Figure of the Day: Day 225: Jek Porkins

JEK PORKINS XL-wing Pilot
Power of the Jedi Collection 2
Item No.: Asst. 84455 No. 84457
Number: n/a
Includes: Helmet, Force File
Action Feature: n/a
Retail: $6.99
Availability: Fall 2000
Appearances: Star Wars

Bio: Once a free trader on Bestine IV, Jek joined the Rebel Alliance after his homeworld was conquered by the Empire. He quickly became known as one of the Alliance's most skilled pilots. When he attacked the Death Star during the Battle of Yavin, his comm-unit designation was Red Six. (Taken from the figure's Force File.)

Image: Adam Pawlus' toy shelves.

Commentary: For years, fans joked about getting a toy of Jek Porkins. In ToyFare Magazine, there were countless jokes about "hahah Porkins is fat pass the butter!!!" These reflected the opinion of fans online as well-- this was a real novelty figure, a "wouldn't-it-be-funny-if" release and the Power of the Jedi series managed to introduce a few figures just like that. Porkins is, technically, a new sculpt with six points of articulation. Fans with a good eye might take a good close look and realize that Jek Porkins' girth is based on the Biggs Darklighter sculpt from 1998, albeit heavily modified. (Did I mention that it's really, really easy to accidentally make size jokes? Well, it's not intentional.) The character had little to do in the films, but was memorable because he looked a lot different than the other pilots, and had the nickname "Piggy" in some of the Expanded Universe materials.

The suit has a few creases, the figure can, well, sit. He can't fit in all X-wing vehicles due to his size, but the figure is a neat one to add to your collection because it is such an obscure character, and even though his beard isn't as nice and trim as in the movie, it's the only Porkins you'll probably ever see in this scale. (There's an Action Fleet one, too.) As such, you should buy this one.

Collector's Notes: With little real fan interest now that the joke is over, Jek Porkins has little chance of a rerelease. Recent items on eBay sold for under $4 on the package, so if you want one shipped to your door for $10 or less, you shouldn't have too much trouble getting this one. A new version would be nice because the figure doesn't look as good as he could, but we're just not hopeful.

Day 225: December 17, 2006