16 Jul 2006 :: Figure of the Month - Mustafar Sentry
The 'Figure of the Month' is a new semi-regular SWNZ feature, wherein we take an up close look at a selected character collectible, focusing on interesting features of both the toy and its on-screen persona. We don't aim to compile an extensive database about all available Star Wars figures, but make a choice based on elements of interest to hopefully expose readers to different collectibles, or new directions of collecting. Today, we start with a more recent figure, the 'Revenge of the Sith' Mustafar Sentry, from Hasbro.
The basic 'Revenge of the Sith' line of action figures had approximately 10 droids, 30 humans/humanoid heroes, 13 clones, but only about half-a-dozen really interesting aliens (give or take a few, depending on how you classify them). Personally, I think we could have done with a few more that fit into that alien category. Worse though - New Zealand managed to get most of the RotS figure range, but we did miss, or get in low numbers, a couple of waves that included some of the best bug-eyed monsters. The Mustafar Sentry is one such insectoid creation we saw in few numbers from a few distributors only.
Two Mustafarian subspecies toil on the volcanic planet, largely oblivious to the turmoil of the ongoing Clone Wars. Burly lava-harvesters ride waves of molten rock, while the slender variant of these arthropoid creatures, who hark from the planet's northern regions, are seen in the movie riding the native lava fleas across a landscape of basalt. The spindly sentry is featured in only a few shadowy Mustafar scenes. But, sometimes, such sparse screen-time can yield a highy sought after action figure - one that is seen by many collectors as being much more desirable than yet another iteration of the cantina Han Solo, or an Anakin with a facial expression only slightly different from the preceding version.
Figure no.56 from the Episode III line-up, the Mustafar Sentry appeared on the standard lava/Vader head card. He/she/it comes with a base of mock rock and plastic flame, and holds an unusual accessory - a weapon of sorts with a "spinning energy bolt". Universal joints abound on the toy, at the neck, shoulders and ankles. Single axis joints are used for the elbows, hips and waist. The paintjob consists largely of browns and dark blues, but a metallic bronze wash over the torso of the figure results in a nice effect. For a tall, wispy critter, he stands unaided quite well, and, because of the cross-sectional shape of the legs, and elbow joints of the arms, isn't prone to the bending/warping of the limbs that some skinny Hasbro figures suffer over time due to the lesser quality plastics often utilised. He poses well, holding his pole-arm/blaster weapon, and stands out effectively amongst the rest of the EP3 populus.
If you didn't manage to grab one of these figures when the EP3 toys were in full effect, you might find it a little bit of a challenge tracking one down (he can still be sought through a number of international online stores). But then, it's the thrill of the hunt that's as much a part of collecting as the final result of having it on your shelf.
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Matt G
