Review – Star Wars 12″ Momaw Nadon

Line: Star Wars * Manufacturer: Sideshow Collectibles * Year: 2011

I know that this morning I said that there wasn’t time to write a review, but as I played with the new 12-inch scale Momaw Nadon (Hammerhead) action figure I just couldn’t resist taking a break and snapping some photos of the toy. And as I posed him, inspected him, and continued playing with him I decided it was worth stealing the time to put together a review. This is an excellent action figure. Not perfect, but the minor flaws are easily forgotten as you play with him.

Hammerhead

Also known as Ithorians (Wookiepedia), the race of Hammerheads first appeared in the original Star Wars film and this guy was one of the first sixteen or so action figures released by Kenner in the late seventies. As a kid Hammerhead was one of my favorite action figures, so when Sideshow unleashed this 12″ scale version of the toy* there was no way I could ignore it. After all, not only was the original 3.75-inch scale version of the character a toy when I was a kid one of my first professional writing jobs included the creation of an Ithorian character for the Star Wars Roleplaying Game.

The Star Wars Heroes & Rogues* supplement includes an Ithorian storyteller named Ixxis Cranata, one of two characters that I created for the book. It’s weird knowing that the work that I did way back in 1995 sticks around; this page at Wookiepedia features Cranata. In looking back at the work I am sorry to admit that what I wrote needed a serious rewrite but I guess a credit is a credit. Especially when you’re young and finding your way around the concept of writing for money.

I Thought This Was an Action Figure Review

Sorry, I’m easily distracted. Standing slightly taller than Sideshow’s standard 12-inch scale action figure, Hammerhead is simply an amazing-looking toy and I keep playing with him. A basic 12-inch scale body is hidden beneath the figure’s clothing, but it’s the new body parts that transform it from just another action figure into something that I just can’t put down. And since pretty much everyone has seen the usual 12-inch scale action figures before let’s take a little time to peek at each of the new body parts.

• Head – Massive is the first word that comes to mind when looking at Hammerhead’s head. It’s made of a slightly rubbery material and flexes slightly when pushed and pulled, but the head is rigid enough that it holds its shape well and I’m not worried about the quality of the piece. The sculpt is tight, with the character’s teeth and eyes two of the most striking features.

The one complaint with the head is where it connects to the figure’s body. The photo below shows the slightly-concealed joint and how it peeks out from a low angle. It’s a minor issue that basically vanishes when you pose the figure properly; as long as he’s not looking up into the sky it’s not really an issue. And the photo above shows how the cloth bandana wraps around the back of the head to conceal the joint from behind.

• Arms – From the elbow down the two arms and hands are completely new, designed specifically to bring across Hammerhead’s unique look. The sculpted veins and leathery skin look just as good as the texture on the head and my only complaint is that the extra hands are both right hands; the figure only comes with one left hand. This is particularly sad since the left hand cannot hold his weapon; the original Kenner Hammerhead held his pistol in his left hand and had an open right hand. It would have been neat to be able to pose this guy like the old toy, but it’s just not gonna happen with what we were given.

• Legs and Feet – Hammerhead’s massive feet make him so stable that the included stand almost isn’t necessary. Again, the sculpting is incredible and the details of the character’s skin and massive toenails comes through perfectly. But as good as the legs look there is one flaw with them: the knees are double-hinged but the lower hinge just will not budge. I don’t know if it’s the sculpt obstructing the joint or if something (paint?) is locking the hinges on mine, but neither leg can move at the lower knee hinge. It’s annoying, but as I play with the action figure I find myself forgetting about the problem.

Outfit and Paint

Both are perfect. Yes, I said perfect. Realistically there’s no way they are really perfect, but the character’s outfit looks so good on his body that I have nothing to complain about. The belt, rope, pouches, and tunic all layer nicely on the body and the frayed ends of the pants and undershirt are a nice touch. Simply a wonderful look.

And while there aren’t a lot of painted details on the toy, the washes over the body really bring out the sculpted details and add depth to the look of the toy. It looks like there might be some dry brushing across the exposed body parts but I’m not certain. Regardless of the effects that Sideshow used when painting this toy the combination is great and I’ve got no complaints at all. Even the painted eyes pull out the details of the sculpt; Hammerhead looks so sad.

Closing Thoughts

In case I haven’t been clear, let me come out and say that this 12-inch scale Hammerhead* is highly recommended. As with most high-end 12-inch scale action figures Momaw Nadon isn’t cheap, but this time around you really get your money’s worth out of the toy. If you have any interest at all in this action figure — or if the photos have you excited — grab one now before he vanishes. This action figure has me trying to figure out how to convince Sideshow to get to work on the Blue Snaggletooth last week because I now really want a complete collection of cantina aliens in this scale.

Sideshow deserves congratulations on a great toy and what may possibly be my favorite of their 12-inch scale Star Wars action figures. And now I can’t wait to see how their upcoming Gamorrean Guard turns out.

Philip Reed would let you play with his new toy but he refuses to put it down. Maybe while he’s in Hong Kong you can play with it, but that’s only if he doesn’t toss it in his backpack on the way out the door.