Saturday, February 3, 2007

Figure of the Day: Day 273: Tanus Spijek (Elom)

TANUS SPIJEK Jabba's Sail Barge
Saga
Item No.:
Asst. 84715 No. 84747
Number: 0410
Includes: Blaster, display base
Action Feature: n/a
Retail: $5.99
Availability: Spring 2004
Appearances: Return of the Jedi

Bio: Lurking in the shadows of the Hutt's palace was Tanus Spijek, a former spy for the Rebellion. He was hired by the Alliance to carry messages between Alderaan and the Rebel base on Yavin 4. Spijek was an Elom, a primitive, peaceful species sympathetic to the Rebellion after their enslavement by the Empire during the Galactic Civil War. (Taken from the figure's cardback.)

Image: Adam Pawlus' toy shelves.

Commentary: In 2004, Hasbro continued its then-recent policy of developing multiple figures around a similar base sculpt all at once. Tanus Spijek (or "Elom") shared parts with J'Quille, another character from Jabba's Palace, in an effort to keep production costs down. The two look very different, and you probably wouldn't immediately assume they shared a body and arms until you put them side-by-side. This particular figure is a little more skunk-like, with a tail, dark fur, and a white stripe on its back. The design is excellent, and as a figure that fans have seen in a movie for over 20 years before getting a toy, its release was quite exciting. Still, it was a little bulky, and the arms are a little awkward for posing around the rifle the figure comes with. But hey, they can't all be perfect, and the figure really doesn't need a gun in the first place. As diorama fodder, this is one of the best figures you can buy-- so if you have the chance, get yourself one.

Collector's Notes: Depending on where you lived, the figure was a fast seller or a slow seller. I heard from both camps in 2004, which probably means that overall, things were OK with this one.


Day 273: February 3, 2007

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