Figure Of The Day: Day 194: Chi Eekway

CHI EEKWAY Lucas Collector's Set
The Saga Collection ShopStarWars.com Exclusive
Item No.: No. 80060
Number: n/a
Includes: Removable cloak
Action Feature: n/a
Retail: $34.99
Availability: 2006
Appearances: Revenge of the Sith

Bio: This Twi'lek Senator from Wroona is extremely wary of Palpatine's intentions and growing power. She works quietly behind the scenes to oppose him. (Taken from the figure's box.)

Image: Adam's TV tray. I actually took this around the first week of the column and just never wrote it up.

Commentary: While I was initially thrilled when I heard Chi Eekway was coming out in a nifty exclusive box set, most collectors seem to disagree with me that this was a good thing. Sure, the figure has limited articulation and little in the way of accessories, but she may well be the first non-half-naked Twi'lek female, which is surely a dubious distinction but a distinction either way. If you like the picture, that's what it's like to own the toy-- she can't really sit, but she has excellent deco, a good sculpt, and managed to make the exclusive set not feel like a rip-off. I don't ask for much, just give me something I can call "new" without laughing. For augmenting your displays, this is a must-own figure. For those looking for cool aliens, don't pass this one up. If you're on a budget, though, you can probably live with waiting on this one a while longer.

Collector's Notes: This item was expensive, but more or less worth it-- $35 for 4 figures with 3 new sculpts is up there, especially for "collectors" who bought Zett Jukassa in 2005, but at least there are some interesting figures here to make it a little less painful. So far, it seems the item hasn't been a spectacular seller, and you can get it in a bundle with the Republic Commando set on the cheap-- and it isn't a bad deal. The set is worth it if you're a fan of the prequels and like figures with a good back story.

Day 194: November 16, 2006