Figure Of The Day: Day 196: Myo

MYO Cantina Encounter
Post-Original Trilogy Collection Transitional Figures
Item No.: Asst. 85172 No. 85324
Number: 0507
Includes: Blaster, glass, display base
Action Feature: Holster stores blaster pistol
Retail: $5.99
Availability: 2005
Appearances: Star Wars

Bio: Myo spends a lot of time in the Mos Eisley cantina, hoping to get into a fight. His species, the Abyssin from the planet Byss, are primitive, violent and can re-grow lost limbs. Myo is very fearless and with his one central eye, he can spot trouble as it is about to happen—when he isn’t finding a way to cause it. (Taken from the figure's cardback.)

Image: Adam's toy shelves, again.

Commentary: In early 2005, fans received quite the assortment of action figures from Hasbro-- some of which were hard to get, and there were only eight new sculpts to be had. One of three new Cantina aliens was the first-ever action figure of Myo, a cyclops-esque alien we all first met in 1977. The figure is stunning. It has that "vintage" pose we all love-- basically standing at attention-- and is loaded with articulation. The figure featured ball joints at the neck and knees with normal joints at the wrists, elbows, shoulders, hips, and waist. In short, it's just barely perfect-- ball elbows and/or shoulders would have made this one of the best figures Hasbro has ever done. The sculpt is exquisite, the detail in the hands and costume simply shames most of Hasbro's other offerings, especially those based on this particular film. I'd daresay that the figure might be more detailed than the costume used in the film. It's hard to coax a lot of personality out of a figure with a very basic pose and a hard rubber face, but the figure does have a certain sense of mystery about it, unfortunately with but one eye you really can't exploit his eyebrows to get a lot of personality out of him. The figure provides a great base for custom figures (or so it seems), it's a great addition to any alien-filled diorama, and frankly, it's one of Hasbro's best figures. If you don't have one, go get one-- there's no excuse.

Collector's Notes: The figure was a pegwarmer in some markets, and super-rare in others. It's currently one of the harder-to-get Cantina aliens as it has not yet been reissued, but Hasbro seems pretty big on making sure to kill the secondary market for these things. (A mixed blessing depending on who you are.) As it's unlikely that this figure can be improved upon, you best buy one now. This figure makes the previous decade's alien figures look like garbage. Currently, it goes for a fair amount and will probably cost you $10 before shipping. If you found the 2006 Garindan, Hem Dazon, or Greedo figures to your liking then you simply must snag Myo, Feltipern Trevagg, and if you have money left over, Dannik Jerriko.

Day 196: November 18, 2006