Figure of the Day: Day 935: Jodo Kast

JODO KAST Bounty Hunter
The Legacy Collection Basic Figures
Item No.: Asst. 87535 No. 89597
Manufacturer: Hasbro
Number: #BD13
Includes: Blaster, droid part
Action Feature: Push down rocket for quick-draw action
Retail: $7.99
Availability: September 2008
Appearances: Various comics, West End Games RPG supplements

Bio: Wearing Mandalorian armor, this cunning and ruthless bounty hunter lets everyone assume he is Boba Fett to take advantage of Fett's notorious reputation. Unfortunately, the real Boba Fett is not flattered by Kast's impersonation and intends to stop him. (Taken from the figure's cardback.)

Image: Adam Pawlus' TV tray.

Commentary: The worst thing about a figure like Jodo Kast is that it isn't that great. As cheap repaints go, Hasbro had an easy one here. Basically, all fans wanted was a repaint of the Vintage Boba Fett (2004) mold and they'd be happy. Instead, Hasbro used the 2006 Boba Fett, which had the Vintage Fett's legs and the body and arms of a 2003 figure. Combined, it's kind of ungainly and certainly not good by 2008 standards-- it has swivel elbows, decent leg articulation, and not much else. The sculpt isn't as crisp as more recent figures, and since Jodo doesn't have a cape, there's a visible hole in his back. It looks like something might be missing-- in a way it is, but some fans might not realize that Hasbro's shortcut is the reason, and nothing in particular is missing.

If you want to have the first Mandalorian to appear outside the movies, here he is in all his repainted glory. I have hopes Hasbro will do a better one in a comic pack some day, but for now this is it. It's not bad, but not Hasbro's best work.

Collector's Notes: Anything Mandalorian tends to sell, and this guy has been a frequent seller. He's been re-shipping in new assortments with newer droid parts, so packaged collectors might end up with multiple versions if they're all about the droid part stuff.

Day 935: January 13, 2009