December 25, 2021

Star Wars Black Series 6" Gamorrean Guard

Gamorreans (derogatorily known as pig-lizards) were porcine, brutish humanoids from Gamorr, a lush jungle-world in the Outer Rim. Gamorr's technological level was equivalent to the low-tech periods which Human civilizations had experienced circa 25,000 BBY. The Gamorreans colonized the planet Pzob in the K749 system, and were the majority sentient species on Lanthrym in the Elrood sector. Their vessels provided only essential amenities, in addition to shields and weaponry. Gamorreans were typically green-skinned, with a large and powerful physique; they had a well-deserved reputation as fierce warriors, prized much more for their strength and personal combat prowess than for their wits. They were organized into clans headed by a Council of Matrons. In Gamorrean society, sows (females) performed all the productive work...while the boars (males) concentrated on martial training and waging war. They spoke Gamorrese (also called Gamorrean). One of their favorite weapons was a traditional war axe called an arg'garok, which was designed specifically for beings with extraordinary strength as well as a low center of gravity. (They could, however, point and shoot if someone shoved a blaster into their hands.)

The Gamorrean Guards appeared beginning of ROTJ when Luke "visited" Jabba's Palace with the intent of saving fellow rebel commander Han Solo, trapped in Carbonate.
My very first impression of these piggy guards does not instill a sense of fear or authority. Instead they appear dumb and really a waste of wages hired as guards. This impression soon fixated when they are easily waved off by Luke and then as an eventual sacrificial bait for the Rancor. But it has left a deep impression on me for I am always intrigue and interested in foot soldiers with matching "uniforms".

A quick run through on the overall :

Design - 5/5
It has the bulk, the soft good, the correct posture, and it is basically a actual Gamorrean Guard shrink 12 times to this impressive 6" figure.

Articulation - 4.5/5
I think seeing the bulk of the figure, some of the standard articulations will be compromised. But that wasn't the case. Rocking ankle joints, raising the arms sideways and all the standard humanoid articulations are all present. There is a bonus jaw articulation where it can be posed with an open piggy mouth - as shown in some of the pictures. This gave an added dimension of poseability to the figure.
It is short of achieving a full score for the head, while able to look up, but has very limited left/right swivel. Could be due to the design of the character where the neck is basically not present.

Sculpting - 5/5
Skin texture, body vest fabric like folding are all sculpted in very good details. Fingers and toes in very good details. No flaws I can find in this department.

Painting - 3.5/5
Painting in my opinion will make or break a figure. The Gamorrean Guard seems to have a low score here. It is by no means a bad paint job but there are high expectations when the earlier categories achieved such high scores. There are 3 areas which I feel (or rather, hope) should have been implemented.
1. Darker brown should be used on the snout and mouth linings. Existing yellowish brown makes it looks kinda like putting on lipstick.
2. A paint wash on the skin would be nice. Just felt wasted all the nicely sculpted texture is not make use of to pop the figure.
3. Metallic areas could give some rusty wash. I assume these are cast irons which rust easily. This metallic rust is present on the weapons blade edges though.
I may be too harsh on this as it is a mass produce toy afterall. But it is a Target exclusive no less so it better has a bit more umph over the lesser mass releases. Proper logic? or just an excuse to justify my ratings? Ha!

Accessories - 5/5
The guard came with all the cold weapons he ever need. An axe, a massive cleaver, and a vibro spear.
Very clever of Hasbro as to the most anal of collectors, 3 guards are on the cards in order for them to each has a unique weapon on hand. There isn't much else this character needs.
Head gear (or "helmet") is non removable. Strange since its 3.75" little brother has a removable one. It just makes sense the a bigger scale version should have this function and more. But I wasn't bother about it at all. He isn't going to change into a Saturday night party outfit anyway.
Not sure if the wooly tongs can be remove but there is no intention for me to do so anyway.
No complains whatsoever here.

Got this at Carousell way after it has been release for awhile. It cost higher than the usual Black Series 6" figure and came in a wider box, which in my opinion, is unnecessary. I got this slightly lower than "retail" (which is what the toy shop charges on PO). The secondary market price of this figure never quite surpass the retail price so if anyone is on the fence on this figure, I say go get it while it is still available.
Sideshow toys released a couple versions in 1/6 previously and I did not get them then. Hope another will be offer soon and I really hope to have a good quality 1/6 representation of this figure in my collection. While waiting for it, I can take comfort in this 6" representation.

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