Klaatu was a Kadas'sa'Nikto male from the planet Kintan who served as a bodyguard for the Hutt crime lord Jabba Desilijic Tiure in the criminal's palace on the desert planet Tatooine. He was also hired to keep the Hutt crime lord's skiffs in perfect condition.
At the palace, Klaatu spent his time repairing skiffs and amassing larger and larger gambling debts. During the childhood of Luke Skywalker, who was raised as a moisture farmer on Tatooine from 19 BBY, Klaatu became infamous across the planet for his dark deeds. In 4 ABY, the guard was present early one morning when the droids R2-D2 and C-3PO arrived at the palace, carrying a message for Jabba from Skywalker, who was now a Jedi Knight. In the message, Skywalker asked to bargain with the Hutt for the freedom of the smuggler Han Solo and then gifted the droids to Jabba as a sign of good will. After viewing it, Jabba declared that he had no interest in losing Solo, who was frozen in carbonite and kept displayed on the wall of the Hutt's throne room.
He was killed aboard Jabba's sail barge Khetanna on Tatooine during the failed execution of Luke Skywalker and his companions.
At the palace, Klaatu spent his time repairing skiffs and amassing larger and larger gambling debts. During the childhood of Luke Skywalker, who was raised as a moisture farmer on Tatooine from 19 BBY, Klaatu became infamous across the planet for his dark deeds. In 4 ABY, the guard was present early one morning when the droids R2-D2 and C-3PO arrived at the palace, carrying a message for Jabba from Skywalker, who was now a Jedi Knight. In the message, Skywalker asked to bargain with the Hutt for the freedom of the smuggler Han Solo and then gifted the droids to Jabba as a sign of good will. After viewing it, Jabba declared that he had no interest in losing Solo, who was frozen in carbonite and kept displayed on the wall of the Hutt's throne room.
He was killed aboard Jabba's sail barge Khetanna on Tatooine during the failed execution of Luke Skywalker and his companions.
I have been waiting, yearning, and waiting and yearning for a 1/6 Jabba's Skiff Guard for as long as I can remember. Sideshow finally announces their second wave of Scums & Villainy series set of figures that includes Pagetti Rook (aka Weequay), Klaatu, Nicto, Barada, Wooof, Bib Fortuna (ver 2) and Tessek (aka Squidhead).
Similar to the first wave, Sideshow has no option to ship these to Singapore. Overjoy that my wish has finally come true but in agony as I can only buy them at an even more inflated price which Sideshow is already asking. It could become so expensive and overprice that it isn't worth it anymore.
A local collectible shop attempted to open PO for Wooof that give me hope of at least owning one of Jabba's lackey. But alas the shop later informed the number of PO does not meet MOQ level and have to cancel the PO. Back to the drawing board.
At eBay, a cheapest Pagetti Rook is going for SGD 480 shipped which is about SGD 100 more compare to buying direct from Sideshow. There is still not one Sideshow Klaatu in eBay yet at this point of writing. Absolutely too much to pay for a Weequay at $480 but I might just... flipping between yay or nay. Perhaps just a Weequay but I prefer a Klaatu type better if I will just to get 1 Skiff Guard.
Another attempt at Google search brought me to a online stall from Hong Kong which has both Pagetti Rook and Klaatu for sale with palatable prices. However review of the stall isn't that great. Decided to take the plunge and place a SGD 410 bet for a Klaatu.
The box came within a week of order and in pristine condition with original Sideshow brown shipper box. Bet paid off and I am a happy man. And with that, this post is possible.
A local collectible shop attempted to open PO for Wooof that give me hope of at least owning one of Jabba's lackey. But alas the shop later informed the number of PO does not meet MOQ level and have to cancel the PO. Back to the drawing board.
At eBay, a cheapest Pagetti Rook is going for SGD 480 shipped which is about SGD 100 more compare to buying direct from Sideshow. There is still not one Sideshow Klaatu in eBay yet at this point of writing. Absolutely too much to pay for a Weequay at $480 but I might just... flipping between yay or nay. Perhaps just a Weequay but I prefer a Klaatu type better if I will just to get 1 Skiff Guard.
Another attempt at Google search brought me to a online stall from Hong Kong which has both Pagetti Rook and Klaatu for sale with palatable prices. However review of the stall isn't that great. Decided to take the plunge and place a SGD 410 bet for a Klaatu.
The box came within a week of order and in pristine condition with original Sideshow brown shipper box. Bet paid off and I am a happy man. And with that, this post is possible.
DESIGN - 2.5/5
Sideshow is charging high premium price for this figure but somehow deeper thoughts were not given to the design of this figure.
1. "Helmet", not really a helmet but more a skull cap kinda genre. It is obviously an animal hide material but Sideshow molded this in plastic. Perhaps an easier (lazy) direct way to get the shape. It is molded thinly - which is correct - but it just give a very cheap feel when holding on hand.
Chin strap is a separate piece with 2 small button magnet glued eacg to both end of the strap. Literally glued on it. Magnet isn't too strong which makes it quite a chore to have it "lock" onto position. Once in place, the chrome edge of the magnet can be visible makes this looks cheap (again). Ideally the magnet to be lodged in between the strap and when tagged to the cap will be seamless. Disappointed in this.
2. Butt flap, is a piece of printed cloth with a little faux texture. There is no layer. My expectation will be for the criss-crossing lines to be actual sewing work that will then pop the diamond shape within.
3. "Leather" seems to be real leather based on the touch and feel. Only time will tell.
With that, nothing specifically outstanding to point out. Klaatu is a pretty straight forward going the safe route.
SCULPTING - 3.5/5
Undoubtedly the face of a Klatoonian with all the alienish-reptilish skin texture vividly sculpted. Exposed neck is also sculpted with the same texture as well as the hands, which is to be expected and Sideshow delivers.
Sideshow does a decent job in this department and Klaatu is represented properly and that's about it.
PAINTING - 2/5
A good paint job always compliment a good sculpt. It will bring the character alive. However Sideshow is never strong in this department. It is a missed opportunity for a sculpt with lots of texture and it is not being capitalize on. Basically a base olive green with some sand colour dry brushing and that's it. No wash to allow a deeper green or sorts to sit into the groove of the texture.
End result is at most a double dimensional look.
Specifically on the headsculpt painting, there seem a secondary "face mask" on top of a regular head. The "mask" has most of the paint attention while the "head" underneath is almost neglected.
Eyes are 2 whole black beads, easy job.
More is expected but Sideshow falls short again.
ARTICULATION - 3/5
Standard humanoid points of articulations are all there. Head articulation is abit stiff and there aren't a big degree of motion. Perhaps I did not twist it hard enough but then, I shouldn't need to.
Boots are cut at the ankle to allow unrestricted swivel. Almost a standard for Sideshow by now.
ACCESSORIES - 3/5
Skull cap is part of the character design and I don't consider it an accessory. Without it, Klaatu is not Klaatu if you know what I mean.
The set comes with a "Vibro Staff" (if you want to call it that), a pair of L & R gripping hands (2 hands?! WOW!) and a figure stand. Sideshow continues their "tradition" of giving bare minimum accessories.
A blaster pistol would be appreciated even though Klaatu was not shown to have one in the movies. And more hands is always important for more posing possibilities.
But it is what it is...
Sideshow is charging high premium price for this figure but somehow deeper thoughts were not given to the design of this figure.
1. "Helmet", not really a helmet but more a skull cap kinda genre. It is obviously an animal hide material but Sideshow molded this in plastic. Perhaps an easier (lazy) direct way to get the shape. It is molded thinly - which is correct - but it just give a very cheap feel when holding on hand.
Chin strap is a separate piece with 2 small button magnet glued eacg to both end of the strap. Literally glued on it. Magnet isn't too strong which makes it quite a chore to have it "lock" onto position. Once in place, the chrome edge of the magnet can be visible makes this looks cheap (again). Ideally the magnet to be lodged in between the strap and when tagged to the cap will be seamless. Disappointed in this.
2. Butt flap, is a piece of printed cloth with a little faux texture. There is no layer. My expectation will be for the criss-crossing lines to be actual sewing work that will then pop the diamond shape within.
3. "Leather" seems to be real leather based on the touch and feel. Only time will tell.
With that, nothing specifically outstanding to point out. Klaatu is a pretty straight forward going the safe route.
SCULPTING - 3.5/5
Undoubtedly the face of a Klatoonian with all the alienish-reptilish skin texture vividly sculpted. Exposed neck is also sculpted with the same texture as well as the hands, which is to be expected and Sideshow delivers.
Sideshow does a decent job in this department and Klaatu is represented properly and that's about it.
PAINTING - 2/5
A good paint job always compliment a good sculpt. It will bring the character alive. However Sideshow is never strong in this department. It is a missed opportunity for a sculpt with lots of texture and it is not being capitalize on. Basically a base olive green with some sand colour dry brushing and that's it. No wash to allow a deeper green or sorts to sit into the groove of the texture.
End result is at most a double dimensional look.
Specifically on the headsculpt painting, there seem a secondary "face mask" on top of a regular head. The "mask" has most of the paint attention while the "head" underneath is almost neglected.
Eyes are 2 whole black beads, easy job.
More is expected but Sideshow falls short again.
ARTICULATION - 3/5
Standard humanoid points of articulations are all there. Head articulation is abit stiff and there aren't a big degree of motion. Perhaps I did not twist it hard enough but then, I shouldn't need to.
Boots are cut at the ankle to allow unrestricted swivel. Almost a standard for Sideshow by now.
ACCESSORIES - 3/5
Skull cap is part of the character design and I don't consider it an accessory. Without it, Klaatu is not Klaatu if you know what I mean.
The set comes with a "Vibro Staff" (if you want to call it that), a pair of L & R gripping hands (2 hands?! WOW!) and a figure stand. Sideshow continues their "tradition" of giving bare minimum accessories.
A blaster pistol would be appreciated even though Klaatu was not shown to have one in the movies. And more hands is always important for more posing possibilities.
But it is what it is...
FINAL WORD
Sideshow Klaatu stands currently as the one most expensive single figure set 1/6 Star Wars figure in my collection. This speaks alot about how important it is for me to own it. Skiff Guard is never popular with collectors to an extent that given such a vast range of Hasbro's 6" Black Series characters made since 2013, there is not a single Skiff Guard figure made - minus Lando's Skiff Guard disguise.
Therefore, a big Kudos to Sideshow having the courage to take this on. Not just 1 character but a whole set of them. Therefore I can understand the high price for an expectation of low sales when the factory has an MOQ. Although Klaatu is not perfect, it is as good as it gets in 1/6 scale.
Someone say Hot Toys will make one someday? Don't think so. To all those Skiff Guards fans out there, we're the minority of the minority. I think there are more fan for Rey Skywalker than these sand-land dwelling dudes. Get this Sideshow Klaatu before it runs out. We all know when the tap gets turned off, prices will soar in secondary market.
I am glad to have Klaatu in my collection after the initial anxiety of Sideshow not shipping to Singapore and the looming thoughts of paying through the nose for one. Now to hunt for a Pagetti Rook aka Weequay to continue the journey.
Sideshow Klaatu stands currently as the one most expensive single figure set 1/6 Star Wars figure in my collection. This speaks alot about how important it is for me to own it. Skiff Guard is never popular with collectors to an extent that given such a vast range of Hasbro's 6" Black Series characters made since 2013, there is not a single Skiff Guard figure made - minus Lando's Skiff Guard disguise.
Therefore, a big Kudos to Sideshow having the courage to take this on. Not just 1 character but a whole set of them. Therefore I can understand the high price for an expectation of low sales when the factory has an MOQ. Although Klaatu is not perfect, it is as good as it gets in 1/6 scale.
Someone say Hot Toys will make one someday? Don't think so. To all those Skiff Guards fans out there, we're the minority of the minority. I think there are more fan for Rey Skywalker than these sand-land dwelling dudes. Get this Sideshow Klaatu before it runs out. We all know when the tap gets turned off, prices will soar in secondary market.
I am glad to have Klaatu in my collection after the initial anxiety of Sideshow not shipping to Singapore and the looming thoughts of paying through the nose for one. Now to hunt for a Pagetti Rook aka Weequay to continue the journey.
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