Swoop Speeders Are The 2nd Biggest Omission From Mandoverse World Building

When looking at our Mando shelves, Hasbro has done a respectable job of bringing us the world of The Mandalorian. I'm happy to have Klatooinian Raiders, IG-11, Dark Troopers, Night Owls, multiple versions of Boba Fett, etc., etc., but there are a few big omissions outside of the figure realm. Begrudgingly, I admit the biggest such omission omission is the Blurgg:


According to Wookieepedia, the Blurgg design is based on unused concept art from The Empire Strikes Back that was recycled for the 1985 made-for-TV movie, Ewoks: The Battle for Endor. In 1985, "made-for-TV" had the production values of "direct-to-free streaming service" movies today. I don't like the design at all, but this article isn't meant for me to dump on Mando's two-legged lizard mount. I fully admit that the Blurgg is the most wanted Mandoverse world building item within the TVC community. This is spurred on by a deep legacy throughout the Star Wars universe. As with the Ghost, I support whatever has the greatest support among the fanbase regardless of my personal wants because it's what's good for The Vintage Collection. So, the Blurgg is the biggest omission.

On the vehicle front, Hasbro has done a great job bringing us Din Djarin's inter-planetary conveyances with the Razor Crest and Mando's N1, but terrestrial vehicles are completely lacking. Whenever on Tatooine, Din races across the planet on a Swoop Speeder. I would argue that Swoop Bikes also have a bit of an extended Star Wars legacy having first appeared in the Legends novel, Han Solo's Revenge, being popularized in the multi-media crossover event, Shadows of the Empire, and crossing over into live action with the A New Hope Special Edition.

If Speeder Bikes are the Ducatis of the Star Wars universe, Swoops are the Harleys. Harleys here on Earth are often customized, and similarly, no two Swoops seem to be identical. The Swoops used by Mando and Toro Calican in season one are visibly different than the one Din uses in season two. This might present a bit of a retail issue for Hasbro. Whereas a collector could buy multiple Speeders and outfit multiple Biker Scouts, Luke and Leia if they were so inclined, Swoops don't offer the same "army building" potential due to their uniqueness. That may be a barrier in bringing them to market, but as always, there's a potential solution.

There has been an undercurrent among the fan base for a smaller, more affordable Star Wars HasLab, and you can see where this is heading. Cobb Vanth has placed well in the Last Figure Standing poll entering the Top 10. The Marshall likewise rides a very unique Swoop which is fashioned after one of the engines from Anakin's Pod Racer. Perhaps a Swoop 2-pack with Vanth's and Din Djarin's rides from the Season 2 episode, The Marshall, would be the perfect fit for the "small HasLab" concept. Given the smaller production run, we could probable expect to pay ~$125 for such an item with perhaps a few smaller world building sweeteners added in (moisture vaporators?). I'd be in for that.

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