Figure of the Day: Day 447: Nexu

NEXU with Snapping Jaw
Saga Deluxe Figures
Item No.: Asst. 84859 No. 84885
Number: n/a
Includes: n/a
Action Feature: Snapping jaw, electronic sounds, bendable tail
Retail: $9.99
Availability: Summer 2002
Appearances: Attack of the Clones

Bio: These fierce beasts track their prey with silence and cunning. Sleek and agile, the Nexu has impressive climbing abilities that make it difficult to escape once it has a victim in its sights. (Taken from the figure's cardback.)

Image: Adam Pawlus' arena beast shelf.

Commentary: By taking toy tech that was employed in the super-nifty Jurassic Park 3 line, this Nexu has electronic sounds, moving action parts, and of course, dino- battle-damage. Because what fun is a toy without a huge, disgusting open wound? (Seriously though, I could do without it.) The Nexu takes the "bad kitty" and brings it to a nifty toy price point. For ten bucks, you get jaws that can clamp down on a foot, a few sounds, a bendy tail, and sharp teeth and quills-- sure, they aren't really all that sharp, but they are cool. The figure is jointed at the jaw, has a joint at each leg, and has the wiry, bendable tail-- so he's articulated, just not very much so. This creepy guy has a really fun action feature in that there's a button in its mouth that, when pressed, will cause the jaw to clamp down and the toy to roar. (I think that's pretty cool. Too bad there's no Rancor that can do that.) Aside from that feature, the toy is pretty straightforward-- push the button on the side, get some noises. Pose the tail, move the arms, and enjoy the unique short hair sculpting and the quills. It looks good, it plays well, and it's a nice example of a real toy in what generally is an endless parade of collectibles sold as toys. A kid might actually have fun with this, plus a collector can admire how it turned out looking like the CG creature from the movie. It's a winner.

Collector's Notes: Along with the Reek and Acklay, these weren't around forever-- nor were they speedy sellers in all markets. Lucky for you, the little guy is only worth about ten bucks so you can easily afford one for its original retail price. It's worth getting if you like creatures, and you should-- they're fun!

Day 447: July 27, 2007