To celebrate the 50th Anniversary of Lucasfilm in 2021, Hasbro have released a number of Star Wars figures from the Black Series line in special commemorative series - including the Publishing Wave, four figures celebrating the history of Star Wars books, graphic novels, and comic books.
One of the most obscure characters in the wave was Jaxxon, a character who dates as far back as the Original Trilogy itself. He first appeared in the Star Wars Comic by Marvel, debuting in Issue 8 in 1977. He is a Lepi smuggler who would go on to appear through to issue 11 and then have appearances in issue 16, and much later in issue 108. He would then make a return in the IDW series, Star Wars Adventures.
The Publishing Wave figures are supplied in a closed box format, designed to look like a book with a front cover that replicates the source material - in this case, the IDW Star Wars Adventures, specifically the Adventures Annual from 2019. The right-hand side of the box, and the top and bottom, carry greyscale comic panels featuring Jaxxon - while the left-hand spine is designed to look like a book spine and carries the character name and a greyscale artwork of Jaxxon.
The rear of the box is turned over to the Lucasfilm 50th Anniversary with the golden logo and a golden timeline of the Lucasfilm Star Wars era. This carries a short piece of text underneath before moving over to the Copywrite and legal notes.
"Commemorate the first 50 years of Lucasfilm with figures inspired by
Star Wars books and comics!"
The front cover of the box opens, held in the closed position by a circular Velcro tab. Inside we see a more traditional (Phase 3) window box for Jaxxon, while the inside of the strap contains more IDW artwork of Jaxxon, alongside Dengar, as well as some background information.
"Jaxxon is a nearly 6-foot tall, green-furred, Lepi smuggler and captain of the Rabbit's Foot. Known for his wise cracks and high kicks, Jaxxon has helped Han Solo and Chewbacca out on more than one occasion."
It is not immediately obvious (or it wasn't to me anyway) what figures had donated parts to create a Jaxxon figure. It turns out Luke Skywalker is the key doner, with legs from the Tattooine Farmboy Luke and the torso and arms from the X-Wing Pilot figure. The head is of course new, as is the belt and the shoulder armoured piece that does a good job of disguising the X-Wing suit.
This is not perhaps a direct match to the costume of Jaxxon in the IDW comics, but we are talking about an illustrated character and the use of a Rebel flight suit does give it some grounding in the Star Wars universe.
The issue in taking a cartoon character, and one as comical as Jaxxon, and putting it into the Black Series is how it will translate alongside the other "real world" characters. The Clone Wars, Rebels and Bad Batch, as examples, are less of a translation than Jaxxon, but I do like the treatment of and details within the Jaxxon sculpt that does add realism and I can see him as something you might find in the Cantina or at Jabba's Palace.
The clothing are perhaps left a touch too bright and clean, and considering the circles Jaxxon operates in, some weathering and added grime would have worked wonders.
Jaxxon is packed with a twin pair of blasters, taken from the existing line and as previously included with Jaina Solo and Doctor Aphra. They are cast in black and fit into the twin holsters provided.
Their fit into the hands is less impressive. The right hand is fine, but the left hand has not been provided with a trigger finger - taken directly from the Luke X-Wing figure - and that means Jaxxon cant wield two blasters naturally with the left looking a little awkward and quite often slipping out of the grip.
Articulation for Jaxxon has a total count of 16 points, with double joints on the knees but only singles on the elbows. The figure does everything I'd want it to do, he can even sit down and kneel as required with the belt working with the articulation in the lower legs. All the joints are tight and secure. It is worth noting a very large gap at the back of the head above the collar line. Its job is to allow more movement in the head, but it is unsightly - although how many of us display our figures from the back?
Jaxxon is a figure that has always been divisive in the Star Wars Universe. As a figure, it will do the same. The packaging is excellent and offers a great display backdrop for collectors who open their figures as I do. The figure itself doesn't present as an obvious kitbash and the new head sculpt is impressive and pushes the figure into a real-world setting rather than being a direct comic book translation. The only issues I have are the left hand without a trigger finger and the colouring of the costume which might have been nicer toned down with some weathering.
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About Me : As a child of the 70's and 80's I grew up in a golden age for action figures and in my youth bought and sold myself through collections of Star Wars, G.I. Joe (Action Force) and M.A.S.K. while also dabbling in He-Man, Transformers and Ghostbusters. Roll forward and I am now reliving that Youth with the action figures of today and am a collector and fan of the larger 6-8 inch figures from my favourite movie and TV licences - including the ones mentioned above, but also the Marvel Cinematic Universe, Doctor Who and the Aliens. I launched The Mephitsu Archives in 2015 with a view of creating a UK focused site or these figures where fans can pick up the latest action figure news, read reviews and get information on where to buy their figures and what is currently on store shelves. I hope I am delivering that to you guys...
action figures, reviews, review, articulation, star wars, black series, jaxxon, hasbro, publishing wave, star wars adventures, IDW, marvel comics