Sideshow Toys 1/6 Scale Star Wars Momaw Nadon (aka Hammerhead)

 

From Wookieepedia :

Momaw Nadon, also known as "Hammerhead," was a male Ithorian who was exiled from his homeworld of Ithor as punishment for revealing the agricultural secrets of his species to the Galactic Empire in order to save the planet. He spent his exile on Tatooine and sympathized with the Alliance to Restore the Republic during the Galactic Civil War.
Momaw Nadon first appeared in the 1977 film Star Wars: Episode IV A New Hope but went unnamed until identified as "Hammerhead" for his Kenner Products action figure. He received his name and backstory in Galaxy Guide 1: A New Hope, a 1989 Star Wars Legends sourcebook written by Michael Stern and Grant S. Boucher for Star Wars: The Roleplaying Game. His name and portions of his backstory were confirmed to be canon by the reference book Ultimate Star Wars, which was released in 2015.

There is a little piece of story behind having this figure in my collection.
I have hundreds of 1/6 scale action figures over 20 years of collecting. The Sideshow Momaw Nadon is arguably the only figure that I regretted greatly not getting (at retail prices) when the opportunity presents.

That was at least 7 or 8 years ago. Didn't earn much back then. Went back a few other times and it was there right at the same location on the shelf. That adds to the procrastination of putting it off for later until it is gone. Figure like this will probably not get made again by Sideshow or for any other 1/6 company to embark on. The only other place would be eBay and paying stupid prices. I resigned to regret on the missed opportunity and moved on.

Last year (Jul 2020) while browsing at the same stall (different outlet) lo and behold the Hammerhead reappear! This time there is absolutely 0 hesitation. Got the exclusive version and just paying slightly more than the set 8 yrs ago. It is really a redemption. Very happy happy.

Lets run down the categories quickly. How does this old figure rate?

Design - 4/5
With an elongated head having a seemingly mass at the front, designer need to think carefully on how to have it light so as to allow a firm stance and not toppling over. Props to them that the head is made using soft vinyl and seemingly with rotocast method. That made the head hollow inside. Very light and absolutely no liability to it standing and making poses all on its own.
Special mentioned on the long alien-like designed fingers (4 digits) which are very nicely sculpted and still holds the accessories well.
However, fabric pouches would be better over the molded one. The figure was released in 2011-12 and cloth pouches should already be the norm. But not a big deal.

Sculpting - 4/5
From what I can see, everything is sculpted excellently. Rotocasted head loses some of the sharp details though but it is enough to reflect the character nicely. But the eye socket seems not sculpted and is just a flat surface. It need to rely on the paint on pupils to kinda "mimic" the eyes.
Everything else ie forearms, hands, lower legs are all very very good. No complaints there.

Painting - 4/5
An excellent sculpt need to couple with equally excellent paint job to bring out or to enhance the details. Here it is done to a T.
Unfortunately, the lack of a sculpted eye socket and a lacklustle paint job of the eyes forbids a full score.

Articulation - 3/5
Again an early Sideshow Prometheus body with its signature issue of lose joints and the missing thigh swivel articulation. Ankle articulation point on my figure are lose causing it to lean forward when the point CG is off to the front.
Head articulation is very good. The Hammerhead can be position is a very versatile manner to achieve some character. This is a saving grace for this category.

Accessories - 3/5
I got the exclusive version so it came with an additional Ithorian's Staff on top of the standard Stormtrooper E11 blaster. These are not used in the movie but it is a welcome addition to the figure. Allow to make poses with it.
But I think the additional pair of right hands, yes, both extra hands are right side, really lacking. That means the set have 4 hands, Right x3 & Left x1.
Further to this, a Cantina drink cup, mug, should also be included since this is all he does in the movie - drinking.
Nevertheless, this category is of the least importance for me so it doesn't really bother.

The Momaw Nadon is a unique figure that I firmly believe will never be made again cos there is simply not enough market for this guy to persuade any manufacturer to commit. I'm truly happy to be able to still buy one at a proper pricing.
In The Bad Batch Season 1 EP05, the hammerhead, albeit not this specific one, made a cameo. Glad that it is not forgotten now that the francise is Disney's.