. If you still want this set, some retailers still have it in stock for about ten bucks-- you should totally get one.

Day 444: July 24, 2007

Figure of the Day: Day 347: Max Rebo

MAX REBO Max Rebo Band Pairs
Power of the Force Wal-Mart Exclusive
Item No.: Asst. 69670 No. 84021
Number: 3 of 3
Includes: Red Ball Organ, Doda Bodonawieedo
Action Feature: n/a
Retail: $11.99
Availability: Fall 1998
Appearances: Return of the Jedi and one episode of Droids

Bio: Max Rebo was a popular musician and head member of the Max Rebo Band. He was a skinny Ortolan, the youngest of five children. (Stolen from Wookieepedia.)

Image: Adam Pawlus' toy shelves.

Commentary: Perfect, he is not-- but he's darned good. Max Rebo sparks a lot of debate because how he's depicted as a toy and elsewhere-- some people say that the original plan was for the character, in Return of the Jedi to not have legs, what you see in the organ is the whole alien. Others don't like the diaper. I like him just the way he is. Max can be easily removed from the keyboard, and if the keyboard itself were a little better, we might never need to ask for a reissue of this little guy. It turns out it's missing the big "gramophone" speaker on the side, just like the 1983 version, so what you have here is a very good-- but incomplete-- representation of Max Rebo. The figure is pretty much as good as you're likely to get him, but if Hasbro ever reissues this figure, it'd be nice to see the keyboard painted up a little with a new sculpted speaker on the side. (And give us a new old Sy Snootles while you're at it, too.)

Collector's Notes: Apparently Max Rebo's "Expanded Universe" name is "Siiruulian Phantele", or, oh ho ho, "blue elephant." I like the fact that everybody has a backstory but can we keep the cheap jokes out, please? This nifty figure hasn't been reissued and isn't exactly worth a small fortune because online seller Entertainment Earth bought up a large number of these and was selling them through some point in 2006. He's totally worth buying, though.

Day 347: April 18, 2007

Figure of the Day: Day 305: Sy Snootles

SY SNOOTLES Max Rebo Band Pairs
Power of the Force Wal-Mart Exclusive
Item No.: Asst. 69670 No. 84018
Number: n/a
Includes: Joh Yowza figure
Action Feature: n/a
Retail: $11.86
Availability: Fall 1998
Appearances: Return of the Jedi: Special Edition

Bio: Sy Snootles was the lead vocalist for the Max Rebo Band while they were playing for Jabba the Hutt. Snootles also had a great relationship with fellow band member Droopy McCool. One of Snootles' most famous songs was "Lapti Nek", also a favorite of Jabba. Her most notable characteristic was an incredibly long lip stalk. (Stolen from Wookieepedia.)

Image: Adam Pawlus' toy shelves.

Commentary: I'm a huge fan of the Max Rebo Band, so you can imagine my excitement/rage at the announcement of these being a Wal-Mart exclusive in 1998. Sy Snootles was the second of three two-packs, and included the only computer generated aliens to be released from the musical group. Sy Snootles' 1997 makeover had her a little thinner, a little more cartoony, and significantly more animated than her 1983 puppet predecessor-- and the figure reflects this new look quite well. Unfortunately, the new song, lack of a feather on her head, and other minor changes made a lot of fans cry out for a new version of the 1983 figure, and I have to say I agree with them.

For what this figure aspires to be, it's quite good. She has five points of articulation and a pose which makes her look like some sort of singer, rather than a generic boring pose like a lot of figures over the years. Of course, she was made back in 1998, and it's a safe bet that fans are ready for a new version of this figure.

Collector's Notes: In 1998, this Wal-Mart exclusive was either rare or common, depending on your local stores. Today, it can be had for the original price or a little more, meaning that it's something fans actually seem to like. Also, a new Max Rebo Band set is rumored for 2007 as, again, a Wal-Mart exclusive. My fingers are crossed for a three-pack with an all-new 1983-esque Sy Snootles, a redeco of Droopy McCool, and Max Rebo with a retooled organ with the added... uh... speaker thing? Yeah, that. (Basically, what Gentle Giant is doing as a statue, except as action figures.)

Early test shots of this figure showed a microphone, which was ultimately not included because it didn't appear in the movie. Fan-made accessories do exist, though, so you may wish to buy those if you absolutely must have a mic for Sy Snootles.

Day 305: March 7, 2007