Thinking about beasts again.

[Jargo]

I was lying in bed last night trying to get some shut eye and failing. So i got out my pad and pen and started to doodle as I often do in such circumstances. But i got to thinking about the beast line.
If the beasts are selling as it seems they are judging by how many are clamouring for the Acklay and Nexu, then the market is definately still open for decently made beasts.
This lead me to think that a resculpt on a couple of POTF2 beasts might be in order.
So I jotted down my thoughts and this is what I came up with:

Dewback:
basically the same body and head but without the opening jaw feature so that the head can be raised slightly to facilitate the extra articulation on the front legs which would be knees and ankles. This is to emulate a fighting attack pose because Dewback are ferocious in the wild and Luke's landspeeder bears the scar from a Dewback attack apparently.
The head would be able to turn sideways or could be on a large ball joint so it could swivel round many ways. The tail would be made from rubber and have a bendy metal strip inside so it can posed.
The rear legs could stay the same as the original mold or be slightly realigned to allow for the front legs extra posing capabilities and balance.
The saddle and bridle would be redone as removable pieces.
There would be no pack in figure as the cost of the extra articulation would preclude this.

Bantha:
Essentially I would keep the Bantha as the same sculpt from the POTF2 release but I would remove the Tusken rider figure and add in a Bantha calf. Just to make the set somehow different. The horns on the Bantha would be retooled to curl a different way and the saddle would be more easily removable.
I would perhaps add in a seperate saddle addition of extra pannier sacks that could be slung over the bantha to further modify how the Bantha looks when stood next to the POTF2 version.

The Tusken raider that previously packed with the Bantha would be retooled as a carded figure and have a Tusken youth as a pack in making it a 2-pack.

Ronto:
Nothing really wrong with the POTF2 version apart from the dreadful 'bucking' action. This I would remove and add in a little more articulation in the neck area allowing the Ronto to bend it's neck down and raise it's head in a grazing motion. I would add in knees to the front legs so the Ronto could kneel. I would make the 'saddle' piece removable and alter it somehow so it wasn't simply a rremold of the old version. I would add in a longer reigns piece and removable bridle. Again, no pack in figures because of the extra articulation.

Eopie:
This just need a re-release basically so those who wanted it could get it. I'd lose the Qui-Gon figure stright off. Then I'd add softer reigns and a better paint application on the saddle and pannier bags. I'd add in a removable cargo sled with a couple of crates and a cargo tarpaulin or net to go over the top of the crates and secure the crates onto the sled. No need for a pack in figure as they are better being carded releases. But if there was one it would be Kitster.

Aiwha:
A totally new creature. all I have to say is that it would have a metal armature frame inside a rubber body giving an almost entirely bendable nature. There is no other way to do the wings justice or the tail or the head. The head would employ the same opening jaw feature that the Massif did. The saddle would be removable and there would be a pack in Kaminoan rider.

Shaak:
Not an obvious choice given how dumb the creature looks, but it did feature in the movie so it warrants inclusion here.
Just a large green football in essence but with a little judicious articulation a neck could be articulated and the legs too. The front ones could be articulated to emulate the 'bucking' action by way of twisting the stubby little tail. There would have to be a pack in Anakin figure for this set to work.

Falumpaset:
Basically the same as the one from the episode one release ammo wagon but slightly larger in scale and with the high backed saddle from the victory parade. Perhaps a little more neck articulation and leg articulation too. Should also pack in a seated cross legged Boss Nass figure. The sadle should also be removable.

Orray:
This is an inevitable beast pack but here's my thoughts anyway. It should be completely articulated at all four legs and have head articulation at the neck and jaw. The neck ball joint sounds good to me in this case. The saddle should be molded onto the beast and the reigns and bridle would be soft rubber. There would be a Geonosian picador rider with spear who would have limited articulation to allow for the inclusion of extra articulation and details elsewhere in the set.
If possible the execution cart would be included as a removable piece that could be used seperately in arena scenes. The execution cart would employ similar clear plastic wheels from Luke's landspeeder and also the simulated floating effect.

Dianoga:
I've outlined this a hundred times already but i do so again so as to keep the idea fresh.
I would have a large beast here for the deluxe line. made from soft rubber so it has a real feel squishy appeal. the tentacles are made from rubber with bendy metal strips inside. The eyestalk is telescoping and is activated by squeezing on the sides of the body which also opens the mouth on the front/underside of the body. The coloring should be dark pinky red not pale and there would be no pack in figure but pieces of trash compactor 'junk' could be packed in.
A seperate carded Luke in Stormtrooper disguise resculpt would be the companion piece to this.

Tauntaun:
The most obvious version to redo is Luke's Tauntaun. This should really just be a plain and simple re-release with resculpted legs posed in a standing position. But packing the Tauntaun with a new Wampa made in better detail and finer paint application would add a great deal to this set.

A new Luke Hoth would be better made as a carded figure with better detail and lots of articulation.

A second resculpt is just as warranted though, Han's Tauntaun dead. Using a slightly reposed version of the old POTF2 mold, the Tauntaun is posed lying dead on it's side. The belly has an opening just like the vintage version only this time the whole body is made from softer plastic or rubber so when you push on the Tauntaun's side the guts pop out emulating the action sequence from the movie. The set should include the survival tent used by han on the icy plains and a resculpted unconscious Luke figure, covered in snow and bruised and Wampa damaged.

A new Han Hoth would be better made as a carded figure with better detail and lots of articulation.

Dragonsnake:
Deluxe sized beast with articulation on limbs and snapping jaw. packs with 'muddy' R2-D2.

Small beast sets:

I came up with an idea for sets containing some of the smaller creatures less likely to get made as beasts, in an assortment. Kind of like an accesory pack but more like a galaxy building pack.

Tatooine set:
x4 Dwarf Nuna, x2 Scurrier rodent, x1 Worrt (road creature) with x1 tiny critter that Worrt eats.

Tatooine set 2:
x1 Bubo, x1 Rappertunie, x1 Wol Cabashhite, x1 Hoover.

Naboo set:
x 2 Peko Peko bird, x2 Pikobus, x2 Mott.

Dagobah set:
x3 swamp flyer, x2 tree snakes, x2 swamp lizard.

Coruscant set:
x2 Duracrete slug, x1 conduit worm, x3 stone mite, x2 Hawkbats.

[Hydralisk]

Great ideas, EJ. The only things I'd change are in the Coruscant set and the Dagobah set. For one, the "humpbacked swamp predator" is a dragonsnake, I belive. A very cool creature, but far too large to be included in a small critter set (not that I wouldn't want to see it as a deluxe or beast). On the Coruscant set, I'd like to see hawkbats instead of mynocks, and then have the mynocks packed in with a figure, prehaps a C-3PO with light up eyes or a new Hoth Leia. Still, new beasts will always be welcome no matter what.:D

[Jargo]

Hydralisk, I updated the initial post with the amended name on the 'humpback' beast. Thanks for the info, I just went blank trying to think what it was called. And of course you're right about it being too big to be a small critter, I made it a deluxe set like you suggested.
And you're right again about the Mynock not fitting so I changed it for the Hawkbat instead. I think the Mynock should pack in with a retooled or new version of the Millenium Falcon instead. :)

[Hydralisk]

I can only hope we get even a small amount of all the neat creatures there are. The wildlife was one of the things that drew me to Star Wars when I was little, and I want them all to be done and done well as you've suggested.

[Rogue II]

Once again, EJ, great list.

What kind of reigns would you put on the beasts? I don't really like the molded plastic on the POTF2 versions because they are difficult to put in place, especially the Dewback.

[Hasbro'sBountyHunter]

Yes please, more beasts!!!

[evenflow]

The most important beast we need is a ROTJ JABBA the HUTT. We really need him. Secondly, i would like to see a Dianoga with trash compactor and trash.

[Jargo]

Reigns, i think would be a combination of rubber and thread. The new plastics and rubbers are softer than the stuff used for POTF2 beast packs so it might work out better for reigns to be made in soft rubber. But in hot climates this perishes very fast so thread may be the way to go with a vynil plastic bridle piece and saddle if a saddle is required.

I forgot some beasts in my initial post so i'll add them here...

JERBA:
*cow like beast of burden seen outside the cantina tethered next to the Dewback*
This dark brown creature with horns should ideally pack as a two beast set with strap on saddles and pannier packs, or the one beast with two sets of pannier pack and a Tatooine trader figure. Perhaps the guy who snitches on ben and Luke to the Sandtroopers. Basic articulation is required on the legs and maybe a turning head. real feel hair on the body might be nice to fit in with the hairy Bantha.

COLO CLAW FISH:
Not the most interesting of beasts but for the attack beast assortment it has a place alongside any others. I would make this to coincide with the release of a Gungan Bongo sub of some desciption. Made smaller than scale to keep costs down like the Opee but this beast would be made from rubbery plastic with a bendy strip right down the spine. Articulated at the jaw and the mandibles, which would have some kind of snapping action. As a bonus I would pack in a few of the fish that originally came in the sea creatures battle bags.

SANDO AQUA MONSTER
Again an attack beast but with a slight difference in interactivity and aimed more at kids than collectors.
This beast would be a large one but still scaled down somewhat. The head would basically be a glorified hand puppet so that a child can operate the jaw from inside and have it open and close how they themselves want it to. The body would be soft rubber or soft vynil plastic and the limbs would be plastic. The limbs would really have no articulation other than a basic 360 rotation at the joint. The body while fairly robust would simply be a large add on for accuracy in detail. The head would be where the detail was with rows of 'sharp' teeth and 'working' tongue which could be moved via finger control.
other than making this creature as a hand puppet there's no other way for it to work given the size of it. Adding in the ability to get inside and control the action in the puppetry way would involve kids directly in the action of play. This would still work for collectors but as I said be aimed primarily at the kids market. The release timed to coincide with the release of the Colo claw fish attack beast and a Gungan Bongo vehicle.
*Thanks to BigBarada for the inspiration and idea* :)

[El Chuxter]

The Sando Aqua would have to be "scaled down somewhat?" I think that's an understatement! IIRC, I calculated that a scale toy of this critter would have to be roughly the size of an RV! :eek:

[Jargo]

AHA! spotted the understatement of the year then did you? :D Actually I've been sitting here pondering this and came to the conclusion that the only way to do the Sando aqua monster would be to do just the head shoulders and forearms at a CONSIDERABLY reduced scale. :) But it would still be cool to get them though especially if it coincided with a Gungan Bongo sub release.
And i was thinking about that too. In the movie our heros 'borrow' a three man Bongo from the hydrostatic Bongo pool. But there are more than just the three man type of Bongo. A two man or a one man Bongo would still be cool, same style of vehicle just made for different amounts of passengers and pilots.
The three man Bongo would be posible if it too was slightly scaled down in size. The cargo bubbles at the rear of the Bongo could be significantly reduced to make rom for the cockpit, the 'wings' of the ship could be reduced in size slightly and the tail propulsion unit would have to be greatly reduced in length.
But the ship would be feasible as a 3¾ scale release. It would have to be made as a self assembly style vehicle and packed in a non window box, but it would work.
However, if hasbro are not willing to go that far then they could still release a one man Bongo based on the three man version. Not like that abortion that they packed with Obi in the episode one line but a totally new larger vehicle with a real cockpit and canopy bubble, a longer propulsion tail and larger side wings. A ral vehicle that would be slightly EU but more fitting and in keeping with the movie.

But back to the beasts, theSando Aqua monster as a hand puppet but head and shoulders and forearms only. I'd buy that just for having it on display in my bathroom with the two Opees I somehow aquired. And little Naboo fishies, gotta have little Naboo fishies as pack-ins too. :)

[RooJay]

I'm down with all of this! Except, I'd want a new version of Han's Taun Taun before it dies; a rerelease of the first would be perfect for this. Since most people didn't get one the first time around, and since it would seem to be fairly popular and important, I think it's sell quite well as a rerelease. Maybe with a correct, blue jacketed Han this time!

[Nexu]

EJ, do you really think the Orray is bound to come out? I hope so. That would be nice. :)

[Jargo]

The larger the character or beast the less likely it is to be made. larger items take up more room on the stores shelves and the stores don't like that, they can't put much stock out or shift any great quantities. The financial climate dictates a lot of the releases and at the moment the US is facing a difficult time, ergo less expensive items and more cheaper pocket money priced items.

The Orray is no taller than a geonosian warrior and no longer than the Nexu if you take away the tail. This is most likely going to be in the next couple of deluxe waves I reckon. It's really a cute beast and seems designed to be made into a toy. If the rumour of an arena Obi-Wan with spear is true then wouldn't it make sense to put out the Orray and Geonosian picador rider with this, so you can re-enact the whole scene where Obi grabs the spear and the Acklay devours the Geonosian picador rider? That sounds like perfect marketing to me, but then I don't work for Hasbro, people with bad judgement do unfortunately.

So many opportunities to release the cool stuff and what do they do - release another flamin' Jango Fett!!! :mad:

Sorry to rant, Yes I do think the Orray will get released and I'll be forever mystified if it doesn't.

[Nexu]

Yeah, I see what you mean. You know about Hasbro though. :rolleyes:

[Geonosian]

Originally posted by EMPEROR JARGO
Orray:
This is an inevitable beast pack but here's my thoughts anyway. It should be completely articulated at all four legs and have head articulation at the neck and jaw. The neck ball joint sounds good to me in this case. The saddle should be molded onto the beast and the reigns and bridle would be soft rubber. There would be a Geonosian picador rider with spear who would have limited articulation to allow for the inclusion of extra articulation and details elsewhere in the set.
If possible the execution cart would be included as a removable piece that could be used seperately in arena scenes. The execution cart would employ similar clear plastic wheels from Luke's landspeeder and also the simulated floating effect.

Hey EJ did you know I have a petition for the Geonosian Picador with Orray!
www.petitiononline.com/gpicador
I would also like the Picador to be able to ride the Orray.
I want in hope for a 2003 relese.

[Beast]

I think everyone knows about your petition, Geonosian. Not only do you have a thread about it around here, but there used to be a giant link in your signature to the petition. Petitions, unless you can get about 10,000+ signatures do nothing. ;) :crazed: :D

MTFBWY and HH!!

Jar Jar Binks

[Nexu]

True. :)

[Geonosian]

10,000!!!
WOW!

[Nexu]

How many do you have?

[Geonosian]

50.

[QLD]

Well.......lets say you average 2 signatures a day....in about.....13 years or so, you should be all set!!!!

:D

[Geonosian]

No man. No way!
This dude will come out next year.
I getcha!

[Jargo]

There's a rumour doin' the rounds that the trash compactor scene will get two 2-packs - Han and Chewie and Leia and Luke. Now this would be an excellent proposal considering that there's also another rumour that there's a 2-pack of Luke and Han in stormtrooper outfits with commtech stormtrooper articulation.

Whichever way it might - might happen, I hope we also get a deluxe sized beast of the dianoga. It makes perfect sense to do the dianoga as a deluxe beast. See my reccomendations above and it all ties in quite nicely. I pray in fact that we get a deluxe beast Dianoga. With all the attention on prequels this last few years it seems the OT has been badly represented by issues of just more Han and Luke figures. The pair in stormtrooper disguise with fine detail is really a good idea for release in the anniversary year. Not only do you get two more stormtroopers with I assume removable helmets, you get two core characters done properly in new outfits rather than the same old han in smuggler gear and Luke farmboy. Chewie has been done really well lately and I don't see a need for a new Leia unless she's well articulated.

However, getting back to old squishy the Dianoga, this monster would be such a boon to the collection right now. The Nexu showed that bendy rubber parts can work really well, softer materials used in the interactive Yoda work well too. Combine the materials and you have a recipe for a squishy bendy monster. With just one useful gimmick applied to make the eye stalk extend and the mouth open and close this would be possibly the next best deluxe set to the Nexu which is THE best deluxe set ever! Only cuz it says my name but.....
The Dianoga has never been done so it's a prime candidate to refresh the beast line. The vintage dianoga doesn't really count because it wasn't really anything more than a novelty item. It wasn't a beast and had no tentacles. This new dianoga could be the hippest new kid on the block if hasbro went all out for it. If they look at the picture that Teryl Whitlatch drew for the wildlife of star wars book which I've posted somewhere in here and I'll find it and link to it again, they'll see how cool this beast could be. A huge angry red beast made of squishy materials.... I'm drooling at the thought........ :)

Wildlife of star wars Dianoga (http://www.sirstevesguide.com/forums/attachment.php?s=&postid=119037)

[Lobito]

I agree with all the beasts listed in here, but i will also love to see a EU beast: Krayt Dragon...that all.:D

[Jargo]

Y'know Lobito I was going to ask for the Krayt dragon, as Teryl Whitlatch also did sketches for it. but to be honest, You face the same problem with that as with any of the large beasts - the stores just won't take larger items in any great numbers.

I reckon if anything we might get a few Krayt dragon bones with a C-3PO somehow, in a deluxe pack or something but the actual beast might never see the light of day. It'd be cool in the attack beast assortments but I reckon we'll only get something like that when they've run out of actual film beasties to do.
It would be really cool though. Big sharp pointy teeth and claws, great big lizard able to take down a Dewback or Bantha... munch up Jawas for a snack....... stomp on moisture farmer's whiny nephews..................

Hasbro, make the Krayt dragon right now!!!!!!!!

[Rogue II]

Originally posted by EMPEROR JARGO
....... stomp on moisture farmer's whiny nephews..................

Hasbro, make the Krayt dragon right now!!!!!!!!

Lord knows we have enough Tatooine Lukes to feed that thing for years!

[Jargo]

I was thinking about the size of these large beasts. The Opee is really out of scale, tiny little thing compard to the movie. Same with the Fambaa. Much smaller than the film beast in scale. So I just tell myself that the Opee is a young one. In Teryl Whitlatchs book she drew a picture of a Colo claw fish being attacked from the inside by a bunch of baby Opees after it tried to dine on them. I keep that image in my head when looking at the Opee toy. Wouldn't a similar thing work for the large beasts? Make a young Krayt dragon and it would be smaller and the scale would still be right but the packaging would have some concocted little blurb saying how the Krayt dragons can grow up to three times larger or something. As long as the details were right and it had play value - say with the new Landspeeder and Luke for example, Luke encounters a young Krayt dragon while out bullseyeing EWomp rats from the cockpit of his speeder..... Something EU but logical and in line with what was said in the movie. Logical EU is fine by me, like getting a Baby Bantha with a Tusken raider youth, it's totally logical and economical. But wuld be cool all the same and fit right in with what we have already.

The Young Krayt dragon would provide a new attack beast wave that the dianoga could be part of. I'd prefer the Dianoga to be a part of a deluxe line of smaller beasts that the baby Bantha could be part of along with the Shaak. The Wampa resculpted or simply given a fresh paint deco and re-released would also make for a cool addition to the attack beast line.

It would just seem plain daft to me that with so many possibilities within the realms of the actual star wars movies, hasbro would limit themselves to just beasts of burden. I hope we get the Orray with Geonosian rider and the Aiwha with kaminoan rider but at the same time the line needs variety and versatility.

This is why i started this thread to voice some of the possibilities. I don't want to hog the thread or say i have the only answers and mine is the only true way, I want to encourage creative thinking here but at the same time hope for voices to join the thread that will say similar things - hope for similar things.

I'll try to shut up and let some other voices speak........ I just find this subject really interesting and sort of exciting when you start to think about what could feasibly be done........... if only.............

[thespar]

how about a new rancor

[Jargo]

Funny you should say that, I remembered that I'd missed him off my list and have been thinking about that. I like my POTF2 Rancor despite his weight and the fact that he's 'hand support required'. :)

If hasbro ever did redo himm, I reckon they'd only have to give him more articulation in the arms (ball joint shoulders and added in elbows) and hands (finger articulation). maybe articulate his jaw and give him head rotation.
If it was me I'd try to use lighter materials to make him out of. then I'd weight down his tail to give him a little more balance.

But all in all I don't think the sculpt of the POTF version can be faulted. Any more detail and he won't fit in with the figures he;ll look more like a SPAWN™ figure instead.

[bigbarada]

I was just about to suggest a new Rancor. For some reason I didn't really care for the POTF2 version at all. Maybe it was the "real feel" skin that seems to lack detail or the "realistic" paint applications. Nope, I remember now, it was the fact that the danged thing can't stand on it's own.:mad:

[RooJay]

I know what you guys mean, and I too would like a new, better articulated Rancor. I had a bit of trouble standing mine at first, but I just posed him leaning back a little bit (almost like he's roaring), and he's been standing like that ever since I bought him when he first came out! I could definitely see how others might have trouble with him though. My main reason for wanting a new Rancor would definitely be better articulation though. Can't believe they didn't give him ball-jointed shoulders the first time around!

[Rogue II]

What about a Sarlaac? True, it would be more of a playset than a beast.

I figure it would be around 2' x 2' and 6"-8" in height. There could be a place to hook the Skiff to it (or include a skiff if they are feeling really wild). There would be several flexible tentacles and of course the mouth that could grab onto Barada or any other figure that you tossed into the pit.

[Geonosian]

G-E-O-N-O-S-A-N P-I-C-A-D-0-R W-I-T-H O-R-R-A-Y-

[bigbarada]

Originally posted by Rogue II
What about a Sarlaac? True, it would be more of a playset than a beast.

I figure it would be around 2' x 2' and 6"-8" in height. There could be a place to hook the Skiff to it (or include a skiff if they are feeling really wild). There would be several flexible tentacles and of course the mouth that could grab onto Barada or any other figure that you tossed into the pit.

I have actually been trying to work out the dynamics of a Sarlacc Playset/Beast since ohhhh...about 1984. Back then my idea was to have a sort of pump hooked up to a tube that would sort of suck the figures into the mouth.:stupid:

Now with the Special Edition, I think a version of my puppet idea for the Sando Aqua Monster might work here also. Although a major portion of the playset would resemble more of a sound stage than a toy, since the action would have to be raised above ground level for it to work.

Of course the easiest and cheapest solution would be a simple cup-like container that kids bury in the ground. The lid of the quart-sized cup would be a soft rubber replica of the Sarlacc with bendy tentacles, the figures fall into the pit and will probably have to be pushed in by the kids into the cup "belly" of the Sarlacc. It's simple, it would work and probably only cost about $10-$15.:)

[Rogue II]

Originally posted by bigbarada

Now with the Special Edition, I think a version of my puppet idea for the Sando Aqua Monster might work here also. Although a major portion of the playset would resemble more of a sound stage than a toy, since the action would have to be raised above ground level for it to work.


I'm guessing it would have to be made like the Special Edition version.

I was thinking about this some more. To prevent it from looking like a sound stage, the playset could be more of a half of a circle. The front and sides would slope up towards the back.(see picture)

I figure there should be about 6 long flexible tentacles surrounding the mouth.

As for the mouth, it should be big enough to grasp a regular figure. If they wanted to give it a gimmick, they could make it move using a lever similar to the "Hungry Hungry Hippos":crazed: When the mouth is resting, it would be low in the pit and open. When the lever is pushed, it would lunge upward and close.

[bigbarada]

Nice diagram.:cool: But are you totally giving up on the idea of it actually eating figures? I would always just assume that a container of some kind should go underneath it so that it could just gobble down one figure after another and they would be stored in the container for resurrection later.

"Hungry Hungry Hippos":D:D:D Ahhhhhhh, memories. Anyway, that would probably be easier to accomplish than the puppet idea and could be set to grab onto figures and gulp them down. There could even be a button on the side for the electronic "Sarlacc Burp," okay maybe not.:stupid:

[Rogue II]

I can understand making the Rancor physically eat figures and have a little "trap door" somewhere so they may be retrieved.

I am kind of giving up on th Sarlaac completely swallowing a figure. Keeping the swallowing fearture in would either add to the total height of the diorama or make the pit too shallow. Its is really a matter of choosing only 1 actioin feature for the mouth...swallowing or lunge and grab(hungry hungry hippo).

*edit* On second thought, the trap door could be underneath base. I was thinking the lever to move the mouth would have to be underneath the base, but it could be disguised as a rock on the surface (similar in appearance to the vintage Dagobah rock that activate the levitation feature).

Eh, it might work. I doubt it will ever be produced, so it doesn't really matter unless someone is thinking about building their own.

[Jargo]

Now, sitting comfortably? Then I'll begin. I was looking at Rogue II's sarlaacc pit idea yesterday and decided to have a go at designing a set myself. This could spin out a while so please bear with me because I'm having to split my large images up to make them fit the system image size regs. This first one is the basic set idea. I've numbered the parts rather than type onto the image in type so small you can't see it. but here goes:

1.) These ar two post holes that will take two clear plastic arms designed to support a skiff, just one mind otherwise the set would be too large. The rods are all clear and the arms are curved to match the skiff base, one larger than the other.

2.) This is the button that activates the Sarlaacc movement (see #5)

3.) This is the nod to kids who might not have a skiff so the set isn't necessarily just for skiff owners. Basically the usual suspect in a flipping trapdoor. This will tip a figure into the Sarlaacc's waiting maw.

4.) The button that activates the flip panel mentioned in #3

5.) This is the meat of the set - the sarlaacc itself. The beak is made of runbber and one half has the tongue molded in, there's a hole in the base which will be for 'swallowing' figures, but more on that later. The beak is molded into a circular piece that sits at the bottom of the pit and has tentacles molded on also. Spome of these tentacles could be wired so the are bendy like the Nexu's tail and the dianoga's tentacle. The rubber is soft and pliable but not so soft it can't hold its shape, ther should be minimal paint application but enough to give it a decent look. There is a mechanism under the beak which will open and close the beak to order. More on that later too.

There will also be a printed backdrop that will slot into place behind the skiff. This will be printed on the back of the packaging.

I have drawings showing the mechanisms for the button activated items but for now here's my first feeble drawing.

[Jargo]

Okay, here's a front view with some alterations. At the back I've drawn in the skiff support arms. The one in the middle is a side elevation and the other two are end on.
I flattened out the design to show better what I'm getting at. At the front are the buttons but I suggest that they be molded to be part of the base rather than sticking out button shaped buttons. Just an aesthetic thing that's all.
I added in a second flipping panel just to spice things up but that's optional it would depend on tooling costs as to whether that were feasible but i think two would be more fun.
The base itself is made using three sections, the absolute base is flat and everything fits onto it. The dune effect top is one piece and the sides of the pit are molded in two parts that fit snugly together and butt up to the top which slightly overhangs concealing the joins.
Into the two sides there are more tentacles made of rubber, these would be small ones and not needed to be bendy, just for decoration really, but they could actually be molded plastic and form part of the plastic sides sections. The teeth would be molded onto the sides and molded with the points blunted so they don't scratch little fingers. clever paint application could artificially sharpen them just for the visual.
The sides are three rings of overlapping teeth and 'gum' and for that reason making the sides in two halves would aid the molding and casting process.
The molded rubber beak section lips under the bottom of the side pieces so is held in place by them.

The skiff support arms would be made so they don't click into place permanently but would be thick enough to take the weight of the skiff and several figures on top. The two arms could possibly be made into one stronger frame if that were safer.
I wanted to add a mechanism to gently tip the skiff sideways but for one thing the set ids too small and secondly I worried about the skiff slipping off the support arms so I abandoned that idea and went for the flipping panels instead. For collectors it shouldn't be too hard to pose the skiff tipped over but for kids it wasn't safe, the skiff would have slipped off during play and there wasn't a clear solution to the problem.

[Jargo]

Finally for tonight at least is my mechanism for getting the Sarlaacc mouth to move in an opening and closing fashion.

1.) this is the molded rubber beak section side angle. The tongue as you can see is molded into one half of the beak (note dotted line)

2.) This is the tentacle with wire molded in for bendiness and posability during play (to enable you to tangle lando's leg in the tentacle for example)

3.) This is the extra smaller tentacles also made of rubber possibly but part of the side walls of the pit, fixed by pushing them through the holes provided in the molding and secured via a small non return flange.

4.) This is a hollow 'cup' under the Sarlaacc beak section and the nub of the action so to speak. Molded in plastic as part of the absolute base section. If a hole (see#8) is molded into the beak section at the bottom of the tongue, figures can be partly pushed into the maw of the sarlaacc and utilise this dead space. Not large enough to hold all of a figure so it doesn't run the risk of actually swallowing a figure and then a child not being able to get it out again. More for imaginative play scenarios than accurate detail.

5.) Under the rubber beak section are molded rubber eyelets, thick molded rubber eyelets. Into these eyelets slip the hooks attached to the ends of part #7. This when depressed pulls down on the rubber berak section and forces the beak part into the plastic 'cup' beneath. Because of the curved shape of the beak and the small space of the 'cup' interior, the beak sections are forced into a closed postion above. releasing the pressure on part #7 woill allow the mouth to spring open again.

6.) The spring under part #7 that allows for pressure to be applied. I have two in my drawing but this could be refined to just one centrally placed spring with enough tension to take much pressure from constant usage by kids.

7.) as mentioned above this is the lever part that applies pressure to part #1. This would be depressed via a button molded into the plastic top piece of the set.

8.) The throat of the beak section. Through this a figure could be 'swallowed' by the Sarlaacc as mentioned previously. Not essential but an added play factor if included. Useful for having the Sarlaacc 'eat' Boba Fett...

9.) This is where the rubber beak section fixes onto the two base sections - absolute base and the sculpted dune upper part. The rubber section has two lugs that fit snugly around the plastic to seal it into place. Reinforcing in the molding process would be needed here to make sure the rubber didn't stretch out of shape of pop out during play.


That's all for tonight. Tomorrow I'll have the mechanism for the flipping panels activation.

[Jargo]

Oops, the pic didn't attach so here's the drawing to accompany the above post.

[Sentinel18725]

Doing han with the beast could be packaged with a dotted window so it looks like he's in the snow storm.....or something like that....holding the lightsaber, cutting the belly....or is that too offensive for Walmart....well, make it a TRU exclusive then.

[stillakid]

oh, I read the title wrong. I thought it said, "Thinking about breasts again." I was wondering why there would be a thread about it. I mean, isn't that a given?:D

[Jargo]

Okay, still thinking about beasts I ran up a pic of how I imagined a Tusken youth might look, Not too disimilar to an adult Tusken but with little differences in the mask and breathing gear, also he's missing the horns on the headgear which I would assume are the marks of a Tusken who's passed through the rites of passage initiation ceremonies and become a fully fledged warrior. I cobbled together a pic entirely in Paint Shop Pro™, to show what I meant although the Bantha calf could do with being smaller. I like the way it looks, I'm guessing the figure would be the size of a Princess Leia in height. If I get a chance I'll redo the image and try to make it actual sizes. I also want to redo the Tusken costume a little and make it look more like the Tusken child's in layers. I think something between the adult Tusken and the child is about right hence the single visor across the mask which matches the child. I was trying to think up an accessory to go with the youth but so far nothing has sprung to mind but I'll add that in later too.

[stillakid]

Originally posted by EMPEROR JARGO
Okay, still thinking about beasts I ran up a pic of how i imagined a Tusken youth might look, Not too disimilar to an adult Tusken but with little differences in the mask and breathing gear. I cobbled together a pic here to show what i meant although the bantha calf could do with being smaller. I hope i can attach it if not I'll add it later when I've sussed out my compressions and wotnot. I like the way it looks, I'm guessing the figure would be the size of a Princess Leia in height.

Where's his Walkman? :D

[Jargo]

Okay, I went back and did some tweaking, made the bantha a more realistic size, added the layers to the robe and added an accessory although i wouldn't give him that one it was just what was to hand. I quite like him now, somewhere between the adult and child. I'm not suggesting this is what it should look like just that a Tusken youth is not beyond the realms of possibility for furthering the Tusken ranks without going down the same route too much.
The full sized bantha would be pricey and it's been done, using the tusken youth as I've said means it's going to fit in with other Tuskens and so will the Bantha calf. I would rather have logical EU than some random made up stuff with a stupid name and even stupider backstory. It's generally accepted that Tuskens are tribal and go through some sort of rites of passage to become a warrior, why not show that in the figures?
Making the set smaller would mean more to a case, more on a shelf instore and it would be more affordable to the masses while still being a reasonable size as a product, The Acklay did well as a small beast and the bantha is one of the more recognisable star wars beasts, revisiting it now and extending the Tuskens even further would seem to make sense on a marketing level to me. We have Anakin the Tusken slayer but so far the Only tuskens have been a woman and child, a rehash of a boring nondescript tusken and the upcoming head dropping one. Having a Tusken adversary for Anakin that was matched in age and size would be pretty cool, I would have gone for a more action oriented pose but i'm not that good with the cloning brush yet that i can conjure up fresh images. I would suggest giving him a striding pose that could be taken for an aggresive stance while giving him plenty of arm articulation and having a head that could move forwards and back as well as the normal rotation would be very cool. Not enough figures get head articulation and i can appreciate that it's a pain and adds expense but it also adds expression to a figure.

As far as how to market the set, I reckon 'Tusken raider - warrior trials' (with bantha) would work. Yes the figure has potential for aggresive posing but it's more about having both that and the Tusken ethos behind it. As long as he has some kind of gaffi stick assembly he'll work. making their own gaffi stick is after all exactly the same as the jedi making their own lightsaber, a mark of progress through the ranks of their respective tribes/orders.

And if you did make a Tusken youth with Bantha calf I would be buying up most of the stock. :D

[Jargo]

I'm sorry this is so drawn out but I made this size comparison pic for scale. So judging by this last pic the Bantha would be about half the size of the POTF2 one. Or smaller. Like I said I was trying to think about cost for a deluxe set, the bantha would only have minimal articulation if any but would have to have the same shaggy coat. It's more about fleshing out the Tusken camp with logical inclusions than anything. I suppose you could make it a bigger set and have more than one Tusken youth or add in a Tusken camp tent backdrop, sort of a half shell 3D backdrop to display this with and just have the entrance to the tent. Thoughts is all this is.
I'd just be happy to get a new bantha. But the tusken looks sweet don't he? :happy:

[Jargo]

Wow, the interest in this is so - underwhelming.... anyway i redid the comparison pic because the other one just doesn't seem right. This one is a comparison to show the bantha calf in relation to the POTF bantha. As i said above this set should come under the delux banner since it's almost equal to the Nexu in small beast scale. I think he looks kinda cute, at that size i could see tons flying off the shelf. The Tusken definately needs more of an action pose or at least enough articulation to make a good action pose, the bantha looks like it needs no articulation, just a big fuzzy prop. but a cute one. :)

[Jargo]

Just resurrecting this thread to ask for more beasties. What with the new Tauntaun and Wampa coming and all. New jabba too. Surely we can get a geonosian orray with picador rider squeezed in there somewhere? Maybe a new Bantha or a re-release. A redone Dewback. Smaller beasts like Nunas and Scurriers thrown in as accessories with a couple of figures. There is a Tatooing wave coming so then would be the perfect time and place to throw in a Scurrier or two or three Nunas.

[Kidhuman]

More beasts would be great. I am all for a new Dewback or Bantha. jargo you hit this one on the head. We havent gotten too many beasts as of late and some newer ones would be top notch.

[RooJay]

Speaking of the little Tattooine beasties, I've been thinking that it might be pretty cool to see some (scurriers perhaps) used as accents on the new bases that've been coming with a lot of the new figures of late.

[yngadult]

Tauntauns are cool and for play value, they are the right size - not too big.

[RooJay]

Since we're back on the subject -

Is it not true that Han Solo's Taun Taun (the one he guts and stuffs Luke in) had both of it's horns in tact? Wasn't Luke's the one with the broken horn? If I'm remembering that correctly, why then, do you suppose that the Taun Taun that comes with the Hoth gift-pack currently out appears (at least in the photos I've seen) has a broken horn and comes with rubber guts to yank out of 'im? I would love to have seen Han's Taun Taun come with this sucker (being that I was never able to locate the original release one at retail). I suppose I could pretend that it wouldn't bother me, but if'n I display the critter (with my new Hoth Han) right next to my Luke on his Taun Taun...well...you know what I mean. :(

[Jargo]

This bothers me too although I do have a Han and tauntaun to play with, that cost me roughly $130 and wasn't really worth the money but what the hell, why they couldn't use the correct head even though the set comes with Luke. There were lots of Tauntaun on hoth and they didn't all have broken horns. Re-using the squishy Acklay guts is a cheap move too considering it just gathers dust and lint. My Acklay guts are now so covered in fuzz I designated it as a beast in it's own right. 'Bel-Lyf uph'
The whole Hoth battle set is redundant IMO apart from the droid. I'd rather they just have put out the new stuff and left the other stuff out and made the set cheaper. Same with the Imperial set and the Bounty hunter set.
But i digress. The tauntaun with the droid and a cobbled together tauntaun wrangler would have made a better set. And the Han's tauntaun head not the luke's tauntaun head. Or even save the droid for later and put him and R-3PO in a 2-pack, release the tauntaun as a deluxe set. It seems stupid to re-produce pegwarmer figures to sell with a re-produced beast when the beast would have sold itself. I'm assuming that whoever came up with the idea has now gone. They can't be in charge with the stuff that's been announced for next year. Or maybe the Hoth battle set was commisioned by the intern. Maybe the guys at hasbro were all off sick and the intern sanctioned all this crap we're seeing this year.Not to mention the clown troupe who commisioned and sanctioned the movie years toys. Only a clown could sanction those action features.

[RooJay]

Clown sanctions.

:D

[Jargo]

just thought i'd bump this. seems a shame for a thread this good to get lost.

[Rogue II]

Some of the smaller beasts on your list have been made, and a dragon snake is on its way. I'd like them to release a new Dianoga. I didn't get the Walmart cinema scenes that had it in there. The Dewback (and to a lesser extent the Bantha) are still in need of a resculpt, but I can wait.

I'm probably being greedy, but it's too bad they didn't give the Saga deluxe Wampa and Tauntauns (from battlepack) more articulation, especially in the tauntaun's legs. Also, the OTC Yoda would have been a good opportunity for them to have tossed in one or two of the small Dagobah critters.

[Banthaholic]

I'd like any and all of the following Shaak, Orray, or Aiwha

A Bantha rerelease wouldn't be teribly bad.

I'd like Padme's funeral procession set up with the beasts similar to the Ep 1 Falumpaset

I'd like the slug & clone from the Felucia

I'd like Gardulla the hut from Ep 1

& the almight Sarlacc in any form

[Jargo]

Tatooine
Krayt dragon - Small one:
there's no way in hell a full size one can happen but, if we can have a 12" scale dewback why not a Krayt dragon at cheated scale to make it roughly half sized like it was a young one. It'd still be an awesome beast. I've been dying to have a krayt dragon eat a Bantha in my tusken camp display.

Dewback:
This should ideally pack with strap on saddle and pannier packs, and with a Mos Eisley trader figure. the head and neck should be retooled so the head can move on a ball joint. give the ankles and elbows on the front legs articulation and make the tail bendy. It's a domesticated attack creature so give us the chance to see that. big manic roaring dewback beasty.

Bantha:
This should also pack with strap on saddle and pannier packs, and with a cantina patron figure. the fur should be applied in such a way the legs can move and it come with a pile of Bantha poodoo. just modifying the saddle on the existing bantha and adding some more panniers or bags should be enough to freshen it up.

JERBA:
*Cattle like beast of burden seen outside the cantina tethered next to the Dewback*
This should ideally pack with strap on saddle and pannier packs, and with a cantina patron figure. Basic articulation is required on the Jerba's hips and shoulders and maybe a turning head. real feel hair on the body might be nice to fit in with the hairy Bantha.

Orray:
Now, possibly this should be a Geonosis creature but if the Massif can end up on Tatooine then why not the load bearing Orray as a short distance ranchers herding mount for farmers? Stick a Tatooine farmer (say, the one that looks like Dudley Moore seen chatting to the Tonnika sisters at the bar) from the cantina with this one.

Small beast sets:
same sort of size sets as the deluxe jabbas palace sets
set 1- Spaceport wildlife:
x2 Scurrier rodent, x1 Womp rat, x4 Dwarf Nuna
set 2 Jabba's Palace wildlife:
x1 Attark, x1 Sic Six, x1 Worrt (road creature) x1 Herat the Jawa with palm leaf fan

[Jargo]

what the hell was i on when i wrote that? jeebus!

[El Chuxter]

I'm sure whatever it was, it was ORANGE.

[Jargo]

More than likely it was GREEN or BROWN. :lipsrsealed:

[DarkArtist]

I'd be happy if they re-released the Bantha, Dewback and Eopie, and perhaps made a new and improved Boga.

[Jargo]

Tatooine Krayt dragon (rescaled)
Tatooine Rancor with loads of articulation,
Tatooine Bantha with new saddle and better tail
Tatooine Dewback with more articulation and the opening jaw feature removed to allow for better posing,
Tatooine Eopie with articulated legs new paint apps and modified saddle,
Tatooine Jerba with pannier bags,
Tatooine Scurrier rodents male and female,
Tatooine Womp rat,
Tatooine Worrt sentry creature,
Tatooine Dwarf Nuna,
Tatooine Gardula the Hutt,
Geonosis Orray,
Geonosis concept Roga parasite critter,
Mustafar lava flea,
Kaminoan Aiwha (rescaled),
Utapau (orange) varactyl,
Utapau Dactillion (rescaled),
Felucia Gelagrub,
Felucia luminous flying vegebird critter,
Naboo Falumpaset with TPM peace ceremony saddle,
Naboo Shaak,
Naboo Ikopi,
Naboo Peko Peko,
Dagobah flying critter (as in the galaxy globe one),
Dagobah knobby spider (rescaled),
Endor Blurrg,
Endor Gorax (rescaled),
Endor Borra wolf,
Endor Condor dragon,
Endor Ewok pony thing,
Coruscant Dianoga,
Coruscant Duracrete slug,
Coruscant Hawkbat,

[jedi master sal]

Tatooine Krayt dragon (rescaled)
Tatooine Rancor with loads of articulation,
Tatooine Bantha with new saddle and better tail
Tatooine Dewback with more articulation and the opening jaw feature removed to allow for better posing,
Tatooine Eopie with articulated legs new paint apps and modified saddle,
Tatooine Jerba with pannier bags,
Tatooine Scurrier rodents male and female,
Tatooine Womp rat,
Tatooine Worrt sentry creature,
Tatooine Dwarf Nuna,
Tatooine Gardula the Hutt,
Geonosis Orray,
Geonosis concept Roga parasite critter,
Mustafar lava flea,
Kaminoan Aiwha (rescaled),
Utapau (orange) varactyl,
Utapau Dactillion (rescaled),
Felucia Gelagrub,
Felucia luminous flying vegebird critter,
Naboo Falumpaset with TPM peace ceremony saddle,
Naboo Shaak,
Naboo Ikopi,
Naboo Peko Peko,
Dagobah flying critter (as in the galaxy globe one),
Dagobah knobby spider (rescaled),
Endor Blurrg,
Endor Gorax (rescaled),
Endor Borra wolf,
Endor Condor dragon,
Endor Ewok pony thing,
Coruscant Dianoga,
Coruscant Duracrete slug,
Coruscant Hawkbat,

Excellent list!!! I'd buy almost all of these. And those rare few I might not, I'd still consider. But at least 90% of your list I'd get.

-Sal