Star Wars Figure of the Day: Day 1,507: Nikto Guard

NIKTO GUARD Puko Naga
The Clone Wars Toys "R" Us Exclusive
Item No.: No. 21090
Manufacturer: Hasbro
Number: n/a
Includes: Blaster, rifle, stand, holster bag, card, die, hat
Action Feature: n/a
Retail: Gift with purchase or $9.99
Availability: Fall 2010
Appearances: The Clone Wars

Bio: Puko Naga is a Nikto guard in Jabba the Hutt's palace. With his fellow guards, he protects the crime lord from his many victims and disgruntled associates. Thousands of years ago, the Nikto swore their allegiance to the Hutts, and they still carry out this pledge by working as guards, warriors and henchmen for the Hutts. (Taken from the figure's cardback.)

Image: Adam's shelf.

Commentary: By now you probably know that this Nikto Guard was originally going to be part of a Battle Pack with Jabba the Hutt, but was removed due to costing reasons. That's why you have a figure in 2010 being sold for premium pricing and no knee or ankle joints. The detail is good, but the figure wasn't designed to do things like sit. WIth the legs as they are, you're probably just going to have this guy stand around and guard things. He has no problems holding on to his weapons, plus the removable hood allows you to get two of him and have him effectively be two very different looking action figures. I think he looks better without the hood, but that's me. While smooth, he does fit in to the animated line nicely and should be perfectly comfortable hanging out with your 2009 Jabba the Hutt Battle Pack, assuming you bought one of course. Jabba doesn't get a lot of thugs in the animated style, so I'd suggest picking up this one unless you want to reuse your Weequay pirates or Cad Bane... heck, that's not a bad idea.

Collector's Notes: It used to be that "gift with purchase" figures would get snapped up so fast you wouldn't even know they were there, but this one may actually still be available at your local Toys "R" Us. While the "free" part of the offer is long over, you can buy it and for the asking price I'd say it's decent enough to pick up. Odds are you won't see it reissued again because, clearly, the market hasn't dictated a need.

--Adam Pawlus

Day 1,507: March 24, 2011

Star Wars Figure of the Day: Day 1,506: Battle Droid

BATTLE DROIDS Red Variant, Shot
30th Anniversary Collection Saga Legends
Item No.: Asst. 85770 No. 87340
Manufacturer: Hasbro
Number: n/a
Includes: Blaster, second figure, coin
Action Feature: Remove limbs and reassemble!
Retail: $6.99
Availability: Fall 2007
Appearances: Attack of the Clones

Bio: The Separatists utilize battle droids as their primary infantry forces. When assaulting strategically important worlds, these droid forces can be painted with special markings to help them blend into their environment. Though not individually a threat, attacking en masse these droids can become a formidable fighting force. (Taken from the figure's cardback.)

Image: Adam's kitchen.

Commentary: There's no shortage of these damned things. The Battle Droid mold with removable limbs was nicely exploited by Hasbro from 2006 to 2009, sold in pairs and giving fans a chance to build armies pretty cheaply. While not as astoundingly great as the mega-articulated 2-packs of today, these were pretty good for the time with decent deco and just enough movement to help flesh out your crowd scenes. They can stand, they can sit, they're pretty durable, and you can pull their arms out of their sockets when you've had a bad day. Unfortunately they can't bend at the elbows or knees, but, hey, that was OK when you got 2 figures for the price of 1 in 2007. While you may disagree, I think all these Battle Droid 2-packs are worthwhile just so you have a decent army of figures in your collection, but given how many days we've looked at figures together, maybe you don't need 32 varieties of Battle Droid in your own personal collection.

Collector's Notes: Most of these sets (with all the variations) flew under fans' radars, so none tend to be more popular despite being more or less common. The set can be had for about five bucks, which is easily worth it when you break down the guns, coins, and figures.

--Adam Pawlus

Day 1,506: March 23, 2011

Star Wars Figure of the Day: Day 1,505: Jodo Kast

JODO KAST Bounty Hunter
The Legacy/Vintage Collection Kmart Exclusive
Item No.: No. 98396
Manufacturer: Hasbro
Number: n/a
Includes: Pistol, helmet, rifle, stand, rocket pack, game card
Action Feature: Removable helmet, working holster
Retail: $8.99
Availability: Fall 2010
Appearances: various Expanded Universe

Bio: In the comic "Boba Fett: Twin Engines of Destruction," Jodo Kast is a bounty hunter who wears Mandalorian armor. He pretends to be Boba Fett to take advantage of Fett's reputation as te galaxy's most notorious bounty hunter. However, the real Boba Fett is not flattered by Kast's impersonation and makes plans to stop him. (Taken from the figure's cardback.)

Image: Adam's kitchen.

Commentary: Since his debut in the late 1980s as a role-playing character, Jodo Kast hasn't got a lot of love in the toy world. The first one came out as a repaint in Fall of 2008, and it suffered the indignity of being based on a Boba Fett mold with an iffy action feature and a visible hole in the shoulder. Flash ahead to 2010 and Kmart gets a version that's clearly better but not necessarily perfect. Based on the awesome Boba Fett "evolutions" body, the figure gets a new head, a new paint job, and drops the cloth cape. The coloring is largely more realistic than the 2008 release, but a few elements seem to be a little more drab-- the red symbol on the chest is now black, and the dirt is missing. It actually looks more than a little like Llats Ward from a few years ago, but this new version is clearly Jodo. Why? Because the helmet comes off.

Jodo Kast didn't get a lot of face time, but the helmet did get popped off after Boba Fett beat the snot out of him and left him to die. This is a pretty good representation of the artwork in the book, minus the blood and freaked-out facial expression. If anything I would say it looks a smidgen like a blonde Guy Gardener, but with a slightly better hairstylist. What I like most about this figure-- aside from the fact that it really, honestly does look more like Jodo than the previous release-- is the way the body suit has multiple shades of grey. A little dry brushing goes a long way, and Hasbro managed to replicate the technique on a wide scale, giving Faux-ba Fett a slightly more expensive appearance. As I'm a sucker for armored figures, exclusives, bounty hunters, and 1980s Expanded Universe (Jodo debuted in a West End Games "Tatooine Manhunt" supplement) this is a automatic buy for me. I assume you'll want one, too.

Collector's Notes: When I first found Jodo, I was making a comment about how Kmart seems to be really bad about putting some toys on the right aisles-- and then I looked down at a pile of Littlest Pet Shop toys and found Jodo. The figure was slightly harder to get by virtue of being exclusive to the diminishing Kmart chain, but if you got out a little bit in the Fall of 2010 you could probably find a few of them. Unless you weren't near a Kmart, in which case, you're out of luck. Thankfully, his eBay price is only around $10, which isn't much more than he cost at retail in the first place.

--Adam Pawlus

Day 1,505: March 22, 2011

Star Wars Figure of the Day: Day 1,504: ARC Trooper (Blue)

ARC TROOPER ARC Troopers
The Clone Wars Battle Packs
Item No.: Asst. 94743 No. 19682
Manufacturer: Hasbro
Number: n/a
Includes: Pistols, stand, rangefinder, pauldron, display stand, backpack, game card
Action Feature: n/a
Retail: $24.99
Availability: September 2010
Appearances: The Clone Wars

Bio: This Advanced Recon Commando served in the Grand Army of the Republic during the Clone Wars. He participated in a battle fought on the planet Kamino. (Stolen from Wookieepedia.)

Image: Adam's kitchen.

Commentary: This ARC Trooper doesn't have a name but is inspired by the armor which appeared in the two episodes which made up the season 3 premiere of The Clone Wars, largely because of the ROTS-styled helmet with the addition of ARC Trooper knickknacks on it. It seems like the design incorporates elements from many trooper variants, including the Revenge of the Sith 501st armor for color, the Sandtrooper for the pauldron, and a few other odds and ends for the squares on the chest (Corsucant Landing Platform troopers). As a design it's great, but as a character there's not much to him. The legs are recycled from the 2008 Clones, but everything else seems to have been altered just slightly for this set. The double-pauldron is particularly unique, and I really dig the helmet styling.

I'm not 100% sure if this character appeared on the show or not-- an ARC Trooper with very similar coloring appeared, but without a clearer shots I'm not certain. So for the time being, well, enjoy it for what it is-- a cool-looking figure with pretty good articulation. Other than the wrists, which only swivel it's just as good as any other Clone figure from the first few years of the line.

Collector's Notes: This set continues to perform well and it still ships from time to time. Don't hesitate to buy it if you see it, even though it has yet another version of Rex the other three figures are absolutely worth your while.

--Adam Pawlus

Day 1,504: March 21, 2011

Star Wars Figure of the Day: Day 1,503: Quinlan Vos

QUINLAN VOS includes Speederboard
The Clone Wars Basic Figures
Item No.: Asst. 94736 No. 25277
Manufacturer: Hasbro
Number: n/a
Includes: Display base, card, die, lightsaber, speederboard
Action Feature: n/a
Retail: $6.99
Availability: November 2010
Appearances: The Clone Wars TV show

Bio: Quinlan Vos hunts for an escaped priosner. The rebellious Jedi teams up with Obi-Wan Kenobi to search for Ziro the Hutt, who has escaped from prison with the help of Cad Bane. Vos and Kenobi must get over their differences and work together if they hope to capture Ziro and Bane — and avoid an untimely end. (Taken from the figure's cardback.)

Image: Adam's desk.

Commentary: Not only does Quinlan Vos come from one of my favorite episodes of The Clone Wars, but he's also an excellent figure. The third toy of the character includes all the articulation you'd expect from a good Jedi figure, plus lateral joints on the hips-- so he can kick or ride his speederboard, for example. With cloth at the sides of his outfit, the movements aren't restricted either, proving that Hasbro can indeed put out an excellent toy figure that plays well in the real world. The figure looks a lot like his previous toys, combining elements of the traditional Jedi robes with some light armor from his homeworld. The yellow stripe and stubble make appearances on his face, which is framed by a mass of black hair. The detail is appropriately cartoony, and as the first (and so far, only) individually packaged version of Quinlan, fans of the Expanded Universe will probably want to pick this one up.

What makes the figure odd is his hoverboard. As of right now, this hasn't been showcased on the show, and while it does have a place to plug in a lightsaber it doesn't really fit with what we know about this character. If anything, the speederboard seems more like an original Hasbro concept for an Anakin Skywalker accessory but, again, I haven't seen it appear in the show so for all I know I'm way off base here. It's nice that we got a new accessory that doubles as a display stand, but unless there was a deleted scene or something, I can't be sure why it's here. It doesn't hurt the overall figure, which is excellent, so don't let anyone stop you from buying this one. It's one of Hasbro's better Jedi Knight figures, and were it not for the recently released Vintage Kit Fisto I'd probably say he was one of the best of the past year. (That new Kit Fisto is awesome.)

Collector's Notes: While still a little tough to get, Quinlan isn't impossible to find. I figure he will be hot eventually, so be sure to get him while you can. Without more appearances on the show, it's unlikely Hasbro will reissue him.

--Adam Pawlus

Day 1,503: March 18, 2011

Star Wars Figure of the Day: Day 1,502: Kul Teska

KUL TESKA Separatist
The Clone Wars Toys "R" Us Exclusive
Item No.: No. 98392
Manufacturer: Hasbro
Number: n/a
Includes: Display base, card, die
Action Feature: Rotating gun hand
Retail: $14.99
Availability: July 2010
Appearances: The Clone Wars: Republic Heroes video game

Bio: Kul Teska is a villainous Skakoan scientist working for the Separatists during the Clone Wars. Because his home planet of Skako has an extremely dense atmosphere, he wears a protective suit to survive in low-pressure environments on other worlds. His specially designed armored suit has integrated rocket launchers and concealed shoulder blasters. (Taken from the figure's packaging.)

Image: Adam's desk.

Commentary: Standing close to 6-inches tall, Kul Teska is a really bizarre figure in the grand scheme of Hasbro's Star Wars toy line. He was a character that online fans didn't really ask for (or recognize), he stands about 2-inches taller than Darth Vader, and he comes in very non-standard packaging. If you collect the animated line (and you should) this is one of very few figures that didn't appear on the TV show, but rather, was born from a video game that may or may not have performed well. (I picked up a copy for under $5, brand new, shortly after this figure came out.) Due to his unusual appearance and size I'd suggest tracking him down. Fact is, non-standard large Star Wars characters that aren't essentially monsters are very uncommon and generally speaking if it doesn't fit in a basic cardback, Hasbro generally won't make it. (There are exceptions for the occasional gift set, of course.) This guy is big, nasty, and looks like an extremely dangerous version of Wat Tambor. With articulated knees and numerous other body parts, it has a good range of movement that should help make you feel like you got your money's worth. For the price and size, this figure is comparable to Hasbro's larger Marvel Legends and Spider-Man toys. While not quite as articulated, it's still quite good and the detail is certainly present. The flip-open shoulder launchers and big gun hand are nice touches, and I'm pretty glad this toy got made-- even if I haven't played the game he came from as of yet.

If you haven't played the game, I'm currently in the midst of it (I waited until it got cheap) and he's a boss character. As of the end of the first meeting, he really isn't much more than a cookie-cutter bad guy but maybe he gets more interesting as the game goes.

Collector's Notes: This figure was sold individually in a window box at Toys "R" Us stores starting in July 2010. At press time, it's still possible to find him there. It's quite rare for Hasbro to make a figure from a new video game in a toy line aimed at the kids, so it's something of a miracle that this one got out to stores.

--Adam Pawlus

Day 1,502: March 17, 2011

Star Wars Figure of the Day: Day 1,501: Aqua Droid

AQUA DROID includes Retracting Head!
The Clone Wars Basic Figure
Item No.: Asst. 94736 No. 28525
Manufacturer: Hasbro
Number: #CW46
Includes: Removable blaster attachment
Action Feature: Retractable head
Retail: $6.99
Availability: February 2011
Appearances: The Clone Wars

Bio: Aqua droids battle Obi-Wan Kenobi on Kamino. These underwater droids are part of a Separatist plan to destroy the facilities that supply the Republic with clone troopers. Their legs adjust for land or sea mode, becoming feet for ground missions or rotating into propulsion fins in the water. They have retracting heads to become streamlined for swimming underwater. (Taken form the figure's packaging.)

Image: Adam's kitchen. With some retouching.

Commentary: Generally when I crack open a figure, my opinion of it is pretty much firm within about ten minutes. With the Aqua Droid, I was initially hugely impressed by the details and features, but a day or two later I realized that the figure suffered from some structural problems which prevents me from calling it great. Why? Weak plastic.

The engineers behind this one went crazy, packing in gobs of articulation. Ball-jointed shoulders, a retractable head, feet that turn into rotors for swimming, and lots of other little details prove that this figure had a lot of great work put into it, much like the 2010 animated General Grievous, but it's plagued with a weak plastic, also like General Grievous. While Grievous was so rubbery that keeping him in good shape could prove quite the challenge, the Aqua Droid's main problems come from that he will collapse under his own weight in a matter of hours, or days-- depending on the climate. He can't stand, even with a display stand, as he'll start to sag courtesy of the plastic or his own joints turning against him. This has happened with numerous Separatist Droid figures since 2000, although it seems the early Episode I Battle Droids were spared this indignity.

In short: he faceplants, often, and this causes his removable gun weapon to misshapen. It's a shame because aside from this, I really like this figure-- the retractable head is fun, the colorful design is a nice change from tan or white warriors, and it just looks like a big, mean, evil water Cylon. If you're a carded figure collector, you should get this one with no reservations, but I think that the toy box or the toy shelf will not be kind to this one in the long run. I plan on buying a little doll stand for this one, so it alters where gravity tugs him down and should prevent long-term warping if I want him in a display environment. (Plus he might look more like he's swimming.)

Collector's Notes: This figure was one of several revealed at and held for Toy Fair, shipping from Hasbro days later. However, it seems he primarily shows up online right now, so you may not yet find him in stores. Our sample came from our sponsor, so as always please feel free to click below to buy it or other items to continue supporting this feature. (We appreciate it.)

--Adam Pawlus

Day 1,501: March 16, 2011

Star Wars Figure of the Day: Day 1,500: Pre Vizsla

PRE VIZSLA Mandalorian Warlord
The Clone Wars Basic Figures with Galactic Battle Game
Item No.: Asst. 94736 No. 97560
Manufacturer: Hasbro
Number: #CW08
Includes: Cape, blasters, darksaber, jetpack, card, Galactic Battle Game die
Action Feature: Interchangeable Battle-Damage Parts
Retail: $6.99-$8.49
Availability: June 2010
Appearances: The Clone Wars

Bio: Pre Vizsla is governor of Concordia, the moon orbiting Mandalore. Vizsla appears to support peace and criticizes the Death Watch, a violent group of Mandalorians who want to return to their warrior past. But when Obi-Wan discovers the Vizsla is actually the leader of the Death Watch, the governor tries to silence the Jedi in a duel — darksaber to lightsaber. (Taken from the figure's packaging.)

Image: On a TV tray.

Commentary: Hasbro (and the animators of The Clone Wars) know how to get a lot of use out of a single model. The body of Pre Vizsla has been used to make multiple products, specifically Mandalorian Troopers packaged in three other products and counting! They've got good reason to reuse it, as they're all basically the same body and the sculpt is quite excellent. While some figures lost ankle joints in 2010, Hasbro added hip and wrist articulation so these figures could straddle a bike or better hold a gun with both hands. His holsters can store his blasters, and there's a head under the helmet too. Hasbro did a bang-up job on this one, plus it has a distinctive (and darker than necessary) paint job than the character on the cartoon. The detail is pretty good, and the figure is a little thinner than some other animated toys. It's nice. You should get it.

The accessories are pretty good too, and I was surprised to see how the black lightsaber turned out. Well, that's not true. On the show it's a super-black blade with a white aura around it, and the toy is basically a dark chunk of sunglasses lens with a handle. Nice touch. If you're looking for a decent figure with a lot of nice gear that plays well, this is it. Seriously, you should get one. Now.

Collector's Notes: This figure seemed to ship a lot but remained fairly tough to get-- that's the power of a popular figure in a line with kid appeal. It commands a slight premium over retail on eBay, so if you see it for seven or eight bucks just buy it.

--Adam Pawlus

Day 1,500: March 15, 2011

Star Wars Figure of the Day: Day 1,499: Commander Bacara

COMMANDER BACARA The Carded One
The Legacy Collection Basic Figures
Item No.: Asst. 87535 No. 92528
Manufacturer: Hasbro
Number: #BD47
Includes: Blaster, droid part
Action Feature: n/a
Retail: $7.99
Availability: November 2009
Appearances: Revenge of the Sith

Bio: Commander Bacara is a clone commander under Ki-Adi-Mundi. He works alongside the Jedi General during the Clone Wars. The clone commander's loyalty to the Republic compels him to turn on his onetime comrade when Order 66 is enacted. (Taken from the figure's cardback.)

Image: On my desk.

Commentary: In 2005 Hasbro created a version of this figure with limited articulation and a quick-draw arm gimmick. Fans wanted a super-articulated version of the figure, and they got one... in an extremely rare Battle Pack in 2008. In 2009, Hasbro released a carded version of Commander Bacara with all-clean deco and his blaster on an individual card which, not surprisingly, sold really quickly.

The figure is actually just a parts-swap, the body is the 2003 Super Articulated Clone Trooper with the 2005 Bacara's shoulder armor, kama, and head. Simple-- heck, you could've made one of these yourself using clearance figures and five minutes of your time. The figure looks really good, despite being older parts it seems most fans didn't notice or didn't care-- they were just happy Hasbro released a version of Bacara with knees AND ankles for once. The clean carded version is probably the easiest one to get, but the battle damaged one from the Mygeeto Battle Pack is also pretty awesome. As Bacaras go this is the best figure to date, and odds are Hasbro has little reason to make a new one. It doesn't mean that they won't, but as of right now this is the best version you can buy.

Collector's Notes: A fast seller, and dang popular for a repack. Even more surprising, it's still pretty cheap-- under $10 on eBay, even less out of the packaging. You should get one.

--Adam Pawlus

Day 1,499: March 14, 2011