Ponda Baba - POTF2 [FB/CT] - Action Collection

After harassing Luke in the cantina, Ponda Baba and Dr. Evazan make the mistake of provokig Obi-Wan Kenobi.

When Kenner/Hasbro reintroduced their line Action Collection 12 Inch Figures, collectors didn’t know what to think. It was great to see that format back in place again, but the figures, generally speaking, looked terrible and many didn’t understand why the vintage Kenner Large Size Action Figures looked better than the modern ones with enhanced technology available. But within a couple of years, things began improving for the better. While still under the “Action Collection” banner, the figures began showing up in a line look that matched the rest of the products in the line. The Action Collection 12 INch Figures line felt more like a part of the mainline, than a separate sub-line. As the packaging changed, so did the figures (and for the better). Ponda Baba is a perfect example of how far things came. Although he still possesses a bit of a thicker body, the strides Kenner/Hasbro made with this figure are proof that the line was reaching a new and exciting peak.

The Ponda Baba Action Collection 12 Inch Figure brings everything to the table that you’d expect. What’s so interesting about the Ponda Baba 12 Inch Figure is that the character is strikingly screen-accurate, both in his outfit and coloring. You have to wonder why the 3.75” figures have coloring issues if they’re able to master the Action Collection version to the onscreen character so well. Hasbro executed the portrait of the figure nicely. He has the large eyes and very bizarre mouth, and the paint details, including the marbling/mottling on his head and the multiple layers of color in and around his eyes, show that Kenner/Hasbro thought this figure through carefully. Underneath his clothing is a lime or pea green colored body. And not too much detail is present there except for the figure's hands. But it matches the character nicely regardless. They added a removable arm feature which we’re thankful to see, and it’s why we know this character so well.

He also comes with a short-sleeved and tattered cream-colored undershirt, tan pants, black plastic boots, and a belt. And let’s not forget about his striking orange outerwear that is essentially his trademark after his lost extremity. The Ponda Baba Action Collection 12 Inch Figure comes with a decent amount of articulation, but we’d still like to see more. As Kenner/Hasbro is utilizing most of their GI Joe bucks, we don’t anticipate this changing any time soon. Also included with the Ponda Baba Action Collection 12 Inch Figure is a blaster pistol. It’s not an ideal fit in his right hand, but with a little bit of patience, you can make it work. It often wants to slide out of the grip of his fingers, and either falls out or moves to an awkward position. Still, we’re happy to see it included here as we strongly feel it’s a big part of this character’s personality. Will we get Dr. Evazan one day to accompany him? Will we get other Chalmun’s Cantina patrons? Only time will tell.