April 2nd will bring a virtual deluge of new Star Wars movie related products; the likes we haven't seen since... well, 1999's Episode I campaign. Among all the toys, gadgets, gizmos, and tchotchke's, collectors can look forward to this suave beast, which will come accompanied by an Obi-Wan Kenobi action figure. While Obi was unavailable for photography, we recently got a chance to give this creature a good test drive.
Without the benefit of having seen the actual movie creature on the big screen, I was instantly impressed with how life-like this toy looks. As a testament to the job Hasbro has done, the toy nearly scared my wife to death when she saw it sitting on our table the other night. The Boga itself measures just over 16 inches in length, 6½ inches wide (toe to toe). The hind legs feature posable articulation, while the front leg, neck, and beak articulation is all integrated with the toy's main action feature.
A firm tug on the Boga's tail activates the beast's most impressive play feature, simultaneously raising the front legs, drawing the head back, and opening the creature’s beaked mouth. The rubberized neck really 'makes' this feature, but I can't help but think that what the toy is sorely missing is sound activation. In light of what Hasbro was able to do with Episode II's Nexu and Reek, the Boga would clearly be a much better toy with this feature included. While not nearly as impressive, a simple turn of the Boga's tail left to right, will cock the head in either corresponding direction. Again, the rubberized neck really helps sell this feature and adds to the realistic appearance of the toy.
All in all, Hasbro's
Revenge of the Sith Boga is an impressive toy for collectors to display. Unfortunately, awesome appearance aside, it falls just shy of the type of toy that would capture and hold a child’s attention. Once again, look for the Boga to grace retail shelves this April, and for the creature's big screen debut on May 19th in George Lucas'
Star Wars: Revenge of the Sith.
