Spiker

Spiker was a mercenary and swoop gang member with Big Gizz, working for Jabba the Hutt on Tatooine. When Darth Vader sent an undercover agent named Jix to Tatooine in order to ensure the survival of Luke Skywalker (Vader correctly presumed Luke to pursue his friend Han Solo), Spiker was immediately suspicious of Jix's agenda. Prince Xizor, seeking vengeance against Vader for the massacre on Falleen, alerted Jabba to Luke's presence on Tatooine. Jabba then sent his swoop gang to kill Skywalker.

With the assistance of Dash Rendar, Luke was able to outmaneuver the swoop riders through Beggar's Canyon. However, as soon as Spiker got a clear shot at Luke, he was rammed by Jix and severely injured.

Later Adventures
Following the debacle in Beggar's Canyon, Spiker limped back to Jabba's Palace, where he underwent medical treatment and physical therapy with the B'omarr Monks. Spiker was still undergoing therapy when Jabba was killed at the Pit of Carkoon. At this time, Big Gizz returned - having nearly been killed by Jix as well. To Spiker's amazement, Gizz surived a brutal bludgeon to his skull from Jix, but found medical help and had been given a metal head plate.

Spiker and Big Gizz, now reunited, set out to discover the fate of Jabba. Upon learning of his demise, they sought out his legendary treasure vaults. However, upon discovering the vaults, they activated a security recording, the so-called Jabba Tape, that engaged security systems that nearly killed them. They narrowly escaped, their only prize a novel coin bank styled like a small Hutt.

The two swoop riders would face death once again, this time in the ruins of the Mos Espa podrace arena. Despite astronomical odds, an Imperial Dark Trooper that had fought against Rebel forces survived on board a Rebel ship that crash-landed on Tatooine. Jawas discovered the wreck - and the Dark Trooper. Whlie sleeping in the arena, Spiker and Big Gizz were awakened by the arrival of a Jawa sandcrawler, whose crew has been slaughtered by the Dark Trooper. Upon further investigation, Big Gizz and Spiker discovered the terrifying machine as well.

After a heated battle in which both nearly died, the Dark Trooper was defeated, if only because of its age and wear. Spiker and Big Gizz rode away from its remains, their future uncertain. However, it most likely would involve drinking, gambling, and more near-death experiences.

Spiker had blue skin, red eyes, and dark hair; it was very possible that he was Chiss. He often wore a dark blue and purple riding suit and a spiked helmet, perhaps because of his name or the reason for it.

Appearances

 * Shadows of the Empire (comics)
 * The Jabba Tape
 * Star Wars Tales 4