Imperial Stormtrooper (Hoth Battle Gear) (ESB 1980-82)

Finally, somewhere where the natural Stormtrooper color actually works! I hope the Empire learns something from this. Oh, wait – they still sent out stark white Stormtroopers to a forest environment (Endor). Morons.

The more common name for this guy is “Snowtrooper,” but the title of this posting reflects the official name on the card. The trooper came on both ESB and ROTJ cards, and came with a rifle (Dengar has one too). He also has a plastic skirt attached to his hips to reflect the smock worn in the film.

Why should you own this figure? Five reasons:

1. If you’re Scottish, this comes closest to a SW figure with a kilt.

2. More mysterious than the first gen Stormtroopers – now you can’t even see their mouths!

3. If you’re storming a base, you’ve got to have one.

4. No Tri-Pod Laser is complete without one.

5. Who the heck else is going to be in your Imperial Attack Base?

Backstory:

Snowtroopers/Hoth Battle Gear/Cold Assault Stormtroopers – all the same thing. Personally, I like the last one – it sound like they were shrunk to microscopic size to fight an infection in the Emperor. These were Stormtroopers that went training geared to place them in colder climates. Their uniform reflected this as well, with better heaters, a breathing hood, and traction boots. For more, check out the other Stormtrooper post.

Want more? The Wookieepedia article

78th in alphabetical order

Imperial Sniper Vehicle (POTF 1985)

The Sniper is another one of those little vehicles Kenner made to provide more play value at a cheaper price. The Sniper never appeared in any of the movies, even though the card picture makes it appear as though it was used on Endor. What is even more confusing is that one of the Snipers pictured is carrying an R5 droid. First of all, no R5 droid has been directly featured since the first movie. Secondly, the inept little grappler arm on the Sniper can’t hold something that big anyway (unless you used string). Now for the kicker – if you look carefully at the grappler arm on the Sniper, you’ll realize you’ve seen it before. Yes, it is one of the claw arms on the ESB mini-rig, CAP-2! Weird, wacky stuff my friend.

Why should you own this vehicle? Five reasons:

1. The Power of the Force logo on the packaging looks cool enough.

2. The grappler arm could be a torture device for Ewoks.

3. Small and cheap.

4. Very easy to hold for playing.

5. Laser cannons and jets! A little boy’s dream!

Backstory:

Although probably made up just for the toy line, Kenner managed to work the Imperial Sniper into an Episode of Droids, “The New King.” It appears idle in a docking bay. It was one of three small one-man vehicle nicknamed “body rigs”: The Sniper, the Security Scout, and the Sand Skimmer.

Want a little more? Wookieepedia article

77th in alphabetical order

Imperial Shuttle Vehicle (ROTJ)

Do you want an obnoxiously big Star Wars vehicle, but have just been wondering which one to get? Look no further, brother, it is here – the Imperial Shuttle! This thing, as far as Star Wars vehicles go, is massive. It can sit on retractable landing gear (except for the middle one which is a trigger to fold down the wings) with the wings up, or you can “fly” it with the wings down. Once the wings are down it looks like a bald eagle in flight – big.

It sports 2 double guns in front and rear, and 2 more double guns on the wings. The cockpit opens to seat two figures, and the cargo hatch can open to put more figures into. A landing ramp also can be extended from the cargo space for something like the Emperor’s grand entrance, like in ROTJ. It also makes electronic sounds for when you blast away at something – even though shots were never fired from this in the movie.

Why should you own this vehicle? Five reasons:

1. The thing is frickin’ huge! It’s a monster!

2. Recreate both Imperial scenes and Rebel ones.

3. The third landing gear that holds like a pistol grip is rather nifty.

4. Definitely a vehicle your little brother can’t lift up.

5. Best…cubicle…toy…ever. Too bad you don’t have room for a computer now.

Backstory:

The Lambda-class T-4a shuttle was built by Sienar Fleet Systems and Cygnus Spaceworks (one might have stolen designers from the other) and was a common utility craft in use in the Imperial military. It was used to ferry cargo and troops. It had a crew of six, and could carry 20 soldiers in the cargo bay or 80 tons of materials. For weapons it had 3 double blaster cannons (one in back) and 2 double laser cannons (mounted on the wings). Some Imperial officials (notably Vader and the Emperor) converted the cargo spaces for personal use. This is also notably the type of ship that ferried the Rebel soldiers that blew up the Endor shield generator.

Want more? Full Wookieepedia article.

76th in alphabetical order

Imperial Gunner (POTF 1985)

As much as the Imperial Gunners in ROTJ (seen in the large hangar for the Emperor’s arrival) look like a helmet slapped on a generic jumpsuit, the figure actually looks kind of cool. Black, red-slit visor, secret identity.

The Imperial Gunner, sometimes called Death Star Gunner (but not in this line), came with a skinnier blaster, and only came on a POTF card with coin. This seems a little belated since you can see glimpses of this character as early as the first movie – manning the turbolasers and the main gun on the Death Star.

Why should you own this figure? Five reasons:

1. It’s like a human version of KITT, the Knight Rider car.

2. It’s the closest you’ll get to a Star Wars Cylon. Well, at least looking like one. Not that whole robot thing though.

3. Man in black. Cool.

4. Guy in visored helmet. Cool.

5. Runs a big effin’ gun. Cool.

Backstory:

As cool as the figure looks, in reality, Imperial Gunners are often the lesser-scoring recruits in the Imperial forces. The visor helmet provides little peripheral vision and makes them run into things. Their main function is to guard against the blinding light of the Death Star man in gun. Although why you would design something like that where the guys sit that close to the laser is beyond me. It's a cruel joke, man.

Want more? Wookieepedia article on Gunners

75th in alphabetical order

Imperial Dignitary (POTF 1985)

The Imperial Dignitary is one of the most versatile, exciting, action-filled, oh, I'm just kidding. The Imperial Dignitary is a pretty tame (or is that lame?) figure, and really only serves to highlight the Empire's tastes for shades of purple. What kid wants to practice Imperial diplomacy that doesn't involve a Stormtrooper's gun?

This figure was only released on a Power of the Force card with a coin. Since it was a POTF card, as boring as the figure is, it makes it rare and valuable. The Dignitary didn't come with any accessories, except a flair for diplomacy.

Why should you own this figure? Five reasons:

1. This is the closest Catholic Star Wars fans can come to an action figure dressed like the Pope.

2. This is the closest showbizzy Star Wars fans can come to an action figure dressed like Liberace.

3. Put this on your shelf and your friends can marvel and say, "What the f*** is that?"

4. That Imperial Shuttle needs some filler figures.

5. Re-enact all his lines from the movie "..." and "..."

Backstory:

The Imperial Dignitary figure was based on Sim Aloo, an advisor to the Emperor and a member of the Imperial Inner Circle. When the second Death Star blew up, so did he. That's it, the end

Want more? Sim Aloo's article on Wookieepedia

74th in alphabetical order

Imperial Commander (ESB 1980-82)

It's hard to pin down exactly who this figure is supposed to be. The picture on the package shows General Veers (the guy who led the AT-AT assualt on Hoth), but he has the brownish-grey uniform of a higher rank. The black uniform is of a lesser rank, a commander, and could also be the dress uniform for a stormtrooper. Well, what are ya gonna do? It's the old line - little things like this didn't get in the way of some kid saying, "I don't want him, I want a stormtrooper!"

The Imperial Commander comes with a standard issue stormtrooper type-rifle, like many, many, many of the other old Star Wars figures. It also came on an ESB and ROTJ card.

Why should you own this figure? Five reasons:

1. Another man in black. You can't go wrong in black, Jack.

2. The Empire needs bureacracy.

3. Your Vader figure can't be around to command every Imperial.

4. You can have this figure reenact a number of Imperial officer/Vader choking scenes. Great fun!

5. That cap is damn stylish.

Backstory:

I kind of already said part of it - the picture is General Veers, who is a higher rank than Commander. Captain is the next step up from Commander in the Imperial Navy. However, Imperial Commanders have made appearances in all of the original movies.

Want more? The Wookieepedia article on Veers.

73rd in alphabetical order

Imperial Attack Base (ESB)

All your base are belong to us! Now begins our "Imperial" series in the alphabet. The Imperial Attack Base is a nice little playset. You’ve got a bunker that can “blow up” real good, an ice bridge that can topple, pegs and moving bases for figures, and what looks like a Gatling-gun type blaster/laser rifle. It only came in an ESB box. The only thing is, this “Imperial” base is modeled after the Rebel Echo base and Hoth trench. The Imperials just stormed the place, they never set up a base. Oh, well – you were a kid, who cares?

Why should you own this frigid base? Five reasons:

1. Doubles as Superman’s Fortress of Solitude. Okay, Clark’s, you Smallville fanatic.

2. Gun is a nice alternative to the Tri-Pod Laser.

3. Nothing like teaching kids trench warfare.

4. Practice your Rebel soldiers’ waving to overhead Snowspeeders. Wait, look out for that AT-AT…ah, too late.

5. Shows dirt like no other Star Wars playset. Go ahead, try playing outside with it.

Backstory:

While there was no Imperial Base on Hoth, this was slightly modeled after the trench that the Rebels had set up. Kind of makes you wonder why the Empire just didn’t deploy Imperial Hover Plows to take care of it.

Want more? Wookieepedia article on Echo Base.

72nd in alphabetical order

IG-88 (ESB 1980-82)

IG-88 is yet another bounty hunter in our arsenal of figures. In the movies, we only get to see IG standing with the other bounty hunters as Vader talks to them about capturing the Millennium Falcon and its crew. That's it. However, for as little screen time as he gets, IG-88 gets quite the weaponry. He gets not one, but two blasters. Yes, two blasters! The stormtrooper-type that is so ubiquitous among the figures, and a blaster rifle. Now, I have no idea why he gets this when even the big guy Boba Fett only had one, but I won't complain.

As previously stated, Iggy came with a blaster and a blaster rifle. The figure came on both ESB and ROTJ cards. The earliest releases had a grey finish, but later releases had a kind of glitter in the paint to make it look more metallic.

Why should you get this figure? Five reasons:

1. Out of all the bounty hunters, he looks the most logical, so he's guaranteed not to take any of your crap.

2. He's tall. If you like that sort of thing.

3. Two blasters! Name another figure that came with two. Yeah, that's what I thought - nobody!

4. Bounty hunter. Have to have 'em.

5. Where are his eyes? I don't know - do you? How do you know he isn't watching you now? On second thought, get rid of the creepy thing.

Backstory:

IG-88 was built by Holowan Industries, based on the earlier models that were guards to General Grevious. Four were built, one activated, who moments later killed all of his creators and copied himself into the other three models. All the copies took turn being bounty hunters, but IG's main goal was a droid revolution to overthrow organic life.

During the events of ESB, one of the IGs was destroyed in its ship by Boba Fett, after trying to destroy him in turn and get the Falcon. Another IG was destroyed by Boba Fett on Bespin, and can actually be seen in the scrap heap in the movie (where Chewbacca recovers C-3PO). Dash Rendar destroyed a third copy during the events of Shadows of the Empire.

The fourth copy uploaded himself into the second Death Star in an attempt to use the battle platform as the ultimate tool to control and guide the droid revolution. However, before he could take full control, the death star was destroyed by the Rebels over Endor.

Want the full story? His Wookieepedia article.

71st in alphabetical order

Hoth Ice Planet Adventure Set (ESB)

The Hoth Ice Planet Adventure set! Again, this set uses the same base as the Land of the Jawas set, but a background of a stationary AT-AT – with the same elevator as the Jawas set! It only came in an ESB box, but it included the Radar Laser Cannon (also available as a separate mini-rig). Otherwise, there was nothing exceptional about this set – it didn’t even come with any figures. The background with the “AT-AT” also showed scenes of the Battle of Hoth.

Why should you get this set? Five reasons:

1. Your last chance to get this base…um…your second chance to get this plastic base.

2. You can swap bases with the Rebel Command Center. You know, in case you lose one.

3. “Mom, can I get an AT-AT?” “No Jimmy, but I will get you the Hoth Ice Planet Adventure Set.”

4. The only time – ever – it will be suggested – even remotely – that AT-ATs have elevators.

5. Beats getting just the radar Laser Cannon.

Backstory:

Since I just covered Echo Base with the last set, I’ll do Hoth. Hoth (the planet) is located on the fringe of the Ivax Nebula; the sixth star circling the blue-white Hoth star. The solar system had a large asteroid field, so meteorites are a common occurrence on the planet. The planet was covered mainly in ice, with fissures of occasional water being opened by tidal pulls from neighboring moons. Animal life consisted of tautauns, wampas, and various smaller creatures, many of which fed on what little vegetation (such as lichen) existed.

The planet was most likely named after the Jedi Hoth, who lived long ago and helped defeat the old Sith. The only livable portion (for most species, including humans dressed warmly enough) is in the temperate band near the equator. When the Rebel Alliance established their base there, it had already been used by smugglers and unsuccessful entrepreneurs.

Want more about the planet? The Wookieepedia article.

70th in alphabetical order

Han Solo (in Trench Coat) (ROTJ 1983-84)

So they get to Endor and Luke and Leia get ponchos (yeah, Luke, just try to pick up chicks in that thing) and Han gets a trench coat and doesn’t have to wear a helmet! Luke, who is a Jedi Knight at this point mind you, wears a helmet. Han – he’s too cool for that. Leia, well, she’s a girl.

Han comes with a slightly modified head this time, his standard blaster pistol, and, well, a trench coat. The coat comes in two versions, one with a plain collar and one camouflaged like the rest of the coat. Underneath Han is wearing a similar outfit (but not the same!) to what he wore in the first movie. Dude, get a change of clothes. The figure came on ROTJ and POTF cards.

Why should you own this figure? Five reasons:

1. Hey, it’s Han.

2. Trench coat! I haven’t been this excited since the Barbie with the sun hat came out!

3. Blends into any planter.

4. Goes great on the Ewok Village BBQ spit.

5. Too cool for you. Sorry, now you can’t have him.

Backstory:

Han’s just trying to blend in. For his full backstory, see the Wookieepedia article.

69th in alphabetical order

Han Solo (in Carbonite Chamber) (POTF 1985)

While a Han in Carbonite was a good idea, technology in molding needed a few years of catch up to make this a good figure. Don’t get me wrong, it’s nice that we got a Han-in-Carbonite figure, but there are a couple of drawbacks. One – that “bull neck” (as it is often referred to). This was primarily due to limitations on what could be molded, giving the figure a goofy look. Two – the frozen Han in the movies had his hands out in front of him, almost clawing/pushing out of the Carbonite. This Han has his arms down like he was posing for a picture when he has frozen. Granted, the figure was limited so they had to make the Carbonite mold fit it, but it is obviously not the same as the movie. Oh, well.

A previous “Han in Carbonite” came with the Slave I ship, but this figure is more to scale. It has a Han figure in his off-white shirt and the chamber which he can fit into in the back. Other than that, no accessories. This figure came on a POTF card near the end of the Kenner run.

Why should you get this figure? Five reasons:

1. Goes with your Cloud City Playset.

2. Goes with your Slave I. Oh wait, it won’t fit, dammit.

3. Only time you’ll see Han with a double-chin.

4. The perfect figure to accompany an ice tray.

5. Another good accessory for your Jabba Throne room set.

Backstory:

Carbonite is a metal alloy made from carbon and primarily used to store and transport Tibanna gas (like from Cloud City). While freezing a human was never the original intention of the process, with some modifications it was successfully used in freezing Han Solo (and others in time) and putting him in suspended animation.

Want more? Wikipedia article on Carbonite. On Han Solo.

68th in alphabetical order

Han Solo (Hoth Outfit) (ESB 1980-82)

The Empire Strikes Back brought a lot of costume changes - and thus a lot of new figures - for our core characters. From ESB alone we get Han in Bespin and Hoth clothes, and frozen in carbonite. Han in Hoth gear, or, as the card officially says, Han (Hoth Outfit), comes with the same blaster Han came with from the first movie, and has the parka up. Granted, this is how he wears it throughout most of his scenes, but later figures in the 90's series also has him parka-down. The parka is also navy-blue, but later versions in the 90's corrected it to a browner hue more accurate to the movie.

Hoth Han came on ESB and ROTJ cards with no obvious variations. the neat thing with this figure though is that you could actually holster the blaster, unlike the original Han.

Why should you own this figure? Five reasons:

1. You can holster the gun, you know, for when you're doing other things like, uh, combing the flakes out of Chewie's fur?

2. This figure is involved in two cool scenes: cutting a tauntaun open, and having a firefight with a probe droid.

3. In honor of all Minnesotans, I feel a deep connection to a warmly-dressed character.

4. Only Han in Hoth gear would have the guts to stuff his friend into, well, tauntaun guts.

5. Han was at his coolest when he yelled, "Then I'll see you in hell!" In fact, this was probably why it made this such a good movie - Han was loyal to his friends and didn't take crap for it.

Backstory:

Well, for Han's backstory look at my other Han posts. For this particular outfit, I can say whattyawant? It's simply cold weather gear. The biggest mystery here is: is it Han's outfit, or did the Rebellion provide it? The world may never know.

Want the full story? The Wookieepedia article

67th in alphabetical order

Han Solo (Bespin Outfit) (ESB 1980-82)

Han, in his most stylish Bespin outfit, came out on an ESB and an ROTJ card, and included a laser pistol - but not the same one he had in Star Wars. It was the same one a lot of the Bespin people came with, so there must have been a deal at Costco.

Now, while this is Han in "Bespin" outfit, apparently it wears well because he started on Hoth with it. However, he already has a Hoth outfit, so this is designated "Bespin." If you have ever been to a really geeky wedding, however, this Han might be adoring the cake. Essentially, this Han is the closest the original line came to Han in any kind of formal attire. Put him and a Leia in white dress on there and you're set.

Why should you get this figure? Five reasons:

1. Who's going to shoot Vader in the hand during your painfully-recreated (complete with blue milk) Bespin dinner scene? C-3PO? I don't think so.

2. Your little sister needs this figure to recreate the kiss with Leia on the Falcon. Ew, gross, girls!

3. The aforementioned use-Han-on-a-wedding-cake.

4. The first time Han is a little more faithfully recreated than the original - no big head/small head versions.

5. This is the figure to hunt those f&*king mynocks chewin' on the power cables!

Backstory:

Han was a youth growing up on Corellia and eventually joined the Imperial forces. After rescuing Chewbacca he left the Empire and went into gambling and smuggling. The rest, as they say, is history. Of course, after the movies he and Leia married, had 3 Jedi, and had many more adventures.

Want more? The Wookieepedia article

66th in alphabetical order

Han Solo (SW 1978-79)

The original Han Solo is a curious beast because it is one of the few times that Kenner went back and did a major mold change, namely with his head. If you hear the terms "big-head Han" and "small-Han Han" bandied about, this is why. You can see the above pictures for an example. The small-head was first, and then the big one came with the switch to an ESB card. Some small-heads exist on ESB cards because retailers often sent figures back to the manufacturer to get repackaged when new movie cards came out. Han came out on SW, ESB, and ROTJ cards.

Han is one of the original twelve-back figures, with the paintings instead of photos of the figures. I have mentioned in previous posting with the original twelve about this, and how badly the TIE fighter looks here. Han also came with his signature blaster.

Why should you own this figure? Five reasons:

1. Get a big-head and a small-head. Have a fight over which one is the defective clone.

2. There's only one figure you want behind the control of the Falcon, and it isn't that scoundrel Lando!

3. That vest, the open-necked collar. What's not to like, ladies?

4. Get him in a cantina scene with Greedo. Shoot first.

5. It's Han - the coolest guy who doesn't use the Force. Kind of like MacGyver and his feeling about guns.

Backstory:

Han was a rebellious youth on Corellia, and a talented swoop bike racer. Eventually he joined the Imperial forces, where he began to question their values. Eventually he saved and befriended a Wookiee name Chewbacca, and they became pilot and copilot smugglers. He hooked up with the Rebellion, a princess, and settled down (kind of) and had three kids, Jaina, Jacen, and Anakin. Many, many years later he is still crossing the galaxy with his wife, but Chewbacca died in the war with the Yuuzhan Vong about 25 years after the event in Star Wars.

Want the full story? The Wookieepedia article

65th in alphabetical order

Hammerhead (SW 1978-79)

Yet another to complete your cantina diorama, Hammerhead was an interesting figure. It was the only one who had to be turned sideways (well, just his head) to fit into his package. Although this was another character that was in the original movie for all of 5 seconds, it was still one of the more interesting aliens. Like many of the alien figures in the original Kenner line, his clothes weren't quite right, but his head and feet were nicely done. The blaster was fairly generic (the same one that came with the Stormtroopers), but, you know, Kenner had to include something. hammerhead came on SW, ESB, and ROTJ cards.

Why should you get this figure? Five reasons:

1. Hammerhead - that name is enough there. Any character named after a shark has an instant cool factor.

2. That head. Wow. What other figure has such an interesting and off-center head?

3. As mentioned before, he is a cantina alien, and it thus can't be completed without him. Of course, the original line didn't include a band member, totally ruining the experience.

4. The card picture with that giant twisty head? Oh yeah, that's worth the price of admission right there.

5. The Boba Fett offer on the back is great. Later, all instances of the "shooting" backpack were covered up with a black sticker, since the shooting feature was deemed a safety hazard.

Backstory:

The "hammerhead" from the movie was named Momaw Nadon, an Ithorian. The Ithorians are a peace-loving naturalist race. This backstory was made all the more funny since this original figure came with a blaster. When the figure was reissued in the 1990's line, it came with a huge double blaster. Get your stories straight people! Momaw and his race worked with the Rebellion against the Empire. Ithorians also live in giant floating cities above their planet so as not to disturb the ecosystem.

Want more? His Wookieepedia article

64th in alphabetical order

Greedo (SW 1978-79)

If it's seventies retro-chic and a blaster in its hand, then it must be Greedo. Ah, much maligned "G," as his friends call him. It's fairly obvious that Han shot you first, not like Star Wars: the Special Edition showed. You shooting first and missing? I don't think so. You guys were sitting right across the table from each other! A blind Turkalian Grag Beast of Goopos IV couldn't have missed that shot. Heck, even on the set of the upcoming Indiana Jones IV movie George Lucas was seen wearing a "Han Shot First" t-shirt.

Greedo came out during the entire run of the figures, first on a Star Wars card, then ESB, and ROTJ. Taking a look at his outfit screams 70's today, or someone from the Scissors Sisters. Apparently someone from Kenner must have gotten the outfit of another cantina alien mixed up and put it on Greedo, instead of the jacket with yellow stripes and vest that he had in the film. Why they never changed the figure in all its years of production we'll never know. At least the head is pretty good.

Why should you get this figure? Five reasons:

1. Proceeds from every sale go to the "Han Shot First" restoration project.

2. You will never get a chance to own another figure that screams "Yes, I am wearing a tacky green jumpsuit, but I'm okay with it."

3. Cantina scene - classic. You need to get every figure you can from it and play that funky music.

4. How else are you going to act out the scene between Han and Greedo for your drama class without this figure?

5. He comes with a blaster. Hey, it's the same one the Han figure comes with. Do you suppose...okay: Greedo threatens Han. They wrestle for the gun. It goes off, killing Greedo. Han mourns this tragic loss of life, takes the gun, and vows to do good in Greedo's name. This is how it will happen in Star Wars: a Very Special Edition.

Backstory:

Greedo's family fled their homeworld after persecution by a warlord. Eventually hooking up with some bounty hunters that taught him the essentials, Greedo had dreams of one day becoming the best" bounty hunter there ever was. He was maneuvered into going after Han because of a grudge he had against him (Han once caught him stealing power coupling from the Falcon), even though the bounty hunters who arranged this knew Greedo would be no match for Solo.

In the novel Tales from the Mos Eisley Cantina, it was revealed that the bartender took Greedo's body after his death, and, except for the head, used it to make a fine liquer. Whether his partons knew this or not is debatable. Greedos' head was eventually claimed by a friend and given a proper burial. Sheesh, what a way to go.

Want more? His Wookieepedia article

63rd in alphabetical order

General Madine (ROTJ 1983-84)

What can you do with a General that only talks? Well, it’s a toy – use your imagination for pete’s sake. But seriously, General Madine didn’t seem to have a lot of play value. Just look at his only accessory, a “battle” staff. It’s more like a presentation pointer. The figure only came on an ROTJ card. Based on production shots from ROTJ, Madine was probably supposed to have had more screen time in the movie, most notably during the space battle. It is conjectured that he was suppose to die in one of the Rebel ships destroyed by the Death Star II.

Why should you own this figure? Five reasons:

1. No one does an “attack-a-battle-station” presention like ol’ Madine.

2. The beard. The brooding eyes. Get him. Get him.

3. Battle staff! Whoo-hoo!

4. Finally tell Han where to go. Well, tell him to lead the Endor mission anyway.

5. Re-create the long-lost scene where Madine is only talked to by Ewoks at the after-party.

Backstory:

Crix Madine (given a first name later, unlike Admiral Ackbar) joined the Imperial Academy from his home planet of Corellia and quickly rose through the ranks. After having doubts about the morality of his missions, however, he defected to the Rebels, eventually planning the attack on the Endor shield generator.

After the Battle of Endor, he continued to be a military advisor and led mission insuring the safety of the New Republic. About 12 years after the Battle of Yavin, though, he was killed on a mission trying to stop the construction of a Death Star-like super laser named Darksaber, being built by a hutt. However, his spy work led the New Republic to its location to destroy it.

Want more? His Wookieepedia article

62nd in alphabetical order

Gamorrean Guard (ROTJ 1983-84)

Probably the biggest complaint I have about the Gamorrean Guard (and others will attest to this) is that the thing never fit in any - any - figure cases. I don't care if you have the Vader case, the Laser Rifle Case, or are using a Yugo as a carrying case, this fatso never fit in anything! That beer gut! The immovable head! That green porcine face!

The guard came with a vibro axe, which anyone who has read any kind of science fiction/cyber punk literature knows that this blade instrument can do much more damage than a regular axe because it vibrates a gajillion times a second. The Guard also came in ROTJ and much, much rarer POTF packaging (look on Ebay - pricey!).

Why should you get this figure? Five reasons:

1. Someone's getting eaten by the Rancor, and it sure ain't me.

2. Test out some Jedi mind tricks on this easy species.

3. The perfect gift to tell that armchair quarterback exactly what you think of them.

4. The perfect mascot for any Irish pigs you know.

5. An axe? In the Star Wars Universe? Really? And it's not with an Ewok? I've got to see this.

Backstory:

Gamorreans come from the lush jungle planet of Gamorr (why do sci-fi planets always have one climate? Earth has dozens!). They are a primitive species (duh!) governed by matriarchal clans. Because of their fighting abilities and dumb nature, they are often employed by crime lords who can get them on the cheap. Twelve Gamorreans were brought to Jabba by Han Solo and Chewbacca (when they were still in his employ) - two of them were named Gartog and Ortugg. No clue on which one the figure is supposed to be.

Want to know more? Wookieepedia article

61st in alphabetical order