Figrin D’an (Cantina Band Leader) - Mini Busts

Figrin D'an was the leader of an intergalactic band of alien Biths known as The Modal Nodes (commonly known as the Cantina Band). From the Mos Eisley cantina to the throne room of Jabba's Palace, this band of Bith musicians have been the entertainment for many rough and tumble bars across the galaxy.

When the 1979 Creature Cantina Action Playset was released, we quickly realized that we wanted most of the other aliens that were “printed” on the cardboard backdrop. The Bith Cantina Band were some of these aliens forever immortalized in this classic playset but out of reach since they were two-dimensional renderings instead of a cool articulated action figure. We truly wondered if we would ever see them as an action figure, and years later, as any other collectible format. The neo-classic era brought changes to the way action figures and other collectibles were considered and made and the Cantina Band members ended up being one of the first mail-away exclusives during The Power Of The Force “2” era in 1997. Shortly afterwards, the 12” scale also came to collectors in the form of a Walmart exclusives (and were one of the most difficult exclusives to locate initially). Since that time, many other licensees have made it a mission to make some sort of collectible based on the Bith under their property and now gentle Giant, Ltd. proudly adds their take on Figrin D’an as a Mini Bust to their repertoire.

Figrin D’an (Cantina Band Leader) is a fine example of just how much attention to detail Gentle Giant Ltd.. considers to include with their high end collectibles. They’ve captured Figrin D’an in a pose where he is evidently jamming to the tunes he and his band makes, but the pose isn’t over-exaggerated or out of control. It’s subtle and the sculptors have excellently positioned him in a very believable stance. In fact, it looks like it mirrors exactly the way we saw him in Star Wars Episode IV: A New Hope. Figrin D’an has excellent proportions and all the important details of his instrument, costume and skin texture are all perfectly in place and forever frozen in time with this stunning Mini Bust. The paint job is excellent as well. The metal components of his instrument is shiny without being glaring and the small buttons and shapely ringed texture of his horn just looks absolutely amazing. And his simply black outfit is in harmony with his contrasting skin color. The head sculpt looks great too. Gentle Giant gave it a fair paint job overall but paid close attention to how the eyes were decorated and the results are very good.

Setting the precedent of releasing the Band Leader of the Bith musicians may just open the door for the rest to be made. We think this may be a little bit dangerous. While one or two are exciting additions to the Mini Bust line, we think that releasing all five (or six) will quickly bore collectors. And if Gentle Giant Ltd.. chooses to release the remaining band members as exclusives that collectors will quickly burn out and lose interest in them. Figrin D’an (Cantina Band Leader) is an absolutely excellent Mini Bust and one incredible addition to your Chalmun’s Cantina focus. Gentle Giant Ltd.. has stated in the past that making all of the Cantina aliens just wasn’t a feasible option. But with the release of Greedo, Momaw Nadon (Hammerhead), the Kabe & Muftak set and now Figrin D’an (Cantina Band Leader), it seems that they have changed their position on this a little bit. Making the most popular cantina aliens is reasonable. Fans and collectors love the hive of scum and villainy that make it up. And the Bith are an iconic symbol of the very first Star Wars film. As a result, Firgin D’an (Cantina Band Leader) should find a way into your home at some point.