Figure of the Day: Day 1,056: Count Dooku

COUNT DOOKU Dark Lord
Saga Basic Figures Collection 1
Item No.: Asst. 84851 No. 84889
Manufacturer: Hasbro
Number: #0227
Includes: Red lightsaber, green lightsaber, cape, holographic Darth Sidious
Action Feature: Slashing Lightsaber Attack
Retail: $4.99
Availability: April 2002
Appearances: Attack of the Clones

Bio: Count Dooku is a disillusioned former Jedi Knight who lost faith in the Republic and abandoned the Jedi Order. Dooku spent ten years in seclusion honing his Force abilities, and, as a master of the old style of fencing, wields his scimitar-handled lightsaber with consummate grace. (Taken from the figure's cardback.)

Commentary: The fun thing about figures from "new" movies-- like Count Dooku here was-- Hasbro sometimes makes interesting mistakes. They're not really mistakes, but evidence of dropped plot points or deleted scenes. In Dooku's case, these exist as evidence of a dropped longer cut of a lightsaber duel with Anakin Skywalker in which the Count employed two swords. One weapon is his standard plastic grip red blade weapon, the other is a metal grip green blade. The coolest extra with this figure, if you ask me, was the little miniature holographic Darth Sidious, which is a kajillion times better than the free bonus holo figures Hasbro crammed in the basic figures in 2006 because unlike those ones, this Sidious actually functions within the context of the toy line as an accessory. This is important.

The figure itself is good, but by its own days it was merely OK. The likeness is very much that of Christopher Lee, but Hasbro made him appear more noble and less evil than the character would see in its future figures. He can slash his weapon when you squeeze his legs, which may get in the way of you posing it but I didn't find it to be a problem. The figure has the standard six points of articulation plus a jointed right wrist, which is great for dueling and such. Dooku's costume and pose are all just fine and all, unfortunately he's been eclipsed many times over by new figures with neater action features or even more articulation. As such, the first release-- while perfectly good-- is not your best bet. Get the Evolutions one if you can, or the basic carded Revenge of the Sith figure. The costume and lightsaber are basically the same, but the added articulation and slightly improved likeness should win you over.

Collector's Notes: Essentially a one-timer, as numerous new Dookus would be made over the years. This one was pretty great though.

--Adam Pawlus

Day 1,056: July 1, 2009