There were definitely some “TVC-quality” figures that pre-dated the launch of The Vintage Collection in 2010.  The Legacy Collection, particularly the second (or red) phase from 2009-2010, contained many awesome figures that are still definitive and would be welcome if produced even today, almost 10 years later.  Were getting into the spirit of the Sail Barge, which is only a few months away, by taking a look at a few figures Legacy Collection (Red) figures from Jabba’s palace.

First up, is Giran.  He’s the other rancor keeper.  Giran was not as emotionally attached to the Rancor as was Malakili.  That guy viewed the Rancor as a true pet and companion.  Giran was constantly telling Malakili that he shouldn’t get too attached to Pateesa, because it was Jabba’s pet, not his.  Giran was a pragmatist, and looked at his job as assistant rancor keeper as exactly that:  a job.  Giran was just a clock puncher, and he didn’t take his work home with him.  Malakili preferred to stay in the Keeper’s Quarters 24-7 so he could be close to Ricardo, which was his secret name for Patessa.  Giran was pretty much over Malakili’s nonsense by the time Murderin’ Luke Skywalker showed up to the palace on that fateful day.  When it was over, Malakili was beside himself.  Giran was indifferent.  He pretended to comfort the idiot, but he really didn’t care.

The figure is outstanding.  A beautiful sculpt, with a ton of details throughout the outfit.  He has clothing with plenty of folds and creases sculpted in, as well as some solid looking armor plating.  He also has some accoutrements with studs and other greeblies that bring the figure to life.  The paint application is also very well done.  There are several colors applied throughout, along with some dirt stains that give him a proper appearance of a guy that works in the depths of Jabba’s palace.  The best part of the figure is the headsculpt.  It’s incredibly detailed, and as we’ve said several times before, Hasbro has pretty much nailed the sculpts of the Nikto species (including variants).  The face has a ton of personality, and is one of the best to date from Hasbro.

Giran comes with a vibroblade.  He didn’t seem to have on on screen, but it does feel appropriate for him to have it.  He is able to grip the staff with either hand, or he can perform the THWG.  He can hold the vibroblade overhead as well, which is a nice touch.  He also comes with a removable cowl, which fits nicely on his head, and still allows for engagement of most of the shoulder articulation without popping off. The articulation is pretty standard for a collector grade figure at this point.  While he doesn’t have anything particularly noteworthy (like ball-jointed hips or wrists), it is good enough for this figure to put it in some combat poses.  The knees and ankles allow for a nice range of poses. 

Giran is an outstanding figure, worthy of TVC.  It’s a definitive version of a figure that has only a brief moment on screen, but was executed almost flawlessly by Hasbro.  Sure, the tech exists for additional articulation, but it just isn’t necessary for this character.  Standard SA works great.

Build-A-Droid 

Giran contained the body for the astromech R5-C7, which could be seen (with freeze frame) wandering the depths of Coruscant, passing in the background of the alley in which Obi-Wan and Anakin attempted to question the Zam Wessel, the galaxy’s newest amputee.  Source:  Attack of the Clones.

Verdict: Re-issue (Low priority) 

This figure goes for moderate-to-high prices on Ebay, probably due to it being Sail Barge adjace.  It’s an awesome figure, and you should own it.  The problem is that, like many Legacy Collection figures, the secondary market prices are high.  This one seems to sell for around $60, even loose.  As such, it may be worth a re-issue by Hasbro.  It’s not directly a Sail Barge figure, so because of that, I’m keeping it to a low-priority re-issue, but demand may be there for a limited release at some point if Hasbro can find a slot.

Verdict Guide:
Re-sculpt = The figure is not definitive, and a new version should be developed.
Re-issue = This version is definitive (or close enough), and shows sufficient secondary market demand to warrant a straight repack.
No Action = This release does not require new attention.