Jek Porkins (X-wing Pilot) - POTJ - Basic

Once a free trader on Bestine IV, Jek joined the Rebel Alliance after his homeworld was conquered by the Empire. He quickly became known as one of the Alliance's most skilled pilots. When he attacked the Death Star during the Battle of Yavin, his comm-unit designation was Red Six.

Did George Lucas really name a corpulent X-wing fighter pilot “Porkins”? We bet that if Star Wars was made now that we would never see a character named Jek Porkins (X-wing Pilot) in the film. Then again, who knows anymore? Political correctness issues aside, Jek Porkins (X-wing Pilot) may have been one of the biggest surprises in the entire Power Of The Jedi line. With so many other pilots seen during the Battle Of Yavin and with more screen time and speaking lines than Porkins, it really is a blessing to see him get made as an action figure by Hasbro so early in the line, especially when there are so many other long-awaited figures that have been brushed to the side in order to make him. Jek Porkins (X-wing Pilot) brings a new body type to the X-wing pilot as we know it. He is a heavyset character that sacrificed his life for the freedom of all and was a hero in the Rebel Alliance. His short lived role in the Battle of Yavin was marked by bravery and determination, characteristic that Hasbro has etched well into the action figure. Jek Porkins (X-wing Pilot) is a well made action figure, but perhaps Hasbro became a little too generous with packing the weight on him. But we love him all the same. And so should you.

Jek Porkins (X-wing Pilot) comes with six points of articulation, the same articulation that has been the standard for most of the neo classic Star Wars figure era by Hasbro up to this point. A swivel head, swivel shoulders, swivel waist and swivel hips makes up this figure’s articulation. Granted, there aren’t many diverse configurations you can make out of this figure, but he can sit, although not fit inside of an X-wing fighter. Hasbro sculpted a wonderful removable helmet. It fits perfectly over his head and is decorated very nicely. It would be nice if he could cup the helmet in his arm, but since he’s been designed with straight arms, all he can do is hold the helmet hanging from his hands. William Hootkins, the actor who played Jek Porkins (X-wing Pilot), was indeed a large man. His weight fluctuated throughout the years but it’s our estimation that the dimensions of the Hasbro action figure are a little bit exaggerated. We don’t think he was this rotund. Big-boned with extra weight, sure, but maybe not exactly this obese. Then again, we really couldn’t see his full body in Star Wars Episode IV: A New Hope so Hasbro may have more information on this character’s dimensions that we do.

Jek Porkins (X-wing Pilot) is decorated very nicely. We’re impressed with the head sculpt and the paint job it has received. He has nicely applied facial hair and his facial features, especially the eyes, capture the spirit of the character quite well. The uniform isn’t too bright and the details like the chest box and the straps look really, really good. It still feels however if the action figure is missing something. After all, haven’t most X-wing pilots by Hasbro come with a blaster pistol of some sort? Jek Porkins (X-wing Pilot) feels a little defenseless and in need of some arms to protect himself from the Galactic Empire. Fans throughout the world were introduced to many members of the Rebel Alliance via the Battle of Yavin. Now Hasbro is reintroducing them to us thanks to the revitalized modern basic figure line. If Jek Porkins (X-wing Pilot) is any indication, we have plenty of great characters to look forward to in the basic figure line and it probably won’t be soon enough until Hasbro makes them all for us. It was cool to see Hasbro go for what the masses may consider an unlikely candidate for a Star Wars basic figure line, but we couldn’t be more thrilled that Hasbro will make awesome action figures, despite their relative popularity.