Packaging - ***1/2
The usual window box with nifty baseball card style Certificate of Authenticity is what you'll get. I appreciate the inclusion of the window, because while most folks might buy this guy online, there's still plenty of collectors that will wait to see him at a local shop or show. And when they do, it's nice to see the actual bust you're getting.

I'm a big fan of the COA's that Gentle Giant uses, and they have become collectible all by themselves. Yep, I know some people that don't even buy the busts, but hunt down the COA's. That's a cool COA!

Sculpting - ***
In photos, I thought the sculpt was pretty spot on, but in person I had a few issues.

The face is very flat and wide, much more so than I've seen with other versions. In person, I thought it was a bit odd looking, particularly in profile. It's not a major issue, but one that was distracting.

While there's some nice detail work in the sculpt, including the small sculpted skin bumps on his head, the overall impression I get from this bust is one of plainness. I suspect that's not an impression created as much by the bust itself, but rather by the very obvious pose. Gentle Giant was pretty locked into this pose I'm sure - it's not like D'an did much else other than blow his horn. Unfortunately, that one dimensional nature of the character - and a pretty dull dimension at that - hurts the bust for me.

Paint - ***1/2
When I first pulled this guy out of the box, I wasn't particularly impressed with the paint work. It's clean enough, but it seemed too washed out - too plain. With all that black on the costume and all that light skin tone on the head, he seemed pretty dull.

But on closer inspection, some of the details started to show through. There's a nice wash on the hands that highlights the detailed sculpt there, along with some rather disgusting something something on the claws. There's small detail work on his instrument, including the tiny buttons, and his various 'moles' are slightly darker. He might want to see a doctor about that.

The eyes have a very high gloss finish that sets them apart from the matte black on the costume.

But the one detail that I missed at first that really adds something to the look is the subtle veining on the head. In bright light, it's very hard to see, and perhaps it really is too subtle. But once you realize it's there, it adds a bunch to the quality of the appearance. It helps break up the expansive color of huge melon head. There's also some slight tonal changes in the skin, but these are also very subtle.

While there's a little slop here and there, the only real complaint I have is that the black of the costume and black of the standard base are identical. They needed to do something, either in tone or finish, to break these two up.

Value - ***
You can find this guy under $50 if you look hard enough, and even without trying you can find him for around $55. Considering that other similar collectibles with much higher edition sizes are going for 30 - 40% more right now, I'd say this is a pretty solid value.

Things to Watch Out For -
Not a thing. There's nothing to attach or swap here, so there's less chance of breaking him with normal handling.

Overall - ***
This is a good bust - solid work of a classic character. He's a nice add to the display, and I'm all for getting more aliens in the mix.

My only real issue here is the flat face, and the lack of differentiation in the paint between the costume and base. These issues end up making a somewhat plain bust even duller. They did a nice job adding in the subtle veins on the head, but they're a smidge too subtle to really make an impact. He's nice, but there's simply no 'wow' factor.

Score Recap:
Packaging - ***1/2
Sculpting - ***
Paint - ***1/2
Value - ***
Overall - ***

Where to Buy -
Online options include these site sponsors:

- Things From Another World has him at just $48.

- Fanboy Collectibles has him for $53.

- Big Bad Toy Store has him at $54.

- Urban Collector has him in stock for $54.

- Andrew's Toyz has him at $57.

- Entertainment Earth has him at $60.

- or you can search ebay for a deal.

Related Links -
I haven't reviewed as many Star Wars busts as I've bought, that's for sure, but there's a few:

- most recent was my review of the Darth Talon bust.

- Other GG Star Wars mini-busts I've covered include Shaak-Ti and Aayla Secura, the Tusken Raider, the pair of Jawas, Dengar, Zuckuss, Chewbacca and Darth Maul, Jedi Luke, Qui-Gon Jinn, Palpatine and Skiff Lando.

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