Darth Vader (#03) - Hasbro - The Black Series [Phase II] (2014)

Rancor Keeper - ROTJ - Basic

Rancor Keeper

Visual Analysis

Detailed Visual Analysis

General Analysis

Kenner was quite progressive for the day, and their original approach doesn’t get the notoriety it deserves. Never satisfied with only providing young Star Wars fans with the main characters, Kenner looked at creating the best representation of each film through various background aliens, obscure human characters, and a host of multiple droids. They chose characters from across the popularity spectrum for the most significant level of interaction with other products they produced in the line. Take for instance the Rancor Keeper. Maybe the average child didn’t pine for a portly crybaby for inclusion in their Star Wars collection, but he was an essential release to interact with the Rancor beast Kenner also produced for the line. Officially known as Malakili, the vintage Kenner Rancor Keeper was a character I always appreciated. Sadly, I saw him as comic relief in RETURN OF THE JEDI. You can find loose samples of this figure with a hood made with either a soft and pliable material or a stiff and rigid plastic. Variances in his skin tone and outfit are also found. He’s not one of my favorites, but I do see him as an essential addition to the vintage Kenner action figure line.

Hasbro's Most Definitive Modern Counterpart: 2009's LEGACY COLLECTION Malakili (BD22) figure.