Figure of the Day: Day 157: Bib Fortuna

BIB FORTUNA Battle of Carkoon
Saga Collection 2006
Item No.: Asst. 85770 No. 84741
Number: 003
Includes: Knife, display stand, bonus holographic figure
Action Feature: n/a
Retail: $6.99
Availability: January 2006
Appearances: Return of the Jedi

Bio: Bib Fortuna's troubles start when he allows two harmless-looking droids to talk to his boss, Jabba The Hutt. Jabba chooses not to free Han Solo, so Luke Skywalker decides to take matters into his own hands. Bib Fortuna falls victim to one of Luke's Jedi mind tricks and allows him to enter Jabba's Palace. When Luke and his friends are later victorious, Bib Fortuna escapes on a skiff and narrowly avoids being blown up on Jabba's sail barge! (Taken from the figure's cardback.)

Image: The toy shelves of Adam Pawlus.

Commentary: Sometimes, the camera isn't very nice. Bib Fortuna is actually a fairly nice figure, but looks like some sort of alien drag queen that wants to be Tyra Banks in this photo. But since I'm trying to write a few of these today, I'm not going to reshoot. The figure is essentially a chess piece-- he has articulation at the neck, shoulders, wrists, and elbows. Sort of. His garment restricts movement just enough to make you mad, but the sculpt is pretty good and the figure's knife can be carried in his belt.

Collector's Notes: Bib Fortuna is a much-needed upgrade from the first modern bulky release in 1997, which was repainted and recarded in 2004-- and nobody wanted him then, either, so it was a surprise that Hasbro made a new version. The figure can still be found in some stores. The knife is very small and easily lost, so take care to make sure you don't lose it. This new release was fairly popular, and seemingly produced in smaller numbers than many other "new sculpt" figures in 2006. Still, it sold through in most markets which means it will probably be remembered fondly until Hasbro reissues it a few more times and everyone gets sick of it.

Day 157: October 10, 2006