Figure of the Day: Day 395: J'Quille

J'QUILLE Jabba's Sail Barge
Saga
Item No.: Asst. 84715 No. 84744
Number: 0409
Includes: Blaster, display base
Action Feature: n/a
Retail: $5.99
Availability: Spring 2004
Appearances: Return of the Jedi

Bio: A Whiphid from the planet Toola, J'Quille was a spy sent into Jabba the Hutt's palace by Lady Valarian. His plans to assassinate the Hutt were rendered moot when Jabba was killed during the Rebel's rescue mission at the Pit of Carkoon. J'Quille was one of the survivors of the fight at the Sarlacc pit. (Taken from the figure's cardback.)

Image: Adam Pawlus' Jabba's Palace diorama.

Commentary: Expanded Universe "spy" mumbo jumbo aside, J'Quille was a figure many fans have been waiting for. Better known as "Toothface" to those who watched making-of Return of the Jedi specials, this big hairy thug wasn't seen much outside publicity shots. By using the same mold for two figures, Hasbro managed to crank two unique hairy characters out of its factories by saving costs. Who was the other lucky figure? Tanus Spijek, also known as Elom. The figures had different heads, hands, and a few other parts, but were largely the same-- each had 10 points of articulation, the same gun, and was very, very hairy. And toothy. There really isn't a lot to say about this guy-- the figure is what it is. It's not like certain Cantina characters where I can sit back and laud the articulation, swoon over the holster, or admire the pose as a toy engineering marvel. This figure has cut joints, and from a design standpoint, really isn't much to speak of. It is cool, though, so if you like cool aliens and have lots of dioramas to fill out, this is one of the best figures you can get. I have a soft spot for this figure, but it's basically because it's a "new" (as in, not available in 1985) alien from Jabba's Palace and I freaking love to see new alien figures that aren't "guy in brown robes with new head." And we're getting two of those from the cantina this year.

Collector's Notes: This figure came and went pretty quickly, but most fans aren't exactly drooling to get one these days. Still, it's not exactly a common figure, but you should have no problems finding one for your palace diorama. This figure is mostly notable for its body sharing, something Hasbro was very fond of in 2003 and 2004.

Day 395: June 5, 2007