10 Relatively Unknown ‘Star Wars’ Characters Who Received Their Own Action Figure

Star Wars action figures were the primo toy line for so many kids that grew up in the 1980s. It was the toy line that started it all. When Lucas, through Charlie Lippincott, set up the deal with Kenner, it was with the idea that the money for the films would come from the merchandise, not the box office draws. That worked like a charm. From the "early bird special" released during Christmas 1977, Star Wars action figures were in high demand for the entirety of their run. Of course, they had some challengers later on with G.I. Joe, He-Man, and Transformers, but none of them had the story to back them up like Star Wars, which partially contributed to the variety of action figures produced.

That variety added to the imagination, allowing kids to recreate countless scenes from the movies. Even the most casual Star Wars fans know the cantina scene in A New Hope and all of the aliens in the background inside Jabba's Palace on Tatooine in Return of the Jedi. Some of these characters graduated to action figure status regardless of their obscurity. Here is a list of some of the lesser-known Star Wars characters that became action figures. Check out more about these figures in Mark Bellomo's book The Ultimate Guide to Vintage Star Wars Action Figures, 1977-1985.

RELATED: Rarest 'Star Wars' Toys

1. Yak Face was, and still is, one of the most sought-after vintage Star Wars action figures, especially since it was never officially available in the United States. He appeared in the background of Jabba's Palace and on Jabba's sail barge. However, he was not given a name until the Star Wars Trilogy Sourcebook published by West End Games in 1987. Saelt-Marae, a Yakoran, was an informant who sold secrets to both the Rebellion and the Empire. He remained on Jabba’s good side by also keeping the Hutt informed on their goings-on.

2. Amanaman was another denizen of Jabba's Palace and one of the most extraordinary-looking Star Wars action figures. Amanaman featured a very alien-looking body of yellow and green, with long arms and short legs and a short curly tail. Amanaman also brandished a tribal staff where skulls of his victims were attached. In Return of the Jedi, Amanaman was visible near Jabba's favorite decoration, Han Solo frozen in carbonite. The species Amanin appeared in unfinished episodes of The Clone Wars.

3. Even for seasoned Star Wars fans, Lumat was an obscure character. Some might argue that Ewoks were all the same. Some casual fans might know Chief Chirpa, Wicket, Logray, and maybe even Teebo. Now, show me anyone that can point out Lumat in the Return of the Jedi. There was not even an image of Lumat on Wookieepedia! Rumor had it that Lumat was one of the Ewoks flying the hang gliders. Apparently, Lumat was the father of the Ewok baby that got frightened when Threepio "used his magic." Who knew?

4. The same goes for Romba. Both Lumat and Romba were released in the last wave of Star Wars figures and were soon forgotten. Romba and Lumat were more prevalent in the Ewok cartoons and junior readers read-along books where having a variety of Ewoks made it more fun for the kids. Romba was an interesting-looking Ewok as he had dark brown almost reddish fur, making him stand out against the typical tan or gray.

5. Hammerhead was a classic patron of Chalmun's Cantina in A New Hope and one of the oddest-looking aliens in Star Wars. He did not do much in the movie except look pretty (weird), but he was a must-have nonetheless. Beyond their S-shaped heads, Ithorians were striking because they had two mouths, one on each side of their head, and four throats. Like the Yakoran, Ithorians were an imposing species. “Hammerhead” was considered a derogatory remark, so that term was frowned upon by Ithorians and anyone else who respected others. This particular Ithorian’s name was Momaw Nadon.

6. Walrus Man was another early alien in the Star Wars line, but he was not a background figure. He was front and center harassing Luke in the cantina, and lost his arm ins the process. The color scheme chosen for this guy was puzzling since he looked pretty drab in the movie. Like Yak Face, Walrus Man did not receive a name until later. Ponda Baba was an important figure in recreating the cantina scene.

7. Prune Face was the ultimate definition of a background character. He was aboard the Rebel Alliance’s headquarters frigate Home One during the mission briefing scene before the Battle of Endor. Even though Prune Face was in the background, he stood out as one of the rare aliens in the Rebellion. Orrimaarko, as he was named later, came equipped with a slugthrower and a light tan cloak. As a Dresselian, Orrimaarko was xenophobic towards humans and felt he should have led the attack on Endor in place of Solo.

8. Ree Yees was a must-have because of so many reasons. He had three eyes, glove-like hands, and his shiny gold-plated blaster rifle. In Legends, Ree-Yees was known to knock back a few too many, which was a quality Jabba did not always appreciate. Ree Yees was also responsible for watching bubo, the dog/frog alien, outside Jabba's palace. He also suffered from a disorder that made his hands appear swollen.

9. Squid Head was interesting because of his unique head sculpt. Although not in the forefront, Tessek was in the background enough to show he was an essential part of Jabba's court. Tessek was Jabba's bookkeeper who was shy about pocketing some of the returns.

10. Since one imperial had to be included, Imperial Dignitary, you are it! These guys advised the Emperor on matters of importance, but they hung back in the dark. While they wore colorful costumes of purple, black, and red, we did not know much about them. The Emperor had six dignitaries or advisors, and they all had pasty skin and creepy smirks. However, only one figure was made with a generic title. What kid knew what a dignitary was?

There were various background characters and generic Imperial and Rebel commanders. Still, it took until the Power of the Force line in 1995 to see specific Rebel and Imperial military leaders like Admiral Piett, Grand Moff Tarkin, and Mon Mothma. Most of the figures on this list were released towards the end of the Star Wars Kenner line when they were just looking to make just about anyone into an action figure or adding to the plethora of Luke's, Han's, and Leia's. Even though subsequent toy lines had more articulation, more detailed paint jobs, and overall better quality, nothing will ever beat the original Star Wars Kenner toys.

Disclosure: We hope you like the items we recommend! Culture Slate has affiliate partnerships, so we receive a share of the revenue from your purchase. This won’t affect the price you pay and helps us out.

READ NEXT: This Disturbing Baby Yoda Animatronic Will Give You Nightmares For Years

Written By Eric Onkenhout

Source(s): Mental Floss

Syndicated From Culture Slate

Join The Team