Star Wars Figure of the Day: Day 2,316: Darth Maul (Rebels, Rogue One Line Look)

DARTH MAUL vs. Seventh Sister Inquisitor
Rogue One   Two Pack Action Figures
Item No.: Asst. B7073 No. B9854
Manufacturer: Hasbro
Number: n/a
Includes: 2 figures, 2 lightsabers, rocket launcher, hood, 2 rockets, mini probe droid, mask
Action Feature: n/a
Retail: $14.99
Availability: October 2016
Appearances: Star Wars Rebels

Bio: Driven by revenge against the Sith and consumed by a personal obsession to turn Ezra Bridger to the dark side, Darth Maul faces off against the Seventh Sister Inquisitor, a cunning mastermind who uses a group of mimic droids to track down the Rebels and capture the Jedi.  (Taken from the figure's packaging.)

Image: Adam's photo lab.

Availability: Click here to buy it at Entertainment Earth now!

Click here to buy it at Amazon now!

Commentary: After his two-pack companion figure, Darth Maul looks good by comparison.   Perfection is a request I don't think any of us expect from Hasbro, but there are certain minimal considerations that would be helpful when getting a new figure.  I love the sculpt, the deco, the design.  Hasbro did another good job giving me a figure that looks good.  It can stand... just not with his ridiculously unbalanced backpack rocket launcher.   Two big rockets, springs, and switches all on his right-hand side are going to throw his spine out of alignment, and it's going to mean you'll need some sort of aftermarket display stand to keep him upright.

This is a good toy of a figure from the TV show.  He's sculpted nicely, with good paint and enough details that you won't feel that you got shorted. He's got gloves!  A bandolier!  A removable hood that actually fits well!  Hasbro did a good job with the figure itself, and even the eyes look pretty good given how much paint is going on in there.   Without considering accessory compatibility, Hasbro really knocked this one out of the park.

Holding his lightsaber is a little tricky, as the accessory's durometer doesn't mesh super well with that of his fist.  (Stiff tight fist with thin/flimsy bendy accessory equals frowny face.)   You can get it in there if you glide it down blade-first, and the hilt seems very thin where it touches the red bits.  It's also striking to note that Hasbro continues to leave off the flared base, which were basically standard issue since late 2001.  Except on Qui-Gon Jinn.  Look it up.  I love how perfectly the rubbery hood fits, and he has no problems wearing his backpack.  Standing with it, that's a challenge.  But he can absolutely wear it, no question.

I will say the backpack rocket launcher mechanism is clever and works - I've seen similar things in Playmobil.  There's a groove on the backpack that actually easily glides when you move his arm on the controls.  It's almost magical - but since you're not going to be able to have Maul standing when you do it, it's functionally not particularly valuable.   You could just aim the rockets.  I'll say I'm really amazed that Hasbro pulled it off, though, as it is sort of magical seeing it actually work.  The rubber-tipped rockets launch a good distance, and have some weight to them as they fly across a table or small room.

Of this set, Maul is the clear winner.  I really dislike the decision to give him a weapon which prevents standing, but at least it looks neat.   And at least the mechanisms all function.  It doesn't look like Hasbro left anything on the table here, so know that you can buy it and you can enjoy what I assume will be the best/only season 2 Rebels Maul that we'll ever see in action figure form.

Collector's Notes: I got mine from Entertainment Earth.

--Adam Pawlus

Day 2,316: November 30, 2016

Star Wars Figure of the Day: Day 2,315: Seventh Sister Inquisitor (Rebels, Rogue One Line Look)

SEVENTH SISTER INQUISITOR vs. Darth  Maul
Rogue One   Two Pack Action Figures
Item No.: Asst. B7073 No. B9854
Manufacturer: Hasbro
Number: n/a
Includes: 2 figures, 2 lightsabers, rocket launcher, hood, 2 rockets, mini probe droid, mask
Action Feature: n/a
Retail: $14.99
Availability: October 2016
Appearances: Star Wars Rebels

Bio: Driven by revenge against the Sith and consumed by a personal obsession to turn Ezra Bridger to the dark side, Darth Maul faces off against the Seventh Sister Inquisitor, a cunning mastermind who uses a group of mimic droids to track down the Rebels and capture the Jedi.  (Taken from the figure's packaging.)

Image: Adam's photo lab.

Availability: Click here to buy it at Entertainment Earth now!

Click here to buy it at Amazon now!

Commentary: I'm pretty forgiving.  Generally speaking my bar for success is somewhat low, as things like "can hold accessory while standing" are an easily achieved and important goal.  The Seventh Sister Inquisitor looks like she was undercooked.   The sculpt is good - the body and form look good, the head is pretty good, and the removable mask fits like a glove - it's one of Hasbro's finest applications of such interaction at this size.  But her legs don't really move.  And she can't stand so good.   And there's a thing on her back that looks like it was sculpted to mount an accessory which Hasbro neglected to include.

This figure has no foot peg holes.  She has very thin and spindly legs.  Her hips - at least on mine - seem fused, with a skirt piece that restricts movement were one wanting to apply head in a way that might remedy this.  Her lightsaber is too short to use as a cane to prop her up.  Her hands aren't even very good about gripping the lightsaber - it's unusually thick and her hands are unusually small.  The Seventh Sister's arms are also quite spindly, so with time they're going to sag under the weight of anything she may be holding.   There's really no sugarcoating it - this is a poorly engineered figure.  A display stand (especially with the hole on her back) could be useful in keeping her upright, and at least mine isn't capable of sitting.   So what good is it?

 She's painted well, with glossy armor and matte grey soft bits, with enough flourishes and line art to bring out some of the cooler bits of the costume.  I love the hat and mask, and as a figure you leave in the packaging she's really great.  As a toy?  I don't think I'm being hyperbolic when I say she's the worst since Disney took over... if not longer.  Hasbro's factory did a good job of making this figure look good, but I think we'd have been better off with a non-articulated figure or something that was super-articulated.  Five joints don't do her any favors, nor does her center of gravity.  I assume Rebels fans will want her due to being one of very few collectibles of this character, or because she comes with an acceptable Maul.  If Hasbro ever sold her by her lonesome, I'd advise skipping it unless I just got saddled with a bum one.

One nifty bonus is her sidekick mimic droid - a tiny probe spy.  It has arms that look like they could have been meant for the hole on her back, but the form fit isn't there and the shapes don't match.  It's also small enough to be easily lost.   I wish I could say that I hope Hasbro tries again, but the character's fate on the series combined with a lack of figures from the show would have me think that this is it for this size.   Perhaps the future holds something brighter, but I feel terribly for any kid who saves their money to get this one.  Upon opening, it's just going to be depressing.

Collector's Notes: I got mine from Entertainment Earth.

--Adam Pawlus

Day 2,315: November 29, 2016

Star Wars Figure of the Day: Day 2,314: Princess Leia Organa (Rebels, Rogue One Line Look)

PRINCESS LEIA ORGANA (Rebels)
Rogue One   Basic Figures
Item No.: Asst. B7072 No. B9845
Manufacturer: Hasbro
Number: n/a
Includes: Blaster, zipline
Action Feature: n/a
Retail: $7.99
Availability: October 2016
Appearances: Star Wars Rebels

Bio: As Princess of the Royal House of Alderaan, Leia was tasked with the delivery of relief supplies to the needy citizens of Lothal, a useful cover for her true mission of covertly aiding the efforts of the growing rebellion.  (Taken from the figure's packaging.)

Image: Adam's photo lab.

Availability: Click here to buy it at Entertainment Earth now!

Click here to buy it at Amazon now!

Commentary: So far it seems that Rogue One has more women in it than the entire vintage line from the olden days.  Princess Leia Organa is one of five in the first two waves of the basic figure line - and I do believe this is unprecedented.   Star Wars Rebels has been coming up short on women as toys, but at least we got this one.  Leia appeared in exactly one episode, so there's still hope for Lando's multiple appearances eventually yielding a toy or two.  (I'm deluded.)   The high-profile episode "A Princess on Lothal" allowed the character to appear in a concept-driven outfit with almost boring hair compared to what we've seen elsewhere - but it was fun enough, and the figure is pretty good.

The costume is based on concept artwork, which is why it looks pretty familiar.  Rebels mines this area for new-but-similar designs regularly, and it works out here pretty well.  I have no idea what I would expect space royalty to wear while jaunting around the galaxy, but in this stylized and heightened reality it doesn't seem out of place.  It's an efficient outfit without too many flourishes to animate, or any gowny bits to get in the way of posing or sitting.  Finding her center of gravity for standing can be tough, but not impossible.   It's a decent design.

Her weapons include an all-too-familiar Stormtrooper blaster - she must have had hundreds of these - and a new zipline accessory.  It's difficult to get her hand wrapped around the grip, and once you do it's a peculiar design.  The other ziplines in this series go back and forth on the string with no real fuss.  This one goes forward well, but due to the angle at which it was sculpted she can't go back terribly easily.   I suppose it makes some degree of sense, but as far as play goes you can't just have her zip back and forth.  You have to put more effort in to reset it.

Thanks to this being one of very few basic carded Leia figures, I'd say go get it. I doubt she'll get another animated figure based on this appearance, plus it's a wholly-original sculpt.   You've got no reason to skip it, especially if the paint job on the sample you find looks good.   It's not going to change the world, but it's certainly good enough to warrant wasting some time, or gas, or dollars on buying it online.

Collector's Notes: I got mine from Entertainment Earth.

--Adam Pawlus

Day 2,314: November 28, 2016

Star Wars Figure of the Day: Day 2,313: QT-KT (The Black Series)

QT-KT Aayla Secura's Astromech Droid, D-Squad
The Black Series   Entertainment Earth Exclusive Gift Set
Item No.: No. B8671
Manufacturer: Hasbro
Number: n/a
Includes: Sensorscope, 5 more droids
Action Feature: Sensorscope pops up, third leg retracts
Retail: $79.99
Availability: October 2016
Appearances: The Clone Wars

Bio: QT-KT, often referred to as Qutee, was an astromech droid and a member of D-Squad during the Clone Wars. She belonged to Jedi Knight Aayla Secura. (Stolen from Wookieepedia.)

Image: Adam's photo lab.

Availability: Click here to buy it at Entertainment Earth now!

Click here to buy it at Amazon now!

Commentary: Here's a good one.  The notes to make the Entertainment Earth went through many revisions before being sent off, but QT-KT was a droid I just had to have.  OK, I wanted to have all of D-Squad because I loved those episodes, but this one made sense for a variety of reasons - not the least of which was the fact we've only had one other pink droid, and it was a) a convention exclusive and b) highly coveted by fan members of the 501st Legion.   It's expensive - so what are you to do if you just want a pink droid?  Well... I guess the boxed set is about the same price as just R2-KT.  But at least it has 5 more droids in it.

Crafted in "movie" style using the Vintage 2010 R2-D2 mold, you'll notice that she has a sensorscope that pops up when you push in the central leg.  She has the same articulation as the other robots, so really she's interesting only for her colors.  This is the "upgraded" version of the droid, as you can see with the yellow and black stripes on her dome.  If you watch the episodes, you'll note that they spot these colors after they get their new parts and pieces.   Because I wasn't entirely sure if R2-D2 himself would appear in the set's final cut, the markings seemed prudent for D-Squad.  I hope they also lead to demand for the other members down the road.  Also she's a shout-out to a friend because of the color.

Her deco is great - molded in pink, she has a nifty jagged pattern down her torso with magenta markings on her opening arm compartment.  There are some great paint jobs in the set, but this one is probably tied with Ziro's droid as the most detailed.   It's a great figure for fans of the saga - doubly so if you loved D-Squad's adventures like I did - but my sample has a slightly loose sensorscope.  As such, be wary that there's always a chance it could - or could not - slip out if the droid falls over.   Caution is advised, but she's just fine when she's sitting on a shelf.  Hopefully she'll be joined by her squadmates some day, but I can tell you that I know of no such plans to make these happen any time soon.  Disney, this one's in your court.

Collector's Notes: I got mine from Entertainment Earth, where it is an exclusive.   I work there and was heavily involved with this exclusive... so please do buy a set.

--Adam Pawlus

Day 2,313: November 24, 2016

Star Wars Figure of the Day: Day 2,312: Snowtrooper Officer (White, Rogue One Line Look)

SNOWTROOPER OFFICER vs. Poe Dameron
Rogue One   Two Pack Action Figures
Item No.: Asst. B7073 No. B8612
Manufacturer: Hasbro
Number: n/a
Includes: 2 figures, 2 rifles, 1 backpack, 1 backpack rocket launcher, 2 projectiles
Action Feature: Opening mouth
Retail: $14.99
Availability: September 2016
Appearances: Star Wars: The Force Awakens

Bio: The latest generation of cold-weather assault Stormtroopers, Snowtroopers wear advanced insulated armor helmets that reduce the glare of icy terrain.  (Taken from the figure's packaging.)

Image: Adam's photo lab.

Availability: Click here to buy it at Entertainment Earth now!

Click here to buy it at Amazon now!

Commentary: Of all the troops to build out quickly, Hasbro wasted no time giving us nearly every possible version of the Snowtrooper Officer.  There are orange, white, and black pauldron versions - and I have no idea what the rankings are.   It's virtually the same as the other releases, with one very obvious change - the stamp on the boot now says "Vietnam." Previous Snowtroopers were stamped out in China.  The rest are more subtle.

On a side-by-side comparison, you can see that while the backpack is similar to the previous release the actual shapes of the objects on the backpack are a little different, particularly on the sides.  The buttons are in the same configurations, but the sizes and how raised they are seem to be clearly changed.   The bottoms of the backpack are also quite different - this white pauldron officer has a much smaller vent on the bottom than previous releases.  The "soft goods" on the arms look a little different, and the chest ornament - a holdover from old McQuarrie art - is now higher on the chest.  It tends to move.  The feet - and seemingly the whole figure - are imperceptibly  larger, mere millimeters taller compared to other releases.  Without holding them next to one another, you'd never notice - it's even impossible to tell in photos.

Due to the sculpt changes - it looks the same, the same details are there, but in different sizes and places - this is almost "just different enough to make you mad."  It's like two figures were made from the same set of instructions - you can see the similarities, and you can see that different factories probably interpreted the files slightly differently.  No normal person would probably notice, but the differences are just minor enough that it's notable.  And, of course, the rank pauldron qualifies as significantly different and alone would warrant a purchase.   Buy this set because it'll be different enough on your shelf, but be aware that there could be all sorts of surprise minor changes as we get some of our product from Vietnam now.

Collector's Notes: I got mine from Entertainment Earth.

--Adam Pawlus

Day 2,312: November 23, 2016

Star Wars Figure of the Day: Day 2,311: Imperial Death Trooper (Rogue One)

IMPERIAL DEATH TROOPER vs. Rebel Commando Pao
Rogue One   Two Pack Action Figures
Item No.: Asst. B7073 No. B7259
Manufacturer: Hasbro
Number: n/a
Includes: 2 figures, 2 rifles, 1 backpack, 1 backpack rocket launcher, 2 projectiles
Action Feature: Opening mouth
Retail: $14.99
Availability: September 2016
Appearances: Rogue One: A Star Wars Story

Bio: The elite soldiers of Imperial Intelligence, Death Troopers are encased in specialized Stormtrooper armor with a dark, ominous gleam.  (Taken from the figure's packaging.)

Image: Adam's photo lab.

Availability: Click here to buy it at Entertainment Earth now!

Click here to buy it at Amazon now!

Commentary: It's sort of a dorky name - and one that was used for the "zombie Stormtroopers" in a novel (and mini-busts) a few years ago.  This Imperial Death Trooper is one of three we've seen so far - there's one with sand on it for Kohl's, and Walmart has a super-articulated version with extra weapons and armor/gear.   In other words, this is the boring one. He's unusually tall - almost Vaderish - and very skinny, with long legs.

The design, like most Imperials, looks like a remix of things you've seen.  The helmet looks like a Biker Scout and a Stormtrooper mated with Boba Fett's rangefinder.  The armor borrows heavily from the standard Stormtrooper, adopting a more symmetrical look with Darth Vader's belt buckle, some shoulder buckles, and lots of extra grooves in the Stormtrooper-ish arms.   It's almost fanfictioney in how it jumbles so many familiar elements into a new design with a very 1990s name, but it looks cool.    The lenses on my sample aren't as green as some of the other products, but maybe there's a variant coming later.  I hope so and hope not.  

He stands fine, and holds his new blaster rifle without a hitch.  The look of the figure and weapon feel like they could have been floating around in a higher budgeted version of the original trilogy, with a giant rocket-launching backpack that feels like it's 1990's finest Kenner design.  It plugs over the shoulders and makes the figure a little too top-heavy. Standing unassisted is a challenge.  The clear green rockets look great and the distance is good - but it's a ridiculous accessory that doesn't exactly do wonders for making it look like a real weapon.  Moroff, Poe, and Baze Malbus each have weapons that look heavy - and their gravity can be seen on the designs, with the heavy parts lower to the ground.  The Death Trooper must be ridiculously strong, too.

Given that there are supposedly six of these guys in the movie, I'm a little annoyed that they're sold in multi-packs and as exclusives when a single carded version would probably sell like hotcakes.  Right now you'll have to find Walmart's exclusive if you want singles, or shell out for a $15 2-pack or a set at Kohl's that, due to its crazy pricing, could be $24-$50.   Get yourself a few Death Troopers because they're neat, but if you're a member of the one-of-everybody club you're going to find yourself with at least three as it is.

Collector's Notes: I got mine from Entertainment Earth.

--Adam Pawlus

Day 2,311: November 22, 2016

Star Wars Figure of the Day: Day 2,310: R2-H16 (Droid Factory)

R2-H16 Disney Parks Exclusive
Star Wars   Droid Factory
Item No.: ???
Manufacturer: Probably Not Hasbro
Number: n/a
Includes: Hat with earflaps
Action Feature: Comes apart
Retail: $12.99
Availability: October 2016
Appearances: n/a

Bio: All different types of Astromech droids populate the Star Wars galaxy.  Each droid is different and has their own unique personality and colors.  This jovial Astromech is optimized to function and serve in remote, sub-zero environments.  Join R2-H16 on his adventure throughout the galaxy.  May the Force be with you... and your Droids!  (Taken from the figure's packaging.)

Image: Adam's photo lab.   That's a Playmobil tree in the background, you can find it in numerous sets.  Mine came from 5898.

Availability: Click here to buy it at Amazon now!

Commentary:  Second in a series of holiday droids, R2-H16 throws the idea that these will be an annual souvenir on the table.  Last year's came with a Santa hat - this year has a more traditional winter hat, despite the Christmas colors.   A red droid with white outlines plus gold and green trim screams "Christmas" in a way that's hard to ignore.  The same Disney R2 astromech droid is back with no obvious changes - the same hole in the dome is here, the same wireless feet are here. If you haven't yet accepted that this is Disney's way of pushing a Vinylmation-style line on action figure collectors, you might want to get used to the idea.

The green hat with white trim and a red ball is new here - it's not in the bins as of this figure's release, although the Santa hat last year eventually made the bins.   As such, I'd expect it to show up sooner or later, or with the next batch of build-a-droid parts.  The last batch was right around the time of the last movie, so we really haven't had any in 2016.  I'M OK with this. The hat fits perfectly well on the R2 dome, with a little cut-out in the back so it fits over all the projectors and parts.

The droid itself has a Snowman-esque deco with a white dome and trim in standard Christmas colors - red, green, and gold.   It's pretty clean, with a glossy black central eye.  The trim really does a good job of making the dome - and body - pop nicely.   If this weren't a brand-new holiday toy, I'd assume this was some weird refugee from a Hallmark store in 1988.  Minus the fact that Star Wars couldn't have been more out of vogue at the time, that is.   Since it's a unique droid with a cool hat, I'd say go get it - but it's completely out of the narrative, and has nothing to do with the movies or stories.  The figure exists to be the figure, and as such you can skip it without feeling that you missed much.  I can't, because I'm crazy, but you have that option.

Collector's Notes: I got mine from Disneyland courtesy of my pal Shannon.  Thank you Shannon!

--Adam Pawlus

Day 2,310: November 21, 2016

Star Wars Figure of the Day: Day 2,309: Poe Dameron (Rogue One)

POE DAMERON vs. Snowtrooper Officer
Rogue One   Two Pack Action Figures
Item No.: Asst. B7073 No. B8612
Manufacturer: Hasbro
Number: n/a
Includes: 2 figures, 2 rifles, 1 backpack, 1 backpack rocket launcher, 2 projectiles
Action Feature: Opening mouth
Retail: $14.99
Availability: September 2016
Appearances: Star Wars: The Force Awakens

Bio: An ace pilot, Poe Dameron is a leader in the Resistance's fight against the First Order.  He soars into battle behind the controls of a modern X-Wing Fighter.  (Taken from the figure's packaging.)

Image: Adam's photo lab.

Availability: Click here to buy it at Entertainment Earth now!

Click here to buy it at Amazon now!

Commentary: "Wait a minute," you're asking, "is Poe Dameron an ageless character in Rogue One?"  No - but Hasbro decided to bring out a few characters from the last movie for this new one.  Why this one, I have no idea - the skin color on Poe changes from figure to figure, and this is not a recognizable costume from the film.  You'll notice it - along with the all-gold (no red arm) C-3PO and Leia's blue dress all appear in the scene when Rey is being waved off by the Resistance.  In other words: you didn't notice it, and neither did anyone else.  The figure commits the cardinal sin of being neither great nor terrible, neither necessary nor redundant.  It's wildly different - it's interesting - but you probably already have at least four or five 3 3/4-inch Poe Dameron figures in other, recognizable costumes.

 Poe looks like he got a good sculpt here, although the fact his face is painted flesh rather than molded in flesh makes him look a little older.  Maybe like Poe Dameron's pappy Kes Dameron, which should instantly baffle Star Trek fans.  But I digress - the hair turned out well, and molding it in black makes it look great.  Poe's expression is good, but it's always a little jarring to see how he changes from figure to figure - there's no stubble here, for example.   The Resistance officer outfit looks a little like the Republic officers during The Clone Wars, and the greenish color is pretty spiffy.  A rank badge looks a little like an upside-down "VII," which I would love to believe is just a nod to the movie's episode title.

This figure has no problems sitting or standing, showcasing a great range of movement for a five-jointed figure.  He easily holds his pistol, and it's no great challenge to mount the preposterous, ridiculous, why-is-this-even-here blaster accessory on his person.   It's a little back-heavy, so be sure to tilt him forward a tiny bit.  The blue rockets fire nicely (they're red on the packaging photos), and the design doesn't immediately bring to mind something from the movie like the smaller guns on individually packaged figures.  

 It's not bad - I'm sure the reasoning behind it was "it's a cool toy!" but the companion Snowtrooper officer and relative obscurity of the costume makes it sort of a snore.  It's unique, sure.   It's Tarkin-ish, yes.   But is it necessary?   Nah.   It's a fun nod for the collector class, but nobody was clamoring for the costume and it was never obvious who this figure was just by seeing his unpackaged self in photos.   It's functionally good, and technically well-designed, but exciting?  Not really.

Collector's Notes: I got mine from Entertainment Earth.

--Adam Pawlus

Day 2,309: November 17, 2016