Figure of the Day: Day 887: Nute Gunray

NUTE GUNRAY Should Not Have Made This Bargain
Episode I Collection 2
Item No.: Asst. 84095 No. 84089
Manufacturer: Hasbro
Number: n/a
Includes: CommTech Chip
Action Feature: n/a
Retail: $6.99
Availability: Summer 1999
Appearances: The Phantom Menace

Bio: A Trade Federation viceroy who is controlled by the evil Lord Darth Sidious, Nute Gunray leads the attack on Naboo with the help of fellow Neimoidian, Rune Haako. (Taken from the figure's cardback.)

Image: A table.

Commentary: As part of the second big push for Episode I product, Nute Gunray was both a welcome addition and the object of scorn. Fans looked forward to this new, ornate release while at the same time hating it because of his role in the movie. At the time, there was a lot that adult fans didn't like about the prequels-- mostly, these things were new robots and creatures. This particular one got a lot of guff due to his voice and facial movements, but mostly the voice. Thankfully, the figure has no voice and looks pretty good. Despite the total lack of accessories, he still looks expensive. His robes are big, he has added detail in his face, and oh yes-- he's ugly. A modern release wouldn't be much better than this one, I guess Hasbro could add more paint and articulation but this figure is still pretty good all these years later. It is, however, still Nute Gunray, and largely a statue. It can't sit, it just stands there. So if you like the look of the character enough to buy it, you won't be sorry.

Collector's Notes: Fans didn't much like this one. It sold fairly well in many markets, but there was a lot of complaining, which no doubt helped prove that as a group we'll buy pretty much anything. Like other figures from the era, you can get it on the cheap.

--Adam Pawlus

Day 887: November 6, 2008