9496 Desert Skiff: a set that wants you well ....

I paid little attention to this set when the first images were shown (photos are from FBTB) at the New York Toy Fair 2012. And after some thought, I came back to take a look at the images for try to see something other than a remake of the set 7104 Desert Skiff released in 2000. Because it is not a remake.

 Where in 2000 the Skiff was only delivered with 2 minifigs (Luke and Han Solo) and the machine integrated the set a few years later 6210 Jabba's Sail Barge as a complement when it was released in 2006, this new Desert Skiff is presented as a set that is self-sufficient, well endowed with almost stylish minifigs Original Trilogy (Luke Skywalker, Lando Calrissian, Boba Fett and Kithaba, the Klatooinien who also ends up in the Sarlacc Pit) and which allows to reproduce some scenes that have become cult of theEpisode VI Return of the Jedi.

The presence of the Sarlacc Pit which seems to be able to close itself completely on Boba Fett is obviously a big plus. And then, I am never resistant to a new version of Lando, who is presented here with his helmet finally endowed with colors faithful to the model of the film. The Skiff itself is nondescript, but it's a machine that doesn't really have any charisma anyway. the version presented at the Toy Fair will undoubtedly evolve a little further, especially in terms of colors, by the time the set is released.

Regarding Boba Fett and screen-printed leg syndrome, don't get too carried away. Unlike the unique minifigure in the set 10123 Cloud City released in 2003, this new minifigure is unlikely to become so rare and expensive. Indeed, the 9496 set is not an exclusive and relatively expensive playset like the 10123 was in its time (109.99 € at the time of its release). Plus, it's highly likely (or not, after all ...) that this version of Boba Fett will be featured in a later set.

4 minifigs, 213 pieces and a price in dollars of 24.99: If the price does not skyrocket too much when converting into euros, this set will be fine ... Until a new barge from Jabba, to go with it.