Figure of the Day: Day 440: Chief Bast

CHIEF BAST Bureaucrat
The Saga Collection Diamond Exclusive
Item No.: No. 87268
Number: n/a
Includes: Imperial Blaster
Action Feature: n/a
Retail: $39.99
Availability: January 2007
Appearances: Star Wars

Bio: Personal assistant to Grand Moff Tarkin aboard the Death Star, Bast shares tagge's opinion that the Rebellion is more powerful than many Imperials believe. He is one of very few Imperial officers to successfully evacuate from the Death Star before its destruction. (Taken from the figure's box.)

Image: Adam Pawlus' toy shelves.

Commentary: Let's get some things out of the way. One, the uniform isn't perfect, but it's very very close. Two, he's missing the hat from the movies which is what made me confused when I saw him at first. Three, he has 10 points of articulation, which is actually not bad for a figure that doesn't do much of anything. Chief Bast could be better, but he has a unique look with bigger-than-usual hair and big sideburns which make him stand out on a shelf. (Of course, he should have a hat on that 'do of his, but he doesn't, so oh well.) The facial likeness is pretty good, although Hasbro does make him look a little bit younger than the stills from the film. So all in all, what you're getting here is another Imperial officer to add to your collection that doesn't suck. Since you're likely buying the boxed set anyway, you probably already bought this one because you wanted Yularen or the Tarkin or something. He has the standard six joints plus wrists and cut elbows, making him a fairly good release-- although, as many of you have noted, there are places you could include more joints if you really wanted to. The uniform is crisp, the sculpt is good, and the figure holds together nicely-- for what feels like a quickie exclusive, this is a great addition to your stash of figures.

Collector's Notes: As part of a $40 or so boxed set, it seems unlikely Hasbro will release this figure individually any time soon. If you want one, maybe you should track down the set before it sells out.

Day 440: July 20, 2007