Figure of the Day: Day 906: Barquin D'an

BARQUIN D'AN & Droopy McCool
Power of the Force Wal-Mart Exclusive Max Rebo Band Pairs
Item No.: Asst. 69670 No. 84019
Manufacturer: Hasbro
Number: n/a
Includes: Wind instrument, Barquin D'an figure
Action Feature: n/a
Retail: $9.99
Availability: Fall 1998
Appearances: Return of the Jedi

Bio: Barquin D'an was a Bith member of the Max Rebo Band who played the kloo horn. He was the older brother of Figrin D'an, leader of the Modal Nodes. He was also a gambler. (Stolen from Wookieepedia.)

Image: Adam Pawlus' computer.

Commentary: For some reason or another, every Bith action figure has been an exclusive-- shared or otherwise. Barquin D'an was the first one sold at a retail store. Unlike the previous Cantina Band figure, this one has only 6 points of articulation. His arms were designed to hold his kloo horn, and the figure is pretty worthless at doing much else beyond standing and sitting. (This puts him above other figures in worthwhile-ness.) Really, the main reason to get this is to flesh out dioramas, or if you're inclined toward alien musicians. (Both are excellent reasons to buy this.) Overall, it seems to be slightly better than the generic Cantina Band Member figure, mostly because it was designed specifically to hold one instrument. The sculpting on the head is excellent, and the outfit was good for 1998. For today, it's decent, but nothing too spectacular. Given that it's a black costume, it's not like you're going to be seeing a lot of details in a diorama setting anyway, so you may as well get it, stick it on a shelf, and enjoy.

Collector's Notes: This figure was rereleased in late 2007 as a Wal-Mart exclusive yet again, but in a figure 5-pack. No changes were made, or at least no significant ones were. It's pretty cheap either way, so buy it and enjoy.

Day 906: December 3, 2008