Star Wars Figure of the Day: Day 1,452: Utai

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

Figure of the Day: Day 22: Tion Medon

TION MEDON Sneak Preview
Revenge of the Sith Sneak Preview Collection
Item No.: Asst. 85172 No. 83563
Number: 2 of 4
Includes: Rifle, Cane
Action Feature: n/a
Retail: $5.99-$6.99
Availability: Spring 2005


Bio: Tion Medon is the local administrator on the remote sanctuary of Utapau, a planet pitted with enormous sinkholes. He meets Obi-Wan Kenobi, who has arrived in search of the droid army leader, General Grievous. (Taken from the figure's cardback.)

Image: Adam Pawlus' shelves, again.

Commentary: A "helpful alien" played by actor Bruce Spence hit the rumor mills back when Revenge of the Sith was just "Episode III" to us all and we had huge hopes. Even when we heard the name Tion Medon leak, we had huge hopes, bolstered when we saw the figure show up in the Sneak Preview wave. And what were we left with? Another minute-at-best cameo, but a neat one! The vampire-like leader on Utapau has a cane (cool!) and a big gun (cool?) as well as multiple points of articulation to allow you to display him standing with his arms out, or his arms out, standing, but with the arms in a different position. This statue-like alien has a great sculpt, top-notch paint, and an easily-lost-if-you're-not-careful cane. With lots of folds and detail work, this is a fine figure with good craftsmanship behind him, although the character's screen time may not be enough to convince you to buy it if you aren't a card-carrying member of the "One of Every Figure Club," of which, I assume, I'm a charter member.

Collector's Notes: Packed in a very easy to find assortment, and shortpacked to boot, this figure was not hard to get. Actually, he was still available months into the regular line's run, while figures like Grievous, the Wookiee Warrior, and R4-G9 had long since sold out. Tion Medon is a fun alien design, and a neat addition if you like the look. If not, he's nothing special-- since he doesn't do anything, his legacy will be as a collectible that nobody seemed to want. I dig him, though, and even though his pre-release mystique will always be what makes this figure fun, it's not like you shouldn't give him a look if you get a chance to get one on the cheap.

Day 22: May 28, 2006