JABBA THE HUTT Galactic Heroes
Jabba's Palace Target Exclusive Gift Set
Item No.: Asst. 87389 No. 87446
Manufacturer: Hasbro
Number: n/a
Includes: Cardboard display packaging, 8 additional Galactic Heroes
Action Feature: n/a
Retail: $19.99
Availability: November 2007
Appearances: Return of the Jedi

Column Notes: After 604 consecutive days, we've decided to mix things up a bit. We did a great job showcasing over 10 years of action figures, but in the process we ignored comic books, graphic novels, animation art, statues, busts, sculptures, and other great items-- many of which you really should get a look at. As such, we're changing the column to "Figure of the Day (And Other Stuff)" so we can keep you up on great items that aren't 3 3/4-inch movie style action figures. So many of you have asked for "Vehicle of the Week" or other items to be showcased here that it only makes sense to branch out to absolutely everything we find interesting, or terrible. Naturally, it will generally be in the context of the 3 3/4-inch line, so expect to see many callbacks to the bread and butter of my collection and yours, as well as looks at all sorts of action figures in various scales.

Bio: Jabba the Hutt, was one of the most notorious Hutt crime lords in the galaxy, who governed a large criminal empire located in the Outer Rim Territories from his desert palace on Tatooine. At the height of his power, Jabba was one of the most powerful crime lords in the galaxy. (Stolen from Wookieepedia.)

Image: Sitting atop Adam Pawlus' G5.

Commentary: Easily the coolest Galactic Heroes figure yet produced by Hasbro (a title which he shall hold until we see Max Rebo), Jabba the Hutt manages to do everything for a toddler figure which Hasbro hasn't been able to do for the action figure line. His coloring is excellent, his eyes are glossy, he even has his tattoo. His sculpt is excellent (lots of folds and warts), and he is articulated at the neck and shoulders. This is one of few figures my non-collector buddies saw and said "hey, can you get me one of those?" It really is excellent, they even added a subtle brown wash to his fat folds on his back and tail. This is one of those rare items that makes purchasing an exclusive set with more crap you already have worthwhile-- barely.

Collector's Notes: This set also features C-3PO (exclusive deco), Bib Fortuna (exclusive figure), Luke Skywalker (exclusive resculpt), as well as Princess Leia, Han Solo, Lando Calrissian, Nikto, and a Gamorrean Guard. For fans that do not have any of these figures, this set is something you should consider picking up-- it's unique, fun, and most important of all, a shining example of what many of us would like to see the action figure line have. (Jabba in a gift set with new figures and a cardboard playset? Sign me up, I'd totally spring for that.) The Galactic Heroes Jabba's Palace set is about $19.99, and I put a value on its "new parts" at about $14-- each of the 3 new figures at $3 each, and Jabba is easily worth dropping $5 on. A fun note-- upon release, while available in Target stores, just Jabba was selling on eBay for north of $30. I assume this is because people are really, really stupid.

Day 605: January 1, 2008