Figure of the Day: Day 460: Mon Mothma

MON MOTHMA with Baton
Power of the Force Collection 1
Item No.: Asst. 69570 No. 69859
Number: n/a
Includes: Baton, Freeze Frame Action Slide
Action Feature: n/a
Retail: $5.99
Availability: Fall 1998
Appearances: Return of the Jedi

Bio: The senior senator of the Old Republic went underground to form the Rebel Alliance following the rise of the evil Empire. She was instrumental in the Rebel's struggle for freedom. (Taken from the figure's cardback.)

Image: Adam Pawlus' toy shelves.

Commentary: Few figures act as a metaphor for the state of the toy line as well as Mon Mothma. In 1998, Kenner was nearing what fans assumed was the end of the modern trilogy line-- many of us thought, from here out, we'd be getting nothing but prequel toys. She came out as most of the major, fan requested characters were seeing plastic and some fans were left wondering just how far the line could go, as it'd had gone quite far in three years. The figure was an example of most of what fans were asking for-- generic, vintage-esque poses, better likenesses, more realistic proportions, and so forth. There's no leg articulation to speak of (just a waist joint), and the figure has a sort of a gown over the body, shoulder joints, a neck joints, and a stick. She looks good for the figures of her time, and is the only version of the character from this film to be made as a traditional action figure. When you get right down to it, you're buying an action figure of a character whose sole purpose was to deliver exposition through a monologue who then sat down and let the lobster man do all the talking-- as such, she's a really odd choice for a figure when you look back at how new the line still was. There was still no Amanaman, or a decent Wedge, but here we go, Mon Mothma, and before we saw most Skiff Guards or other figures which, frankly, are actually interesting. Still, she ain't bad-- if you're working on a diorama, be sure to get one. Just keep a look out on her eyes-- she looks a little too interested. If Hasbro tweaked the gown a little and repainted the face, this figure would probably hold up well to the test of time.

Collector's Notes: This mold was never reused. Yes, I know, you're shocked. The figure was somewhat hard to get in Fall of 1998 when she started rolling out, and in many markets, remained hard to get except for odd pockets of new figures and a few clearance finds.

Day 460: August 9, 2007