Background:

When Jabba's Palace (4480) was released, Lego also put out two "add-on" sets that click directly into the sides of the Palace, and continue with the Jabba's Palace theme. There is set 4476 which contains Boba Fett and Han Solo in Carbonite, and this set - Jabba's Message - which contains Bib Fortuna (Jabba's right hand "man") and the Droids, R2-D2 and C3-PO.

Really, these two Add-on sets have to be looked at two different ways - as stand alone sets, and as additions to the Jabba's Palace set.

Review:

Jabba's Message fares a touch better as a stand alone set than its add on brother. It contains the Bib Fortuna exclusive mini-fig, R2-D2 and C3-PO - which can be obtained elsewhere, but this is one of the more fun sets they come together in, as well as a recreation of B'omarr Monk (The Spider Droid in Jedi) sticking his "Eye" out the front door of the Palace. It also retails for about $7, but contains a few more pieces at 44.

As an expansion, this set does just about as well as the other add-on. If you have Jabba's Palace, and you enjoy Jabba's Palace, there is no good reason not to grab this one - it only rounds out the experience. You've got the gate, the eye, Bib and the droids - all of which fun additions for either play or simply modelling. Mind you, the gate is a bit smaller :) but hey, we're working with imagination here!

The Bib Fortuna mini-fig is very nice, his interesting "Helmet" makes for whatever it is that wraps around him, and he comes with a cloak and a neat looking face. The C3=PO mini fig always looks nice, and while I find R2 a little clunky in lego form, you still have to have him. The door and the Eye are neat touches as well.

So really, for $7 - adding this on to your Jabba's Palace set is a wise investment. If you don't have the droids this isn't a bad way to get them, and for all you Bib Fortuna nuts out there, well you just need this exclusive! And even as a stand alone, this isn't shabby at all.

Further reading:

My review of Jabba's Palace
My review of Jabba's Prize

Recommended: Yes

Amount Paid (US$): 6.99
Type of Toy: Blocks
Age Range of Child: Whole Family