Rathtar/Bala-Tik - SW [TLJ] - Deluxe

Rathtars are dangerous tentacled predators known for their sophisticated techniques as pack hunters. These slimy horrors were responsible for the infamous Trillia Massacre - which has made them irresistable to decadent collectors seeking exotic pets for their menageries

We weren’t all that into The Force Awakens line, but if there was one glaring omission to the basic figure line it would have to be the Rathtar. It was honestly a very silly scene in Star Wars Episode VII: The Force Awakens where we first saw the Rathtars. In fact, many Star Wars fans likened them to the alien monsters from The Simpsons. And in many ways they favor them strongly. Either way, most collectors wanted to see a toy made of the Rathtar. Hasbro finally delivered two years after the fact. If you recall, Jedi Temple Archives broke the news of this impending release from a cloudy rumor report. That rumor came to pass and was formally showcased at 2017’s San Diego Comic Con by Hasbro for the upcoming Star Wars [The Last Jedi] lineup. As part of Force Friday II, the Rathtar/Bala-Tik Deluxe set was released and it has already become one of the most popular items of the line so far. Collectors may ultimately find themselves disappointed with the Rathtar beast. It has a phenomenal sculpt like so many of Hasbro’s figures do, but it has some rough functionality. Let’s go into those details a little more specifically.

We want to be clear. The Rathtar beast has a beautiful sculpt. Even its paint job is excellent. The final production piece does look different from the prototype, but overall we strongly believe that most collectors are going to be satisfied with how this figure has been decorated. There are many layers of color to give the Rathtar depth and texture. These colors really bring out the detail in the sculpt. From the ribbing in the tentacles to the warts on its back, the Rathtar is a testament to what Hasbro is capable of in 3.75” scale. There is a major problem with the toy however. Many of the legs barely stay attached to the body cavity. In fact, we experienced three that just fell out no matter what we did to try and make it sick. With some clever balancing we managed to photograph this toy very precariously in order to not let it collapse because of missing tentacle legs. Once you insert the tentacles, they all function like swivel joints and can twist at turn at will. You will need this option to pose the Rathar in different way. The Rathtar also comes with a wide open mouth with razor-sharp teeth. It is wide enough to accommodate the included Bata-Tik pack-in figure which is a very nice option.

If you’re a fan of The Force Awakens, you’re probably glad you finally have Bala-Tik. He rounds out the line nicely since we already have the Guavian Enforcer and Tasu Leech (Kanjiklub Gang Leader) in The Force Awakens line already. The figure comes with a blaster rifle that he can hold very well. He has a score to pay with Han Solo, but he ultimately becomes a victim of the Rathtar. Bala-Tik comes with five points of articulation. They include a ball-socket head, two swivel shoulders and two swivel hips. He doesn’t need much since his main purpose is becoming food for the Rathtar. He fits inside the Rathtar’s mouth very nicely. You can have him flail his arms like he’s trying to escape too. We’re glad Hasbro chose to give us a brand new figure with the Rathtar. Perhaps the best part of the Rathtar/Bala-Tik Deluxe set is the MSRP. It retails for $19.99 which is more than fair, especially since we get a larger beast a simply articulated 5POA action figure. We really wished that Hasbro would have worked out the assembly kinks with the Rathtar. It’s disappointing to wait for a toy of something you’ve wanted for two years, only to have it fall apart when you attempt to touch it.