Figure of the Day: Day 474: SK-Z38

SK-Z38 Star Tours
Star Tours Collection 3
Item No.: No. 10147
Number: n/a
Includes: n/a
Action Feature: Opening mouth, spinning prop
Retail: $10.00
Availability: 2003
Appearances: Star Tours

Bio: SK-Z38 was a droid that worked for the Star Tours travel agency. (Stolen from Wookieepedia.)

Image: Adam Pawlus' TV tray.

Commentary: Just because there's a lot of fan demand for something doesn't mean Hasbro should do it-- wisely, Hasbro cranked out a limited number of Star Tours figures for theme parks, and figures like SK-Z38 never soiled the pegs of your local stores. The theme park ride was packed with droids to make, and Hasbro made some of the best ones almost immediately, leaving stinkers like this for later series. The figure has virtually no articulation, his legs are stuck together, and the plastic is so weak and flimsy, he will absolutely sag on your display shelf-- you need to prop him up or there's like a 90% chance of him falling over. The detail is lacking (as there doesn't seem to be much to work with), but he is cute. As a collectible. As a toy, your kids will hate this thing. It really isn't a lot of fun to play with as all it can do is stand around and observe things. While fans clamored for figures from the theme park ride, and complained about their park-exclusivity, figures like this remind you that sometimes, Hasbro really does know what it's doing.

Collector's Notes: This is a figure you don't buy because you like it, but because it's to complete a set. Or perhaps if you lost a bet. Initially, this figure was delayed and retooled slightly to make the edges a bit rounder, initially leading fans to worry they might never get it. Oh poor foolish fans of 2003, you do not know what crap awaits you. This figure can be had for about $10, probably less if you're patient, and is worth at least half that. Were this figure constructed of stronger materials and didn't have soft plastic legs the thickness of a paperclip, I might be here telling you how it's a weird little figure that you might want to consider reserving a space for on your shelf. But it sucks, so don't buy it unless you have a compulsion to do so.

Day 474: August 23, 2007