RORON COROBB Jedi Knight30th Anniversary Collection Basic Figures
Item No.: Asst. 87500 No. 87333
Manufacturer: Hasbro
Number: n/a
Includes: Lightsaber, coin
Action Feature: n/a
Retail: $6.99
Availability: September 2007
Appearances: Clone Wars
Bio: Roron Corobb takes on the duties of a Senior General during the Clone Wars. Along with his Jedi compatriots, Shaak Ti and Foul Moudama, Roron is assigned to protect Supreme Chancellor Palpatine from General Grievous. But despite his skill and bravery, Roron is killed by the cyborg general in his unrelenting push to capture Palpatine. (Taken from the figure's box.)
Image: Adam's keyboard.
Commentary: As a figure that appeared in a book and in a few cartoons, it seemed like just a matter of time before Hasbro cranked out our very own Roron Corobb action figure. It's one of three characters from the original Cartoon Network series which were based on Cantina aliens, but now have lightsabers, and were up for a "vote for the alien to appear on the show" contest. This one lost, and by losing, he ended up with a much meatier part than the winner, Voolvif Monn, received. Anyway, it's talk about Roron.
Named for artist Ron Cobb, the man responsible for a lot of alien designs in the original Star Wars, the Jedi is more than Hammerhead in a bathrobe. (Well, not much more, but more.) The figure has ball-jointed ankles, knees, and shoulders. His head, waist, hips, and elbows can swivel. Oh, and his head is funky. Unlike the tiny eyed Momaw Nadon, Roron Corobb has big freaking expressive eyes which are a lot more like E.T. than the aliens seen in the movies. This gives the character more personality, and a look closer to his animated appearance. Unfortunately, the continuity fans out there are left wondering why Momaw Nadon has tiny eyes and Roron Corobb has big blue eyes. But, again, I digress.
There's a decent amount of detail in the figure's robes, but it looks a little more like an alien in a kung-fu getup than a Jedi. Since Hasbro seemed to want to translate the animation design into reality, this is more or less to be expected. There's a lot to like here, especially if you're a fan of that original Cartoon Network Clone Wars series. (And if you aren't, go track down the DVDs. They're just barely out of print.) I was really stoked to get this figure last year, and I figure some of you will enjoy it too. Assuming you like the idea of random aliens with lightsabers, and really, who doesn't?
Collector's Notes: As part of the elusive "Wave 5" (aka Expanded Universe wave), this figure came and went in a hurry. If you blinked, you missed it. No known plans exist for a reissue, but if the character appears on the show it's possible that it could eventually happen.
--Adam Pawlus
Day 893: November 14, 2008
i'm glad i snagged this one when i did, but much prefer the animated style of the cartoon, leading me to track down the GG Maquette.
ReplyDeleteOf the Clone Wars series one guys translated into 'realistic' design, I think Corobb is one of the best. He manages to capture the essence of the cartoon and still stay true to the design ethic of the rest of the line. Plus, a hammerhead Jedi is just cool.
ReplyDeleteI think if one really has to justify the eyes to continuity fans, couldn't it be just as easy as pointing out that not all human people have the same shape, size and color, or even position, of eyes and that there is great variety amongst our very real species so why not aliens? I like this figure and believe it or not he actually peg warmed at one TRU I frequented...but not any others.
ReplyDelete