Figure of the Day: Day 1,026: A'Sharad Hett

A'SHARAD HETT & Dark Woman
30th Anniversary Collection Comic Pack Figures
Item No.: Asst. 87504 No. 87520
Manufacturer: Kenner
Number: #08
Includes: Lightsaber, gaffi stick, hilt, blade, mask
Action Feature: n/a
Retail: $9.99
Availability: July 2007
Appearances: Star Wars ongoing series by Dark Horse Comics

Bio: The Jedi High Council sends A'Sharad Hett, Ki-Ad-Mundi, and Adi Gallia to capture bounty hunter Aurra Sing, who has killed two Jedi on Coruscant and is the murderer of Hett's father. The Dark Woman, Sing's former teacher. also asks to join the hunt but is denied. Events - and the Force - lead them all to a remote jungle world, where Hett confronts Sing in a lightsaber duel, and the Dark Woman seeks atonement for her failure to help Sing. (Taken from the figure's cardback.)

Image: Adam's TV tray.

Commentary: Since the early 2000s, a couple of my "oh man I hope they make that guy" figures have been A'Sharad Hett and his pop, who we reviewed earlier this year. This Tusken Raider Jedi holds a dear place in fans' hearts due to his appearing in numerous stories in a variety of roles, from being an object of Anakin's rage to eventually becoming a Sith Lord. And possibly dying, who knows, I'm not sure. Anyway, the cool thing about this guy is that he's totally awesome and can lead around your clans of Tuskens against the puny farmer rednecks of Tatooine. How cool is that?

The figure was, at the time, a completely original sculpt. (Well, one of his lightsabers was recycled, but aside from that, all new.) His articulation was exceptional for comic packs of his day, but it wasn't the super-articulated craziness you might want. Hasbro gave this young Jedi ball-jointed knees, and swivels at the neck, waist, wrists, elbows, and hips. His mask is removable, and was painted quite nicely-- Sharad Hett's, on the other hand, kinda sucked. He even had a scarf of sorts, which is pretty slick in making the figure look just a little bit better than it might have otherwise. This is a fine example of Hasbro doing good work on a character that wasn't widely known by non-comic fans, so it's great to see the inclusion of his tats and unique lightsaber hilt. The sculptors did their homework, and this is the greatest version of the character in plastic so far. It is also the only version of the character in plastic.

Collector's Notes: The figure shipped in 2007, but didn't stick around too long. You won't find him at retail today unless you luck into a crappy Wal-Mart or, possibly, Kmart. A'sharad's alter ego Darth Krayt will see production as a toy later this year, and there are no known plans for the Jedi's other outfits which were far more recognizable than this one. Personally, I'm glad they went with this one so I can put him with my banthas and Tuskens.

Day 1,026: May 20, 2009