Figure of the Day: Day 305: Sy Snootles

SY SNOOTLES Max Rebo Band Pairs
Power of the Force Wal-Mart Exclusive
Item No.: Asst. 69670 No. 84018
Number: n/a
Includes: Joh Yowza figure
Action Feature: n/a
Retail: $11.86
Availability: Fall 1998
Appearances: Return of the Jedi: Special Edition

Bio: Sy Snootles was the lead vocalist for the Max Rebo Band while they were playing for Jabba the Hutt. Snootles also had a great relationship with fellow band member Droopy McCool. One of Snootles' most famous songs was "Lapti Nek", also a favorite of Jabba. Her most notable characteristic was an incredibly long lip stalk. (Stolen from Wookieepedia.)

Image: Adam Pawlus' toy shelves.

Commentary: I'm a huge fan of the Max Rebo Band, so you can imagine my excitement/rage at the announcement of these being a Wal-Mart exclusive in 1998. Sy Snootles was the second of three two-packs, and included the only computer generated aliens to be released from the musical group. Sy Snootles' 1997 makeover had her a little thinner, a little more cartoony, and significantly more animated than her 1983 puppet predecessor-- and the figure reflects this new look quite well. Unfortunately, the new song, lack of a feather on her head, and other minor changes made a lot of fans cry out for a new version of the 1983 figure, and I have to say I agree with them.

For what this figure aspires to be, it's quite good. She has five points of articulation and a pose which makes her look like some sort of singer, rather than a generic boring pose like a lot of figures over the years. Of course, she was made back in 1998, and it's a safe bet that fans are ready for a new version of this figure.

Collector's Notes: In 1998, this Wal-Mart exclusive was either rare or common, depending on your local stores. Today, it can be had for the original price or a little more, meaning that it's something fans actually seem to like. Also, a new Max Rebo Band set is rumored for 2007 as, again, a Wal-Mart exclusive. My fingers are crossed for a three-pack with an all-new 1983-esque Sy Snootles, a redeco of Droopy McCool, and Max Rebo with a retooled organ with the added... uh... speaker thing? Yeah, that. (Basically, what Gentle Giant is doing as a statue, except as action figures.)

Early test shots of this figure showed a microphone, which was ultimately not included because it didn't appear in the movie. Fan-made accessories do exist, though, so you may wish to buy those if you absolutely must have a mic for Sy Snootles.

Day 305: March 7, 2007