Bantha Skull’s Month of Menace Has Concluded

Starting at the end of April, we tried to get the mood going by dimming the lights and putting on some Barry White reviewing the POTF2 Flashback Figures which was Hasbro's lead into the launch of the Episode I line. Starting on the anniversary of the first Midnight Madness (and no, we aren't referring to the "Fagabeefe" film of the same name), we then spent the rest of the month reviewing figures and toys from the line, usually twice per day. The staff at Banthaskull also shared some memories of our collecting experiences back in 1999, as well as our thoughts on The Phantom Menace itself.

Alas, May is now over, and so is our special coverage of the 20th Anniversary of The Phantom Menace. We still have some figures and toys that need to be added to our library, but we will sprinkle them in over time.

Until then, we are going to return to our regularly scheduled programming. We'll be back to reviewing figures from The Legacy Collection (Blue) where we left off. We'll also be adding some brand new TVC figures next week, as we are expecting our shipments of Wave 6 to arrive shortly. Thanks for going along for the TPM20 ride!

In the meantime, here's a few my Episode I Top 5's:



1. Darth Maul (Jedi Duel) - This was the figure that launched this hobby for me.
2. C-3PO - It needs an update, but it was a phenomenal effort in 1999.
3. Watto - Maybe the best translation to plastic of any TPM character in the EP1 line.
4. Queen Amidala (Coruscant) - Stands the test of time. It's a nearly perfect version of this outfit, although we could use the cape she wore during her senate address.
5. Sio Bibble - No explanation necessary.



1. Queen Amidala (Naboo Battle Outfit) - Two figures were made in the line in 1999/2000, and then another underarticulated abomination in 2012. Stop the madness!
2. Anakin Skywalker - C'mon already. Like the Amidala above, it was sculpted twice in '99/'00, and then again, very poorly, in 2012.
3. Captain Panaka - A character with more screen time than you probably realize.
4. Captain Tarpals - A true Gungan warrior, he was later given a noble death in The Clone Wars.
5. Obi-Wan Kenobi - A definitive version is needed. The existing TVC version is a disappointment.



1. Tey How
2. Handmaidens (purple Coruscant gowns)
3. Sei Taria - to complete Chancellor's Valorum's podium.
4. Jira - She tells Anakin to get home quick because of the storm. She has a line. That's a good enough reason for a figure.
5. Ann and Tan Gella
Honorable mention: The 7 unmade Podracer pilots, with their flags.

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