BOSSK Bounty Hunter
Power of the Force Collection 2
Item No.: Asst. 69605 No. 69617
Manufacturer: Kenner
Number: n/a
Includes: Rifle, pistol
Action Feature: n/a
Retail: $4.99
Availability: January 1997
Appearances: The Empire Strikes Back

Bio: Bossk was a Trandoshan bounty hunter. He was particularly unfond of Chewbacca and his Human partner Han Solo. He would face them several times, and would be one of the six bounty hunters Darth Vader hired to track down and capture the Millennium Falcon. Despite the fact that Bossk loved to hunt and skin Wookiees, Bossk would unknowingly aid in the freeing of hundreds of Wookiee slave. (Stolen from Wookieepedia.)

Image: Adam Pawlus' toy room.

Commentary: While not perfect, the sculptors at Kenner pretty much nailed Bossk back in 1997. They have since made two more versions, and I'd say they really didn't have much to improve on other than the color of his straps, a little articulation, and the weapon. With six points of articulation, this is a sturdy figure that represents the original mask nicely. I guess they can make the skin look slimy or something, but they didn't. This figure is far sturdier than the 2007 Vintage figure, and it has no problems sitting as there are no wacky straps or loose bits to get in the way of anything. The markings (patches?) on his sleeves are perfect, and well, geez, I'm just gushing. Hasbro reused this mold in a Diamond exclusive Bounty Hunters set in 2006, and with good cause-- it's a great figure. If you have the 2003 or 2007 versions, you don't necessarily need this one, but this is the best toy figure of the character ever made if you ask me. Except, of course, for the fact he has a little trouble with his weapons. But aside from that...

Collector's Notes: Essentially worthless, this figure is quite common and can probably be purchased by the pound these days. It was rereleased nearly 10 years later, and well, it's just a nice figure and it was a shining example of things to come back in 1997, when figures were too buff and sized oddly. Good job, anonymous Kenner sculptor(s)! ( MORE IMAGES )

--Adam Pawlus

Day 722: April 27, 2008