SIO BIBBLE Exposition EnhancerEpisode I Collection 2
Item No.: Asst. 84095 No. 84257
Manufacturer: Hasbro
Number: n/a
Includes: Blaster pistol, CommTech chip
Action Feature: n/a
Retail: $6.99
Availability: Spring 2000
Appearances: The Phantom Menace
Bio: Naboo's governor, Sio Bibble, remains on his besieged planet while Queen Amidala travels to Coruscant. Meanwhile, the Trade Federation's invasion begins. (Taken from the figure's cardback.)
Image: Adam Pawlus' couch.
Commentary: For a while, this figure had a rare distinction of being actually worth something. As we approach 1,000 figures in this column, a recurring theme is that few figures from the modern era are "worth" more than their SRP within 1-2 years of release. Sio Bibble still commands a slight premium, but he used to be worth $25-$30, while today you're looking at about $8. Which is fair, the figure is actually pretty good. A tail-end Episode I product, the Naboo governor has a decent sculpt and a distinct purple color. The head sculpt, while not perfect, is pretty good and manages to nail the facial hair just right. It would be nice if his robes had more detail and his arms had more joints, but the fact that this figure exists is essentially enough to warrant the purchase. For someone who doesn't do much but deliver additional plot, it's great to see Hasbro actually made this figure during the movie's initial run. Even if it was during the final assortment of Collection 2 right before the line got pulled.
Articulation is weak, even for his era. Because of his robes you barely even get six places to move the figure, and if he can sit it's not like his outfit will let him have his rear on the seat. This figure is squarely for collectors and diorama makers, as he doesn't really function well as a toy. He does have a blaster, though, which gives it limited play value if you're so inclined to use him for such purposes.
Collector's Notes: As stated above, the figure's claim to fame is that he was really hard to get. He's still hard to get, it's just that fans have largely moved on which helped drive auction prices down while fans spend their money on other collectibles.
Day 919: December 22, 2008
While as you say Adam no great shakes by modern standards, I always felt this was a well done figure and was pleased to see another supporting character from Ep. 1; for my money better someone like this be added to the collection than some random X-Wing pilot who never had a name until the Decipher card game.
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