Figure of the Day: Day 355: Mace Windu

MACE WINDU Chancellor's Office
Revenge of the Sith Battle Arenas
Item No.: Asst. 85241 No. 85438
Number: n/a
Includes: Display stand base, Darth Sidious figure
Action Feature: Dueling action, sort of
Retail: $19.99
Availability: April 2005
Appearances: Revenge of the Sith

Bio: Mace Windu served the Jedi Order his entire life. He also trained numerous Jedi. It was Master Windu who led 212 Jedi into combat at the Battle of Geonosis and defeated the deadly bounty hunter Jango Fett. He served the Republic throughout the Clone Wars, often on the frontlines of fierce fighting. During a duel with Darth Sidious, Mace Windu was betrayed by Anakin Skywalker and subsequently killed by Sidious. His death marked the beginning of the Great Jedi Purge. (Stolen from Wookieepedia.)

Image: Adam Pawlus' vehicle shelves.

Commentary: Despite appearing in three films, several cartoon episodes, and many a comic book, Mace Windu doesn't have a lot of outfit changes. Still, this doesn't matter-- Samuel L. Jackson is crazy popular in the 20something fan demographic, and kids love him too. As such, he gets lots of figures, and in 2005 received several different releases at various price points. This particular one came from a $19.99 Battle Arena, in which you get two figures with, at best, about four points of articulation and a giant unnecessary "dueling base" for a whopping $20. Considering a basic figure was about $5.25, this is a little ridiculous and these arenas tended to be weak sellers, seen on clearance at some stores well into 2006.

Of course, money aside, the figure isn't bad. The sculpt is decent, and the face paint, while cheap looking, is more authentic than the basic Revenge of the Sith Mace Windu. If you need a figure for a display, this isn't a bad choice-- he stands up nicely, has a good pose, and can stay in said pose for long periods of time due to the fact he has virtually no articulation that will merit your re-posing him. The textures are good, the sculpt is good, overall this wouldn't have been a bad figure for $5 or so in the stores if you could get past the lack-of-articulation. At low prices, this is a keeper-- but your average fan would be best served buying another Mace Windu figure as a toy. This one, ironically, is best for looks despite being designed as a figure intended for rough dueling action. Note his lightsaber-- it's molded to his hand so he can "fight" better.

Collector's Notes: This is what we call, in the business, a "stinker." Online stores still have leftovers from 2005, as do some Wal-Marts and other less clearance-happy chains. If you want one at retail, you can probably still get one. I don't advise you shell out more than $20 shipped for it, but hey, who am I to judge fans of this fine actor? He deserved better, and frequently got better. This one just isn't fun to play with, sadly.

Day 355: April 26, 2007