Nexu - SW [S - P1] - Deluxe

Ten years after the fight to save Naboo from invasion, the galaxy is on the brink of civil war. Under the leadership of a renegade Jedi, thousands of solar systems threaten to secede from the Galactic Republic. A courageous Jedi Knight, his impulsive and headstrong apprentice, and a queen-turned-senator are drawn into the heart of the conflict... and the beginning of war.

These fierce beasts track their prey with silence and cunning. Sleek and agile, the Nexu has impressive climbing abilities that make it difficult to escape once it has a victim in its sights.

2002 was clearly all about Star Wars Episode II: Attack Of The Clones. And though the toy line came without an official name, the collecting community dubbed it as the Star Wars “Saga” line because it would house under it the complete Star Wars universe: from the films to the Expanded Universe. There was more Episode II product than probably the market could handle, but Hasbro produced some pretty fantastic products from across the multiple sub-lines they threw into the sensory overload. The Deluxe line may have ranked as the second most popular line after the basic figures. This sub-line was able to throw new action figures our way with the addition of bulkier accessories and additional play features. But they also thought a little bit outside of the box too. Wanting to deliver Star Wars collectors of all ages all of the Geonosis arena beasts, they got work right away and included the smaller Nexu into the Deluxe assortment. While it didn’t come with any other figures packaged with it, the Nexu did come with some neat features including electronics.

The Nexu comes with some enhanced articulation. Not only does its head turn a complete 360 degrees thanks to swivel articulation, it has been given a hinge-jointed jaw to recreate that frightening snarl and snapping maw that Padmé Amidala witnessed and she tried to flee from the beast during her attempted execution in the Geonosis arena. The sculpt is dynamic; the Nexu has been positioned in a creeping way (you clearly saw this beats in this exact pose in the film which is cool) and although its limited in articulation, you can get a few cool poses out of it and we think that’s all this figure needs. On top of a great sculpt, the Nexu also has a wonderful paint job. It’s feline-like body qualities are only enhanced by the striped pattern on its fur, and the multicolored details in its spider-like facial structure. Even the spikes on its back have been replicated beautifully. With only four points of articulation in its entire trunk (the four legs), you’re not going to get unlimited movement, but you do get enough for what you will need in your collection.

Let’s not also forget about the Nexu’s “bendy” tail. Thanks to the soft rubber and the wire inside of it, you can get a lot of variety on how you can pose this tail. It’s quite impressive how such a simple convention like a wire can be so useful for a Star Wars figure. The Nexu could have used an accessory but we’re at a loss on what Hasbro could have included here, aside from another Geonosian Warrior. But we think collectors have gotten their fill of those characters in the line already. The Nexu has other cool features too. If you open his jaw until it locks into place, you can press the tongue down and it releases battle sounds and the jaw snaps closed as well. And then there is another button on the body that will release additional battle sounds if you press it. The batteries are easily replaceable and should provide a lifetime of entertainment for Star Wars fans regardless of age. Hasbro also released the Reek (Arena Battle Beast) and the Acklay (Arena Battle Beast) in the Star Wars “Saga” line as well. All have been made very well and are exciting additions to the line.