Figure of the Day: Day 824: Achk Med-Beq

ACHK MED-BEQ Coruscant Outlander Club
Saga Collection 2
Item No.: Asst. 84861 No. 84742
Manufacturer: Hasbro
Number: #0337
Includes: Glass, blaster, table
Action Feature: n/a
Retail: $4.99
Availability: Fall 2003
Appearances: Attack of the Clones

Image: Adam Pawlus' toy shelves.

Bio: Known confidant of Lt. Dannl Faytonni, Achk Med-Beq wore the uniform of a Republic official while visiting a popular gambling club in Coruscant's entertainment district. He was seen conversing with Twi'leks when a pair of Jedi showed up in pursuit of a changeling assassin. (Taken from the figure's cardback.)

Commentary: This character's entire claim to fame is that this is the guy who did the voice and mannerisms for Jar Jar Binks. Lucas gave him a cameo in Episode II, and that character eventually got the name Ahck Med-Beq, which is, of course, a play on Ahmed Best. The figure itself uses the same body created for Lt. Dannl Faytonni, but adds a new head and recolored hands. Around 2003, Hasbro got religion in the area of repaints. Previously, the company had been astonishingly hesitant to just repaint an existing figure in its Star Wars line, or for that matter, give it a new head. There were a few exceptions, but as of 2003 the company actively developed figures with the intent of reusing the body or other parts one or more times. Both Achk and Dannl were released around the same time, allowing fans to buy these and other Outlander Club patrons to build their very own dioramas.

So, how is the figure? Great! With 14 points of articulation, he's pretty poseable, but this was a figure from before the time Hasbro was big on ball joints. As such, the elbows swivel, but don't bend, and the knee joints are somewhat ugly. Since the figure's main purpose is to stand, drink, and potentially react, it's easy to make it a good one. By adding a table for environment building and a drink just to make him look cool, Hasbro took what could have been a potentially mundane figure and made it stand out as one of the better figures of his era. Nice job, Hasbro.

Collector's Notes: A one-time release in 2003, Achk Med-Beq has yet to return to the world-- even as a repaint or a retool. It's a safe bet he'll not show up again, but the sheer abundance of characters in the line keeps his price down at a healthy $5 or so on the secondary market. Grab him if you can!

--Adam Pawlus

Day 824: August 11, 2008

Figure of the Day: Day 823: Romba

ROMBA & Graak
30th Anniversary Collection Basic Figures
Item No.: Asst. 87500 No. 87409
Manufacturer: Hasbro
Number: #3043
Includes: Spear, knife, hood, Graak figure, coin (2007), display stand (2008)
Action Feature: n/a
Retail: $6.99
Availability: Fall 2007
Appearances: Return of the Jedi

Image: Adam Pawlus' Endor shelf.

Bio: When the Ewoks mistake C-3PO for a god, Han Leia, and Chewie use this misunderstanding to get past the Ewok's initial distrust of them. The Ewoks eventually welcome the Rebels into their tribe and help them destroy the shield generatior protecting the Death Star. (Taken from the figure's cardback.)

Commentary: If there's one thing Hasbro is great at, it's always leave fans wanting more. Romba was last available in 1985, one of the final figures in Kenner's original vintage line. His update was a long time coming, and the new release comes up short. As in, tiny. More properly sized than in the old days, this tiny furball is almost a head shorter than his ancestor, but features even more articulation than ever. Kenner's original had four joints, and Hasbro's new version sports ten. That's pretty impressive for such a small figure. What's more, he has a belt with a removable knife, and his ankles are ball-jointed. This new sculpt is surprisingly good, and will no doubt be used as the basis for a great many new warriors over the coming years. The only real downside of this figure is the deco-- Hasbro added a very light pink on his nose, lips, and around his eyes. The movie reference (which is somewhat spotty for Ewoks) shows the figure as having a darker nose with no obvious rings around his eyes, and I think dropping the rings would make a big difference on any future reissue. They make him look a little creepy, which I don't think was Lucas' intent for Return of the Jedi. As the only modern Romba, I can't say enough positive about getting him-- just go for it, already, he's adorable.

Collector's Notes: Romba was created with future repaints in mind, and Hasbro isn't wasting any time making new figures. Leektar uses the same body, but with a new belt, hood, and head. In 2009, Wal-Mart will have an exclusive comic-based Ewok named Kettch which uses the same mold, but adds chest armor and new coloring. It's also worth noting this set was rereleased in 2008 with a display stand.

--Adam Pawlus

Day 823: August 8, 2008

Figure of the Day: Day 822: Mustafar Panning Droid

MUSTAFAR PANNING DROID Stand with a head
30th Anniversary Collection Basic Figures
Item No.: Asst. 87500 No. 87753
Manufacturer: Hasbro
Number: #0808
Includes: Lava base, bukkit, display stand, platform
Action Feature: n/a
Retail: $6.99
Availability: February 2008
Appearances: Revenge of the Sith

Image: Adam Pawlus' TV Tray.

Bio: Obi-Wan and Anakin engage in their penultimate battle on Mustafar. During the lightsaber duel, they must quickly avoid falling into the burning lava when the collection arms collapse. Obi-Wan jumps onto a replusorlift platform, while Anakin leaps onto a panning droid. (Taken from the figure's cardback.)

Commentary: Hasbro revealed that the original plan for the Mustafar Panning Droid was for him to be an accessory, and not an actual carded figure. Part of him would come with Obi-Wan, the other part, Anakin/Vader. Both of these elements would be used to make the Mustafar duel figures a little more enticing, but it appears cost issues resulted in this figure being carded separately-- which seems to have worked out just fine. The resulting robot is a little flimsy, but that's mostly due to the design from Lucasfilm and not Hasbro's own sculpting efforts. With such tiny limbs, it's pretty much impossible to create really sturdy parts. The bucket plugs into his hands, and a set of his hands plugs into the base. It works fairly well, but it could be sturdier-- especially given that both the droid and the base were meant to act as display stands for two other action figures.

As this figure has an unusual shape, I can't help but like it. New kinds of droids are always good to see, and this little guy is about as different as they come. If you think he looks neat, don't hesitate to add him to your collection. It's a nicely designed robot, there's a lot of detail here, and it was designed to function as a toy in addition to being an authentic collectible figure. You can't lose with this one... except that for $7, there's not a lot of figure here. Still, if you're reading this column after 822 entries and likely own several hundred figures, it's hard to come up with a compelling reason to pass on something as unique as this.

Collector's Notes: Available in smaller quantities than the other wave 1 2008 figures, this particular release doesn't seem to be in particularly high demand. As such, I'd advise against paying too much for it. As Hasbro now seems intent on rereleasing every figure they make, it's also pretty likely this will, someday, be in a battle pack.

--Adam Pawlus

Day 822: August 7, 2008

Figure of the Day: Day 821: Luke Skywalker (Jedi Knight)

LUKE SKYWALKER Jedi Knight
30th Anniversary Collection Basic Figures
Item No.: Asst. 87500 No. 87300
Manufacturer: Hasbro
Number: #3025
Includes: Lightsaber, hilt, bone, coin
Action Feature: n/a
Retail: $6.99
Availability: Fall 2007
Appearances: Return of the Jedi

Image: Adam Pawlus' TV tray.

Bio: Luke's plan to rescue Han from Jabba's palace seems doomed when the young Jedi Knight is thrown unarmed into the rancor pit. But even without his lightsaber, the resourceful Jedi manages to defeat the massive beast by using every item at his disposal, including the bones of its previous victims. (Taken from the figure's cardback.)

Commentary: Hasbro loves Luke Skywalker, and retailers do too. Even though the figures aren't all that great, they're consistent sellers. In a way it's weird, because on paper this particular figure is really good. After all, Hasbro's talented engineers managed to work in a great way to store a lightsaber on his belt, added 14 points of articulation, and gave him that blast-damaged hand specific to the Sail Barge sequence. It should be really great, but sometimes the sum of the parts ain't so great.

Let's start with the head. Luke's skin is dark, as is his hair, and the likeness isn't really there. The hair seems acceptable, but the total face sculpt isn't obviously Luke Skywalker. The soft goods for his tunic, frankly, suck. Hasbro's designers commented that the cloth piece is authentic to the film, but photo reference and numerous action figures sold from 1983 to 2006 say otherwise. Rather than being a proper vest, it's more a towel that goes over the back of his neck and tucks neatly into his belt. I suppose I could be in the wrong, but that would mean every Jedi Luke ever produced by Sideshow, Kenner or Hasbro, is also wrong. I find that difficult to believe. Luke's lightsaber is based on a POTF2-era design, meaning it really doesn't fit in well with the rest of the line in 2007. The lightsaber hilt, however, does fit into Luke's belt quite nicely-- so I can give Hasbro big points for doing a great job there. Seeing a soft goods Jedi cloak would have been a nice touch, but even that wouldn't make this figure a great one. It's just OK-- it's an acceptable toy who can sit or stand or be posed to look neat, but the 2008 Jedi Luke from Hasbro was a big improvement. As such, you can skip this one if you're short on cash.

Collector's Notes: Can't get enough Luke? He's coming back as a pack-in with a Rancor as an upcoming exclusive. It's unknown if Hasbro will attempt to improve the deco or vest in the process.

--Adam Pawlus

Day 821: August 6, 2008

Figure of the Day: Day 820: Saesee Tiin

SAESEE TIIN Jedi Master
Power of the Jedi Collection 2
Item No.: Asst. 84455 No. 84569
Manufacturer: Hasbro
Number: n/a
Includes: Lightsaber
Action Feature: n/a
Retail: $5.99
Availability: 2001
Appearances: Star Wars

Image: Adam Pawlus' kitchen.

Bio: An Iktotchi Pilot, Saesee Tiin is best able to focus while traveling at extremely high speeds at the controls of the galaxy's finest spacecraft. He offers a unique perspective on the Jedi Council as his naturally telepathic mind is always racing ahead to foresee possibilities. (Taken from the figure's Force File.)

Commentary: Behold, the first-ever Saesee Tiin! It took a few years, but here he is. The Jedi Master doesn't look as mean as the picture, but it's still a decent release with lots of detail sculpted into his robes and face. This is a good thing, because otherwise, he's basically a chess piece. His large plastic cloak doesn't allow for much movement, but it does give him a decent look. As a toy, he's lacking-- but he does have a purple lightsaber and can stand fairly well. What you see is basically what you get-- there's not a lot more here other than a decent looking collectible. With his articulation from the waist on down being pretty worthless, what you have here is a figure as good as his arms. And his arms are OK, it's just that other recent releases make this one look bad by comparison. If you have a choice, buy another version.

Collector's Notes: Initially offered as an individually carded figure, he made a return to the toy world in a Toys "R" Us exclusive set during the Saga line.

--Adam Pawlus

Day 820: August 5, 2008

Figure of the Day: Day 819: 501st Legion Clone Trooper

CLONE TROOPER 501st Legion
The Clone Wars Wal-Mart Exclusive
Item No.: No. 87915
Manufacturer: Hasbro
Number: n/a
Includes: Blaster, Blaster Rifle, Firing Blaster, Card
Action Feature: Firing Rocket Launcher
Retail: $6.94
Availability: August 2008
Appearances: The Clone Wars (presumably)

Image: Adam Pawlus' photo hole.

Bio: The clone trooper forces are gathering together for their next mission - and they want you to join them! With your very own Republic Army Identification Card, you can become a member of the most elite fighting force in the galaxy. Your destiny awaits - join today! (Taken from the figure's cardback.)

Commentary: Hasbro must be absolutely bonkers for The Clone Wars. The line allows you to take one or two molds and repaint them into dozens of new characters, like this Clone Trooper 501st Legion figure. Based on a design from Attack of the Clones, animators at LucasFilm made some modifications and presto-- new figure. Unlike the basic carded clone on which this is based, the figure has no dirt and blue markings. Other than that, it's pretty much the same. You get extra weapons, of course, and all the great wrist articulation you need for piloting vehicles and aiming blasters. Still, this is essentially a glorified repaint, but when it comes to troopers this is a common and acceptable happening. What you see is pretty much what you get-- a super-articulated trooper, fun for all ages. Buy two, they're cheap.

Collector's Notes: Wal-Mart hasn't had many exclusive individually carded figures over the years. If memory serves, this makes six. It seems likely the figure would get rereleased in another capacity at a later time, but for now, it's this or bust. It's also worth noting that this figure's deco is pretty much the same as the blue-striped Clone Lieutenant from Attack of the Clones, minus the dots and the stripe on the forehead. At $7, it's a decent deal-- a full $5 less than Target's exclusive individually packaged figures. This same mold has been used to make the AT-TE clone, the basic clone, the Senate Security clone, and a number of clones that aren't out yet.


More images of this figure

--Adam Pawlus

Day 819: August 4, 2008

Figure of the Day: Day 818: R4-D6

R4-D6 Astromech Droid
The Legacy Collection Droid Factory
Item No.: Asst. 87730
Manufacturer: Hasbro
Number: n/a
Includes: n/a, parts are accessories which come with other figures
Action Feature: Collect the parts to build R4-D6
Retail: n/a
Availability: July 2008
Appearances: Star Wars

Image: Adam Pawlus' toy shelves.

Bio: R4-D6 was an R4 astromech droid painted a dark blue. It was owned by the Galactic Empire. R4 patrolled the halls of the first Death Star. (This is actually the bio for R4-I9 as seen on Wookieepedia.)

Commentary: For years, fans have been asking Hasbro to make a build-a-figure. For years, fans have been asking for more droids. Today, both requests have been answered with R4-D6, one of the first two mass-release build-a-droid action figures. This makes these figures unique, because, well, you can't actually buy this figure in any complete state except from fans who have put it together themselves. At press time you can't buy it whole in any way, so the only way you'll ever see a complete one in person is at a convention display, at a friend's, or in your own collection if you open your figures. If not, consider yourself hosed.

So once you put it together, just how is it? Mostly excellent. Hasbro thought about this as not just a project to assemble, but as a construction toy. Under the dome is a bunch of bits and pieces which, if you used a clear dome, could be clearly visible. The third leg doesn't have any weird tabs to rub off over time, and it slides out easily. Each side leg has an articulated foot, and the wires like we've seen on every droid since R4-G9 and the vintage R2-D2 became the basis for all new astromech droid action figures. In short, this guy is going to fit right in with the best of the best. The one strange thing is that there are large gaps between the legs and the body. I assume this is so it's easier to remove the limbs, but visually, it's a little funky.

The coloring is good, the completed figure is sturdy, and has a variety of sockets so you can goof around and make your own weird robots. For example, there are additional holes on the body so you can add arms and/or legs. Take a look at some pictures involving droids you can make using the parts used to create this very figure. It's a lot of fun, I must say, and it makes me wish I'd end up with tons of extra parts and pieces of each droid to make my own creations. Sadly, Hasbro seems interested in phasing out parts with every wave, turning these into collectibles rather than another great plaything. It's a shame, as this is a fun toy.

Collector's Notes: First up, let's talk naming. According to numerous resources, the dark blue droid with the deco of the build-a-figure profiled above is named R4-I9. I'm not entirely clear where (or if) the all-black R4 unit appears in the movies. So in a way, this figure is the real R4-I9, but it's called R4-D6. (Sort of like how R2-D1 and R2-D3 were renamed R2-M5 and R2-C4.) As such, I'm about 99% sure that this figure exists mostly to correct an error from a few years ago, but that almost doesn't matter since the name of the toys tends to trump the names in the print materials. During the development of the Astromech Droid Pack Exclusives, it turned out that the names of the droids were, in fact, not set in stone. Despite numerous robots having established names in print approved by LucasFilm, new ones were invented for these robot packs. As such, it's entirely possible droids, like this one, are part of a snowballing naming inconsistency issue.

Assembly Notes: These are the parts you need and, at press time, the figures you need to get them:
Dome & center leg: Battle-Damaged Darth Vader #GH3, Chewbacca #BD3, Imperial Evo Trooper #GH4
Body: Imperial Evo Trooper #GH4, Leektar & Nippet #BD4
Left leg: Han Solo #BD1, Kashyyyk Trooper #GH2, Commander Gree #GH1
Right leg: Kashyyyk Trooper #GH2, Luke Skywalker #BD2

--Adam Pawlus

Day 818: August 1, 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 816: McQuarrie Concept Luke Skywalker

LUKE SKYWALKER McQuarrie Concept
30th Anniversary Collection HasbroToyShop.com Exclusive
Item No.: No. 87384
Manufacturer: Hasbro
Number: n/a
Includes: Lightsaber, backpack, breathing mask, blaster, coin (stand not included)
Action Feature: Removable gear, lightsaber clips to belt
Retail: $14.99
Availability: May 2008
Appearances: n/a

Image: Adam Pawlus' TV tray.

Bio: In the painting depicted on the front [of the package], Luke Skywalker and Darth Vader duel. Wearing an oxygen tank and breathing mask, Luke looks eerily like his father. Although crouched before Vader, his stance vibrates with intenisty. (Taken from the figure's cardback.)

Commentary: One figure fans were begging for when McQuarrie Concept figures came around was that of this figure, which Hasbro called Luke Skywalker. (Some argue he should actually be Deak Starkiller based on the story as it was at the time of the painting.) Luke is great. Period. The indigo shirt, the blaster, the two-piece lightsaber, everything about it is fantastic. Even the face is good, and since there was no real reference for a face based on this painting, it seems Hasbro got to make one up based on a variety of sources. The figure itself has 14 points of articulation, with the only non-awesome joints being swivel elbows. Everything else is superb. It's rare that a design is so unique, especially given that this purple/indigo color is rarely (if ever) used to make a Star Wars action figure. The yellow lightsaber was a cute touch, even if it wasn't exactly a match for the original artwork on which this design was based.

As far as accessories go, this one had an extensive array of goodies. His lightsaber blade could separate from the hilt, allowing you to clip the silver handle to his belt. His newly sculpted blaster fits neatly in its holder, which was handy as nobody wants to lose an accessory. The backpack is pegged to the figure's back, but to get the attached mask off you'll have to employ some gymnastics. Hasbro has determined that it's OK that you remove a figure's head as part of a play feature, so you actually need to pop Luke's head off at the neck and slide the mask down in order to remove it from his head. It's weird, but it works. I guess the same can be said about the figure as a whole. His hair is flailing around in space, and he has a breathing mask on, but skin is exposed. Shouldn't he explode or something?

Collector's Notes: This one was surprisingly popular. Selling at conventions and online, fans gobbled this one up and weren't nearly as interested in the companion set featuring concept versions of R2-D2 and C-3PO. If you were not already aware, this design is not based on any movie costume but rather a conceptual painting by artist Ralph McQuarrie. Collectors are quite enamored with his works and in 2007, Hasbro made several action figures based on his designs.

--Adam Pawlus

Day 816: July 30, 2008