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'06 | #XX Sand People - Tusken Raider  (Reviewed 05-09-2006) 

Includes:
• Gaderiffi Stick
• Sniper Rifle
• Removable Cloak 

Click thumbnail for large image Spice: There is so much to remember every time you pick up a VTSC figure. While I do not remember the exact time or order I was able to score this figure, one thing is for certain; the figure this time around is drop-dead amazing! Once you get the Sand People unraveled, you'll most certainly see there is no comparison to any of the many Tusken Raiders produced since 1977. Truly a great way to pay respect to our hobby, although unlike the other VTSC figures, I did actually find a major flaw in this mold. I'm really surprised to see these on the pegs as much as I do.

Click thumbnail for large image One of the most noticeable aspects is the great job they did blending the paint with the soft goods cloth robes. It seems they got it down to the tatters, and quite perfectly. The bandolier straps offer some very nice detail and really bring out the best possible overall look. One of my favorites would be the figure that was packed in with the furry Bantha in the late 1990's. However, the added in articulation blows away any of the Power of the Force versions, as well as the statuesque PotJ/Saga sniper version  that really didn't have too much to offer as far as movement goes.

Click thumbnail for large image The only thing that they really dropped the ball completely on was the elbow joints. With all the other sculpts from this wave offering bendable jointed elbows, why would they use the "roll elbows" on this? It's not enough to ruin the figure, but I found while shooting images for this figure the arm falls off very, very easily and with the robe getting in your way to put the arm back on it can be pretty frustrating. I do appreciate the choice of rifle and Gaderiffi stick. The weapons have some great detail as well. Going the extra mile really does matter. Even with the elbow problems you can still get a wide variety of poses.

Spice - The best thing about these figures for me is the mini-trip down memory lane. I really do think the extra work put in does call for an increase in price. The extra packaging of the clamshell, and of course the card front art we all fell in love with nearly 30 years ago. The elbow almost went the other way for my thumb but I still think this is an incredible figure.

(Figure '06 | #0XX, Asst. No. 87065, Item No. 87129, Backing Card P/N 6542390400, Window Insert P/N 6542400400) 

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