Figure of the Day: Day 1,014: Bib Fortuna

BIB FORTUNA First Modern Release
Power of the Force Basic Figures Collection 2
Item No.: Asst. 69570 No. 69634
Number: n/a
Manufacturer: Kenner
Includes: Blaster
Action Feature: n/a
Retail: $4.99
Availability: March 1997
Appearances: Primarily Return of the Jedi

Bio: Bib Fortuna was a male Twi'lek from Ryloth. Bib served as a majordomo to Jabba Desilijic Tiure for many years. Considering he served Jabba for decades, it is unsurprising that few in the galaxy hated the Hutt as much as he did—the Twi'lek majordomo had tried many times to have Jabba killed. (Stolen from Wookieepedia.)

Image: Adam's couch.

Commentary: Ol' worm head has been a staple in the figure lines since 1983, when Kenner made its very first Bib Fortuna. It was largely inaccurate, and this first modern version corrected the look of the robes, gave him a better head sculpt, and handed him a blaster that you never saw him use instead of the ornate staff you never saw him use from the 1980s version. Bib has also been given a new clamshell robe which snaps over his body, preventing any movement underneath the rubbery garment. The figure's look is great, and had Hasbro not gone back and redesigned this guy, it'd hold up fairly well. Our hero does have articulated hips and a waist, but they're not going to do you much good. His head movement is restricted by his unique head tails, but his arms can basically move freely. It's a pretty stiff figure, but it won't fall apart under moderate play. I like it, but not enough to suggest you make this your preferred version.

Collector's Notes: A 2004 Original Trilogy Collection repaint has minor changes to the clothing around the chest area. The 1997 release looks slightly better. The figure was completely redesigned and resculpted in 2006, which is the version I'd advise you to buy. The version featured here was sold through the end of 1997, but hung around in some markets.

Day 1,014: May 4, 2009