‘Star Wars’ Black Series HasLab Rancor Campaign Adds the Rancor Keeper as New Incentive
Star Wars collectors interested in the ongoing Haslab Black Series Rancor campaign may have wondered where Malakili, the iconic denizen of Jabba’s Palace better known as the Rancor Keeper, was after not appearing as part of any of the tier goals. Hasbro has heard the fans, and now the Rancor Keeper is on his way.
Hasbro released a statement tonight via their HasbroPulse Instagram account with news that the Rancor Keeper will now be included with the Rancor itself if the giant monster hits its target goal of 9,000 backers. He will not be an additional tier, but instead part of the whole package only if the Rancor funds.
The statement reads in part:
We really appreciate all the feedback we’ve received in an effort to make the HasLab Rancor the best possible dream product. With that, we realize we can’t leave the most dangerous creature, the rancor, roaming the galaxy without its keeper. We will be adding a fully newly-tooled Star Wars: The Black Series Malakili figure to the base offering, funding at 9K units.”
The addition of the Rancor Keeper comes after a generally unsatisfied reaction to the reveal of the final tier goals in a live stream almost two weeks ago. Since then, the Rancor has actually lost backers, decreasing from a high of approximately 5,150 to around 4,700 just before the announcement of Malakili. The campaign is now over 4,800 backers at the time this article is published.
The Rancor Keeper is perhaps the character most associated with the Rancor itself, so having him part of this set makes a ton of sense. Malakili will be a brand-new figure, and digital renders will be provided by Hasbro if the Rancor funds and as the figure enters active development.
The Rancor is a massive figure and will cost $349.99. The campaign ends at 11:59 P.M. EST on 12/6, so there are only a few days left for fans to decide whether they want to add the beast to their collections. We imagine more tears will come if the goal is not met.
DARBY HARN is a novelist, freelance writer and podcaster. His novels include Ever The Hero, The Judgement of Valene, Nothing Ever Ends and A Country Of Eternal Light. His short fiction appears in Strange Horizons, Interzone, Shimmer and other venues.
