NIKTO Skiff GuardThe Vintage Collection Basic Figures
Item No.: Asst. 37499 No. 37517
Manufacturer: Hasbro
Number: #VC99
Includes: Helmet, force pike, blaster
Action Feature: n/a
Retail: $9.99
Availability: May 2012
Appearances: Return of the Jedi
Bio: Celebrate the legendary Star Wars saga that changed the universe forever! This collection brings to life the incredible story of good versus evil that captured our imagination and took us to a galaxy far, far away. Iconic Star Wars heroes and villains are captured with incredible detail and premium features to commemorate each epic tale in the Star Wars saga. May the Force be with you! (Taken from the figure's packaging. No specific character information.)
Image: Adam Pawlus' photo area.
Commentary: Not merely "a" Nikto, this Nikto Skiff Guard is a very important figure to fans of the original Kenner line. (The one in the 1970s and 1980s, not the one in 1995.) Unlike the other modern Nikto figures, this one is actually the same costume as the 1984 original, which does a bang-up job of upping our red Nikto armies to about 3 different characters so far, not including any Jedi of course.
We're spoiled rotten, but I'm OK with that. This figure's costume is spectacular, with loads of sculpted detail and stitching. The "armor" pieces are decorated nicely, and the quilted pants look pretty swell. His gnarly hands and face have a little extra color in them, with claws on his hands and paint on his horns which just add so much to the design. As much as I love the original, there's really no comparison when it comes to the quality of this figure versus the original except in sitting. The original Kenner figure could sit slightly better, but this one is no slouch as the waist piece covering the hip joints is quite pliable.
I have but one legit complaint: Hasbro's continued use of removable helmets. For a few years it was cute, but not they're just not helpful. Any part of the figure that falls off during play is unwelcome, and this one falls off if you turn him funny. It's not super-loose, but it does look a little bulky on the figure and probably added some cost to the figure. (Heck, of all I know it saved some too.) The hat itself has a lot of texture on it, from a little fur to some white toothy things on the top. Nikto's face looks closer to a real breathing thing than a rubber mask, which shows just how far Hasbro has come since Kenner made this figure originally. The old one had black eyes, this one has a yellowish gold color which gives him a little more personality.
As with most vintage figures, he has 14 points of articulation. There aren't any particularly special new joints here, but there is a holster for the pistol. He also includes a staff, just like the 1984 figure. I like this figure bunches and am thrilled we got an update of the original Nikto, which unfortunately begs the question "When will we get an update of the 1999 Nikto?"
Collector's Notes: I haven't seen this wave in stores yet, but you knew that. I got a case online from our sponsors, so click the link below or visit GalacticHunter.com today to shop online and support us by supporting our sponsors. (And be sure to let 'em know we sent you!)
--Adam Pawlus
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