The Star Wars Retro Collection Jar Jar Binks action figure represents Hasbro’s first 3.75” scale version of the Gungan since 2012 – that’s 12 years!
For the hero of The Phantom Menace that seems like pretty rude treatment. But, finally, with the Retro Collection Episode I box set he’s back again at last…
Jar Jar Binks has often made for good looking toys. From 1999’s Episode I line through to the most recent Vintage Collection version, the character has always had a visual appeal that translates well to action figures.
This Retro Collection release is no different.
He stands tall, coming in a smidgen over 4”. His lanky build is captured well by the sculpt. His arms, with palms facing in different directions, showcase the character’s expressiveness.
The proportions and clean texture of the sculpt make it feel a little like a ‘90s toy. However the simple palette (which seems darker and more muted than other releases), clean lines, and simple painted eyes all make it feel more like a late ‘70s toy.
There’s something a little “uncanny valley” about the end result; it comes across more Super 7 than Kenner. But it’s a fun looking toy all the same.
As a Retro Collection release, Jar Jar Binks comes with the five points of articulation you would expect – swivel head, shoulders and legs. I had wondered if his ears might also move, but despite being separate pieces they do not.
His feet are a touch lumpy on mine, giving him a slight lopsided wobble. Luckily he’s bottom heavy enough to stand without issue.
Now, you may have taken umbrage with my assertion that Jar Jar is the hero of The Phantom Menace.
Well, in a traditional hero’s journey sense, he is.
A fish out of water whose personality traits take him from dwelling in a swamp as an exile, to visiting the centre of the galaxy, to enabling a pact between the Gungans and the Naboo, to becoming (reluctantly) a ranked part of the Gungan community… it’s all there.
Sure, he’s not an action hero. But he is undoubtedly a (deliberately goofy) protagonist.
Jar Jar’s role in the film makes the addition of a Battle Droid blaster as his accessory a little, well, jarring. A retro-style boomer could have been fun; or even a Gungan pike as seen with the original 1999 figure. But parts re-use is what it is and so we get Binks with a good blaster at his side.
Jar Jar was The Phantom Menace Retro Collection action figure I was most looking forward to and, well, he doesn’t disappoint. Sure, he’s not perfect. But he’s a fun, tactile memento to one of my favourite characters in the saga.
To me, that makes the Retro Collection Jar Jar Binks worth the 12 year wait.
