Figure of the Day: Day 42: Darth Maul with Sith Attack Droid

DARTH MAUL with Sith Attack Droid
The Saga Collection
Item No.: Asst. 84455 No. 84568
Number: n/a
Includes: Lightsaber, Sith Attack Droid
Action Feature: n/a
Retail: $9.99
Availability: 2001
Appearances: Dark Horse comics' Darth Maul miniseries & concept art

Bio: Darth Maul, the evil Sith Lord, prepares for battle with the Jedi by dueling with lethal attack droids. Darth Maul's hatred of the Jedi fuels his desire to perfect his skill with his double-bladed lightsaber. (Taken from the figure's cardback.)

Image: Shelves, yay!

Commentary: From 1999-2002, Hasbro was challenged with finding new ways to sell a one (or one-and-a-half) costume wonder Darth Maul. Easily the most popular new character of the first prequel, the designers at Hasbro turned to concept art and action features in order to flesh out the selection of this Sith Lord, and this particular version was largely based on appearances from comics and concept art. The figure itself looks nice, but the arms fall out of the joints quite easily-- so while we could talk up articulation, he's more or less a statue because he's somewhat fragile. He fits right back together again, but this isn't a good toy, not by a longshot. One of the coolest things about the figure itself is his weapon, which actually splits in the middle.

Fans of comic-based figures will dig this. Fans of Maul will dig this. Fans of toys will not-- it's a display piece. His companion droid has a few moving arms and can fly off his base, but other than that, is largely decoration.

Collector's Notes: This is the only "topless" Darth Maul, and the figure's never been reissued. We don't expect to see it again either. As such, buy one on the secondary market with my blessing, it ain't getting any more common and it is neat from a design standpoint.

Day 42: June 17, 2006