Figure of the Day: Day 438: Ashla

ASHLA Jedi Padawan
Saga Collection 2
Item No.: Asst. 84861 No. 84970
Number: 0216
Includes: Lightsaber, helmet, Jempa figure
Action Feature: n/a
Retail: $4.99
Availability: Spring 2003
Appearances: Attack of the Clones

Bio: The Jedi children Ashla and Jempa are members of the Mighty Bear Clan, a communal group of young Jedi hopefuls ranging in age from four to eight. Comprised of many different species, the young initiates rely on the tutelage of Jedi Master Yoda, who often marvels at the cloudless insight and impressive scope of the young minds. Under Yoda's careful eye, clan members begin lightsaber training at a very early age, but their protective helmets and special training sabers ensure safety in their Jedi lessons. (Taken from the figure's cardback.)

Image: Adam Pawlus' toy shelves.

Commentary: In 2003, Hasbro got really smart-- they realized that they should probably develop figure bodies so that with some minor modifications, you could make two or even three new figures. Ashla was one such release, as her upper and lower body were shared with fellow Bear Clan members Jempa and Chian, with each figure getting a new head, new arms, and revised accessories. As a young member of the Togruta species (like Shaak Ti), she has that distinctive coloring and head tails you've come to know and love from various prequel-era comics and other materials. She has articulated arms, and a joint at the neck and the waist-- given that Hasbro's giving you two figures in one little pack, and for a mere $5, this was considered just fine by most fans. There's a fair amount of detail on her robes, and the overall figure is pretty good-- she'll look good in your various Jedi dioramas, toy shelves, or other collectible massings of plastic men (and women). If you're a collector, odds are you should consider adding her to your ever-growing Jedi forces.

Collector's Notes: Very popular (and hard to get) on its initial release, the pair of Ashla and Jempa were eventually repackaged. There were two styles of "Saga" cards in 2003, and this figure came on both of them. (One has a gold stripe on the side, that's the second release.) As there's only three figures in this little sub-set of young Jedi, a collector can easily collect all three for very little money.

Day 438: July 18, 2007