'05 | #01 Pablo Jill - Geonosis Arena (Reviewed 01-09-2005)

Includes:
• Removable Cloak
• Lightsaber
• Base

Click thumbnail for large image Spice: After what we all went through with the OTC collection seeing a new figure to kick off the year was more than a breath of fresh air. It was almost as exciting as the day I picked up the vintage Snowtrooper and Han Hoth just before Empire Strikes Back was released. Finally something new, and regardless of miniscule screen time Pablo Jill is a welcome addition to any Geonosis Playset. There is nothing more interesting than the Jedi who fought in the Clone Wars. Star Wars fans have waited over twenty-five years to hear these stories.

Click thumbnail for large image The action figure itself is much of a one-pose wonder. The neutral colors of the paint job are blended in perfectly with the robes and skin color. The ball and socket head almost appears as if Chewbacca put this guy together. It looks better if you turn it upside down.  Maybe I should say more human. The Ongree are perhaps one of the strangest looking species in the Star Wars universe to date. The articulation in the head, wrists, waist and elbows assist in keeping Pablo from being a one-pose wonder. Anyone recall Shaak Ti?

Click thumbnail for large image In any event I'd rather pay for something with a few seconds and no dialogue than the latest and greatest incarnation of Luke Skywalker. I do not understand the point of having the cloak remove if it looks like he can never remove his sleeves. I also can't understand why he's stuck in this bull-legged pose as if he were too good to sit on a portable toilet. As much as they put into the upper body, you'd think they could finish the job and articulate the knees and ankles. If the VOTC figures taught us anything, they can make these things well.

Spice - They did just enough to make it worthwhile. The weapon also lacks quality. The tiny end on the lightsaber is not very durable at all, you have to be very careful not to break it. Pablo Jill will add some character to your next rescue mission of Obi-Wan Kenobi. I have to give this a thumbs-up based on the originality, maybe I'm still just shocked it isn't a core character to kick off the year.

(Figure '05 | #01, Asst. No. 85159, Item No. 85172, Backing Card P/N 6385280100, Window Insert P/N 6385290100, ) 

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