Figure of the Day: Day 899: Salacious Crumb

SALACIOUS CRUMB & Oola
The Power of the Force Collection, Fan Club Exclusive
Item No.: No. 69871
Manufacturer: Kenner
Number: n/a
Includes: Oola
Action Feature: n/a
Retail: $12.99
Availability: 1998
Appearances: Return of the Jedi

Bio: Salacious B. Crumb was a Kowakian monkey-lizard employed as a court jester for Hutt crimelord Jabba Desilijic Tiure. Known for his shrill laugh and sadistic sense of humor, he lived in Jabba's Palace, playing many tricks and practical jokes on some of the palace's regulars, and becoming one of the most disliked members of Jabba's court. (Adapted from Wookieepedia.)

Image: Adam Pawlus' toy shelf.

Commentary: Is he a figure... or an accessory? This Salacious Crumb figure was basically modeled after a Michael Butkus illustration appearing in one of the Essential Guide to Characters books, as he never stood around in the movies. You could see him sitting, crouching, jumping... but never standing. And certainly not with his hand on his hip. It's a radical departure for the figure's personality by way of pose, given he seemed much more animal-like in every situation from the silver screen. Even the vintage figure was posed sitting-- he couldn't do anything except sit on Jabba's throne. This one can stand, but might need assistance. As he has thin legs and no foot holes, I had to use some double-sided tape to keep him upright-- it worked just fine, but it was, obviously, sticky. The amount of detail on this tiny figure, especially given when it was released, never fails to impress. Hasbro managed to make a durable figure that doesn't bend to pieces, and captures a unique pose that remains true to the character yet never appeared in the movie. Plus he's almost a Muppet, which is cool. As aliens go, he's one of the most memorable of all the movies. While this isn't the most articulated figure, he's certainly one of the most distinctive-- and if you need to own a Salacious Crumb (and an Oola), this set should be on your shopping list if it isn't already.

Collector's Notes: Two similar Salacious Crumb figures were made using the same basic sculpt, but with slightly different molds. This release had his tail connected by a square peg, making it removable. In late 2001, he was repackaged with Amanaman but he now features an articulated tail. An entirely new Crumb sculpt was released in 2007.

Day 899: November 24, 2008