CAPTAIN PANAKA with Blaster Rifle and Pistol
Episode I Collection 2
Item No.: Asst. 84095 No. 84108
Manufacturer: Hasbro
Number: n/a
Includes: Pistol, blaster, CommTech Chip
Action Feature: n/a
Retail: $6.99
Availability: Summer 1999
Appearances: The Phantom Menace

Bio: As the commander of Queen Amidala's Security Forces, Captain Panaka must deploy his volunteers in order to fight the Trade Federation and preserve their beautiful planet. (Taken from the figure's cardback.)

Image: Adam's floor.

Commentary: Some figures come because of demands, others, because it makes good sense. Captain Panaka made good sense, as he had a lot of screen time and odds are Hasbro had plenty of reference. The figure itself isn't at all bad-- it's just a matter of if you like the character or not. Panaka has about eight points of articulation, meaning that yes, he can hold a gun with two hands. The outfit matches the movie nicely, and the figure's look is certainly very good. It doesn't look like a figure from 1999 except for a couple of key points, like his coat being made of a thick, split plastic piece and the aforementioned lack of articulation. The figure has a hard time sitting, but at least his pose and articulation kinda sorta makes up for it. Since Hasbro probably has no good reason to do another Panaka-- the guy didn't get much attention in the Expanded Universe, after all-- this may be the only figure you can buy of him. The detail is a little sparse, but it certainly is Panaka and there's no mistaking him for anyone else. If you're looking to get a ton of unique characters, this is one you can't miss-- he's certainly good enough to add to your stash.

Collector's Notes: Like a lot of secondary figures from the prequels, Captain Panaka tended to hang around in stores for a while. Maybe he needed more action or dialogue, but the Naboo hero just didn't excite fans the way it seemed people were hoping. The good news is that this makes him pretty cheap to pick up today. The good news for fans who missed it is that now it can be had for less than original retail, which, considering inflation and all, isn't half bad. ( MORE IMAGES )

--Adam Pawlus

Day 678: March 14, 2008