LUKE SKYWALKER with Rancor
Power of the Force Deluxe Beast Assortment
Item No.: Asst. 69655 No. ???
Manufacturer: Kenner
Number: n/a
Includes: Bone, Rancor
Action Feature: n/a
Retail: $29.99
Availability: July 1998
Appearances: Return of the Jedi

Bio: Within Jabba the Hutt's desert palace on Tatooine, there is a special pit that houses a rancor. Over five meters in height, this reptilian-like creature has long, exaggerated arms, dangerous fangs and huge claws -- truly a fearsome sight. The crime lord uses the rancor as a means of eliminating enemies and failed employees. Its pit is located beneath Jabba's court, providing an excellent view for the crime lord and his associates as victims struggle helplessly to defend themselves. That all changes when Luke Skywalker is dropped into the loathsome pit. Armed with only a large bone leftover from one of the rancor's previous victims, the Jedi Knight conquers the horrible beast. (Taken from the toy's box.)

Image: Adam Pawlus' toy room.

Commentary: While modern-era Jedi Knight versions of Luke Skywalker have been pretty hit-and-miss, it seems Hasbro tried to make good in 1998 by dumping several new versions in rapid succession. None of them provided a definitive figure, nor did any of them stand out as being particularly great. With six points of articulation, it's as good as any average figure from his era. As a "victim" for the Rancor, he's good-- he can try to cram the remains of a previous meal in the Rancor's mouth, and little else. His hair looks a little weird-- note the oddly combed style-- and this was really a popular look for Luke in 1998. He's covered in a little bit of dirt, which looks more sloppy than dirty. The worst thing about this Luke seems to be the neck, which is exceedingly long and makes the figure look awkward. As a proud addition to your collection, this isn't a fantastic item. As diorama fodder or a toy, it's pretty good-- he's a solid figure, but he's not fantastic.

Collector's Notes: This sculpt has never been reused or reissued. In 2007, Hasbro revisited this particular scene's Luke with a new figure with film-inaccurate soft goods (he has more of a scarf than the vest presented here) as well as a bone. The newer figure has greater articulation, but the likeness isn't really any better or worse than the 1998 release. As such, if you decide to buy the 1998 Rancor anyway, this is a nice figure to have to go with it.

Day 769: June 13, 2008