Figure of the Day: Day 1,027: Leektar

LEEKTAR & Nippet
The Legacy Collection Basic Figures
Item No.: Asst. 87535 No. 87676
Manufacturer: Hasbro
Number: #BD04
Includes: Nippet with basket, knife, club, hood
Action Feature: n/a
Retail: $7.99
Availability: July 2008
Appearances: Return of the Jedi

Image: Adam Pawlus' toy shelves.

Bio: Leektar is all too familiar with the threats of stormtroopers, having earlier saved an Ewok scouting expedition from attacking stormtroopers. (Taken from the figure's cardback.)

Commentary: While this is the first-ever toy to carry the Leektar name, this lesser-known Ewok hero looks pretty cool. Actually, he looks a lot like Romba, because the two share a body. Hasbro modified the 2007 Romba figure by adding a new head, a new belt, and a new headdress to create this new warrior. Given the quality of the Romba body and the lack of variety in Ewok body types, this short, fuzzy, pudgy little guy looks pretty awesome. While the knife sheath on his belt is a little more pronounced on the toy, he really does match reference photography nicely. His fur color, unique grin, and tubby build are all replicated with all the care you would expect from a glorified head-swap. But in all seriousness, it's good.

The figure is jointed at the shoulders, wrists, ankles, hips, waist, and neck. While not super articulated, there really isn't much room for more movement on these little guys without making them look worse, so this is what I'd consider to be about as good as he could get. Since he comes with Nippet, it's a set well worth owning, but the price really isn't all that great when you consider the Graak and Romba 2-pack cost $1 less, were both new sculpts, and were two larger Ewoks. Nippet is essentially a static PVC figure. Still, this is one of my favorite releases of 2008 simply because it's not every day Hasbro cranks out a character from Return of the Jedi that I haven't had in some plastic form since 1989 or earlier. Kudos, Hasbro, and keep bringing these puffballs out. My wallet is yours for the violating.

Collector's Notes: Still available, the carded figure has a "First Day of Issue" variation you can buy if you want. This set is slowly fading from stores after a huge launch and, frankly, overproduction in 2008.

--Adam Pawlus

Day 1,027: May 21, 2009