Kenner Desert Skiff ROTJ Figures

 Some of the neatest toys from ROTJ come from not only Jabba's Palace, but also from the Skiff! The Skiff Guards continue showing off the different aliens in the Star Wars, and quite frankly are fun to put on your Vintage Kenner Tatooine Skiff, which if you have it, is worth a small fortune, or the Target exclusive from 2004-2006. It's one of those years, but a re-use of the original Kenner model. The one that came out in 2019-2020 is a far superior version, and has the actual plank that doesn't have a collapsing tip. But whatever version you have, you need figures to put on it! And of course, Kenner has you covered! So here are all the ROTJ carded Skiff Guard figures for your Skiff!

Klaatu (1 of 2)

There are 2 different versions of Klaatu on ROTJ cards. This figure is the basic version, he just comes with a staff. The face sculpting is quite well done, even the detail on his clothing is well done! When you take into account this figure is 40 years old, and still has good sculpting and paint apps you can appreciate the hard work that went into making this figure! He has the basic 5 articulation points, and has a fierce looking facial expression. He's a nice background figure, and can fit into any Skiff or Jabba's Palace loose figure display. I wouldn't label this one essential, but he does look cool.

Klaatu (2 of 2, aka Wooof)

This Klaatu IS one you definitely need! He is close to Han, Luke and Chewie, and if I recall correctly is the one Lando tussles with. (That may have been the other Weequay who didn't get a Kenner figure. I need to rewatch!) He has a wool skirt, and some added chest armor and a bandolier with grenades sculpted on. Hasbro's GI Joe line had done this already in 1982-83 but at that time Kenner wasn't owned by Hasbro so this is a Kenner "first". He has the same 5 standard articulation points and has a pike staff weapon, which he can hold one handed quite well.


Weequay

If you can only get 1 Skiff Guard, it's Weequay. He is the most visible one and has the most screen time as he is the one forcing Luke to walk the plank. He has the basic 5 articulation points, but has something else that makes him unique: a (near) Two-handed weapon grip! Although you can see in the image he doesn't quite have a complete one, but it's close enough! The detail in this figure's overall sculpt is also to be commended, there is great detail on the clothing, especially the chest armor and the head sculpt is nearly perfect. There isn't much wrong with this figure, even by today's collector demanding standards. He has his battle staff, and that's all he needs, really.


Nikto

If Weequay is essential, the Nikto figure is as well, as you need at least those two for any display on the Desert Skiff. He has the standard 5 POA, and comes with a force pike that loosely fits in his right hand. He has a lot of good detail in his sculpt, from head to toe. And this is one of the childhood figures I still own, and aside from paint wear is still in great shape. He is an incredibly well made figure to even 40 years later still be in great shape.


Lando Calrissian

The coolest Star Wars character makes his only figure appearance on a ROTJ card in his Skiff Guard disguise. Like Leia in Boushh Disguise the helmet Lando wears is in it's own bubble on the card so that kids (and parents or grandparents who would buy toys for gifts) could see that this is indeed a main character. Sadly, this is the only Lando figure on a ROTJ card, as his General's outfit version was a POTF release and hard to find, back then and now. Lando has a neat head sculpt which is an improvement over the ESB Bespin version. He has a serious expression on his face as he's undercover to help Han escape Jabba the Hutt. The details on Lando's armor is impressive. Compared to the POTF2 version of this figure I like the Kenner ROTJ version better. There was a lot of attention to detail in this sculpt, and is typical of the effort Kenner put into ROTJ figures. He has the 5 basic articulation points, and a force pike and a removable helmet that is a perfect fit, and it's a great disguise since you can't recognize this as Lando just looking at the figure while he has the helmet on. Not only is Lando essential, you need him to complete any Kenner Jabba's Palace or Desert Skiff display. I would recommend looking at loose prices if you want to add this particular figure into your collection, even loose and complete won't break your bank. Images from Galactic Figures. 


Next Kenner Review will be the Ewoks!