Star Wars Figure of the Day: Day 1,497: Darth Maul

DARTH MAUL The Final Lightsaber Duel
Episode I VHS Tie-In
Item No.: Asst. 84385 No. 84522
Manufacturer: Hasbro
Number: n/a
Includes: Red lightsaber, display stand, Obi-Wan Kenobi
Action Feature: Breaks apart at the torso, holds with a magnet
Retail: $14.99
Availability: Spring 2000
Appearances: The Phantom Menace

Bio: Darth Maul and his double-bladed lightsaber prove a fearsome challenge to Qui-Gon Jinn and Obi-Wan Kenobi as the trio battle it out in the Theed generator complex. With hopes for victory nearly gone, Obi-Wan leaps from the brink of certain death and uses his fallen master's weapon to cut the evil Sith Lord in two! (Taken from the set's packaging.)

Image: On my old desk.

Commentary: Hasbro has done so many versions of Darth Maul that, eventually, they all start to look alike. This figure has the rare distinction of having the same gimmick and pose as an individually carded figure releases just a few months later. The figure splits in two, and has a magnet in his torso. Each of these two figures have completely different sculpts, but they both seem designed to be effectively the same figure. With only six points of articulation, this figure really only can wow you in its ability to break in half. (Intentionally, I mean.) The detail and deco is really no better than any other Maul, but he is pretty cool in that his head can actually tilt back a bit. I think that's a big plus.

I would not suggest tracking down this 2-pack, which also includes Obi-Wan Kenobi, unless you gotta have everything. It's not that the figures are bad, it's just that there are so many versions of these characters that you won't find these to be particularly remarkable.

Collector's Notes: This set was a pretty good tie-in to the home video release of the first prequel, but, well, not so hard to get it.

--Adam Pawlus

Day 1,497: March 10, 2011