That means that collectors used to finding cool movie based figures are likely to be mighty dry for awhile. There's still the mass market lines though, but you're going to have to adjust your expectations.

The 3 3/4" Star Wars line keeps cranking along though, and I suspect they'll be making figures until I'm very, very old. This is a franchise that may outlive us all.

Today's review is a short one, but an interesting one nonetheless. If you're going to keep a line like Star Wars running without the films, you have to get creative sometimes. Sometimes that works, sometimes it doesn't.

If you have any questions, comments, or suggestions, you can always reach me at mwc@mwctoys.com. If you enjoy this review, take a minute to check out my other site at Michael's Review of the Week, and let me know what you think. Now on to the review!

"Foul Moudama"

If you have no idea who Foul is, then you're not alone. He's not from the films, but rather the Clone Wars animated series. Even there, he didn't have a huge role.

He is a Jedi Knight though, but with a name like Foul, that's probably a wise career choice. It's not like he was going to get a lot of dates.

Packaging - ***
The packaging is decent, if not stupendous, and follows the same style as the rest of the Saga Collection. I'm a fan of the retro appearance, and there's no waste with the current style. They suffer from the same issues as most other bubble/cardback packaging, but at least they're small enough to store for the MOCers.

Sculpting - ***
Foul is a Talz, a very big, very furry creature. We've gotten an action figure of one other Talz, Muftak. that was way back in 1998, 8 years ago. And guess what - this is the exact same figure! They cranked out a few more Muftak bodies, slapped on a slightly different paint scheme, and called it a day.

If this was 1998, the sculpt score would be higher, but we've seen some real improvements in the last few years in the whole Star Wars line. Foul isn't quite up to snuff with the rest of the line at this point, and considering that you're paying full price for what is in essence a repainted figure, he's naturally going to take a hit in this category. He does come with his Jedi robes though, which can be removed if your really interested. The arms can pop off if you're careful, and the robe taken off that way.

The robe is a nice piece of work, with a variety pouches a doo dads sculpted on the belt. Clearly, Foul was a big fan of the Adam West Batman.

Fortunately for Foul, Muftak was a bit ahead of his time, so the end sculpting result isn't nearly as bad as it could have been. Still, collectors are going to be less than thrilled about getting a repaint like this.

Paint - ***
Foul has a slightly different paint scheme than Muftak, but not much. Unless you see the two standing side by side, you're not likely to be able to tell the difference.

In general, Foul is lighter, with a cleaner fur and fewer dark areas. The paint work is quite clean and neat, if uninspired and visually dull.

Articulation - **1/2
Foul's articulation is about average, especially considering the advancements we've seen in the last couple years.

He has a cut neck, cut shoulders, cut right elbow, and V style hips. It's enough to pose the arms in a couple basic ways, but he won't be taking any yoga classes.

Accessories - **1/2
Observent readers will have noticed that I didn't mention the boots when I talked about his Jedi robes in the sculpt section. That's because they are easily removable, so I'm putting them in the accessories category.

These are some big honkin' boots too, but that's not surprising considering the dogs on this guy. The boots buckle on the inside, and can be removed and replaced pretty easily.

He also comes with a light saber, like all good Jedi, and a display stand with his name on the front, just in case you get him confused with Muftak. The stand isn't really necessary, since with those clodhopper boots, he wouldn't fall over in a wind tunnel. The light saber looks just like every other light saber, but his hand sculpts aren't designed to hold it. Remember, this guy is Muftak, with no sculpt changes, so there's no way he's going to be able to work with that itty bitty saber. Besides, wouldn't his saber hilt be designed for someone with huge paws?

Fun Factor - ***
Kids will enjoy this guy, if for no other reason than he's a furry alien. He's well built and can stand up to some serious play, and fits in great with just about any of the other Star Wars figures. Kids don't care too much about which movie or show the characters are from, and are also more likely to enjoy the Clone Wars cartoon, so they'll forgive his background.

Value - **
At around $6 - $7, Star Wars figures usually score better in this category. They are about the only really well done action figures left in the under $7 price range. Unfortunately for Foul, the fact that he's just a figure we've already bought once, dolled up in a robe and stylish footwear, means he's not nearly as good of a value.

Overall - **1/2
Only the hard core collector - or the fan of the SW aliens and Jedi - need to pick this guy up. He's not particularly critical to the overall universe, but since he's a Jedi you might want to add him to your good guy shelf.

Where to Buy -
Your best bet for picking this guy up right now is Target, where this wave seems to be most prevalent. Wal-mart and Toys R Us stores should be getting him as well though.

If you're more interested in brand new characters, check out the ,a href=http://www.mwctoys.com/REVIEW_041206a.htm>Firespeeder Pilot also shipping right now.

Related Links -
I've reviewed more than my share of Star Wars stuff...you're best bet is to hit the All Reviews page and use your browsers search function to look for what you're interested in. Some of the recent highlights:

- Premium Format Darth Vader

- Premium Format Obi-Wan Kenobi

- Premium Format Han Solo

- Medicom Darth Vader

- Medicom ROTS Vader

- Gentle Giant Skiff Guard Lando

- Sideshow 12" Jedi Luke

If you're looking for a great Star Wars specific site, head on over to Rebel Scum.