When it comes to Star Wars collectibles, fan favorites often include dynamic characters from the original trilogy’s cantina scenes—some of the most memorable being the alien band known as Figrin D’an and the Modal Nodes. Hasbro’s Vintage Collection, lauded for its commitment to faithful reproductions in 3.75-inch scale, ventured into this melodic territory with the release of the Modal Nodes multipack. This is a major win for fans who have long awaited a faithful, screen-accurate representation of the band beyond single-figure offerings.
With their screen time lasting mere minutes but enduring across movies, TV series, cartoons, and novels, the Modal Nodes have become fan-favorite tertiary characters—earning extensive fan fiction, cosplay homage, and even musical covers by Star Wars fans worldwide. Their inclusion in the Vintage Collection speaks volumes about Hasbro and Lucasfilm’s recognition of their iconic status within the Star Wars narrative heritage. The group’s catchy sci-fi jazz tune “Cantina Band” remains an earworm decades later, immortalizing these quirky Bith musicians. This multipack includes the main ensemble of seven musicians, their individual instruments, and a sturdy seat for the Omni Box player—finally enabling accurate, screen-true assembling of the Modal Nodes in their Cantina setup.
The Modal Nodes are a group of Bith musicians famous for their mellow yet otherworldly cantina music in Star Wars: A New Hope. The band’s music, despite being an oft-overlooked element, carries rich narrative symbolism. Their song “Cantina Band” is a leitmotif evoking the grubby, chaotic charm of Mos Eisley—a place accommodating scoundrels, heroes, and legends alike. Each band member is distinguished by their musical role and subtle visual cues that The Vintage Collection captures thoughtfully. The fact that Hasbro finally included them in this line responds both to fan demand and to a growing desire for diverse character sets in the vintage figure community. However, the set omits at least one notable band member, raising mixed feelings about completeness.
Historically, Modal Nodes figures have appeared in Kenner lines and later Vintage Collection releases, but never with this level of completeness and modernized articulation. Kenner’s original Power of the Force 2 mail-away figures offered a solution to missing cantina musicians but were rare and incomplete. The multi-pack versus single-card releases from Hasbro allow fans flexibility—pick up the whole band or just the lead low-cost versions. Compared to other TVC multi-packs (Death Squad Commander, Stormtroopers), the Modal Nodes stand out due to extensive instrument inclusion and screen-accurate band formation. For collectors seeking the fullest expression of Figrin D’an and the Modal Nodes in 3.75-inch scale, this multipack is the definitive release. It combines faithful sculpting, superior paintwork, rich accessories, and nuanced articulation to produce an ensemble that’s both playable and display-worthy. While price and minor poseability quirks might deter casual buyers, dedicated Star Wars aficionados and diorama builders will find tremendous value. These figures perfectly complement wider Vintage Collection setups—from Mos Eisley scenes to Cantina recreations—allowing fans to relive or reinvent the galaxy’s jazziest moments.
Packaging
The multipack arrives in sleek plastic-free packaging that appeals both environmentally and aesthetically. The box uses black-and-white artwork of the band members reminiscent of vintage Marvel Star Wars comics as well as 1970s sci-fi poster art, standing out on the shelf while hinting at the figures trapped inside. Each member is secured with tissue wrap and neatly compartmentalized using cardboard dividers inside, reducing plastic waste and helping keep delicate instruments and figures from damage during transport. The front-facing window grants a clear, uninterrupted view of all seven character sculpts and their instruments, a boon for display-before-purchase shoppers and multi-figure aficionados. Collectors appreciate that packaging balances nostalgia and modern collector needs—nothing overly flashy, but rich with detail and respect toward the original. The exterior prominently displays the Star Wars logo and Vintage Collection seal, while minimal text details the character names and band setup on the back and sides.
Sculpts
Sculpting the Modal Nodes is a challenge due to the wide-eyed, bulbous-headed design with multiple facial tendrils and complex facial folds. Hasbro’s sculptors succeed admirably by capturing each character’s unique traits while retaining the batch’s uniformity in their brown jumpsuits with banded accents. The figures are crafted with the typical care of The Vintage Collection, featuring detailed sculpting that captures the elongated heads, slender bodies, and intricate wrinkles distinctive of the Bith species.
- Figrin D’an, the bandleader, stands with his signature clawed hands holding the clue horn, featuring finely painted metallic details and a serious yet aloof expression that channels his enigmatic screen presence.
- Other members like Doikk Na’ts (bandfill player) and Tiren L’Murr (oven wing flute) have the signature large eyes, subtle facial lines, and range of hand poses to hold their varied instruments.
- Additional tiny details like the moons of Mos Eisley-themed belts, gloves, and boots showcase an attention to uniformity between figures—yielding a realistic band aesthetic.
The figures balance between sharp anatomical alien features and cartoonish uniformity, striking a note that is at once faithful to the film while optimized for 3.75-inch articulation and durability.
Accessories:
Collectors have long lamented the difficulty of capturing the Modal Nodes without their unique instruments—integral to the band’s identity and onscreen silhouette. Hasbro delivers here, including seven screen-accurate musical props:
- Clue Horns, with metallic silver washes, small tubing details, and intricate horn flares.
- Bandfill, featuring multiple horn pipes clustered with precise painted brassy highlights.
- Omni Box, a notoriously complex instrument lovingly recreated with a distinct seat, allowing seated posing in line with the Cantina scene.
- The Gas and String Drum and Fanfar—reminiscent of woodwinds and jazz instruments, with carefully molded pipes and valves.
The sculpt and paint on each instrument show nuanced shading and realism uncommon for figures of this size. These instruments aren’t just display props but interactable hand-held items that the figures grip naturally, unlocking a range of dynamic poses for collectors who want to recreate their Cantina jams or craft unique stage setups. The inclusion of the Omni Box seat is a notable step up, as figures can realistically assume seated positions, enhancing diorama authenticity. While no effect pieces or interchangeable heads are offered (understandable given the characters’ limited facial expressiveness), the richness of pose and accessory combinations fuels creative display possibilities.
Articulation:
Articulation on these 3.75-inch figures is standard for The Vintage Collection, including ball-jointed shoulders, elbows, wrists, hips, knees, and ankles, allowing for a respectable range of poses—especially for a band visual. However, the reused leg parts from other figures (notably the 2019 Death Star Gunner) include unwanted wrinkles and pockets inconsistent with these characters’ smooth-fitting uniforms, an unfortunate shortcut by Hasbro. The figures lack “rocker” ankles, impacting balance and leading to frequent toppling, an issue frustratingly highlighted during photo shoots by various reviewers. The ball-jointed hips with swivel thighs also occasionally complicate stable posing during musical setups.
Though the characters are band members with limited fight scenes, the articulation brings stage presence alive:
- Neck articulation allows slight head tilts, perfect for impassive or mid-performance looks.
- Shoulder and elbow joints enable the figures to hold their instruments correctly with expressive hand gestures.
- The hips and knees facilitate seated poses on the included chair or imaginative dioramas.
- The waist and ankle joints, though limited, add just enough variance for naturalistic band member alignment.
Overall, the articulation choices enhance play and display without breaking the delicate, aloof vibe of these musicians.
Overall The Vintage Collection Modal Nodes multipack is a mixed bag—resonant for fans and collectors wanting to fill a longstanding coverage gap, yet hindered by price creep, articulation quirks, and packaging choices that alienate some buyers. For fans of Star Wars collectibles, especially those dedicated to completing a cinematic universe-based display, the Modal Nodes set remains a worthy acquisition, even if priced at a premium.
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