Figure of the Day: Day 19: Shakka (Watto's Box)

SHAKKA Watto's Box
Episode I Cinema Scene Collection
Item No.: Asst. 84115 No. 84159
Number: n/a
Includes: Display base, CommTech Chip
Action Feature: n/a
Retail: $19.99
Availability: Fall 1999


Bio: Sitting in their exclusive box-seats high above the thunder of the speeding Podracers are three of Mos Espa's favorite locals: the shrewd Toydarian junk dealer Watto, and his guests Graxol Kelvyyn and the Twi'lek, Shakka. They are among thousands of fans gathered from worlds near and far to watch and wager on the thrilling Boonta Eve Podrace. Enjoying a spectacular view, the three watch anxiously to see if Watto's young slave, Anakin Skywalker, will emerge victoriously from the storm of dust in the winner's circle. (Taken from the toy's packaging.)

Image: Seated on some shelves, yet again.

Commentary: While a character nobody asked for, the figure of Shakka is a striking one. Back in 1999, fans were still more or less surprised that toy makers put out a "Slave Girl" Leia which was followed by Oola, not to mention the trio of scantily clad alien dancers from Return of the Jedi: Special Edition. While this figure is neat, it's a neat throwback to the vintage days in the sense that nobody would know who she is or where she came from were it not for her packaging photo. With numerous Twi'lek female figures being made over the years, it's nice to know that there's a variety of them to choose from for whatever depraved dioramas you may be building.

Shakka sports the standard 6 points of articulation in addition to her distinctive knee joints, which bumps her up to 8. While some may refer to her (and other aliens) as a character, "set dressing" is more appropriate, and the toy largely serves the same purpose. She can sit around, and look good. She's not much of a toy but I suppose were your Rancor in need of a Twi'lek buffet, Shakka would be an excellent way to start it off.

Collector's Notes: Like so many Episode I toys, this set can be for almost nothing these days. Packaged along with a great Watto figure as well as the biggest basic figure in the whole line, Graxol Kelvyyn, the set in which she comes should be a must-add item to your collection. Seeing as you can have a giant figure plus two bonus figures and a display stand for under $10 on the secondary market, your not buying this is an insult to toy collectors everywhere. Don't sit around and whine for Hasbro to remake it, trade on the forums or buy it on eBay now. Trust me, if you can appreciate aliens, Episode I figures, or novel concepts figures, this is for you.

While we're not 100% certain, it seems Shakka's legs were either used for or greatly inspired the sculpt of the 2003 figure Ayy Vida, a Coruscant nightclub patron/vixen.

Day 19: May 25, 2006