Saturday, February 2, 2008

Nikto (ROTJ 1983-4)




Nikto was another of Jabba’s many generic bodyguards during the events of ROTJ, although it should be noted that Nikto is the name of the species and not an individual. There were at least three distinct ones during the events of the movie, and the figure is based on only one.

Nikto came with the same “battle staff” that Barada and Yak Face (not released in the U.S.) came with. He also came on both an ROTJ card and a POTF card (rarer), which seems like kind of a cheat for Kenner since there were probably more deserving characters for the POTF line than this one.

Why should you get this figure? Five reasons:
1. The whole Klaatu, Barada, Nikto thing (see below).

2. If you’re lucky enough to get the Tatooine Skiff (very rare), than you have to get this figure.

3. That Sarlacc Pitt isn’t going to feed itself you know.

4. Necessary for your Jabba diorama for 1st grade show and tell.

5. Necessary for the Jabba diorama you try to hide from potential girlfriends.

Backstory:
Niktos are from the planet Kintan, which was bombarded by radiation from a nearby dying star. This caused more rapid evolution than normal, so there are at least 5 genetically-compatible subspecies existing on the planet. They all have the leathery skin and little facial muscles in common however.

About 25,000 years before the Battle of Yavin, the Hutts discovered the Niktos, living in fear because of the rise of a cult. The Hutts eradicated the cult, earning the loyalty of the Niktos. For the next 25,000 years the Niktos had little involvement in the galaxy as a whole because of their dedication to the Hutts, including Jabba who employed several up until his death.


Nikto's name came from the phrase "Klaatu barada nikto" said in the movie The Day the Earth Stood Still.

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