Release Date: November 1, 1997
Country: United States
Availability: FAO Schwarz Exclusive
Pictures
Packaging text: Bib Fotuna, a member of the Twi'lek people, became one of the foremost "clandestine exporters," or smugglers, of the addictive chemical ryll. this chemical and it's profitable trade caught the attention of the Empire, as well as smugglers and slavers. Bib Fortuna's "business" eventually brought enslavement and death to some of the Twi'lek people.
Angry at the injustice, the Twi'lek brought Fortuna in the front of a court of his peers and sentenced him to death, but the clever Fortuna escaped promising one day to take his revenge.
Bib Fortuna then received an interesting offer. The Tatooine gang lord, Jabba the Hutt, wanted in on the spice smuggling trade and asked Fortuna to perform as his production and transport agent. Unfortunately, the Imperial Navy began to intercept the spice shipments, and Jabba began to get angry. The demanding boss had no patience for mistakes and tended to exterminate anyone who might do so, so Fortuna decided to request a higher position in Jabba's organization and was surprisingly granted one.
Bib Fortuna became a lieutenant, helping to conduct business and bowing his head and tails whenever necessary. Jabba was impressed with the Twi'lek's organizational and management skills and brought him into the inner circle of Jabba's chosen few. Eventually, after presenting Jabba with a gift - an enormous rancor beast, and the untimely death of another lieutenant, Fortuna became Jabba the Hutt's majordomo.
Unfortunately, this position did not last long.
While trying to save Han Solo from the grips of the Tatooine gang lord, Luke Skywalker played a Jedi mind trick on Fortuna, forcing him to allow the young Skywalker entrance. Luke threatened the obese Jabba with destruction if he didn't set the Jedi's friends free. Jabba tried to feed Luke to his rancor, but watched in disbelief as the young Luke defeated the beast. Jabba, in anger, then scheduled the execution of Skywalker, Solo, and Chewbacca, but failed and the Rebels launched their escape. In fear, Bib Fortuna raced to his skiff and was never seen again!
Authentically styled from Return of the Jedi, Luke Skywalker features his highly detailed Jedi uniform, complete with lightsaber and Bib Fortuna features his jumpsuit, chest plate and cloak! This special edition set, available for the first time ever, is destined to become a classic collectible.
May the Force be with you!
The Jedi Luke & Bib Fotuna pack was a FAO Schwarz exclusive in the United States back in 1997. It wasn't until a few weeks ago I finally found one of these, and in Japan, no less! The price was very inexpensive for me, as well. I only had to pay 1,500円 (about $15)! It's a very good price considering that on online auction sites this is going, on average, for about $65. This particular piece is in unopened, and in pretty good condition.
Just thinking back to 1997, the stories on these action figure packages were some of the best places to get background information on these characters. The internet was up and going at the time, but being a kid with limited access, these action figures were the next best thing for the info.
I'll keep you posted on any more of my findings.
Release information from Star Wars Cargo Bay.
